2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Edge Amazons, Qualify for Morocco 2026

Champions Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Bénin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in an aggregate 3-1 win for the 10-time winners.   The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as they approached the game with vigour, passion and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.   However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, and the Amazons’ rearguard had to spiritedly clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8th minute.   Five minutes later, it was no surprise that they got on the scoresheet, when defender Ashley Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.   In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header was a little above the sticks from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to side-net from a free-kick with four minutes left in the first period.   The Amazons began to pour forward in the 56th minute, when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.   The game turned into a real contest on the hour, when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.   Nigeria had opportunities to increase the tally, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.   Qualification means Nigeria have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

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Governor Abiodun Dangles ₦50M At Super Falcons

By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports development and youth empowerment as he announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons.   The Governor made the announcement while playing host to the national women’s football team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic.   He described the gesture as a recognition of the team’s inspiring performances and a motivation to spur them toward greater victories.   Abiodun noted that his administration remains steadfast in transforming the sports landscape of Ogun State. From the modernization of the MKO Abiola International Stadium to plans for a world-class sports hub in Abeokuta, he said the government is investing in infrastructure and opportunities that will nurture champions and position Ogun as the true Gateway to Excellence.   “We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic. In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team.   “Their return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium is a validation that we are doing something right in Ogun State. Beyond hosting matches, we are transforming the stadium environment with plans for a world-class sports hub—complete with a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex, and other facilities that will make Abeokuta a true sports and tourism destination.   “We commended the Falcons for their historic tenth WAFCON title in Morocco, a victory that lifted the spirit of our nation. What they represent goes far beyond football—they embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can break barriers and achieve greatness.   “On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, we assured the Super Falcons of our unwavering support. We believe that through their success, they will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and achievers. Ogun State stands firmly with them as they continue to make Nigeria proud,” the Governor assured.

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2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia Unveil Plans for ‘Sky Stadium’

Saudi Arabia has revealed plans for the NEOM Sky Stadium, set to become the world’s first “sky stadium” and a key venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will be suspended an astonishing 350 meters above the desert floor within the futuristic linear city of The Line, offering spectators a truly unique perspective on the action. Designed to hold 46,000 fans, the stadium will run entirely on renewable energy, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2032, leaving ample time for final preparations ahead of the tournament. The stadium will host matches from the group stage through the quarterfinals and is planned to operate year-round, doubling as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other global gatherings.   The NEOM Sky Stadium is part of a broader vision to transform sports architecture and technology. It will integrate into NEOM’s mirrored megastructure, creating a striking visual landmark while incorporating state-of-the-art cooling, lighting, and digital fan experience systems. International architectural firms with experience in high-altitude and sustainable design are leading the project in partnership with NEOM, the Saudi Ministry of Sport, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The total investment is estimated at $1 billion, making it one of the most ambitious stadium projects in the world. As the first stadium of its kind, NEOM Sky Stadium is expected to become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s push for innovation and global sporting prominence. The stadium will be one of 15 venues for the 2034 World Cup, integrated into The Line, a city stretching 170 kilometres along the northwestern coast. Its elevated position and futuristic design offer fans an unparalleled experience while demonstrating the kingdom’s ambitions to combine sports, technology, and sustainability on a global stage.   Saudi Arabia has already outlined plans for 15 stadiums as part of its 2034 World Cup bid. The centerpiece is the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, which is expected to become the largest stadium in the kingdom, with a capacity of 92,760, by 2029, according to Arab News.   While the NEOM Sky Stadium has garnered widespread attention, it has also faced skepticism online, with some questioning the engineering feasibility of a stadium suspended at such a height. Others have praised the project as groundbreaking, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in futuristic, eco-conscious sports infrastructure. Despite broader delays in the NEOM development, initially scheduled for completion by 2039, sources indicate that the stadium’s 2034 World Cup deadline remains a priority. The project is expected to boost tourism and investment, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification goals.

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Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager, O’Neill And Maloney To Lead Team Temporarily

Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager, O’Neill And Maloney To Lead Team Temporarily

Celtic have announced that Brendan Rodgers has stepped down as manager, bringing his second spell at the club to a close. The resignation comes after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat to Hearts, which left Celtic eight points behind the Edinburgh side. “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation,” the club said. “Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. He leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club, and we wish him further success in the future.” The search for a permanent manager is already underway. In the interim, former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will oversee first-team affairs. Rodgers, 52, returned to Celtic in June 2023, adding back-to-back league titles to his previous successes in 2017 and 2018. His first spell at the club, from 2016 to 2019, saw him guide Celtic to successive league and cup trebles, including a record 106-point unbeaten season—the first in the Scottish top flight since 1899. Rodgers has also managed Swansea, Liverpool, and Leicester. During his second tenure at Celtic, he secured the Scottish Cup and League Cup alongside consecutive league triumphs. However, this season has been difficult, marked by Celtic’s shocking Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, raising questions about the club’s European ambitions.

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FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Finals: Flamingos Tackle Italy for a Spot in Quarter Finals

On Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, at Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohamed VI, Rabat, Nigeria’s Flamingos will confront Italy in a much-anticipated Round of 16 match at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs. Both countries will be meeting for the first time at this stage of the competition. Italy with three straight wins, viz a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brazil, 3-1 victory over host Morocco, and another commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, led Group A with maximum points and arrive in Rabat in fine form. Nigeria, on the other hand, qualified as one of the best third-place teams, after a tough opening to the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Canada and a narrow 1-0 loss to France. They recovered well with a decisive 4-0 victory over Samoa to guarantee their spot in the Round of 16. The Flamingos will be hoping to improve on that outcome and contend for a spot in the quarter-finals with new-found confidence and vigour. But the Italians, who are yet to lose a game, spearheaded by Giulia Galli, who leads the tournament in goals with five, will be full of confidence as they try to extend their winning streak. Tuesday night’s encounter, starting at 8pm, promises to be full of fireworks as both teams contest for a spot in the World Cup’s Round of 8.

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Mbappé And Bellingham Score As Real Madrid Defeat Barcelona 2–1 In El Clásico Thriller

Real Madrid came out on top in Sunday’s El Clásico, defeating arch-rivals Barcelona 2–1 in a thrilling encounter at the Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid early in the first half with a clinical finish, before Jude Bellingham doubled the lead shortly after the break with a powerful strike from the edge of the box. Barcelona fought back late in the game, pulling one back through Robert Lewandowski, but their efforts weren’t enough to stop Madrid from claiming all three points in front of a roaring home crowd. The victory strengthens Madrid’s position at the top of the La Liga table and extends their unbeaten run against Barcelona in competitive fixtures this season. It was a fiery match filled with intensity, drama, and world-class football — a true El Clásico that lived up to its reputation.

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Matty Cash Strike Seals 1–0 Win For Aston Villa Over Manchester City At Villa Park

Aston Villa stunned Manchester City 1–0 at Villa Park on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant first-half strike from Matty Cash that sealed a memorable Premier League victory for Unai Emery’s men. The decisive goal came in the 19th minute when Cash fired home from the edge of the box after a clever corner routine from Emiliano Buendía. The full-back’s precise finish proved enough to hand Villa all three points in a tense and fiercely contested match. Manchester City, who had not suffered a defeat since their 2–1 loss to Brighton in August, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Erling Haaland missed a golden chance to equalize moments after Cash’s opener and later had a late goal disallowed for offside. Aston Villa defended superbly, with centre-backs Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa standing firm to repel City’s attacks. Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save to deny Haaland in a one-on-one situation, while John McGinn came close to doubling Villa’s lead with a deflected effort on his 200th Premier League appearance. City showed more urgency after the break, but their attacking moves lacked precision. Tijjani Reijnders dragged a shot wide after a mazy run, and Savinho twice tested Villa’s defence, only for Torres to clear one effort off the line. Villa nearly added another goal when McGinn’s close-range volley was blocked from a low corner, but the hosts ultimately held firm to secure a fourth consecutive league victory and bounce back from their Europa League loss to Go Ahead Eagles. The win also extended Villa’s impressive home record — they are now unbeaten in 31 Premier League home games when scoring first since February 2023. It marked their third straight home victory over City in the competition. Matty Cash, who has now scored twice against City — his joint-best return against any opponent — was once again the hero. The only downside for Villa came when Buendía limped off injured in the first half, despite having provided the assist for the match-winning goal. The result keeps Villa firmly in the top-four conversation, while City’s title defense takes a dent after a frustrating day in front of goal.

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Eze Fires Arsenal To 1–0 Victory Over Crystal Palace As Gunners Go Four Points Clear

Eze Fires Arsenal To 1–0 Victory Over Crystal Palace As Gunners Go Four Points Clear

Arsenal edged Crystal Palace 1–0 at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in a hard-fought Premier League encounter that tested their patience and composure. The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Eberechi Eze, facing his former club, struck a composed volley into the bottom-right corner after a well-delivered free-kick routine. Declan Rice’s curling cross was nodded down by Gabriel Magalhães, allowing Eze to pounce and give Arsenal the breakthrough they had been pushing for all half. Before the goal, Arsenal had dominated possession but struggled to find a cutting edge against Palace’s deep defensive setup. The Emirates crowd erupted when Eze’s finish found the net, giving the hosts the momentum heading into halftime. The second half saw Crystal Palace attempt to claw their way back into the game, but Arsenal’s backline — marshaled by William Saliba and Gabriel — stood firm. Palace’s best chance came from a swift counterattack, but goalkeeper David Raya reacted sharply to keep his clean sheet intact. Bukayo Saka nearly doubled Arsenal’s lead late on, only for Marc Guehi to clear his effort off the line in one of the game’s most dramatic moments. Despite pressing for a second goal, Arsenal had to settle for the lone strike that proved enough to seal the win. The victory extended Arsenal’s unbeaten run in the Premier League to six matches and ten in all competitions, moving them four points clear at the top of the table. For Eze, the night carried special significance as he scored against the club where he made his name. His goal — his first in Arsenal colors — underscored the growing influence he’s beginning to have under Mikel Arteta. While the Gunners’ attacking fluency still lacked its usual sharpness, their defensive solidity and control once again showed why they’re serious title contenders this season.

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