Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell speaks during a press conference at the Sport Ireland Campus on Sep. 26, 2025, in Dublin, addressing media as the organization navigated international scheduling, preparation logistics, and broader messaging while representing the franchise abroad during the NFL’s global slate. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
The NFL is a bit notorious for its coaching carousel on an annual basis.
Constantly, we see teams bring in coaches for a couple years before they are back out the door after underwhelming seasons.
The Minnesota Vikings certainly have had their ups and downs in recent years, but Kevin O’Connell, more often than not, has proven that he is one of the better head coaches in the NFL.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on in the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Over the past five years from 2021-2025, there have been 37 head coaching hires in the NFL.
Of all those hires, Barnwell placed O’Connell at No. 7 on his list. The Vikings head coach was sandwiched between Sean Payton (traded for by the Denver Broncos in 2023, made the AFC Championship Game this year) at No. 6 and Ben Johnson (hired in 2025 and led the Chicago Bears to an NFC North title in his first year) at No. 8.
O’Connell took over a Vikings team in 2022 that seemed to be barely treading water after back-to-back sub-.500 seasons in 2020 and 2021. A main culprit of those poor seasons was disastrous defensive play, but there were also concerns surrounding Kirk Cousins at quarterback.
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However, in 2022 during O’Connell’s first season, Cousins’ play improved dramatically, and he seemed to step up to the plate in big moments (other than the end of the Wild Card loss to the Giants). With Ed Donatell’s defense being one of the worst in the NFL, that change on offense, O’Connell’s forte, was the reason behind Minnesota’s 13-4 record and NFC North title.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell on the sidelines against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Regardless of the talent at the quarterback position, O’Connell has found ways to at least make the Vikings a competitive team in each of his first four years as head coach. Barnwell pointed to that success as a main reason behind his high ranking.
“O’Connell deserves credit for what he has done in building offenses around everyone from Kirk Cousins to Joshua Dobbs to Sam Darnold over that time frame,” Barnwell wrote.
However, there is still some doubt around O’Connell heading into 2026. Barnwell pointed to Minnesota’s outlier record in one-possession games as a reason to believe the head coach’s 43-25 record should be scrutinized.
“There’s no doubting that O’Connell is a good coach, having put together 13- and 14-win seasons over his first four years in Minnesota, but we can poke a few holes in that record. One is the Vikings’ performance in close games. They are 25-12 in one-score games over that span, and while O’Connell does a solid job of managing late-game scenarios, the wild fluctuations in their record in those games from year to year suggest their record in close games is more a product of randomness than a sustainable skill.”
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Oct 19, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looks on during warm-ups before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Ultimately, the Vikings should not be in a position to be considering moving on from O’Connell at this point, but his fate may end up being tied to how J.J. McCarthy progresses in 2026.
After losing his entire rookie season to injury, McCarthy came into 2025 with high expectations, and while he certainly had moments that left Vikings fans excited for more, there were equally as many moments that left fans pulling out their hair.
For O’Connell’s position to be fully secure moving forward, the Vikings will need to get back into playoff contention in 2026, and McCarthy will need to be a reason for that success.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
NEW DELHI: The absence of crowds in Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 matches has sparked debate after Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi offered an unusual explanation, linking it to Pakistan’s role in global diplomacy. His remarks suggested that empty stadiums were part of a larger national effort, though this version differs from what officials, including Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had earlier stated.
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Fleming explains where CSK lost the match in final 4 overs
Ali Naqvi’s claim and reaction
In a post on X, Naqvi argued that Pakistan prioritised peace efforts over cricket entertainment, especially due to its involvement in ceasefire discussions.“Not hosting matches in Pindi makes complete sense — Islamabad was clearly the chosen venue for sensitive ceasefire discussions, and the unpredictable timing demanded absolute flexibility on logistics and security,” he added.He remarked that security resources were focused on bigger priorities, ading, “When forced to weigh entertainment against helping deliver global peace, I believe every Pakistani would have made the exact same call.”Naqvi also dismissed comparisons with other leagues, saying, “Also, comparisons with another league that has allowed fans, are simply not valid.”
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Official version and criticism
However, this explanation clashes with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s earlier statement. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had said the no-crowd policy was due to a fuel shortage limiting public movement.“The [Pakistan] Prime Minister [Shehbaz Sharif] has requested restricted movements of people because of the fuel crisis, so we have decided that the PSL would continue as per the original schedule but without crowds,” he had said.Critics argue that linking empty stadiums to global peace efforts stretches the narrative too far. What appears to be a practical issue, fuel shortages and logistics, has been reframed as a major diplomatic sacrifice.
NEW DELHI: Rajasthan Royals youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is quickly making a name for himself in IPL 2026, especially after his fearless hitting against top bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah. In a recent match against Mumbai Indians, his aggressive batting helped RR secure a convincing win and extend their strong run in the tournament.
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Steyn on Sooryavanshi’s fear factor
Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn believes the young opener is already getting into bowlers’ heads. After Sooryavanshi smashed Bumrah for a six off the very first ball, Steyn said,“I think that’s what he’s done,” he told ESPNCricinfo. “I mean, honestly, he’s created and instilled the fear into bowlers that he’s going to hit you for boundaries.”He pointed out that even a world-class bowler like Bumrah looked under pressure, adding, “That delivery from Bumrah, that’s in the slot. That’s so rare of Bumrah. So even the great Bumrah is thinking in the back of his mind: ‘don’t get it wrong, because if I get it wrong, this guy’s going to hit me for six’.”Steyn explained that this fear can lead to mistakes: “I feel, if you think like that, more often than not, you do get it wrong.”
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Fearless batting driving RR’s success
Steyn also highlighted that Sooryavanshi’s confidence makes him dangerous against any bowler.“And this kid’s not scared, man. If you miss a half-volley, he’s going to hit you out of the ground… It doesn’t matter who you are, Bumrah or Jofra Archer,” he added.In the match, Sooryavanshi scored a quick 39 off just 14 balls, while Yashasvi Jaiswal added an unbeaten 77. Their explosive start helped Rajasthan Royals beat Mumbai Indians by 27 runs, marking their third straight win of the season.
Minnesota’s high school softball season will be under a national spotlight for the second year in a row, and a hotter one than in 2025.
As the U.S. Department of Justice has launched a Title IX lawsuit against the state’s education agencies for letting biological male trans athletes play in girls’ sports, Champlin Park High School is set to be a political target.
The high school rosters a trans pitcher on its softball team, who emerged as a dominant force en route to a state championship last year.
Now, that pitcher is playing for Champlin Park again this year while President Donald Trump’s administration tries to crack down.
The Anoka-Hennepin School District, which oversees Champlin Park, is standing by the athlete amid the renewed national scrutiny.
“The Champlin Park Softball team will compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable Minnesota law this upcoming season. All participating student-athletes will meet the criteria for eligibility which aim to elevate standards of sportsmanship and encourage the growth of responsible citizenship for all involved. Because the school district is named in an active lawsuit involving last season, the District is limited in what additional information can be shared on this matter,” the district said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
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A girls’ softball player, who is anonymously part of a lawsuit with Alliance Defending Freedom that challenges the state laws on trans athletes, shared her thoughts on the distracting political dynamic of this season with Fox News Digital.
“I just want a fair and competitive season. My hope for this season is that the focus stays on the game, while also making sure girls’ sports remain a place where female athletes have equal opportunities to compete and succeed,” she said.
Meanwhile, another anonymous plaintiff in that lawsuit shared gratitude for the DOJ’s intervention.
“Thank you, President Trump! I’m so grateful for the support towards girls in sports in Minnesota,” she said.
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The lawsuit was originally struck down by a federal judge, but ADF has filed an appeal in appellate court and is awaiting a decision there.
Former Minnesota high school and current NCAA softball player Kendall Kotzmacher lost a 3-2 heartbreaker to Champlin Park last season, in what was her final high school game.
But Kozmacher’s younger sister, who lost with her in that game, is still set to play this season, and could be on a collision course with the trans pitcher again.
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“My little sister, she played with me last year. She’s still playing, so it’s really hard,” Kotzmacher said. “I’m lucky enough that it’s not allowed at the NCAA level. But there’s all of these girls that I do not want them to ever have to go through the situations that I did, and I do not want my sister to have to deal with what I had to do and what she had to deal with last year again.”
Minnesota has faced its own internal conflict over the issue dating back to early 2025, when Democratic lawmakers in the state legislature struck down a bill that would have prevented biological males from competing in girls’ sports.
State Republicans renewed that effort in recent weeks amid the DOJ crackdown, but were once again unsuccessful due to Democrat control, as they failed to push a bill forward on the House Floor Tuesday.
“Protecting girls is not hate,” said state representative Krista Knudsen. “When biological males enter girls’ sports, girls lose. They lose medals, they lose roster spots, they lose college scholarships and they lose their safety.”
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Democrat state representative Kelly Moller dismissed concerns over the issue.
“My colleagues across the aisle say that you are bringing this to protect women and girls and that couldn’t be further from the truth. The real threat to women and girls is sexual assault and gender-based violence,” Moller said.
Meanwhile, 326 school board members in 125 school districts in the state signed a letter pleading with the state’s leadership to comply with Trump’s mandate to protect girls’ sports.
Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital covering critical political and cultural issues in sports, with an investigative lens. Jackson’s reporting has been cited in federal government actions related to the enforcement of Title IX, and in legacy media outlets including The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Associated Press and ESPN.com.
The Minnesota Vikings booted two starting defensive tackles from their roster this offseason, and that’s usually something a franchise does before drafting a rookie replacement. So when Clemson’s Peter Woods found his way back into the Vikings’ mock-draft orbit this week, well, it made sense.
Minnesota still needs interior defensive line help, and Peter Woods keeps surfacing as a logical first-round fit.
Pete Prisco did the honors, giving Minnesota a rest from the nonstop Dillon Thieneman mock-draft takes.
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Woods Checks Some Boxes for Minnesota at a DT Need
Yes, the Vikings need a defensive tackle.
Clemson football defender Peter Woods speaks with reporters at the Smart Family Media Center, sharing thoughts with media members Aug 27, 2024, in Clemson, South Carolina, as the Tigers prepare for a high-profile matchup against Georgia at Mercedes-Benz Stadium later that week in Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY NETWORK
Pete Prisco: Peter Woods to Min at 18
Two weeks remaining before the 2026 NFL Draft, and if Prisco has it right, Woods will be a Viking. He wrote this week in a just-published mock draft, “The interior of their defensive line needs a boost after they let go of Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Woods was dominant in 2024, but his play tailed off some last year. The talent is there.”
Most mock drafts expect Minnesota to pick a safety in Round 1, either the aforementioned Thieneman from Oregon or Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren.
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Some others believe Minnesota could select a cornerback like Avieon Terrell (Clemson) or Jermod McCoy (Tennessee).
The Bio for Woods
Woods is 6’2″ and 300 pounds. He runs a 4.75 forty — pretty fantastic for a defensive tackle — and is known for his first-step explosion and flexibility. His swipe move is also impressive, and on the whole, he’s a freak athlete for DT standards. Woods banked 5 sacks in the last two seasons at Clemson.
The Athletic‘sDane Brugler on Woods: “Woods flashes the ability to win with quickness, strength and hand usage — and the next step in his development is for him to do so more consistently. He offers scheme diversity, although he projects best as a three-/4i-technique DT.”
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“A two-and-a-half-year starter at Clemson, Woods shuffled up and down the line in defensive coordinator Tom Allen’s four-man front. After earning Freshman All-American honors in 2023, he received All-ACC honors in each of the last two seasons.”
Woods is also young; he just turned 21.
Brugler added, “He was tabbed as a potential top-five draft pick entering his junior season, but he struggled to match that hype in 2025, posting up-and-down tape and poor production (14 pressures, 3.5 tackles for loss and two sacks over 12 games). Draft projections for Woods will depend on a team’s willingness to grade to his flashes.”
“He moves with big-man twitch and has the foot quickness to elude blocks in tight quarters. However, for a player with his explosive traits, he doesn’t have many quick wins on his tape and needs to learn how to diversify his rush approach.”
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Vikings’ DT Setup for 2026
It’s not breaking news, but it’s unfinished business: the Vikings need a defensive tackle. The franchise parted ways with two starters last month, cutting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, a pair that played over 1,300 snaps in Brian Flores’s 2025 defense.
Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) lines up during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium, working against the offensive front Sep 6, 2025, in Clemson, South Carolina, as he battles in the trenches during game action with teammates surrounding the line of scrimmage. Mandatory Credit: Ken Ruinard-Imagn Images
Without Woods, a different rookie, or a free agent like Christian Wilkins or D.J. Reader, Minnesota would roll into 2026 with this interior defensive line group:
Jalen Redmond
Levi Drake Rodriguez
Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins
Elijah Williams
Taki Taimani
Jaylon Hutchings
That might work; it might not. The DT unit is one Redmond injury away from disaster. Therefore, an extra defensive tackle is probably on the way.
Other Draft DT Options
It’s a safe bet to assume the Vikings leave the draft with a defensive tackle; it’s just unclear if Woods will be the guy. If not, these are the DT options before the end of Round 4, according to the Consensus Big Board in early April:
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Kayden McDonald (Ohio State)
Caleb Banks (Florida)
Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
Christen Miller (Georgia)
Domonique Orange (Iowa State)
Gracen Halton (Oklahoma)
Darrell Jackson Jr. (Florida State)
Kaleb Proctor (Southeastern Louisiana)
Chris McClellan (Missouri)
Dontay Corleone (Cincinnati)
Xzavian Harris (Mississippi)
Rayshaun Benny (Michigan)
Zane Durant (Penn State)
Vikings fans have taken a shine to Hunter from Texas Tech because he should be available at Minnesota’s 49th pick, and he’s huge at over 330 pounds, known for stopping the run as a true-blue nose tackle.
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores stands on the sideline during a game against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium, tracking defensive alignments and communicating with players as New England edges Arizona in a close early-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Brugler noted on Hunter: “Hunter doesn’t have the pass-rush skill set to consistently impact the quarterback, but he is instinctive as a run defender and has heavy hands to make stops at the line of scrimmage. He projects as a scheme-diverse, two-gapping nose.”
The Vikings have drafted three players from Clemson in the last decade: safety Jayron Kearse, cornerback Mackensie Alexander, and cornerback Andrew Booth. So, too, did elite DT Dexter Lawrence, a trade candidate, go to Clemson. Maybe a Woods/Lawrence twosome materializes at some point.
BENGALURU: As the Athletics Federation of India on Wednesday reiterated its stand that athletes should mandatorily obtain its approval before entering into an agreement with a third party and that the decision is to protect the athletes, legal experts slammed the federation’s move as “unconstitutional and arbitrary.”“This is akin to mandatorily seeking a blanket prior approval, which is wholly unconstitutional and arbitrary besides being an unreasonable and unlawful restraint on athletes’ commercial freedom as also his/her trade or profession. It thus seems to be violative of Article 19(1)(g) (Freedom of Trade or Profession) of the Constitution of India,” sports lawyer Rahul Mehra told TOI.“Instead, AFI could have issued advisory guidelines in order to protect the athletes from entering into conflicting or harmful contracts, but to have such a mandatory prior approval is reflective of seeking absolute control over athletes’ commercial right and interest,” he added.Critics pointed out that the AFI move could also be aimed at protecting their sponsors. “The new circular seems to have been triggered by long-distance runner Gulveer Singh moving out of Reliance (one of AFI’s sponsors) to OGQ to JSW within three months. AFI can support their sponsor but that should not be done by troubling the athletes who are getting individual sponsors,” another legal expert said.Experts also wondered why the AFI should trouble India’s top athletes like Neeraj Chopra, asking them to get approval for getting a sponsorship deal. “The value of athletics in India is because of Chopra. It’s an attempt to exert some form of control. There is no chance (that it will stand scrutiny in court) as it’s a restraint of trade,” an expert told TOI.“In 2007, after India lost in the World Cup, the BCCI wanted to control the number of endorsements of the players. A few years back, the NRAI (the national shooting federation) wanted to do the same thing and failed. The AFI’s move is more like a public statement to assert control. It’s completely not enforceable legally and practically, and none of these athletes are in any form of contract with the AFI. This move will be like a new basis to knock off someone. Earlier, they said if you don’t attend national camp they will drop you. Likewise, if you don’t report your endorsements we can drop you,” he explained.Meanwhile, the AFI said the whole idea is to help the athletes. “This considered decision has come in the wake of some sponsors drawing AFI’s attention. We would like the athletes to focus on their training and competition rather than get caught up in signing contracts,” AFI said in a post on X.“At AFI, we are mindful of athletes’ welfare and do not want to come in the way of their making money through endorsement deals. However, we will protect the interests of the athletes and Indian athletics. AFI believes that athletes affect (sic) such changes without understanding the implications of terminating the contracts they have signed with sponsors,” the federation’s post added.“While asking for prior approval of contracts and agreements, AFI is ensuring that its legal team is on hand to advise the athletes against potential pitfalls. AFI makes it clear that, in providing such services to the athletes, it does not charge a penny from either the athletes or the sponsors,” the AFI said.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Charles Bassey #28 of the Golden State Warriors looks on against the Houston Rockets in the first quarter at Chase Center on April 05, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)
Charles Bassey is already making an impact just days after joining the Golden State Warriors.
The Nigerian center recently signed with the Warriors to help cover injuries in the squad, and he wasted no time showing what he can do.
In just his second appearance, Bassey delivered 14 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Sacramento Kings, immediately stepping up when the team needed it.
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Before this move, Bassey had been putting up serious numbers in the G League with Santa Cruz, averaging over 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game, which earned him another NBA opportunity.
At 6’10, the 25-year-old brings energy and rebounding to the game. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has already praised his effort and athleticism, pointing to his ability to contribute in short bursts.
Bassey was drafted in 2021 and has had spells across the league, but this opportunity with the Golden State Warriors comes at the right time.
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He has already shown what he can do.
A 14-point, 12-rebound performance this early is a good statement.
The Diamond League athletics meeting in Doha has been postponed for six weeks and will now take place on June 19 due to the war in the Middle East, organisers announced Wednesday. The United States and Iran agreed on Tuesday a two-week ceasefire to the war that has killed thousands and hammered the global economy. The Diamond League organisers had previously said the opening leg of this year’s series would go ahead as planned on May 8, but have now decided to delay the event.
“In the interests of athlete and spectator safety, a decision has now been taken to postpone the meeting. Should conditions allow, it will now be held on June 19,” they said in a statement.
The competition will also be moved from the Qatar Sports Club to the Khalifa International Stadium in case of higher temperatures.
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The Khalifa stadium, which is temperature controlled, hosted the world athletics championships in 2019 and matches of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Diamond League is the elite one-day meeting series in track and field, a season that features 15 meets in 13 different countries across four different continents.
The first Diamond League meeting will instead be in Shanghai on May 16.
Several major sporting events in the Middle East have been postponed or cancelled because of the war the United States and Israel launched on Iran, including the Formula One grands prix in Bahrain and Jeddah, in Saudi Arabia.
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Both were scheduled for mid-April and have been cancelled.
In football, the Finalissima, which was to pit European champions Spain against Copa America winners Argentina on March 27 in Qatar, was called off.
The Qatar motorcycling Grand Prix, initially scheduled for the weekend of April 12, has been postponed to November 8, while a gymnastics World Cup event scheduled to take place in Doha in April was also cancelled.
However, a horse racing meeting in Dubai, carrying prize money of $30.5 million and featuring the Dubai World Cup, did go ahead on March 28.
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(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The Lions named Washington as their linebacker coach Wednesday.
Washington began his CFL coaching career with B.C. in 2008, spending six seasons as defensive backs coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2014. He remained in that job until becoming the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defensive co-ordinator/defensive backs coach in 2019. Washington was let go by the Ticats during the 2024 season.
Washington played defensive back for 11 CFL seasons with the Montreal Alouettes (1997-02) and Lions (2003-07). He registered 483 tackles, 48 special-teams tackles, 17 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries, and one sack over 156 regular-season games.
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Washington won two Grey Cups as a player (2002, 2006) and another as a coach (2011).
Buck Pierce returns for a second season as the Lions’ head coach, offensive co-ordinator and quarterback coach.
The remainder of his staff includes: Mike Benevides (defensive co-ordinator); Cory McDiarmid (special-teams co-ordinator); Kevin Bourgoin (receivers coach, pass-game co-ordinator; Paul Charbonneau (offensive-line coach, run-game co-ordinator); Kristian Matte (running backs, assistant offensive-line coach); Ryan Phillips (secondary coach, pass-game co-ordinator); Randy Melvin (defensive line coach); and Derek Oswalt ( assistant receivers coach).
Former Super Eagles head coach Johannes Bonfrere has raised concerns about the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for two consecutive FIFA World Cup tournaments.
Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup after losing to Ghana on the away goals rule, while their hopes for the 2026 edition ended in a penalty defeat to DR Congo. The absence from both tournaments has dealt a blow to the country’s football reputation on the global stage.
Bonfrere, who guided Nigeria to Olympic gold in 1996, said the situation is unacceptable and called on the football authorities to take urgent action. He stressed that preparations for future tournaments must begin immediately to avoid another disappointment.
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According to the Dutch coach, missing the 2026 World Cup is damaging not only for Nigeria but also for African football. He urged the federation to review what went wrong and ensure proper planning ahead of future competitions, starting with the next Africa Cup of Nations.
He noted that Nigeria has many talented players competing in top European leagues and warned that it would be a major setback if such a generation fails to appear at multiple World Cups.
Bonfrere also reminded stakeholders of Nigeria’s rich football history, describing the country as a leading force in Africa that should always be present on the world stage. He pointed out that Nigerian teams have traditionally brought excitement, colour, and strong fan support to global tournaments.
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Reflecting on past successes, he recalled how Nigeria attracted global attention at previous World Cups and the Olympic Games, with fans eager to watch the team play. He expressed concern that the absence of the Super Eagles is now being noticed worldwide.
The veteran coach concluded by urging the federation to put its house in order, insisting that there is still enough time to rebuild and prepare properly for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. He added that decisive action now will be key to restoring Nigeria’s place among football’s top nations.
WWE is on the Road to WrestleMania, and the company recently hosted another major premium live event. Meanwhile, NXT General Manager Robert Stone sent a message to a female star following the recent edition of NXT when demands were made on X.
Last year, Mariah May signed with the Stamford-based promotion and joined the developmental brand. May, now known as Blake Monroe, was one of the names to leave All Elite Wrestling and join WWE under the new regime. Before the end of the year, she captured the NXT Women’s North American Championship and lost it in December accidentally to Thea Hail.
Thanks for the submission!
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After losing the title, Blake Monroe feuded with Jaida Parker and returned to the division for the title she wasn’t planned to drop in the first place. On the recent edition of WWE NXT, Monroe and The Vanity Project’s Jackson Drake defeated Tatum Paxley and Shiloh Hill in a mixed tag team match. The 27-year-old WWE star pinned the current NXT Women’s North American Champion for the win.
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Later, she uploaded a picture on X with a custom title and claimed in character that she’s now a two-time NXT Women’s North American Champion and demanded her side plates from the NXT General Manager. Robert Stone sent a message to Monroe and claimed she’s not a champion, stating it wasn’t a title match, which Monroe and Drake won on the show.
“YOU’RE NOT A CHAMPION,” Stone tweeted on X.
Monroe might’ve earned a title match against the champion, but the mixed tag team match was a non-title bout.
Blake Monroe lost at WWE Stand & Deliver 2026
Earlier this year, Izzi Dame won the NXT Women’s North American Championship from Thea Hail while she was in a feud with Tatum Paxley. Last year, Dame and The Culling turned on Paxley and cost her the NXT Women’s Championship against Jacy Jayne. The 29-year-old WWE star vowed to get revenge on her former on-screen family.
After Dame became the new champion, the title was inserted into her ongoing feud with Tatum Paxley. Later, Paxley won the title at NXT Vengeance Day and defended it against the former champion in a Steel Cage match and won. Later, she entered a feud with Blake Monroe, who stole the title in the weeks leading up to their match at Stand & Deliver.
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The biggest event of the developmental brand took place in Missouri, and Tatum Paxley defeated Blake Monroe in a title match. After the match, Monroe took an assist from The Vanity Project and pinned the champion in a mixed tag team match. It’ll be interesting to see what’s next for both stars in the coming weeks.
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