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Category: Sports

African Stars Light Up Tunis for 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships

Wale busari05 mins

From October 12 to 19, the city of Tunis, Tunisia, will reverberate with the energy and talent of Africa’s finest table tennis players as the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships get underway. Athletes from across the continent—East, West, North, Central, and South—have converged on the Tunisian capital, all vying for glory and coveted qualification spots for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London, United Kingdom. While Nigeria’s top-ranked Quadri Aruna is notably absent, the tournament still boasts a star-studded lineup including Egypt’s Omar Assar, Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa, Tunisia’s Wassim Essid, Egypt’s Hana Goda, Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo, and France-based Abdel-Kader Salifou. From the leadership of the Tunisia Table Tennis Federation (TTTF) to the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), the spirit of the event is one of celebration and unity. TTTF President Samir Khelif expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event: “We’re honoured to be chosen once again to host this championship and deeply appreciate the trust of ITTF Africa. As always, we aim to provide warm hospitality and a vibrant atmosphere for all our guests.” ITTF Africa President Wahid Oshodi also praised Tunisia’s swift response in stepping up after Rwanda’s withdrawal: “We’re immensely grateful to the people of Tunisia for their unwavering support. Their readiness to host on short notice speaks volumes about their commitment to the sport. This championship is all about the players, and Tunisia has created the perfect environment for them to shine.” With youthful energy and national pride fueling their ambitions, Tunisia’s rising stars are ready to take on Africa’s best and prove they belong on the big stage. Leading the charge are 14-year-old Ela Saidi and 17-year-old Wassim Essid, key members of the Tunisian team competing at the eight-day tournament taking place at the Rades Multi-Purpose Hall in Tunis from October 12 to 19. Making her debut at the prestigious event, Saidi described the opportunity to play alongside her idols as a dream come true. “I’m so happy to be competing in my first African Championships, especially sharing the stage with stars like Hana Goda and Omar Assar,” she said. “It’s a huge honour, and I’ll give my best and perform to the highest level I can. Most importantly, I want to use this experience to grow as a player — facing top opponents will help me improve.” Essid, fresh off his victory in the boys’ U-17 singles at the WTT Youth Contender Tunis, sees the tournament as another chance to challenge the continent’s elite. “I’m not going to relax — playing at home means I’ll have the support of the crowd, and I’ll give my best as always,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity for Tunisia to host this event, and I hope we exceed expectations and make our country proud. We’d love to be part of the journey to London in 2026 through the team event.”

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Super Eagles’ Trip To Uyo Delayed After Plane Suffers Mid-Air Damage

Wale busari02 mins

The Super Eagles’ journey to Uyo for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic took an unexpected turn after their aircraft suffered a cracked windscreen mid-air, forcing an emergency return to Luanda, Angola. According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Saturday, the ValueJet Airline plane was transporting the team from Polokwane, South Africa, when the incident occurred shortly after takeoff from a refuelling stop in Luanda. “The pilot did well to guide the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda,” the NFF confirmed, adding that no one was harmed during the incident. The same aircraft had earlier flown part of the team’s delegation to Polokwane on Thursday night, arriving in South Africa on Friday morning. However, the issue arose on the return leg, disrupting the team’s travel schedule. The NFF said efforts are now underway to ensure the players arrive in Uyo as soon as possible ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash. “ValueJet Airline and relevant federal authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs as well as the Chief of Staff to the President, are working tirelessly to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to convey the delegation from Luanda to Uyo,” the federation stated. The Super Eagles are set to face the Squirrels of Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Tuesday in a match crucial to their World Cup qualification hopes.  

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles, Cheetahs Arrive Uyo for Big Showdown

Wale busari04 mins

The delegations of Nigeria and Benin Republic are scheduled to arrive in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on Saturday afternoon, ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Series Matchday 10 encounter at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium. Nigeria’s Super Eagles earned a 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday to put themselves firmly in contention for the lone automatic ticket from Group C, while table-topping Benin Republic scored late against Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali to pick up the maximum points and maintain their three-point lead on their West African neighbours. Three-time African champions Nigeria fly from the South African city of Polokwane to Uyo aboard a chartered ValueJet Airline airplane, just as the Cheetahs’ delegation will arrive about the same time at the Obong Victor Attah International Airport. Goals by Captain William Ekong (from the penalty spot) and debutant Jerome Akor Adams earned Nigeria the three points at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, and the Super Eagles, 2024 AFCON runners-up, now need a two-goal win over the neighbours to the west (plus South Africa failing to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit on the same day) to bag the only automatic ticket from Group C to North America. The circumstances are much like they were in 2001 and 2009. On both occasions, Nigeria eventually scaled through to the global finals. After away losses to Liberia and Sierra Leone, the Super Eagles were in a precarious situation and needed to win their three remaining matches. They started with a 2-0 defeat of leaders Liberia in Port Harcourt, made easy meat of Sudan 4-0 in Omdurman and then trounced Ghana’s Black Stars 3-0 in Port Harcourt to qualify for Korea/Japan 2002. In 2009, Tunisia led for most of the series, and only an added-time goal by Obinna Nsofor against Mozambique in Abuja kept Nigeria in the hunt until the final day. On that final day, Nigeria needed to beat Kenya in Nairobi and for Tunisia not to win in Maputo against Mozambique. The Eagles edged the Harambee Stars 3-2 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani while Mozambique earned a late goal against Tunisia. The ambitious Cheetahs, now on 17 points, are coached by Franco-German tactician Gernot Rohr, who qualified and led Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals in Russia. Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar will be referee for Tuesday’s explosive battle, with his compatriots Mahmoud Abouelregal, Ahmed Tawfik Ali and Mahmoud Moustafa Elbana in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official. Jason Joseph Damoo from Seychelles will serve as referee assessor; Ghanaian Prosper Harrison Addo will be the commissioner and; Xolile Vilakati from eSwatini will work as security officer.

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NFF Concludes Second Module of CAF B-License Course

Wale busari02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Saturday complete another module of the multiple-module CAF B-License Course which first module was implemented in April this year. Approved by the Confederation of African Football, the first module took place 7th – 12th April, while the second module commenced on Monday, 6th October. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen said the third module will hold 20th – 24th October, with the fourth and final module scheduled for November. NFF General Secretary and CAF instructor, Dr Mohammed Sanusi; Eguavoen (himself a CAF Instructor); NFF’s Head of Coaching Education and CAF Instructor, Dr Terry Eguaoje; CAF Instructor, Coach Henry Abiodun and; NFF’s Head of Technical and CAF Instructor, Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf, have been the resource persons for the course, for which there are a total of 25 participants. Mr. Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, special assistant to the NFF General Secretary and Dr Paul Onyeudo have been invited to speak on Laws of the Game and Football Injuries & Prevention and Nutrition respectively.

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My mission in FIFA Committee – Gusau

Wale busari04 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and President of WAFU-B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON says he is focused on making robust and meaningful contributions to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, to which he was appointed this week by world football-governing body, FIFA. “It is a recognition and honour that I do not take for granted, and it is important to make robust contributions that will justify the confidence reposed in my person and other members by the FIFA Council, and which will also be in the interest of Nigeria, West African and the African game at large. “I am dedicated to using my professional experience to foster robust and diverse discussions, ultimately helping the committee toward informed decision-making. Personally, I will be able to provide valuable insights from the African game. My role within the NFF and WAFU-B, and as someone who attends the CAF Executive Committee as a regional president, will certainly give my contributions weight, and one will be able to effectively advocate for the interests of African football.” Gusau’s appointment, alongside a few other Nigerians, underscores the growing respect and regard that Nigeria continues to attain in the beautiful game globally, and provides ample opportunity for contributions that will further enhance that respect. “I look forward to collaborating with my committee chairman and members and making inputs into decisions that will shape the future of men’s club football globally. Our contributions can engender the rapid growth of football economies in those countries that are still lagging behind, as club football remains the clear pathway to achieving this everywhere.” Gusau’s Men’s Club Competitions Committee is headed by Jassim Rashid Al Buenain from Qatar, with Mikel Arriola from Mexico as deputy chair. Former NFF President and former FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, OFR, ROI was appointed as Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, which is chaired by Robert Harrison from Paraguay. NFF Executive Committee Member, Aisha Falode, was appointed into the FIFA Media & Communications Committee, headed by Ivorian FA President Yacine Idriss Diallo, while former President of CAF Appeal Board, A. U. Mustapha (SAN) was appointed into the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, chaired by Ghanaian FA President and CAF 2nd Vice President, Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku. Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, was retained as member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adjudicatory Council)

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Super Eagles Secure Crucial 2–1 Win Over Lesotho In World Cup Qualifier

Wale busari01 mins

The Super Eagles of Nigeria kept their World Cup qualification hopes alive with a crucial 2–1 win over Lesotho on Friday. After a goalless first half, captain William Troost-Ekong put Nigeria ahead in the 55th minute from the penalty spot. Substitute Akor Adams extended the lead in the 80th minute with a composed finish. Lesotho’s Hlompho Kalake pulled one back three minutes later, but the Super Eagles held firm to seal an important away victory. The result moves Nigeria to third place in Group C with 14 points, just one point behind South Africa and three behind table-toppers Benin. The Super Eagles will host Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday in a must-win clash that could define their World Cup qualification journey.  

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Victor Osimhen Claims He Was Pressured Into Napoli Move While His Father Was Dying

Wale busari04 mins

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has opened up about feeling pressured into his 2020 move to Napoli, claiming agents and club officials pushed the transfer while his father was critically ill. In a testimony leaked by La Repubblica, Osimhen told Italy’s Guardia di Finanza that he was excluded from key contract discussions and never received a proper draft of his deal. Negotiations were led by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and Lille officials, leaving the Nigerian forward frustrated and sidelined. The summer 2020 transfer from Lille to Napoli, worth €70 million, was one of Europe’s biggest moves that year, but it has since been shrouded in controversy. Osimhen recounted the ordeal amid an ongoing investigation into alleged false accounting connected to the deal. “My previous agent, Jean Gerard, was only focused on the transfer and not my father’s health. At that time, I wasn’t thinking about football; I just wanted to know how he was doing,” Osimhen said. He recalled a meeting in Nice with Gerard, Lille president Gerard Lopez, and Luis Campos, where he was told the transfer was already agreed in principle—a deal of which he had no prior knowledge. Tragically, his father passed away during the negotiations. “I was extremely angry with Lille and my agent because I hadn’t been able to see him before he died. They even told me I would have to leave for Naples the next day, unaware of my father’s death,” he said. Despite his anger, Osimhen went to Naples, met the coach and De Laurentiis, but still had not received a formal contract. When he requested one from his agent, he was given only “a pseudo-agreement.” Feeling misled, he considered returning to France but eventually replaced Gerard with William D’Avila as his new agent. The transfer was eventually finalized at the end of July 2020 in Lille, in the presence of Napoli and Lille officials and Osimhen’s new representative. The deal is now under investigation as prosecutors probe alleged financial irregularities, including claims that both clubs inflated the value of lesser-known players to meet financial regulations. Osimhen’s transfer initially valued at €50 million rose to €70 million, including €20 million in additional player exchanges. Youth players Luigi Liguori, Claudio Manzi, and Ciro Palmieri, who never played for Lille, were immediately loaned out, raising questions about their valuations. Prosecutors in Rome are considering whether Napoli president De Laurentiis and other officials should stand trial over alleged accounting manipulations tied to Osimhen’s transfer.  

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Algeria Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, 1st Time Since 2014

Fola Badmus04 mins

Algeria has become the fourth African country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — and all of them are from the north of the continent. A 3-0 win over Somalia on Thursday guaranteed Algeria first place in Group G in African qualifying and a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Algeria, captained by Riyad Mahrez and led by former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic, joined neighboring nations Morocco and Tunisia as well as Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in securing a spot in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the fifth time for the Algerians at the World Cup — and they’ve only ever progressed from the group stage once, in 2014 when they lost to Germany in the round of 16. A total of nine African teams will directly qualify and be in the World Cup tournament draw taking place on Dec. 5 in Washington D.C. The other five group winners will be known over the next week. The four best runners-up play in a knockout competition in November and the winner advances to the playoffs. Despite being a home game for Somalia, it was staged at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Algeria and the fans were treated to a show by Mahrez — the team’s star winger who used to play for Manchester City and now is at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Mahrez set up goals for Mohamed Amoura in the sixth and 58th minutes, either side of scoring himself with a fierce strike into the roof of the net in the 19th. Mahrez started his international career weeks before the 2014 World Cup and was included in Algeria’s squad for the tournament, only playing in its first group game. Uganda stayed in second place in the group — four points behind Algeria — after beating Botswana 1-0 and moved three points clear of Mozambique, who lost 2-1 at home to Guinea. In the final round of matches, Uganda travel to Algeria and Mozambique play Somalia. All the African teams heading to the World Cup will look to repeat the exploits of Morocco, which became the first team from the continent to reach the semifinals in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

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