2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Super Eagles assemble in Rabat, ahead of Gabon clash Captain William Ekong and fellow defender Benjamin Fredericks were being expected at the Super Eagles’ hotel in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday night, to join the seven-man early crew of defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Simon Moses, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, and Samuel Chukwueze. Most of the remaining 15 players are expected on Monday, as the three-time African champions get in the mood for a potentially-explosive Play-off semi-final clash with the Panthers of Gabon at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay…
Author: Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Abdulgafar Oladimeji is a sports writer with over two decades experience in the industry. As a reporter , he has worked with top major Nigerian newspapers, freelancer with newspaper and broadcast media organizations in Africa, Europe and America. He is a well travelled sports journalists reporting major sports events across the globe.
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FIFA World Cup 2026 Playoff: Gabon plots how to stop gangling striker , Victor Osimhen By Abdulgafar Oladimeji Gabonese national football team gaffer Thierry Mouyouma has disclosed that his side is strategizing on how to contain rampaging Super Eagles striker , Victor Osimhen when both side clash in the FIFA 2026 world cup play off match that would hold in Morocco. Thierry Mouyouma, who has released the names of his 26-man squad to do battle against the Nigerians has described the Nigerian hitman as unpredictable. He said “We have to defend as we wouldn’t against just anyone. How do we…
Nigeria’s National Institute For Sports Goes South east As part of the decentralization of the National Institute for Sports across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) Comrade Philip Shaibu has further decentralized the activities of the sports think tank by approving the establishment of an NIS centre in South east Nigeria. The NIS honcho last Friday visited the Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah along with the members of the institute’s management team , noting that he is on a working visit to Enugu State, He…
Nigeria’s maiden professional sports law course flags off The maiden edition of the professional certificate in sports law organized by Sports Without Borders Development Association, SWIBODA has flagged off. The certificate course is organized by SWIBODA in collaboration with the Corporate and Business law school. Our correspondent gathered that the course is a three weeks hybrid executive programme , which modules includes, CAS, IAC , sports governing bodies, WADA, players contract and scouting regulations. The course flagged off on November 5th, 2025 our sources revealed . Participants taking parts in the course are seasoned and veteran sports journalists, private and…
KACCIMA , PIN, Pop Cola, CIHRM bags SWAN diamond national honour’s for sports development Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN has conferred its diamond national honour’s on corporate and non governmental organizations that have contributed to national sports development in Nigeria . The award bestowed on the awardees is part of the activities marking 60 years , since the existence of the umbrella body of Nigerian sports journalists fraternity. Our correspondent reports that , the award beneficiaries are, Kano Chamber of Commerce Industries, Mines and Agriculture, KACCIMA, Peace Initiative Network, PIN, Pop Cola beverage company and the Chartered Institute of…
SOUTH AFRICAN REFEREES AND THE SUPER EAGLES: A CASE FOR CAUTION AND FAIRNESS When rivalry meets responsibility — why FIFA must tread carefully in appointing officials for Nigeria’s decisive qualifier. ⸻ Ordinarily, there should be no hue and cry over South African referees handling a match involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria. After all, football officiating is meant to rise above national sentiments. But context matters — and so does perception. In recent years, the rivalry between Nigeria and South Africa has grown beyond the pitch. From continental tournaments to World Cup qualifiers, every fixture between both nations carries political…
OPINION:: SUNSHINE STARS FC: A CLARION CALL FOR URGENT ACTION AND ACCOUNTABILITY By Kasali Obanoyen We are deeply worried and seriously concerned about the management of Sunshine Stars FC continued refusal to comply with the directive issued almost a month ago by the NFF Players Status and Arbitration Committee regarding the settlement of outstanding debts owed to players, coaches, and administrators. It’s heartbreaking that our beloved club may be unable to register new players for the new season, which already kicked off this weekend across the country. The implication of this negligence is that our team could be forced to…
2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria unleash Ekong, Osimhen, Moses, 21 others against Gabon Captain William Ekong, ace forward Victor Osimhen, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and defenders Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey have been included in Nigeria’s 24-man list for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco. Super Eagles’ Head Coach Eric Chelle has also included 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, exciting young defender Benjamin Fredericks, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman. Nigeria will take on Gabon in the first semi-final scheduled for the 22,000 – capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay…
Pakistan set to establish new professional football league, calls for partners Pakistan Football Federation, PFF has unveiled plans to establish a new football league for the Asian nation. The federation as part of plans to set up the new league has called for partnership from all critical major industry players to come forward . The PFF said it is seeking for intending partners . The federation has asked potential partners to send their expression of interest to work with the federation to its secretariat for consideration. The federation said the move is to set up a league that would be…
Just In: South African Officials Appointed To Handle Nigeria vs Gabon African FIFA 2026 World Cup Playoff in Morocco By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The 2026 FIFA World Cup crucial playoff between Nigeria and Gabon would be officiated by South African officiating officials, impeccable sources have revealed. The source disclosed that FIFA has announced that Tom Abongile will take charge at the centre, while Zakhele Siwelawould serve as assistant referee, and Akhona Makalima as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Hughes Alain Ndjovijoins from Benin republic joins the rank as the referee assessor for the make or mar game. The Super Eagles of…
