Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said on Friday that he was “confident” that Kylian Mbappe will be available to face Manchester City in the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.

“He’s getting better day by day,” Arbeloa said at a press conference. “He won’t be there tomorrow (Saturday, in La Liga against Elche), but I’m confident he’ll be on the trip to Manchester.”

With Mbappe sidelined by a knee injury and several other key players missing, Real thrashed City 3–0 in the first leg at the Bernabeu on Wednesday, thanks to a hat-trick from Federico Valverde.

City host the second leg next Tuesday and risk being knocked out of Europe by Madrid for the third season in a row.

France forward Mbappe, hampered by a sprain to his left knee since late December, has not played since withdrawing from the squad to face Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League knockout phase play-off round on February 25.

Mbappe has scored 38 goals in 33 appearances for his club this season.

His expected return for Madrid comes ahead of the international break, where France will face Brazil and Colombia in pre-World Cup friendlies in the United States.

AFP

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The countdown is officially on: just 100 days remain until one of the most anticipated moments in FIFA World Cup history, the 1,000th match of the tournament.

On June 20, Tunisia and Japan will step onto the pitch at the iconic Monterrey Stadium in Mexico to contest this historic fixture, marking a milestone that underscores the enduring legacy of the world’s most popular sporting event.

The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, has grown into a global celebration of football, bringing together nations and fans from every continent.

Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, the World Cup has been the stage for legendary goals, unforgettable upsets, and moments that have transcended sport.

Reaching the 1,000th match is a testament to decades of footballing excellence, cultural significance, and the universal love for the game.

According to a post on FIFA’s X handle on Friday, the world football governing body was quoted as saying, “100 days to go until the 1,000th @FIFAWorldCup match  Tunisia and Japan will make history when they contest this landmark fixture at the iconic Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 20.”

Monterrey Stadium, known for its passionate supporters and electric atmosphere, will provide the perfect backdrop for this landmark match.

Both Tunisia and Japan, nations with rich footballing histories, will have the opportunity to write their names into the tournament’s record books.

Tunisia, having qualified for several World Cups since their debut in 1978, will look to showcase their disciplined and tactical style of play.

Japan, a regular at the tournament since 1998, is renowned for its technical skill and organised approach, making the clash an intriguing tactical contest.

Beyond the numerical significance, the 1,000th match represents the global growth of football. From the early tournaments in Uruguay and Italy to the modern spectacles in stadiums like Qatar’s Lusail Stadium and Mexico’s Monterrey Stadium, the World Cup has evolved into an event watched by billions around the world. This milestone is a celebration of football’s capacity to unite diverse cultures and communities, creating shared memories that span generations.

Fans and football analysts alike are eagerly speculating about the impact of this historic match. Social media and global coverage are already generating excitement, with supporters of both teams celebrating the chance to participate in such a unique moment. Players from Tunisia and Japan have spoken about the honor of being part of history, emphasizing that the milestone adds extra motivation to deliver memorable performances.

The 1,000th match is also symbolic of football’s ability to inspire. Every World Cup has stories of determination, resilience, and teamwork that have captivated audiences. This milestone game serves as a reminder of the sport’s global reach, highlighting how football has become a universal language, connecting people across borders, languages, and cultures.

As the world counts down to June 20, anticipation continues to build. Tunisia and Japan are not only playing for points in the tournament but also for the chance to be forever linked to a landmark moment in football history. For fans, this match is more than just a game it is a celebration of the FIFA World Cup’s storied past, its present vibrancy, and its bright future.

With just 100 days to go, the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match promises to be a spectacle that will be remembered long after the final whistle, cementing its place as one of the tournament’s most historic milestones.

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The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday redeemed the N30 million pledge he made to Team Edo ahead of the Niger Delta Games.

Recall that Team Edo emerged as the winners of the second edition of the Games with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, finishing ahead of eight other participating states.

The governor redeemed the pledge during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing, and investing in young sporting talents.

Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their dedication and discipline, which culminated in the state finishing at the top of the medals table.

He noted that the victory reflects the enormous sporting potential within the state and the determination of his administration to reposition Edo as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition, he had expressed confidence that the state would not only host the tournament but also win it.

He said, “Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games.

“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State is not just hosting but hosting to win. Today, we have truly won, defeating other states.

“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud.

“Your talent is something we must harness, build on, and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions.”

The governor noted that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, stressing that the talents discovered during the tournament would be carefully groomed to compete at national and international levels.

Okpebholo also commended the Chairman of the Sports Committee, Amadin Enabulele, and other officials for their efforts.

Earlier, Enabulele said the victory was a result of the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the competition.

He added that the Niger Delta Games victory represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament triumph in about 24 years, marking a turning point in the state’s sporting history.

“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.

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