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Tag: NFF

Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles Seek to Sustain Winning Mentality Against Russia’s ‘Boys’

Fola Badmus06 mins

Fresh from winning the four-nation Unity Cup tournament in London, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will seek to maintain their unbeaten run in all competitions since the beginning of this year, when they take on the Sbornaya (The Boys) of Russia at the 78,000-capacity Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Friday night. It is the first official meeting for both countries at senior level, and though Russia have not played competitively since February 2022, they have been busy playing friendly games, the last one being a 5-0 routing of Zambia’s Chipolopolo at the VTB Arena in Moscow on 25th March. The win took their winning streak to eight games. Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali in a FIFA World Cup qualifying match on 21st March, were held to a 1-1 draw at home four days later by Zimbabwe in the same series, and then defeated Ghana 2-1 on 28th May before overpowering Jamaica on penalties after a 2-2 draw on 31st May to win the Unity Cup tournament in London. While still in the form of that single and mammoth USSR, the Soviet Union hosted the FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in 1985. The host nation defeated Nigeria 2-1 in a group phase match in Minsk, but when both teams clashed in the tournament’s third-place match, Nigeria triumphed 3-1 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation and extra time in Moscow. On Friday, Franco-Malian Eric Chelle will be put out a squad that will be determined to earn a critical win for Nigeria, in order to sustain the winning mentality built from the Unity Cup tournament, and also set their eyes confidently on an even more critical couple of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches coming up in September. The Super Eagles, lying fourth in their group, will host Rwanda’s Amavubi in the first week of September, and fly out to Johannesburg four days later to tackle group leaders Bafana Bafana of South Africa in what could be a flaming war. Injuries and withdrawals have combined to tweak Chelle’s ensemble for this encounter, but the spine of the squad is largely intact, with only the fore missing telling performers, such as reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman, the peerless Victor Osimhen and AC Milan of Italy’s Samuel Chukwueze – who was in imperious form in London. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has another opportunity to reign between the sticks, with Igoh Ogbu and Benjamin Fredericks (from the Unity Cup in London) tugging for the rearguard shirts with captain William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi. A rich midfield cast includes Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Raphael Onyedika, Christantus Uche, Papa Daniel and Saviour Isaac. Much will be expected of Simon Moses and Tolu Arokodare in the attack, as Krasnodar FC’s former junior international Olakunle Olusegun hopes fervently for his first senior cap. The iconic Luzhniki Stadium hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final, in which France defeated Croatia 4-2. During the competition, Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the group phase, and also eliminated Spain 4-3 after penalty shootout in the Round of 16, at the same Luzhniki Stadium. Friday’s encounter will kick off at 8pm Russia time (6pm Nigeria). SUPER EAGLES FOR RUSSIA FRIENDLY: Goalkeepers: Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos FC, Greece); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Igoh Ogbu (SK Slavia Prague, Czech Republic); Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Benjamin Fredericks (Brentford FC, England) Midfielders: Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC, Italy); Christantus Uche (Getafe CF, Spain); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers) Forwards: Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Simon Moses (FC Nantes, France); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium); Olakunle Olusegun (Krasnodar FC, Russia); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars)

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FIFA U-17 World Cup: Nigeria Draws Canada, France and Samoa

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria’s Flamingoes have been drawn in Group D with Canada, France and newcomer Samoa at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The expanded 24-country competition, up from 16 teams, runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 8 in Rabat. It will mark the first time an African country has hosted the women’s U-17 tournament. Nigeria is making its African-record eighth trip to the tournament, finishing third in 2022 and reaching the quarterfinals on four other occasions. France, which qualified by reaching the UEFA semifinals in qualifying play, won the U-17 World Cup in 2012 but has only qualified twice since. Samoa is making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA championship. Canada’s women are also headed to their eighth U-17 World Cup, missing out only in 2024 when CONCACAF only sent two teams to the FIFA championship, with the federation’s Dominican Republic hosting the tournament. Canada finished third in qualifying after losing 2-1 to Mexico after extra time in the semifinal. The U.S. also qualified, finished third at the 2024 FIFA tournament. Canada’s best showing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014. FIFA U1-7 Women’s World Cup Draw Group A: Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco Group B: Cameroon, North Korea, Mexico, Netherlands. Group C: China, Ecuador, Norway, U.S. Group D: Canada, France, Nigeria, Samoa. Group E: Colombia, Ivory Coast, South Korea, Spain. Group F: Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay, Zambia.

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NFF Commends Gov Abiodun on Monetary Gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has given kudos to His Excellency, Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State for showering players and officials of the senior women national teams of Nigeria and Cameroon with monetary gifts following the two teams’ international friendly match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday. Nine-time African champions Nigeria swept past the Lionesses in the encounter with a brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and in added time of the first half from a flowing team move that saw Rinsola Babajide find her illustrious leader in the opposition’s eighteen-yard box. After the match, a delighted Governor Abiodun showered the Super Falcons with the sum of N20 million, while gifting the visitors the sum of N10 million. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, praised the Ogun State number one man for the gesture, remarking that such incentives constitute gestures of encouragement that propel athletes in various sports to give their very best and perform better in subsequent outings. “The NFF expresses sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Abiodun for the monetary gifts to the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses. His gesture is an act of kindness and magnanimity that will never be forgotten. “The financial incentive has been well-received by the team and I believe this is an added psychological boost apart from the victory over the Cameroonians in the match. The NFF will do everything it can to ensure the players and their officials have their pre-WAFCON final camping programme in a very conducive environment.” Nigeria will play in group B of the 12-team Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, 5th – 26th July, alongside Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria. The Super Falcons will play all their matches in Casablanca, starting with the Tunisians on 6th July, before Botswana on 10th July and Algeria on 13th July.

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FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Program Begins in Abuja

Fola Badmus13 mins

A two-day FIFA Club Professionalisation and Management Programme workshop began in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Tuesday with President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) charging the participants to devote attention to the various sessions in order to improve their wisdom, knowledge and understanding towards improving the lot of the country’s domestic game. “The Nigeria Football Federation has been intentional in impressing it on the Clubs that they must work hard towards financial sustainability, and generally contribute to making the football ecosystem better for all stakeholders to be proud of the industry. “This workshop will go a long way in getting the message across in more profound manner, that the leagues and club football are the lifeblood of a nation’s sport, and that significant contributions to the Gross Domestic Product of our country can only happen through the activities and the gravitas that the leagues and clubs are able to establish to generate direct, indirect and induced income.” Gusau’s message was delivered by the NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi (MON), who also implored the participants to be ready to implement the knowledge that they stand to gain in the two-day workshop for the good of the nation’s game. The vice chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League board, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Saidu, represented the NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, who is also the NFF 2nd Vice President. Participants include Chairmen and CEOs of the 20 Clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League, Chairmen and CEOs of the NPFL, NNL, NWFL and the NLO, as well as some top officials of the NFF. The sessions on Tuesday focused on strategic planning and finance. Wednesday’s sessions will be on governance and commercial and marketing.

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Int’l Friendly: Super Falcons Daze Lionesses in Abeokuta

Fola Badmus01 mins

Women Africa Cup of Nations-bound Nigeria sailed over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in a friendly encounter at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta on Tuesday. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored both goals, first in the 28th minute from the penalty spot, and then in the 43rd minute after capitalizing on a swift team move, assisted by Rinsola Babajide. Coach Justine Madugu said the victory is a good psychological boost for his squad as they continue preparations for the 13th Women AFCON taking place in Morocco, 5th – 26th July. Nigeria will be aiming for a 10th triumph in the competition, having won the trophy nine times since it was launched as a tournament in 1998. The Super Falcons also won in 1991 and 1995, when it was staged only as home-and-away FIFA World Cup qualifying games.

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FIFA Club Management Program Berths in Nigeria

Fola Badmus03 mins

Officials of world football-ruling body, FIFA, have arrived in Nigeria to superintend a two-day workshop for chairmen and chief operating officers of Nigeria’s football leagues and premier league clubs, taking place at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Tuesday, 3rd June and Wednesday, 4th June 2025. The workshop is geared towards taking a critical look into the management model of Nigeria football clubs and the leagues, with the purpose of opening new vistas and insights in proper governance, improving commercial viability and broadening the world-view of the administrators to drive their teams towards real growth and sustainability. A total of 40 persons are expected from the 20 Nigeria Premier Football League clubs (Chairman and CEO of each club), with the Chairmen and Chief Executive Officers of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Football League and the Nigeria Nationwide League One also to take part. President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, will lead a small team from the Federation, alongside the NFF 2nd Vice President, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi. FIFA’s delegation is led by El Hadji Wack Diop, Head of FIFA Regional Office for West and Central Africa, and includes Rasoamahenina Sanda Manonisoa, Marcos Piccalo, Federico Perez, Javier Sobrino and Laurent Colette. Colette is a former managing director of French top club Olympique de Marseille, while Sobrino is a former chief strategy and innovation officer of Spain’s leading club, FC Barcelona. Each of the 20 NPFL clubs is expected to submit a document indicating a clear pathway to financial autonomy, while taking good advantage of the history and assets of the clubs to grow them into global brands. The sessions will offer nuggets on strategic planning, finance, commercial and marketing, and governance.

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NFF Commiserates with Kano State Government Over Death of Athletes in Auto Crash

Fola Badmus42 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed grave sorrow and grief over the death on Saturday of 22 Kano State athletes who lost their lives in an ato crash on their way from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State. “The Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigeria football family are in a period of mourning over the demise of these athletes in such tragic circumstances. We mourn deeply with the Kano State Government and all the good and great people of Kano State, on this sad incident” President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) said on Sunday. The athletes died 50 kilometres to the city of Kano when their vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a river. “Our hearts are with their families, friends, loved ones and associates. We pray that the Almighty Allah will grant them eternal rest, and also comfort those they have left behind, as well as the Kano State Government and the people of Kano State in general.”

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Super Eagles Lift Unity Cup in London

Fola Badmus63 mins

Christantus Uche converted the winning penalty as Nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 in a shootout to win the Unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago. The friendly tournament was hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy. They did so again here, as after a 2-2 draw in normal time the shootout began with six perfect penalties. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over. Amari’i Bell made no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but Uche had the decisive moment as he calmly slotted home to start the Nigerian celebrations. It had been an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting both teams were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly. Moses Simon put Nigeria in front inside ten minutes, finishing from close range after Cyriel Dessers had put a dangerous ball into the middle, but Jamaica were level almost immediately. Renaldo Cephas was a constant threat throughout the match and he created the equaliser, charging down the left wing and producing a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon to provide the finishing touch. It remained level heading into the break, before Nigeria again made a quick start to a half. Samuel Chukwueze initially appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan star worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner. Jamaica equalised for a second time just after the hour mark and in familiar fashion. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again perfect, with Jonathan Russell the man to this time fire beyond Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria looked the more likely to find a later winner as they won a succession of late corners, before Wilfred Ndidi then sent an effort whistling past the post in stoppage-time.

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