Matches continued across centres in the ongoing 6th edition of U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament in Lagos at the weekend even as teams recorded more victories to stand in good position moving to the next stage of the competition.

At Lekki playground on Friday, Rock Boys from Oshodi spanked United Stars of Mafoluku, Oshodi in game that ended 1-0, while Ultimate Villa of Ikorodu beat Mushiner Babes from Mushin 2-0.

At Ojo Oniyun playground in Ebute Metta, Greater Tomorrow of Lagos Island were too much for Phoenix Boys from Apapa as they triumphed in a match that ended 3-1. It was penalty shootouts that decided the game between Striker Academy of Oko Oba and Young Boys from Ogijo after they played 2-2 draw in the regulation time. Striker Academy, however, carried the day with 5-4 penalties.

On Sunday, Dollar Boys of Ifako lost 1-2 to Future Babes from Oshodi, Landa Boys of Okokomaiko also lost their game 0-2 to Thank God Boys.

Meanwhile, the Chairman Organising Committee of the tournament, Samuel Omolola, commended the spirit of sportsmanship exhibited by the teams since the beginning of the tournament.

The tournament is sponsored by JOF Nigeria Limited, a wholly indigenous Nigerian company, which prides itself in the development of talent of the Nigerian youth

Morocco has been confirmed as one of the hosts for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic milestone for African football.

However, this achievement is being overshadowed by disturbing allegations of animal cruelty.

Despite Morocco’s official commitment to animal welfare and a nationwide ban on animal culling, which was included in its bid to co-host the tournament, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) claims the government has continued with mass killings of stray animals.

According to the NSPCA, Moroccan authorities have justified these killings as part of a rabies control strategy. However, recent footage captured by community members—some as recent as December 2024—allegedly shows government-employed workers brutally rounding up and killing dogs.

The reported methods of culling include:

Poisoning with strychnine, either through direct injection or by placing it in food

Prolonged suffering, as poisoned dogs are left to endure agonising deaths

Animal Welfare Organisations Condemn Morocco’s Actions
Several international animal welfare organisations, including Eurogroup for Animals, Deutscher Tierschutzbund, Animais de Rua, Animal Protection Denmark, DJGT, La SPA, FOUR PAWS, LAV, and SEY, have written to FIFA urging action.

Their letter highlights that killing street dogs is not an effective long-term solution to managing stray populations. Instead, they advocate for humane and sustainable approaches, such as sterilisation programmes and vaccination campaigns.

Calls for FIFA to Address the Issue
Animal rights groups are now pressing FIFA to intervene and ensure that Morocco upholds its commitment to animal welfare ahead of the 2030 World Cup.

This controversy raises serious ethical concerns about the country’s preparations for the tournament and whether FIFA will take action in response to these allegations.

Despite the persistent speculation regarding Victor Osimhen‘s potential transfer to Manchester United, the associated financial complexities render such a move highly unlikely.

The Nigerian striker, expected to leave Napoli permanently after the 2024/25 season, has been on the radar of several top clubs, including Arsenal and Chelsea. However, with United undergoing financial restructuring, signing Osimhen may be out of reach.

Reports suggest that the 26-year-old could command wages of around £20 million per season, a figure that United’s hierarchy is reluctant to match.

Osimhen is pursuing a substantial salary that would likely establish him as the highest-paid player within the club. This financial requirement comes as a pivotal condition for his potential transfer to the prestigious Premier League team, Manchester United.

His impressive performance record and market value significantly influence these salary expectations, reflecting his desire to secure a contract that mirrors his contributions on the field.

The Red Devils, who are actively working to reduce their wage bill from last season’s staggering £365 million, are unlikely to pursue such an expensive deal.

Former Manchester City financial advisor Stefan Borson weighed in on the matter, stating that United’s current financial state does not align with signing a player of Osimhen’s profile. Speaking in an interview recently, Borson expressed skepticism about the club’s ability and willingness to afford both the transfer fee and the player’s wages,

“I think there are two aspects to the Osimhen deal, one is whether they could do it, whether they have the cash. I suspect they don’t and would need shareholders to inject more funds or take on additional borrowing,” Borson remarked.

Beyond the financial constraints, Borson suggested that Osimhen does not fit United’s current recruitment strategy.

Under their new transfer policy, the club has prioritised younger players on lower wages to stabilise long-term finances,

“A player like Osimhen is absolutely not the type of target United are pursuing in this phase,” he added.

Even if United could meet Napoli’s expected £62 million price tag, Borson argued that Osimhen’s wage demands would be the biggest obstacle,

“He’s another one of these players who falls into the £20m-a-year bracket. I don’t see United investing again at that level while restructuring,” he explained.

While Osimhen’s next move remains uncertain, one thing appears clear, Manchester United, at least in their current state, are unlikely to be his next destination.

With Arsenal reportedly interested in triggering his €75 million release clause and Chelsea’s past pursuit, the Nigerian forward’s future may lie elsewhere.

For now, Osimhen continues to impress on loan at Galatasaray, where he has notched over 22 goals and five assists in over 28 appearances this season.