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Category: Sports

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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SWAN Disowns Illegal Lagos Election, Petitions IGP, DSS Over Misuse of Security Personnel

Fola Badmus05 mins

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has strongly disowned and condemned the purported election set to be organised in Lagos by suspended members of the association, describing it as illegal, null and void, and a deliberate act of sabotage against the integrity of the body. The NEC said the only intention of the suspended members of the association is to create confusion, wondering why they leverage the use of thugs to create confusion while colluding with illegal security operatives. In a firm resolution reached by the NEC and endorsed by the National Secretariat, SWAN reaffirmed that Ms. Olatutu Oladunni and Mr. Bello Omotunde, former Chairperson and Secretary of the Lagos Chapter respectively, remain indefinitely suspended from all activities and structures of the association. The association has consequently petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), drawing attention to what it described as a dangerous pattern of intimidation, impersonation, and misuse of security operatives by the suspended duo to disrupt peace within the Lagos sporting and journalistic community.   In the petition signed by SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, and Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the association said the suspended officials are attempting to stage an unauthorised election in Lagos on Thursday, October 9, 2025, despite prior notification of their suspension to both the Lagos State Police Command and the DSS Directorate. SWAN recalled that during the Lagos SWAN Congress held on September 17, 2025, Ms. Oladunni mobilised more than eleven (11) police vehicles and armed operatives to a peaceful gathering of sports journalists — describing the act as “a brazen show of force, abuse of privilege, and a deliberate attempt to intimidate members. “The so-called Lagos election is not only illegal but also an affront to the authority of the National Executive Council,” the NEC resolution stated. “The individuals behind this plot have no mandate or legitimacy to act in the name of SWAN. Their continued defiance constitutes gross misconduct and will attract further disciplinary measures.” The association warned that any security officer or agency that lends support to the illegitimate exercise would be aiding an unlawful activity and undermining the association’s recognised constitutional order. SWAN therefore, urged the IGP and DG DSS to restrain the suspended officials, maintain neutrality, and prevent any misuse of security institutions in matters internal to professional associations. Reaffirming its authority, the NEC through the National Secretariat, reserves the power to supervise or approve elections in state chapters, stressing that any activity outside that structure “is null, void, and of no effect whatsoever.” “The NEC of SWAN stands firm in defending the unity, credibility, and sanctity of the association,” the statement added. “We will not permit any act of indiscipline, impersonation, or external interference that threatens our stability and professional integrity.” The association further assured all members nationwide of its commitment to due process, accountability, and the protection of journalists’ rights, urging them to disregard the actions of the suspended individuals and remain guided by the decisions of the National Executive Council.

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Blessing Okagbare Marks 37th Birthday Celebrating With Daughter

Wale busari01 mins

Former Nigerian track and field star Blessing Okagbare is celebrating her 37th birthday today, sharing the special moment with her daughter. Okagbare posted a touching photo of herself and her daughter on social media, describing the day as a “special 37th birthday.” “Best Birthday Ever. I get to celebrate it with my Oreofe. A very blessed 37th birthday indeed. Lord, you have always done it for me,” she wrote. The Olympic and World Championship medalist and her husband welcomed their first child in December 2024. Fans and fellow athletes have taken to her comment section to shower her with birthday wishes and congratulations, celebrating both her achievements and her new journey into motherhood.  

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Oshodi Predicts Fierce Competition at ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis

Wale busari04 mins

President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed high expectations for this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, citing the impressive form and quality of players set to compete. Oshodi commended the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping in to host the tournament following Rwanda’s late withdrawal, praising their dedication to the sport and their experience in organizing top-tier events. He also expressed excitement over the strong presence of young talent at the tournament, which will take place in Tunis from October 12 to 19. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London. “There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,” Oshodi said. “We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans. This will give us a chance to see the levels of improvement in their play over the last year. I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.” He added, “We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting. The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12. The highlight for many teams will be the team event, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London.” The 2026 edition will celebrate the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926. This year’s continental showcase promises high-stakes action as Africa’s finest athletes compete across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The Rades Multisports Hall will host eight thrilling days of elite competition.

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I’ve No Interest in Chelle’s Job – Eguavoen

Wale busari02 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen has expressed deep distaste over reports in sections of the media on Wednesday that he was being tipped, alongside Coach Ladan Bosso, to take over the job of coaching the Super Eagles for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, should Coach Eric Chelle fail to qualify the team for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals. “I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from. I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad. I am praying for him to succeed. “This was how the same speculators created schism and disaffection between myself and Gernot Rohr and José Peseiro, when these gentlemen coached the Super Eagles, at different periods. It is uncalled-for. We all need to work together to see the Super Eagles qualify for the World Cup and win the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations championship in Morocco.”

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2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifying Match: Chelle to Have 20 Players for Eagles’ Second Training

World Cup Qualifier: Super Eagles Go All Out for Three Points against Crocodiles

Wale busari04 mins

Africa’s best players in the past two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will lead Nigeria’s charge for crucial three points when the Super Eagles go up against the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in the South African city of Polokwane on Friday evening. The clash is the penultimate matchday of the series, with Nigeria needing all three points and favour from elsewhere to stand in good stead heading into the final matchday, when they host present group leaders Benin Republic at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium. With three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, Nigeria must go guns-blazing for their remaining two games, starting with the encounter with the Crocodiles on neutral ground on Friday. Coach Eric Chelle has been unable to call on wing-back Olaoluwa Aina, injured on an atrocious Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein pitch in the clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana last month, and defender Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielder Raphael Onyedika and forward Cyriel Dessers are also out injured. However, Chelle welcomes back Osimhen (who missed the clash with the Bafana after sustaining an injury against Rwanda in Uyo days earlier), and the triumvirate that shone brightly at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations (the others being Ademola Lookman and Simon Moses) is intact for this big challenge. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is most likely to retain his place in goal, with Captain William Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi and Benjamin Frederick all in line for shirts in the defenceline, and Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi and Christantus Uche available for selection in midfield. Osimhen, Lookman and Moses are top for the fore, but Chelle also has Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi and Jerome Akor Adams all in good form. 21 SUPER EAGLES TO BATTLE LESOTHO IN POLOKWANE Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium) Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey); Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England) Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)

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Flying Eagles Crash Out from U20 World Cup

Fola Badmus05 mins

Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago.   Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.   An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.   Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.   Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute.   Defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medallists Nigeria.   2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals: Flamingos settle down in Casablanca   The Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team, Flamingos, arrived safely in Morocco on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team departed Abuja early Wednesday morning at 7:18 a.m. aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time.   On arrival at the Mohammed V International Airport, the girls were greeted with an unexpected but inspiring moment as they ran into former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, who was en route to France. The ex-international took a few moments to speak with the players, urging them to stay disciplined, focused, and to represent Nigeria with pride and unity at the global showpiece. His words were met with smiles and applause from both players and officials.   The Flamingos have since settled into their base at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, where they will spend the next few days fine-tuning their preparations before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper. The team’s spirit was high upon arrival, with several players expressing excitement at the opportunity to don Nigeria’s colors on the world stage once again.   The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists held a light training session on Wednesday evening to help the players recover from jet-lag and get used to the Moroccan weather conditions. The session focused primarily on recovery, ball movement, and coordination drills.   Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, with their opening match scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The Flamingos head into the tournament full of confidence, having played ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding.

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Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself South East’s Most Powerful Politician, Says Peter Obi Is Not His Leader

Orji Uzor Kalu Declares Himself South East’s Most Powerful Politician, Says Peter Obi Is Not His Leader

Wale busari02 mins

Former Abia State Governor and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has positioned himself as the leading political force in Nigeria’s South East, rejecting assertions that Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi holds sway over him. In a Wednesday interview, Kalu pointed to his political record to assert his influence. “Peter is not my leader. I’m the most important politician from that zone. I have won two states before under the PPA. I ran for president before. My 4.9 million votes are still there since 2007,” he said. Kalu also highlighted his role on the national stage during the administration of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, noting that the PPA had ministers, ambassadors, and several federal appointments under his leadership. He went further, directly challenging Obi to a face-to-face meeting, saying, “Arrange in your studio a meeting between me and Peter Obi. Put two of us in the same place.”  

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