NIGERIAN STAR SEMI AJAYI SCORES AS HULL CITY SHOCK MANCHESTER UNITED 2–0

Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi scores as Hull City defeat Manchester United 2–0 in their Premier League return on August 22, 2026
Designed by ZpotHub News 

There was something in the air at the MKM Stadium on Saturday. You could feel it the moment the gates opened. Nine years. That is how long Hull City fans had waited to see their team back in the Premier League. And they were not about to waste a second of it.

By the end of the afternoon, those same fans were hugging strangers, singing at the top of their lungs, and watching their players do a lap of honor. The reason? A 2-0 win over Manchester United. A proper shock. A statement result. And at the center of it all was a Nigerian defender named Semi Ajayi.

For Hull, it was the perfect way to announce their return. For United, it was a wake-up call they did not see coming. For Nigeria, it was another moment to be proud.

HOW THE DAY STARTED

If you expected Hull to come out and sit deep, to try and park the bus against one of the biggest clubs in the world, you would have been wrong. From kickoff, they pressed. They ran. They made it uncomfortable for United.

The first big chance came from a corner in the 17th minute. Oli McBurnie got his head to it, but it was straight at United’s new goalkeeper Senne Lammens. The Belgian pushed it out, but he could not get it far enough away.

That is when Semi Ajayi did what center-backs dream of doing. The ball dropped in the box, and he was the quickest to react. One touch to control it, the next to smash it home. The net bulged, and the stadium exploded.

1-0 to Hull.

You have to understand what that meant. This is a player who has worked his way up. Arsenal academy, then Rotherham, then West Brom, and now Hull. He is tall, strong, good in the air, and he reads the game well. But on that day, it was his hunger that stood out. He wanted that ball more than anyone else.

For Nigerians watching back home, it was a big moment. Another Super Eagles player making noise in the Premier League. Phones came out. Videos were recorded. Social media lit up.

DOUBLING THE LEAD BEFORE HALF TIME

Hull were not done. Seven minutes before the break, they won a free kick out wide. Regan Slater stepped up. United set their wall and expected the usual. A cross, maybe a shot.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE THIS: SENATE DRAGS NFF AND NSC TO THE FIRE OVER SUPER EAGLES AND SUPER FALCONS WORLD CUP SHAME

Instead, Slater whipped it into a dangerous area, right between the goalkeeper and the defenders. And up came Nobel Mendy.

The young midfielder timed his jump perfectly. He got above Harry Maguire and nodded the ball past Lammens.

2-0.

You could see the frustration on the United players. Lammens was shouting at his defense. Maguire had his hands on his head. Going into halftime, Hull looked confident and United looked lost.

It was a strange feeling for the away fans. This was a United team that finished third last season. They have Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, Bryan Mbeumo. They are supposed to be title contenders. But on this day, they looked second best.

UNITED TRY TO FIGHT BACK

To their credit, United did not give up. Michael Carrick made changes at halftime. Rashford came on. The tempo went up. United started moving the ball quicker and tried to stretch Hull.

But Hull were ready. Manager Liam Rosenior had spent all of preseason working on shape. His team defended in two compact banks of five. They blocked shots. They won headers. They made it hard for United to find space.

The best chance for United came with about 12 minutes left. Mbeumo cut inside from the right and let off a shot that looked destined for the top corner. But Hull’s goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis got across and tipped it over. That was probably their best moment in the whole game.

After that, it was all Hull. Tackles flying in, players throwing their bodies in front of everything. Ajayi was everywhere. He was talking, pointing, winning every aerial duel. He looked like a captain even without the armband.

When the fourth official held up the board for five minutes of added time, the noise in the stadium went up another level. “We are Hull City, we are back.”

A RESULT DECADES IN THE MAKING

When the final whistle went, it was chaos in the best way. Fans leaned over the barriers. Players were hugging. Rosenior was clapping every single supporter.

This was more than three points. This was Hull’s first league win over Manchester United since 1974. That is 52 years ago. Some of the kids in the stands were not even born then.

And to do it on the opening day, after being promoted, against a club of United’s size? That is the kind of story the Premier League is famous for.

For Rosenior, this will feel like proof that his way works. He wants Hull to play good football, but he also wants them to be tough to beat. On Saturday, they were both.

For United, it is a problem. They came into the season with hope after finishing third. But the defense looked shaky, especially on set pieces. Lammens had a debut he will want to forget. The midfield did not protect the back line. Carrick has work to do, and fast.

AJAYI AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR NIGERIA

Let us talk about Semi Ajayi again, because he earned it.

He has been around the Super Eagles setup for a long time. He has played at AFCON. He has played in World Cup qualifiers. He is not the loudest player, but he is reliable. Coaches trust him.

Scoring against Manchester United in the Premier League is different though. That goes on your record forever.

His goal came from being in the right place and wanting it more. That is what Nigerian players have always brought to England. Energy, fight, pride.

With World Cup qualifiers coming up, performances like this matter. The Super Eagles coach will be watching. When your defenders are scoring and your team is winning in England, it gives the whole squad a lift.

Back in Nigeria, the reaction was instant. Clips of the goal were everywhere. People were calling him a hero. That is what football does. One moment, and a whole country is behind you.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

For Hull, the challenge is to keep this going. One win is great, but staying in the Premier League takes 38 games of hard work. They will need to defend like this every week. They will need to take their chances from set pieces. But this result gives them something important: belief.

For Manchester United, there is no time to feel sorry for themselves. The league does not wait. They have to look at the video, fix the mistakes, and respond in the next game. If they do not, they will fall behind early.

Carrick said after the match that his team was not good enough and that Hull deserved the win. He is right. On the day, Hull wanted it more.

WHY WE WATCH FOOTBALL

This is why people love the Premier League. On paper, United should win this game every time. But football is not played on paper. It is played in front of fans who have waited years. It is played by players who refuse to accept that they are the smaller team.

It is played by guys like Semi Ajayi, who see a loose ball and decide it belongs to them.

It is played by clubs like Hull, who remember being left out and use that as motivation.

For Nigerian football, it is another reminder. We have players everywhere. Osimhen in Turkey, Iwobi in England, Lookman in Italy, and now Ajayi scoring in the Premier League. Every goal helps. Every big performance puts Nigeria on the map a little more.

ZPOTHUB will continue to bring you the latest updates on Nigerian footballers, the Premier League and major sports stories around the world.

Because afternoons like this are why we stay up late, why we argue in the group chat, why we care so much. A promoted team beats a giant. A Nigerian scores. The crowd goes wild.

That is football.

Final Score: Hull City 2 - 0 Manchester United  

Goals: Ajayi 17th minute, Mendy 38th minute  

Venue: MKM Stadium  

Attendance: 24,721

What did you make of the game? Let us know your thoughts.

By Solomon Emmanuel | ZpotHub News 

SENATE DRAGS NFF AND NSC TO THE FIRE OVER SUPER EAGLES AND SUPER FALCONS WORLD CUP SHAME

Senate Sports Committee questions NFF and NSC over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Designed: Solomon Emmanuel / ZpotHub News

ABUJA — If you are a Nigerian football fan, this week felt like salt on an old wound.

For years we have watched, complained, and hoped things would get better. On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the people at the top were finally asked to explain themselves.

The Senate Committee on Sports called an emergency meeting in Abuja. They summoned the two men in charge of Nigerian football, National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko and Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The reason was simple and painful. Nigeria failed to qualify for the men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup. And just when we thought that was the worst of it, the Super Falcons also failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Back-to-back World Cup failures. For a country like Nigeria, that is not normal. That is why the Senate said enough is enough.

WE NEED ANSWERS, SAYS THE SENATE

The meeting was chaired by Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi, who leads the Senate Committee on Sports.

From the moment it started, the tone was different. No jokes. No long speeches. Just straight questions.

Senator Ningi told Dikko and Gusau that Nigerians are tired of excuses. He said the country has been giving football everything, money, support, motivation, and yet the results keep getting worse.

He reminded them that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the budget for sports has increased. Players are getting better bonuses. Camps are better funded. The government has said clearly that it wants to see Nigerian football return to the top.

So why, he asked, are we missing the biggest tournaments in the world?

That was the purpose of the emergency meeting. The Senate wants to know where the money is going. They want to know what is wrong with the system. And they want a clear plan to fix it before we lose more years.

THE SUPER EAGLES WOUND CUTS DEEP

Let us start with the men because that one still hurts.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the biggest World Cup in history. Africa even got more qualification slots this time around.

Every Nigerian believed this was our chance. The Super Eagles have the names, the talent, and the history. We have played in six World Cups before. Missing one was bad. Missing this expanded one feels like a disaster.

But the qualifiers told a different story. Too many draws that should have been wins. Wins that came too late. Constant changes in coaching. Confusion off the pitch. By the end, the dream was gone. Nigeria will not be in USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026.

On radio, on TV, on social media, fans called it shameful. Former players said it was a failure of planning. Analysts said the team was not prepared.

In the Senate room, Senator Ningi put it plainly. He said the Super Eagles are not just a football team. They carry the pride of over 200 million people. When they fail, the whole country feels it.

THE SUPER FALCONS ALSO MISSED OUT

If the Eagles miss was painful, the Falcons miss was shocking.

Nigeria’s women have been the most consistent team we have. Since 1991, the Super Falcons have played in every single FIFA Women’s World Cup. Eleven African titles. The queens of the continent.

So when news came that they failed to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, many fans did not believe it.

But it is true.

To have both the men and the women miss out in the same cycle has never happened before. That is why this Senate meeting felt heavier than the usual ones.

Senator Ningi said the Falcons have carried Nigerian football on their backs for decades. For them to also be absent means something is deeply wrong.

Think about the young girls in academies across Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt. Girls who dream of wearing the green and white and playing on the world stage. What do we tell them now?

WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING

This was the part of the meeting where things got serious.

Senator Ningi pointed out that government support has actually gone up. More money in the budget. Bigger incentives for players. More funds for camps and logistics.

So the question he kept asking was, where is it all going?

Dikko and Gusau had to explain. They talked about programs, about plans, about technical development. They were asked to show how the funds are being used and why the results do not match the investment.

According to people at the meeting, it was a tense session but no one walked out. The message from the Senate was clear. We are no longer accepting grammar and promises. We want facts, figures and timelines.

For years fans have asked the same question online. We see money released, we see press conferences, but on the pitch nothing changes. The Senate is now asking it on our behalf.

THE PROBLEM BETWEEN NFF AND NSC

Another issue that came up is something many people have suspected for a long time. The relationship between the NFF and the NSC.

There have always been rumors that the two bodies do not work well together. Confusion over who pays for what. Who approves what. Who is in charge of which decision.

Senator Ningi addressed it directly. He said if the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing, football cannot grow.

He told both men to close ranks. To stop the internal politics. To work together for one purpose, which is to rebuild Nigerian football.

Fans know this problem too well. One day the NFF announces a camp. The next day there is confusion over allowances. One body says a coach is hired, the other body says something else. 

The Senate is saying that kind of confusion must end now.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

This meeting was not the end. It was just the beginning.

Senator Ningi said he will brief the full Senate when plenary resumes next month. That means the whole Senate will now be watching.

What could come out of that? 

First, there could be more scrutiny. The Senate may ask for a full audit of how football money is spent.

Second, we may see new recommendations or policies on how football administration should work in Nigeria.

Third, if the NFF and NSC cannot present convincing plans, there will be more pressure for changes in leadership.

For now, both Dikko and Gusau have been told to go back and come with solutions. Not speeches. Real solutions.

WHAT FANS ARE REALLY SAYING

If you check social media right now, fans are not just asking why we failed. They are asking what we are doing to make sure this never happens again.

Before the next AFCON qualifiers. Before the next World Cup cycle. Before we waste another generation of players.

People want to see a clear technical plan for both the Eagles and the Falcons. They want better youth development. They want coaches hired on merit, not because of who they know. They want transparency with money. They want less politics and more football.

The truth is the talent is still there. Nigeria is still one of the biggest football countries in Africa. The passion has not died. Go to any viewing center and you will see people still care.

What is missing is direction and leadership.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Missing the World Cup is not just about football. It is about national pride. It is about the young boy in Kaduna who wears a jersey every weekend. It is about the girl in Enugu who practices with boys because there is no girls team.

When our teams fail, it affects morale. It affects sponsors. It affects how the world sees us.

Africa is not waiting for Nigeria. Other countries are improving fast. Morocco reached a World Cup semi final. Senegal is consistent. Ghana is rebuilding. If we stay stuck in meetings and excuses, we will be left behind.

That is why this Senate intervention matters. It is a signal that the old way of doing things cannot continue.

FINAL WORD

Wednesday’s meeting will not qualify us for the next World Cup. But it is a start.

For the first time in a long time, the people running football have to answer questions in public. No hiding. No press release grammar.

The Senate has put them on notice. The fans have put them on notice.

Now we wait to see if this leads to real change, or if it will be another round of promises that go nowhere.

Nigerian football cannot afford another four years like this. The world is moving. We have to move with it, or we will be watching from home again.

And that would be the biggest shame of all.

What do you think?

Should the NFF and NSC leadership resign after these failures, or should they be given one more chance to fix it? 

Share your thoughts in the comments.

By Solomon Emmanuel | ZpotHub News 

NFF AND FIFA START REVIEW OF NIGERIA'S GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

 

NFF and FIFA have begun a two-day review of Nigeria’s amateur football system in Abuja, focusing on grassroots development and the future of Nigerian football.

ABUJA — Something big started in Abuja on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

The Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA sat down together to take a proper look at how amateur football works in Nigeria.

Two days. No politics. No press gist. Just officials, data, and one big question: how do we fix grassroots football?

Because if we’re honest, that’s where it all starts. Every Jay-Jay Okocha, every Asisat Oshoala, every Victor Osimhen began somewhere small. A dusty field. A local league. A coach who believed in them.

Right now, that “somewhere small” in Nigeria needs help. And FIFA is here to help the NFF figure out exactly what to do.

WHY GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL MATTERS SO MUCH

Let’s break it down simply.

Amateur football is the foundation. It’s the local clubs, the academies, the inter-school competitions, the community leagues where boys and girls play before anyone knows their name.

In Nigeria, millions of young people play football every day. On the streets of Lagos. On bare fields in Kano. In school compounds in Enugu.

But playing is one thing. Being developed is another.

Right now, too many talented kids fall through the cracks. No proper competition. No good coach. No scout watching. No medical support. No clear path to a professional club.

So they quit. Or they get exploited by agents. Or they end up playing for nothing.

That’s a waste. Because Nigeria has talent. We’ve always had talent.

What we’ve been missing is structure.

That’s why this NFF-FIFA review is important. It’s not about the Super Eagles today. It’s about the Super Eagles of 2030.

THE TWO-DAY REVIEW IN ABUJA

The meeting started on Wednesday in Abuja. 

NFF officials were there. FIFA development experts flew in. The goal was simple: assess the current amateur football system across Nigeria.

They’re looking at everything. 

How are local leagues run? How are clubs registered? What competitions exist for U-13, U-15, U-17 players? How are coaches trained? What facilities do we have? How do we scout players?

FIFA does this kind of review in different countries. They come in, check the system, and then make recommendations based on international standards.

For Nigeria, this is the first serious joint review in a long time.

The NFF says the idea is to get a clear picture. What’s working? What’s broken? Where do we need money, training, and support?

THE PROBLEMS NOBODY IS HIDING

Everyone in Nigerian football knows the issues. Let’s say them plainly.

1. FACILITIES ARE POOR

Too many grassroots games are played on bad pitches. No grass, no stands, no changing rooms. Sometimes even no goalposts.

2. COMPETITIONS ARE INCONSISTENT 

One year there’s a big U-17 league. Next year it disappears. Kids need regular games to improve. We don’t give them that.

3. FUNDING IS A PROBLEM

Local clubs run on passion and pocket money. No sponsorship. No support from government or private sector. Coaches sometimes pay for jerseys themselves.

4. COACHING QUALITY VARIES

We have brilliant coaches in Nigeria. But many grassroots coaches have no formal training. No license. No medical knowledge. They mean well, but they need help.

5. SCOUTING IS RANDOM

If you’re lucky, an agent sees you. If not, you don’t get seen. There’s no proper system to make sure the best players in Sokoto have the same chance as the best players in Lagos.

Put all of that together and you see why so many young players struggle to make it, even when they’re good.

WHAT FIFA BRINGS TO THE TABLE

FIFA isn’t just here to talk.

Through its development programs, FIFA has helped countries build pitches, train coaches, and set up youth competitions. They also provide technical experts and some funding.

By working directly with the NFF on this review, FIFA can see exactly where Nigeria needs support. 

Maybe it’s coach education. Maybe it’s a national youth league structure. Maybe it’s a digital registration system so every player and club is tracked.

The point is: this gives Nigeria access to global best practices. 

Countries like Japan, Germany, and Belgium didn’t become football powers by accident. They built strong grassroots systems first. FIFA can help Nigeria borrow from that playbook.

YOU MAY LIKE TO READ: Paul Pogba’s Monaco Dream Nearing a Painful End After Fresh Injury Blo

NIGERIA’S HISTORY DEPENDS ON GRASSROOTS

Think about it. 

Where did Kanu Nwankwo come from? A local club in Owerri. 

Where did Mercy Akide come from? Grassroots football in Rivers.

Where did most of our 1996 Olympic team come from? Local leagues and schools.

Natural talent has carried us this far. But football in 2026 is not just about talent. 

It’s about science. About data. About proper nutrition, medical care, and structured training from age 10.

If we don’t build that now, we’ll keep losing players to other countries. Or worse, we’ll keep producing good players who never reach their full potential.

DEVELOPING THE NEXT GENERATION

So what does a “good” amateur system look like?

Experts say it needs 4 things.

1. REGULAR COMPETITIONS

Kids should be playing every week. Not once in a while. Proper leagues with referees, records, and trophies.

2. TRAINED COACHES

Coaches who understand how to develop young players, not just win matches. Coaches who know about injury prevention and child welfare.

3. CLEAR PATHWAYS

A 14-year-old in Maiduguri should know: if I do well here, I can move to this academy, then this club, then maybe Europe. No confusion.

4. SUPPORT SYSTEMS

Medical care. Education support. Registration databases. So no player gets lost and no club operates in the dark.

If the NFF-FIFA review recommends this and the NFF actually implements it, Nigerian football could change in 5 years.

WHAT COULD ACTUALLY CHANGE

Nobody is promising stadiums tomorrow. But here’s what people are hoping comes out of this review.

Better registration for clubs and players. So we know who is who.  

A proper national youth competition structure. So talent gets tested regularly.  

Coach education programs across the 36 states. So every zone has qualified trainers.  

Investment in basic facilities. Even if it’s just 1 good pitch per local government to start.  

Scouting networks that are organized, not based on “who you know.”

For local clubs, this could mean grants, training, and legitimacy.  

For players, it could mean more games and more chances to be seen.  

For parents, it could mean some assurance that football is a real path, not just a gamble.

FOOTBALL IN NIGERIA IS AT A CROSSROADS

Let’s be real. Nigerian football has had a rough couple of years.

The Super Eagles have struggled. The domestic league needs support. Fans are frustrated.

A lot of people are saying “we need to reform the whole system, not just change coaches.”

This review is part of that. 

It’s asking: instead of always looking for quick fixes, can we go back to the root and build properly?

If we do, the benefits go beyond football. Jobs. Youth development. Community pride. Even reducing crime because kids have something to do.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE TWO DAYS

The Abuja meeting will end with a report. Recommendations. An action plan.

The hard part starts after.

Will the NFF and state FAs actually implement it? Will government and private companies invest? Will clubs buy in?

That’s where past efforts have failed. Good reports. No action.

This time, fans are watching. Players are watching. Because we’re tired of talking.

For millions of young Nigerians who love football, this is personal. They don’t care about boardroom politics. They just want to play, be trained well, and have a fair chance.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

This review is not just about football. It’s about opportunity.

In a country with so many young people, sport is one of the few areas where talent can lift you out of poverty. 

But only if the system works.

If Nigeria gets grassroots football right, we won’t just produce more Osimhens. We’ll produce coaches, referees, administrators, and a whole football industry.

That means jobs. That means pride. That means a league people actually want to watch.

FIFA knows this. The NFF knows this. Now the question is execution.

CONCLUSION

The NFF and FIFA have started something important in Abuja.

They’re looking at the foundation of Nigerian football. Not the glamour. Not the TV rights. The dusty fields and local clubs where everything begins.

The challenges are real. Poor facilities, no money, bad structure. 

But the opportunity is bigger. Nigeria has the passion. We have the players. We have the fans.

What we need now is a system that works.

If this review leads to real changes, then in 5 to 10 years we’ll look back and say: that was the moment we started building properly.

For the kid in Benin kicking a ball barefoot. For the girl in Jos dreaming of the World Cup. For every coach using his own money to buy cones.

This is for you.

Let’s hope it doesn’t end as just another meeting.

By Solomon Emmanuel | Zpothub News

Paul Pogba’s Monaco Dream Nearing a Painful End After Fresh Injury Blow

Paul Pogba’s comeback story at AS Monaco is already falling apart. 

Less than 15 months after he walked into the club with a smile and a point to prove, reports out of France say Monaco have offered him a mutual contract termination. Another injury. Another setback. And now, it looks like the partnership could be over before September 1.

If you’ve followed Pogba’s career, you know how heavy this feels.

THE BOY WHO HAD EVERYTHING

There was a time when Pogba looked untouchable. 

Remember that first spell at Juventus? Tall, powerful, hair flying, doing things with a football that didn’t make sense. He wasn’t just a midfielder. He was a highlight reel. Strength to bully you off the ball. Technique to glide past you. Vision to pick a pass nobody else saw. And that swagger — you either loved it or hated it, but you couldn’t ignore it.

That’s why Manchester United broke the world transfer record to bring him back in 2016. £89m. Back then it was madness. 

And then came 2018. Russia. The World Cup. 

Pogba in a France shirt was different. Calm. Dominant. Scoring in the final. Lifting the trophy at 25. For a lot of us, that was the peak. We thought: this is just the beginning.

WHEN THINGS STARTED GOING WRONG

But football is cruel sometimes.

The second stint at United was up and down. Injuries. Inconsistency. Too much noise off the pitch. Then he went back to Juventus in 2022 hoping for a reset.

That’s when it really got bad.

Muscle injuries kept him out. Then came the doping suspension in 2023. Four years initially. His world collapsed. Pogba later said he took a supplement by mistake, and thankfully the ban was reduced. But he lost almost two years. Two years in a footballer’s career, especially at his age, is a lifetime.

By June 2025, he needed a fresh start. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere he could just play.

That’s how he ended up at AS Monaco. Two-year deal. South of France. Less pressure than Juventus or United. The perfect place, on paper, to rebuild.

We all wanted it to work. Even the doubters.

MONACO: THE COMEBACK THAT NEVER HAPPENED

If I’m being honest, the signs were there early.

Pogba arrived with hope. The fans wanted to believe. The club wanted to believe. But his body just wouldn’t cooperate.

Since he signed, he’s barely played. A handful of appearances. That’s it. 

Every time he started to get fit, something else happened. Hamstring. Calf. Muscle fatigue. He’d be back in training, post a photo, and then disappear again for weeks.

Monaco are not a charity project. They have ambitions. They want to compete in Ligue 1 and in Europe. And when you’re paying the wages of a World Cup winner, you need him on the pitch, not in the physio room.

Club officials tried to be patient. They gave him time, a tailored program, everything. But football doesn’t wait.

The final blow came in training last week. Another injury. This time his left thigh. It happened right after he’d just returned to full group sessions. He was finally looking close to a real role in the team this season.

That was it. According to reports from France, Monaco’s management sat down and decided they couldn’t keep going like this. So they’ve offered Pogba a mutual termination. 

The ball is in his court now. But everyone knows how this ends.

READ MORE ON SPORTS: NFF AND FIFA START REVIEW OF NIGERIA'S GRASSROOTS FOOTBALL

WHAT HAPPENS IF HE LEAVES?

If Pogba and Monaco shake hands and walk away, he becomes a free agent again. At 33.

That’s the scary part.

On one hand, he’s still Paul Pogba. He still has that brain. That passing range. That ability to control a game when he’s fit. Clubs in MLS, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, maybe even back to Ligue 1 somewhere smaller could come calling.

On the other hand... who takes the gamble? 

His last three years have been: injury, suspension, injury, injury. No club wants to pay big money and big wages for a player who might only give you 10 games.

And it’s not just about money. It’s about rhythm. About trust. Can his body handle a full season anymore? Can he handle the intensity of top-level football at 33 after so much time out?

Those are the questions his agent will be answering on phone calls for the next few weeks.

WHY THIS STINGS FOR FANS

Let’s be real. We wanted the movie ending.

The ban gets reduced. He goes to Monaco. He finds his legs. He starts dictating games again. Maybe he gets a late call-up for France. Maybe he goes to the 2026 World Cup. 

That’s the story we had in our heads.

Instead, we’re here talking about contract terminations and another rehab.

It’s painful because we’ve seen what he can do. We’ve seen him boss a midfield for club and country. We’ve seen the passes, the goals from 30 yards, the celebrations, the personality. Pogba brought joy to football. He danced, he smiled, he played with freedom.

And now it feels like that version of him is slipping away.

Football has given us comeback stories before. Ibrahimovic at 38. Messi winning the World Cup at 35. Ronaldo still scoring at 39. So it’s not impossible.

But those guys stayed relatively fit. Pogba’s biggest opponent hasn’t been other midfielders. It’s been his own body.

THE HUMAN SIDE OF IT

Think about it from his side for a second.

You’re 33. You’ve won everything. World Cup. League titles. But the last few years have been hell. Injuries. A ban you say wasn’t your fault. Headlines. Doubt. People writing you off.

You sign for Monaco to prove them wrong. You train twice a day. You do the boring rehab. You finally feel good. And then your thigh goes again.

That messes with your head. It has to.

The reports say Pogba is devastated but wants to keep going. He still loves the game. He still believes he has something to give. 

The question is whether football still has a place for him.

WHAT COULD BE NEXT

If he leaves Monaco, he has options. Just not the ones he had at 25.

Option 1: Go to MLS. Less intense, more lifestyle, big market. Beckham’s Inter Miami type of move.  

Option 2: Saudi Pro League. Money is there, and they love a big name.  

Option 3: Stay in Europe but drop a level. Ligue 1 mid-table, Turkey, Portugal. Somewhere he can play without crazy pressure.  

Option 4: The hardest one — retire.

I don’t think he’s ready for Option 4. Not yet. Players like Pogba don’t quit easily. The fire doesn’t just go out.

But he’ll have to be honest with himself. Is he chasing football because he loves it, or because he’s trying to prove something? There’s a difference.

A CAREER DEFINED BY HIGHS AND LOWS

It’s wild when you lay it all out.

Juventus prodigy. United record signing. World Cup winner. Then injuries. Then a ban. Then Monaco. Now potentially another free agency.

No other player of his generation has had a career arc like this. 

At his best, Pogba could do things that made you jump off the couch. That ball to Rashford against Arsenal. That volley for France. That game against Spain in the Nations League. He was capable of winning matches by himself.

And he did it with style. The haircuts. The dances. The interviews. He was never boring.

Maybe that’s why this Monaco situation feels so sad. It’s not just about a player getting injured. It’s about watching someone who gave us so much joy struggle to find his way back.

THE NEXT FEW WEEKS

So what now?

Pogba and his team have a decision to make. Accept Monaco’s offer, leave with respect, and start looking for club number 5. Or try to fight, stay, and prove he can still contribute.

Monaco have to think about their squad too. They can’t wait forever.

Whatever happens, September 1 is the deadline everyone is watching. If there’s no announcement by then, maybe he stays and tries one more time. If there is, then we start the next chapter.

FINAL THOUGHT

Paul Pogba’s story isn’t over. It can’t be. Not with the talent he has.

But the Monaco chapter might be. And if it is, it’ll go down as another “what if” in a career full of them.

What if he stayed fit at United?  

What if the ban never happened?  

What if his body held up at Monaco?

We’ll never know.

What we do know is this: football is better when Pogba is playing. And a lot of people around the world will be hoping, one more time, that he gets to show us that player again.

Because the game misses him. Not the drama. Not the headlines. The player.

By Victor Nwanga | ZpotHub News

JOSÉ MOURINHO REVEALS HE ALMOST BECAME MANCHESTER UNITED MANAGER IN 2013 BEFORE RETURNING TO CHELSEA

LONDON — Football history could have looked very different. 

In a stunning revelation, José Mourinho has disclosed that he had agreed to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson as Manchester United manager in the summer of 2013, before changing his mind at the last minute and returning to Chelsea.

For years, the story was that David Moyes had always been Manchester United’s first choice to replace Sir Alex. But Mourinho’s latest comments suggest the truth behind the scenes was far more complicated.

THE SUMMER EVERYTHING CHANGED

May 2013. 

After 26 years, 38 trophies, and turning Manchester United into the dominant force in English football, Sir Alex Ferguson announced his retirement. The news sent shockwaves across the football world.

Immediately, the question on everyone’s lips was: Who can possibly replace him?

One name kept coming up. José Mourinho.

He had just finished a second spell at Real Madrid. He was a Champions League winner with Porto and Inter Milan. He had already won the Premier League with Chelsea. He had the personality, the winning record, and the experience to handle the biggest job in England.

Now, Mourinho says Manchester United did approach him. And the talks went far.

According to Mourinho, discussions with United progressed to the point where he had effectively agreed to take the job at Old Trafford.

"The opportunity was huge," Mourinho said. "For me, Real Madrid is still the biggest club in the world. But Manchester United is right there with them. The history, the fans, the global reach... it’s massive."

So what happened? Why didn’t he take it?

THE PHONE CALL THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING

The most surprising part of the story is how it ended.

Sir Alex Ferguson has now confirmed Mourinho’s account. Ferguson said United did approach Mourinho and that he personally spoke with him. He believed a deal was in place.

Then Mourinho called him.

Ferguson recalled that Mourinho told him he had already given his word to Chelsea and that he could not go back on that promise.

"I understand," Ferguson reportedly said. "But I was disappointed. Because I knew he was the right man."

Mourinho chose loyalty over opportunity. He had made a commitment to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich and decided to honor it, even though it meant turning down Manchester United.

That one decision changed the course of football history.

FROM MOURINHO TO MOYES

With Mourinho out of the picture, Manchester United turned to David Moyes.

Moyes had done an excellent job at Everton for 11 years. But going from Everton straight to replacing Sir Alex Ferguson was always going to be one of the toughest jobs in sport.

It didn’t work out.

Moyes struggled with the pressure, the expectations, and the size of the club. United finished 7th in the league, their worst finish in the Premier League era. Less than a year later, he was sacked.

That began a period of instability at Old Trafford. Since Ferguson left in 2013, United have had 6 permanent managers: Moyes, Van Gaal, Mourinho, Solskjaer, Rangnick, and Ten Hag. 

Trophies have come, but the consistency and dominance United had under Ferguson have not returned.

READ MORE ON SPORTS: BARCELONA PREPARE NEW BID FOR RODRI AFTER €50M OFFER REJECTED AS TRANSFER SAGA HEATS UP

MOURINHO GOES BACK TO CHELSEA: "THE HAPPY ONE"

While United were struggling, Mourinho returned to Stamford Bridge.

He famously called himself "The Happy One" in his second spell at Chelsea. And he had reason to be happy.

In the 2014-15 season, Mourinho led Chelsea to the Premier League title. He also won the League Cup that year. It was another reminder of why he is considered one of the best managers of his generation.

For Mourinho, going back to Chelsea made sense. He knew the club. He knew the fans. He knew the league. 

But for Manchester United fans, it was the start of a long "what if."

THE BIG "WHAT IF": WHAT IF MOURINHO HAD JOINED IN 2013?

This is the debate that will never die.

Many believe that if Mourinho had taken the United job in 2013, the club’s post-Ferguson era would have been completely different.

Mourinho in 2013 was at his peak. He was coming off Real Madrid. He had just managed Cristiano Ronaldo, built teams around winners, and thrived under pressure. United needed exactly that type of personality to steady the ship.

Supporters argue he could have prevented the 7th place finish. He could have kept United competing for the title every year. He could have given the club the winning mentality it needed during a transition.

Others are not so sure. 

Replacing Sir Alex was never going to be easy for anyone. The expectation to play "the United way," the pressure from the media, the size of the rebuild... it broke many good managers. Even Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp would have found it difficult.

We will never know. But the possibility is what makes the story so fascinating.

MOURINHO FINALLY ARRIVES AT UNITED IN 2016

Ironically, Mourinho did end up at Manchester United. 

Three years later, in 2016, after Louis van Gaal was sacked, United finally appointed him.

And he delivered silverware. In his first season, he won the EFL Cup, the Community Shield, and the UEFA Europa League. The Europa League win was especially important because it put United back into the Champions League.

But the Premier League title never came. By 2018, relationships with players and the board broke down. Results became inconsistent. 

United sacked him in December 2018.

So even when "The Special One" finally arrived at Old Trafford, it was too late to recreate the Ferguson era.

ONE PROMISE, ONE DIFFERENT FUTURE

When you look back, it all comes down to one phone call.

One promise made to Chelsea. 

If Mourinho had not made that call to Ferguson, if he had not felt bound by his word to Abramovich, he would have been Manchester United manager from 2013.

No David Moyes. No 7th place finish. Maybe no decade of instability.

But football doesn’t work on "ifs." 

Mourinho made a choice based on loyalty. In a business where managers jump ship for money all the time, that says something about his character.

Ferguson respected it, even though he was disappointed.

HOW FANS HAVE REACTED

Since the story came out, fans have been debating it non-stop.

Manchester United fans: "We should have had him in 2013. We would have won 2 or 3 more league titles by now."

Chelsea fans: "Thank God he chose us. That 2015 title was special."

Neutrals: "This is the biggest what if in Premier League history."

The truth is, nobody can prove what would have happened. But the timing matters. Mourinho in 2013 was different from Mourinho in 2016. The club in 2013 was different from the club in 2016.

THE BIGGER LESSON

There are two lessons from this story.

First, timing is everything in football. A manager, a player, a club... everything has to align at the right moment. Miss that moment, and history changes.

Second, loyalty still exists. Mourinho could have taken the United job and explained it away later. But he didn’t. He remembered his promise and stuck to it, even at great personal and professional cost.

FINAL THOUGHT

So now we know the full story.

In the summer of 2013, José Mourinho and Manchester United were very close to becoming one. Sir Alex wanted him. The board wanted him. The deal was there.

But a promise to Chelsea changed everything.

Mourinho went back to Stamford Bridge, won the Premier League, and left United fans to wonder what could have been.

Three years later he did arrive at Old Trafford. He won trophies. But the moment had passed.

Football history often turns on small decisions. One conversation. One phone call. One promise.

And in this case, that promise to Chelsea altered the path of Manchester United for the next decade.

What do you think? Would Manchester United have been better off if Mourinho had taken the job in 2013? Let us know.

By Nwanga Victor | ZpotHub News

Reporting from London

BARCELONA PREPARE NEW BID FOR RODRI AFTER €50M OFFER REJECTED AS TRANSFER SAGA HEATS UP

BARCELONA — Barcelona’s pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri has entered a decisive stage.

The Catalan club saw their opening offer, reported to be around €50 million, turned down by Manchester City. But instead of walking away, Barcelona have doubled down. They believe the deal is still very much possible.

The main reason for their confidence? Rodri himself reportedly wants the move.

BARCELONA TEST THE WATERS, CITY REJECT FIRST BID

Let’s rewind.

Barcelona have been searching for a true midfield anchor for years. Since Sergio Busquets retired, they have tried different combinations. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Gavi. All talented. But none of them are that natural "pivot" who can control a game from deep.

That’s why Rodri became the target.

Since arriving at Manchester City from Atletico Madrid, Rodri has developed into arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football. Under Pep Guardiola, he has become the player who makes City tick.

So Barcelona decided to make their move. 

Their first proposal was worth about €50 million.

Manchester City’s answer was immediate: Rejected.

For most clubs, that would be the end of it. But not Barcelona. Not when it comes to Rodri.

Sources close to the talks say negotiations are still ongoing. Barcelona’s sporting leadership view Rodri as their top priority this summer and are preparing to return with an improved offer.

WHY BARCELONA ARE SO CONFIDENT

If City said no, why does Barcelona still feel optimistic?

The answer comes down to the player.

Multiple reports from Spain and England claim that Rodri has made his position clear inside Manchester City. He has reportedly told the club that his preferred destination is Barcelona.

That changes everything.

When a player of Rodri’s stature expresses a desire to leave, it puts pressure on the selling club. City can no longer simply say "not for sale" and shut the door. They have to deal with it.

For Barcelona, this is a massive boost. 

Rodri wants to return to Spain. He wants to be the central figure in Barcelona’s new project. He wants to lead the midfield for the club he supported growing up.

That desire has given Barcelona the motivation to keep pushing. The feeling inside the club is that if they can agree a fee with City, the personal terms will not be a problem.

WHO IS RODRI AND WHY BARCELONA NEED HIM

So why is Barcelona willing to spend big on this one player?

Because Rodri is not just another midfielder. He is the controller.

Since joining City from Atletico Madrid, he has become irreplaceable for Pep Guardiola. 

Here’s what he brings:

1. Tempo control - When City need to slow the game down, the ball goes to Rodri. When they need to speed it up, he’s the one who starts the attack.

2. Defensive security - He reads the game two steps ahead. His interceptions, positioning, and tackles break up opposition attacks before they start.

3. Playmaking from deep - He dictates play like a quarterback. Line-breaking passes, switches of play, and composure under pressure are all part of his game.

4. Big-game goals - He scores when it matters. The Champions League final winner against Inter Milan is the perfect example.

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In many ways, he is the ideal successor to Sergio Busquets. But with more physical presence and a greater goal threat.

For Barcelona, signing Rodri would be more than just a transfer. It would be a statement of intent. 

It would tell La Liga, Real Madrid, and the rest of Europe that Barcelona are serious about returning to the top by signing the best Spanish talent and building around them.

After years of midfield rotation and uncertainty, Barcelona need stability, intelligence, and experience. Rodri provides all three.

MANCHESTER CITY WILL NOT MAKE IT EASY

Let’s be realistic. Manchester City have no reason to sell.

First, Rodri is under contract. City are under no pressure to let him go.

Second, he is a fundamental part of Pep Guardiola’s system. Remove Rodri from that City team and the entire structure changes. There are maybe two or three players in the world who can do what he does, and none of them are available.

Third, this is Manchester City. They don’t need the money.

So if Barcelona want Rodri, they will have to pay a huge fee.

Expect City to demand significantly more than €50 million. Some reports suggest they would want closer to €100 million before even considering a sale. And even then, they might still refuse.

That’s why the next few days will be critical.

BARCELONA’S PLAN: A BIGGER AND SMARTER OFFER

Barcelona know that €50 million is not enough.

So what’s the next step?

According to reports, Barcelona are working on a significantly improved proposal. But they also have to be smart because of Financial Fair Play rules.

Instead of offering all cash up front, they are exploring different structures:

1. Higher base fee - The initial amount will increase.

2. Performance bonuses - Additional payments if Rodri wins La Liga, the Champions League, or individual awards.

3. Add-ons - Fees based on appearances, assists, and trophies.

4. Installments - Spreading the payment over 3 to 4 years to make it more manageable.

The goal is to make the total package attractive to Manchester City while keeping it financially viable for Barcelona.

Club officials are working behind the scenes right now. Calls are being made. Meetings are happening. Agents are involved.

WHAT RODRI WOULD BRING TO BARCELONA

If this transfer happens, it instantly transforms Barcelona.

Picture a midfield with Rodri sitting deep, and Pedri and Gavi or Frenkie de Jong ahead of him. That’s balance. That’s control. That’s a mix of experience and youth.

Rodri would give Barcelona something they haven’t had since Busquets left: a midfielder who can dictate the tempo of a game without looking rushed.

He would allow Pedri to play further forward. He would provide protection to the defense. He would become the leader and voice in midfield.

And because he is Spanish, he would fit into the club culture immediately. There would be no adaptation period. He already knows La Liga and he understands the pressure that comes with playing for Barcelona.

This would be one of the biggest transfers of the summer window. Possibly the biggest.

THE CURRENT STANDOFF: CONFIDENCE VS RESISTANCE

This is where things stand right now:

Barcelona: Confident. They have the player’s preference. They are preparing a new bid. They believe a deal can be done.

Manchester City: Firm. They do not want to sell. They will demand a huge fee and will take their time.

Rodri: Wants Barcelona. But he is also professional enough to continue performing for City if the move does not happen.

That’s why this story has become one of the biggest talking points in European football.

FAN REACTION

Barcelona fans are desperate for this signing.

"Finally, a proper number 6."  

"Pay whatever it takes."  

"If Rodri signs, we win La Liga."

Manchester City fans feel differently.

"Not for sale."  

"€150 million or nothing."  

"Pep will never let him go."

The debate is everywhere on social media, and it’s only going to get louder as the window goes on.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT

This deal is far from done. But it is also far from dead.

Here are the three things to watch in the coming days:

1. Barcelona’s new bid - The amount and structure will show how serious they are.

2. Manchester City’s response - Will they reject again, or will they open negotiations?

3. Rodri’s position - Will he make a public statement, or keep things private?

That’s how transfer windows work. One day it looks impossible. The next day, a new offer changes everything.

FINAL WORD

Barcelona want Rodri. 

They made a €50 million offer. Manchester City said no.

But Barcelona are not giving up. They are preparing to come back with more money, more bonuses, and more determination.

Their biggest advantage is Rodri himself. A Spanish international who reportedly wants to return home and lead Barcelona’s midfield for the next 5 to 7 years.

Manchester City will fight to keep him. And they should. He is that important to them.

But in football, when a player wants the move and the buying club refuses to give up, deals tend to get done.

For now, we wait.

Negotiations continue. Barcelona remain confident. Manchester City remain firm.

And Rodri’s future is one of the biggest stories in European football.

Will he be wearing the Blaugrana next season? We may find out soon.

What do you think? Should Barcelona pay whatever it takes to sign Rodri? Let us know in the comments.

By Nwanga Victor| ZpotHub News  

Reporting from Barcelona