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Tag: Fifa

World Cup Playoff Final: Chelle Unleashes Osimhen, Lookman on DR Congo

Fola Badmus01 mins

  By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Super Eagles manager, Eric Chelle has named the duo of Ademola Lookman and red-hot striker Victor Osimhen to the lead team’s assault in tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco. Both players are expected to bring their experience to bear as the immediate past and the current African Footballers of the Year against the Congolese. Stanley Nwabali retained his place in goal and he will get cover from Benjamin Fredrick, Saidu Sanusi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey. Stand-in Captain Wilfred Ndidi will marshal the midfield along with Frank Onyeka, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi. The substitutes for tonight’s tie are; Maduka Okoye, William Troost-Ekong, Chidera Ejuke, Akor Adams, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Tolulope Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Alhassan Abdullahi, Amas Obasogie, Adike and Chidozie Awaziem. The tie is slated to kick off at 8pm Nigeria time.

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World Cup Playoff: Ndidi Eligible for DR Congo Showdown

Fola Badmus01 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stated that Super Eagles Stand-in Captain, Wilfred Ndidi is eligible for 2026 FIFA World Cup Playoff final against DR Congo on Sunday. Super Eagles twitter handle confirmed the development on her page on Saturday. “CAF has confirmed that Wilfred Ndidi is eligible to feature for the Super Eagles in Sunday’s playoff clash against DR Congo. “Cautions accumulated during the World Cup qualifiers do not carry over into the playoffs; only confirmed suspensions apply,” Super Eagles twitter tweeted.

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2026 World Cup Play-off Final: Super Eagles, Leopards Set for Explosive Duel in Rabat

Fola Badmus08 mins

Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo will go to battle on Sunday night for the lone ticket from Africa to the six-team 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff Finals in March, from where two teams will bag tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.   The potentially-explosive encounter inside the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan will see the Leopards, who last attended football’s biggest houseparty in 1974, try to halt the strong march of the Super Eagles to a seventh finals since 1994.   While there were robust back-and-forths between the Eagles and the Panthers in Thursday’s semi-final, as well as eye-catching ding-dongs in regulation time, Nigeria eased into gear five in extra time and completely left their opponents for dead as they stormed to a 4-1 win.   Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions created more chances in the second semi-final but frittered them away, leaving Chancel Mbemba to give them a sucker punch in added time, with his powerful header from Brian Cipenga’s corner that sent the Leopards to Sunday’s Final.   The Leopards, champions of Africa in 1968 and 1974, crashed out at group stage in Germany in 1974, losing all three matches, including a better-forgotten 9-0 thumping by then Yugoslavia in Gelsenkirchen – where they were also beaten 3-0 by Brazil. They also lost 0-2 to Scotland in Dortmund.   Nigeria have reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup in three of their six appearances, and famously topped a group including Argentina in their debut 31 years ago. They are also three-time champions of Africa.   The Leopards are managed by 49-year- old Sébastien Desabre, a French national, who has ample North African ground and environmental experience having had stints with Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca (Morocco), and also with the trio of Espérance Sportive de Tunis and Ismaily FC and Pyramids FC in Egypt.   He comes up against Franco-Malian Éric Sékou Chelle, Nigeria’s 48-year-old manager, who remains unbeaten in five competitive matches for the Super Eagles in this race, and has told his players to buckle up and get the job done on Sunday, and leave themselves with only one match to play at the Intercontinental Playoffs to make it to the big rumble in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year.   Chelle’s record with Nigeria is four wins and a draw, with 14 goals pumped into the opponents’ net and four conceded, and most Nigerians are agreed that were he the one who managed the qualifying campaign from the beginning, the Eagles would have nicked an automatic ticket and have no need to come to the playoffs.   Yet, Chelle will miss deputy captain Wilfred Ndidi, who collected a second yellow card in the series in Thursday’s trouncing of Gabon, and must sit out the big fight with the Leopards on Sunday.   “Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes.   “Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence.”   Chelle can opt to start with either Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka in place of Ndidi. Onyeka greatly shored up the midfield in extra time on Thursday. The coach also has added ammunition at the back as suspended centre-back Semi Ajayi is now free to go into action.   Victor Osimhen, easily one of the best forwards in the world, underscored his deadliness with a brace against the Panthers, and is said to be determined to overhaul Rashidi Yekini’s 37-goal record for Nigeria with a few more matches. He is currently at 31, with 12 assists as well in 45 games.   Ademola Lookman, 86-cap Simon Moses, 90-cap Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and Tolu Arokodare are options available for Chelle upfront.   Chelle and his army must beware of the predator named Chancel Mbemba (also captain of the team), as well as Cipenga, Noah Sadiki and Silas Katompa. The Leopards boast a close-knit rearguard, and there are also Cédric Bakambu, Meshack Elia, Samuel Essende, and the dangerous Pyramids FC of Egypt forward Fiston Mayele.   Already qualified for the Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March, are Bolivia and New Caledonia, with Iraq, Jamaica and Panama also well-placed to make it.   However, Nigeria and Panama are the highest-ranked of the six, and will each be seeded to play only one match (the two Final matches), after the other four had battled out semi-final matches.  

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Mbappe, Dembele, Others Battle for FIFA Best Player of the Year Award

Wale busari09 mins

Real Madrid striker, Kylian Mbappé will slug out with Paris Saint Germain forward Ousamane Dembele for the 2025 FIFA Best Palyer of the Award. FIFA, however, is inviting the global football community to help decide which of the beautiful game’s leading lights should be nominated for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. The highlight of the year was the success of the new FIFA Club World Cup in June and July, when 32 of the leading clubs on the planet came together in the United States for the first time in football history, with 2.5 million attending in person and billions more watching on around the world. Players and coaches have taken the world’s number-one sport to new heights, enchanting billions of fans worldwide at these show-stopping competitions. The tenth edition of The Best FIFA Football Awards will honour only the finest individuals and groups of individuals in the game. A panel of experts on women’s football, representing various FIFA and external football stakeholders, have compiled a shortlist of 11 female players for The Best FIFA Women’s Player, five women’s football coaches for The Best FIFA Women’s Coach and five female goalkeepers for The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper. A panel of men’s football specialists have drawn up equivalent male shortlists for The Best FIFA Men’s Player, The Best FIFA Men’s Coach and The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper. In addition to the awarding of the above-mentioned prizes, The Best FIFA Women’s 11 and The Best FIFA Men’s 11 will be named, and the FIFA Fan Award will be bestowed on an individual or group of individuals that have gone above and beyond to show their love and passion for the game. Find out everything you need to know about The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025 –including how to vote – on FIFA.com . The coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ women’s national teams will now be invited to select three outstanding candidates for each of the three women’s awards. In addition, the coaches and captains of all 211 FIFA Member Associations’ men’s national teams will be given the opportunity to choose their top three candidates for the trio of men’s awards. Media representatives (various journalists who cover the women’s and men’s games) and fans registered on FIFA.com can also vote on each of the awards. The four groups of voters have the same electoral weight, irrespective of the actual number of voters in each group (i.e. the votes of the coaches, captains, specialist journalists and fans will each make up 25% of the poll, regardless of the number of voters in each group). As was the case in previous editions, a dedicated voting application is being used for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2025. Shortlist voting commenced on 6 November 2025 and will conclude at 23:59 CET on 28 November 2025. Nominees in full The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees – Sandy Baltimore, France and Chelsea – Nathalie Björn, Sweden and Chelsea – Aitana Bonmatí, Spain and Barcelona – Lucy Bronze, England and Chelsea – Mariona Caldentey, Spain and Arsenal – Temwa Chawinga, Malawi and Kansas City Current – Kadidiatou Diani, France and Olympique Lyonnais – Melchie Dumornay, Haiti and Olympique Lyonnais – Patri Guijarro, Spain and Barcelona – Lindsey Heaps, USA and Olympique Lyonnais – Lauren James, England and Chelsea – Chloe Kelly, England and Manchester City/Arsenal – Ewa Pajor, Poland and Barcelona – Clàudia Pina, Spain and Barcelona – Alexia Putellas, Spain and Barcelona – Alessia Russo, England and Arsenal – Leah Williamson, England and Arsenal The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees – Ousmane Dembélé, France and Paris Saint-Germain – Achraf Hakimi, Morocco and Paris Saint-Germain – Harry Kane, England and FC Bayern München – Kylian Mbappé, France and Real Madrid – Nuno Mendes, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Cole Palmer, England and Chelsea – Pedri, Spain and Barcelona – Raphinha, Brazil and Barcelona – Mohamed Salah, Egypt and Liverpool – Vitinha, Portugal and Paris Saint-Germain – Lamine Yamal, Spain and Barcelona The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees – Sonia Bompastor, Chelsea – Jonatan Giráldez, Washington Spirit/Olympique Lyonnais – Seb Hines, Orlando Pride – Renée Slegers, Arsenal – Sarina Wiegman, England The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees – Javier Aguirre, Mexico – Mikel Arteta, Arsenal – Luis Enrique, Paris Saint-Germain – Hansi Flick, Barcelona – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea – Roberto Martínez, Portugal – Arne Slot, Liverpool The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees – Ann-Katrin Berger, Germany and Gotham FC – Cata Coll, Spain and Barcelona – Christiane Endler, Chile and Olympique Lyonnais – Hannah Hampton, England and Chelsea – Anna Moorhouse, England and Orlando Pride – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Nigeria and Paris FC/Brighton & Hove Albion – Phallon Tullis-Joyce, USA and Manchester United The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees – Alisson Becker, Brazil and Liverpool – Thibaut Courtois, Belgium and Real Madrid – Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy and Paris Saint-Germain/Manchester City – Emiliano Martínez, Argentina and Aston Villa – Manuel Neuer, Germany and FC Bayern München – David Raya, Spain and Arsenal – Yann Sommer, Switzerland and Internazionale Milano – Wojciech Szczęsny, Poland and Barcelona FIFA Fan Award nominees – Alejandro Ciganotto (ARG) – Manolo el del Bombo (ESP) (posthumous) – Zakho fans (IRQ)

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

Fola Badmus04 mins

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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FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

Wale busari03 mins

FIFA has drawn widespread criticism after updating its official X (Twitter) header image to display a poorly constructed stadium in Nigeria — one allegedly built with its development funds but missing key features such as stands and seating areas. The image, which quickly went viral, shows a bare field with little to no infrastructure, sparking outrage among Nigerians who described it as a symbol of mismanagement in the nation’s football administration. The stadium, inaugurated in 2023, was financed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, a global initiative that provides funding for football infrastructure and youth development. Nigeria reportedly received $10 million under the program in 2020 to support such projects. However, the facility’s poor state has raised serious questions about how the funds were used. Many critics accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of corruption and negligence, while others questioned FIFA’s oversight of its own funded projects. Online users debated whether FIFA’s use of the image was a mistake or a subtle statement highlighting accountability issues within Nigerian football. The NFF has repeatedly denied allegations of fund mismanagement, insisting that all money received from FIFA and CAF is dedicated to approved, transparent projects. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has announced his candidacy for NFF president, promising reforms and integrity in football governance. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau also addressed public concern over the declining standard of Nigeria’s youth teams, assuring that new initiatives are being designed to revive grassroots football and restore the country’s footballing pride. FIFA’s controversial choice of image has since ignited intense online debate, renewing calls for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s football sector.

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NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle

Wale busari03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation finds it expedient to reiterate that the monies it receives from world football-governing body, FIFA and the continental governing body, CAF, like other Federations, are usually tied to specific purposes and not gifts to the Federations. The NFF said on Friday that this fresh clarification has become necessary in view of misinformation by some fellows on social media that the Federation ‘collects’ millions of dollars from FIFA on an annual basis, as if such monies were gifts to the Federation. The country’s football-governing body explained that every money received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose, and both FIFA and CAF send their auditors to audit the accounts in which the monies are received at the end of every year. The NFF also explained that monies meant for development purposes are usually tied to specific projects and programmes, while the FIFA Forward monies are also properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring and auditing at every stage of the project or program. FIFA Forward projects, such as the ongoing NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, are subjected to strict controls, monitored and verified at every stage of the work. Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly. The Federation called out the mischief of the individual reeling out fictitious figures on social media, saying he would find no reason to seek clout if he has an idea of how much it costs to organize a single match of any of the National Teams. The NFF is a disciplined organization that operates prudent and strict financial protocols that are within global financial best practices. The body has regularly presented its audited account, prepared by our auditors, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (known for its global credibility and integrity) on the floor of the Congress at every Annual General Assembly.

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Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking

Wale busari01 mins

Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking By Bunmi Ogunyale Former African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up four places in this month’s World football governing body, FIFA ranking. With a total of 1495.46 points, the Eric Chelle’s lads are 45th best team in the world. In the latest rankings, Nigeria have also overtaken both the African Champions, Ivory Coast and North African giants, Tunisia and trailing Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. The Nigerian side will aim at making further push up the ladder when they file out at the Continental FIFA World Cup playoffs in November. At the summit, Spain have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they seized in the previous instalment when they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023. The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking is slated for 21st of November.

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