CAF Archives | Page 2 of 13

2026 World Cup Race: Eagles focused on three points against Warriors

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

The Super Eagles expect to rise to nine points and be fully back into contention for a 2026 FIFA World Cup ticket after Tuesday’s African Qualification Series Matchday 6 encounter against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Team captain William Ekong reiterated on Monday afternoon that the three-time African champions will seek to control the game the way they did the encounter with Rwanda in Kigali on Friday, and then work hard to get the goals that will give them the three points and fully establish them as one of the contenders for the ticket. “We are looking forward to a win. The three points are important to us. At this stage, we cannot afford to drop any more points. Our aim is to take it one match at a time, collect three points here and there and hope fervently that these will be enough to get us the ticket.” Without a win in their first four games of the series, Nigeria languished in fifth place in the six-team group C and remained in a perilous situation, until Friday’s robust win over Rwanda in Kigali threw them up as a proposition for the ticket to the finals. Nigeria, with six points, moved up to fourth position, while Zimbabwe, on three, prop up the table, and will seek to increase their haul in Tuesday’s encounter. The Warriors’ 45-man contingent, led by the ZIFA Vice President, Kennedy Ndebele, landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo on Friday afternoon, 85 minutes after the arrival of the Super Eagles’ contingent from Kigali. While the Warriors trained at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday morning, the Super Eagles trained at the same venue in the evening, watched by some members of the NFF Executive Committee, the General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, SSA to Mr. President Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Etubom Paul Bassey, former NFF General Secretary Barr. Musa Amadu and some officials of the NSC and the NFF.

South Sudan national team stranded in Libya

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

South Sudan national team otherwise known as Bright Star are stranded at the empty Benina International Airport in Benghazi, Libya. South Sudanese were stranded upon arrival for their match against Sudan in the World Cup Qualifier. The South Sudan Football Association reported that the players’ passports were confiscated and they were ordered to exit on Sunday at 4:30pm. The Bright Star are hoping to put the 2026 FIFA World Cup back on track on Tuesday after drawing two and losing three matches in the last five games. They are bottom placed with two points while the host, Sudan leads the group with 11 points.

Oliseh: Odegbami, others ‘re responsible for my Eagles hunger

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles’ coach and skipper, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed that the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations winning team, the Green Eagles, are responsible for his thirst for the national colours. Oliseh, who also went on to win the Cup of Nations in Tunisia ’94, made this confession while reacting to 45 years anniversary of the 1980 team, bringing glory to the nation. His words; “This team was hugely responsible for my love of the Super Eagles green white green colours; Odegbami (Segun), Chukwu (Christian), Okala (Emmanuel), Atuegbu (Allosious), Muda Lawal, Nwosu (Christian), Owo Blow (Felix Owolabi)… “They all had technical prowess, strenght and style… “Naija sabi do things with style sha!!! “ From 1980, 1994, to 2013, the Super Eagles have soared to greatness, etching Nigeria’s name in African football history.

Journalists, girlfriends barred from Super Eagles camp

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Sport reporters, friends and family of Super Eagles players have been barred from the team’s camp in Uyo ahead of their make-or-mar 2026 World Cup qualifying tie against the Brave Warriors of Zimbabwe. Reliable camp source Sulaimon Adebayo popularly known as Pooja Media in post on his Twitter handle on Sunday revealed this new development. “Eric Chelle says the team is not carried away by the Rwanda win and fully focused on the Zimbabwe game. “However, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has barred journalists and visitors at the Super Eagles camp. “And the training session today will be behind closed doors with 0 access for journalists, Pooja reported on social media. Having lost some grounds in the early stages of the qualifying series, the Nigerian side is expected to further extend her standing on the log when they file out against the Zimbabweans in MatchDay 6 on Tuesday.

Chelle raises alarm over fake social media account

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Super Eagles’ manager, Eric Chelle has stated that he currently manages no other social media handles other than his Instagram page. The official Super Eagles’ twitter handle, @NGSuperEagles, posted this disclaimer on Saturday. “DISCLAIMER. “Please be advised that Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not possess an X account. “Exercise caution and be wary of scams or any misleading information.”

Osimhen revives Super Eagles’s World Cup hope in Kigali

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago02 mins

A brace from Galatasaray of Turkey striker, Victor Osimhen were all the Super Eagles needed to revive hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by United States of America, Canada and Mexico. Osimhen broke deadlock in the 11th minute when he tapped in a free kick by his successor and the current African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman. Osimhen broke loose and shipped the ball past the onrushing Rwandan goalkeeper to increase the tally at the close of the first half of the tie. The former African champions now placed fourth with 6 points behind South Africa, who currently the log with 10 points, while the Republic of Benin and Rwanda are on eight and nine points respectively. Nigeria however must consolidate on her winning streak when they host the Warriors of Zimbabwe in Match Day 6 of the Qualifying series in Uyo next week, Tuesday. While Nigeria tackles Zimbabwe in Uyo, The Squirrels of Benin will play host to South Africa, and Lesotho would be Rwanda’s guests.

NFF mourns passing of midfield pearl, Ayo Ogunlana

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled the family of former Nigeria international midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died in Kaduna on Friday after observing his early-morning walk. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, showered tributes on the departed midfield pearl, who was a star attraction during a number of important Nigeria FA Cup battles in the 1980s and held sway in the middle for the Super Eagles in the late 1980s, and at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria. “We are very sad to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, only a couple of weeks after the demise of another former Eagle, Moses Effiong (a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, in far away USA). Ogunlana was a great midfielder who made playing football look so easy with his majestic touches and turns, and his magnificent free-kicks. “We pray that the Almighty will grant both of them eternal rest and grant the families they have left behind the fortitude to bear the losses.” Ogunlana was magisterial in the midfield as Nigeria overhauled Guinea and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, and was imperial against Cameroon in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Ibadan that the Super Eagles won with an emphatic 2-0. He also played in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup competition that Nigeria hosted in Kaduna. In March 1990, the midfield generalissimo earned rave reviews as Nigeria finished with the silver medals at the 17th Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, even coming close to bagging Nigeria a late equalizer in the final against hosts and winners Algeria, from his favourite dead-ball position.

Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles coach accepts North Africans, South Africa challenge

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May. The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football. In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness. “We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.” To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February.