The National Sports Commission (NSC) has confirmed that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle will continue in his role and also take charge of Nigeria’s U-23 national team after agreeing to new contract terms.

NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko announced the decision on Tuesday after a meeting between officials of the Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja.

Chelle’s current two-year contract is due to end in December 2026, but discussions over a new and improved agreement have been taking place in recent months.

Speaking after the meeting, Dikko revealed that both sides had reached an agreement on a new package that includes better pay and support for the coach’s assistants.

“We have reached new terms with the coach about his new remuneration. We are also going to take care of his assistants, and there are other benchmarks that we have put on the table, and I’m sure the coach will be very excited about it,” Dikko said.

The NSC chairman also confirmed that Chelle will lead the Nigeria U-23 team as part of preparations for the men’s football event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Dikko explained that the decision was taken to create a smooth pathway for young players moving from the U-23 team to the Super Eagles.

“With the NFF, we also agreed that the coach will take care of the U-23 national team because we have young players coming into the Super Eagles within that age bracket,” Dikko said.

“So, Eric Chelle and his team, plus other people who will support them, will handle the project. The objective is not to give the coach more work but to start building for the future.”

The new role gives Chelle greater responsibility as he aims to improve the fortunes of the Olympic Eagles.

Nigeria’s U-23 team has failed to qualify for the last two Olympic Games, missing out on both Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. The Super Eagles have also struggled in recent years, failing to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups.

The NFF and NSC hope that placing both teams under Chelle’s leadership will help develop young talents and strengthen the future of Nigerian football.

Azizjon Ganiev’s sublime goal against Portugal was disallowed to deny Uzbekistan a famous moment on the World Cup stage.

Portugal had led after a frantic start in Houston, with Cristiano Ronaldo breaking his duck in the tournament, before the Al-Nassr forward stepped aside at a free-kick for Nuno Mendes to sweep home.

But Ganiev then struck a stunning effort into the top left corner, with Diogo Costa helpless.

But Uzbekistan’s joy was short-lived thanks to an infringement spotted by VAR in the build-up.

Abbosbek Fayzullaev tackled Joao Cancelo and caught the man before dispossessing the Portuguese defender.

The decision sparked comparisons to Lionel Messi’s opener in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria, with claimed foul from Alexis Mac Allister on Xaver Schlager.

But former World Cup and Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg told Fox Sports that there was a clear distinction between the two moments, with Mac Allister on Schlager taking place much further up the field before the goal was scored.

“The one with Messi, there were a lot of things that could happen,” he said. “This strike, it’s on the edge of the area, and it was a great strike, but it’s a foul, it’s a clear foul, it’s just before the goal and Portugal don’t have time to reset.”

While co-commentator Owen Hargreaves added: “It’s a foul, it should, he doesn’t play the ball, he plays the man, it’s an easy decision.”

The 2026 Travelers Championship begins this week at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the PGA Tour tournament, including a full Travelers Championship TV schedule, streaming information and complete tee times for the first and second rounds.

How to watch the Travelers Championship

In the midst of National Open season, there’s no time for a let-down. The U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills may be in the rear-view mirror, but this week marks the final big-money Signature Event of the season until the FedEx Cup playoffs begin in August.

That means the stars are out in force again, after making the short commute from Long Island to Connecticut.

A few storylines to follow: Wyndham Clark, fresh off his U.S. Open victory, will look to claim his third win in five events. His final-round playing partner, Scottie Scheffler, is a past champion who will be looking for his second win of the season after notching a total of seven other top-5 finishes. And defending champion Keegan Bradley will be hoping to claim his third career Travelers Championship title.

Golf Channel will provide TV coverage of the 2026 Travelers Championship while PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will offer streaming coverage and featured group coverage all week long.

You can find complete information about streaming or watching the tournament on TV below.

Want to place a wager on the Travelers Championship? Sign up for Fanatics Sportsbook with code “SUBPAR” to receive a special welcome offer.

Tournament basics

What: 2026 Travelers Championship
Where: TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Conn.
When: Thursday-Sunday, June 25-28
Purse: $20 million ($3.6 million winner’s share)

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How to watch on TV

Golf Channel will air TV coverage of the 2026 Travelers Championship this week. Check out the full TV schedule below.

Thursday, June 25: 3-6 p.m. ET
Friday, June 12: 3-6 p.m. ET
Saturday, June 13: 1-3 p.m. ET
Sunday, June 14: 2-4 p.m. ET

How to watch online, streaming

You can watch the 2026 Travelers Championship online via PGA Tour Live on ESPN+, which will also provide featured hole and featured group coverage for every round starting at 3 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday, 1 p.m. ET on Saturday and 2 p.m. ET on Sunday.

2026 Travelers Championship times: Round 1 (ET)

Tee No. 1

8:15 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Matt McCarty
8:25 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Jackson Suber
8:35 a.m. – Min Woo Lee, Nicolai Højgaard
8:45 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Eric Cole
8:55 a.m. – Ryan Gerard, Jake Knapp
9:05 a.m. – Tony Finau, Ben James
9:15 a.m. – Gary Woodland, Shane Lowry
9:25 a.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Cantlay
9:40 a.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Harry Hall
9:50 a.m. – Nico Echavarria, Hideki Matsuyama
10:00 a.m. – Ben Griffin, Ludvig Aberg
10:10 a.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Nick Taylor
10:20 a.m. – Aaron Rai, Maverick McNealy
10:30 a.m. – Russell Henley, Cameron Young
10:40 a.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas
10:55 a.m. – Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele
11:05 a.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Brian Harman
11:15 a.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Mark Hubbard
11:25 a.m. – Alex Noren, Alex Smalley
11:35 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Jason Day
11:45 a.m. – Michael Kim, Sam Stevens
11:55 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Daniel Berger
12:10 p.m. – Brian Campbell, Taylor Pendrith
12:20 p.m. – Keith Mitchell, Ryo Hisatsune
12:30 p.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Adam Scott
12:40 p.m. – J.J. Spaun, Chris Gotterup
12:50 p.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Sungjae Im
1:00 p.m. – J.T. Poston, Andrew Novak
1:10 p.m. – Sepp Straka, Harris English
1:25 p.m. – Bud Cauley, Viktor Hovland
1:35 p.m. – Justin Rose, Corey Conners
1:45 p.m. – Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth
1:55 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns
2:05 p.m. – Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood
2:15 p.m. – Sahith Theegala, Mac Meissner
2:25 p.m. – Si Woo Kim, Denny McCarthy

2026 Travelers Championship tee times: Round 2 (ET)

Tee No. 1

8:15 a.m. – Alex Noren, Alex Smalley
8:25 a.m. – Rickie Fowler, Jason Day
8:35 a.m. – Michael Kim, Sam Stevens
8:45 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Daniel Berger
8:55 a.m. – Brian Campbell, Taylor Pendrith
9:05 a.m. – Keith Mitchell, Ryo Hisatsune
9:15 a.m. – Akshay Bhatia, Adam Scott
9:25 a.m. – J.J. Spaun, Chris Gotterup
9:40 a.m. – Jacob Bridgeman, Sungjae Im
9:50 a.m. – J.T. Poston, Andrew Novak
10:00 a.m. – Sepp Straka, Harris English
10:10 a.m. – Bud Cauley, Viktor Hovland
10:20 a.m. – Justin Rose, Corey Conners
10:30 a.m. – Keegan Bradley, Jordan Spieth
10:40 a.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns
10:55 a.m. – Wyndham Clark, Tommy Fleetwood
11:05 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Mac Meissner
11:15 a.m. – Si Woo Kim, Denny McCarthy
11:25 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Matt McCarty
11:35 a.m. – Tom Hoge, Jackson Suber
11:45 a.m. – Min Woo Lee, Nicolai Højgaard
11:55 a.m. – Lucas Glover, Eric Cole
12:10 p.m. – Ryan Gerard, Jake Knapp
12:20 p.m. – Tony Finau, Ben James
12:30 p.m. – Gary Woodland, Shane Lowry
12:40 p.m. – Robert MacIntyre, Patrick Cantlay
12:50 p.m. – Brandt Snedeker, Harry Hall
1:00 p.m. – Nico Echavarria, Hideki Matsuyama
1:10 p.m. – Ben Griffin, Ludvig Aberg
1:25 p.m. – Alex Fitzpatrick, Nick Taylor
1:35 p.m. – Aaron Rai, Maverick McNealy
1:45 p.m. – Russell Henley, Cameron Young
1:55 p.m. – Matt Fitzpatrick, Justin Thomas
2:05 p.m. – Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele
2:15 p.m. – Kristoffer Reitan, Brian Harman
2:25 p.m. – Jhonattan Vegas, Mark Hubbard

The Nigeria Football Federation on Tuesday passionately appealed, once more, to media owners, media workers and persons in the public space to consistently make the effort to verify news items they see on social media or any public space before escalating the same to other spaces.

This further appeal comes against the background of a fake news item on Tuesday, propagated by an internet scamster who imagined and published on Facebook, a report that Super Falcons’ defender Ashley Plumptre was lamenting her exclusion from the Nigeria team ‘selected’ to defend the Women Africa Cup of Nations title at the 14th WAFCON taking place in Morocco 25th July – 16th August this year.

NFF’s Director of Competitions, Ruth David, cleared the air on the news item: “This is totally false. Last year, Ashley Plumptre made a video in which she categorically said that she is NOT on Facebook; that some fellows are impersonating her and that she has tried several times to bring down the page without success. Nothing has changed about her absence from Facebook; the player is not on Facebook and nobody should believe anything that emanates from the cloned account.

“The other issue is that the Coach has not submitted any list of players for the Women AFCON, so the scamster got it all wrong. The same scamster was at work some weeks ago stating that Esther Okoronkwo (a Super Falcons’ striker) made the same claims, when in fact the player was not invited for the Senegal friendly matches simply because she was nursing an injury.

“We recall that some time ago, there was a report that Asisat Oshoala (a Super Falcons’ striker) said she had retired from international football, which was patently false.

“We appeal to well-meaning individuals to double-check whatever news item they see anywhere before escalating the same to other spaces. The incidence of fake news has become overwhelming and it is important that media owners and media workers consistently verify what they push out there for the sake of their own integrity and credibility.”

Ashley Plumptre herself debunked the news item on Tuesday: “Awful false accounts. I’ve posted on my IG and X for people to report. They are using my identity and scamming people. I’m currently contacting someone in Saudi (Arabia) to help me take these accounts down because this has been happening for well over a year now.”

The All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship is at its most compelling point of the season, and for punters, its most nerve-wracking. Provincial finals are done. Galway hold the Leinster title, Limerick have reclaimed Munster, and the knockout stages are now in full swing.

But nobody can call this championship with any real confidence, and that uncertainty is showing up clearly across the betting markets, the best Irish betting sites right now show prices shifting by the day as opinion on who can win this title remains genuinely divided.

Galway go into the semi-finals as the team bookmakers have most respect for after their Leinster campaign, but they have not been installed as a runaway favourite in most markets. Their provincial title was earned against strong opposition, and they look well-organised heading into the last four. Limerick, meanwhile, have been a familiar presence at short prices in this competition in recent years.

Reclaiming the Munster crown has restored confidence in their camp, and they will expect to be near the head of the outright betting when the knockout rounds arrive. Two credible favourites, one title, and the market is not sure which way to lean.

The Quarter-Finals Could Flip the Market 

The two quarter-final ties are where serious punters will be paying closest attention. Clare face Dublin on one side of the draw, while Cork take on Offaly on the other. Both games carry genuine betting interest and, depending on how they play out, could significantly rearrange the outright picture before a semi-final ball is struck.

Clare will attract attention from bettors who like value outside the top two. Their recent form across grades has been strong, and there is an argument that the Clare team is more settled and battle-hardened than their odds suggest. Dublin, after a difficult day in the Leinster final, will need a commanding performance to regain any credibility in the outright market. A Clare win would shorten their price sharply and bring a fresh dynamic to how bookmakers price up the semi-final stage.

Cork’s situation heading into their quarter-final against Offaly is one of the more interesting wagers of the championship knockout stage. They were beaten narrowly in Munster, a result that hurt their outright price, but a Cork team that gets rolling in championship hurling is not something bookmakers or opponents take lightly. If they come through Offaly, expect their odds to tighten considerably.

Where Punters Might Find the Best Value

This is one of those championships where the smart play may not be backing an outright winner at the current prices. Each-way punters and those who prefer ante-post markets on semi-final placings might find better value than the winner market right now, simply because the gap between the top four or five counties in hurling has rarely felt smaller. The outright prices reflect a genuine toss-up between Galway and Limerick, but the quarter-final survivors could easily upset that order.

The Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland has emphasised the importance of informed and responsible wagering, and for any punter placing serious money on an open market like this, that means doing your research rather than following the crowd. The outright hurling market is exactly the kind of bet where early sentiment and fast-moving money can shift prices significantly, and where patient, well-informed bettors tend to find the most rewarding positions.

A Championship That Refuses to Be Called

What makes this championship so difficult to price is the genuine quality spread across multiple counties. Limerick bring experience, Galway bring provincial form, Clare bring momentum, and Cork bring the kind of character that tends to unsettle odds-on picks. Each of these represents a credible case for the title, and the bookmakers know it. This is not a market where one county is running away from the field, and any punter treating it that way is likely to be caught out.

For those building a position in the outright market, the sensible approach is to hold off until the quarter-final results are in. The prices after each knockout round will tell a very different story to what is on offer at the start of the summer, and there may be genuine ante-post value to be found once the semi-final picture becomes clear. The All-Ireland Hurling Championship in 2026 has the makings of a brilliant summer for GAA fans and, for anyone who can read a market as well as a game of hurling, it might turn out to be the most rewarding wager of the year.

Looking magnificent, Abounding displayed a golden sheen as she paraded at Robert Heathcote’s stable in the lead-up to the Stradbroke Handicap. However, that prestigious race was not the intended target, with the Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1400m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday now the primary goal for the five-year-old mare. The Tiara presents Abounding with an opportunity to improve upon her second-place finish from the 2025 edition.

“She’s always been a good type and she’s healthy and she’s happy,” Heathcote explained. “She’s eaten well and she’s working well. We’d aimed for this even when I took her down to Sydney in March, we just wanted to put a fitness run into her and to freshen her up for the carnival.”

Abounding finished 14th in Queensland’s most significant race, won by Spicy Martini over 1400m on June 13. Despite the unplaced finish, she was only six lengths off the victor, and the heavy track conditions were a significant impediment.

“The Stradbroke was a speed bump on an unsuitable track for her but I think she ran ok. She’s done well and we haven’t done much with her since that run as that would have topped her off fitness wise.”

“I just hope we get a track that is not too wet. I think it is a mistake that a lot of people make with Eagle Farm track in that when it gets wet it shouldn’t be graded soft five or six, or heavy eight or nine. It should be the amount of shiftiness because it gets so shifty. Either a horse can handle that or they can’t. If we get a Good 4 for or a Soft 5, I think she can go one better than last year.”

Abounding’s victory in the BRC Sprint on May 23 made her the first mare to win the event since Red Tracer in 2010. She will be reunited with jockey Tim Clark for the Tiara, with the pair currently rated at $7 in the ante-post markets.

“Tim knows his stuff and they just get the job done, those top Sydney boys,” Heathcote added.

While She’s Got Pizzazz was the initial $4 favourite, she will not be competing. Grahame Begg’s Splash Back now holds favouritism at $4.40.

Get the latest racing odds for the Tattersall’s Tiara and place your bets with leading bookmakers.

Hardik Pandya (ANI Photo)

Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns over Hardik Pandya‘s recurring fitness issues, questioning the lack of clarity surrounding the all-rounder’s injuries while admitting uncertainty over whether he will still be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Hardik recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan because of an injury and has also been ruled out of India’s upcoming 50-over series against England in July. His absence has once again sparked discussions about his long-term fitness, a topic Kaif believes has never been adequately addressed.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif acknowledged Hardik’s immense value to the Indian team and described him as an irreplaceable all-rounder in the current setup. However, he admitted that the Baroda star’s injury record makes it difficult to predict how long he can continue at the highest level.“I cannot take the guarantee of him. Even I do not understand his case. He is such a big match-winner. No one is close to him as an all-rounder in the current lot. He also knows this. But his body is fragile. He was injured in 2023 as well, and after that it has not been the same. There are no talks about his injury and any proper reasons given, though. I do not know what is being said or what the official reason is. You tell me if you know. We only know through sources,” he said.Kaif also criticised the lack of communication regarding Hardik’s fitness status, arguing that supporters deserve more transparency whenever a key player is unavailable.“Fans also have the right to know exactly what has happened, and we need more transparency. This has been the case with Hardik throughout his career. There are always questions about his injury as to what has happened exactly and why he is missing out,” he added.While discussing India’s ODI squad, Kaif also weighed in on Yashasvi Jaiswal‘s omission from the team for the England series. The young opener had strengthened his case with a century in the final ODI against Afghanistan but was still left out of the 15-man squad.Kaif backed the selectors’ decision to pick Ishan Kishan instead, pointing to the wicketkeeper-batter’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also suggested that Kishan’s current form and support from head coach Gautam Gambhir worked in his favour.“Jaiswal will play. He will be an all-format player. His time will come too. Agarkar had said they can select only 15 players, and I agree with him. We have a lot of solid players, and a few people will always miss out like this. They had to pick either Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. Kishan got the nod because he can bat in the middle as well. Jaiswal is a proper opener. And Kishan can be a backup wicket-keeper as well. Also, Gambhir wants Kishan to be there. That liking is there too. I said this the last time as well. His form is good too, so I agree with the call. Jaiswal will have to wait a bit,” Kaif stated.Despite missing out on this occasion, Kaif remains convinced that Jaiswal’s future lies across all three formats for India. For now, though, the youngster may have to remain patient as competition for places continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

ATLANTA (AP) — FIFA will consider keeping hydration breaks for future World Cups despite backlash to the extra stoppages in play at this year’s tournament.

Gianni Infantino, the soccer body’s president, defended the decision to introduce breaks — which come midway through each half — at this World Cup and said Tuesday they may be providing more entertainment for fans.

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He said FIFA would analyze what it will do in future tournaments “based on this experience.” But after criticism that the breaks were a stealth way to insert advertising or American-style timeouts, Infantino suggested the stoppages have been positive.

“Maybe the coach can reassess certain situations, correct certain mistakes. The players get a little rest and come back in full speed. Well, is that bad necessarily? Maybe it’s good,” Infantino said. “And we see as well the intensity of the games. We’ve never seen 90 minutes in a tournament like this played in such an intensity.

“Until the last second of the match, players attack and so on,” he continued. “And maybe, maybe not, but maybe it’s also a bit thanks to this little break that the players have and after they can go back on the field and show what they can do.”

The World Cup has certainly delivered in terms of entertainment, with goals scored at a record pace and big performances from soccer greats like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. There have also been shocks provided by debutants Cape Verde and Curacao, despite fears the expansion of the tournament from 32 teams to 48 would dilute the quality.

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But the biggest criticism has been the introduction of hydration breaks for all matches regardless of venue or location.

Loud jeers have greeted the stoppages, around 22 minutes into each half, especially at games played in stadiums with roofs and air conditioning, such as Atlanta.

Infantino said it was necessary for sporting equity.

“If we were to use hydration breaks only in those matches where it was too hot and not in the other matches, we would give an advantage or a disadvantage to some of the coaches or some of the teams,” he said. “Why would the coach have the opportunity to influence the game in one match just because it’s hot and in another match where it’s a bit less hot, he wouldn’t have this opportunity?”

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Infantino also insisted FIFA was making no extra money as a result of networks cutting to commercials because contracts had been signed before the decision to introduce hydration breaks.

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James Robson is at https://x.com/jamesalanrobson

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AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup