Sports
Neymar Faces Possible $1m Fine Over Brazil Property Work
Published
2 years agoon
By
Editor
A “major construction” project at Brazilian football star Neymar’s mansion in Rio de Janeiro state was halted on Thursday for “environmental infractions,” which could result in a fine of some $1 million, authorities said.
The project was underway “without environmental authorization” on the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil national team player’s luxury property in Mangaratiba, some 130 kilometers (80 miles) from Rio de Janeiro, the mayor’s office said in a statement.
The authorities, alerted by complaints posted on social media, discovered “various environmental infractions,” including the diversion of a waterway, and the unauthorized extraction of water from a river.
READ ALSO: ‘Love’ll Strengthen Us’ — Neymar Seeks Forgiveness Of Girlfriend After Cheating
They also discovered unauthorized excavation and movement of earth, stones and rocks, as well as the use of beach sand without a permit.
“The next step will be to make an assessment of the irregularities found and issue a fine which, according to estimates and in view of the environmental damage caused, will not be less than five million reais (about $1 million),” the mayor’s office said.
Neymar’s representatives in Brazil have not responded to AFP’s request for comment.
The footballer’s father, Neymar da Silva Santos, was on site during the inspection and can be heard arguing with officials in a video published by authorities and carried by local media.
READ ALSO: Blow For Man United As Chelsea Open Talks To Sign Neymar
Neymar bought the property in 2016. According to local media, it sits on 10,000 square meters (2.5 acres) of land and includes a helipad, spa and gym.
The 31-year-old striker is currently recovering from an operation on his right ankle, which he underwent in Doha, Qatar, in March.
He has not played since February, and doubts have arisen as to whether he will remain at PSG.
You may like
Ancelotti Tells Neymar To Prepare Well For World Cup
Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19
Neymar On Target For Santos With First Goal Since 2023
Why I No Longer Have Whatsapp Group With Messi, Neymar – Suarez
Neymar Reveals Why His Club, PSG Did Not Win Last Champions League
Neymar’s Father arrested For Environmental Crime
Sports
2026 World Cup: All You Need To Know About South Africa Vs Nigeria Match
Published
2 days agoon
September 8, 2025By
Editor
The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will take centre stage on Tuesday as South Africa’s Bafana Bafana host the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
With Group C reaching its climax, both teams are under pressure to get a result. South Africa aims to solidify its position at the top of the group, while Nigeria is desperate for a win to keep its World Cup hopes alive.
Current standings
Bafana Bafana lead the group on 16 points after sweeping aside Lesotho 3-0 in their last outing. Nigeria trails in third with 10 points, just one shy of Benin Republic, who sit second. On Sunday, the Eagles narrowly edged Rwanda 1-0 to stay in the race.
READ ALSO:Full List: Countries Most And Least Likely To Get US Visa For 2026 World Cup
Eagles under pressure
Nigeria’s inconsistent form—only two wins in five matches—means this tie could prove pivotal. Adding to the challenge, Hugo Broos’ South Africa are on a three-match unbeaten run at home and have won three qualifiers in a row.
Injury watch and key battles
The availability of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain after the striker suffered a knock against Rwanda.
Historically, Nigeria hold a slight edge in the rivalry with two wins in their last seven meetings.
READ ALSO:[FULL LIST] 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia Lead Groups
Still, the South Africa team has been tough to beat on home soil, avoiding defeat in their last three games against the Eagles, including a 1-1 stalemate in 2024.
Rivalry
Nigeria’s last away win against South Africa came at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Securing another statement victory on Tuesday would provide a huge boost to their qualification hopes.
Kickofft
The clash kicks off at 5 p.m. Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.
Fans can follow the action live on SuperSport, SportyBet TV, and AfroSport.
Sports
Why I Won’t Let My Siblings Play In NPFL —Ex-Eagles Midfielder Haruna Lukman
Published
2 days agoon
September 8, 2025By
Editor
Former Super Eagles midfielder, Haruna Lukman , has stated that he will never recommend any of his siblings to play in the Nigerian league.
Speaking during an interview on The Abu Azeez Podcast and sighted by PUNCH Online on Monday, the ex-Nigerian international said the Nigerian league is characterised by match fixing, citing a recent match between Rivers FC against Ikorodu City.
“The Nigerian Premier League is very poor, I am very sorry to say. They do not respect the senior ones who played in Europe, because coming down to play in Nigeria, they need to show us some respect. It is not easy to win something abroad, and when you decide to come back home to play, they offer you peanuts.
“For me Nigerian league is out of it, because I don’t see the Nigerian league as a league. I watched a competition they played at Onikan, it was my first time witnessing it. I went to watch Rivers against Ikorodu City. I sat down at the VIP and witnessed all sorts of match fixing by the referees, favouring one team against the other. I can’t advise any of my siblings or any of my siblings to play in the Nigerian league, ” he said.
READ ALSO:
Having played professionally in Europe, the individual expected a degree of respect, recognition, and fair treatment upon returning to Nigeria, but instead encountered a disappointing and disheartening environment.
The former AS Monaco star also revealed shocking details of the crisis that rocked Nigeria’s camp during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, stressing that the Super Eagles lacked unity and discipline both on and off the pitch.
“At the 2010 World Cup, it wasn’t just about football. There were serious issues. Some players fought physically, others spiritually. We didn’t play as a team. Everyone wanted to shine individually,” Haruna revealed.
Nigeria, coached then by Swedish tactician Lars Lagerbäck, crashed out of the group stage after failing to win any of their three matches, drawing once and losing twice.
READ ALSO:
Haruna insisted that the problems were beyond tactics, stressing that disunity and personal interests overshadowed national pride.
“We attacked each other spiritually. It was so bad that you could feel the disconnection on the pitch. That’s why we failed,” he added.
The Super Eagles’ 2010 campaign remains one of the most disappointing in Nigeria’s World Cup history, and Haruna’s revelations shed new light on the behind-the-scenes turmoil that contributed to the poor outing.
Sports
FULL LIST: 17 Nations Secure 2026 FIFA World Cup Spots
Published
2 days agoon
September 8, 2025By
Editor
As the excitement builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 17 nations from around the world have officially secured their places in football’s most prestigious tournament. With the expanded 48-team format, qualification has taken on new intensity, and several countries have already emerged from their regional qualifiers victorious.
The three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—earned automatic qualification, setting the stage for an unprecedented North American joint-hosting.
This historic collaboration marks the first time the World Cup will be hosted across three countries, promising a diverse and wide-reaching celebration of the global game.
READ ALSO:W’Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Edge Rwanda 1-0 To Revive Qualification Hopes
In Asia, Japan became the first team to secure qualification on March 20, 2025, followed closely by Iran on March 25. New Zealand clinched Oceania’s guaranteed spot with a decisive 3–0 victory over New Caledonia on March 24.
South America, as expected, saw heavyweights seal their places. Argentina qualified after a crucial draw between Uruguay and Bolivia on March 25. Later, Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Colombia booked their places between June and early September, ensuring strong representation from the continent.
Of the countries on the radar, Australia remains the only nation yet to confirm qualification. The Socceroos are still fighting for a spot in the Asian qualifying rounds.
Current List of qualified nations
READ ALSO:[FULL LIST] 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia Lead Groups
USA – Qualified (Host)
Mexico – Qualified (Host)
Canada – Qualified (Host)
Japan – Qualified (March 20, 2025)
New Zealand – Qualified (March 24, 2025)
Iran – Qualified (March 25, 2025)
Jordan qualified from Asia
South Korea qualified from Asia
Uzbekistan Qualified from Asia
Australia – Qualified (June 5, 2025)
Brazil – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Ecuador – Qualified (June 10, 2025)
Uruguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Paraguay – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Colombia – Qualified (Early September 2025)
Argentina qualified in early September
Morocco qualified as the first country from CAF
With qualification ongoing in several confederations, the focus now shifts to Europe, Africa, and the remaining Asian teams. Football fans worldwide eagerly await the final list, promising an exciting 2026 World Cup filled with new rivalries and thrilling showdowns.
- Doctors To Decide On Nationwide Strike Today
- Warri Delineation: Ijaw, Urhobo Boycott CVR, Demand S’Court Judgment Implementation
- Union Gloves vs Corporate Fists: The Dangote–NUPENG Showdown
- 5000 Itsekiri Graduates Of Novena Varsity Not Part Of Scholarship Beneficiaries — PAP
- Edo Govt Denies Shares As Ownership Tussle Rocks Ossiomo Power
- Delta Govt Closes Six Unapproved Schools
- Protection Of National Assets Collective effort, Says NSCDC
- Tragedy As Traders, Ocha Brigade Clash At Onitsha Market
- Customs Appoint New Controller For Ondo/Ekiti Command
- Thai Court Orders Ex-PM Back To Prison Over Unlawful Hospitalisation
Trending
- Entertainment5 days ago
Why I Can Share My Husband With My Friend — Regina Daniels
- Metro5 days ago
Woman Allegedly Stabs Husband To Death Over Suspicious Neighbour In Delta
- Metro5 days ago
Panic As Fire Guts Fuel Station In Ikorodu
- News5 days ago
Peju Ogunmola’s Family Breaks Silence On Cause Of Son’s Death
- News5 days ago
NUPENG Tanker Drivers Announce Strike Over CNG Trucks Dispute
- Metro4 days ago
Lagos Designer, Deb’rah Porsche Killed By Ex
- Entertainment5 days ago
Why I Left Fela’s Band – Femi Kuti Reveals
- Sports5 days ago
[FULL LIST] 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Egypt, Ivory Coast, Tunisia Lead Groups
- News4 days ago
Scientists Find Proof That Breast Cancer Recurrence Can Be Eliminated
- Politics3 days ago
Guber Polls: Primate Ayodele Releases Prophecies On Anambra, Ekiti, Osun