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Category: Sports

World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria, Gabon Game Promises Frills, Fire and Fury

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Nigeria and Gabon senior men national teams go to war on Thursday evening in a 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final that promises to raise the roof of the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. The high-stakes encounter, which provides a second window for both teams to try and qualify for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico after missing automatic tickets in Africa’s 23-month qualifying campaign, will see both Coaches Eric Chelle and Thierry Mouyouma throw in their best casts to ensure passage into the Final match, which will set up the victor against the winner of the other semi-final between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, at the same venue on Sunday. Nigeria, six-time finalists at the FIFA World Cup, have assumed a body language of unwillingness to witness a second consecutive FIFA World Cup finals miss, which would mean no experience at the highest level for the spine of the current team, while Gabon, who have never dined at football’s highest table, are eager to experience what it all means. The ingredients for a fiery evening in Morocco’s administrative capital is complete, with both Chelle and Mouyouma likely to adopt the 4-3-3 formation to play to the strengths of their lead orchestrators. Chelle, unbeaten in four competitive matches with Nigeria in the qualifying campaign (three wins and a draw), will most likely stick with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and in the absence of injured Olaoluwa Aina (injury) and Semi Ajayi (suspension), probably calibrate a rearguard of Benjamin Fredericks, captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey and Zaidu Sanusi, with Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka in midfield. 2023 Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, who netted six goals in the qualifying series (all against three teams viz Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin Republic), is likely to have Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman as partners from the off. The rampant Osimhen, with 29 goals in 44 matches for the Nigeria senior team, has netted 160 goals and 36 assists in 275 club career matches, and is presently one of the most feared forwards in world football. Gabon emerged the best second runners-up in all the nine qualification groups, and hinge their hopes of an upset on 36-year- old forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has turned out for English Premiership side Arsenal and German Bundesliga top team Borussia Dortmund, and is now with former European champions Olympique Marseille in France. The brilliant forward’s father, Pierre-François Aubameyang, featured for the Panthers at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia, in which the Panthers lost their first match 0-3 to Nigeria and crashed out at group stage, as the Eagles went on to win their second continental title. Mouyouma is likely to stick to his regular army, which puts Loyce Mbaba in goal, with youngster Jacques Ekomie alongside Bruno Manga, Mick Omfia and Anthony Oyono at the rear, and Guélor Kanga, Mario Lemina and Didier Ndong in midfield. Aubameyang, who scored all four goals in the dismantling of The Gambia away in the qualifying series, will have regular partners Denis Bouanga and Noah Lemina as co-conspirators at the fore. Mouyouma has revealed that his Panthers are contemplating the quick, short passing game to force Nigeria’s matadors to chase the game, while Chelle has kept his option to his chest as the fiery encounter looms. Nigeria have been victorious in five of nine previous encounters with Gabon at senior men level, dating back 60 years, when Nigeria won and drew friendly matches played over two days in Libreville. Gabon’s only triumph – a 2-1 win in a World Cup qualifier on 25th June 1989 – ultimately cost Nigeria a ticket to Italia ’90 as the Eagles failed to secure the draw needed against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions in Yaounde on the final day of the series. Three of the nine matches have been drawn, including a Germany 2006 World Cup qualifier, but Thursday’s game cannot end in a draw, as a winner must emerge to proceed to Sunday’s Final. SUPER EAGLES, PANTHERS IN HISTORY 28 Aug 1965: Gabon 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 29 Aug 1965: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (Friendly) 02 Mar 1983: Gabon 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly) 07 Jan 1989: Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (WC qualifier) 25 June 1989: Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 1994: Nigeria 3-0 Gabon (AFCON finals) 21 Nov 1999: Gabon 0-2 Nigeria (Friendly) 09 Oct 2004: Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier) 26 Mar 2005: Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (WC qualifier)

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Barau FC Player, Nana Abraham Says He Was Injured By Thrown Objects, Denies Throat Slash At Katsina United Stadium

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Barau FC midfielder Nana Abraham has spoken out to clarify the circumstances of his injury during a recent Nigeria Premier Football League match at Katsina United’s stadium. He confirmed that he was hit by objects thrown from the stands, dismissing earlier reports that claimed his throat had been slashed. In a video statement, Abraham said, “It was during the course of the match, when we equalized our goal, the fans of Katsina United started throwing objects towards our bench. One of them hit my chest and lower shin, and that’s when I saw blood. That’s what happened, not a slitted throat.” The incident occurred shortly after Barau FC scored an equalizer. Initial media reports had suggested a more serious attack on Abraham, but his account contradicts these claims. Katsina United officials also denied that any fan invaded the pitch or directly assaulted the player, describing earlier reports as misleading. The event has reignited concerns about stadium safety and fan conduct in the NPFL, with league authorities expected to investigate the matter and implement measures to protect players. Abraham’s clarification highlights the importance of accurate reporting and underscores the need for improved security at league matches.

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Ref Watch: Why Liverpool’s Disallowed Goal Against Man City Wasn’t a Clear and Obvious Error – Dermot Gallagher Explains

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Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has explained why Virgil van Dijk’s disallowed goal in Liverpool’s 3–0 defeat to Manchester City was not considered a “clear and obvious error” under VAR rules — despite growing frustration from Liverpool, who have lodged a formal complaint with the PGMOL. The Incident Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk thought he had pulled one back at the Etihad Stadium when he headed home a cross, but the goal was ruled out after Andy Robertson was deemed to be obstructing goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s line of sight from an offside position. Gallagher’s Verdict “It is subjective without doubt and it’s a grey area because it’s all about interpretation,” Gallagher said on Ref Watch. “Everybody sees things differently — that’s why you can have similar incidents produce different outcomes. There are no hard and fast rules.”Gallagher clarified that the on-field decision was “no goal,” meaning VAR would only intervene if it was a clear and obvious mistake.“VAR asked, ‘Is Robertson in an offside position? Yes. Is he impacting the goalkeeper?’ They decided yes, as he was close enough to interfere. Since the on-field call was ‘no goal,’ it stood.”He added that VAR is not meant to “re-referee” matches:“The referee is only sent to the monitor if there’s a clear and obvious error or a subjective offside that needs review. In this case, VAR backed the on-field decision.” Bothroyd’s View: ‘It Should Have Stood’ Former England striker Jay Bothroyd disagreed, arguing the goal should have been allowed. “When you watch the replay, Donnarumma can clearly see the ball. Robertson ducks out of the way and doesn’t make an attempt to play it,” Bothroyd said. “If anything, [Man City’s] Doku is more in the keeper’s line of sight. Robertson isn’t interfering. It was a poor decision.” Other Matches Discussed on Ref Watch Brentford 3–1 Newcastle: There was controversy at the Gtech Community Stadium as Dan Burn avoided punishment for a challenge on Dango Ouattara in the first half, only to be sent off later for a similar foul. Gallagher said the first decision — no penalty and a yellow card for simulation — was “understandable,” but admitted the two incidents highlighted the fine margins referees face. “There was contact both times. The referee judged the first to be minimal. VAR didn’t think it met the threshold for a penalty. It’s so difficult — that’s the life of a referee.”Arsenal Women 1–1 Chelsea Women (WSL): The Women’s Super League clash produced several controversial moments, reigniting debate over the absence of VAR in the league. Stina Blackstenius had a goal ruled out for handball, though replays showed the ball struck her thigh.“From the referee’s angle, it looked like handball. It was an optical illusion,” Gallagher explained. “If VAR existed in the WSL, the goal would have stood.”Arsenal’s Victoria Pelova also escaped a possible red card for a high challenge on Keira Walsh. Gallagher said:“At full speed, it looked like a fair challenge, but on slow motion, the studs are high. With VAR, that would likely be a red.”Sunderland 2–2 Arsenal (Premier League): There was debate over Dan Ballard’s elbow on Mikel Merino in the box, and Martin Zubimendi’s yellow card for a midfield tackle. Gallagher said neither incident warranted VAR intervention:“Ballard used his arms for leverage; it wasn’t a foul. Zubimendi was unlucky — probably a misread by the referee.” The VAR Debate Continues The series of contentious calls across the Premier League and WSL once again spotlighted the subjective nature of VAR decisions and renewed calls for consistent standards across all levels of English football. “Refereeing has never been more difficult,” Gallagher concluded. “Every angle tells a different story — and interpretation is everything.”

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Atalanta Sack Head Coach Ivan Juric After Poor Serie A Start

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Atalanta have sacked head coach Ivan Juric following a 3-0 home defeat to Sassuolo, leaving the club in 13th place in Serie A after 11 matches. Juric, who took over in June after Gian Piero Gasperini’s nine-year spell, struggled to replicate last season’s success when Atalanta finished third. The team has recorded only two league wins this campaign and sits 11 points behind leaders Inter Milan. “Atalanta BC announces that Ivan Juric has been relieved of his duties as first team coach,” the club said in a statement. “We thank Ivan Juric and his staff for their hard work and wish them all the best for the future.” The 50-year-old Croatian previously managed AS Roma for less than two months in 2024 and also had a brief stint at Southampton, leaving the club a day after their relegation from the Premier League. Reports suggest that former Fiorentina manager Raffaele Palladino is a leading candidate to take over. Atalanta will face Napoli on November 22 following the international break.

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Lionel Messi Returns To Camp Nou, Hopes To Bid Fans A Proper Farewell

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Lionel Messi returned to Barcelona’s renovated Camp Nou on Sunday and expressed his desire to one day properly say goodbye to the club’s fans. Messi left Barcelona in the summer of 2021 after the club was unable to renew his contract due to financial restrictions. His exit was sudden, and he only had a tearful press conference to bid farewell before joining Paris Saint-Germain. Now with Inter Miami, Messi stepped onto Camp Nou again on Sunday evening after leading his team to the next round of the Major League Soccer playoffs. “I hope I can return someday, and not just to say goodbye as a player, like I never got to,” he said. The stadium has been under renovation for nearly three years and is set to reopen soon with limited capacity. Barcelona plans to resume hosting competitive matches at Camp Nou after the international break, with ongoing work expected to expand the venue to around 100,000 seats. Barcelona president Joan Laporta revealed plans to honor Messi with a special tribute once the renovations are complete. “It would be a beautiful way to show gratitude and recognition,” Laporta said during a recent test event. “When we reach 100,000 capacity, we’ll be able to hold the tribute he, the club, and everything we achieved together deserve. It probably won’t happen before the end of 2026, when club elections are scheduled. If I’m still president then, I’d be very happy to lead Messi’s tribute at the stadium.”

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Alex Iwobi Exposes Poor Hotel Conditions Ahead of Super Eagles’ World Cup Play-Off in Morocco

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Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has shared a video highlighting poor conditions at the hotel where the team is staying ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup African play-off against Gabon in Morocco. The video shows facilities that appear below standard for an international team, raising concerns about the arrangements made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). While CAF usually manages lodging for participating nations, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) can request alternative hotels if necessary. Nigerian players have voiced similar complaints in the past. Earlier this year, Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade criticised CAF-provided accommodations during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Gabon on November 13, aiming to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As of now, neither CAF nor the NFF has responded to Iwobi’s video. Alex Iwobi showing off Super Eagles hotel in Morocco 🇲🇦 pic.twitter.com/8CUXVU2MDi — POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) November 10, 2025

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World Cup Qualifier Playoffs: Ekong, Iwobi, Chukwueze, Moses, Fredericks Storm Eagles’ Camp in Morocco

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Captain William Ekong and fellow defender Benjamin Fredericks arrived the Super Eagles’ hotel in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday night, to join the seven-man early crew of defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Simon Moses, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Samuel Chukwueze. Most of the remaining 15 players are expected today (Monday), as the three-time African champions get in the mood for a potentially-explosive Play-off semi-final clash with the Panthers of Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Thursday evening, starting 5pm Morocco time (same as in Nigeria). Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo clash in the other semi-final, with the two finalists to battle it out at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan on Sunday evening, for Africa’s lone ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs in Mexico next year.

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NPFL Slams ₦9m Fine On Katsina United, Orders Home Games Behind Closed Doors After Violent Clash

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The Nigeria Premier Football League has fined Katsina United a total of ₦9 million and ordered the club to play all remaining home matches behind closed doors in Jos, following violent scenes during their 1–1 draw with Barau FC. According to a statement issued on Sunday, Katsina United were found guilty of several breaches, including poor crowd control, failure to ensure adequate security, and allowing unauthorised persons access to restricted areas. The NPFL said fans threw dangerous objects onto the pitch, injuring some Barau FC players and harassing match officials. The league described the club’s supporters’ behaviour as “conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.” The sanctions include ₦3 million for fans’ misconduct and throwing objects, ₦2 million for poor security arrangements, and ₦4 million compensation for medical bills, damages to Barau’s team buses, and for holding players and officials hostage after the match. The league further directed that Katsina United relocate to the New Jos Stadium for all future home games, which will be played without spectators. The club has 48 hours to appeal the decision. The disciplinary action follows reports that Barau FC’s Nana Abraham suffered a neck injury after being attacked by fans moments after scoring the equaliser in the 69th minute. However, Katsina United denied any incident of violence or injury, calling the reports “baseless” and “an attempt to tarnish the club’s image.” The club’s media director, Nasir Gide, insisted that security personnel maintained order throughout the match and threatened legal action against outlets spreading false claims. This marks the second major disciplinary case this season, coming just weeks after Kano Pillars were fined ₦9.5 million and handed a points deduction for crowd violence in a home game against Shooting Stars.

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