Nottingham Forest have confirmed the appointment of Sean Dyche as the club’s new Head Coach, with a contract running until the summer of 2027.

In a statement obtained from the club’s X handle on Tuesday, the club said his appointment followed a thorough recruitment process led by Global Head of Football, Edu Gaspar, and Global Technical Director, George Syrianos.

“The former Forest youth player joins the Club on a contract running until the summer of 2027 and will take charge of his first match on Thursday night as The Reds take on FC Porto in the Europa League.

“Dyche will be joined by his experienced coaching team of Ian Woan and Steve Stone — both former Nottingham Forest players who together made more than 400 appearances for the Reds during the 1990s.

“A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen, and proven achievement to guide the Club through its next chapter. Having managed more than 330 Premier League matches in his career to date, Dyche has built teams defined by defensive organisation, resilience, and strength from set pieces —qualities that align closely with the current squad’s attributes and the Club’s footballing identity.

“As a former Forest youth player who lives locally, Dyche also has a deep understanding of the values and pride of Forest and its supporters. With his character, tactical acumen, and man-management skills, his appointment represents the best opportunity for a successful and competitive season across both domestic and European competitions,” Nottingham Forest stated.

Nottingham Forest were in advanced negotiations to appoint Sean Dyche as their new head coach, following the dismissal of Ange Postecoglou.

Ten-time African Champions, Super Falcons, commenced training on Monday in the Togolese capital, Lomé ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture against Benin Republic.

Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the Lomé camp, alongside new invitee Joy Omewa, as well as Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin.

China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere have also arrived.

Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team would begin training sessions in Lomé on Monday afternoon, as they prepare to face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000 – capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.

The encounter is a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, which also serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, to be hosted by Brazil.

The encounter will commence at 3 p.m. Togo time (4 p.m. Nigeria time). The game will be played in Lome as Benin does not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Oct. 28.

CAF has selected Gambian official Ngum Fatou as referee for Friday’s match.

Fatou will be supported by Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as fourth official.

Halimatou Hamidou from Niger Republic will be the commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will be in the role of referee assessor.

Super falcons for Wafcon qualifying fixture vs Bénin:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons).

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels).

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal).

Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens).

In a landmark moment for African football, Morocco clinched the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Argentina in the final, held early Monday morning in Santiago, Chile.

The North African side owed their historic win to rising star Yassir Zabiri, who struck twice in the first half, once in the 12th minute and again in the 29th, to silence the Argentine crowd and secure the title.

Despite Argentina’s best efforts in the second half, they were unable to break through a disciplined Moroccan backline.

Captain Rayan El-Mourabet led by example, anchoring a rock-solid defence, while goalkeeper Youssef Bakkali delivered a standout performance, making several key saves to maintain a clean sheet.

Morocco’s road to glory was anything but easy. Drawn into a daunting group alongside football heavyweights Spain, Brazil, and Mexico, the Atlas Lions topped the group despite an opening loss to Mexico.

They went on to defeat Brazil and Spain in impressive fashion to advance.

The knockout rounds saw Morocco eliminate South Korea in the round of 16, outclass the United States in the quarter-finals, and edge out France on penalties in a nerve-wracking semi-final. Their victory over Argentina in the final capped a sensational tournament run.

With this triumph, Morocco becomes the second African country to win the U-20 World Cup, following Ghana’s memorable 2009 victory over Brazil.

This win not only marks Morocco’s first FIFA trophy at any level but also underscores the country’s emergence as a growing powerhouse in global football.

It is a defining moment for Moroccan sport and a proud day for African football.