Suleiman Mubarak is one of the latest young talents to earn a Super Eagles invitation following his impressive rise at Czech champions Slavia Prague.

The 19-year-old midfielder was discovered at Abuja-based Right2Win Academy before joining Slavia Prague in 2025. He quickly made an impression in the club’s youth ranks, particularly in the UEFA Youth League, where he scored five goals in six appearances against some of Europe’s top academies.

His performances earned him opportunities with Slavia’s reserve team in the Czech National Football League before he was promoted to the senior side in early 2026.

Suleiman made his competitive first-team debut on February 7, 2026, and marked the occasion with a goal in Slavia’s 4-0 Czech First League victory over Mladá Boleslav. Coming off the bench in the closing stages, he scored the fourth goal to cap an impressive debut.

He continued to feature for the first team as Slavia went on to win the 2025/26 Czech First League title, their ninth domestic league crown. In September 2026, the club rewarded his progress with a contract extension until June 30, 2031.

The midfielder has continued his development this season, recording three goals and three assists in nine league appearances. He has also scored twice in the Czech Cup, taking his tally to five goals and three assists in 13 appearances across all competitions, including three outings in the UEFA Champions League.

His latest contribution came on Sunday, when he provided the assist for Czech forward Mojmír Chytil’s opening goal in Slavia’s 4-1 victory over Artis Brno. Suleiman was substituted in the 69th minute after helping his side to a comfortable lead.

His performances in Europe have also brought him into the spotlight. On October 20, he started Slavia’s 2-2 draw against Fenerbahçe in the UEFA Champions League, playing 85 minutes. The appearance made him the first Nigerian teenager to start a Champions League match since Alex Iwobi did so for Arsenal against Barcelona in March 2016.

According to reports, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had initially considered inviting Suleiman to the U-23 team, which is preparing for the 2027 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against DR Congo. However, following positive reports from his scouts about the youngster’s performances, particularly in the Champions League, the invitation was extended to the senior national team.

At club level, Mubarak operates on the right side of midfield, combining agility with incisive runs, dribbling ability and an eye for goal.

The 19-year-old arrived in the Super Eagles’ camp on Wednesday ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania. He subsequently took part in his first training session with the team as the squad reached full strength ahead of Friday’s first leg in Uyo.

Source: punchng.com

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Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are preparing a private jet to fly Portuguese forward João Félix directly to Jeddah after international duty in a bid to make him available for their eagerly anticipated Saudi Pro League clash against Al-Ahli.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Youm, on Tuesday, the club’s management are “arranging the special flight to bring Félix back immediately after Portugal’s international fixture against Wales.”

The arrangement is aimed at “reducing his travel time and avoiding the delays associated with regular flights, giving him a better chance of featuring in the encounter against Al-Ahli.”

Félix has become an important attacking option for Al-Nassr since joining the club, with his performances making him one of the players the coaching staff rely on to create scoring opportunities and threaten opposition defences.

However, securing his return to Saudi Arabia does not guarantee his participation in the match, as the “technical crew will still have to assess his physical condition following international duty and the journey before deciding whether he is fit to play.”

The proposed arrangement highlights Al-Nassr’s determination to have one of their key attacking players available for the high-profile encounter, despite the scheduling challenge posed by international commitments.

PUNCH Online reports that the Saudi Pro League Matchweek 9 clash between Al-Ahli and Al-Nassr is scheduled for Friday, November 20, 2026, at 8:30 pm Saudi time (6:30 pm Nigerian time) at Alinma Stadium, King Abdullah Sports City, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The November FIFA international break is currently underway, running from Monday, November 9, to Tuesday, November 17, 2026, with national teams scheduled to play up to two matches during the window.

Source: punchng.com

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Australian apprentice jockey Izzy Neale has died at the age of 22 after falling from her horse during a race at Warren Racecourse in New South Wales on Sunday.

Neale was dislodged from her horse, Marnoo, during the race and airlifted to Dubbo Hospital, where she received medical treatment.

Her family announced her death on Tuesday on X in a joint statement with Racing NSW, saying she passed away surrounded by her loved ones.

“It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Izzy, surrounded by her closest family and friends,” the statement read.

The family described Neale’s love for horses as a lifelong passion, saying she had been riding before she could walk.

“Izzy rode horses before she could walk. Her love of horses was a lifelong passion that, more recently, had grown into a love of racing,” the statement added.

They also revealed that Neale would become an organ donor, offering hope to others despite the family’s devastating loss.

“Through organ donation, Izzy will give others the chance of life, bringing some comfort to our family amid this devastating loss,” they said.

The Cotton Cup meeting was abandoned following the incident, while Marnoo was euthanised after sustaining a serious leg injury.

A second jockey involved in the same race, Diego Montes de Oca, also sustained injuries to his foot. He was later discharged from hospital.

Neale recorded 88 winners during her professional riding career and was remembered by members of the Australian racing community as a talented young jockey.

The Australian Turf Club described her as a “talented young rider with a bright future”.
Trainer John Thompson, who Neale worked for, also paid tribute to the young jockey in a message posted on X.

“An absolute beacon of shining light. Always happy. Always smiling. Loved by everyone who met her,” he wrote.

“The world is poorer for the loss of a beautiful young lady. Heartbreaking.”
Neale’s family expressed gratitude to the racing community, medical staff, friends and members of the public for their support during the difficult period.

“As we come to terms with our loss, we ask that our family’s privacy be respected,” they said.

“Izzy was dearly loved and will forever be in our hearts.”

Source: punchng.com

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