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 head coach Eric Chelle has revealed the reason behind the heated confrontation between him and the DR Congo technical staff at the end of the World Cup playoff final.

Speaking after the match, Chelle explained that tensions escalated due to what he described as suspicious actions by a member of the DR Congo camp during the penalty decisions.

According to him, the individual repeatedly performed actions he considered unusual.

“During all the penalty decisions, the guy from Congo was doing some voodoo… every time,” Chelle said. “That is why I reacted the way I did.”

When asked to clarify what he observed, the coach said the man appeared to be throwing some kind of liquid while making gestures.

“I don’t know what to call it. He was throwing something like water or something,” Chelle added, raising his hand in demonstration.

The incident contributed to the brief confrontation on the touchline before officials intervened to restore calm.

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.

JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu has rallied the Super Eagles to remain resolute until they secure the qualification ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, after going one step closer with a 4-1 win over Gabon in the African playoffs on Thursday.

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.”

The Super Eagles boycotted their Tuesday training session in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their 2026 World Cup play-off against Gabon, over unpaid bonuses and allowances. Players and some officials reportedly refused to train in protest, while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to comment. The team camp opened Monday with 23 players present, except goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

Ronaldo Confirms 2026 World Cup Will Be His Last.

Cristiano Ronaldo has confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage, marking the closing chapter of a legendary career. The 40-year-old star revealed he is likely to retire from football in “one or two years.”

Speaking via video at a global tourism and investment forum in Saudi Arabia, he was asked if the 2026 World Cup would be his last. Ronaldo responded: “Definitely, yes. I’m going to be 41 years old, and I think it will be the moment.”

With a light smile, he joked: “Soon for me means in 10 years… No, I’m joking.”
He added, “I feel very good at this moment. I score goals, and I still feel quick and sharp. But let’s be honest. What I mean by soon is probably one or two years.”

Ronaldo, who has scored over 950 career goals, emphasized his satisfaction with his journey, especially since joining Al Nassr in 2023.

“I gave everything for football. I’ve been in the game for the last 25 years. I did everything, I have many records in different scenarios at clubs and also with the national team. I’m really proud. So let’s enjoy the moment, live the moment.”
He also spoke about his son, Cristiano Jr., currently with Portugal’s U-16 team:
“As human beings, we don’t always want anyone to be better than us. But I wish my kids would be better than me… Be happy, be free. Don’t be under the pressure of your daddy… I will be his support.”

Ronaldo hopes to play in a sixth World Cup. His closest attempt to win came in 2006, when Portugal reached the semi-finals. The national team can secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a win over Ireland this week.

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.

“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.

The aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air.

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.

"If Nigeria doesn't qualify for World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go! It's unacceptable twice in a row" – Ex-Super Eagles captain, Mikel Obi.

2026 WCQ: NFF Blames Dessers, Troost-Ekong For Super Eagles’ Draw With South Africa

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has criticised Cyriel Dessers and captain William Troost-Ekong following the Super Eagles’ 1-1 draw with South Africa in Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Needing a win to boost their qualification chances, Nigeria fell behind in the 25th minute when Troost-Ekong turned the ball into his own net. Calvin Bassey restored parity before halftime with a powerful header.

In a post-match statement, NFF Director of Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire, faulted Dessers’ display, describing it as ineffective.

“Cyriel Dessers, who had an unimpressive game in Uyo where he was substituted after coming on, did not fare any better. He was too slow to latch onto passes, failed to win aerial duels and offered little to spark the Nigerian att+ck,” the statement read.

Troost-Ekong also came under f+re for his costly error.

“The Super Eagles’ fighting spirit was diminished after team captain William Ekong inadvertently swept the ball into his own net in the 25th minute, wrong-footing Stanley Nwabali and handing the Bafana Bafana the lead and momentum,” the NFF added.

#Instablog9jaNews #TrendingStory #Awareness

"Tonight’s game is not for the weak-minded" - Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye warns ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.

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

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

Sunday Oliseh Blasts NFF Over Peter Rufai’s Burial

During an interview, Sunday Oliseh was asked whether the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had failed legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai and other ex-players.

The interviewer said,let me put you on the spot here. Do you think the NFF failed Peter Rufai and other legends?” Without mincing words Oliseh said,
 “The NFF has been failing us forever and it is no secret. In fact, if we had the better federation, Nigeria would have won the World Cup. The federation is extremely important and that’s why I’m highly more than disappointed the way the burial of Rufai went.

Experience has taught me this, the moment you hear somebody saying something and the second one is coming out to counter them, is not giving back arguments that are based on facts or sources and they’re attacking the person, the character of the other person, that already tells you the one attacking the character is wrong.

So, that is why I said earlier on, this issue is not about Taribo West, whatever he said. It’s not about Tarebo West as regards his political background, his beliefs; this issue is about the point Tarebo was highlighting and pinpointing on. That was the fact that the burial was not done in a way that it should have been done for a huge personality like Peter Rufai.”

Oliseh’s  remarks once again spotlight the long-standing grievances against the NFF, raising questions about how Nigeria treats its sporting icons both in life and in death. His call echoes a broader concern that the federation must take responsibility and ensure legends like Rufai are honored with the dignity they deserve.

It’s Disheartening,’ Taribo West Slams Neglect Of Ex-Internationals At Rufai’s Burial

Former Super Eagles defender Taribo West has decried the treatment of late goalkeeper Peter Rufai’s family, accusing football authorities of neglecting ex-internationals.

Speaking at Rufai’s service of songs in Lagos, West lamented that both the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos FA failed to support the family, forcing them to solicit funds.

The visibly emotional ex-AC Milan star said the pattern of abandonment seen with past legends like Rashidi Yekini, Stephen Keshi, and Thompson Oliha shows why he would not advise his son to play for Nigeria.

Rufai, Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper at the 1994 World Cup and AFCON-winning squad, was buried Friday at Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos.

#PeterRufai #SuperEagles #TariboWest