Grieving Deschamps to Miss France World Cup Clash

Published

4 months ago

June 24, 2026

Deschamps misses France World Cup match after the France coach withdraws to mourn his mother ahead of the final group game vs Norway

France head coach Didier Deschamps will miss his nation’s final group-stage match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after the sudden death of his mother, the French Football Federation confirmed on Tuesday.

Also read: 2026 World Cup: Six Teams Knocked Out After Early Group-Stage Exits

The 57-year-old manager has returned to France to attend the funeral, ruling him out of the Group I fixture against Norway scheduled for Friday in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

In a statement, the French Football Federation said Deschamps had been granted immediate leave following the bereavement.

“Didier Deschamps will not be able to be on the bench on Friday for the final Group I game,” the federation said.

“The coach had the painful experience this morning of learning of the death of his mother. He will return to France to attend the funeral.”

During his absence, assistant coach Guy Stephan will take temporary charge of the team as France aim to conclude their group campaign on a high note.

France have already secured qualification for the Round of 32 following consecutive victories over Senegal and Iraq, and will now look to finish top of Group I when they face Norway.

The news adds a sombre tone to what has otherwise been a strong tournament campaign for the reigning football powerhouses, who remain among the favourites for the title.

Deschamps’ absence comes at a significant moment, as this tournament is expected to be his final World Cup in charge of the national team.

His long tenure has been marked by historic highs, including France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, a 2022 final defeat on penalties to Argentina, and a Euro 2016 final loss to Portugal.

Despite the emotional setback, France’s squad is expected to continue preparations under Stephan, who will oversee team selection and matchday responsibilities.

The French Football Federation is expected to provide further updates on Deschamps’ return following the funeral proceedings.

Also read: 2026 World Cup: Six Teams Knocked Out After Early Group-Stage Exits

For now, the focus within the camp remains on maintaining momentum in the competition while supporting their long-serving coach during a difficult personal moment.

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Nigerian Man Jailed Seven Years for Defrauding American Lover of $205,238

Published

7 days ago

October 30, 2026

Mariam Balogun

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Maitama, Abuja, has sentenced Nwachi Chidozie Kingsley to seven years in prison for obtaining $205,238 from an American woman, Nicole Kierulff Sayers, through false pretences.

Justice U.P. Kekemeke handed down the conviction on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court sentenced him to seven years on each of two counts, with the terms running concurrently at Kuje Correctional Centre. He was also ordered to refund the entire $205,238 to Sayers, with no option of a fine.

Sayers, an American lawyer from Oregon, told the court that Kingsley initially contacted her on Facebook on her birthday and claimed they belonged to the same spiritual organisation.

She said their conversations eventually became romantic, which made her trust him. According to her, Kingsley later claimed he needed money to facilitate a government contract and allegedly told her that some men were threatening his life because he had not raised the required funds.

Sayers said she first sent him $15,000 after he promised to repay it within 45 days. She later travelled to Abuja in March 2022 and stayed with him for about two weeks.

According to her testimony, Kingsley continued asking for money for alleged contract expenses, medical emergencies, surgeries, malaria treatment and other needs. She said she made more than 125 transactions, transferring over $200,000 within about a year.

The court ultimately convicted him and ordered him to serve the concurrent seven-year prison sentence.