Nigeria Inflation Slows to 18.02 Percent in September, Sixth Month of Decline

Nigeria’s inflation rate continued its decline in September 2025, easing to 18.02 percent from 20.12 percent in August, marking the sixth consecutive monthly drop, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported. Food prices also moderated, with food inflation falling to 19.53 percent in September from 21.87 percent in August, supported by improved supply and seasonal harvests. Economists say the easing inflation may influence monetary policy. The Central Bank of Nigeria recently cut its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 27 percent—the first reduction since 2020—in a bid to stabilize the economy and work toward single-digit inflation.

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World Cup Qualifier: Tinubu, Atiku, Obi Thumb Up Super Eagles

By Bunmi Ogunyale   President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic and commends the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.   The President, in a statement by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, praised the Super Eagles for the hunger, passion, and determination displayed on the field in Uyo, noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride.   ”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.   “The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.   “As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.   “We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.   In a similar vein, the former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party Presidential Candidate in the 2023 General Election, Mr. Peter Obi also congratulated the Super Eagles on recillence in the World Cup qualifier.   Both frontline politicians took to their twitter handles now X to commend the senior national team for keeping alive their 2026 FIFA World Cup participation.   “Dear Super Eagles, thank you for this beautiful evening of superlative soccer and a sweet victory to make the country proud,” Atiku wrote.   The former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi also saluted the doggedness of the Eric Chelle lad, saying; “Congratulations to our Super Eagles.   “Today, my day started very early at 6am, and after a very hectic day of participating in 5 different events of commissioning and campaigning in Anambra State, I had to watch the Super Eagles game.   “I watched with so much confidence and pride, and it was such a brilliant and sweet victory against the Benin Republic.   “The performance was really Super showing that it’s Possible.   “You showed true Nigerian spirit, strength, dominance, and unity on the field. This is the power of perseverance and teamwork.   “Well done, Super Eagles.   “Congratulations.”

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Asisat Oshoala Becomes CAF Ambassador

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially welcomed Asisat Lamina Oshoala into its cadre of Ambassadors, celebrating her outstanding contributions to African women’s football. The announcement marks another milestone for the Nigerian forward, whose influence both on and off the pitch has been unmatched across the continent. Oshoala, born October 9, 1994, in Ikorodu, Lagos, has built a decorated career with clubs including Barcelona and Bay FC. The former FC Robo Queens player steps into this new ambassadorial role with so much achievement bagged over her enviable career. Her record-breaking, consistent, and inspirational resume speaks volumes. She has won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year a record six times (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023), more than any other African female player. In the 2022-23 season for FC Barcelona Femení, she was the top scorer in Spain, netting 20+ league goals and 27 in all competitions as the club secured the league title and UEFA Women’s Champions League. In her time with Barcelona, she amassed 117 goals in 163 official matches across all competitions, helping the club to win multiple domestic titles, Spanish cups, super cups, and Champions League honours. For Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Oshoala has played over 60 matches, scoring close to 37 international goals. She has featured in multiple Women’s AFCON tournaments and Women’s World Cups — she is the first African player to score in three different Women’s World Cup tournaments. As a CAF Ambassador, Oshoala will no doubt leverage her platform to uplift women’s football across Africa. She will continue encouraging young girls, advocating for growth in women’s competitions, and continue to embody excellence at every level.

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Nigeria Keep World Cup Dream Alive After Thrashing Benin 4–0

Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are still alive after a commanding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo on Tuesday evening. The result moved the Super Eagles to second place in Group C, ensuring they finish as one of the four best runners-up in the CAF qualifiers, earning a spot in the upcoming inter-confederation playoff tournament. How the Inter-Confederation Playoffs Work The FIFA playoff tournament will determine the final two places at the 2026 World Cup. It will feature six teams: The four lowest-ranked teams will face off in two semi-final matches.The two highest-ranked teams will receive a bye to the finals of the bracket.The winners of those two bracket finals will qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Nigeria’s Path to Qualification Before the match, Nigeria sat third in Group C with 14 points, one behind South Africa and three behind Benin.But the Super Eagles produced a spectacular response, demolishing Benin 4–0 to climb to second with 17 points, level with the leaders but behind on goal difference. Meanwhile, South Africa sealed top spot in the group after defeating Rwanda 3–0, booking their first World Cup appearance since 2010. Nigeria’s second-place finish and strong goal difference now send them into the intercontinental playoff, keeping their World Cup dream alive. African Teams Qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup (So Far) Two more spots will be confirmed later today, as the winners of Groups B and F are yet to be decided.Additionally, one more African team — possibly Nigeria — could still secure a place via the inter-confederation playoffs.

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Breaking: Osimhen’s Hat-Trick Brightens Super Eagles’ World Cup Hope

An hat-trick from Victor Osimhen against the Squirrels of Benin Republic on Tuesday has boosted Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Galatasaray of Turkey forward struck after three minutes into the game after connecting with a sublime pass from Samuel Chukwueze. Osimhen doubled the lead for Nigeria with an header in 37th minute of the tie. The red-hot forward completed his hat-trick with another header in the 51st minute. Nigeria finished second place with 17 points in Group C of the qualifiers behind South Africa, who came tops in the group and qualified automatically for the mundial. Brentford of England midfielder Frank Onyeka completed the routing of the Beninoise on the dot 90 minutes to make it four nil. Former African Champions will go through another round of play-off to punch her ticket for the next edition of the FIFA World Cup.

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Oliseh Alleges NFF Withheld $1 Million From 2002 World Cup Qualifiers Players

Former Super Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of withholding $1 million from FIFA that was meant to reward players for helping Nigeria qualify for the 2002 World Cup. Speaking on the Home Turf podcast, Oliseh said there had been a clear agreement to split the money evenly, with half going to the players who participated in the qualifying matches. According to him, each of the 30 players was supposed to receive around $18,000. Oliseh claimed the NFF, however, removed him and his assistant captain, Finidi George, from the team to prevent the payout. “We qualified for the World Cup, but the federation disbanded the team and kept the money. The squad that eventually went to the finals largely hadn’t played in the qualifiers, so they were never entitled to that reward,” Oliseh said. He emphasized that the players would only have received their share if he had been present to ensure the arrangement was honored. The former coach’s revelations add to longstanding allegations of mismanagement and lack of transparency within the NFF.  

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Gara-Gombe Fetes Team Nigeria in Tunis

Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, Chief Executive Officer of Green White Green Sports Center Limited, has extended a heartfelt gesture of support to Team Nigeria at the ongoing ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, Tunisia. Gara-Gombe, who visited the Rades Multi-Sports Complex, treated the Nigerian contingent to a sumptuous meal as part of his effort to motivate the squad to give their best at the prestigious continental event. “As a proud Nigerian, I’m deeply invested in the success of our teams across all sports. This table tennis team holds a special place in my heart. Seeing these young men and women represent our country inspires me to support and encourage them,” Gara-Gombe said. “I’ve visited the venue twice to cheer them on, and I felt they needed an extra boost of motivation. That’s why I decided to host them for a meal—to lift their spirits and help them give their best for Nigeria. I’m truly impressed by their discipline and the way they’ve conducted themselves under the guidance of our legend, Segun Toriola. This is my humble token of support, and I wish them success in all their matches,” he added. President of ITTF Africa, Wahid Enitan Oshodi, expressed gratitude for Gara-Gombe’s thoughtful gesture, describing it as a morale booster for the team. “We sincerely thank Mr. Gara-Gombe for taking the time to visit the team over the past two days, cheering them on and encouraging them. His generous act of hosting the team to a delightful meal in Tunis is both inspiring and uplifting. He has proven himself to be a true friend of table tennis and a passionate supporter of sports in general,” Oshodi said.

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Nigeria vs Benin: Super Eagles Face Must-Win Showdown in Final 2026 World Cup Qualifier

All eyes will be on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday evening as Nigeria take on Group C leaders Benin in the final matchday of the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM (16:00 GMT). Qualification Stakes The Super Eagles, currently third in Group C with 14 points, must secure victory to keep their qualification hopes alive.Benin lead the group with 17 points, followed by South Africa (15 points). A win for Benin guarantees their first-ever World Cup appearance, while Nigeria need all three points — and favorable results elsewhere — to stand a chance of progressing, either directly or through the intercontinental playoff for a possible 10th African slot. Team News: Nigeria Nigeria coach Eric Chele will be without Ademola Lookman, suspended after picking up his second yellow card in the win against Lesotho.Defender Ola Aina remains sidelined through injury. Star striker Victor Osimhen, fit again after returning from injury, will lead the attack. The Galatasaray forward says the team will fight to the end: “We cannot promise much, but we will fight. We hope it will be our turn to be on top on Tuesday.” Expected formation: 4-2-3-1Probable lineup: Nwabali; Troost-Ekong, Fredrick, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Simon; Osimhen, Arokodare. Team News: Benin Coach Gernot Rohr has a full squad available. His side, who edged Rwanda 1–0 on Friday, are expected to keep the same lineup. Probable lineup: Dandjinou; Ouorou, Verdon, Tijani, Roche; D’Almeida, Imourane; Dossou, Dokou, Hountondji; Mounie. Rohr, a former Nigeria coach, acknowledged the high stakes: “It’s in our hands to qualify for a historic first World Cup. But all can change in one game. We must stay humble and focused.” Head-to-Head Record Since 2004, both teams have met 12 times — Nigeria have won nine, Benin two, and one ended in a draw.Their last encounter in June 2024 saw Benin defeat Nigeria 2–1 in Abidjan. Group C Standings (Before Final Matchday) Benin – 17 pts (+5) South Africa – 15 pts (+3) Nigeria – 14 pts (+3) Rwanda – 11 pts (−1) Lesotho – 9 pts (−4) Zimbabwe – 5 pts (−6)

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