Author: Abdulgafar Oladimeji

FIFA World Cup 2026: US introduces new visa interview pass During a landmark event at the White House attended by the President of the United States Donald J. Trump, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the White House Task Force and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the U.S. Department of State unveiled the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System, FIFA PASS, for FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket holders attending matches in the United States. This service gives every fan who buys a ticket the opportunity to obtain a prioritised visa interview. The announcement represents…

President Tinubu, fix the structural crisis in Nigerian sports By Anonymous Source. Many Nigerians expected that when President Bola Tinubu, a passionate sports lover and my fellow Manchester United fan, took office, the sports sector would finally receive the attention it desperately needed. With such personal passion for sports, it was only natural to assume that our sector would flourish under his watch. Unfortunately, almost three years down the line, the opposite is the case. Instead of progress, the sector is moving in a confusing direction. The very first step the President took in sports was concerning, especially with the…

32 countries already qualified for the 2026 US, Canada Mexico FIFA World Cup By Abdulgafar Oladimeji Seven months to the c kick off of the largest football fiesta, 32 countries have booked their place to be on parade in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 2026 world cup will be the largest fiesta first in history with 48 nations roaring to compete for the world football’s most price international prize. The countries that have booked their flight to the football mondial are, USA – Host nation Canada – Host nation Mexico – Host nation England – European qualification France…

NIGERIAN FOOTBALL HUNTED BY THE GHOST OF CORRUPTION, IMPUNITY AND HYPOCRISY- SOLOMON DALUNG When I assumed office as Minister in November 2015 wearing my khaki and red beret, the general consensus within the sports family was that a complete novice had arrived the scene. My unassuming appearance convinced many stakeholders that it would be business as usual. But unknown to them, I had been deeply familiar with the sports ecosystem long before stepping into the Ministry. As far back as 2002, I was part of the Federal Government Delegation to the African Cup of Nations in Mali, where I witnessed…

How the NFF & NSC Contrived to take the Oxygen Mask of a recuperating Super Eagles – Chinedum Ohanusi Not long ago, I mean in the days of Alhaji Sani Lulu Abdullahi and even Alhaji Aminu Maigari; the unthinkable mishap that happened in Rabat Morocco, where the entire players and officials of the Super Eagles, contrived to sit out training sessions, before two crucial games, in protest of unpaid match bonuses etc, would have been deemed impossible, and sacrilegious! Having been given a second chance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and with the Presidency showing more desire…

KENNEDY CENTER SET TO HOST 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP DRAWS , DEC 5 By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has stated that it is ready to play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final draws slated for Friday, December 5, 2025. The centre expressed its readiness to accommodate the world soccer community describing itself as America’s cultural center and national hub for all-star entertainment. Saying the event will afford national teams that have berth their place to discover their group opponents in “ thebiggest sporting event in history — the first-ever 48-team FIFA…

FIFA World Cup 2026: End of The Road For Nigeria By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The Super Eagles of Nigeria have failed to advance their quest to secure a place at the final playoff for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Nigeria succumbed 4-3 on penalties to DR Congo in Rabat on Sunday night. The match ended 1-1 at the end of regulation time at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium, the contest carried a single, stark prize: a place at the six-team play-off tournament in Guadalajara and Monterrey, where two World Cup berths will be decided. Nigeria’s Frank Onyeka put…

FIFA uncovers over 65,000 abusive football posts , football must be safe says Infantino To mark the International Day for Tolerance, FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting respect and inclusion by issuing a reminder that hate and discrimination have no place in football. As part of its efforts in this area, FIFA said it has enhanced its Social Media Protection Service (SMPS), which is available to all players, teams and officials at FIFA tournaments, as well as to FIFA Member Associations (MAs), all year round. Since the launch of the SMPS in 2022, more than 65,000 abusive posts have…

2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off Final: D :Day in Africa, Nigeria vs DRC show down By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The Super Eagles of Nigeria will confront the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff final today at the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan. in Rabat , Morocco. The mtch would be played by 8pm offcila sources have confirmed. The Super Eagles thrashed Gabon in the first semi finals of the playoff to set up the final clash against the Leopards, who had pipped the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon by an slim lone goal…

US soccer league to introduce new calendar The United States Major League, MLS Soccer will in the summer of 2007 align its competition calendar with the world’s top football leagues. The MLS will shift from a spring-to-fall calendar to a summer-to-spring season format same with top European top leagues. The new changes is been discussed with the Major League Soccer Players Association for adoption by critical parties. The league in a press release said that the 2027/28 MLS regular season will kick off in mid-to-late July 2027 and conclude with the MLS Cup Playoff final in late May 2028. The…