Egypt Qualifies For 2026 World Cup With Convincing Win Over Djibouti

Egypt Qualifies For 2026 World Cup With Convincing Win Over Djibouti

Egypt booked their place at the 2026 World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Djibouti in Casablanca on Wednesday, putting them out of reach at the top of Group A. The North African side took control early, with Ibrahim Adel opening the scoring in the eighth minute. Egypt doubled their lead shortly after, and a late goal in the 84th minute sealed the win, giving them an unassailable five-point lead over Burkina Faso. The win caps a successful qualifying campaign that has seen Egypt consistently dominate opponents. Despite their record seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, the Pharaohs have historically struggled at the World Cup, qualifying only in 1934, 1990, 2018, and now 2026. The result sets up a strong foundation for Egypt as they prepare for their next challenge on football’s biggest stage, hoping to improve on past World Cup performances and make a significant impact in the tournament. Elsewhere in African qualifying, Ghana strengthened their position in Group I with a 5-0 win over the Central African Republic, while Cape Verde kept their dream alive with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Libya, leading Group D ahead of Cameroon. With Egypt now confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, attention will shift to the remaining spots as other African nations battle it out for a place in the intercontinental play-offs next year.  

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Lawrence Okolie Targets Heavyweight World Title Fight

Lawrence Okolie could be one tune-up fight away from a world heavyweight title fight with “the bogeyman of the division”. Okolie is ranked No 1 with the WBC and is targeting Agit Kabayel. Germany’s Kabayel is the WBC’s interim title holder but that could be upgraded to the full world championship if Oleksandr Usyk retires or vacates the belt. Okolie’s trainer Joe Gallagher expects his fighter to compete for a heavyweight world title in 2026. “The fight with him and Kabayel, if Usyk gives up the title, that’ll most probably be March, April next year,” Gallagher told Sky Sports.   “So we’ve got to try and get Lawrence another fight. Lawrence is open to any of the world title fights not just necessarily the WBC. “But the fact that he’s ranked No 1 there and Kabayel, people see him as the bogeyman in the division and Lawrence has got the appetite to take on the bogeyman in the division. Then when he does win that title he [will have] beat the best man around for that title. “He’s open for other fights. We spoke about the Deontay Wilder fight and other fights as well. He’s in a really good position.” Kabayel is due to box in January and Okolie wants to get a tune-up bout in next too, potentially in Nigeria in December. “A quick run out, to keep the tools sharp, just like Kabayel’s doing before we see what Usyk decides to do,” Gallagher said. “He wants to [fight in Nigeria]. There’s talk of a show in December and Lawrence I think would like to be part of that show. “It’s a brilliant story,” he added. “It would wet the appetite for [Anthony] Joshua and other people to go there.”

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Cristiano Ronaldo Makes History As First Active Footballer To Become A Billionaire

Cristiano Ronaldo has reached an unprecedented milestone, becoming the first footballer in history to earn billionaire status while still playing professionally. The Portuguese superstar’s fortune has officially surpassed $1 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index — a global list that tracks the wealth of the world’s richest individuals. The index evaluates net worth based on salaries, business ventures, investments, and real estate, updating figures as fortunes rise or fall. Ronaldo’s achievement places him in a class of his own, marking a historic moment not just for football but for the entire world of sports.  

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

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

Head Coach Eric Sekou Chelle will have a total of 20 players for the Super Eagles’ second training session on Wednesday in Polokwane, ahead of Friday’s very crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Crocodiles of Lesotho. A total of 18 players were in the team’s The Ranch Hotel as at Tuesday night, with Portugal-based defender Zaidu Sanusi and Spain-based forward Jerome Akor Adams set to join the group on Wednesday. United States of America-based midfielder Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi is expected to land in South Africa on Thursday. Chelle has had to tinker the team following injuries to defender Bright Osayi-Samuel and forward Cyriel Dessers, bringing in Sanusi and Crystal Palace of England’s Christantus Uche. Injury to wing-back Felix Agu had cut the squad from 23 to 22. Russia-based former junior international Olakunle Olusegun is yet to be issued with an entry visa into South Africa, meaning Nigeria could probably prosecute the encounter with 21 players. The Matchday 9 encounter is billed for the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, 10th October 2025 and will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time). PHOTO 1: Team captain William Ekong lacing his boots for training in Polokwane on Tuesday PHOTO 2: Forward Victor Osimhen is back after missing the game against South Africa in Bloemfontein due to injury. 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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Nigeria Officially Bids to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja

Nigeria Officially Bids to Host Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja

Nigeria has officially submitted a bid to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abuja, potentially bringing the sport back to Africa for the first time since 1993. Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission, confirmed that the proposal has been forwarded to the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Formula 1 Management through Opus Racing Promotions, Nigeria’s official negotiating partner. “This bid goes beyond hosting a race. It is a chance to highlight Nigeria’s creativity, capacity, and commitment to world-class sporting infrastructure,” Dikko said. “It is a landmark project that could transform Nigeria’s role in global motorsport and sports tourism.” The Abuja Grand Prix has received support from senior government officials and private sector stakeholders. Invitations have been extended to F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali, racing legend Lewis Hamilton, and Tilke Engineers & Architects—the firm behind most modern F1 tracks—for site inspections and stakeholder engagements in Abuja. The bid follows Nigeria’s successful hosting of the inaugural E1 Lagos GP in March, marking Africa’s first leg of the all-electric powerboat series. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu hailed the event as a demonstration of the state’s focus on innovation and clean energy. Nigeria is also competing with India to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. President Bola Tinubu has called on the Commonwealth to award the centenary edition to Nigeria, which would make it the first African country to host the Games.  

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Jordi Alba Announces Retirement From Professional Football After Illustrious Career

Jordi Alba Announces Retirement From Professional Football After Illustrious Career

Jordi Alba, Barcelona legend and current Inter Miami left-back, has announced his retirement from professional football at the close of the 2025 season. The 36-year-old described the decision as the right moment to end a remarkable career. “The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter in my life,” Alba said. “I’ve decided to bring my professional football career to an end at the conclusion of this season. I do so with complete conviction, with peace, and with happiness.” Alba started his career at Barcelona’s La Masia academy but was released at 16 for being considered too small. He later played for Cornellà and Valencia, where he successfully transitioned from winger to left-back. Returning to Barcelona in 2012, Alba became a cornerstone of the team for more than a decade, winning six La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey trophies, a UEFA Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and a UEFA Super Cup. He formed one of football’s most memorable partnerships with Lionel Messi and made over 450 appearances for the club, eventually serving as its fourth captain. On the international stage, Alba debuted for Spain in 2011, helping the team win UEFA Euro 2012 with a goal in the 4-0 final victory over Italy. He also captained Spain to the 2022–23 UEFA Nations League title and represented his country in multiple World Cups and European Championships. Now playing alongside Messi and Luis Suárez at Inter Miami, Alba will retire at the end of the MLS season, closing one of the most decorated careers in recent football history.  

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University of Jos Set to Host 27th NUGA Games

University of Jos Set to Host 27th NUGA Games

The countdown has officially begun to the 27th Nigerian University Games (NUGA), scheduled to take place at the University of Jos (UNIJOS) from November 6 to 16, 2025. With just one month to go, preparations are in top gear as UNIJOS gets ready to welcome 7,457 duly accredited athletes and officials from universities across Nigeria for ten days of intense competition, camaraderie, and celebration of university sports excellence. The Games, which stand as the premier sporting event among Nigerian universities, will feature student-athletes competing in various disciplines aimed at fostering unity, talent discovery, and national development through sport. Preliminary competitions have already been concluded—or are currently underway—across the 15 NUGA zones nationwide, determining the universities that will qualify for the Games proper. Speaking on the institution’s readiness, Professor Ishaya Tanko, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to hosting a memorable event. “The University of Jos is fully ready to host the nation,” Professor Tanko stated. “This event is not just about competition; it is an opportunity to promote sports excellence, strengthen unity among our young people, and showcase the hospitality and capacity of our institution and the Plateau community.” The 27th NUGA Games will mark the first time the University of Jos hosts the event since its establishment, and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) has assured that facilities, logistics, and security arrangements are being finalized to international standards. NUGA officials have also confirmed that volunteer registration, media accreditation, and event promotions are ongoing through official platforms to ensure seamless coordination ahead of the Games. “The NUGA Games continue to serve as a platform for identifying and nurturing sporting talent within Nigerian universities,” said Dr. [Insert NUGA Official Name], President of the Nigerian University Games Association. “We are confident that UNIJOS 2025 will set a new benchmark in organization, participation, and spirit.” The University community and the host city of Jos are gearing up to welcome thousands of visitors, creating significant opportunities for tourism, culture, and local enterprise throughout the duration of the Games.

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Motsepe Insists 2025 AFCON Will Proceed In Morocco Despite Nationwide Protests

CAF President Insists 2025 AFCON Will Proceed In Morocco Despite Nationwide Protests

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead in Morocco as planned, dismissing concerns that ongoing anti-government protests could disrupt preparations. For more than a week, thousands of young Moroccans have taken to the streets nightly, calling for an end to corruption, government reforms, and better access to social services like healthcare and education. The demonstrations, now in their ninth day, have highlighted deep public frustration over inequality and living conditions. Speaking during a meeting of African football leaders in Kinshasa, Motsepe said he was certain the tournament would not be affected by the unrest. “We are absolutely confident the AFCON will go ahead as planned. Morocco is plan A, Morocco is plan B, and Morocco is plan C,” he told delegates, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He added that the Confederation of African Football would work hand in hand with the Moroccan authorities and citizens to deliver what he described as “the most successful AFCON in history.” The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is slated for December 21 to January 18 across nine Moroccan venues, with 24 teams expected to compete. Star players like Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi are among those set to feature in the tournament.  

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