All is set for the 22nd National Sports Festival as the event’s torch has landed in the host city, Abeokuta. It was received at a brief ceremony at the city gate by the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

The state’s executive council members as well as members of the state’s assembly and some traditional rulers, were on hand at the ceremony.

The Maracana Stadium will be one of eight venues across Brazil to host matches at the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the first edition to be held in Latin America, FIFA announced on Wednesday.

In addition to the iconic venue in Rio de Janeiro, the 64 matches of the competition will be played in Belo Horizonte (Mineirao Stadium), Brasilia (National Stadium), Fortaleza (Castelao Arena), Porto Alegre (Beira-Rio Stadium), Recife (Pernambuco Arena), Salvador (Fonte Nova Arena) and Sao Paulo (Itaquera Arena).

“From samba to frevo, from stunning beaches to cosmopolitan cities, the world will experience the energy, colour and warmth that only Brazil can offer,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“We will continue to work closely with the selected host cities on the exciting journey ahead of us, creating unforgettable moments in each of their stadiums in 2027, and ensuring that this tournament has a major and widespread positive impact.”

The tournament to be played between June 24 and July 25, 2027, will feature 32 participating teams.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 will mark a historic milestone as the tournament heads to South America for the very first time,” said FIFA general secretary Mattias Grafstrom.

“The women’s game continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, and bringing the tournament to Brazil will inspire a new generation across the continent and beyond.”

-Reuters

Manchester United will have to push hard to win the Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao despite their 3-0 win in the first leg, manager Ruben Amorim said on Wednesday.

United have put themselves in the driving seat for a place in the final in Bilbao thanks to three first-half goals in the Spanish city on Thursday.

The Old Trafford club is struggling domestically, however, languishing in 15th place in the Premier League, and Amorim said they should take nothing for granted.

“If you look at our team, we cannot say today what is going to happen. There are some teams in any league that can understand the game is going to be like this and could change a little bit,” Amorim told reporters.

“We have to face the game as one more game. I feel we have to score to go to the next round. That is how we are going to approach the game. We will have to suffer a little bit to go to the final, and we are ready to suffer.”

United will be without the services of centre back Matthijs de Ligt after the 25-year-old Dutchman picked up an injury in their 4-3 defeat at Brentford on Sunday.

“It’s not a big issue, that is a good thing. He cannot play tomorrow or Sunday, but then we will check day by day, we will see. (Centre back) Ayden (Heaven) doesn’t recover. (Defensive midfielder) Toby (Collyer) is not available,” the Portuguese boss said.

Athletic have their own injury concerns, with winger Nico Williams and his older brother Inaki both set to miss Thursday’s second leg at Old Trafford.

Amorim was also asked about Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes, who has been a subject of speculation over a move to the Saudi Pro League in recent days.

Amorim said United want to hold on to their 30-year-old captain, who has scored 19 goals and provided 18 assists in 52 matches in all competitions this campaign for the club.

“I think it is easy to understand that (transfer speculation), not just because of the numbers but the way he plays,” Amorim added.

“He is a top player and we need top players. He is a leader, the captain.”

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