NIGERIA/MADAGASCAR: AFCON 2027 QUALIFIERS - SUPER EAGLES TO FACE MADAGASCAR, TANZANIA, G-BISSAU

Nigeria's quest to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations received a major boost yesterday after the Super Eagles were drawn against familiar foes Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in the qualifying series for the continental tournament.

The draw ceremony was held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo, Egypt, where the continent's national teams discovered their opponents for the qualification campaign.

The Nigeria national football team, now under the guidance of head coach Éric Chelle, were placed among the seeded teams for the draw following their strong standing in African football rankings. Their seeded status ensured they avoided several of the continent's traditional heavyweights in the preliminary phase.

On paper, the group appears favourable for the three-time African champions, with many Nigerian football observers expecting the Super Eagles to secure qualification without major difficulty. However, the draw also presents potentially tricky encounters against opponents capable of causing surprises.

Guinea-Bissau, in particular, has become a familiar foe for Nigeria in recent years. The West Africans have faced the Super Eagles in previous AFCON qualifying campaigns and earned a reputation as a disciplined and difficult side to break down.

Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, will also be eager to impress despite already being assured of participation in the finals as hosts. Their growing football profile and home support could make them dangerous opponents during the qualifiers.

Madagascar, meanwhile, remain one of African football's unpredictable sides. The island nation stunned the continent during the 2019 AFCON in Egypt when they reached the quarter-finals in their maiden appearance at the tournament, defeating more fancied teams along the way.

Only the top two teams from the group will qualify automatically for the 2027 AFCON finals, increasing the importance of every fixture in the round-robin campaign.

The qualification series will be played across three FIFA international windows. Matchdays one and two are scheduled to hold between September 21 and October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will take place from November 9 to 17, 2026.

The final round of fixtures, comprising matchdays five and six, will be played between March 22 and 30, 2027, bringing the qualification race to a close.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations itself will make history as the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three countries -- Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

For Nigeria, the objective remains clear: qualify convincingly and mount a serious challenge for a fourth AFCON title after falling short in recent editions. With a squad packed with established internationals and emerging talents, expectations will be high for the Super Eagles to dominate the group and head to East Africa as one of the favourites for the continental crown.

- Affa Acho

EX-SUPER EAGLES COAH HAS PASSED AWAY | CHIEF ONIGBINDE

Former first indigenous coach of the Nigerian national football side, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead.

A statement signed by Mrs Bolade Adesuyi, on behalf of the family, said that the Modakeke born high chief died Monday night at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

- The Sun Nigeria

BREAKING NEWS: OSIMHEN LEADS EAGLES TO VICTORY OVER ALGERIA

SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP / AFP / Profimedia

Victor Osimhen scored one and assisted another as Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 to lead the Super Eagles into AFCON ’25 semi-final.

The lead up to this quarter-final encounter was dominated by Osimhen’s on-field argument with teammates in the round-of-16 and threat bonus payment issues, but Nigeria rose to the occasion with two second half goals, thanks to Osimhen’s contributions.

Nigeria overwhelmingly dominated the first half, completing over twice the number of passes made by Algeria, and testing their goalkeeper, and not allowing the North Africans a sight of Stanley Nwabali.

Semi Ajayi headed high and wide from an early free kick, Osimhen did same from a corner kick, while Onyeka’s effort from a deep Bruno Onyemaechi cross was blocked by a defender within the first ten minutes of the match. Lookman also had a shot on the break saved at the near post, while Rayan Ait Nouri nicked the ball off Osimhen as the striker was about to shoot.

Calvin Bassey’s effort at the back post was scrambled off the line by Ramy Bensebaini and deemed no goal following a VAR check. Adams however missed the chance of the half, lifting the ball over the bar with just the goalkeeper to beat after been put through on goal by Alex Iwobi, as Algeria escaped into the break without going behind.They were not so lucky two minutes into the second half as Osimhen rose highest to convert a downward header to give Nigeria a deserved lead. Osimhen scored his fourth AFCON goal, and 35th international strike.

Nigeria made it two-nil on 57 minutes, Iwobi with a defence-splitting pass that freed Osimhen who unselfishly laid it on a plate for Adams to dribble the goalkeeper and tuck into an empty net for his 4th international goal.

Nigeria saw out the rest of the encounter to keep consecutive clean sheets and progress into their 16th AFCON semi-final, where they will face host nation Morocco for a place in the final.

- Daily Trust 

ÉRIC CHELLE | STATS | SUPER EAGLES

 

"YOU WIN AFCON BY FIGHTING, NOT TALKING" - OSIMHEN URGES TO POWER NIGERIA TO GLORY IN MOROCCO

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Nigeria and Tanzania. Photo by Segun Ogunfeyitimi Copyright: xShengolpixsxIMAGO

Nigeria’s hopes of ending a 12-year Africa Cup of Nations title drought have been placed firmly on the shoulders of Victor Osimhen by former international Emmanuel Amuneke, Soccernet.ng reports.

Former AFCON winner Amuneke has urged Super Eagles striker Osimhen to let his football do the talking in Morocco.

Amuneke, one of Nigeria’s most decorated former internationals, has challenged Osimhen to inspire the Super Eagles to a fourth continental crown at AFCON 2025, insisting that success at the tournament is earned through grit and fight rather than words.

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: xxIMAGO

Nigeria have not lifted the AFCON trophy since their 2013 triumph in South Africa. That success came two years before Amuneke famously unleashed a teenage Osimhen on the world stage, guiding him to the Golden Boot and Golden Ball as Nigeria won the FIFA U17 World Cup in Chile.

Since then, Osimhen’s rise has been relentless. He powered Napoli to their historic Serie A title in 2023 and went on to claim a domestic league and cup double with Galatasaray earlier this year. Osimhen's goalscoring exploit has established the Galatasaray man as one of the most feared strikers in world football.

Victor Osimhen celebrates a goal with Super Eagles teammates. Photo by Nsidibe Akpan Copyright: xxIMAGO

Yet, a major international title with Nigeria remains missing from his glittering résumé.

Osimhen came agonisingly close last year, playing a decisive role as the Super Eagles reached the AFCON final, only to fall to hosts Côte d’Ivoire. With the 26-year-old striker now in his prime, Nigeria are widely tipped to go one step further in Morocco.

One man firmly backing that belief is Amuneke himself, a member of the legendary 1994 AFCON-winning squad and a coach who knows Osimhen’s mentality better than most.

Amuneke: Nigeria must earn it on the pitch

Speaking in an interview with Victor Modo, Amuneke praised Osimhen’s consistency, leadership, and unwavering winning mentality, noting that the same traits evident during his youth career remain visible today.

“One thing I can always tell you is that when I look back at Osimhen, the same character he is demonstrating as a leader, is what he has done over the years,” the former Barcelona winger said.

“And I am glad and I would like to see him winning the AFCON. I would love to see Osimhen winning the AFCON with his group.

“They can be good players but if at the end of the day you never achieved something, people can always say, it is a good team but they never achieved anything.

“I would love them to win the AFCON but they have to win it by fighting and earning it not by talking.”

Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their AFCON campaign with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania and currently sit second in Group C with three points. Tunisia lead the group on goal difference after their 3–1 win over Uganda.

The two heavyweights meet on Saturday night in Fes, a clash that could decide the group winner and carries added edge following Nigeria’s shock defeat to Tunisia at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles held their final training session on Friday evening at the Centre de formation MAS de Fes, with all 28 players participating. The session, open briefly to the media, was intense, with no injury concerns reported.

Nigeria face Tunisia at the Fès Sports Complex, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm local and Nigerian time.

- Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele

NIGERIA PROTEST OVER DR CONGO PLAYERS, EXPLAINED: WHY SUPER EAGLES HAVE APPEALED TO FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 CASE

Nigeria may not have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by traditional means, but they believe they deserve a shot at the intercontinental playoff route.

The Super Eagles have lodged a complaint with FIFA that could, if granted, allow them another chance at earning passage to next year's tournament in North America.

Failing to qualify for the World Cup by winning their group, Nigeria were beaten on penalties by DR Congo in the final of the CAF World Cup qualification playoff, sending the Leopards to the interconfederation playoff in March.

But Nigeria believe they have identified a reason they should be the playoff participants instead of DR Congo, and have filed a protest with FIFA.

The Sporting News brings you an overview of what Nigeria feel they are entitled to, why they are filing a complaint, and the possible outcomes of the situation.

Why are Nigeria protesting over DR Congo players?

Nigeria have submitted a formal protest to FIFA over the eligibility of certain DR Congo players.

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) alleges that up to six DR Congo players did not complete the full requirements for a one-time switch to represent the Leopards officially.

The technicality revolves around DR Congo's own international citizenship laws, which do not recognize dual nationals. Thus, all those wishing to become DR Congo citizens must renounce their previous citizenship.

The NFF believes that multiple DR Congo players have not renounced their previous citizenship, thereby bypassing the normal process to receive DR Congo citizenship.

"That is, to us, what you would consider a breach of that regulation," said NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi upon revealing that Nigeria had lodged an official complaint.

The players in question were not named. However, there are a number of candidates in the DR Congo squad, including a few European-born players who switched to represent DR Congo and appeared in their qualifier against Nigeria, including Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuaku, Cedric Bakambu, Gael Kakuta, and Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

What are FIFA rules on dual nationality?

While FIFA's regulations around players obtaining nationality therein, and therefore eligibility for, a certain nation seem complicated, they are actually quite simple in most cases.

As FIFA's regulations state, "Any person holding a permanent nationality that is not dependent on residence in a certain country is eligible to play for the representative teams of the association of that country."

Essentially, if you legally obtained a passport for citizenship in a particular nation, you are eligible to represent that nation should you pass all the remaining requirements laid out by FIFA. While there are sometimes distinctions between "nationality" and "citizenship," those are rare occurrences.

However, players acquiring new nationality during the course of their lives must also meet one of FIFA's "genuine link" stipulations. These are:

He was born on the territory of the relevant association

His biological mother or biological father was born on the territory of the relevant association

His grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant association

He has lived on the territory of the relevant association:

for players that began living on the territory before the age of 10: at least three years

for players that began living on the territory between the age of 10 and 18: at least five years

these individuals must demonstrate that the move to the territory of the association was not for the purpose of participating for its representative teams

for players that began living on the territory from the age of 18: at least five years.

In this particular case, players receiving DR Congo nationality must follow the country's normal process of receiving citizenship, which includes renouncing their previous citizenship.

Could Nigeria take DR Congo's place in World Cup playoffs?

If FIFA determine that these players in question did in fact fail to complete the proper requirements for gaining DR Congo citizenship, then a few things could potentially take place.

It's possible that FIFA deem any match these players have appeared in to be in violation, and thus DR Congo would forfeit the matches. This could be incredibly damaging to the national team, as some of these individuals — Arthur Masuaku, for example — have racked up a significant cap tally.

It's also possible that FIFA could decide this is an impractical punishment, and instead they could simply sanction DR Congo moving forward, with a points deduction or other restrictions on future participation.

Should DR Congo be punished retroactively, it could result in Nigeria being given passage to the intercontinental playoff instead of Congo, but that feels like a major step for FIFA to take.

The Sporting News has reached out to FIFA for comment, but had not received a response at the time of publication.

When are the World Cup playoffs?

The FIFA Intercontinental Playoff will take place during the March international window.

The semifinals will be played on March 26, while the final of each pathway will take place on March 31.

Right now, DR Congo are slated to play in the Pathway 1 final against the winner of the semifinal between New Caledonia and Jamaica.

2026 World Cup co-host Mexico will host the Intercontinental Playoff, with one pathway held at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, where DR Congo is scheduled to play, and the other held at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe.

- KYLE BONN

SUPER EAGLES SQUAD

 

NIGERIA: WE ARE SORRY FOR THE FAILURE TO QUALIFY FOR 2026 WORLD CUP - NFF

Nigeria are ranked the fifth-best side in Africa but will be absent from the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada
 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has tendered unreserved apology for the failure of the Super Eagles to win the African ticket to the final Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled to hold March next year in Mexico.

Super Eagles lost out 3-4 in the shootouts with DR Congo after regulation and extra time deadlocked at 1-1 in the final match of the 2026 World Cup African Playoffs in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday night.

In a lengthy apology message addressed to President Bola Tinubu and passionate Nigerian football stakeholders, the NFF described the loss to DR Congo as a profound sadness to Nigerian football.

"Sunday's loss to DR Congo in the Africa Playoff 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," stressed the message issued by the NFF's Director Communication, Dr Ademola Olajire.

The statement recalled the gloom that enveloped Super Eagles dressing room minutes after the final kick in the penalty shootouts.

"In the dressing room after the match, the pain among the players was palpable. Many struggled to speak."

NFF admitted that the financial support the federation received from the President Tinubu Administration remains enormous that should have been rewarded with the World Cup ticket by the Super Eagles.

"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."

The NFF therefore pledged to go to Morocco to win the AFCON 2025 starting next month in Rabat.

"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."

Against the backdrop of calls from a section of the stakeholders that the NFF board should resign from the position, the federation promised to review Nigeria's entire participation in the World Cup qualifiers for decisive steps to reposition the national teams for future success.

- This Day (Lagos)

PENALTIES: NIGERIA VS. DR CONGO | 2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION PLAY-OFF

 

NIGERIA VS. DR CONGO | HEAD-TO-HEAD STATS

 

NIGERIA LINE-UP VS. DR CONGO | 2026 WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

 

SUPER EAGLES REVOLT IN MOROCCO EXPOSES NFF'S LONG HISTORY OF BROKEN PROMISES

On Tuesday, the players and officials boycotted training over years of unpaid bonuses and allowances, laying bare once more the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) chronic failures in managing players’ welfare.

Troost-Ekong and Ibrahim Gusau

As Nigeria’s Super Eagles prepare for one of their most crucial assignments in two years — the 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoffs in Morocco — the team has been plunged into yet another avoidable crisis.

On Tuesday, the players and officials boycotted training over years of unpaid bonuses and allowances, exposing once again the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) chronic failures in managing players’ welfare.

The squad, led by captain William Troost-Ekong, refused to train in Rabat, citing unresolved financial commitments stretching back several matches.

According to veteran BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, who first broke the story, the boycott was a united decision involving the players and officials.

They are demanding payment of long-overdue allowances before returning to full preparation for Thursday’s semi-final clash against Gabon.

Sources in Rabat said that, as of Tuesday night, the players had vowed not to play until the NFF cleared all outstanding debts.

Executives of the National Sports Commission (NSC), PREMIUM TIMES gathered, have contacted the team leaders, and some funds have reportedly been released to the NFF.

One of the journalists on the ground in Rabat, Sulaiman Pooja Adebayo, clarified that the dispute is not merely about immediate payments. “The players are fighting for the new generation,” he said.

“They want the NFF to be responsible going forward. This fight is beyond unpaid allowances; it’s about the future of football in Nigeria.”

Super Eagles (CREDIT: NFF Media)

A long shadow of broken promises

The Super Eagles’ current protest fits into a familiar and deeply embarrassing pattern that has trailed Nigerian football for decades. Successive national teams — from the 1994 heroes to the class of 2018 — have faced similar episodes of neglect and delayed payments, often on the eve of major tournaments.

Across the age-grade teams and even among the female footballers, the sad tale of broken promises and unpaid wages is even worse.

Former Beach Soccer captain Abu Azeez recalled his own experience, saying he once considered retiring from national duty because of repeated empty promises. “I finally joined camp and played so we qualified for the World Cup, but I was never paid that same money,” Azeez lamented. “This is not new. It’s a recurring wound.”

Former Super Eagles captain and ex-coach Sunday Oliseh also painted a grim picture of the NFF’s habit of reneging on promises when he appeared on Bet9ja’s Home Turf podcast.

Oliseh said that for the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers, the players agreed with the federation to split the FIFA qualification bonus equally — half for the federation and half for the 30 players featured in the qualifying campaign. “We had an agreement: $1 million was coming from FIFA. We said, ‘Okay, let’s split it 50–50 — $500,000 for the federation and $500,000 for the players,’” Oliseh revealed.

“Each player would have earned around $18,000. But the only way that money could be distributed fairly was if I, as captain, was there to ensure it happened.”

According to the former Juventus midfielder, the NFF allegedly disbanded the team shortly after qualification was secured — effectively removing key senior players, including himself and assistant captain Finidi George, from the final World Cup squad.

“To ensure that money was not paid, they eliminated me and Finidi,” Oliseh continued. “Eighty per cent of the players who went to the 2002 World Cup didn’t participate in the qualifiers. That means they weren’t eligible for that money — and it was never paid to those who earned it.”

Early warning

Journalist Osasu Obayiuwana had sounded the alarm much earlier this year when he questioned the seriousness of Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions while owing the Super Eagles bonuses for twenty matches. His words, once seen as hyperbole, now ring prophetic.

Sources close to the team revealed that the NFF had verbally promised the squad a “special bonus” a month ago, but the agreement was never formalised. “They offered, not the players,” one source clarified. “Now the federation has gone silent.”

William Troost-Ekong

Troost-Ekong calls for calm

Amid the tension, Captain William Troost-Ekong moved swiftly to steady the ship. Posting on his verified X account, he confirmed the situation but urged restraint and truth.

“Once a resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm,” he wrote. “Any other statement or especially demands other than the rightful request written about below is false. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead.”

His message was a subtle rebuke to speculative reports circulating online about fresh demands from the players. Ekong’s post also reflects the team’s collective frustration — not defiance, but fatigue from years of financial neglect that have repeatedly disrupted Nigeria’s football progress.

Administrative inertia and quiet corridors

The NFF has remained publicly silent since the boycott began. Despite growing international attention, its media team has issued no statement since Tuesday. However, insiders confirm that the federation’s president, Ibrahim Gusau, is expected to meet with the players in Rabat on Wednesday morning, following overnight consultations with officials from the National Sports Commission.

According to government sources, the NSC claims it has released additional funds to the NFF to cover outstanding obligations for the qualifiers. Whether those funds, when disbursed to the players, will calm their nerves remains unclear.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye arrived late Tuesday night, completing the 24-man squad in camp.

Yet full training had not resumed as of Wednesday morning, pending the outcome of talks between the players and the NFF hierarchy.

Bigger than Morocco

The timing of this crisis could hardly be worse. Nigeria faces Gabon in the first semi-final of the FIFA World Cup Africa Play-off Tournament in Rabat, with a potential final against either Cameroon or DR Congo determining who advances to the intercontinental playoff stage.

But beyond the immediate embarrassment, the players’ revolt has reignited a national conversation about how football governance continues to fail its biggest ambassadors.

For all the glitz around modern Nigerian stars — Osimhen, Lookman, Ndidi — their working conditions remain disturbingly unstable.

For many, the federation’s inability to settle basic entitlements undermines morale, professionalism, and public confidence — at a time when the country can least afford distractions.

As negotiations continue in Rabat, the message from the players is unmistakable: this is no longer just a fight for money, but for dignity and accountability.

- Tunde Eludini

SUPER EAGLES' ERIC CHELLE'S IMPRESSIVE STREAK

Super Eagles did not lose a single World Cup qualification match under Eric Chelle. 

6 matches, 4 wins, and 2 draws

BAFANA BAFANA VS. SUPER EAGLES | HEAD-TO-HEAD

 

NIGERIAN SOCCER ⚽ LEGENDS | SUPER EAGLES

THE MATYRS.

L - R : Late Sam Okwaraji, late Stephen Keshi, late Peter Rufai and late Coach Ganiyu Salami.

May their repose souls rest in perfect peace.

HOW TIME FLIES! IT'S 32 YEARS SINCE OKOCHA'S DEBUT FOR AUPER EAGLES

One of the globally acclaimed footballers to have come from Nigeria is Austin Okocha, who is better known as ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha.

He belongs to the acclaimed Golden Generation of the Super Eagles, which dazzled the continent and the world from 1994 to 1996. Okocha was pivotal and a central performer in the squad.

His illustrious career in the squad with which he made 68 appearances started on this day 32 years ago, on 2 May.

He made his first appearance for the Super Eagles in a World Cup qualifying duel with Côte d’Ivoire in Abidjan. Nigeria lost 2-1. Since then, Okocha has had 68 caps.

He remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers as his fame cut across the continent.

At Eintracht Frankfurt, he remains one of the most revered players to have worn the German club’s colours, as the fans still have fond memories of him, even over two decades since his departure.

His skill with the ball was a beauty to behold. Even other accomplished players confessed they were inspired by Okocha’s skills.

From being a midfielder, he rose to become the captain of not just his English Premier League club, Bolton Wanderers, but also of the Super Eagles.

In March 2004, the legendary Brazilian football icon, Pelé, named him among the top 125 living footballers in the world. Significantly, only five players from Africa made the list.

When he moved from Fenerbahçe of Turkey to 1998 French Cup winners, Paris St. Germain, at a record transfer fee of $17 million, the amount eclipsed the two most expensive transfers previously made in French soccer history, when Olympic Marseille paid $12.6 million each for Italian international Fabrizio Ravenelli and former Metz star, Robert Pires.

Okocha’s sign-up was regarded as a bid to rebuild the club to recapture the French League. His languid skill and deceptive pace already made him a favourite among French fans who watched him play four World Cup matches. His creative spark was the most noticeable feature of the erratic Super Eagles at the France ’98 World Cup.

Okocha’s career began at home while playing as a 16-year-old for Enugu Rangers. But a chance encounter whilst on holiday in Germany launched his international career. He tried out for a fourth division club, Borussia Neunkirchen, and they snapped him up.

In 1992, Okocha began his ascent in the German league, joining first division club Eintracht Frankfurt and signing professional terms. It was at Frankfurt that he first began to excite German crowds with his dazzling dribbling skills and drew the attention of European agents.

A £ 1 million move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahce was the result in 1996 and Okocha helped his new side to the league title in his first season, but just two seasons later he was on the move again in a staggering $17million switch to Paris St. Germain, making him the most expensive Nigerian footballer ever.

After seeing out his contract with the French giants, Okocha was available on a free transfer – hence the rumoured £ 3.3 million-a-year wages he was reported to be demanding from Bolton Wanderers. It is testament to Sam Allardyce’s negotiation skills that he was able to convince the midfielder to drop his high demands and join the English Premier League outfit.

 At Bolton, he was like a cult hero. “Jay Jay Okocha – so good they named him twice” was a common chant by Bolton fans. This was the attitude of fans towards the gifted Nigerian after the skilful midfielder played the lead role in securing the Trotters’ Barclaycard Premiership status in his debut season at the club. The Nigerian helped Bolton to one of their most successful seasons ever during the 2003/04 campaign. For 131 years, Bolton Wanderers had wandered in the wilderness.

The 2003/04 season was undoubtedly the best season the club ever had. Okocha was part of that historic moment. In the past, it was common to see Bolton Wanderers slipping into relegation almost every other season. Before Okocha arrived at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton Wanderers hardly ever spent three consecutive seasons in the top division.

After a slow start to his Bolton career, Okocha came into his own in the second half of the season, thrilling crowds with his tricks and pleasing Sam Allardyce with his match-winning performances. Bolton’s Player of the Season had many memorable moments throughout the 2002/03 campaign, but his most important contribution was the winning goal against relegation rivals West Ham at the Reebok.

As if to prove his talent, Okocha was honoured with the BBC’s African Player of the Year award for two consecutive seasons. The player who once featured for Nigeria at Mauritius ’93 African Youth Championship moved to SC Qatar at the close of the 2005/06 season.

At the close of the 2006 season, he ranked next to Muda Lawal in the number of international appearances for Nigeria.

The high point of his career was the scoring of the historical 1,000th goal of the African Cup of Nations.  This he did at Monastir, Tunisia, when he converted a penalty kick to put the scoreline at 2-0 in a 4-0 defeat of South Africa.

- Kunle Solaja

VICTOR OSIMHEN: IS YHE GALATASARAY AND SUPER EAGLES FORWARD YORUBA OR EDO?

Match between AZ - Galatasaray. Galatasaray Victor Osimhen acknowledges the fans. Photo by IMAGO

Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen has sparked mixed reactions between the Yoruba and Edo people of Nigeria following his recent comments about Amala, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian international was born to parents from Edo State, in southern Nigeria. However, he was born in Lagos and spent his entire life in southwestern Nigeria, predominantly occupied by the Yorubas.

In a recent interview, the Galatasaray forward did not shy away from his Lagos roots, identifying as Yoruba rather than Edo in a viral video.

Amala: Osimhen Recommends Yoruba Delicacy

The Napoli-owned forward recently garnered attention when asked about one Nigerian dish he believes everyone should try.

Osimhen, without hesitation, responded: “I grew up in Lagos, and we the Yorubas love Amala, so everyone should try it.”

 His statement sparked mixed reactions, with some seeing it as an inclusive remark while others felt he was distancing himself from his Edo heritage.

Osimhen: Edo by Parentage, Yoruba by Upbringing

As mentioned earlier, Osimhen’s parents are from Edo State, but having spent his entire life in Lagos, his lifestyle aligns with that of a typical Yoruba person. However, his Edo heritage remains undeniable.

Despite his rise to the top, Osimhen has never forgotten his Lagos upbringing. Last Christmas, he visited his childhood community in Olusosun, Lagos, where he distributed dozens of tricycles (Keke) and food items to youths and mothers.

Lookman Learns Yoruba from Osimhen

Ademola Lookman shocked the Nigerian football community after winning the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award by greeting the audience in Yoruba.

Lookman later revealed that Osimhen played a key role in his integration into the Nigerian squad, helping him learn the language.

“We are proud as a group of what we achieved at AFCON. Now, some people speak Yoruba to me. If somebody wants to tell me something, they tell me in Yoruba. Like Victor Osimhen, he would speak to me in Yoruba. But sometimes, if he says something to me in Yoruba and I can reply, then I say it,” Lookman said.

Aside Lookman’s confirmation, Osimhen has also been seen engaging with fans in the Yoruba language, which further shows his deep connection to the Yoruba culture.

- Ayomide Oguntimehin

'NIGERIA CAN WIN AFCON 2025, BUT THE SUPER EAGLES WILL NOT' - SEGUN ODEGBAMI REVEALS

Segun Odegbami has offered a blunt assessment of the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 AFCON.

Legendary Nigerian footballer Segun Odegbami has shared his thoughts on the Super Eagles' chances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), offering a blunt assessment of the team’s prospects.

Despite expressing confidence in Nigeria's potential to win the 2025 AFCON, former Super Eagles star believes the team is unlikely to secure the continental title.

The Super Eagles will look to go a step further after the heartbreaking loss to the Ivory Coast in AFCON2023.
 .

 What Odegbami said

Odegbami, a key figure in Nigeria's football history, has always been outspoken about the state of the national team.

In his recent column on Complete Sports, the ex-footballer acknowledged Nigeria's immense talent but also pointed out areas where he feels the Super Eagles fall short.

He said, "From December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the world will be treated to the best of African football, once again. My immediate feeling is that Nigeria can win AFCON 2025, but the Super Eagles will not!

New Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle during his unveiling in Abuja.
 .

"It has been a battle between my heart (for patriotic reasons) that wills the Eagles to win it, and my head that tells me they are not good enough to win it this time around.

The draws of the TotalEnergies CAF African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025, were concluded last week in Rabat, Morocco. The road to the most prestigious football championship in Africa was, thus, flung open to analysts and soothsayers, and the wagering war has begun,"

 "He continued, "So far, I see nothing in my Crystal ball that even remotely suggests that the Super Eagles are one of the favorites to win it. Can they? Yes, on paper. Will they? In my realistic consideration, far from it. However, in football, anything can happen, more so that, as the cliche goes, ‘there are no more minnows in African football’."

As the Super Eagles prepare for the 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, there is no shortage of expectations.

The three-time African champions have been drawn into Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania.

- Hassan Abdulsalam 

NIGERIA BOYCOTT AFCON QUALIFIER AGAINST LIBYA - FEDERATION

Nigeria forward Victor Boniface was part of the team stranded at a small airport in Libya. William Troost-Ekong on X

Nigeria have pulled out of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya on Monday, according to their captain William Troost-Ekong and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), in protest at their flight to the country being diverted before players and staff were abandoned for hours in an airport far from the match venue.

The Super Eagles were due to play hosts Libya in the city of Benghazi, where they hoped to seal a qualification berth for the finals in Morocco late next year.

But after being stranded for more than 16 hours at an airport 250 km (155 miles) away from their intended destination, the Nigeria players said they will not fulfil the fixture and the NFF issued a statement.

"The delegation of Nigeria to Tuesday's 2025 AFCON qualifier against Libya still remained at the Al Abraq Airport 12 hours after landing in Libya," the statement said.

"The chartered ValueJet aircraft was, strangely and in a dangerous manner, diverted to the small airport away from Benghazi just as the pilot was completing his approach to the Benghazi Airport.

"Fatigued players and officials have remained nonplussed as the host Libyan Football Federation failed to send any reception team or even vehicles to take the delegation members from the airport to their hotel, said to be 3 hours away in Benghazi.

"Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home."

Troost-Ekong said on X: "As the captain, together with the team, we have decided that we will not play this game. Apparently our plane is being fueled as we speak and we should be leaving to Nigeria shortly."

CAF said in a statement that they had been in contact with both countries' football federations and that the "matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations."

The Libyan Football Federation said the incident was not deliberate and urged Nigeria to be understanding.

"We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional," it said, adding that disruptions can occur from routine air traffic protocols, security checks or other logistical challenges.

"We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill."

Nigeria striker Victor Boniface complained he had been stuck at the airport for almost 13 hours with no food, WiFi or place to sleep. "Africa, we can do better," he said on X.

It is unclear what will happen to the points from the game with the matter likely to be referred to CAF's Disciplinary Board.

Nigeria beat Libya 1-0 in the reverse fixture in Uyo on Friday thanks to a late goal from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, taking them to seven points from three games in their group.

Benin have six points, Rwanda two and Libya one. The top two teams in each group advance to the 24-team finals.

Information from ESPN's Colin Udoh contributed to this report.

- Reuters 

AFCON: SUPER EAGLES PLAYERS CONSIDERING RETIREMENT AFTER DEFEAT IN FINAL

 

A couple of Super Eagles players are considering retirement from international duty following the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, final.

Nigeria threw away a one-goal lead to lose 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast on Sunday.

Following the defeat, a source tells DAILY POST that “a lot of players are considering retirement”.

It is however understood that some of them are due for retirement and should make an announcement in the coming days.

However, there could be some surprising names too.

The source, however, noted, “This is the time for the NFF to engage the players and create the atmosphere that they are loved and the AFCON setback is not the end of life, we can continue working and win in 2025”.

- Daily Post Nigeria