Morocco 2025: Ekong, Lookman, Osimhen, Simon, 19 others gear up for Benin, Rwanda 

Captain William Ekong, Atalanta of Italy’s Ademola Lookman, effervescent winger Moses Simon, reigning Africa Player of the Year Victor Osimhen and 19 other players will seek for six points against Benin Republic and Rwanda in the closing rounds of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign this month.  Coach Augustine Eguavoen has also called goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali and Maduka Okoye, defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and forwards Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface and Samuel Chukwueze.  Home-based defender Victor Collins will join up with the group for the first time, and there is a return for gangling forward Sadiq Umar, who plays for Real Sociedad in Spain.   Defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Bruno Onyemaechi are also listed, while France-based defender Gabriel Osho will hope to play his first competitive game for fatherland, after his inability to honour a first call-up in the summer due to injury. The Super Eagles will fly directly to Abidjan on 11 November, for the confrontation with the Cheetahs of Benin Republic at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, before traveling down to Uyo for the final qualifying game against the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Monday, 18thNovember.  Currently top of their Group D, the Super Eagles will be certain of a place in the final tournament if they get a point against the Cheetahs, which will take then to 11 points, and with only final-day opponents Rwanda capable of catching up with them on points. However, with a current tally of seven goals for and none against (following the CAF Disciplinary Board’s award of three points and three goals for the botched Matchday 4 encounter against Libya), the Super Eagles stand head and shoulders above the Amavubi, who have one-goal deficit and five points in their favour going into the final two matchdays.  Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Amas Obasogie (Fasil Kenema SC, Ethiopia) Defenders: William Ekong (Al-Kholood FC, Saudi Arabia); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce SK, Turkey); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal); Gabriel Osho (AJ Auxerre, France); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United) Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio FC. Italy); Frank Onyeka (Augsburg FC, Germany); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England) Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla FC, Spain); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Sadiq Umar (Real Sociedad, Spain)  

Read More

Morocco 2025: Super Eagles to conclude qualifying campaign on November 18

The Confederation of African Football has picked Monday, November 18 for Nigeria’s final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Rwanda, scheduled for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.  The Matchday 6 encounter will draw the curtain on the race from Group D for slots at the 35thAfrica Cup of Nations finals to be held in Morocco December 2025/January 2026. CAF has also appointed Moroccan match officials for the game, with Samir Guezzaz in the role of referee at the encounter that will commence at 5pm Nigeria time. His compatriots Zakaria Brinsi, Abdessamad Abertoune and Kech Chaf Mustapha will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Prosper Harrison Addo from Ghana will be the commissioner while Somalian Ali Mohamed Ahmed will be in the role of referee assessor. For the Matchday 5 clash with Benin Republic at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Thursday, 14th November, that will commence at 7pm CIV time (8pm Nigeria time), CAF has appointed officials from Senegal to superintend, with Issa Sy to be referee. His compatriots Djibril Camara, Nouha Bangoura and El Hadji Amadou Sy will serve as assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Ivorian Rene Williams Sere will be commissioner while Angolan Inacio Manuel Candido will be referee assessor.

Read More

CHAN 2025: Eguavoen invites Sadiq, Rabiu, Ogunleye, 32 others for Ghana

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called to camp Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Kano Pillars’ forward Zikifilu Rabiu and Enugu Rangers’ attacking midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye among a list of 35 players of Super Eagles B for the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying fixture against Ghana. The first leg of the fixture, which is a reminder of the qualification series for the last edition of the competition, which Ghana edged on penalty shootout, is billed for the weekend of 20th – 22nd December, with the return leg a week later. The winner over two legs will earn a slot at the 8th edition of the competition exclusively reserved for footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic League. The finals will take place across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, 1st – 28th February 2025. Akwa United’s Wisdom Ndom, Enugu Rangers’ Saviour Isaac, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors’ Abba Maigari are also invited to the camp that will open in Abuja on Tuesday, 29th October. ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS: Goalkeepers: Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United); Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC); Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United) Defenders: Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United); Stephen Mayo (Rivers United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers); Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United); Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors);  Midfielders: Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors); Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC); Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United); Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars); Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars); Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers); Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars); Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City) Forwards: Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars); Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United); Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance)

Read More

AFCONQ: CAF sanctions, fines Libya 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Libya for denying the Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles access into the country for the return leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.  In a statement at the weekend, the CAF Disciplinary Board found the Libya Football Federation to have breached Article 31 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code. “The match No.87 Libya v. Nigeria of the CAF African Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi) is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (by a score of 3-0). “The Libya Football Federation is ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000.  The fine is to be paid within 60 days of notification of the present decision. “All other and further motions or prayers for relief are dismissed,” CAF stated. 

Read More

Special Eagles honour NFF President, Gusau

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, has received a prestigious award from the Special Eagles, Nigeria’s esteemed amputee football team. This honour was bestowed upon him at the NFF Headquarters in Abuja on Friday during a courtesy visit led by the Special Eagles’ President, Mr. Paul Maduakor. The Special Eagles team, comprising remarkable amputee footballers who have triumphed over physical limitations, have over the yearsdemonstrated exceptional resilience and determination. Their achievements serve as a testament to the transformative power of sports. Gusau expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Maduakor and his team, emphasizing the vital importance of encouragement and support for individuals with disabilities. The NFF President reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to supporting the Special Eagles, acknowledging their inspirational role in promoting football among persons with disabilities. “We will explore avenues to provide support and foster collaboration between the NFF and the Special Eagles,” he added. Key officials present included the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi MON; Special Eagles Technical Director, Victor Onyeakachukwu Nwenwe; two Special Eagles players; and Special Eagles Secretary-General, Madam Nonye Nwose. This visit marked a significant step towards strengthening ties between the NFF and the Special Eagles, paving the way for mutual growth and development. The partnership aims to promote football development and empowerment programs for persons with disabilities.

Read More

Super Eagles soar on FIFA ranking 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved three places to 36th position in the World football governing body, FIFA monthly ranking.  The former African champions, who seating at the summit of the AFCON 2025 qualifiers polled 1503.29 points in the October.  Nigeria is ask ranked third behind Morocco, Senegal and Egypt in Africa.  Meanwhile, the top three teams are also bunching up. Argentina (1st) are still on top, but their lead over France (2nd) and Spain (3rd) has been cut. England (4th), Brazil (5th) and Belgium (6th) have all held on to their positions. Portugal (7th, up 1) and Italy (9th, up 1) are the only climbers within the top ten, which is completed by the Netherlands (8th, down 1) and Colombia (10th, down 1), with Germany (11th, up 2) now knocking on the door. Elsewhere, Algeria (37th, up 4), Peru (38th, up 5) and Greece (42nd, up 6) have all made moves worthy of note, and Cameroon (49th, up 4) have returned to the top 50. Other African teams to have made significant progress in the ranking include Equatorial Guinea (88th, up 6), Zimbabwe (117th, up 7), The Gambia (128th, up 7) and Botswana (140th, up 7), the last of whom, the Zebras, have posted the biggest jump overall in terms of points gained (up 38.30 points). There is further cause for celebration for Africa as two other CAF teams have climbed the most places (ten) in this edition of the ranking, namely Comoros (108th) and Sudan (110th), who came out on top against Tunisia and Ghana, respectively, in their recent home-and-away duels as part of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 qualifiers. Comoros have been on the up for several months now and they are once again in their highest-ever position in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking. The next FIFA World Ranking will be published on 28 November 2024.

Read More

Kano appoints Ahmed Musa Sports Ambassador 

Former Super Eagles’ skipper Ahmed Musa has been appointed as Sports Ambassador for Kano State.  The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi in a letter on Wednesday congratulated the former Leicester City player on his appointment.  “It is my singular honour to formally convey to you that His Excellency, Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State has approved your appointment as Kano State Sports Ambassador with effect from 24th July, 2024.  “The decision to appoint you into this exalted position of trust and confidence was predicated upon your professional competence, track record of excellent performance, vast experience, dedication to the development of sporting activities and provision of humanitarian services in the State. It is hoped that you will bring these sterling qualities to bear on your new assignment.  “It is my ardent prayer that your appointment as Kano State Sports Administrator will assist the Government significantly in attaining the objective of promoting the overall sporting activities espadrilles it relates to our home based clubs and players.  “While congratulating you over this well-deserved appointment, it is my sincere hope that you will live above board and justify the confidence reposed in you by the Government. I pray that Gods in His infinite mercy accord you the wisdom and determination ti execute the assignment diligently and to the expectation of the administration.  “Accept my sincere congratulations on this well-deserved appointment and prayers of good will,” the Secretary to the Governor stated.  In his response Musa wrote; “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Sports Ambassador for Kano State! “This opportunity is a quite humbling, and I’m excited to work towards empowering the youth and promoting sports development across the state.  “Kano has a rich sporting heritage, and I can’t wait to contribute to building a brighter future for our athletes and communities. “Thank you to the Kano State Government ably led by @Kyusufabba for this incredible responsibility & opportunity.  “Together, we’ll inspire the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the field.  “Let’s make history!”

Read More

CAF, NFF, Atalanta celebrate Ademola Lookman at 27 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Serie A giants Atalanta have congratulated Ballon d’Door nominee Ademola Lookman on his 27th birthday. The bodies took turn on their various social media handles to celebrate the midfield maestro.  In its congratulatory message, CAF wrote; “Wishing a very happy birthday to Nigerian superstar, Ademola Lookman!.” In a similar vein, the Nigeria Football Federation also congratulated the player.  “Happy birthday to @NGSuperEagles forward,  @Alookman_” “Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship. He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger. “Having represented England from under-19 to under-21 levels, Lookman made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2022. “On 4 August 2022, Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million. Three African players are in contention to win the 2024 men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman on the 30-man shortlist for the former award.

Read More