Nigerian Singer to Drop FIFA U-17 World Cup Official Song

By BUNMi OGUNYALE A Nigerian singer and songwriter, Okereke Blessed Jordan, professionally known as Yarden is billed to drop the official song for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Yarden is known for his single Wetin which went viral on TikTok, earning him a debut on the TurnTable charts NXT Emerging Top Artistes at 9 for a total of 17 weeks. Lagos-raised artist Yarden is shaping the future of Afrobeats with a sound that fuses soul, rhythm, and global energy. Having burst onto the scene in 2023 with his viral hit Wetin, he is considered one of Nigeria’s most exciting up-and-coming voices, with music that embodies the fearless and borderless spirit of a generation of African artists shaping global sound. “TMRW’S GOAT is all about celebrating the energy, dreams, and spirit of young players who are writing their own stories,” shared Yarden. “The FIFA U-17 World Cup is where future legends are born, and this song is a reminder that greatness starts today. Working with Nour from Egypt made it even more special, it shows how music, just like football, can unite us across cultures and inspire the next generation.” The spirit of unity and competitiveness fostered by the track will be on full display as an exciting new chapter of FIFA U-17 World Cup history gets under way next Monday This year’s edition of the tournament is the first ever 48-team FIFA competition and will once again provide a priceless opportunity for the next generation of world football’s superstars to announce themselves on the global stage.

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The KingsMen Secure Malik For NBPL Playoffs

The reigning Nigerian basketball league champions, Rivers Hoopers, have bolstered their squad with the signing of Malik for the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) Playoffs. Miller, a 6’4″ shooting guard, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record to the KingsMen, having played professionally since 2019 in Europe, Africa, and South America. With a strong background in international basketball, Miller has competed in top leagues, including the German Basketball Bundesliga, where he played for teams like Brose Bamberg and Hamburg Towers. His experience playing against diverse opponents has honed his skills, making him a valuable asset to Rivers Hoopers’ quest for a three-peat. Miller’s leadership quality is expected to be a significant factor in Rivers Hoopers’ quest for a third consecutive league title. His ability to inspire and motivate teammates, combined with his experience in high-pressure situations, will be crucial in guiding the KingsMen through the playoffs and eventual Final Four. He joins the trio of Kelvin Amayo, Isaiah Williams, and Peter Olisemeka as the KingsMen stack up for quality with an already incredibly competitive squad.

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Luciano Spalletti Appointed Juventus Head Coach After Tudor’s Sacking

Juventus have named Luciano Spalletti as their new head coach, replacing Igor Tudor after a disappointing run of results. The club confirmed the appointment on October 30, 2025. Spalletti returns to club football following his spell as Italy’s national team manager. His contract runs until June 2026, with the possibility of extension if Juventus secures a Champions League spot. Tudor was dismissed after an eight-game winless streak in Serie A, leaving the team under pressure. Spalletti, who guided Napoli to the Serie A title in 2023, is expected to bring stability and guide Juventus back into title contention both domestically and in Europe.

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Real Madrid and Super League Promoters Seek Over $4 Billion in Compensation from UEFA

Real Madrid and Super League Promoters Seek Over $4 Billion in Compensation from UEFA

Real Madrid and the promoters of the European Super League are seeking more than $4 billion in damages from UEFA, claiming the governing body unfairly blocked the breakaway competition, a source told AFP on Thursday. A Spanish court on Wednesday rejected an appeal from UEFA related to the Super League. The Super League, proposed in 2021 by 12 top European clubs including Real Madrid and Barcelona, collapsed shortly after its announcement amid strong opposition from English fans and threats from UEFA and FIFA. In December 2023, the European Court of Justice ruled that UEFA’s ban on the Super League violated European law. Last year, a Spanish judge found that FIFA and UEFA had “prevented free competition” by opposing the league, ruling their actions as anti-competitive and an abuse of dominant position. The Madrid court also dismissed appeals from La Liga and the Spanish Football Federation on Wednesday. A22 Sports Management, the league’s promoter, said UEFA had “refused any path of compromise or reform” despite months of discussions, leaving them “no other choice” but to seek compensation for the damages caused. “After years of legal proceedings, UEFA can no longer ignore binding court decisions,” said A22 CEO Bernd Reichart. “By abusing their monopoly and blocking new initiatives, they have caused significant harm to clubs, players, and other stakeholders across Europe.” UEFA, however, stressed that the ruling does not validate the abandoned 2021 Super League project nor affect its current regulations, which were updated in 2022 and 2024. “These rules ensure that any cross-border competitions are assessed on objective, transparent, non-discriminatory, and proportionate criteria,” the governing body said. Real Madrid described the ruling as a “confirmation that UEFA seriously infringed European Union free competition rules by abusing its dominant position.” The club said it will continue to work “for the good of global football and fans” while pursuing substantial damages from UEFA.

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Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City Learn Quarter-Final Opponents In Carabao Cup Draw

The Carabao Cup quarter-final fixtures have been confirmed following Wednesday night’s draw. Arsenal will host Crystal Palace at the Emirates after advancing with a 2-0 win over Brighton, thanks to goals from Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka. Defending champions Newcastle United will welcome Fulham, Chelsea will travel to face Cardiff City, and Manchester City will host Brentford at the Etihad. All matches are scheduled to take place in the week starting December 15.  

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World Cup Play-offs: Gusau Confident Super Eagles Will Be Battle-ready

World Cup Play-offs: Gusau Confident Super Eagles Will Be Battle-ready

Six-time finalists Nigeria will be at their very best to grab Africa’s slot in the Intercontinental Play-offs for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals to be jointly-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, says President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau. Gusau exuded confidence on Wednesday that aside the forever-unyielding Nigerian spirit which saw the team clinch a spot in the play-offs in the first place, the National Sports Commission and the NFF are working in tandem to ensure the three-time African champions are poised for victory against Gabon on Thursday, 13th November, and for triumph against the winner between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo (the other semi final) on Sunday, 16th November. “Everything is being done, by the NSC and the NFF, to see that nothing is left to chance. No stone will be left unturned. That special spirit that saw the team rise to the occasion and score the four goals they actually needed against Bénin Republic on the final day of the qualifiers, will propel the team to victory in the play-offs. “The camp will open in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday, 9th November. We are speaking to the players already and everyone is on the same page. Every preparation needed to see the team soar to victory will be made, and I believe the players are additionally motivated by that keen desire of every professional footballer to feature at the FIFA World Cup finals.” The Super Eagles square up to the Panthers of Gabon at either the 18,000 – capacity El-Barid Stadium or the 22,000 – capacity Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex (both in Rabat), with the Final of the play-offs scheduled for the Stade Prince Heritier Moulay El Hassan. The Confederation of African Football has announced that a draw will be conducted on Thursday, 30th October to determine which of the semi-final matches will be played in either stadium.

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U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos Out after 0-4 Loss to Italy

2022 bronze medallists Nigeria were eliminated from the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Tuesday after a 4-0 defeat by Italy, who took their tournament tally to four wins in as many matches.   The Flamingos entered the game determined to prove that their passage into the Round of 16 was no fluke, and could have been in front after 24 minutes but Captain Shakirat Moshood saw her fierce shot from the left side of the penalty box pushed round the post by goalkeeper Matilde Robbioni.   Just before the close of the first half, Anna Copelli put Italy ahead when she danced round the Nigeria rearguard and then picked her spot to slot past goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu.   Nigeria thought they had drawn level 10 minutes into the second half when Nguemo Terlumun poked into the net after a battling effort by Queen Joseph, but the Video Support Review ruled that Joseph kicked the ball from Robbioni’hands.   The Italians increased the tally three minutes later, through an audacious long-range strike by Caterina Venturelli that flew over Echefu and into Nigeria’s net.   It was 3-0 five minutes later, thanks to Giulia Robino, and in the 89th minute, the Video Support Review ruled that Rachelle Giudici was not in the off-side position and had scored a legitimate fourth goal for the Italians.   The defeat ended Nigeria’s interest in the ongoing championship in Morocco, but the Flamingos must immediately commence preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which is now an annual event.

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Gusau Pledges Full support for Beach Soccer League Finals, Supersand Eagles’ Revival

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, has reiterated the federation’s commitment to supporting the upcoming 2025 Nigeria Beach Soccer League (NBSL) Super Finals and the continued revival of the Beach Soccer National Team, Supersand Eagles.   Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigeria Beach Soccer League Management led by the National Coordinator Mahmud Hadejia, ahead of the Super League Finals scheduled for 6th – 9th November 2025 at the Jabi Lake Park in Abuja, Gusau emphasized the importance of public support and awareness for the fast-growing sport.   “The key thing is for us to give all the support needed and ensure that we are there for the Super Finals,” Gusau said. “We have to also call on all well-meaning Nigerians, especially football lovers and corporate Nigeria to support the NBSL Finals. Beach soccer is an exciting game for those who have the opportunity to watch it at continental and world level. The last FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup was played in Seychelles with some African countries excelling. We want to see Nigeria back at that level.”   He reiterated that the NFF is determined to ensure beach soccer thrives again in Nigeria after years of absence from the international scene. “We thank God that the beach soccer national team is back on the continent, but it was not easy. We have been off for some years and we can only commend the efforts of the players and officials who came close to qualifying for last year’s Beach Soccer AFCON,” he said.   Gusau credited the Nigeria Beach Soccer League for its consistent efforts over the past five years in maintaining a structured domestic competition, which he said provided the foundation for the national team’s return. “Three years ago when we came on board, we decided not to participate at international competitions until we knew the basis for which we were selecting our players. We must have a structure and I am happy that we are progressing. By the grace of God, we will do our best to make sure that we continue moving forward.”   The NBSL Super Finals, relocated to Abuja’s Jabi Lake Park sand arena, will feature top teams battling for the national title, alongside a charity and cancer awareness match involving celebrities, ex-footballers, entertainers, and beach soccer legends.

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