Bayern Munich on Friday announced Germany defender Nathaniel Brown has joined the club from Eintracht Frankfurt on a deal running until 2031.

The defending Bundesliga champions paid a reported fee of 55 million euros ($63 million) to Frankfurt to bring Brown, 23, to the club, where he will compete with injury-troubled Alphonso Davies in the left-back position.

Calling Bayern “one of the best clubs in the world”, Brown said conversations with coach Vincent Kompany convinced him to make the move.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for the biggest titles at the highest level; I set myself the highest goals and want to get the maximum out of myself every day.”

Bayern are looking to further improve after a stellar season in 2025-26, where they won the league and cup while making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League.

On Wednesday, Bayern announced the signing of midfielder Ismael Saibari, who has impressed with Morocco at the World Cup.

Bayern sporting director Max Eberl praised Brown’s “rapid development”, saying the player “still has so much potential and is one for the future”.

Eligible to play for the United States through his father, Brown made his Germany debut in October and has since established himself as part of the starting XI.

The lightning-quick Brown scored a goal and laid on an assist in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao in their tournament opener.

Brown joined Frankfurt from Nuremberg in 2024 for a fee of three million euros. He played but all but one of Frankfurt’s 34 Bundesliga matches last season, scoring four goals and laying on four assists.

AFP

Following months of competition involving more than 13,000 secondary schools across Nigeria, MILO has unveiled the twelve schools that will compete at the National Finals of the 26th MILO School Basketball Championship (MSBC), reaffirming its long-standing commitment to using sport as a platform to help young people build confidence, resilience, discipline and leadership. Since its launch in 1999, the MILO School Basketball Championship has grown into one of Nigeria’s longest-running grassroots sports development initiatives. What began with fewer than 500 participating schools has evolved into a national platform that reaches over 13,000 secondary schools annually, creating opportunities for young athletes to develop both their sporting abilities and the life skills needed to succeed beyond the basketball court. The twelve finalist schools emerged after qualifying competitions across the Savannah, Central, Atlantic and Western Conferences. Six boys’ teams and six girls’ teams will now compete for national honors at the championship finals, scheduled to hold on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. The National Draws, conducted during the event, determined the group stage fixtures for the championship. In the boys’ category, Group A comprises Father O’Connell Science College (Niger State), King Amakree Academy (Rivers State), and Government Secondary School, Gwarinpa Life Camp (FCT). Group B features Davidhall International College (Lagos State), Family Support Programme Secondary School (Katsina State), and Urhobo College (Delta State). In the girls’ category, Group A consists of Lanreleke Academy (Osun State), St. Jude’s Girls Secondary School (Bayelsa State), and Government Secondary School, Gboko (Benue State). Group B includes Ado Grammar School (Ekiti State), Urhobo College (Delta State), and Government Girls College (Bauchi State). Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria PLC, Wassim Elhusseini, represented by Commercial Director, Boladale Odunlami, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating opportunities that support the holistic development of young Nigerians. “We know that the future of any nation is shaped by the confidence, character and opportunities we provide to its young people today. Beyond academic knowledge, young people need opportunities to develop important life skills such as teamwork, resilience, leadership, and the ability to overcome challenges and lead with confidence. That is why, through the MILO School Basketball Championship, we continue to invest in sport as a platform for developing not only talented athletes, but resilient, confident young leaders who are prepared for success both on and off the court,” he said. He noted that the championship has contributed to the development of several outstanding Nigerian basketball players, including Precious Achiuwa, Chukwudi Maduabum and Nkechi Akashili, who have gone on to represent Nigeria on the international stage, demonstrating the long-term impact of sustained investment in grassroots sports. Category Manager, MILO, Gilbert Tweneboah Koduah, reflected on the championship’s journey over the past 26 years. “Twenty six years ago, the MILO School Basketball Championship began with a simple ambition to create a platform where young Nigerians could discover their talents, build confidence and develop the values needed to become champions, both on and off the court,” he said. President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF), Mrs. Olabisi Joseph, commended Nestlé Nigeria for its sustained commitment to youth development through sports. “The continued growth in participation reflects the value this championship brings to schools and communities across Nigeria. Year after year, it provides young people with opportunities to compete, learn, build confidence and develop qualities that will serve them throughout their lives. We commend Nestlé Nigeria for its consistency and long-term commitment to youth development through sport.” The event was attended by Lanre Balogun, General Secretary of the Nigeria Collegiate Sports Federation (NCSF), and Mr. Olusola Okanlawon, representing the National Association of Special Educators, alongside coaches, teachers, participating schools, media partners and other key stakeholders. The road to the National Finals is currently underway, with the group stage matches, which commenced on 27 June 2026, continuing alongside a Coaching Clinic and Vibes Day designed to support the development of young athletes and coaches. The championship will culminate in the National Finals on 2 July 2026 at the Indoor Sports Hall, National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The World Cup group stage is approaching its conclusion, with qualification places, group winners and knockout-stage positions still on the line. While teams such as Brazil, Mexico, Morocco and Switzerland have already secured their places in the Round of 32, many others enter the final round knowing their World Cup future will be decided over the next few days. With every match live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv,the tournament is entering its most decisive phase. Africa’s Qualification Push ContinuesAfrica’s campaign has produced both success stories and disappointments. Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast have already secured qualification, while Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and Algeria remain firmly in contention heading into the final round.Cape Verde continue their remarkable campaign against Saudi Arabia on Saturday, 27 June at 1:00 am, while Egypt meet Iran later that morning at 4:00 am.Ghana’s meeting with Croatia on Saturday, 27 June at 10:00 pm could prove decisive in Group L, while Algeria face Austria on Sunday, 28 June at 3:00 am in what is effectively a winner-takes-all battle for a place in the knockout rounds.Not every African nation will make it through. Senegal, Tunisia and DR Congo have already been eliminated, but the continent still has an opportunity to increase its representation in the Round of 32.Messi Leads the Golden Boot Raceimage.jpegTwo rounds into the tournament, Lionel Messi remains the story of the World Cup. The Argentine captain has scored five goals in two matches, helping Argentina secure qualification with a game to spare and establishing himself as the early favourite for the Golden Boot.The chasing pack, however, continues to grow. Vinícius Júnior has four goals for Brazil, while Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland have also reached four goals. Cristiano Ronaldo has entered the race after scoring a brace in Portugal’s 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, while the final group games offer another opportunity for the tournament’s biggest stars to build momentum before the knockout rounds begin.France and Norway Meet for Group SupremacyWhile several teams are fighting for survival, France and Norway have already secured qualification. Their meeting on Friday, 26 June at 8:00 pm will determine top spot in Group I.The fixture also brings together two of the tournament’s most dangerous attacking teams. Mbappé and Haaland both have four goals, while France and Norway have won their opening two matches. It is arguably the biggest remaining fixture of the group stage and could provide an early indication of which side is capable of making a deep run in the knockout rounds.Portugal and Argentina Chase MomentumGermany have already confirmed top spot in Group E despite a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, while Portugal and Colombia meet on Sunday, 28 June at 12:30 am to decide the Group K winners. Argentina conclude their group campaign against Jordan later that morning at 3:00 am, with Lionel Messi looking to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race.Brazil have already finished top of Group C, while Spain can secure first place in Group H when they face Uruguay on Saturday, 27 June at 1:00 am.Additional Fixtures to WatchWith Groups D, E and F now decided, attention shifts to the remaining qualification battles. Belgium face New Zealand on Saturday, 27 June at 4:00 am in a crucial Group G encounter, while Uruguay meet Spain and Cape Verde take on Saudi Arabia at 1:00 am.Saturday evening concludes with Ghana vs Croatia and England vs Panama, both kicking off at 10:00 pm, before Sunday’s final group fixtures feature Colombia vs Portugal and DR Congo vs Uzbekistan at 12:30 am, followed by Algeria vs Austria and Jordan vs Argentina at 3:00 am.SuperSport Remains the Home of the World CupAs the knockout picture takes shape, fans can follow every remaining group-stage fixture live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. With simultaneous kick-offs now determining qualification outcomes, coverage will be available across SS World Cup Central (DStv Ch. 202, GOtv Ch. 61) and SS World Cup Extra (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).image.jpegViewers can still start each day with The Morning Cup featuring Basketmouth and Phat Joe, before catching every goal, result and qualification twist live across SuperSport’s FIFA World Cup coverage. For fans on the move, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream ensure every moment remains within reach.