Former England striker Ian Wright has publicly defended Jude Bellingham, asserting that some critics are unsettled by the emergence of a confident Black football superstar in England. Wright’s remarks come amid scrutiny of Bellingham’s on-field demeanor and media portrayal. “Certain people are NOT ready for a Black superstar in England,” Wright stated, highlighting a perceived
By Yomi Kuku, Toronto, Canada As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Canada has detailed its entry requirements for Canada Outlines Entry Requirements for 2026 FIFA World Cup Attendees fans, players, media personnel, and volunteers planning to attend matches within its borders. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, is set to
Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been voted the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award winner for the third consecutive year, solidifying her position as one of Africa’s premier shot-stoppers. Nnadozie’s exceptional performances were pivotal in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Her leadership and resilience were on full
In a landmark achievement for Moroccan football, Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first defender in over five decades to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual football honor. The award was presented during a glittering ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, on November 19, 2025. Hakimi’s recognition follows a
Angélique Kidjo and Oualas to Host Star-Studded Ceremony Featuring Performances by Douaa Lahyaoui, Awilo Longomba, and Fuse ODG The 2025 CAF Awards are set to take place tonight, November 19, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco, commencing at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). This prestigious event will honor the outstanding achievements in
Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes that while the new system expedites visa interviews for ticket holders, it does not guarantee U.S. entry. By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the U.S. government has introduced the “FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling
Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Chelle, has attributed the Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to alleged ritualistic practices by a member of the DR Congo technical staff during the decisive penalty shootout. The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo prevailing 4-3 in the shootout
JerseyNumber12 is proud to announce the expansion of its editorial team with the appointment of two accomplished media professionals, Bolarinwa Olajide (Canada) as Columnist, and Tayo Salaam as Senior Correspondent, United Kingdom. According to Managing Editor Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo, both journalists bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to research-driven journalism, and a passion
In a stunning upset, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) eliminated Nigeria from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, clinching a 4-3 victory in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Rabat. This defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, following their absence in 2022. Nigeria took
In a significant development for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been declared eligible to participate in Sunday’s crucial playoff final against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that yellow cards accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoff stage, ensuring Ndidi’s