The Chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Mr Kunle Soname has proposed a structured, performance-based weekly reward system for referees as a way to restore credibility and improve standards in the domestic league.
Speaking with Journalists in Ikenne, Mr Soname expressed concern over the persistent officiating failures that had continue to undermine the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,
He noted that the referees operated under enormous pressure with little motivation, inadequate welfare, and limited recognition for good performances which he said had contributed to inconsistent and controversial officiating.
He explained that in the proposed performance-based assessment system, referees would be independently evaluated after every match adding that Officials who demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and strict adherence to the Laws of the Game would be rewarded, while repeated poor performances would attract corrective measures, including retraining.
Mr Soname also expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining presence on the continental refereeing stage, noting that the last time a Nigerian referee officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations was in Ghana in 2008.
He argued that poor welfare and irregular payment of match allowances make referees vulnerable to external influence, a long-standing concern in Nigerian football.
According to him, consistent incentives and prompt payments would allow officials to focus fully on professionalism and career development.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, recently visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in the hospital following a deadly road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
A statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor of Ogun State, on Monday, revealed that Field met with Joshua during his hospital visit.
He also engaged in discussions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. British officials are closely monitoring the ongoing situation surrounding the tragic incident.
“The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident. Officials of the Mission are monitoring developments and remain in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government.
“The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Anthony Joshua and the two governors. The families of the deceased have also been contacted through the High Commission,” the statement read.
The accident, which took place around midday on Monday, involved a Toyota Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and three other passengers.
The statement confirmed that two of the vehicle’s occupants lost their lives in the crash. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen.
In the aftermath of the crash, Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the Lagos hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment and was later joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Both governors are said to have stayed at the hospital for several hours to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the boxer received the necessary medical care.
Commenting on the incident, Governor Abiodun stated that he rushed to the hospital as soon as he was informed about the accident and personally oversaw Joshua’s treatment, alongside Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” the governor said.
Other senior officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
The Ogun State Government reassured the public that Joshua was in stable condition and receiving the necessary medical care. It also expressed satisfaction with the quality of care provided by the medical team.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Abiodun said.
President Bola Tinubu was also informed about the accident.
According to the state government, the President held separate conversations with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
Governor Abiodun shared the President’s words, saying, “This immense tragedy has cast a deep shadow over this season. These are very difficult moments, and we must stand firm, united, and support one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, with the Ogun State Government assuring the public that details will be released once the probe is completed.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station
The government also assured that updates regarding Joshua’s condition and other developments related to the incident will be communicated to the public as necessary.
Record holders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, have drawn first blood at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16.
Egypt edged Bafana Bafana of South Africa 1–0 in a tense Group B clash, with Mohammed Salah keeping his nerve to convert a decisive penalty just before halftime in the 45th minute.
The narrow victory sealed Egypt’s place in the knockout stage and reaffirmed their status as tournament heavyweights.
Meanwhile, hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco missed the chance to secure back-to-back wins after the Eagles of Mali forced a 1–1 draw, slowing the hosts’ early momentum.
Elsewhere on Friday, Angola and Zimbabwe settled for a 1–1 draw, while Zambia and Comoros produced the tournament’s first goalless encounter.
Attention now shifts to Saturday, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria chase back-to-back victories when they face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at 9:00 p.m.
Other fixtures will see Benin Republic battle Botswana, Senegal clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda square off against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, campaign in style with a hard-fought victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Morocco.
Defender Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, rising confidently to power home a precise cross delivered by Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria pushed for more after the break, and Victor Osimhen appeared to double the lead, only for VAR to rule the effort offside.
Tanzania struck back through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th minute, briefly silencing the Nigerian supporters.
The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, as Ademola Lookman unleashed a stunning strike two minutes later to restore Nigeria’s advantage and secure the win.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s AFCON fixtures, the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Benin Republic 1–0, Senegal overwhelmed Botswana 3–0, while Tunisia recorded a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda.
Super Eagles of Nigeria will today begin their campaign in the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco when they take on Tanzania in the opening Group C fixture.
The match will kick off at half past six in the evening at the Fez Stadium.
Other matches slated for today are DR Congo against Benin Republic, Senegal versus Botswana and Tunisia taking on Uganda.
Meanwhile, record champions Egypt began their campaign yesterday with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe, while South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 as Mali and Zambia settled for a 1-1 draw
Polo players and enthusiasts in Ogun State have renewed commitment to strengthening the game as stakeholders stage the maiden Polo Festival in Abeokuta, the state capital.
A massive turnout greeted the birth of the sport popularly called the “game of kings” in Abeokuta, as affirmed by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who encouraged people of the state to embrace Polo game.
Oba Gbadebo described Polo as a game of skills, passion and love for the benefit of all age groups, urging the host communities to support the stakeholders in the interest of social development and economic growth.
Also, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Professor Saka Matemilola, said the Polo festival was not only about sports expansion but also serving as a platform to promote culture, preserve tradition and foster unity among communities.
In a remark, Former Governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun expressed the conviction that Abeokuta Polo Club was a catalyst for development across the state and pledged his commitment to assisting the club in every way necessary.
Earlier, the President of the Abeokuta Polo Club, Dr. Sheriff Abdulrahman, had explained that the maiden festival, tagged “The Bold Step,” was the beginning of a new dawn for polo in Abeokuta, promising that the initiative would be sustained and enhanced to further stimulate economic activities in the area.
Host Nation, Atlas Lions of Morocco got to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening game of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Morocco, who will be hoping to win the tournament on home soil, had to wait till the second half to take the lead against Comoros, who are just making their second ever appearance at the AFCON.
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute before substitute El Kaabi made it 2-0 to give the Host a comfortable victory.
Three matches will be decided later today as Mali play Zambia at three o’clock in the afternoon, South Africa take on Angola at six o’clock in the evening, while Egypt tackle Zimbabwe at nine o’clock in the evening.
Super Eagles opening fixture will be against Tanzania tomorrow.
A three-day basketball camp ended in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with a call on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to establish sustainable grassroots development programmes.
Former Nigeria international basketball player Onome Akinbode-James made the call at the grand finale of a three-day basketball skills programme for girls held at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta.
Akinbode-James, who played collegiate basketball at Duke University in the United States, said the initiative formed part of the Ready Leaders programme, which focuses on leadership development through sports and digital literacy.
She said the 40 participants, drawn from multiple states across the country, displayed strong leadership qualities that would support their personal and professional growth.
The FIBA Africa Under-16 Women’s Championship silver medalist in Madagascar also announced plans to develop a structured curriculum to help young female athletes sustain their development beyond the camp.
Veteran basketball player Chief Alabi Adelanwa described the camp as a vital step toward strengthening grassroots basketball in Nigeria.He praised the organiser for investing in the leadership and personal development of young girls through sport.
Several participants said the programme gave them a platform to showcase their talents while gaining valuable leadership skills.A total of 40 players from Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Osun and Oyo states took part in the three-day camp.
Nigeria edged Liberia 1–0 to win gold in the Amputee Football final at the 1st West Africa Para Games Zone A and B held in Abeokuta.
Usman Ahmed Tijani scored the decisive goal in the first half of the tense showdown at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.
Speaking after the match, Coach Gbenga Dosunmu said he was thrilled to secure the gold medal for the country.
He credited the team’s triumph to hard work, dedication, and passion for Nigerian football.
The coach urged government, individuals, and corporate organizations to support the team’s ambition of winning gold at the 2026 World Cup in Costa Rica and the Nations Cup in Morocco.
Cameroon claimed the bronze medal after defeating Benin Republic 2–0.
Nigeria continued its strong showing in other events. The country beat Ghana 13–6 to win gold in the men’s wheelchair basketball final at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja.
Benin Republic secured bronze with an 11–2 victory over Niger Republic.
In the women’s category, Nigeria also defeated Ghana to clinch the gold medal, while Niger Republic finished with bronze.
Nigeria ultimately emerged overall champion of the Games, topping the medals table with 130 medals—60 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze.
Benin Republic placed second with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 14 bronze, while Ghana finished third with 3 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze.
Nigeria leads the Para Badminton event at the ongoing West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta with 15 medals—five gold, seven silver and three bronze.
Benin Republic follows with two gold and five silver, while Ghana has one gold and three bronze.
Head Coach of Nigeria’s Para Badminton team, Adewale Olasunkanmi, praised the athletes’ performance, linking their success to the country’s strong record, including a standout outing at the All-African Para Badminton Championship.
In football, Nigeria advanced to the final after a 1–0 win over Cameroon, following an earlier 11–0 victory against Benin Republic.
Michael Joel scored the lone goal at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
Amputee Football Head Coach Gbenga Dosunmu expressed confidence in winning gold but appealed for increased government support.
Liberia, meanwhile, defeated Benin Republic 7–0 to sit second on the table with four points.
Nigeria dominated the Para-Powerlifting event at the maiden West Africa Para Games, winning 10 of the 15 available medals — four gold, four silver and two bronze.
According to results released by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Afolabi-Oluwayemisi Olabisi, Ibrahim Dauda (59kg), Kayode Blessing (65kg), Esther Oyema (female lightweight) and Mark Onyinyechi (female heavyweight) all claimed gold for Nigeria.
Côte d’Ivoire secured one gold medal through Ado Adouherve in the male heavyweight class, while Ghana earned one silver and two bronze.
The Nigeria Amputee football team defeated Benin Republic by 11-nil in the first game of the ongoing 1st West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian team who dominated the match recorded five goals in the first half while six goals were scored in the second half of the game played at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola sports arena in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian team showed class from the kick off, dominating possession till the end of the match, making the Benin Republic amputee football team to look ordinary.
The fans at the stadium were thrilled by the performance of the Nigerian team, cheering them throughout the duration of the game
In a post match news conference, the coach of the Nigerian team, Gbenga Dosunmu, appreciated the team for the brilliant performance adding that the boys had been motivated before the competition.
He said that his boys would approach their next game against Cameroon with all seriousness.
Meanwhile, about 700 para-athletes from 16 countries are already in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital to contest for medals in 11 sporting events at the ongoing first West Africa Para Games.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Mr Victor Achakpo, stated this while speaking with sports journalists in Abeokuta.
Mr Achakpo who announced that the host nation would parade 190 athletes noted that arrangements had been concluded towards the success of the competition, which began on Friday, 28th November, 2025 and ends on Thursday, December 4.
The LOC chairman assured the athletes of their safety through out the games adding that two countries outside the West African regoin ; Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon would be participating with other fourteen West African nations in the games, assuring participants of a free and fair games.
The Secretary-General, Africa Paralympic Committee , Mr Ignatius Elletey, commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for hosting the maiden edition of the West Africa Para Games.
He described the gesture as historic and impactful contribution to the development of Para sports in the continent.
Also, the President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Mr Sunday Odebode commended the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Sheu Dikko , Director General, Bukola Olopade and African Paralympic committee for making sure Nigeria host the maiden West Africa Para Games.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for what he described as a determined effort in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Sunday’s playoff loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president urged the team to put the disappointment behind them and immediately begin preparations for the 2026 African Cup of Nations, scheduled for January to February in Morocco.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, following a 1–1 draw after extra time.
The defeat marked the second consecutive time Nigeria failed to reach the Mundial.
President Tinubu acknowledged the pain of missing out but said the players deserved praise for pushing deep into the qualifiers, especially after winning their first playoff match.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.
He called on football authorities and stakeholders to address lapses exposed during the qualifiers.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” he said.
President Tinubu added that national attention should now shift to the upcoming AFCON.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he said.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 24-man squad including captain, William Troost-Ekong, striker, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ahead of next week’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
Three matches will be played by knock-out system in the format of semi-finals and final.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday 13 November and the final on Sunday 16 November.
Also making the list are full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, alongside rising defensive sensation Benjamin Fredericks.
Midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidí also joined Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in a squad brimming with pace, power, and technical quality.
Nigeria faces Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, while Cameroon lock horns with DR Congo at the 18,000-seat El-Barid Stadium, both in Rabat.
Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke, while midfield Raphael Onyedika, plus forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, strengthen the attacking options.
Defender Semi Ajayi is suspended for the semi-final after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifiers.
The players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their respective bases across Europe and beyond, converging on Rabat on Monday, November 10 as the Eagles begin their push for World Cup qualification.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as the Chairman of the newly established Osun State Sports Trust Fund.
Governor Adeleke announced the appointment in Osogbo, stating the initiative aims to rejuvenate the state’s sports sector through sustainable financing, improved athlete welfare, and upgraded infrastructure.
The governor explained that the creation of the Trust Fund and a corresponding Sports Commission marks a strategic shift from ad-hoc support to a structured, long-term development framework.
He added that the appointment of Davido, transcends sports, focusing also on youth development, empowerment, and rebranding Osun State globally.
The appointee, Davido, who hails from Ede in Osun State, is expected to leverage his international influence to attract private investments, sponsorships, and partnerships into the state’s sports ecosystem.
The Trust Fund will focus on rehabilitating stadiums and training facilities, supporting grassroots sports, and implementing welfare programs for athletes.
It also aims to promote transparency in managing sports funds, a sector historically plagued by underfunding and neglect.
The Osun State Sports Trust Fund and Sports Commission are scheduled to begin operations before the year’s end, following their respective boards’ inaugurations.
Laughter, giggles and excitement electrified the atmosphere as the Management of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Ibadan Zonal Station, took on the Staff of the Corporation in a thrilling friendly match that ended in a stunning, three goals to one in favour of the management.
The novelty match was part of the weeklong programme commemorating the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government Owned Companies, SSASCGOC.
The pitch of the United Missionary Comprehensive College, Molete, Ibadan, venue of the match, was a show of drama which left spectators grinning with infectious laughter as some female members of the team turned the football match to handball all in the effort to score goals.
In a dazzling display of footwork and flair, Adewumi Faniran, Wale Afinjuomo, Dayo Adenuga, Stephen Sanusi from the management team and Gbolahan Akanbi, Biodun Omiyale, Motunrayo Ojolumade, Adeola Ogunbiyi, Stella Oyebamiji and Olaolu Fawole of the New Media Department on the staff team, stole the show with their impressive dribbling skills, leaving the crowd in awe and erupting in thunderous applause.
Beyond the boardroom, the management team unleashed their inner athletes, proving their mettle on the pitch that they are more than just decision-makers as they outplayed the staff team to secure a well-deserved win.
Alhaja Wosilat Salami opened the goal chart for the management team in the first half of the encounter, while Ife Akindele equalised for the staff team few minutes later.
The management team scored the two other goals in the second half of the match.
Commenting on the match, The Zonal Director, Radio Nigeria Ibadan, Mr. Dominic Mokikan, emphasized the importance of balancing work and play, saying, “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.”
He believed such an event would leave a lasting impression on attendees.
The sponsor and Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Center, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde expressed delight at the turnout, highlighting the strong synergy between management and staff.
She encouraged everyone to prioritize fitness for a healthy lifestyle.
SSACGOC Chairman, Mr. Sunday Olowookere, noted that the match aimed to foster unity between management and staff of the corporation in promoting a positive work environment.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa versus Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition.
According to a statement by FIFA, the act breached article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.
Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by the representative team of South Africa by a score of 3-0.
SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA, while Teboho Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
The parties were notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision on Monday.
In accordance with the relevant provisions of the FDC, they have ten days in which to request a motivated decision, which, if requested, would subsequently be published on legal.fifa.com.
The forfeiture decision remains subject to a potential appeal before the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Paris St-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele won his first Ballon d’Or as the French treble winners came away with several of the key men’s awards at the Paris ceremony.
The 28-year-old France forward scored 35 goals and made 14 assists in 53 matches for Paris Saint-Germain, PSG last season as they won the Champions League, league title and the French Cup.
He was the joint top scorer in Ligue 1, with 21 goals, and was named the French top-flight and Champions League player of the year.
And he also helped PSG to the Club World Cup final where they lost to Chelsea in New Jersey.
Dembele, who beat Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal to the award, was able to attend the ceremony in Paris – and was in tears as he stood on the stage – despite the fact his team were playing on Monday evening.
The forward is currently sidelined through injury, meaning he missed PSG’s 1-0 defeat away to Marseille in a game which was rearranged because of a storm.
“What I have just experienced is exceptional, I have no words for it, what happened with PSG,” said an emotional Dembele, whose mother joined him on the stage.
“I feel a bit of stress, it’s not easy to win this trophy, and to have it presented to me by Ronaldinho, a legend of football, is exceptional.
“I want to thank PSG who came to get me in 2023. It’s an incredible family. The president Nasser [Al-Khelaifi] is like a father to me. I also want to thank all the staff and the coach, who have been exceptional with me – he too is like a father – and all my team-mates.
“We have practically won everything together. You supported me in the good and the difficult times. This individual trophy is one the team has won collectively.“
It caps off a sensational career revival for a player who had not scored double figures in a league campaign season since he was a teenager at Rennes.
PSG manager Luis Enrique – who was named coach of the year – deserves huge credit for Dembele’s award because of a tactical switch in mid-December.
He moved Dembele from a wide right to centre-forward role against Lyon on 15 December, by which stage he had only scored five goals.
He hit 30 goals for PSG from that date onwards.
Dembele has finally shown the quality that persuaded Barcelona to pay an initial £96.8m, potentially rising to £135.5m, to sign him from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
However PSG – who were named team of the year at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards – were the team who got the bargain by recruiting him for just £43.5m in 2023.
Dembele also scored twice in seven caps for France in 2024-25.
He is the sixth Frenchman to win the award and only the second of the 21st century after Karim Benzema in 2022.
Lamine Yamal, 18, finished second – and also won the Kopa Trophy for the best young player.
Five of the top 10 players were part of the PSG team last season including Vitinha (third), Achraf Hakimi (sixth), Gianluigi Donnarumma (ninth) and Nuno Mendes (10th).
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah was fourth and Chelsea and England’s Cole Palmer finished eighth.
Last year’s winner, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, did not make the shortlist this time after an injury-hit campaign.
Oyo State government has announced no gate fee for Falconets match against Rwanda U-20 team, slated for Saturday, September 27th, at the Lekan Salami stadium Adamasingba, Ibadan.
The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the preparations towards the FIFA World Cup qualifier match.
She said a projected audience of about 20,000 Falconets fans were expected to watch the match at the stadium.
According to the Commissioner, hosting the match at the Lekan Salami stadium Ibadan would make Ibadan “once again shine as a centre of culture and unity.
Adegoke said the gesture reflected the commitment of Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure inclusiveness “and to give every football loving Nigerian, especially our people in Oyo state the opportunity to be part of the global event.”
She, therefore, called on the people of the state to come out in their numbers to fill the stadium to capacity and cheers Falconets to victory.
The State Government had last Tuesday approved the sum of N110million for camping and hosting of the match.
Preparations for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup have been confirmed by key players’ withdrawals.
French club Stade Reims and Germany’s Hoffenheim have refused to release Nigerian players for the competition, which is not on FIFA’s official calendar.
Recalled, Emmanuel Chukwu and Precious Benjamin, both with Hoffenheim, will miss the tournament in Chile after the club turned down a request from the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
Ibrahim Hafiz, a striker with Stade Reims, is also unavailable after the French side declined to release him.
All three players are considered key prospects for the team.
Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has adjusted his plans and named a final 21-man squad without several overseas-based players.
Enyimba winger Clinton Jephta, along with Bidemi Amole and Divine Oliseh, who featured at the U-20 WAFU B qualifiers in Togo, was left out.
Team captain Daniel Bameyi headlines the squad. Over 10 players named have participated in recent training camps and friendly matches.
New inclusions include Israel Ayuma, Ebenezer Harcourt, Charles Agada, Auwal Ibrahim, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, and Odinaka Okoro.
The Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, has expressed satisfaction with Team Ogun’s performance at the just concluded 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.
Mr Isiaka while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, said the team put up an impressive show despite not prioritizing medal wins.
Highlighting the identification of four talented athletes as a major achievement, the Commissioner for Sports Development noted that the primary goal of team Ogun at the Games was to identify and nurture young talents for the state and national teams.
Mr Isiaka pointed out that the Sports Ministry had been working tirelessly to develop sports in the state, describing the discovery of the four athletes as a testament to their efforts.
Announcing that plans were ongoing to partner the primary and secondary schools to discover and nurture talented athletes, he noted that the initiative would enable the state to compete with very young and talented athletes at the next National Youth Games.
Mr Isiaka expressed gratitude to the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for providing the necessary funds to support sports development in the state.
Ogun State finished 12th on the medals table with 4 gold, 9 silver and 18 bronze medals
The number of players in the Super Eagles’ camp has increased to 13, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.
This follows the arrival of nine more players at the team’s camp in Ikot Ikpene on Tuesday, according to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer.
The new arrivals include Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks.
They joined the quartet of William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika, who checked into camp on Monday.
Efoghe confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria that out of the 23 players who were invited for the double-header fixtures, only 13 had arrived, with 10 more players still being expected.
“A total of 13 players are currently in camp, and we are expecting the rest of the squad to arrive later today and early tomorrow,” Efoghe said.
He also shared details of the team’s upcoming media engagements.
“There will be a press conference with the coaching staff and selected players on Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” Efoghe stated.
“For Friday, the pre-match press conference will holbe held the same venue, and the first 15 minutes of the team’s training session will be open to media coverage.”
Players still beiexpected to be included arealkeeper Stanley Nwabali; defender Bruno Onyemaechi; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka; and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare.
Nigeria will host Rwanda on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture. They will then travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Monday, in a Matchday 8 encounter.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the African qualifiers with two points from two matches, behind leaders South Africa (four points) and Rwanda (also four points but with an inferior goal difference).
Only the top team in the group will qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Gateway United will make a long-awaited return to their home ground, the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, this Saturday, June 7, when they host Osun United on Matchday 21 of the 2024/25 Nigeria National League (NNL) season — their final home fixture of the campaign.
It will be the club’s first appearance at the venue in over a year, since their last outing there on April 13, 2024, ended in a goalless draw against Ikorodu City.
After navigating two stadiums this season, the Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro, during the first stanza, and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode, in the second, the return to Abeokuta is seen as a symbolic homecoming for the club and its fans.
The Acting General Manager of Gateway United, Mr Niyi Soleye, welcomed the development with a sense of relief and renewed hope.
Mr Soleye added that the team has grown stronger in adversity and would be counting on the home crowd to push them over the line.
He urged the supporters to turn out in large numbers to make it a celebration for not just of football, but of resilience and community spirit.
According to the Media officer of the team, Moses Ojewumi kick off is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday at MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
The Ogun State Wrestling Association, OSWA, has described the performance of the state representatives in the wrestling event at the just concluded 22nd National Sports Festival as impressive.
A total of nine medals which comprises 2 silver and 7 Bronze medals were won during the three day event held at the Civic Centre, Ikenne, Ogun State.
Speaking with Journalists in Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Association, Dr Abimbola Babalola said the state wrestlers had displayed resilience spirit and determination throughout the bouts which he noted had earned the team the feat.
Dr Babalola also commended the support of the state government and the commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun for providing the needed assistance to enable the athletes to achieve their goals.
The Wrestling Association Chairman appealed to the relevant stakeholders to assist the association in providing the wrestling mats, adding that the availability of the equipment would go a long way to improve the performance of the athletes in future competitions.
He encouraged the athletes to remain steadfast and focused to enable them to achieve greatness in their future pursuits.
Also, the Wrestling head coach, Mr Badmus Adebayo acknowledged the support of the state government through the office of the Commissioner for Sports Development towards the success of the athletes during the games.
Mr Adebayo also praised the athletes doggedness, dedication and team spirit efforts which he said earned the team the medals recorded.
Super Eagles of Nigeria have won the 2025 Unity Cup after defeating Jamaica 5-4 on penalties at Gtech community stadium, Brentford, United Kingdom.
Both sides could not be separated in regulation time after playing a 2-2 draw, but Eric Chelle boys kept their cool from the spot to score all their shootout and clinch the Unity Cup.
Moses Simon opened the scoring in the 9th minute to give Nigeria the lead, however the lead lasted only 3 minutes as Kaheim Dixon levelled the game in the 12th minute.
Nigeria took the lead again in the 53rd minute through a wonderful strike by Samuel Chukwueze.
Nigeria were pegged back again in the 63rd minute when Jon Russell scored for Jamaica to make it 2-2.
The game went to penalty shootout after 90 minutes was not enough to separate both teams and it was Nigeria who converted all their spot kicks to win the 2025 edition of the Unity Cup.
