The 2026 President Federation Cup Women’s competition produced a series of tight and dramatic quarter-final encounters as Sunshine Queens, FC Robo Queens, Heartland Queens and Nasarawa Amazons booked their places in the semi-finals.

Sunshine Queens kept their title ambitions alive with a late 1-0 win over Confluence Queens in a closely contested tie. The Akure-based side struggled to break down their opponents for most of the match but found a decisive breakthrough in the closing stages to secure their place in the last four.

FC Robo Queens also progressed after edging past Rivers Angels 1-0. A first-half strike in the 39th minute proved enough for the Lagos side, who defended resolutely to eliminate one of the competition’s most experienced teams and continue their push towards the final.

The most entertaining clash came between Heartland Queens and Ibom Angels, which ended 2-2 after regulation time. In a fiercely contested encounter, both sides traded goals before the match went to penalties. Heartland Queens held their nerve from the spot, converting four penalties to Ibom Angels’ two to seal a 4-2 shootout victory.

In the final quarter-final, Nasarawa Amazons advanced after a tense penalty shootout against Edo Queens. The match ended goalless in regulation time, but Nasarawa Amazons were flawless in the shootout, scoring all five penalties to win 5-3 after Edo Queens missed twice.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba will host the grand finale for both the men’s and women’s competitions, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion to this year’s tournament.

Oluwapelumi Ilori

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has called on his teammates and Nigerian football fans to remain positive and keep moving forward following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking during a social media livestream, the Galatasaray forward broke his silence on Nigeria’s latest setback, describing the experience as painful but urging acceptance and progress.

“It’s bad, not just for me but for the rest of the guys. We’ve missed out twice in a row. Sometimes life happens, so we just have to keep moving,” Osimhen said.

The 2026 World Cup, which is currently underway, is the first edition expanded to 48 teams, with Africa allocated nine automatic qualification slots and an additional playoff route. Despite this increased opportunity, Nigeria failed to secure qualification, finishing second in their group before being eliminated by the Democratic Republic of Congo in the continental playoffs.

The result means the Super Eagles will miss a second consecutive World Cup, having last appeared at the tournament in 2018.

The disappointment is particularly significant given the quality within the current squad, which includes players such as Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman.

Much of Nigeria’s failure has been linked to instability in management during the qualifying campaign, which saw three different coaches handle various stages of the process. The lack of continuity was widely seen as a major factor in the team’s struggles.

However, there have been signs of progress under current head coach Eric Chelle, who has introduced a more structured tactical approach and helped restore some stability to the team.

Although several key players are expected to be in the latter stages of their careers by the time the next World Cup cycle arrives, there is growing belief that the Super Eagles can rebuild and mount a stronger qualification campaign under Chelle’s leadership.

The National Sports Commission has pledged full support for Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi’s grassroots football initiative, the Kwara Kiddies League, with NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko describing the project as vital to nurturing the next generation of Nigerian talent, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Dikko made the commitment when he received Awoniyi on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The Super Eagles striker was accompanied by former Nigerian international and ex-Bundesliga forward Anthony Ujah.

During the visit, Awoniyi presented the NSC Chairman with an official Nottingham Forest jersey and outlined his vision to expand opportunities for young footballers through the Kwara Kiddies League and other youth-focused sports development projects

he is involved in. Dikko commended the striker for investing in grassroots sports and assured him of the Commission’s readiness to provide the necessary support and an enabling environment for the initiative to succeed.

“Partnerships between successful athletes and sports administrators are essential to discovering and developing future champions, particularly at the grassroots level where talent identification begins,” Dikko said.

Three-time champions El-Kanemi Warriors will face surprise package Ikorodu City in the final of the 2026 President Federation Cup after both teams emerged victorious in their semi-final encounters, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ikorodu City continued their fairytale run in the competition by defeating Nasarawa United 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

The result added to Nasarawa United's disappointing record at the Benin City venue. The Solid Miners previously suffered heartbreak there in the 2021 Federation Cup final, losing to Bayelsa United on penalties following a 2-2 draw.

In the other semi-final, El-Kanemi Warriors produced an impressive display to defeat Wikki Tourists 3-1 at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

The Maiduguri-based club, winners of the competition in 1991, 1992 and 2024, have now reached a second consecutive final and will be aiming to secure a fourth Federation Cup crown.

Men's Semi-Final Results

El-Kanemi Warriors 3-1 Wikki Tourists

Nasarawa United 1-1 Ikorodu City (Ikorodu City won 4-2 on penalties)

Attention now turns to the women's competition, with the quarter-final fixtures scheduled to take place across various centres.

Women's Quarter-Final Fixtures (June 18, 2026)

Sunshine Queens vs Confluence Queens — Benin City, 1 p.m.

Rivers Angels vs FC Robo Queens — Benin City, 4 p.m.

Heartland Queens vs Ibom Angels — Aba, 4 p.m.

Edo Queens vs Nasarawa Amazons — Anyigba, 4 p.m.

The men's final will now see experienced campaigners El-Kanemi Warriors battle ambitious newcomers Ikorodu City in a clash that promises plenty of excitement as both sides chase Federation Cup glory.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has emphasised the intense competition within the national team, stating that players must consistently prove themselves to earn a place in the squad, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician noted that Nigeria currently boasts quality options across every department, making team selection increasingly challenging for the coaching crew.

Speaking on the competition in central defence, Chelle pointed to the calibre of players already established in the squad.

“If you want to break into central defence, you have players like Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Igho Ogbu, Benjamin Frederick and Emmanuel Fernandez competing for places,” Chelle said.

The coach also highlighted the depth available in the full-back positions, where players such as Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi and Zaidu Sanusi continue to battle for starting roles alongside other emerging talents.

In midfield, Chelle reserved special praise for Alex Iwobi, describing the Fulham star as “a magician” and one of the most influential players in the current squad.

The former Mali coach was equally impressed by Nigeria’s attacking strength, singling out Victor Osimhen as the best striker in world football.

“You have to be better than these players to break into the team,” Chelle stated. “To be part of the Super Eagles, you must give everything, intensity, aggression and commitment. Every player must earn his place.”

Chelle’s comments reflect the growing depth and quality within the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria continues to build towards future international competitions and qualification campaigns.

Wilfred Ndidi is expected to leave Besiktas this summer after just one season in Turkey, with reports suggesting the Super Eagles midfielder no longer fits into the club’s long-term plans.

Ndidi joined Besiktas from Leicester City in an €8 million deal last summer, but his future has been under constant speculation since the January transfer window, when interest from a return to England briefly emerged.

The situation at the club has shifted significantly following a disappointing campaign and a managerial change, with Sergen Yalç?n replaced by Vincenzo Italiano. Reports indicate the new coach does not see Ndidi as part of his tactical setup, prompting the club to consider offers.

According to Ajanshaber, a move away is now increasingly likely, with the Saudi Pro League emerging as the most realistic destination for the 29-year-old midfielder.

Although Ndidi still has two years left on his contract, Besiktas are reportedly open to selling him for a fee above €10 million in order to make a profit on their initial investment.

The former Leicester City star, who was once linked with Manchester United, has not attracted serious confirmed interest from top European sides in recent months, further increasing the likelihood of a move outside Europe’s top leagues.

Despite the uncertainty, Ndidi contributed solid performances during his debut season in Turkey, but the club’s instability and tactical reset have accelerated discussions over his departure.

Saudi clubs are now monitoring the situation closely as they continue to target experienced international players ahead of the new season.

Akor Adams is attracting strong transfer interest from across Europe, with Olympique Marseille reportedly emerging as frontrunners for his signature ahead of the summer window.

According to Spanish publication OrgulloBiri, Sevilla FC have placed a €30 million valuation on the Super Eagles striker, who only joined the club from Montpellier in January 2025 for around €5.5 million.

The 26-year-old endured a slow start in Andalusia but finished the season strongly, ending as Sevilla’s top scorer in La Liga with 10 goals. Two of those came in the final four matches, playing a key role in helping the club avoid relegation.

Marseille are believed to be exploring Adams as a potential replacement in attack, with uncertainty surrounding the futures of key forwards such as Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. His previous experience in French football is seen as a major advantage, making him a natural fit for Ligue 1.

Premier League side Fulham FC are also monitoring the situation. A move to Craven Cottage would see Adams link up with Nigerian teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, as Fulham continue their search for a new striker following squad changes.

Clubs from Saudi Arabia have also shown interest, but Adams is reportedly prioritising a move within Europe, which could narrow his options significantly.

Sevilla are open to selling if their valuation is met, as they look to ease financial pressure and reinvest in the squad. If a €30 million deal is completed, Adams would become one of the club’s biggest outgoing transfers in recent years.

Chibuike Nwaiwu could become one of the most expensive Nigerian defenders on the market this summer, with Trabzonspor reportedly demanding around €35 million to sanction his departure.

Nwaiwu only joined the Turkish side from Austrian club Wolfsberger AC during the January transfer window but has already made a strong impression at Papara Park.

The 22-year-old centre-back has scored three goals and provided one assist in 16 league appearances, quickly establishing himself as a key figure in the squad. He also played an important role in Trabzonspor’s Turkish Cup-winning campaign.

According to Turkish outlet Taka Gazete, the club are open to a sale if any interested party meets their valuation, despite viewing him as an important part of their long-term plans.

Trabzonspor are already preparing for a possible exit, with Gambian defender Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh of Tromsø IL identified as a potential replacement. The Turkish side are reportedly willing to offer around €7 million for the young defender as part of their succession planning.

Premier League club Fulham FC are said to be monitoring the situation, especially given their previous interest in strengthening defensive options. With Nigerian internationals Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey already at the club, a move to London could appeal to Nwaiwu if negotiations progress.

For now, however, Trabzonspor’s stance is clear: any departure will only happen if their €35 million valuation is met.

Victor Osimhen will not be sold this summer, according to Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek, who has firmly ruled out any possibility of the striker leaving the club regardless of the size of any offer.

The Nigerian forward has continued to attract major interest from top European sides, with reports claiming that Atlético Madrid recently tabled a €150 million bid to test Galatasaray’s resolve.

However, the Turkish champions remain unwavering in their stance.

Speaking to Turkish outlet Fotomaç, Özbek stated:

“We didn’t buy Osimhen to sell him. He’s a player who adds great value to Galatasaray and loves Galatasaray very much. We want him to serve Galatasaray for many years to come. Osimhen is also very happy at Galatasaray.”

Osimhen joined Galatasaray initially on loan during the 2024/25 season, where he enjoyed a highly productive campaign that helped the club secure both the league title and the Turkish Cup.

The 27-year-old registered 26 goals and four assists in 30 league appearances, establishing himself as one of the most influential players in the squad.

His move was later made permanent for €75 million following Galatasaray’s decision to secure his long-term future.

Despite continued speculation over interest from Europe’s elite clubs, the Istanbul side have now made their position clear: Osimhen is central to their long-term project and not available for transfer.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has continued her off-pitch leadership with a grassroots development initiative following Nigeria’s recent international friendlies against Senegal.

The Nigeria women’s national team skipper recently embarked on a visit to Jos, Plateau State, as part of a growing personal project aimed at inspiring and developing young football talents across the country.

Sharing her vision on social media, Ajibade described the initiative as: “City by City, Coach by Coach, Generation by Generation,” signalling a long-term commitment to youth engagement and football development.

During her visit, she spent time with grassroots teams, interacting with players and coaches while sharing insights from her career at both club and international levels.

A key stop on her outreach tour was a training session with Plateau United Queens, where she encouraged the players and staff and offered motivational guidance drawn from her experience with the Super Falcons.

As part of her gesture, Ajibade also presented customised jerseys from the Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation to players and coaches, further reinforcing her commitment to supporting the growth of women’s football at the grassroots level.

The initiative highlights a growing trend of senior Nigerian internationals giving back to local football development structures, while also positioning Ajibade as a key ambassador for the next generation of female footballers in the country.

OLUWAPELUMI ILORI

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has reportedly addressed growing speculation linking him with a move to Turkish champions Galatasaray, as rumours continue to suggest that fellow Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen is encouraging the transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to Turkish outlet Aspor, Galatasaray have identified Lookman as a key target as they seek to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the 2026/27 season.

The Istanbul giants are eager to build on their recent domestic dominance and remain competitive in both domestic and European competitions, with Lookman viewed as a player capable of adding pace, creativity and goals to their attack.

Interest in the Nigerian winger comes amid uncertainty over his future at Atlético Madrid. Despite only recently joining the Spanish side, reports indicate that the club could be willing to listen to offers if a suitable bid is submitted.

Turkish reports also claim that Osimhen has personally contacted Lookman in an effort to persuade his international teammate to make the move to Istanbul. The prospect of two of Nigeria's biggest football stars playing together at club level has generated excitement among Galatasaray supporters.

However, Lookman is understood to be taking a cautious approach to the speculation. While reportedly open to considering the move, the 27-year-old has insisted that any discussions regarding personal terms can only take place after Galatasaray and Atlético Madrid reach an agreement.

His stance suggests that he is not dismissing the possibility of a transfer but remains focused on allowing both clubs to handle negotiations before making a final decision.

Galatasaray are believed to be assessing the financial demands of a potential deal, with Lookman reportedly valued at around €40 million. Atlético Madrid's position will be crucial, particularly given the investment made to bring the winger to the club.

With the summer transfer window still open, the situation remains one to monitor closely as speculation surrounding the futures of both Lookman and Osimhen continues to gather momentum.

Nigeria Premier Football League side Kano Pillars FC have confirmed the departure of eight players following the expiration of their contracts at the end of the 2025/26 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The players leaving Sai Masu Gida are Muhammad Galadima, Ugochukwu Gabriel, Zahraddeen Bello, Williams Ayuba, Bernard Ovoke, Christian Izuchukwu, Sudais Ali Baba and Aliyu Yakubu.

In a statement released by the club, Kano Pillars expressed appreciation to the departing players for their dedication, professionalism and contributions during their time with the four-time NPFL champions.

The club acknowledged the role each player played in representing the team and thanked them for their commitment throughout their stay.

“Kano Pillars FC sincerely appreciates the commitment, professionalism, and contributions of the players during their time with the club,” the statement read.

The club also wished the players success in the next stage of their careers, stressing that they will always remain part of the Kano Pillars family.

Management, technical crew, staff and supporters joined in expressing gratitude to the outgoing players for their service to the club.

The departures mark the beginning of an expected squad overhaul as Kano Pillars intensify preparations for the 2026/27 campaign, with further additions and changes anticipated in the coming weeks.

Benin Republic's U-17 women's national team, the Amazons, have intensified preparations ahead of their decisive final-round FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup qualifying fixture against Nigeria's Flamingos, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Beninese side has resumed camping at the Missérété Excellence Centre as preparations gather pace for the highly anticipated two-legged encounter against the seven-time African champions.

Head coach Idah Azonsou has invited around 30 players to camp, with the squad undergoing intensive training sessions aimed at securing a historic qualification to the global tournament.

The first leg of the final-round qualifier is scheduled to take place between July 3 and July 5, while the reverse fixture will be played between July 10 and July 12.

The West Zone B clash is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams battling for one of the available tickets to the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Nigeria's Flamingos, led by head coach Akeem Busari, will be looking to continue their impressive record in the competition after cruising past Guinea 11-0 on aggregate in the previous round.

Benin Republic, however, head into the encounter with confidence after overcoming Sierra Leone 5-1 on aggregate to book their place in the final qualifying round.

While the Flamingos are favourites given their pedigree and consistent appearances on the world stage, the Amazons will be hoping to upset the odds and secure a landmark qualification for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has praised Alex Iwobi after the midfielder reached 100 international appearances for the Super Eagles during Nigeria’s 2-1 friendly defeat to Portugal on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Reacting to Nigeria’s official post celebrating the milestone, CAF simply described the Fulham midfielder as “Iconic.”

Alex Iwobi reached the landmark at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, becoming only the fourth Nigerian player to hit a century of caps for the national team.

He now joins an elite group alongside Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa, ranking among the most-capped players in Super Eagles history.

Despite Nigeria’s defeat, Iwobi delivered a composed midfield performance in a match where Portugal secured victory through goals from Pedro Neto and Francisco Conceição, after Akor Adams had briefly levelled for the Super Eagles.

The result also ended head coach Éric Chelle’s impressive 25-match unbeaten run in regulation time since taking charge of the team.

Speaking after reaching the milestone, Iwobi expressed pride in his international journey, reflecting on his decision to represent Nigeria after previously featuring for England at youth level.

He also acknowledged missing out on major trophies such as the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualification but insisted he has no regrets about his international career choice.

Since making his debut in 2015, Iwobi has remained a consistent figure in the national team setup, contributing across multiple AFCON tournaments, including Nigeria’s run to the 2023 final.

With his 100-cap achievement, the midfielder is now firmly established among the Super Eagles’ all-time greats and could climb further up the appearance chart in the coming years.

Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a massive €120m offer from Atletico Madrid for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Spanish side are said to be in the market for a new striker due to uncertainty surrounding the futures of Alexander Sørloth and Julian Alvarez.

Osimhen only completed a permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray last summer, but his explosive form in Turkey has already made him one of the most sought-after forwards in world football.

The 27-year-old has attracted interest from several European giants, including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Osimhen has been in outstanding form this season, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists in 32 appearances, playing a key role in Galatasaray’s domestic dominance and their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Galatasaray’s decision to turn down such a huge offer is seen as a strong statement of intent, especially after investing heavily to secure the striker on a permanent deal last summer and handing him a lucrative long-term contract.

However, with the transfer window still open, questions remain over whether the Istanbul club will be able to resist further approaches if higher bids arrive in the coming months.

The semi-final line-up for the 2026 President Federation Cup has been confirmed following an entertaining round of quarter-final matches played across the country, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Defending champions El-Kanemi Warriors booked their place in the last four after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sokoto United.

Wikki Tourists also advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Flight FC 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Nasarawa United earned their place in the final four with a 2-1 win over Plateau United in a closely contested encounter.

In another thrilling quarter-final clash, Ikorodu City fought back to secure qualification after a 2-2 draw against Barau FC. The Lagos-based side eventually triumphed 5-4 in the penalty shootout to seal their semi-final berth.

The results set up a fascinating final four as El-Kanemi Warriors continue their quest to successfully defend the trophy, while Wikki Tourists, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City remain in contention for silverware.

Quarter-Final Results

Sokoto United 0-1 El-Kanemi Warriors

Wikki Tourists 1-1 Flight FC (Wikki Tourists won 4-3 on penalties)

Nasarawa United 2-1 Plateau United

Ikorodu City 2-2 Barau FC (Ikorodu City won 5-4 on penalties)

Semi-Finalists

El-Kanemi Warriors

Wikki Tourists

Nasarawa United

Ikorodu City

With a place in the final at stake, attention will now shift to the semi-finals as the remaining teams battle for the opportunity to lift one of Nigeria's most prestigious domestic trophies.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has scheduled a one-day orientation workshop for the four newly promoted clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to a letter signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the workshop will take place on Friday, June 26, 2026, and is designed to acquaint the clubs with the operational requirements and expectations of Nigeria's top-flight league.

The invitation was extended to newly promoted sides Sporting Lagos, Ranchers Bees, Inter Lagos and Doma United following their successful promotion to the elite division.

"We bring you compliments of the Board, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), and wish to congratulate you on your promotion to the elite football league in Nigeria.

"Consequently, the management of the NPFL wishes to invite you to an interactive orientation and induction seminar, to enable us to educate and enlighten you on the demands and operational requirements of the NPFL," Owumi stated in the invitation letter.

The league body directed each club to be represented by two officials not below the ranks of Chairman and General Manager, while participants will also have the opportunity to seek clarification on issues relating to league operations.

The NPFL disclosed that representatives would receive copies of the league's frameworks and regulations, while key sessions will focus on club licensing requirements, financial management, infrastructure standards and administrative responsibilities.

"We will be providing them copies of the NPFL Frameworks and Rules as well as take them through Club Licensing Regulations implementation, especially in the areas of financial health to meet contractual terms with personnel, infrastructure and administration," the NPFL stated.

The orientation programme is expected to serve as the first in a series of activities lined up by the league organisers ahead of the commencement of the 2026/27 NPFL season, as preparations gather momentum for another competitive campaign.

The Super Eagles have maintained their 26th position in the latest FIFA Men's World Rankings released on Thursday by FIFA, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria remained unchanged in the global standings despite a mixed run of results during the ranking period.

The three-time African champions recorded impressive victories over Zimbabwe and Jamaica, defeating the Warriors 2-0 before claiming a convincing 3-0 win over the Reggae Boyz to successfully defend their Unity Cup title in England.

The Super Eagles also featured in two international friendlies in June. Eric Chelle's side battled to a 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw before suffering a narrow 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Lisbon.

Despite those performances, Nigeria did not move up the rankings but retained their status as Africa's third-highest ranked national team behind Morocco and Senegal.

Algeria and Egypt complete the continent's top five ranked teams.

On the global stage, world champions Argentina remain at the summit of the rankings, ahead of Spain, France, England and Portugal, with the top five positions unchanged.

The Super Eagles will be hoping to improve their standing in future editions as they continue preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers under head coach Eric Chelle.

FIFA confirmed that the next edition of the Men's World Rankings will be published on July 20, 2026.

Nigerian football legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has been honoured with the FIFA World Cup Superior Player of the Match Winner award for his outstanding performance in Nigeria's historic victory over Spain at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okocha played a pivotal role as the Super Eagles stunned one of the tournament favourites 3-2 in their opening Group D fixture in France. His dazzling dribbling skills, creativity and influence in midfield inspired Nigeria to one of the most memorable victories in the nation's football history.

The former Super Eagles captain was at the centre of Nigeria's remarkable comeback after Spain had taken the lead, with goals from Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal and a late own goal by Andoni Zubizarreta securing a famous triumph for the African side.

Okocha's performance throughout the encounter showcased the immense talent that made him one of the most admired footballers of his generation, as he repeatedly troubled the Spanish defence with his flair, vision and technical brilliance.

The 3-2 victory over Spain remains one of Nigeria's greatest achievements on the world stage and is widely regarded as one of the biggest upsets in FIFA World Cup history.

This latest recognition further underlines Okocha's enduring legacy in global football and serves as a reminder of the crucial role he played in elevating Nigerian football on the international stage.

More than two decades after that unforgettable night in France, Okocha continues to be celebrated as one of Africa's greatest-ever players and a true icon of the Super Eagles.

Former Nigeria Premier Football League champions Enyimba and Remo Stars are among the Nigerian clubs expected to benefit from FIFA’s expanded $355 million Club Benefits Programme, which now includes payments for the 2026 World Cup qualifying matches for the first time.

FIFA confirmed on Friday that clubs worldwide will receive financial rewards for releasing players during the qualifying phase, marking a major expansion of its long-standing compensation scheme.

According to FIFA, a total of $100 million has been allocated specifically for the qualifying rounds, with each club set to earn approximately $2,360 per player per match.

A further $250 million will be distributed to clubs whose players feature at the final tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with payments calculated per player per day depending on squad involvement.

Remo Stars to Receive Over $35,000

Remo Stars are projected to earn about $35,400 (approximately ?48.14 million) after releasing four players during the qualifying campaign. Their released players included:

Adebiyi Obassa (Benin Republic) - 8 matches

Kayode Bankole - 2 matches

Sodiq Ismaila - 2 matches

Franck Mawuena (Togo) - 3 matches

Enyimba to Receive About $4,720

Enyimba, meanwhile, are expected to receive around $4,720 (approximately ?6.42 million) for releasing goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo for two qualifying matches.

FIFA clarified that clubs will still qualify for payments even if released players did not feature in matchday action, as long as they were included in squad selections.

FIFA Explains Expansion

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the increased funding as a direct result of the expanded World Cup format, which has created more matches and broader participation across global football.

He noted that the programme reflects recognition of clubs’ “essential contribution” to international football, with more teams than ever expected to benefit financially.

A Bigger Reward System for Global Football

The 2026 cycle marks the most lucrative Club Benefits Programme yet, with FIFA distributing funds across nearly 1,000 combined qualifying and tournament matches.

For Nigerian clubs like Enyimba and Remo Stars, the system provides additional financial recognition for their role in developing and releasing players for national duty — a long-standing issue in African club football.