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.

Cristiano Ronaldo leapfrogs Boniface, Osimhen, Messi, and others to become football’s first billionaire after mega Al-Nassr deal

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially become football’s first-ever billionaire, with his net worth now estimated at a staggering £1.04 billion, according to financial analysts at Bloomberg.

The 40-year-old Al-Nassr forward reached the milestone after his career earnings, endorsement deals, and investments were evaluated and adjusted for tax rates and market performance. Bloomberg reported that Ronaldo’s lucrative stint in Saudi Arabia has “catapulted him to the top of the global sports rich list,” making him the first footballer to appear on their Billionaires Index.

Ronaldo’s wealth now far surpasses that of his long-time rival Lionel Messi, who currently plays for Inter Miami in the United States.

A major contributor to Ronaldo’s fortune is his lifetime partnership with Nike, valued at around £745 million, alongside other endorsements with global brands like Tag Heuer, Armani, PokerStars, Samsung, Unilever, and Louis Vuitton.

The Portuguese superstar is also investing heavily in luxury real estate, including a £28 million mansion complex in his home country. He is often seen flaunting high-end jewellery and watches, among them a Franck Muller Invisible Baguette Diamonds Imperial Tourbillon worth £1.13 million.

At Al-Nassr, Ronaldo earns a jaw-dropping £167.9 million per year — roughly £300 per minute,though he recently confessed he’d prefer to play solely for Portugal. In addition to his record-breaking contract, Ronaldo reportedly holds a stake in Al-Nassr, further boosting his immense fortune.

Nigerian Goal Machine Osimhen Reaches Historic 10 UCL Goals, Turning Up the Heat on Messi, Ronaldo and others.

PSG Forward, Ousmane Dembélé, Leapfrogs Osimhen, Boniface and Others to Win the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or

Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembélé has been named the winner of the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or.

PSG’s domestic dominance and Champions League triumph made them frontrunners for the award, with teammates Achraf Hakimi and Vitinha also in contention. However, Dembélé emerged as the standout, edging Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who finished second in the voting.

At 28, Dembélé delivered the finest season of his career in 2024/25. Initially deployed on the right wing, he was later converted into a striker by manager Luis Enrique—a tactical switch that transformed PSG’s attack.

In Ligue 1, he registered 21 goals & 8 assists in 29 matches, finishing as joint-top scorer & earning a place in the Team of the Year. But it was his Champions League heroics that sealed his Ballon d’Or case, as he netted eight times, including crucial strikes against heavyweights Manchester City, Liverpool & Arsenal.

UPDATED: Ekong Dropped As Osimhen, Lookman Lead Nigeria’s Attack Vs Rwanda

Captain William Troost-Ekong has been benched as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman spearhead Nigeria’s attack in a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

Coach Eric Chelle handed a start to 20-year-old Benjamin Frederick, who will partner Calvin Bassey in central defence. Wilfred Ndidi takes the armband, with Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka completing the midfield trio.

Stanley Nwabali keeps his spot in goal, while Moses Simon joins Osimhen and Lookman upfront. Nigeria, with just seven points from six matches, must win to keep alive their slim qualification hopes.

Nigeria’s Starting XI vs Rwanda:
Nwabali; Ola Aina, Bassey, Frederick, Onyemaechi; Ndidi (C), Iwobi, Onyeka; Simon, Lookman, Osimhen.

#SuperEagles #WorldCupQualifiers #NGARWA

Top European Clubs Snubbed Osimhen Over Character Concerns — Ex-England Footballer, Gary Linekar.

Former Barcelona and England striker, Gary Lineker, has revealed that several top European clubs backed out of signing Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen due to concerns about his character.

Before sealing a four-year move to Turkish giants Galatasaray in a deal reportedly worth €75 million, Osimhen had attracted serious interest from elite clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Arsenal.

However, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Lineker suggested that behind-the-scenes concerns may have influenced those clubs’ decisions.

“I watched Osimhen a couple of times when Napoli played Leicester in the Europa League, and he really stood out,” Lineker said. “He was absolutely brilliant for Napoli—sensational.”

Despite praising his talent and performance, Lineker disclosed that certain off-field issues may have raised red flags. “I’ve heard whispers that he sometimes goes missing for a few days, which has led to some questions about his character,” he added.

Lineker’s comments shed light on why some of Europe’s top clubs may have hesitated despite Osimhen’s outstanding form in Serie A.

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ —Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wr+tchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”

Osimhen’s €15m per season Deal Is a Path to Miser¥ Primate Elijah Ayodele Warns Football Star Over Galatasaray Move.

Popular clergyman, Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stern spiritual warning to Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, claiming that the footballer’s recently signed 4-year deal with Turkish club Galatasaray will bring him nothing but miser¥.

In a viral video circulating online, the preacher declared that Osimhen’s move is a grave mistake that could lead to his downfall.

Speaking with urgency, the clergyman said: “Osimhen, that 4 years deal is failed. That 4 years deal, you will not enjoy it. You better have a rethink. Who give you that advice, Osimhen? Your r¥in and wretchedness is about to befall you. I am telling you!”

Osimhen Set to Return to Napoli but Reportedly Banished from the First Team to Join Youth Team.

Victor Osimhen has been instructed to report to Napoli for pre-season training following the conclusion of his loan at Galatasaray, where he enjoyed a stellar campaign, scoring 37 goals and assisting six to help the Turkish giants secure a league and cup double.

Despite speculation over his future, the Nigerian striker is expected at Napoli’s training camp on July 14–15 unless a transfer materialises before then. So far, only Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia has met his €75 million release clause, but Osimhen reportedly declined their offer, casting doubt on a summer move.

Napoli will begin their pre-season with medicals before heading to Dimaro, Trentino-Alto Adige for training from July 17–27.

They will then continue preparations in Castel di Sangro from July 30 to August 14 after a two-day break. However, new head coach Antonio Conte has made it clear that Osimhen is not part of his plans for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old will train separately from the main squad and will not participate in any tactical or technical sessions. Instead, he will maintain his fitness by working with the club’s youth team — a situation reminiscent of last season when he was sent home from camp amid transfer uncertainty.

I used to fetch water for people for ₦80 and wash gutters with spirogyra for ₦30 – Footballer Victor Osimhen recounts his humble beginnings.

Footballer Victor Osimhen rejects €75m offer from Saudi Arabia club, Al Hilal.

The salary that Al-Hilal offers Osimhen is €850,000 every week.

All my children must play football

So THIS is why Nigerian ladies have been crying in silence lately

It all started when football icon Victor Osimhen proudly posted photos with his Cameroonian queen — and the heartbreak wave began!

Then came Rema, the Rave Lord himself, who ignored home base and found love all the way in Togo

As if that wasn’t enough, gospel singer Moses Bliss claimed he followed the Holy Spirit... and it led him to Ghana , not Nigeria

Just when Naija ladies were starting to recover... BOOM
VDM (every girl's crush) popped up today flaunting his Turkish babe while chilling in Turkey . Wahala wear shades!

Now rumors say some Naija babes are even flying to Cameroon — not for tourism, but to snatch back love

Na so we reach here?
Looks like Naija babes need to upgrade their taste.

Russia vs Nigeria: ‘Very bad’ – Naumov knocks NFF over absence of Osimhen, Lookman, others.
Nikolai Naumov, a former Lokomotiv Moscow president, has knocked the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, over the absence of some key players from the Super Eagles squad list to tackle Russia in an international friendly on Friday.

Naumov explained that it’s very bad from the part of the NFF not to ensured that the key Super Eagles players take part in the friendly against Russia.

Russia will welcome Nigeria at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday evening.

But key Super Eagles players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfried Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Ola Aina and among others will not partake in the encounter for various reasons.

Speaking ahead of the encounter, Naumov expressed his displeasure with those managing Nigerian football as he described the Super Eagles players that will face Russia as “beach footballers.”

“The non-arrival of key [Super Eagles] players for the friendly match against Russia is very bad,” Naumov was quoted by Championat as saying.

“When we [Russia] agree [to play a friendly match] with any national team, we incur significant expenses for flights and accommodation.

“[As a result of ] such expenses, we [Russia] must clearly indicate what line-up the opponent should’ve.

“Only the strongest players [from the opponent] are needed, except for injuries or other emergencies.

“When the Nigerian national team agrees to such a match, the management [NFF] must discuss this issue with their players in advance and now they are bringing beach footballers.”

Star Power Meets Statesmanship: Victor Osimhen Shakes Hands with Turkish President Erdoğan

Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen had a proud moment as he met and shook hands with the President of Turkey , Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Napoli striker, who continues to make waves on and off the pitch, was all smiles during the brief but significant encounter.

Fans across Nigeria and Turkey have celebrated the meeting, calling it a powerful moment of sports diplomacy and international recognition for Osimhen’s growing influence.

#VictorOsimhen #Turkey #PresidentErdogan #NaijaToTheWorld #NigerianFootball

JUST IN:
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen is reportedly close to securing his next move to Saudi Arabia, as he "closes in on personal agreement" with Al Hilal.

From Naples to Riyadh? Money talks, but legacy whispers.
Whatever the decision, we just want to keep seeing him shine

— According to @NigeriaStories

#NigeriaStories #Osimhen #SuperEagles #AlHilal #TransferNews