Confédération Africaine de Football Président Dr. Patrice Motsepe has expressed sadness over the death of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.

In a condolence message, Motsepe described the 25-year-old as a player who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns side that won the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in Rabat.

On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Motsepe extended his condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), its president Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and Adams’ family.

“On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr. Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams,” the Saturday statement said.

Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Adams played for Stellenbosch FC and had recently become a regular member of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.

Motsepe concluded the tribute with a prayer for the late midfielder.

“May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.”

It was reported on Saturday that Adams died just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.

Adams, who made his senior international debut in 2022, also helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the South African Premiership title and the 2026 CAF Champions League.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Adams’ death on Saturday in a statement, describing it as a huge loss to the country’s football community.

The statement read, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.

Authorities have not confirmed the cause of his death, with South African police saying an investigation is underway.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Neymar is fully fit and ready to play a full 90 minutes against Norway in their FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 clash.

The Brazil boss has revealed that the Santos ace will appear alongside the Real Madrid star as the South Americans continue their World Cup campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti said: “Neymar can play 90 minutes… and he can play with Vinicius Jr.

“I think they WILL play together.”

The South American side have never beaten Norway in four meetings and will be seeking their first win on Sunday night as Ancelotti plans his side to face the likes of Martin Odegaard and Erling Haaland.

The country’s all-time top scorer, Neymar, made his long-awaited World Cup debut in Brazil’s third group-stage match against Scotland in Miami, coming on in the 76th minute.

Neymar made a total of 15 appearances with his Brazilian club across all competitions in the 2025/26 season.

Since 2017, the star has suffered over 45 injuries and missed more than 270 matches, significantly interrupting his career.

In 2018, he played every 90 minutes of all five Brazil matches despite recently recovering from an ankle injury.

But, in Qatar, Neymar missed much of the group stage after receiving a tackle in the opening game against Serbia.

The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has unveiled a 12-man D’Tigers squad for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 African Qualifiers in Luanda, Angola.

The qualifiers, tagged Window Three, will hold from July 2 to July 5, marking the beginning of a new era under Head Coach David Fizdale.

A statement from the NBBF on Monday said Fizdale will make his competitive debut as D’ Tigers coach, bringing decades of NBA coaching experience and expertise in developing elite basketball talent.

“The coach will lead a blend of experienced internationals and emerging players as Nigeria pursues qualification for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

“The squad comprises Uchenna Ireogbu, Ikenna Ireogbu, Caleb Agada, Martins Igbanu, Paul Dibal and Stanley Okoye.

“Others are Daniel Utomi, Chimezie Metu, Wesley Iwundu, Christian Mekowulu, Kaodirichi Akobundu-Ehiogu and Michael Eric,” the statement said.

Nigeria will compete in Group C alongside Guinea, Rwanda and Tunisia in the decisive phase of the qualification campaign.

It stated that NBBF President, Ahmadu Musa Kida, expressed confidence in the team and welcomed Fizdale to his first official assignment with Nigeria.

“Kida described Fizdale as an experienced coach with the leadership qualities required to guide D’Tigers to greater success in Africa and globally.

“He congratulated the selected players and urged them to represent Nigeria with passion, pride and professionalism throughout the qualifiers,” it said

It quoted Kida as saying, “the federation remains committed to attracting world-class coaches and sustaining a high-performance environment for the national teams.

“Fizdale’s appointment followed the successful tenure of former coach Mike Brown, who elevated Nigeria’s profile in international basketball,” he said.

Kida expressed confidence that experienced players, emerging talents and quality coaching would strengthen Nigeria’s qualification campaign.

He urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to support D’ Tigers as they represent the country in Angola.

Nigeria will face Guinea on July 3 before taking on Rwanda on July 5 in Luanda

The top teams from the African qualifiers will advance towards qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup in 2027.