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  • Super Eagles vs Jordan: Nigeria Prepares for Key Friendly Game

    Super Eagles vs Jordan: Nigeria Prepares for Key Friendly Game

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to play an international friendly match against Jordan in Amman this March. The match will serve as part of Jordan’s preparations for their debut appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Nigeria’s participation in the friendly depends on FIFA’s pending ruling regarding the country’s eligibility protest against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The outcome of this ruling could determine whether the Super Eagles are allowed to compete in upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

    In addition to the Jordan friendly, Nigeria is reportedly in talks with Iran to schedule another international match in March, giving the team further opportunities to prepare ahead of competitive fixtures.

    Jordan will be making their first-ever World Cup appearance this year under coach Jamal Sellami. They are drawn in a challenging group alongside reigning champions Argentina, Algeria, and Austria.

    The friendly against Nigeria is expected to help both teams assess squad depth, tactics, and match readiness ahead of the global tournament. It also provides players an opportunity to gain experience against international competition ahead of the World Cup.

  • AFCON 2025: Osayi-Samuel Predicts Close Algeria Match

    AFCON 2025: Osayi-Samuel Predicts Close Algeria Match

    Photo Credit:Daily post

    Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has expressed confidence ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarterfinal clash against Algeria. He acknowledged the North African team’s strength but insisted that Nigeria is prepared to secure a win when they meet on Saturday at Marrakesh Stadium.

    Osayi-Samuel noted that the Super Eagles are entering the match in strong attacking form, having scored 12 goals in their last four games. He also pointed out that Algeria has been defensively solid, conceding only once on their journey to the final eight, highlighting the challenge that awaits the team.

    Despite Algeria’s defensive record, the Birmingham City full-back stressed that Nigeria is ready to face them head-on. “You’re facing the best attacking team in Africa, in my opinion, so we’ll do our best to win,” he told reporters in Morocco. He emphasized the team’s focus on winning within regular time to avoid extra time or penalties.

    Osayi-Samuel described Algeria as “a great team, very good team” and praised their skilled players. He expressed belief in Nigeria’s ability to overcome the Desert Warriors, citing the team’s strong starts in previous matches as a key advantage.

    The Super Eagles will face Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal on Saturday, with Nigerians across the country eagerly awaiting the outcome. The clash is expected to be tightly contested, reflecting both teams’ strong performances in the tournament so far.

  • FG, CBN Resolve Forex Issues, Pay Super Eagles AFCON Bonuses

    FG, CBN Resolve Forex Issues, Pay Super Eagles AFCON Bonuses

    The Federal Government has confirmed the full processing and disbursement of all outstanding match bonuses owed to the Super Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following the resolution of administrative and foreign exchange challenges.

    The confirmation was given on Thursday by the Minister of State for Finance, Mrs Doris Uzoka-Anite, in a statement released via her verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

    According to the minister, the Federal Government, working in close collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), addressed earlier bottlenecks in foreign exchange processing that had delayed payments to the national team.

    “I am pleased to provide an update on the administrative progress regarding match bonuses for our national team at AFCON 2025,” Uzoka-Anite said.

    “The Federal Government, in collaboration with the CBN, has streamlined the foreign exchange process to ensure our players are rewarded without further delay.”
    She disclosed that all group-stage bonuses have now received the necessary regulatory approvals, with final transfers already underway.

    The clarification comes amid reports that the Super Eagles had considered boycotting their trip to Marrakech for Saturday’s match against Algeria over unpaid bonuses allegedly owed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    Uzoka-Anite further revealed that a fast-track foreign exchange conversion mechanism has been introduced to meet players’ preference for payments in foreign currency.

    “The final transfers to domiciliary accounts are currently in flight and are expected to reflect starting today or tomorrow,” she stated.

    The minister also outlined measures to prevent a recurrence of such delays, noting that payment processes would henceforth be fully streamlined in line with global best practices.

    “Going forward, the process will be structured to ensure faster and more predictable disbursements,” she added.

    Reaffirming the government’s commitment to the welfare of the national team, Uzoka-Anite emphasized that attention remains firmly on supporting the Super Eagles as the tournament enters its decisive stages.

    “Our focus is on enabling the team to sustain their impressive momentum in the knockout rounds. We move forward with one objective: bringing the trophy home,” she concluded.

  • Oliseh Highlights Strategy for Nigeria’s AFCON Game

    Oliseh Highlights Strategy for Nigeria’s AFCON Game

    Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has urged Nigeria to approach their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against Mozambique with focus and intensity, emphasizing that no opponent at this stage should be underestimated. The match, scheduled for Monday night, will decide which team advances to the quarter-finals.

    Speaking on Global Football Insight, Oliseh stressed that the Eagles should replicate the spirit and discipline shown in their previous game against Uganda. “Every team is under pressure at this knockout stage. The Super Eagles must take the Mozambique game seriously from the start,” he said.

    He added that while Nigeria enters the match as favourites, Mozambique should not be underestimated. “Anybody who underrates Mozambique should be ready to pick up the flight ticket back home. Winning this team should also boost our tactical confidence,” Oliseh said.

  • Gabon Coach Admits Shortcomings After 4-1 Loss To Nigeria

    Gabon Coach Admits Shortcomings After 4-1 Loss To Nigeria

    Panthers of Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma acknowledged that his team fell short in their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff semi-final against Nigeria.

    Gabon suffered a 4-1 defeat to the Super Eagles in Rabat on Thursday, as Nigeria dominated the encounter from the first half.

    The Super Eagles created several opportunities early, with strikers Victor Osimhen and Jerome Adams Akor threatening Gabon’s defence.

    Gabon showed renewed energy after the break but could not contain Nigeria’s attacking prowess, allowing the Super Eagles to secure a place in the final.

    Mouyouma admitted that his team struggled both offensively and defensively. “We were not good enough. We were not sharp enough in the offensive box, and we didn’t defend well in our defensive box. Nigeria did both and scored,” he said after the match.

    Despite the heavy scoreline, the coach insisted that it did not fully reflect his team’s efforts during the game.

    “The match was decided on fine margins. The scoreline doesn’t show how well we competed against one of the most dangerous attacking sides in Africa,” Mouyouma added.

    The defeat ends Gabon’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, while Nigeria progresses to the final stage of the qualifiers.

    Mouyouma emphasized the need for his team to improve execution in critical areas as they regroup for future competitions.

  • Eagles Face DR Congo on Sunday

    Eagles Face DR Congo on Sunday

    Nigeria will take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final on Sunday, with the winner earning Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoff scheduled for March 2026.

    The Super Eagles booked their place in the final after a convincing 4–1 victory over Gabon on Thursday, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice in extra time to seal the win.

    Later in the day, DR Congo produced a shock result by defeating Cameroon 1–0. Captain Chancel Mbemba scored the decisive goal with a stoppage-time header, keeping his team’s World Cup hopes alive.

    Sunday’s playoff final will be held at the newly constructed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

  • Gabon Coach Confident Ahead Ff World Cup Playoff vs Nigeria

    Gabon Coach Confident Ahead Ff World Cup Playoff vs Nigeria

    Gabon head coach Thierry Mouyouma says his team is fully prepared for their 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff encounter with Nigeria.

    The Panthers will face the Super Eagles on Thursday in the semi-final round of the playoffs at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.

    Gabon are aiming to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

    The team has enjoyed strong form in the qualifiers, winning nine of their 10 matches.

    Mouyouma, in a post on X, described the match as a defining moment for his side. “In a few days, my team and I will face a major African footballing nation: Nigeria,” he wrote.

    “This playoff match represents a turning point for us, as it could pave our way to the World Cup.”

    He reiterated that the squad remains focused on securing qualification. “We have a dream: to go to the World Cup. And that dream still exists,” he said.

    “We will do everything in our power to achieve it.”

  • Oliseh Blames Systemic Issues for Nigeria’s World Cup Struggles

    Oliseh Blames Systemic Issues for Nigeria’s World Cup Struggles

     

     

    Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has attributed Nigeria’s shaky chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup to broader systemic problems within Nigerian football.

    The Super Eagles sit third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders South Africa, who have just two games remaining. Group winners qualify directly for the tournament, while the best-performing runners-up may advance through playoffs.

    Oliseh, who represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, said the national team cannot succeed in isolation from the challenges facing the country.

    “It’s looking almost certain now that we won’t go to the World Cup. Nigeria is not going to lose out because of just one error. It’s been errors in the past,” Oliseh said on his podcast.

    He also criticized players for not taking full responsibility, particularly amid reports of unpaid match bonuses. “The players have to know that they have to succeed in spite of the federation… In all departments, we are not good enough. Simple,” he said.

    Oliseh reflected on his own experience, noting that he played nearly a decade for the Super Eagles without qualifying for a World Cup and questioned the current players’ acceptance of ongoing issues.

    Nigeria will face Lesotho and Benin Republic in their final two qualifiers, but their fate could be influenced by pending FIFA decisions regarding a potential points deduction for South Africa over an ineligible player.

    The former captain’s comments highlight concerns over both administration and player accountability as Nigeria fights to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

     

  • Nigerian Stars Shine Across Europe and Beyond After International Break

    Nigerian Stars Shine Across Europe and Beyond After International Break

    Nigerian footballers returned to club action at the weekend with a mix of debuts, goals, assists, and solid performances across Europe and beyond.

    Scotland – Iheanacho Off the Mark at Celtic

    Kelechi Iheanacho scored his first competitive goal in six months as he made a memorable debut for Celtic in their 2-1 away win at Kilmarnock.
    The former Manchester City striker, recently released by Sevilla, came on as a second-half substitute and converted a stoppage-time penalty to seal all three points. His debut drew extra attention after his shirt was misspelled “Iheancho.”

    Germany – Boniface Registers Assist on Bremen Debut

    Victor Boniface made an instant impact on his Werder Bremen debut, setting up the final goal in their 4-0 thrashing of Borussia Monchengladbach.
    The striker, on loan from Bayer Leverkusen, came on in the 75th minute and teed up the fourth goal six minutes later. His compatriot Felix Agu played the full match.

    France – Simon Lifts Paris FC

    Moses Simon continued his bright start at Paris FC, helping the newly-promoted Ligue 1 side to a 2-1 away win over Brest. Simon, who has already scored twice this season, played the first hour before being substituted.

    Italy – Dele-Bashiru Starts for Lazio

    Fisayo Dele-Bashiru earned a starting berth for Lazio against Sassuolo but was withdrawn at half-time in a 1-0 defeat.

    Greece – Dessers Debuts in Defeat

    Cyriel Dessers made his Panathinaikos debut in their 3-2 loss at Kifisia. The striker came on in the second half but was booked shortly after his introduction.

    Turkey – Onuachu Denied in Trabzonspor Loss

    Paul Onuachu had a goal disallowed by VAR in Trabzonspor’s 1-0 defeat at Fenerbahce. The striker completed the full 90 minutes, while Anthony Nwakaeme missed out due to injury.
    Elsewhere, Anthony Dennis featured for Goztepe in their 1-1 draw at Kayserispor.

    Czech Republic – Durosinmi Fires Viktoria Plzen to Victory

    Rafiu Durosinmi scored the only goal as Viktoria Plzen edged Sigma Olomouc 1-0, extending their unbeaten run to four matches.

    England – EPL Debuts for Arokodare and Uche

    Tolu Arokodare made his Premier League debut for Wolves, starting in a narrow 1-0 defeat at Newcastle before being substituted in the 66th minute.
    Chisantus Uche also earned his first EPL appearance, coming on late in Crystal Palace’s goalless draw against Sunderland.
    At Fulham, Alex Iwobi played 76 minutes and Calvin Bassey completed the full match in a 1-0 win over Leeds. Samuel Chukwueze, a deadline-day arrival, was not in the squad.

    Canada – Okoronkwo Brace for AFC Toronto

    Super Falcons striker Esther Okoronkwo scored twice as AFC Toronto crushed Vancouver Rise 7-0 to secure a playoff spot and extend their dominance in the Northern Super League.

    Saudi Arabia – Plumptre, Ordega Star for Al Ittihad

    Ashleigh Plumptre captained Al Ittihad and provided an assist in their 2-1 win over Al Ula, while Francisca Ordega featured as a late substitute.

  • Osimhen Sidelined with Ankle Sprain, Misses Nigeria’s Next Match

    Osimhen Sidelined with Ankle Sprain, Misses Nigeria’s Next Match

    Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen suffered an ankle sprain while on international duty with Nigeria during Saturday’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win over Rwanda, the club confirmed.

    Osimhen was substituted midway through the first half following a challenge from Rwandan defender Claude Niyomugabo. Initial examinations by Nigeria’s medical team suggested a shin bruise, but further tests in Turkey revealed a moderate ankle sprain.

    “Examinations conducted today on Victor Osimhen in our hospital detected a moderate sprain in the ankle ligaments, and treatment has begun to ensure a swift return to the field,” Galatasaray team doctor Dr. Yener Slim said in a statement.

    Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that Osimhen would not travel with the squad to face South Africa in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. “He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad,” Efoghe wrote.

    During the match against Rwanda, Osimhen was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, who had limited impact. Second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare scored in the 51st minute, securing Nigeria’s victory and keeping their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive.

    Osimhen returned to Turkey for further assessment and treatment. It remains uncertain whether he will be fit for Galatasaray’s league clash against Eyüpspor on Saturday.

    The striker joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli this summer for €75 million after a successful loan spell last season. He has scored two goals in three league appearances this season, helping the team top the table with 12 points.