24th FIFA U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Arrive in Talca Ahead of Group F Clashes

The Flying Eagles arrived in the city of Talca on Thursday afternoon ahead of their participation in this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals. Group F games involving Nigeria, Norway, Saudi Arabia and Colombia will take place in Talca. The two-time World Cup runners-up were received by officials of FIFA and the Local Organizing Committee, as well as officials of the hotel. The team later trained in the evening. The Flying Eagles are lodged at Hotel Diego de Almagro in Talca. The team wrapped up a 12-day training camp in Santiago, where they played host nation Chile and Australia as part of the build-up to the FIFA U20 World Cup, which kicks off on Saturday, 27th September. In their friendly matches, the Flying Eagles played a 1-1 draw with host nation Chile, before defeating Australia 3-1 in Santiago on Tuesday. Nigeria open their campaign for honours in this year’s edition with a game against Norway on Monday, 29th September at Estadio Fiscal de Talca, before other games against Saudi Arabia and Colombia.

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SWAN Relaxes Nationwide Boycott, Opens Door for Dialogue with NFF

The National Leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has relaxed its earlier directive to boycott all activities of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following assurances that there are no immediate plans to amend its Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly (AGA). SWAN, which had expressed strong concerns over its exclusion from the statutory structure of the NFF Congress, said the latest clarification by the Federation provides a fresh opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue for the overall good of Nigerian football. SWAN in a statement by the President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, through the Association’s Secretary General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, said it remains committed to safeguarding the integrity of Nigerian football through responsible media advocacy, and as such, will always embrace dialogue where sincerity and transparency are evident. “Our position has always been about inclusivity and respect for the role of sports media as critical stakeholders in Nigerian football. Having carefully considered the NFF’s recent statement, we are willing to relax our boycott directive and open the door for dialogue, in the hope that this process will lead to lasting reforms that strengthen governance and representation in the Federation,” the SWAN President said. He noted that while the clarification from the NFF provides some relief, SWAN will continue to engage actively in ensuring that the media constituency is recognised and integrated into decision-making structures in line with global best practices and the provisions of Nigeria’s national sports policies. President Benjamin added that SWAN looks forward to participating in open consultations and workshops as part of efforts to build a more inclusive and transparent football administration, stressing that the Association’s ultimate concern remains the development and credibility of Nigerian football and other sports in the country. “We are optimism that both bodies can now work together in good faith, to advance reforms that will guarantee inclusivity and restore public confidence in the governance of Nigerian football,” he said.

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Qatar’s Emir Accuses Israel of Undermining Gaza Truce Talks at UN

NFF: No Plans to Amend Statutes at 2025 Annual General Assembly

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) wishes to address recent reports and speculations regarding possible amendments to its Statutes. For the avoidance of doubt, there are no plans to amend the NFF Statutes at the 2025 Annual General Assembly, scheduled for 27 September 2025. Any suggestions to the contrary are unfounded. As part of standard procedure, a workshop will take place on 26 September 2025 with the participation of officials from delegates representing the Members of the NFF as well as FIFA and CAF officials. The purpose of this forum is to deliberate proposals for new NFF Statutes, in line with the principles of good governance and international best practices recommended by FIFA and CAF. It is important to emphasize that this consultation process is still at an early stage. Only after a common direction is agreed upon with NFF Members may a General Assembly be convened specifically to consider and adopt the proposed Statutes. The NFF reaffirms its commitment to working closely with its General Assembly Members, as well as with FIFA and CAF, to ensure that all processes related to its Statutes are conducted with due process, transparency, and full adherence to global best practices. Ultimately, the objective of this process is to establish robust and enduring Statutes that will strengthen governance within the Federation and enhance, among other things, the representation and participation of stakeholders across NFF bodies. This long-term framework is aimed at ensuring stability, inclusivity, and progress for Nigerian football.

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SWAN Condemns NFF Exclusion, Orders Nationwide Boycott of Federation’s AGA, Other Activities

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has directed all its members across the country to withdraw from covering or participating in any activity of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), including the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) scheduled for Ibadan, Oyo State. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja, jointly signed by the SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin and the Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, the Association expressed outrage over the deliberate and persistent exclusion of SWAN from the statutory composition of the NFF Congress. SWAN described the action of the NFF leadership as “unacceptable, retrogressive, and an affront to the role of the sporting media in national football development.” SWAN also wondered why the Federation’s leadership has continued playing the ostrich in crucial matters that would ensure seamless development of football in Nigeria. “The media is a critical tripod in the growth of sports globally. SWAN, as the professional body coordinating sports media in Nigeria, has consistently engaged the NFF leadership on the need to restore our rightful place within its Congress. Unfortunately, while claiming to expand its Congress, the Federation has chosen to sideline us, a move that is both short-sighted and detrimental to Nigerian football,” The statement said. SWAN recalled that despite the Association’s consistent efforts to foster cooperation with the NFF since the emergence of the present leadership, the Federation has remained obstinate, employing divisive and destructive approaches in the management of Nigerian football. SWAN noted that Nigeria’s football fortunes continue to nosedive despite the enormous financial and institutional support the NFF receives from the Federal Government, state governments, and corporate sponsors. “The continued decline of Nigerian football is a direct result of maladministration. It is time to put a decisive end to this dangerous trend. Nigeria cannot afford to watch its most cherished sport deteriorate under avoidable circumstances,” the statement said. The Association also made it clear that all SWAN members nationwide are henceforth instructed to refrain from covering or publicising any NFF activity, including the Ibadan AGA. “A task force will be set up to ensure strict enforcement of this directive, while the Association simultaneously begins a thorough investigation and public exposure of the maladministration and backward practices that have become synonymous with the Federation’s operations which cost the country’s back-to-back World Cup qualification failures,” the statement said. SWAN reiterated that the exclusion of the sporting media from the highest decision-making body of Nigerian football is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. “The Association stands resolute in defending its role as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s football ecosystem,” the statement added.

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Confed Cup: Kwara United Moves Asante Kotoko Tie to MKO Abiola Stadium

By Bunmi Ogunyale Nigeria’s Kwara United has moved their Confederation Cup preliminary second leg match against Asante Kotoko to Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta. The Ilorin-based side fondly known as the Afonja Warriors made the announcement on her Twitter handle now X on Tuesday. “Due to ongoing renovations at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, our CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round second leg match against Asante Kotoko of Ghana will now be played at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta,” Kwara United stated on their official X handle. Asante Kotoko edged Kwara United 4-3 in a thrilling first-leg clash at Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday. Both teams delivered an intense, attacking display that kept fans on the edge of their seats throughout the match. The Nigerian side will aim at overturning the first leg result and secure a place in the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.

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Ballon d’Or: NFF Congratulates Nnadozie, Madugu

The Nigeria Football Federation has congratulated Super Falcons and Brighton & Hove Albion of England’s safe hands Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish at this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, in Paris on Monday night. Nnadozie, who has been Africa’s Best Goalkeeper for the past two years, was also named Goalkeeper of the Tournament for this summer’s Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s 10th triumph. “We heartily congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie on her fourth-place finish in the race. It is a commendable feat given the calibre of goalkeepers she was up against. Finishing fourth is a big achievement and we believe in her capacity to win this trophy very soon,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi said. Sanusi also gave kudos to Super Falcons’ Head Coach Justine Madugu, who also finished fourth in the Women’s Coach of the Year category. “Coach Madugu’s feat further underscores the fact that the NFF was right to have given him the Super Falcons’ head coach’s role, which had earlier been validated with him leading the team to victory at the WAFCON in Morocco. We congratulate him on this feat and wish him victory in the awards in the coming years.” Nnadozie finished fourth behind England and Chelsea FC’s Hannah Hampton who took home the Trophée Yachine (named after former Soviet goalkeeper Lev Yashin), Gotham FC’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Barcelona FC’s Cata Coll. She however finished above Arsenal FC’s Daphne van Domselaar in the Top Five. Madugu was fourth in a race won by Sarina Wiegman, who led England to the UEFA Women’s Championship title, and which also included Chelsea’s Sonia Bompastor, Brazil’s Arthur Elias and Arsenal FC’s Renée Slegers.

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NWFL Congratulates Newly Promoted Premiership Clubs

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has extended hearty congratulations to Sunshine Queens, Castmog Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, and Imo Striker Queens on their successful promotions to the NWFL Premiership at the conclusion of the 2025 Championship season, staged from September 11 to 21 in Umuahia and Abiriba, Abia State, South-East Nigeria. Sunshine Queens of Ondo State, a government-owned side with Premiership pedigree, return to the elite division. They are joined by three ambitious debutants, Castmog Ladies of Ogun State, Ahudiyannem Queens of Abia State, and Imo Striker Queens of Imo State, all privately owned and making history with their maiden ascent. In a statement on Monday, September 22, 2025, NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, commended the promoted clubs for their resilience and quality performances while appreciating other participating clubs. “We warmly congratulate the four teams on their deserved qualification to the Premiership. Their success is a testament to hard work, determination, and commitment to excellence. The NWFL is proud of the quality of football displayed throughout this year’s Championship and we are excited to welcome fresh talents and new clubs into the top division,” said Ms. Shabi. The league organisers also paid glowing tribute to the official sponsor of the 2025 Championship, Dr. Robert Daniel Onyeani, Chairman of Ahudiyannem Queens, whose support was pivotal to the successful delivery of this year’s event. “We owe a special gratitude to Dr. Onyeani for his vision and generosity in sponsoring this Championship. His investment has not only elevated his club but also strengthened the entire ecosystem of women’s football in Nigeria. He has set a laudable benchmark for private sector involvement in our game,” Shabi added. The NWFL COO further appreciated the Abia State Football Association, the Abiriba community, participating clubs, referees, match officials, and fans whose dedication and commitment ensured the smooth organisation and vibrant atmosphere of the tournament. “The unity of purpose displayed by all stakeholders reaffirms our vision to raise the standard of women’s football across Nigeria. We deeply value the contributions of everyone who played a part in making this Championship a success,” Shabi concluded. With the Championship now concluded, the NWFL reiterated its pledge to strengthen its competitions, empower young female footballers, and sustain the Premiership as a benchmark of excellence, integrity, and inclusivity in Nigerian women’s football.

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WAFU-B U17 Boys Tourney: Golden Eaglets Pass MRI Tests

All 20 players of the U17 Boys National Team, Golden Eaglets, to this year’s WAFU-B U17 Boys Tournament in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire have scaled the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) hurdles. The tests were conducted on the players in the early hours of Thursday by the CAF Medical Team. The Eaglets will play their first match of the competition on Wednesday, 24th September against their counterparts from Benin Republic. They will also play Burkina Faso in group B. Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger Republic and Togo make up group A.

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