🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Tobi Amusan wins gold and sets new meet record at New Taipei Athletics Open
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigeria's Tobi Amusan, the world record holder, secured a gold medal and established a new meet record in the women's 100 meters hurdles at the New Taipei Athletics Open in Taiwan. She completed the race in 12.72 seconds, despite a slight headwind, finishing ahead of Chinese Taipei's Bo Ya Zhang, who earned silver with a time of 13.17 seconds. This victory marks another strong performance for Amusan in the 2026 season. Earlier in the season, she achieved her first Diamond League win in Rabat, Morocco, clocking 12.28 seconds and breaking her own meeting record. She also secured a runner-up position in Xiamen with 12.28 seconds and a third-place finish in Shanghai with 12.41 seconds. Amusan also claimed gold at the African Championships in Accra, contributing to Nigeria's first gold medal of the competition. Her 12.28-second performance is among the fastest globally this year. Amusan, a three-time Diamond League champion, is preparing for the Diamond League finale and the Commonwealth Games later in the year.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Following the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, several established football nations that failed to qualify are now looking to secure their return for the 2030 tournament. FIFA has highlighted 10 countries with strong World Cup traditions determined to reclaim their places on football's biggest stage. Italy, four-time champions, have missed three consecutive tournaments, including 2026 after a playoff defeat. Denmark, regular participants since 1986, also missed 2026 after a playoff loss. Poland, with nine World Cup appearances, failed to qualify for 2026, facing a rebuilding phase. Hungary, absent since 1986, narrowly missed the 2026 playoffs. Romania, whose last appearance was in 1998, lost in the 2026 playoff semi-finals. Nigeria, who reached the knockout stage in three of their six appearances, missed the last two editions, including 2026. Cameroon, Africa's record holder for World Cup appearances, also failed to qualify for 2026. Chile, who enjoyed a golden era between 2010 and 2014, have missed three straight tournaments. Peru, who ended a 36-year absence in 2018, had a disappointing 2026 qualifying campaign. Costa Rica, consistent CONCACAF performers, missed 2026 after a disappointing qualifying run. These nations are now focused on rebuilding and developing new talent to ensure their presence at the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Must ReadGiovanni Malago, president of the Italian Football Federation, confirmed that discussions have taken place with Pep Guardiola regarding the Italy national team head coach position. This follows Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup and the departure of Gennaro Gattuso. Malago indicated that financial exceptions could be made to attract a coach of Guardiola's caliber, though an agreement is not guaranteed. Guardiola recently left Manchester City after a successful 10-year tenure, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League. He has strong ties to Italy, speaking fluent Italian and having played in Serie A. Other candidates reportedly being considered include former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini and ex-Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has been charged with misconduct by the Football Association FA for his role in the club’s Championship “Spygate” scandal. The FA alleges Eckert breached Rule E3.1 by improperly directing or authorizing the observation of opposition training sessions between December 2025 and May 2026. Southampton was expelled from the Championship play-offs in May after admitting to spying on three clubs, including Oxford United, Ipswich Town, and Middlesbrough. An independent disciplinary commission previously found that Eckert authorized these surveillance activities. Following Southampton's expulsion, Middlesbrough was reinstated to the play-off final. Eckert has until next Tuesday to respond to the charges. Southampton stated that both the club and Eckert acknowledge the charges and will cooperate with the investigation. The club also expressed continued support for Eckert and his coaching staff. Eckert has admitted responsibility for authorizing the actions that led to the disciplinary case, apologizing for his decision.