An enduring presence in Argentina – from towering murals to tattoos, opens new tab – Maradona died on November 25, 2020, at 60, after a heart attack while he was recuperating from brain surgery to remove a blood clot.

A court in ​San Isidro, near Buenos Aires, will hear testimony from just under 100 witnesses ​as it tries Maradona’s medical team over alleged negligence in the death ⁠of the 1986 World Cup champion.

His medical team has denied wrongdoing. The defendants are ​psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov, neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychologist Carlos Angel Diaz, physician Nancy Edith Forlini, nurse ​Ricardo Almiron, head nurse Mariano Ariel Perroni, and physician Pedro Pablo Di Spagna. An eighth defendant, nurse Dahiana Madrid, will be tried in a separate jury trial, with no date yet set.

Two months into ​the first trial, which started last March, a mistrial was declared when one of three ​judges, Julieta Makintach, resigned after video surfaced showing her being interviewed by a camera crew in the ‌corridors ⁠of the courthouse and in her office as part of a documentary, in breach of judicial rules.

The retrial will require both prosecutors and defense lawyers to reassess their strategies after the first trial aired photographs, videos, audio recordings and forensic evidence. Many witnesses, including Maradona’s ​children and his former ​wife, Claudia Villafane, ⁠have already testified.

Prosecutors argued in the initial trial that medical professionals broke treatment protocols and that the home where Maradona was recovering ​from surgery amounted to a “theatre of horror,” where necessary care was ​not provided.

The ⁠defense countered that his death was inevitable given his longstanding health problems. Maradona struggled for decades with cocaine and alcohol addiction.

The negligence charges emerged in 2021 after prosecutors appointed a medical board ⁠to ​investigate Maradona’s death. The panel concluded his medical team ​acted in an “inappropriate, deficient and reckless” manner.

-Reuters

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The 50-year-old coach, ​who led Senegal to ​their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022, ended ​his short stint ​with the Libyan national team on ‌Wednesday, ⁠after taking charge in March 2025.

“Welcome, Aliou Cisse, head coach of ​the Angola national ​team,” ⁠the FAF said on Facebook. Angola, which ​failed to reach ​this ⁠year’s World Cup, will start their 2027 AFCON ⁠qualifying ​campaign in ​September.

-Reuters

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Iwobi, making his 98th appearance for the national team, was sent off in the closing stages, capping a dramatic encounter in which Nigeria surrendered a first-half lead and finished the game with ten men.

The match, played at the Mardan Sports Complex, brought Nigeria’s March international window to a close, but it proved anything but routine as both sides delivered a fiercely contested and entertaining clash.

Jordan, ranked 64th in the world and enjoying strong recent form, struck first in the 17th minute through Mousa Tamari. A well-worked free-kick routine caught the Nigerian defence napping, allowing the forward to fire home the opener.

Nigeria responded quickly and thought they had equalised six minutes later when Raphael Onyedika finished from a Moses Simon cut-back, but the goal was controversially ruled out.

The Super Eagles eventually drew level in the 30th minute. Stand-in captain Moses Simon, earning his 97th cap, reacted fastest after Ademola Lookman’s effort was blocked, slotting home with a composed left-footed finish for his second goal in as many matches.

Nigeria went ahead four minutes before halftime when Bright Osayi-Samuel’s pinpoint cross found debutant Emmanuel Fernandez, who showed great composure to control and finish, giving the three-time African champions a 2-1 lead at the interval.

The second half took on a more physical tone, with goalkeeper Francis Uzoho forced off in the 57th minute after sustaining an injury while clearing the ball. Adebayo Adeleye replaced him between the posts.

Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi to shore up the midfield, but Jordan continued to press and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 77th minute.

Nigeria pushed for a winner late on, handing a senior debut to Philip Otele, while Samuel Chukwueze came on for Moses Simon. However, the closing moments were marred by Iwobi’s dismissal, leaving the Super Eagles to see out the match with ten men.

Despite the draw, the encounter offered valuable insights for the coaching crew as Nigeria continues preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

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By Kunle Solaja

Match Context

• Fixture: Jordan vs Nigeria
• Venue: Antalya, Turkey
• Occasion: Four-Nation Invitational Tournament
• Kick-off: Tuesday (evening)

They would have loved facing Jamaica in Mexico today for a place at the World Cup, but fate has other plans, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be taking on World Cup debutants Jordan in a friendly match instead in Turkey.

The encounter promises to be a revealing contest for both sides as preparations intensify for future global assignments.

The encounter, staged as part of a four-nation tournament in Turkey, will be the third meeting between the two countries, with the head-to-head record finely poised.

History Beckons in Third Meeting

Nigeria claimed a 2-0 victory in their first clash at the National Stadium, Lagos, on 28 April 2004 during the LG Cup.

However, the tables turned in 2013 when a largely experimental Nigerian side under the late Stephen Keshi suffered a 1-0 defeat in Amman, courtesy of a Hatem Aqel penalty.

This latest meeting now serves as the decider in what has quietly become a balanced rivalry.

Jordan arrive in buoyant mood, riding on the crest of a historic achievement, which is their first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup (2026).

Jordan’s Al-Nashama

Their recent form underlines a team growing in confidence and tactical discipline. In the past months, Al-Nashama have:

• Held Russia (0-0)
• Defeated Dominican Republic (3-0)
• Drawn with Mali (0-0)
• Narrowly lost to Bolivia (1-0) and Albania (4-2)
• Pushed Tunisia (3-2 loss) in a competitive encounter

They also opened this invitational tournament with a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica, further evidence of their resilience.

The team’s preparations have been boosted by a morale-lifting visit from Prince Ali bin Al-Hussein, President of the Jordan Football Association, during their Antalya training camp.

Coach Jamal Al-Salami has deliberately scheduled matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica, citing their stylistic similarity to World Cup opponents such as Argentina, Austria, and Algeria.

Despite missing several key players, including star forward Mousa Ta’mari, Jordan have continued to show depth, blending senior players with youth prospects as part of a broader developmental strategy.

Nigeria head into the clash with renewed confidence after a 2-1 victory over Iran in their opening game of the tournament, with goals from Moses Simon and Akor Adams.

Unlike previous meetings, the Super Eagles are expected to field a full-strength squad, packed with Europe-based stars, something Jordanian observers have already described as a “heavyweight challenge.”

The squad boasts a blend of experience and attacking flair.

The presence of multiple attacking options gives Nigeria a clear edge going forward, while their physicality and pace could pose serious problems for the Jordanians.

Jordan are expected to adopt a compact, disciplined shape, relying on quick transitions and defensive organisation, qualities that earned them results against stronger opposition in recent friendlies.

Nigeria, by contrast, will likely dominate possession, using width and individual brilliance to break down Jordan’s defensive lines.

The key battle may lie in midfield, where Jordan’s structure will be tested against Nigeria’s blend of strength, technique, and tempo.

For Jordan, this is another step in fine-tuning a squad preparing for its historic World Cup debut—a chance to measure themselves against elite opposition.

For Nigeria, it is an opportunity to assert authority, build cohesion among its star-studded squad, and maintain momentum ahead of more competitive fixtures.

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Both teams used the match to launch the new kit they will wear at the June 11 to July 19 World Cup, which is also being held in Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. sported a ​design that pulls directly from the red and white stripes in the American flag, while ​Belgium wore their away kit, which was light blue with pink accents.

“Sometimes ⁠you had to look twice, especially if you wanted to play quickly,” Belgian winger Jeremy Doku ​told his national television afterwards. “I would have preferred clearer colours.”

American captain Christian Pulisic said it was ​difficult to deal with.

“A lot of times you get the ball, and you look up, you can’t really lock in on something. You can only base it on the colour of the shirt. That’s how it works,” ​he told reporters. “And when it’s very similar, it’s difficult.”

Belgian television apologised to viewers after the ​match, with analyst and former Belgian international Marc Degryse criticising organisers.

“Football is a product that needs to be sold. ‌Everything ⁠always has to be better and better, yet they still managed to make the match annoying with the jerseys,” he said.

“This goes completely against the whole commercial aspect. This is really unacceptable.”

US Soccer said pictures of both jerseys were sent to match referees before the match, and at ​no time did they ​indicate they felt there ⁠was a conflict.

Belgian media said on Sunday the fault lay with the hosts, who insisted on playing in their new red and white jerseys, ​which clashed with both Belgium’s first-choice red strip and also the lighter ​away kit.

Both ⁠countries wanted to unveil their new jerseys for the first time, but after becoming aware of the situation, Belgium proposed to play in their traditional red, the reports said.

However, that was not an ⁠option because ​the U.S. shirt also contains a lot of red. ​One solution could have been for the U.S. to play in their dark blue kit, but that did not fit into ​their commercial plan, the reports added.

-Reuters

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The match doubled ‌as a test event for the revamped stadium, drawing a festive crowd eager to sample the atmosphere ahead of the June 11 to July 19 global soccer showpiece, which ​Mexico is co-hosting with the U.S. and Canada.

“It’s the best possible ​scenario, as I’ve said; to play here, you’ve got to have ⁠guts, because the fans are demanding and want to win and see ​good football,” Mexico coach Javier Aguirre told reporters.

“The players gave it their all ​right to the end against Portugal, who are not an easy team. They’re a top-10 side, a really solid team.”

Portugal’s Joao Felix went close in the 14th minute before Goncalo ​Ramos struck the post midway through the first half.

The visitors continued to ​look the more dangerous side after the break, with Bruno Fernandes firing just wide.

Tensions briefly ‌flared ⁠between Pedro Neto and Jesus Gallardo, while the introduction of Toluca’s Portuguese striker Paulinho was met with loud cheers from the home crowd.

“I think we had 10 shots on goal, which isn’t far off what we were aiming for,” ​Portugal coach Roberto Martinez ​said.

“What isn’t good ⁠is the number of shots on target; we lacked accuracy.

“Success or failure isn’t just about the score. There are ​many more factors at play these days. I think that, ​after ⁠90 minutes, the team is better prepared for the World Cup.”

Mexico almost claimed a late winner through substitute Armando Gonzalez but the forward’s header went wide.

Mexico, who ⁠were booed ​by sections of the crowd at the ​final whistle, face Belgium in another friendly on Tuesday, while Portugal take on the United States the ​same day.

-Reuters

Portugal’s Goncalo Ramos in action with Mexico’s Erik Lira REUTERS/Eloisa Sanchez 

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The Fulham defender was born in France and played for the country at the Under-21 level, but on Thursday had his application to switch nationality to Morocco approved by ​world football’s governing body FIFA and was immediately drafted into the starting line-up for the 1-1 ​draw against Ecuador in Madrid.

Diop, whose father is Senegalese and mother from Morocco, ⁠had previously rejected overtures from both countries to play for them while holding out hope he might ​represent France.

The 29-year-old said several times he wanted to play for Les Bleus, but with no call-up ​from France coach Didier Deschamps, he has now taken up the opportunity to possibly play at the World Cup for Morocco.

“I was very happy to play in a team with a lot of good players, and I think I’ve made ​a good choice,” Diop said after Friday’s match.

Diop had talks with Morocco’s new coach, Mohamed Ouahbi ​and Moroccan Federation President Faouzi Lekjaa.

“They explained their vision to me, and I was taken in with open arms by ‌a ⁠cheerful group of players with a great atmosphere in the camp,” he said.

The North Africans have a track record of assiduously courting players with links to the country who they believe can improve their national team, but this is the first tug-of-war over player loyalty with another African country they have won.

Senegal ​also draw heavily on ​their diaspora in France, ⁠and the 28-man squad which won the Cup of Nations in Morocco in January featured 12 French-born players.

Senegal this week formally contested the decision of the ​Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board to take the title away from them.

They were ​ruled to ⁠have forfeited the final in Rabat on January 18 because they walked off the pitch in protest at a potentially decisive penalty awarded to Morocco, but have now referred the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The ⁠posturing between ​the two countries continued on Friday when Senegal held a press ​conference ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Peru in front of a banner that read “Champions of Africa”.

They are expected to display the ​Cup of Nations trophy to supporters ahead of the match at the Stade de France.

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In a match played against the backdrop of geopolitical tension surrounding the Iranian team’s World Cup preparations, Nigeria showed greater composure in key moments to emerge deserved winners.

The Super Eagles took the lead in the first half after a lively start, through Moses Simon in the 7^th minute.

Nigeria doubled the lead through Akor Adams in the 51^st minute. Iran reduced the deficit in the 67^th minute through Medhi Taremi.

The encounter was Nigeria’s first meeting with Iran since their goalless draw at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and it provided an important test for the technical crew as they assess player combinations and tactical options.

The match also carried added attention following Iran’s pre-game protest gesture, where players wore black armbands and held schoolbags in solidarity with victims of a recent conflict-related incident.

For Nigeria, the result offers a positive platform as preparations continue, with another friendly against Jordan scheduled in the coming days. The win is expected to strengthen morale within the squad while giving the coaching crew clearer insight into the team’s readiness for future challenges.

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Zidane, 53, ​reportedly reached a verbal agreement ​with the Federation Francaise de ⁠Football to replace Didier Deschamps, ​who has held the role ​since 2012.

Zidane, who managed La Liga powerhouse Real Madrid for two stints (2016-18, 2019-21), ​has long been expected to ​eventually become the skipper for France.

As a ‌player, ⁠the dynamic midfielder won the 1998 Ballon d’Or and was a three-time FIFA World Player ​of the ​Year (1998, ⁠2000 and 2003). He helped France win the ​World Cup in 1998 ​and ⁠finish second in 2006. He was infamously sent off during the ⁠final ​of the 2006 ​World Cup when he headbutted Italy’s Marco ​Materazzi in the chest.

-Reuters

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The U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran have affected countries throughout the Gulf, disrupting travel in some of the world’s busiest transit hubs and forcing several sporting events to be cancelled due to safety concerns.

The contest between European champions Spain and Copa America winners Argentina was scheduled for ​March 27 at Doha’s Lusail Stadium, where fans would have had the opportunity to watch Lionel Messi go head-to-head with ​Lamine Yamal.

UEFA said they held discussions with the organising authorities in Qatar and concluded that the match could ⁠not take place due to the “current political situation” in the region.

“It is a source of great disappointment to UEFA and the organisers ​that circumstances and timing have denied the teams of the chance to compete for this prestigious prize in Qatar,” UEFA said in a ​statement.

Qatar’s Local Organising Committee said airspace disruption and travel restrictions led to the cancellation of its Qatar Football Festival, where the host country, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Serbia were also set to play friendly games this month.

The Football Association of Serbia later announced they would play away in Spain on March 27 ​and host Saudi Arabia four days later.

OTHER ALTERNATIVES REJECTED BY ARGENTINA

The Finalissima’s cancellation was not just about Qatar’s security concerns, however, with UEFA saying ​they explored other feasible alternatives, but they proved to be ‘unacceptable’ to the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).

UEFA first offered to stage the match at the Santiago Bernabeu in ‌Madrid with ⁠a 50:50 split of supporters in the stadium.

A second option was to stage the Finalissima over two legs — at the Bernabeu on March 27 and the second leg in Buenos Aires during an international window before the next Euros and Copa America in 2028.

However, the AFA rejected both options. UEFA said Argentina made a counter offer to play the game after the World Cup but Spain had no available dates.

“Ultimately, ​UEFA sought a commitment from Argentina ​that, if a neutral venue ⁠in Europe could be found, the game could go ahead on 27 March… or on the alternative date of 30 March. This proposal was also rejected,” UEFA added.

SPAIN WERE READY TO PLAY

The Spanish football ​federation (RFEF) said they had offered Argentina “all possible options” in collaboration with UEFA to ensure the match ​went ahead, adding that ⁠they had the organisational capacity to stage the clash on short notice.

“From the very outset, the Federation has expressed its absolute commitment to ensuring this match goes ahead, as it believes it brings prestige and international reputation at a crucial time in a World Cup year,” the RFEF ⁠said.

“Furthermore, it ​has worked tirelessly to achieve this. Spain was prepared to play, as has ​always been stated.”

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada kicks off on June 11.

The 2022 edition of the Finalissima was held at Wembley Stadium in ​London where Argentina beat Italy 3-0.

-Reuters

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