Fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria were prevented from entering the Stadium with live birds ahead of their game against Croatia in Kaliningrad on Saturday. A Russian official in the city of Kaliningrad says authorities forbade World Cup fans from bringing live chickens to matches. The West African nation is renowned for sending coloured birds to the park as a sign of luck for the team on the pitch and for the first time at a major tournament, fans were denied from entering with live fowls.

Ebusua Dwarfs Chief Executive Edward Nana Aidoo has passed away in the United States of America. The highly- respected football administrator gave up the ghost after battling an illness for close to a year. News of his unfortunate demise has spread like wildfire, throwing Ghana football into a state of shock and sadness. Nana Aidoo has been the club's major financier, providing financial support through the most difficult times of the club. The Cape Coast club is one of the traditional

The Egyptian Football Association has confirmed forward Mohamed Salah is fit for Egypt's World Cup second group A match against hosts Russia on Tuesday. Salah, 25, was an unused substitute in his country's1-0 defeat by Uruguay in their opening group game on Thursday when he was also declared fit. Heinjured his shoulderplaying for Liverpool in the Champions League final on 26 May. "He was fit to play against Uruguay but the coach did not want to take the risk," said the EFA.