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Category: Sports

  • 2026 World Cup Race: Again, Eagles Settle For Draw Against Zimbabwe

    The Super Eagles, again, had to settle for a 1-1 draw on Day 2 of the FIFA World Cup qualifying African series after a tame performance failed to lift them above the Warriors of Zimbabwe in neutral Rwandan ground on Sunday.

    Walter Musona put the Warriors in front after 26 minutes with a 35-yard free-kick that eluded goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and sailed into the net.

    The Eagles did not play with the stronger mentality and determination they espoused after the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday, as the Warriors, who played their own game against Rwanda a day earlier and better-rested, showed more hunger and desire for the three points.

    Moses Simon’s stout shielding of the ball and good decision in the box allowed Kelechi Iheanacho to slam past the goalkeeper for Nigeria’s equalizer after 67 minutes in Butare.

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers resume in June 2024 with Nigeria hosting South Africa, current leaders of Group C, before travelling to an away game against Benin Republic.    

  • 2026 W/Cup Qualifier: Focused Super Eagles Unbothered By State Of Huye Stadium Pitch

    Still stung by their loss of two points to Lesotho on home soil on Day 1 of their 10-match qualification series for the 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket, the Super Eagles took to the pitch of Huye Stadium, Butare on Saturday evening for the official training, and refused to be bothered about the state of the artificial turf which is close to threadbare.

    The venue will host Sunday’s Day 2 encounter between the Eagles and the Warriors of Zimbabwe, where another three precious points are at stake for the Eagles to roll their campaign back on track.

    Captain Kenneth Omeruo told thenff.com after Saturday’s training session at the venue which is 135 kilometres away from the Rwandan capital, Kigali. “We are on a redemption mission; a serious business is what we have come for. The pitch is poor but we can’t be bothered right now. We want to get into action and pick up three points.”

    South Africa’s 2-1 defeat of Benin Republic’s Cheetahs on Saturday means the Bafana Bafana are top of Group C temporarily, before Sunday’s encounter which is the first Day 2 match in the pool.

    The Eagles’ delegation flew into Kigali on Saturday morning, and then travelled two hours by road to Butare where they are camped at the Hotel Mater Boni Consilii. On arrival, the warm hosts handed the Nigeria team flowers, with wishes of good luck in Sunday’s encounter against the Warriors.

    Sunday’s match will start at 3pm Rwanda time (2pm Nigeria time), and will be superintended by Djiboutian official Souleiman Ahmed Djama, with his compatriots Liban Abdoulrazack Ahmed (assistant referee 1), Rachid Waiss Bouraleh (assistant referee 2) and Mohamed Diraneh Guedi (fourth official) also in action.

    Yohannes Ghirmai Ghebregziabher from Eritrea will serve as referee assessor and Raphael Lyson Humba from Malawi is the match commissioner.   

  • 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Lesotho’s Crocodiles Hold Eagles In Uyo

    The Super Eagles’ race to USA/Canada/Mexico 2026 commenced on Thursday with the three-time African champions held 1-1 at home in Uyo by the Crocodiles of Lesotho.

    Nigeria’s attacking line of stand-in captain Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface threw stones and sticks at the opposition goal-area but an inspired goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane, also the team captain, and his rearguard foiled all the attempts and frustrated spectators at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

    The home team could have fallen behind after 16 minutes when Tsepang Seeali fired point-blank at Francis Uzoho after a poor touch in the box by Alex Iwobi, playing uncharacteristically deep at the back, released the forward who saw his effort parried by Uzoho.

    At the other end, defender Jamilu Collins saw his close shot parried; Boniface headed over the sticks and Iheanacho saw a dipping shot from a 20-yard free-kick punched away by the magnificent Moerane.

    Awoniyi missed Nigeria’s best chance of the first period when dragging wide a pass by Boniface in the 36th minute, and Lookman watched in shock as his left-footed belter was parried away.

    In the second period, Iwobi saw his shot parried in the 52nd minute, and then three minutes later, the Crocodiles shot ahead when Uzoho failed to deal with the ball from a corner kick and Motlomelo Mkwanazi struck gold with a bullet header that sailed into the net.

    The Eagles stepped up a gear and Moerane had saved from Collins and Iheanacho watched his shot come back off the upright before Semi Ajayi nodded powerfully past the goal-tender from a corner kick by Iheanacho, for Nigeria’s leveller half-way into the second half.

    There were opportunities to hit the winner from promising free-kick positions, but it ended in a stalemate and both teams took a point each from the encounter ahead of the Day 2 clashes coming up this weekend.

    Nigeria will fly to the city of Butare in Rwanda to trade tackles with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium on Sunday.      

  • Premier League: Arsenal Beat Burnley 3-1 To Level Leaders Man City

    Premier League: Arsenal Beat Burnley 3-1 To Level Leaders Man City

    Arsenal outclassed Burnley 3-1 on Saturday to move second in the Premier League table and hand the visitors a sixth straight defeat in all competitions.

    Goals from Leandro Trossard, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko gave Arsenal victory but their afternoon ended on a sour note when Fabio Vieira was sent off for a reckless challenge.

    Arsenal climbed to 29 points in the standings, level with leaders Manchester City and one point above north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who lost 2-1 at Wolverhampton Wanderers in the early kickoff.

    “Really happy with the result, especially the performance. How dominant we were against a team that is very difficult to dominate.

    “The amount of situations that we generated I think we fully deserved to win the game,” Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta told reporters.

    Burnley’s crisis deepened as they sit 19th with four points following their 10th defeat in 12 games.

    Vincent Kompany named an unchanged Burnley side for the first time this season and they did well to keep Arsenal at bay even as Arteta’s team dominated possession and piled on the pressure in search of a breakthrough.

    The London side scored on the stroke of halftime when Bukayo Saka headed the ball across the six-yard box and Trossard leapt into the air to head home Arsenal’s 1,000th goal at Emirates Stadium.

    However, celebrations were muted as the Belgian clattered into the post and winced in pain as he held his arm before returning to the pitch after treatment.

    Burnley levelled against the run of play in the second half when a blocked shot fell to Josh Brownhill and the skipper’s effort took a deflection to beat the helpless David Raya in Arsenal’s goal.

    The scores were level for barely two minutes, however, as Arsenal won a corner and Trossard’s dangerous delivery found Saliba, who nodded home from a yard out.

    Zinchenko made it 3-1 with an improvised volley after Burnley failed to clear a corner.

    “Take nothing away, we played a fantastic side. The way Mikel has the team working is outstanding.

    “For putting in the performance we did, we’re relying on other factors like luck or individual moments but on the two set plays that wasn’t the case,” Kompany said.

    Vieira saw red for a high boot when he caught Brownhill on the knee but Arteta had no issues with the decision after criticising the officials following his team’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle United.

    “Tough place to go. We defended very well for the majority of the game. The timing of the first goal kills us.

    “When we go level second half, you don’t want to concede straight away after. They are stupid goals for us,” Brownhill said.

    In other games, struggling Manchester United beat Lutton FC 1-0 at Old Trafford while Wolves stun Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in a thrilling encounter.

  • Nigeria Women’s Football League Shifts Season Opener

    The Nigeria Women’s Football League has announced a shift in the date for the highly anticipated 2023/24 NWFL Premiership season opener between Ekiti Queens and Delta Queens in Ado- Ekiti.

    Originally scheduled for Wednesday, November 15, the opening day of the season event will now take place a day earlier on Tuesday, November 14.

    The season opener which also doubles as the Star Match of the opening Matchday One fixtures of the NWFL Premiership season will be played at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti.

    The President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau will be in attendance at the season opener to show support and encouragement for the continued growth of women’s football.

    He has expressed keen interest in the league’s development and is impressed with the strides made in the repositioning of the Women’s League a short span of time, by the current board of the NWFL, led by Ms. Nkechi Obi. The decision to move the date ensures that key stakeholders, fans, and the football community at large can join in this celebration of women’s football excellence.

    All other Week One fixtures in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership will take place as scheduled. The NWFL looks forward to a thrilling #NWFL24 season and appreciates the ongoing support from fans and partners.

    NWFL Premiership WEEK ONE FIXTURES

    Ekiti Queens vs Delta Queens

    Naija Ratels vs Nasarawa Amazons

    Confluence Queens vs Dannaz Ladies

    Abia Angels vs Adamawa Queens

    Heartland Queens vs Royal Queens

    Remo Stars Ladies vs Rivers Angels

    Sunshine Queens vs Bayelsa Queens

    Edo Queens vs Robo Queens

  • 2026 World Cup: Peseiro Calls Simon, Iheanacho, 21 Others For Crocodiles, Warriors

    Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has invited goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Olaoluwa Aina, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Taiwo Awoniyi among a list of 23 players for this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

    There are also goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Olorunleke Ojo, defenders Oluwasemilogo Ajayi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forwards Ademola Lookman, Victor Boniface and Terem Moffi.

    Defender Jamilu Collins makes a return after a long lay-off due to injury, and there is a first-ever call for Bayer Leverkusen of Germany forward Nathan Tella. Spain-based striker Sadiq Umar also makes a return after a long absence.

    The Super Eagles kick-start their race to the huge houseparty in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada in 2026 with a session against the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo next week Thursday, and then fly to Rwanda for a clash with the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium in Butare on Sunday, 19th November.

    The 20,000-capacity Huye Stadium, located in the city of Butare which is 135 kilometres south of the Rwandan capital, Kigali, has an artificial turf. 

    Zimbabwe has adopted Rwanda as home for the qualifiers as no stadium in the southern African nation has been deemed fit to host the FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Maduka Okoye (Udinese Calcio, Italy)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales)

    Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)

    Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

  • Uba Sani Cup: Babangida appoints Lawal, Sadi, Others Into Technical Committee

    Chairman of the Governor Uba Sani Unity Cup, Tijani Babangida has appointed former Nigerian International, Dahiru Sadi, current head coach of the Nations U-17 team, Ahmed Lawal as members of the technical committee for the event which is billed to commence November 17, 2023.

    Other members of the think-tank committee, include current assistant coach to coach Nduka Ugbade, a man popularly known as Mourinho, and Ahmadu Lawal Ofoje. He is also with the football collage, Abuja. The other person in the group is current U-15 chief coach, Patrick Bassey.

    The rest are Gidi Mohammed, a former Ranchers Bees captain who is also a state coach with sport council in Kaduna state, Al Amin, a talented youth coach, also with Kaduna state sports council, and Hassan Abdallah, former coach with heartland fc of Owerri, who also worked with coach Samson Siasia as a national scout for the Nations U-23 team.

    According to Babangida who himself was a former Nigerian international noted that the technical team is expected to move round the venues with a view to identifying very talented players that would be selected to form the new football club for the state.

    Meanwhile, the draws for the tournament were held on Tuesday in the city of Kaduna, and the twenty-three local governments were divided into four centres.

    GROUPINGS

    ZONE 1 – KUDAN CENTRE 

    GROUP A

    1. ZARIA

    2. SOBA

    3. KUDAN

    4. IKARA

    ZONE 1 – KUDAN CENTRE 

    GROUP B

    1. S/GARI

    2. LERE

    3. MAKARFI

    4. KUBAU

    ZONE 2 – KADUNA CENTRE 

    GROUP A

    1. K/NORTH

    2. CHIKUN

    3. B/GWARI

    4. IGABI

    ZONE 2 – KADUNA CENTRE 

    GROUP B

    1. KAJURU

    2. GIWA

    3. K/SOUTH

    ZONE 3 – KAFANCHAN CENTRE 

    GROUP A

    A. KACHIA

    B. KAGARKO

    C. JABA

    D. Z/KATAF

    ZONE 3 – KAFANCHAN CENTRE 

    GROUP B

    1. JAMA’A

    2. KAURU

    3. KAURA

    4. SANGA

  • Paris 2024: Super Falcons ease past Ethiopia to set up clash with Cameroon’s Lionesses

    A brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade and one each by Uchenna Kanu and Asisat Oshoala saw the Super Falcons reach the third round of the African qualifiers for next year’s Women Olympic Football Tournament on a 5-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia. The nine-time African champions will next meet the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the race.

    A rather tepid first half saw Oshoala bungle a couple of opportunities and Uchenna Kanu miss from six yards. Kalsa Aregash also saw her shot saved by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and from a 20-yard free-kick, captain Loza Abera tried to slot above Nnadozie without success.

    Just before referee Edoh Kindidje from Togo blew for recess, Oluwatosin Demehin sent a long ball forward and Kanu, who scored Nigeria’s first goal at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in the summer, easily beat two defenders by watching the bounce of the ball, and then raced to slot past goalkeeper Tarikua Bergena for Nigeria’s first goal.

    Five minutes into the second period, and just about the time she netted Nigeria’s equalizer in Addis Ababa six days earlier, captain Ajibade stepped up to flash into the net for Nigeria’s second goal, a cross from Oshoala as the Barcelona Feminine forward darted past two defenders on the right.

    In the 68th minute, Oshoala turned scorer, heaving herself up to meet Kanu’s measured pull-out from the left with a close-range header that left Bergena totally helpless.

    The visitors, now overwhelmed, sought to limit the damage, but it was not to be as Ajibade, lithe and sparse and dangerous as ever, sneaked in to bundle the ball past Bergena four minutes later after another cross from Oshoala.

    Spain-based Ajibade nearly got her hat-trick on the dot of time, when she flashed a shot from 27 yards that went narrowly away.

    Victory means the Super Falcons will now meet the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon, who overturned a 2-0 defeat in Kampala to defeat Uganda 3-0 after extra time in Yaounde on Tuesday night.

  • Messi Wins Record 8th Ballon D’or; Haaland, Osimhen, Oshoala Make History

    Messi Wins Record 8th Ballon D’or; Haaland, Osimhen, Oshoala Make History

    Argentina captain Lionel Messi won a record-extending eighth Ballon d’Or for the best player in the world on Monday in Paris, France.

    Messi beat Norway’s UEFA player of the year, and treble winner Erling Haaland of Manchester City to the prestigious prize.

    France and Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe completed the list of the top three best players in the world.

    Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala both made history for Nigeria and Africa as they finished in an impressive 8th and 20th positions in the 2023 Men and Women’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

    A message on Super Falcons’ official X handle congratulated Oshoala for the historic achievement both for Nigeria.

    “Asisat Oshoala’s 20th place ranking in the 2023 Women’s Ballon d’Or is a historic and significant achievement for Africa.

    “She’s a talented footballer and deserves the recognition. “Congratulations @AsisatOshoala,” it said.

    Inter Miami’s Messi, who last won the award in 2021, played a pivotal role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years in Qatar last season.

    Messi has won the Ballon d’Or for a record eighth time, fending off competition from Manchester City striker Erling Haaland after leading Argentina to the World Cup last year.

    Messi, 36, becomes the first MLS-based player to claim the coveted prize, although the triumph comes largely on the back of his exploits with his country in Qatar.

    Former Manchester United player and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham handed his prize-signing Messi the award in Paris.

    Haaland, who scored 52 goals last season as City won the Treble in 2022-23, finished second in the voting and won the Gerd Muller Trophy given to the best striker of the year.

    “I couldn’t imagine having the career that I’ve had. Everything that I’ve achieved,” Messi said after getting his award.

    “The fortune I’ve had playing for the best team in the world, the best team in history. It’s nice to win these individual trophies.

    “To win the Copa America and then the World Cup, to get it done is amazing. All of them [Ballon d’Or awards] are special for different reasons.”

    Prior to Messi receiving his award, Barcelona and Spain midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or Féminin after a record-breaking year with club and country.

    She helped Barça win Liga F and the Champions League last season, before leading Spain to World Cup glory in the summer.

    In other awards handed out on Monday, Messi’s Argentina teammate Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

    England and Real Madrid midfielder, Jude Bellingham was handed the Kopa Trophy as the world’s top player under the age of 21.

    During his acceptance speech, Messi made a point of wishing Argentina countryman Diego Maradona happy birthday.

    The 1986 World Cup winner, who died on Nov. 22, 2020, would have been 63 on Monday.

    “My last mention is for Diego [Maradona],” Messi said. “Today is his birthday.

    “So, I would like to remember him from here, surrounded by the best players, coaches and people who love football like he did.

    “Wherever you are, Diego, happy birthday. This goes also to you.”

    Prior to Monday’s ceremony in Paris, no player had won the Ballon d’Or more times than Messi, who first won it in 2009 and then again in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

    Cristiano Ronaldo has won it five times, while Michel Platini, Johan Cruyff and Marco van Basten are all three-time winners.

    Messi scored 21 goals in 41 appearances last season as Paris Saint-Germain retained the Ligue 1 title before moving to Inter Miami earlier this year.

    Since moving to the U.S., he has scored 11 goals in 14 games for Miami, helping the franchise win its first-ever piece of silverware, the Leagues Cup.

    However, he missed several matches through injury at the end of the regular MLS season as Gerardo “Tata” Martino’s side came up short in their late push for a playoff spot.

    It is Messi’s performances at the World Cup at the end of 2022 which have earned him an eighth Ballon d’Or as Argentina ended a 36-year wait to be crowned world champions for the third time.

    Messi, as captain, was instrumental to Argentina’s success in Qatar, scoring seven goals and assisting three more as he was named as the Player of the Tournament.

    He scored twice in the final and again in the penalty shootout against France.

    Lionel Scaloni’s team edged one of the most memorable showpieces in the competition’s history.

    Having come up short with Argentina at four previous World Cups, including losing the 2014 final to Germany, it was deemed by many to be his last chance to get his hands on football’s biggest prize.

    At 36 years and four months old, he also becomes the second oldest player to ever win the Ballon d’Or.

    He replaces 2022 winner Karim Benzema.

    Only the inaugural winner, Stanley Matthews in 1956, was older when he won it aged 41.

    Messi’s first six Ballons d’Or were won while he played for Barcelona, where he is the club’s record goalscorer and appearance holder.

    He won it for a seventh time shortly after joining PSG in 2021 following Copa America success with Argentina.

  • China Games: Defence Minister Commends Nigeria’s Medals-Winning Contingents

    China Sailing Games: Defence Minister Commends Triumphant Nigerian Cadets

    The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Muhammed Matawalle MON, has commended the triumphant Cadets for winning many medals and trophies in the Sailing games held in China.

    While commending the Cadets, Matawalle assured them of the Ministry’s support in future competition.

    The Minister made the commendation and assurance for support when he received the Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) and the Cadets for their outstanding performance in the sailing competition held in China in his office,  in Ship House, Abuja.

    Matawalle expressed his excitement for the trophies the cadets won, saying that their performance has put Nigeria on the international stage.  He said: ” The trophy is not just for the Military but for the entire country.”

    The Minister urged the cadets to win more trophies and promised to participate in their next sporting activities to motivate Nigerian teams.

    Earlier, Maj Gen JO Ochai, the Commandant of Nigeria Defence Academy NDA said the trophies won by the Cadets will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and China explaining that the sailing competition was the first of its kind.

    According to him the Cadets made history when they emerged as the only international athletes who competed against their China counterparts at the maiden edition.

    The Commandant said that the Cadets won several medals at the week- long competition due to their physical fitness and special Military capabilities.

    The highlight of the event was the handing over of the trophies by the NDA Commandant to the Hon. Minister.