DR Congo denies Nigeria the chance to ‘oblee’ at the 2026 World Cup after beating the Super Eagles 4–3 on penalties.

DR Congo Leopards defeated the Nigerian Super Eagles in a dramatic penalty shootout following a 1‑1 draw in regulation and extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, securing their place in the next stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter‑confederation playoffs.

Nigeria took an early lead in the 3rd minute through Frank Onyeka, but DR Congo equalized in the 32nd minute via Meschack Elia. Both teams created several scoring chances during a tense match, with Nigeria goalkeeper Nwabali making key saves to keep the Eagles alive.

After 120 minutes, the score remained tied, sending the game into penalties. DR Congo held their nerve in sudden death, while Nigeria missed crucial kicks, handing the Leopards a historic victory.

This result marks Nigeria’s first competitive defeat to DR Congo since a friendly draw in 2018, and DR Congo now advances to the next stage of World Cup qualification.

Nigeria Thrash Gabon 4–1 in World Cup Play-off Showdown.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a dominant performance on Thursday night, defeating Gabon 4–1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off clash.

The match, played at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, saw Nigeria assert control early and maintain pressure throughout the game.

Victor Osimhen scored twice as Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a commanding 4-1 win over Gabon in extra time, booking their place in the next stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Nigeria broke the deadlock through Akor Adams, who capitalised on a defensive error to put the Eagles ahead early in the second half. Gabon responded with a late equaliser just four minutes from time, sending the match into extra time.

In extra time, Chidera Ejuke calmly restored Nigeria’s lead before Osimhen added two more goals to seal a resounding victory. The Super Eagles’ defence, marshalled by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, held firm to deny Gabon any comeback.

The result edges Nigeria closer to a World Cup spot, following their dominant 4-0 triumph over Benin Republic in the group stages, during which Osimhen scored a hat-trick. Gabon, finishing second in Group F behind Ivory Coast, also advanced to the playoff round.

With this victory, Nigeria move to the top of their qualification group, strengthening their chances of booking a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Nigeria strengthened their bid for a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday as striker Victor Osimhen scored twice to inspire the Super Eagles to a 4-1 victory over Gabon in extra time, securing their place in the play-off final.

World Cup Qualifiers: Peter Obi slams FG over unpaid Super Eagles allowances.

Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the federal government over the reported boycott of training by the Super Eagles ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

Obi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, expressed disappointment that players representing Nigeria were being owed allowances despite their consistent service to the nation.

“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” he wrote.

“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a now disgraced country.”

BREAKING NEWS: NFF President Amaju Pinnick has denied allegations of mismanagement surrounding the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi, insisting that the claims have been misconstrued and taken out of context.

#BreakingNews, #AmajuPinnick, #NFF, #FIFAGoalProject, #Kebbi, #NigerianFootball,

Reactions Trail Peter Obi's Comments As FIFA Says Funds Given To Build Stadium Was Mismanaged.

Former governor of Anambra State and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has drawn significant public attention following his reaction to reports alleging the mismanagement of funds provided by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

The controversy erupted after footage of a sports facility, reportedly built with FIFA’s $1.2 million grant, surfaced on social media. The video quickly went viral, prompting outrage from Nigerians who questioned how such a large sum could result in a project that appeared substandard.

Many commentators described the development as another example of impunity and lack of accountability within the nation’s sporting institutions.

Reacting through a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Peter Obi expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He described the NFF’s actions as heartbreaking, saying they mirrored the entrenched corruption that has hindered national progress.

Obi emphasized that sports, a sector capable of inspiring young people and uniting the country, had once again fallen victim to mismanagement and neglect.

According to the former governor, the alleged misuse of funds meant to promote football development reflects a broader disregard for the aspirations of Nigerian youths. He noted that such actions discourage hope and undermine the potential of sports as a tool for national development and unity.

Obi, who is widely known for his advocacy for prudent financial management and transparency in governance, urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable. His comments have since generated widespread discussion across various social media platforms, with many Nigerians calling for a full investigation into how the FIFA funds were utilized.

As of the time of this report, the Nigerian Football Federation has not issued an official response to the allegations.

Super Eagles Get World Cup Hope Alive as FIFA Punishes South Africa Over Player Scandal.

According to a report from BBC, South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a major setback after the country’s football association (SAFA) was sanctioned for fielding an ineligible player in the qualifiers.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee ruled that midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches and was due to serve a one-match suspension, was wrongly included in South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho on March 21.

His participation was deemed a violation of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 World Cup Preliminary Competition Regulations.

In its decision announced on Monday, September 29, FIFA declared the match forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory.

SAFA was also fined CHF 10,000, while Mokoena received a formal warning. “The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee,” FIFA said in a statement, per Africa Soccer.

The ruling significantly alters the group standings, with Benin Republic now leading on 14 points (+4 goal difference), ahead of South Africa, also on 14 points but with an inferior goal difference (+3).

Nigeria follows with 11 points (+2), Rwanda also has 11 (0), Lesotho sits on 9 (-3), and Zimbabwe trails with 4 (-6).

With only the group winner guaranteed an automatic ticket to the World Cup and the runner-up possibly advancing via inter-confederation play-offs, the October fixtures will be decisive in determining South Africa’s fate.

Our Moral Fabrics Is Gone,We Honor Thieves”Melaye Says,Shares Photo Of FIFA Stadium In Kebbi,Kenya.

Former lawmaker, Senator Dino Melaye has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) government over what he described as a glaring case of mismanagement involving FIFA’s $1.2 million grant meant for sports development in Nigeria.

In a post shared on his X handle (formerly Twitter), Melaye compared a stadium reportedly built in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, with another constructed in Kenya. Both facilities were said to have been funded by FIFA with identical grants of $1.2 million to support football infrastructure across African nations.

“FIFA gave Nigeria $1.2 million and they gave Kenya $1.2 million. The goal was for both of them to build stadiums for football development. Our moral fabrics is gone, we celebrate rogues, we honor thieves. Up APC,” Melaye wrote.

Images shared by the former senator showed the Kenyan project as a modern, well-equipped football stadium with standard seating and professional facilities. In stark contrast, the Nigerian version appeared as a small, underdeveloped mini-stadium with limited infrastructure, a situation that has stirred widespread outrage on social media.

Melaye’s post has triggered a flurry of reactions, with many Nigerians demanding answers from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Sports on how the FIFA funds were expended. Critics argued that the difference between the two projects reflects deeper corruption and poor accountability in public spending.

“I Don’t Want Nigeria to Qualify for 2026 World Cup” — South Africa’s Sports Minister Declares.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has openly stated that he does not wish to see the Super Eagles of Nigeria qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In an interview with Johannesburg-based Radio 947, McKenzie accused Nigeria of trying to sabotage South Africa’s qualification efforts, adding that his remarks were a direct response to what he described as “hostile actions” from the Nigerian side.

His comments come amid heightened rivalry between the two nations following a tense World Cup qualifying campaign. South Africa had earlier suffered a setback when FIFA docked three points from their tally for fielding an ineligible player — a sanction that temporarily threatened their chances of topping the group.

Nigeria capitalized on that moment by winning their last two group matches to remain in contention. However, South Africa ultimately secured the Group C ticket with a decisive 3–0 victory over Rwanda, earning their first World Cup berth since 2010.

Nigeria, now relegated to the continental playoffs, will have to overcome Gabon in November before potentially facing Congo DR or Cameroon to keep their World Cup dreams alive, a scenario McKenzie says he is firmly against.

“I heard people saying we were also supporting Nigeria, but let me be clear, I don’t want them to qualify for the 2026 World Cup,” the 51-year-old minister said.

He further alleged that Nigeria worked “behind the scenes” to hinder South Africa’s qualification chances. “I know what they did. I want them to lose. They will not go to the World Cup; let another African country go,” McKenzie added.

He clarified that his stance wasn’t personal but rooted in football rivalry. “It’s not that I hate Nigeria. I simply match the energy they give. They don’t like us, and we don’t like them — it’s that simple. It’s just like the rivalry between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates,” he said.

Super Eagles’ Flight to Uyo Delayed After Aircraft’s Windscreen Cracked Mid-Air.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ return to Uyo for Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic was delayed after their aircraft developed a cr+cked windscreen mid-air.

The ValueJet Airline plane, which had earlier flown part of the team to Polokwane for the match against Lesotho, made an emergency return to Luanda, Angola, shortly after takeoff during a refuelling stop.

According to the NFF Communications Department, the pilot acted swiftly to ensure the safety of all passengers, and the aircraft landed safely back in Luanda without casualties.

The incident occurred as the team was heading home following a 2–1 away win over Lesotho, a result that boosted Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The victory lifted the Eagles to third place in Group C with 14 points, behind Benin Republic (17) and South Africa (15).

The NFF stated that ValueJet, in coordination with the Federal Government, the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, is working urgently to secure permits for a replacement aircraft from Lagos to transport the delegation to Uyo.

Tuesday’s fixture is seen as a must-win for Nigeria. Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up advance to the playoffs.

To keep their qualification hopes alive, the Super Eagles must defeat Benin Republic and hope South Africa drops points in their final game. Anything less would end Nigeria’s bid to return to the world stage after missing Qatar 2022.

The clash at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is being viewed as a defining moment for the three-time African champions, who are determined to reclaim national pride and secure a place at FIFA 2026.

Chelsea Scouts Target 16-year-old Nigerian Football Sensation, Abduljelil Kamaldeen.

Chelsea scouts are closely monitoring Nigerian wonderkid Abduljelil Kamaldeen, who has caught global attention at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

The Blues’ vast scouting network has reportedly identified the 16-year-old midfielder as a top prospect after his impressive cameo in Nigeria’s 1-0 loss to Norway U-20 on Monday. Despite being one of the youngest players at the tournament, Kamaldeen showed composure and creativity against opponents nearly five years older, almost salvaging a late equalizer for the Flying Eagles.

Sources suggest the Kwara Football Academy talent could start Nigeria’s next group match against Saudi Arabia, with several European clubs now tracking his progress.

Chelsea’s interest in Kamaldeen began earlier this year at the WAFU Zone B U-20 Boys Cup in Ghana, where he delivered standout performances — including a goal in Nigeria’s 4-1 win over Benin — and impressed against Niger and Ivory Coast in the later stages. Initially deployed as a left winger, his growing maturity on the ball has seen him move into a central attacking midfield role, where his pace, vision, and dribbling have drawn comparisons to Alex Iwobi.

Football analysts believe his flair and confidence echo that of Iwobi’s uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha, one of Nigeria’s greatest football icons.

Chelsea, renowned for developing African stars like Michael Essien and John Obi Mikel, view Kamaldeen as a potential long-term project. His technical ability and versatility reportedly fit the club’s new youth recruitment strategy.

Meanwhile, Chelsea already have another Nigerian teenager, Chizaram Ezenwata, in their youth setup. The London-born striker, who joined from Charlton Athletic, was not released for Nigeria’s pre-tournament training camp and remains eligible to play for England, Nigeria, or Cameroon.

In a related development, first-team star Cole Palmer was spotted supporting Chelsea’s U-19s this week, praising the club’s rising talents — further evidence of the Blues’ growing focus on youth development.

Drogba, Akide Join FIFA’s Anti-Racism Players’ Voice Panel

FIFA has unveiled a 16-member “Players’ Voice Panel” aimed at combating racism in football, with African legends Didier Drogba and Mercy Akide among those named.

Led by former Ballon d’Or winner and ex-Liberian President George Weah, the panel includes current and former football stars from 14 countries, who will advise on anti-racism strategies, support education programmes, and drive cultural reforms in global football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the panel’s role in delivering real action rather than symbolic gestures, saying:

“Racism and discrimination are not simply wrong — they are crimes. All incidents must be fully punished.”

The initiative follows high-profile incidents of racist abuse in football, including the recent case involving Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo at Liverpool.

The Players’ Voice Panel includes:

George Weah (Liberia)

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Mercy Akide (Nigeria)

Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)

Formiga (Brazil)

Ivan Cordoba (Colombia)

Jessica Houara (France)

Sun Jihai (China PR)

Blaise Matuidi (France)

Lotta Schelin (Sweden)

Aya Miyama (Japan)

Juan Pablo Sorin (Argentina)

Mikael Silvestre (France)

Briana Scurry (USA)

Maia Jackman (New Zealand)

Khalilou Fadiga (Senegal)

FIFA has also toughened its disciplinary code, raising fines for racist abuse to a maximum of 5 million Swiss francs, and adopted a three-step anti-discrimination protocol during matches.

#SayNoToRacism #FootballUnites #FIFAPlayersVoice

Police Assure Tight Security for Nigeria vs Rwanda World Cup Qualifier in Uyo

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Nigeria and Rwanda, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command has assured fans and visitors of robust security measures at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

The match is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at 5 p.m.

Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, gave the assurance during a press conference in Uyo, stating that police personnel would be fully deployed to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free event.

“Our men are going to use their total strength in policing the game,” Azare said.

He warned potential troublemakers to stay away, saying the police would not tolerate any form of violence during or after the match.

#NigeriaVsRwanda #WorldCupQualifiers #Uyo2025

Tinubu Reshuffles NTA Leadership, Appoints Pedro as DG

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced a major shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), ushering in a new era of leadership to revitalise the nation’s state broadcaster.

Veteran media executive Rotimi Richard Pedro takes the helm as Director-General, bringing nearly 30 years of expertise in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

Other top appointments include:

Karimah Bello (Katsina State) – Executive Director, Marketing

Stella Din (Plateau State) – Executive Director, News

Sophia Issa Mohammed (Adamawa State) – Managing Director, NTA Enterprises Ltd.


Pedro, a Lagos native and founder of Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), has distributed premium sports content—including the EPL, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF tournaments—to over 40 African countries. His impressive résumé includes work with FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB), where he secured exclusive pan-African media rights for CAF competitions.

The overhaul is one of the biggest leadership changes in NTA’s history, aimed at modernising the broadcaster, boosting revenue, and delivering world-class content in an increasingly competitive media landscape.


#Tinubu #NTA #RotimiPedro #BreakingNews #MediaLeadership #Broadcasting #NigeriaMedia #NTAReforms #SportsRights #MediaTransformation

Nigeria NewsTinubu Replaces NTA Leadership, Appoints Rotimi Pedro DG.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority, replacing its management with a new leadership team.
'You Have No Reason To Be Poor' - President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME
Veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, has been named the new Director-General of the state-owned broadcaster.

Naija News reports that a senior official of the NTA confirmed the appointments to Vanguard.

Other key appointments include Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Essahmed as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro, a Lagos native, is a seasoned media entrepreneur and consultant with close to three decades of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London.

In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in over 40 countries.

Pedro’s career has spanned leadership roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB). He notably helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Tinubu Replaces NTA Leadership, Appoints Rotimi Pedro DG.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping shake-up at the Nigerian Television Authority, replacing its management with a new leadership team.
'You Have No Reason To Be Poor' - President Tinubu Tells Nigerians, Reaffirms Support For MSME
Veteran media executive, Rotimi Richard Pedro, has been named the new Director-General of the state-owned broadcaster.

Naija News reports that a senior official of the NTA confirmed the appointments to Vanguard.

Other key appointments include Karimah Bello as Executive Director of Marketing, Stella Din as Executive Director of News, and Sophia Essahmed as Managing Director of NTA Enterprises Limited.

Pedro, a Lagos native, is a seasoned media entrepreneur and consultant with close to three decades of experience in broadcasting, sports rights, and marketing communications across Africa, the UK, and the Middle East.

A trained entertainment and intellectual property lawyer, he also holds an MSc in Investment Management & Finance from City University Business School, London.

In 1995, he founded Optima Sports Management International (OSMI), one of Africa’s leading sports content providers, distributing premium events such as the English Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FIFA World Cup, and CAF competitions to audiences in over 40 countries.

Pedro’s career has spanned leadership roles at Bloomberg Television Africa, Rapid Blue Format, and consultancy work for FIFA, UEFA, Fremantle Media, and the African Union of Broadcasters (AUB). He notably helped the AUB secure exclusive pan-African free-to-air media rights for all CAF competitions.

Cristiano Ronaldo Engaged to Georgina Rodriguez After 8 Years.

Cristiano Ronaldo, 40, is officially engaged to longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez, 31, after eight years together.

Rodriguez shared the news on Instagram on Monday, Aug. 11, posting a photo of her hand over Ronaldo’s, flaunting a huge oval-shaped diamond ring with the caption: “Yes I do. In this and in all my lives.” The couple began dating in 2016, going public at the Best FIFA Football Awards in January 2017.

They now share five children,twins Eva Maria and Mateo, 8, daughter Alana, 7, daughter Bella, 3, and 15-year-old Cristiano Jr. Ronaldo welcomed Cristiano Jr. before meeting Rodriguez.

In April 2022, they announced the heartbreaking loss of Bella’s twin brother, Ángel, shortly after birth. Their love story began when Ronaldo met Rodriguez while she worked at a Gucci store in Madrid.

In her Netflix series I Am Georgina, she recalled him visiting after work in luxury cars like a Bugatti, leaving her colleagues stunned.

Ronaldo admitted he was drawn to her maturity and would wait outside in his flashy cars before they slipped away into their “own world.” The couple has faced highs and lows together,from welcoming children and traveling the world to enduring personal tragedy.

Rodriguez described losing her son as “the best and the worst moment of my life,” saying Ronaldo encouraged her to embrace life again. After years of engagement speculation, the football legend has finally made it official,with a sparkling reminder of their enduring love.

“We Laboured for Nothing” — Ex-Super Falcons Star Patience Avre Praises Tinubu’s Reward Policy, Appeals for Recognition of Past Heroes

Former Super Falcons forward and U.S.-based veteran, Patience Avre Odeli, has showered praise on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu for their recent recognition and rewards to Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons and D’Tigress teams.

“I doff my hat for our sports-loving President and his beautiful wife… such regular receptions will inspire others to aim for global glory,” Avre said, referencing the warm celebration and national honors given to both teams following their victories at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and Afrobasket Championship.

However, the ex-striker used the opportunity to spotlight a painful truth — her generation, which won four African titles, reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and appeared at the Olympic Games, was neglected by past administrations.

“We laboured for nothing. Some of our teammates have died; others are battling injuries or mentally drained due to the lack of appreciation and support,” she lamented.

Avre, supported by Super Falcons legends like Stella Mbachu, Precious Dede, and Kikelomo Ajayi, is appealing to the current government to rewrite history by recognizing and rewarding past champions who made Nigeria proud.

She also praised Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, describing him as a credible figure leading a positive transformation in Nigerian sports.

#PatienceAvre #SuperFalcons #Tinubu #OluremiTinubu #WAFCON2025 #D’Tigress #AfricanChampions #UnsungHeroes

WAFCON Final Showdown: Spain’s World Cup-Winning Coach Vows to Crush Nigeria’s 10th Title Dream


History is on the line as Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda—the mastermind behind Spain’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory—declares his Atlas Lionesses are mentally ready to deny Nigeria a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.

Vilda, now aiming to deliver Morocco’s first-ever WAFCON crown, expressed unwavering confidence during a press briefing:

> “They are a psychologically strong team… we never give up. These players are champions in every sense.”

After falling short in the 2022 final, Morocco now returns hungrier, sharper, and backed by a home crowd at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat. But standing tall in their path is a red-hot Nigerian Super Falcons side, who’ve netted 11 goals and conceded only once all tournament.

Powered by stars like Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, and Toni Payne, Nigeria is determined to defend their legacy and reaffirm their place at the pinnacle of African women’s football.

A Moroccan victory would make Vilda the first coach in history to win both a Women’s World Cup and a WAFCON title.

All roads lead to Rabat this Saturday. It's Africa's biggest women's football battle yet.

#WAFCON2025 #NigeriaVsMorocco #SuperFalcons

Raul Jimenez hit Diogo Jota's FIFA celebration and held up a jersey with his name after equalizing for Mexico.

They played together for two seasons at Wolves

RIP DIOGO....