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Category: Sports

Iheanacho Makes Confession About Early Celtic Introduction

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Kelechi Iheanacho has admitted that he was surprised to be introduced as early as he was for Celtic against Crvena zvezda on Wednesday evening. The Nigerian striker came on to replace Daizen Maeda at the interval and made an instantaneous impact, opening the scoring on 55 minutes with a fine finish into the top-right corner. Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Iheanacho was asked whether he was surprised to have to come on at the break. “Yeah, a little bit,” he replied. “But obviously, the manager has to make the call, and I was ready to come in. “So I came in and gave my best for the team. “I’m happy to play for this great team, Celtic, and I’m happy to play my first European game with them. It was a good outing. We played a strong side and we get a point from it, so [I’m] happy.” Before he opened the scoring, the 28-year-old had a guilt-edged opportunity from close range that produced a fine stop by opposition goalkeeper Matheus. “Those kinds of chances as a striker, you felt it was in, but that was a really good save from the goalkeeper,” continued Iheanacho. “The second one, he tried as well to follow the ball, but it was in the top corner, so he couldn’t save that one. “I have obviously been in touch with the gaffer for a while, but it was a good decision by my team to come to Celtic. “As you can see, I’m enjoying being at Celtic. Hopefully, there is more to come and more goals to come.”

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

NFF: No Plans to Amend Statutes at 2025 Annual General Assembly

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wishes to address recent reports and speculations regarding possible amendments to its Statutes. For the avoidance of doubt, there are no plans to amend the NFF Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly, scheduled for 27 September 2025. Any suggestions to the contrary are unfounded. As part of standard procedure, a workshop will take place on 26 September 2025 with the participation of officials from delegates representing the Members of the NFF as well as FIFA and CAF officials. The purpose of this forum is to deliberate proposals for new NFF Statutes, in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices recommended by FIFA and CAF. It is important to emphasize that this consultation process is still at an early stage. Only after a common direction is agreed upon with NFF Members may a General Assembly be convened specifically to consider and adopt the proposed Statutes. The NFF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with its General Assembly Members, as well as with FIFA and CAF, to ensure that all processes related to its Statutes are conducted with due process, transparency, and full adherence to global best practices. Ultimately, the objective of this process is to establish robust and enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance within the Federation and enhance, among other things, the representation and participation of stakeholders across NFF bodies. This long-term framework is aimed at ensuring stability, inclusivity, and progress for Nigerian football.

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SWAN Condemns NFF Exclusion, Orders Nationwide Boycott of Federation’s AGA, Other Activities

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The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has directed all its members across the country to withdraw from covering or participating in any activity of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin and the Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the Association expressed outrage over the deliberate and persistent exclusion of SWAN from the statutory composition of the NFF Congress. SWAN described the action of the NFF leadership as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the role of the sporting media in national football development.” SWAN also wondered why the Federation’s leadership has continued playing the ostrich in crucial matters that would ensure seamless development of football in Nigeria. “The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports media in Nigeria, has consistently engaged the NFF leadership on the need to restore our rightful place within its Congress. Unfortunately, while claiming to expand its Congress, the Federation has chosen to sideline us, a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” The statement said. SWAN recalled that despite the Association’s consistent efforts to foster cooperation with the NFF since the emergence of the present leadership, the Federation has remained obstinate, employing divisive and destructive approaches in the management of Nigerian football. SWAN noted that Nigeria’s football fortunes continue to nosedive despite the enormous financial and institutional support the NFF receives from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors. “The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement said. The Association also made it clear that all SWAN members nationwide are henceforth instructed to refrain from covering or publicising any NFF activity, including the Ibadan AGA. “A task force will be set up to ensure strict enforcement of this directive, while the Association simultaneously begins a thorough investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices that have become synonymous with the Federation’s operations which cost the country’s back-to-back World Cup qualification failures,” the statement said. SWAN reiterated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. “The Association stands resolute in defending its role as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” the statement added.

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Arteta Defends Tactics After Arsenal’s Draw with Man City

Arteta Defends Tactics After Arsenal’s Draw with Man City

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has pushed back against criticism following his side’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, responding to claims that his approach was too cautious. Following Sunday’s clash at the Emirates, pundits and fans questioned Arteta’s game plan, accusing the Gunners of playing with the “handbrake on” and being overly conservative in the opening half. Despite a sluggish start that saw Arsenal go over 30 minutes without a shot and not register one on target until first-half stoppage time, the home side battled back to earn a point thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser. However, Arteta highlighted Arsenal’s dominance in possession and control, noting that City had just 33.2% of the ball — the lowest for a Pep Guardiola team in a top-flight match. “How can you dominate against Manchester City by playing with a handbrake?” Arteta said. “Dominance and handbrake — they are two different words. I was surprised by that criticism.” Midfield Choices Under the Microscope Much of the scrutiny centered around Arteta’s midfield setup, particularly his decision to start Mikel Merino in an advanced role ahead of Eberechi Eze. The switch to bring Eze on at halftime shifted momentum, leading to the late equaliser. Still, Arteta stood by his initial selection. “One player doesn’t define the behaviour of a team,” he said. “Eze played two games in a row and had never featured as a right-sided attacking midfielder. It’s easy to say he should have started, but maybe he couldn’t have played 90 minutes.” Arteta also pointed out that tactical decisions aren’t always visible to the outside world, especially when it comes to managing player fitness and adapting to new roles. Calls for More Risk in Big Matches Several high-profile pundits called for Arteta to show more ambition in key fixtures, suggesting his tactical caution could hold Arsenal back in the title race. One former Premier League star said Arsenal “gave away 45 minutes” by setting up conservatively, while another warned that a pattern of cautious starts could hurt the club in tight competitions. Another ex-player, reflecting on his time under iconic managers, added: “The great ones were gamblers — they played to win. Arteta needs to take more calculated risks if Arsenal are to seriously challenge for the top.”

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SWAN @60: LOC, Special Awards Committees Take-off Ahead Of Epoch Anniversary

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The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has formally inaugurated the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the forthcoming SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee Celebration. The inauguration, which took place at the Association’s national secretariat in Abuja, marks the beginning of activities towards commemorating six decades of excellence in sports journalism in Nigeria. Inaugurating the committee, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, charged its members to deliver on their mandate with dedication and unity of purpose. He emphasised that the success of the Diamond Jubilee rests largely on the LOC’s shoulders, assuring them of maximum support from the national secretariat. “The LOC carries the bigger responsibility in this Diamond Jubilee. The National Secretariat will provide the necessary support—logistics, mobility, and access—to ensure your work is seamless. Your selection is based on your track record, ability to perform, and proven capacity to deliver. Be assured, your efforts will be handsomely rewarded and remembered for generations,” he said. Mr. Benjamin further revealed that the Secretariat together with the Main Organising Committee (MOC) has already commenced stakeholder engagements and courtesy visits, while urging the LOC to hit the ground running. In his acceptance remarks, the LOC Chairman, Mr. Ben Ogbemudia, a Sports and Politics Editor with the New National Star expressed gratitude to the national leadership for the confidence reposed on the committee, pledging full commitment to deliver a memorable 60th anniversary celebration. “When I saw the caliber of people in this committee, I became confident that even if I slack, they will push me forward. We understand the gravity of this task—if we fail, we fail Nigerians, we fail the sports sector, and we fail ourselves. But by God’s grace, we will not fail,” he assured. The LOC also has veteran broadcaster Ms Anietie Patrick as Secretary. Other members include On Air Personality Sylvanus Ofekun, Assistant News Director with Arise News Ferdinand Duruoha, Sports writing Guru/Online Publisher Niyi Busari and Ace Media Strategist/ Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi. The Committee also includes Top Broadcast Official with Radio Nigeria Ndubueze Chidoka, SWAN Chairman FCT/Ace Broadcater Kelechi Onwudiwe, and Chukwunonso Arinzechi of Democracy Radio. Meanwhile, SWAN has also activated article 19 of its statutes to set-up a Special Awards Committee headed by Sports Wirting Guru and former Secretary of SWAN in Kano State Chapter Mr. Abdulgafar Oladimeji. The seven-man committee which has former SWAN Vice President, South-east, Ms Chigozie Chukwuleta as Secretary has mandate to galvanize and scrutinise deserving would-be awardees for the 60th anniversary. Other members of the Committee include former SWAN Vice President, North-east Mr. Jibo Zakari, Veteran Sports Journalist Mr. Eche Amos, SWAN Chairman Edo State Chapter Mr. Kehinde Osagiede, Ace Sports Journalist Mr Akintunde Akinsemola and SWAN Vice Chairman of FCT Mr. Victor Okoye. The SWAN @60 Diamond Jubilee, is set to celebrate the Association’s legacy, honour its past heroes, and project its vision for the future. The two-day event is scheduled for October 30 and 31, 2025 in Abuja.

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

NFF D-License Coaching Course Takes Off in Abuja

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A total of 40 coaches are taking part in a six-day NFF D-License Coaching Course that began in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Tuesday. NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, explained that the D-License is a prerequisite for qualifying to take part in the C-License course, and it is in modules and for beginners, and must last a minimum of 60 hours. “Just as it is in life, everything in football is in stages. We have a lot of talented young ones out there, and it is not the way you coach adults that you coach the young ones. Coaching the young ones requires special training. “This course is not going to be a one-off. After this national programme, we will have to take it to the Zones, and subsequently to the States. We have a total of 40 coaches undergoing this programme, and I can assure you they have a lot to learn.” After the record-setting CAF C-License programme exclusively for women coaches that took place over the months of July, August and September last year (three modules) and which involved 30 participants, the NFF organized a CAF B-License Course which saw a total of 30 participants, in April this year. There has also been a Coach Educators’ Course, which involved 25 participants, in July this year.

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CAF African Schools Football Championship: Nigeria’s Flag-Bearers to Emerge on Friday

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Nigeria’s representatives to this year’s WAFU-B Schools Football Championship, a qualifying tournament for next year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship, will emerge on Friday, at the conclusion of the ongoing round-robin competition in Abuja. Matches are being played at the FIFA Goal Project inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium and the Area 3 Football Pitch, with representative teams of the FCT, Adamawa, Gombe and Lagos States involved in the female category. The FCT, Kaduna, Delta, Enugu, Ekiti and Taraba States are represented in the male category. The winner-school in each category will fly Nigeria’s flag at the WAFU-B Schools Football Championship that will hold in Burkina Faso, 27th – 30th November. While the names of the winner-schools will be adopted, players deemed to be exceptional from other schools will be co-opted to form a ‘Schools National Team.’ Successful schools at the WAFU-B tournament will join other qualifiers from the CECAFA (East & Central Africa), COSAFA (Southern Africa), UNAF (Northern Africa), UNIFFAC (Central Africa) and WAFU-A at next year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship.

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Confed Cup: Kwara United Moves Asante Kotoko Tie to MKO Abiola Stadium

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By Bunmi Ogunyale Nigeria’s Kwara United has moved their Confederation Cup preliminary second leg match against Asante Kotoko to Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta. The Ilorin-based side fondly known as the Afonja Warriors made the announcement on her Twitter handle now X on Tuesday. “Due to ongoing renovations at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, our CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match against Asante Kotoko of Ghana will now be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta,” Kwara United stated on their official X handle. Asante Kotoko edged Kwara United 4-3 in a thrilling first-leg clash at Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Both teams delivered an intense, attacking display that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match. The Nigerian side will aim at overturning the first leg result and secure a place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

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