“Trump is a sports fan at heart”, President of the United States was described this way by the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, in statements to the German Press Agency (DPA). Despite political tensions and the fires in California, Bach believes that the 2026 World Cup and the LA28 are assured. The Olympic leader highlighted that Donald Trump “was involved in the bidding phase of both events, campaigning in one way or another in favour of the World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Games. That’s why I’m sure he will support them.”

The 2026 Football World Cup, which will be jointly organised by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the LA28 Games, have been the subject of speculation due to the political conflicts Trump has had with these countries and the criticism he has directed at California Governor Gavin Newsom as a result of the recent fires that have ravaged Los Angeles. Specifically, Trump repeatedly promised to introduce massive tariffs on the World Cup cohosts, while ridiculing them with ideas such as renaming the Gulf of Mexico or incorporating Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

Regarding his words against Newsom, he was quite blunt: “I will demand that this incompetent governor allow fresh, clean, beautiful water to flow into California. He is to blame for this. He should resign.” Despite these episodes, Bach does not believe the disputes will affect the two sporting events. Additionally, in the midst of the fires, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to the Olympics during a meeting with Casey Wasserman, president of the organising committee. “These are America’s Games. They are more important for Los Angeles than ever. I will support this in every way possible and make them the best Games,” Trump declared.

Former Sports minister, Dare drums support for new Eagles manager, Chelle

Former sports minister Sunday Dare who is now President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Special Adviser (Media and Public Communications) has thrown his weight behind the decision of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to hire Eric Chelle. Speaking on Arise TV in an interview Dare rounded off with sports, the quintessential journalist noted that there was nothing wrong with the NFF going for Chelle since ‘skin color’ should not be a criteria when hiring a foreign manager. In his words, “skin color should not be an issue when going for a foreign manager but what the man is bringing to the table.” Continuing Dare said…”It is not about local or foreign but what do you bring on the table…Chelle’s father is French and the mother a Malian.

This is not the issue, the issue is what he has to offer…skin colour is not important but his record, his qualification and what does our football need right now… and who can fix it. We have world best players but blunt attack. If Chelle could turn the fortunes of Mali around, then he has some DNA that he can inject into our boys, let’s give him the opportunity. Don’t forget the contract is out there, he has to perform or he goes away, he knows what we are looking for. We see coaches being fired after six months even in the EPL. He gets the support of our team and we see what he can do with the Eagles. We have made the hard choice… Nigeria football will get better.”