WaveNews reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to unveil their group opponents in the qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this Thursday.

The draw for this biennial tournament will take place in Johannesburg, South Africa. As three-time champions, the Super Eagles are poised to be seeded among the participating teams.

48 countries will be drawn into 12 groups of four, determining who will advance to next year’s continental showpiece in Morocco.

The top two teams from each group will secure their spots in the competition, where 24 nations will vie for the coveted title.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles notably clinched the runner-up position in the last edition hosted by Cote d’Ivoire.

Phil Foden, one of England’s key players, has temporarily left the national team’s camp at Euro 2024 to address a pressing family matter. The Football Association confirmed that the 24-year-old midfielder returned to the UK but is expected to rejoin the squad in Germany by Sunday. According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Foden’s departure is related to the birth of his third child. His temporary absence comes at a crucial juncture as England prepares for their upcoming round of 16 match​​.

See also: EURO 2024 Fixture

Foden’s performance in the ongoing tournament has been mixed. Despite his stellar club season with Manchester City, where he was instrumental in winning the Premier League title, his contributions at Euro 2024 have been less impactful. Foden has played in all three group stage matches, totaling 248 minutes on the pitch. However, he has yet to score or provide an assist. His passing accuracy stands at an impressive 87.67%, and he has covered significant ground, averaging over 10 kilometers per match​.

England’s campaign has faced criticism for lackluster performances despite remaining unbeaten. They secured a narrow win against Serbia but struggled to dominate Denmark, resulting in a draw. Critics have highlighted the team’s issues with tempo, fitness of key players, and tactical execution. Gareth Southgate, the England manager, is under pressure to address these concerns as the team heads into the knockout stages​.

Foden’s return to the squad will be crucial for England as they aim to improve their performances and advance further in the tournament. His creative playmaking and ability to unlock defenses are assets England hopes to leverage as they seek Euro 2024 glory.

Kylian Mbappé will start for France in their crucial Euro 2024 Group D match against Poland on Tuesday, showcasing his importance in the French lineup.

Sources reveal that France manager Didier Deschamps informed the team of this decision earlier today. The 25-year-old striker had suffered a broken nose during France’s opening 1-0 victory against Austria, which led to him being benched for the goalless draw with the Netherlands as he continued his recovery.

Although Mbappé did not require surgery, he will wear a protective mask during the game. Over the weekend, he demonstrated his readiness by scoring two goals in a behind-closed-doors practice match.

In a news conference on Monday, Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé was “raring to go” for the Poland game but acknowledged that the mask slightly impairs his vision.

“No problems with breathing but the way he sees, yes,” Deschamps stated. “For those who play with a mask, it’s not a constraint but it does limit your vision. He wears it because he needs to protect his face in certain incidents that could occur.”

France has already secured a spot in the round of 16, thanks to their win over Austria and draw with the Netherlands. To clinch the top position in Group D, they must outperform the Netherlands’ result against Austria.

Poland, on the other hand, has been eliminated from Euro 2024 after losing their first two matches, making this game a formality for them.

By starting Kylian Mbappé, France aims to maintain their momentum and secure the top spot in Group D, a crucial step for their Euro 2024 campaign.

Over recent days, speculation has been rife regarding the future of Nico Williams, the 21-year-old Spanish winger who has emerged as a top transfer target for FC Barcelona this summer.

Williams, currently with Athletic Club, has a €58 million release clause in his contract, making him a hot commodity. Alongside Barcelona, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool have shown significant interest in securing his talents.

Initially, reports suggested that Chelsea were prepared to meet the Spaniard’s release clause, posing a significant threat to Barcelona’s plans.

Chelsea Decides Against Triggering Nico Williams’ Release Clause

In a development that benefits FC Barcelona, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Chelsea will not activate Nico Williams’ €58 million release clause.

Chelsea has been monitoring Williams since last year, keeping him on their transfer radar. However, they have now opted against proceeding with the deal, deeming the total cost too high. Beyond the €58 million buyout clause, the club would also have to accommodate Williams’ salary demands and associated taxes.

Chelsea’s decision not to trigger the release clause alleviates one obstacle for Barcelona in their pursuit of the Spanish international. Nevertheless, competition remains fierce with Liverpool and Arsenal still in the fray, and Barcelona must resolve their financial constraints to make a viable offer for Williams.

Manchester United’s initial bid for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder Manuel Ugarte has been turned down according to source. The Uruguayan international, who joined PSG last season from Sporting Lisbon for approximately £51 million, has quickly drawn interest from the Premier League giants.

Ugarte has made a notable impact at PSG, amassing 37 appearances and contributing to the team’s successes in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. Despite being relatively new to the French capital, his performances have caught the eye of Manchester United, who are eager to strengthen their midfield options.

The 23-year-old is also a regular for the Uruguayan national team and recently featured in their Copa America campaign, starting in the 3-1 victory over Panama. His consistent international presence highlights his value and potential impact on any team.

With four years remaining on his contract at PSG, Ugarte’s potential move to the Premier League would mark a significant step in his career. As Manchester United continues their pursuit, it remains to be seen whether they can meet PSG’s demands to secure the talented midfielder’s services.