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Tag: NFF

NFF Investigates DR Congo Over Ineligible Players, Boosting Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes

Wale busari04 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced an investigation into DR Congo’s use of potentially ineligible players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a move that could revive Nigeria’s chances of reaching the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, PUNCH Online reports. DR Congo eliminated Nigeria from the African play-offs in November, winning 4–3 on penalties in Morocco and ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of advancing to the FIFA intercontinental play-off. The Congolese team has since advanced to the final of the intercontinental play-off, where they are set to face the winner of the semi-final between New Caledonia and Jamaica. However, the NFF has raised questions about the eligibility of several DR Congo players fielded during the African play-offs. Reports indicate that six to nine players who switched national allegiance may not have fully complied with Congolese law, which prohibits dual citizenship. While FIFA cleared the players based on possession of DR Congo passports, it is alleged they did not formally renounce their previous nationalities, potentially violating the country’s constitution. “NFF has done the needful,” a member of the federation’s executive board told PUNCH Online. “Their constitution does not allow dual citizenship, and about six to nine players had that status during the play-off. That is the loophole we are exploring. Our lawyers must have submitted the relevant documents to FIFA as well.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi also confirmed the federation’s challenge, saying, “We’re waiting. The Congolese rules say you cannot have dual citizenship or nationality. Some of the players have European passports—French, Dutch, or others. The rules are very clear, and we have submitted our petition. “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared,” he added. “But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations; FIFA acts based on what is submitted. What we are saying is that the process was fraudulent.” The development has renewed hopes for Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup, following their failure to reach the 2022 edition in Qatar. DR Congo has made a single FIFA World Cup appearance, in 1974, when the country was known as Zaire.

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Morocco 2025: Super Eagles Set for NAIJA 4 THE WIN Campaign as AFCON Beckons

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has announced the commencement of the NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign as the Super Eagles return to the continent for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with a renewed commitment to reclaiming the prestigious title for the nation.   Nigeria, three-time winners of Africa’s flagship football championship, arrive in Morocco with a rich history and a firm resolve to restore continental glory. The silver-medal finish at the 2023 edition in Abidjan, though commendable, remains a reminder of unfinished business. Those memories serve not as setbacks, but as motivation for a stronger, more decisive outing.   Under the leadership of Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle and the unwavering total support of the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, the team continues to build a solid structure based on discipline, experience, emerging talent, and collective ambition. The objective is unambiguous: to improve on the last performance and bring the Africa Cup of Nations trophy back to Nigeria.   The NAIJA 4 THE WIN campaign serves as a unifying call to Nigerians across all regions and the diaspora. It reinforces the belief that, just as in Nigeria 1980, Tunisia 1994 and South Africa 2010, Nigeria can once again rise to the summit of African football. Each of these victories carries its own legacy, and Morocco 2025 presents another opportunity to inscribe a new chapter in that storied tradition.   The NFF urges supporters to stand firmly behind the Super Eagles throughout the tournament from homes and viewing centres across the country to the stands in Morocco. The passion, encouragement, and presence of Nigerians remain critical to the team’s success.  

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Mikel Obi Seeks NFF Role, Vows to Reject Corruption

Wale busari02 mins

Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has revealed his interest in taking a leadership position within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), but made it clear that he would only step in if the system is free from corruption. Speaking after Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old ex-international said the problems in Nigerian football run deeper than poor results on the pitch. Mikel, who has long been vocal about his commitment to the national team, said he is willing to offer his expertise again, provided the federation operates transparently and with accountability. He said: “I have always fought for my country from my early days. I don’t know how many players have done that the way I have, from the U17 and U20 teams to the senior national team. I have sacrificed years and never once said no to my country.” He continued: “When I know I can contribute meaningfully, I will always be ready. But I will never have corruption tied to me. That is a line I will not cross. “If progress is the goal, the right people must be in place—people who share the same vision. That way, when players return home to play, they will find an environment where they can perform and thrive.”

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NFF Apologises to Tinubu, FG, Nigerians on Super Eagles’ World Cup Setback

Fola Badmus04 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation wishes to openly and sincerely apologise to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), to the Federal Government as a whole; and to millions of Nigerians, most especially our passionate, loyal football fans, following the Super Eagles failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.   Sunday’s loss to DR Congo in the Africa Play-off Final in Rabat remains a moment of profound sadness for Nigerian football. For a nation where the Super Eagles serve as a symbol of unity, hope, and collective pride, missing out on the World Cup for a second consecutive time is a disappointment of great weight and emotional depth.   The NFF, the technical crew, and the players understand the gravity of this moment. We understand the expectations Nigerians rightly hold. We understand the passion and sacrifice of a country that has always stood firmly behind its team, through triumphs and trials. And we recognise that our collective effort did not deliver the outcome this nation deserved.   In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak.   Throughout the long journey of this qualification campaign, we were privileged to receive enormous support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission, the National Assembly, key Ministries, Departments and Agencies, our diplomatic missions, the media, and, above all, the passionate fans whose devotion remains unmatched anywhere in the world.   Football in Nigeria is more than a game. It is a national language. A bridge across cultures, a source of pride and emotional identity. A powerful symbol of unity that binds over 200 million people as one family. We owe it to this nation to honour that bond with sincerity, accountability, and action.   As we look forward, our immediate attention turns to the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, which begins shortly. This tournament presents an opportunity for healing, for renewal, and for demonstrating the resilience that has always defined Nigerian football.   In the coming days, the NFF Board and Management will enter into a rigorous review process, honest, uncompromising, and strategic. We will evaluate the technical, administrative, and structural gaps that led to this outcome. And we will take decisive steps to reposition our national teams for future success.   We make this solemn commitment to the people of Nigeria: We will rebuild trust. We will restore pride. We will reclaim our standing on the global stage. We will not allow this disappointment to be the final word on Nigerian football.   Nigeria is a nation of resilience, of spirit, of unyielding hope. Just as our people rise from every challenge, so too will the Super Eagles.

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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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NWFL Launches Mandatory Digital Registration and Licensing Portal for 2025/26 Premiership Season

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has launched a compulsory digital portal for player registration and club licensing ahead of the 2025/26 season. The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Friday, November 14, by the league’s Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu, as part of ongoing efforts to modernise administrative processes and strengthen regulatory compliance across the league. Confirming the development, Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the digital platform represents a significant advancement in the NWFL’s governance standards. “This platform is designed to eliminate manual delays, minimise documentation errors, and provide real-time oversight of all registration activities. It is an important step toward making the NWFL more efficient and globally competitive,” she said. Shabi noted that the portal’s verification features will play a critical role in reducing common infractions such as age falsification, dual registration, and irregular player movement. “The system gives the league the ability to authenticate submitted documents instantly. It strengthens integrity, ensures accountability, and aligns us with international best practices,” she added. The NWFL COO also disclosed that the initiative received strong endorsement from club representatives during the recent Congress in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders approved the digital migration as essential to improving organisational efficiency and strengthening league structures. Under the updated NWFL Registration and Club Licensing Regulations, all clubs are required to complete their player registration exclusively through the new portal from November 14 to 21, 2025. Required documentation includes national identification, passport photographs, verified age records, academic credentials, medical fitness reports, and digitally signed player contracts. Licensing submissions also mandate coaching licences, stadium certification, audited financial statements, ownership documents, and evidence of youth development structures. According to the NWFL secretariat, the digital portal is also a strategic tool to enhance the marketability of the league by improving transparency, data integrity, and administrative professionalism, key requirements for attracting sponsors, commercial partners, and international collaborations.  

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NFF Wraps Up CAF B-License Coaching Course

Wale busari05 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) has charged participants at the CAF B-License coaching course to adroitly apply themselves to what they have learnt in the course of the programme that spanned over seven months and four modules. Gusau, who is also President of the WAFU-B Zone, made this exhortation in Abuja on Thursday at the closing ceremony of the coaching course. The first module of the course took place 7th – 12th April, while the second module commenced on Monday, 6th October and ended on 10th October. The third module took place 20th – 24th October, and the fourth and final module was implemented from Monday, 3rd November. “I take pride in our achievements thus far, and although we have a year remaining in our tenure, I remain hopeful that, by the grace of God, we will reach our intended goals. Since assuming office, we have facilitated the CAF B, CAF C and CAF D License programs. The CAF C was exclusively for women – an important step considering Nigeria’s prominence in women’s football across Africa,” he stated. He further emphasized the importance of involving former international players in these initiatives, highlighting, “We recognize the wealth of experience among our ex-internationals, and it is essential to harness their expertise within these programs. Additionally, by organising coaching instructor courses at the zonal level, we aim to create a sustainable model where coaches can receive training without the need to travel to Abuja.” Gusau also expressed his satisfaction upon receiving positive feedback from the CAF Education Officer, Mr. Honour Janza who noted the impressive level of commitment and professionalism displayed by the participating coaches throughout the program. The NFF President confirmed his administration’s intention to conduct a CAF A License coaching course before the end of his tenure in September next year. “We are diligently working with the technical department, coaches, and instructors to initiate the CAF A License course within the first quarter of the upcoming year,” he assured. Lastly, Gusau urged the coaches to apply their knowledge in practice, expressing a desire to see them represented in coaching roles in other African countries. “We aspire not only for our coaches to gain certificates but also to engage internationally, sharing ideas and knowledge. There are coaches, such as one from Tanzania involved in this course, whom we hope to see coaching in various clubs across Africa.” Among those present were the First Vice President of the NFF, Chief Felix Anyansi-Agu; General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON; Deputy General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme; NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Davidson Owumi; Technical Director, Austin Eguavoen; NNL Chairman, Chief George Aluo; CAF Education Officer, Honour Janza; NFF Head of Education, Dr Terry Eguaoje; Coaching Instructor, Ambassador Henry Abiodun; Coaching Instructor, Mr. Abdulrafiu Yusuf; NFF Director of Media and Communications, Dr Ademola Olajire and; NFF Internal Auditor, Mr. Godson Iyere.

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

Fola Badmus03 mins

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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