The Super Eagles of Nigeria have had their first and second training ahead of their quarter-final clash against Algeria despite news of a bonus payment row, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The team trained on Wednesday evening after news that players and coaching staff are facing another bonus payment crisis at the ongoing African Nations Cup in Morocco.

As reported by renowned Nigerian journalist Oluwashina Okeleji, Nigeria’s national team has once again been dragged into a bonus payment stalemate.

Win bonuses from four matches — Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique- remain unpaid.

While the squad is maintaining focus on the tournament, sources say they will not travel to Marrakech on Thursday should the issue persist.

It was recalled that about a month ago, the team was engulfed in another bonus payment row during their World Cup Playoff.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria suffered a 2–1 defeat to the Pharaohs of Egypt in an international friendly played on Tuesday night at the Cairo International Stadium, as both sides continued preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Egypt took the lead in the 28th minute when Mahmoud Saber finished from close range after a ball played in behind left-back Zaidu Sanusi was flashed across the face of the goal for an easy tap-in.

The Super Eagles responded just before the break, drawing level in stoppage time. Chidozie Awaziem capitalised on a goalkeeping error, bundling the ball home after Egypt’s goalkeeper flapped at Sanusi’s free kick in the 45+2 minute.

The first half ended with the scores level at 1–1.

Egypt restored its advantage eight minutes into the second half through Mostafa Mohamed, who fired the ball beneath goalkeeper Amas Obasogie. The goal appeared offside, but it stood, giving the hosts a 2–1 lead in the 53rd minute.

Despite efforts from Nigeria to find an equaliser, Egypt held on to secure the win.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Cairo on Thursday aboard a chartered flight to the Moroccan city of Fès, where they will continue their AFCON preparations.

Nigeria will begin their AFCON 2025 campaign next Tuesday against Tanzania, with kick-off set for 6:30pm.

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Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a distinguished national team career that spanned nearly a decade, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Troost-Ekong, who led Nigeria by example at the last Africa Cup of Nations—scoring three goals and winning the tournament’s Best Player Award—confirmed his decision in an emotional statement on Wednesday.

“Today, I'm announcing my retirement from international football,” he said, reflecting on his journey with the national team.

The defender recalled how his international career began in 2015, when a phone call from the late Stephen Keshi changed his life. “A month later, the Big Boss gave me my debut. His belief in me ignited my desire to follow in his footsteps,” he said.

Troost-Ekong expressed great pride in wearing the Super Eagles jersey, noting that every appearance reminded him of where it all started. Rising from a Dutch-raised boy to the “Oyinbo Wall” and eventually “Skipo”, he described representing Nigeria as an honour he will always cherish.

“Going on to captain the Super Eagles was beyond my wildest dreams. Nigeria took me in and trusted me to lead and represent a nation of 230+ million,” he said.

The 31-year-old retires with 83 caps, participation in five major tournaments, three medals, and several individual milestones.

“It has been a privilege. I have really lived my dream,” he concluded.

Troost-Ekong’s departure marks the end of an era for the Super Eagles, as fans and teammates pay tribute to one of Nigeria’s most committed modern captains.

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Maduka Okoye delivered another assured performance between the sticks as Udinese claimed a 2–0 away victory against a resilient Parma team reduced to ten men following Mariano Troilo’s 64th-minute red card in their Italian Serie A clash, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian goalkeeper kept a clean sheet, making two key save and recording 0.16 goals prevented, further highlighting his growing consistency for the Friulani. He also contributed to Udinese’s buildup play with three accurate throws to launch transitions.

Kingsley Ehizibue featured as a late substitute, helping Udinese see out the win in the closing stages.

The result strengthens Udinese’s push up the Serie A table, with Okoye once again proving pivotal to their defensive stability.

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Uncertainty continues to surround the return of Super Eagles defender Ola Aina, as Nottingham Forest have confirmed there is no official timeline for his full recovery ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com

Speaking to journalist Nigeria Osasu Obayiuwana Forest’s media officer, Callum Davies revealed that while Aina has resumed light training following the injury he sustained on international duty in South Africa, he is yet to rejoin the main squad.

“There’s nothing official,” Davies said on Wednesday. “He posted photos of himself back on the training pitch recently, but not with the squad — just individual work.”

When asked if the club had a date for when Aina’s fitness would be assessed for a possible return to action, Davies maintained:

“No, nothing I can share on that.”

Aina has been sidelined since early September, and with AFCON set to kick off next month in Morocco, concerns continue to grow over his availability for Nigeria.

There are also suggestions that Nottingham Forest may prefer to keep the defender back if he is not fully fit, given that he has not featured for the club in over two months.

For now, the Super Eagles and their supporters can only hope the versatile full-back achieves full recovery in time to join the squad for Africa’s biggest football tournament.

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Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah made a long-awaited return to the Orlando Pirates matchday squad on Tuesday night in their 2–0 victory over Chippa United in South Africa's Premier Soccer League, Nigeriaaiccernet.com reports.

Ndah was included on the bench for the first time since September 2024, when he suffered a tibia and fibula fracture during the match against Polokwane City on September 24. The injury ruled him out for several months, forcing a lengthy recovery period.

Although the centre-back did not feature in the game, late second-half goals from substitutes Evidence Makgopa and Jaden Appollis secured the win for the Buccaneers at the Orlando Stadium.

Pirates recently announced that midfielder Sihle Nduli is close to returning, with Ndah and Makhehleni Makhaula also nearing full match readiness.

Ndah, who resumed full training in mid-October, could make his first appearance of the season this weekend when Pirates face Durban City at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

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Nigeria defender Benjamin Frederick has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after sustaining a knee injury during a training session with Belgian side FC Dender.

The Brentford loanee is expected to return to action after the tournament, according to Oluwashina Okeleji, dealing a significant blow to Nigeria’s defensive options ahead of the competition in Morocco.

Fredrick, regarded as one of the country’s brightest young prospects, has been a consistent figure under head coach Eric Chelle, starting Nigeria’s last six matches.

His absence is set to force adjustments within the Super Eagles’ backline as preparations intensify for the continental showpiece.

The injury comes at a crucial period for the 19-year-old, who has enjoyed a rapid rise in both club and international football. Despite the setback, medical assessments indicate that he should make a full recovery in time for the latter stages of the 2024/2025 European season.

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The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) has warned clubs that have yet to complete their digital registration and licensing processes ahead of the new Premiership season, insisting that defaulters will face sanctions, including possible relegation, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

With the November 22 deadline drawing near, the league disclosed on Tuesday that Castmog Ladies, Osun Babes, and Naija Ratels are among the teams still lagging in fulfilling the mandatory requirements. The update was conveyed in a statement issued by NWFL Media Director, Samuel Ahmadu.

The league noted that all registration and licensing procedures must now be completed via its digital portal—part of ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing professionalism, transparency, and operational efficiency in women’s football.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, appealed to the outstanding clubs to expedite their submissions, stressing that the deadline remains unchanged.

“The digital registration and licensing process is designed to ensure that every club meets the minimum professional standards required to compete,” Shabi said. “We expect full compliance before the November 22 deadline. Any club that fails to meet these financial and administrative obligations will face the consequences outlined in our regulations.”

The NWFL reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing all regulations to ensure a smooth kickoff and maintain the integrity of the league.

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Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali has predicted that Nigeria's male national team will win the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Super Eagles' number one goalkeeper revealed on Super Sport after he was asked about Nigeria's participation in this year's edition of the competition.

Stanley, having come so close on the last time, what can Nigeria promise this time around in Morocco he replied, "As a big nation, we're always expected to win, not just to participate, but playing in the last final, I feel we are going to win this edition.”

Nigeria finished as silver medalist on the last edition, losing to hosts Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 in the final.

The three-time champions are in group C of this year's edition with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda as they seek to go a step better than the last outing when the tournament begins on December 21.

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SV Werder Bremen have confirmed that Super Eagles fullback Felix Agu will be out for he foreseeable future following an injury he sustained in their match on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Felix Agu was stretchered off after picking up a sinus ligament injury vs. St. Pauli.

?“The Nigerian international sustained a syndesmosis ligament injury in the 1-0 home win against FC St. Pauli and will be out of the Green-Whites’ squad for several months. This was confirmed by an MRI and X-ray examination conducted by team doctor Robert Gorzolla on Monday morning,” reads a statement on the club’s official website.

“The various treatment options are currently being reviewed, and a decision will be made soon.”

He will now miss the October fixtures and is now a doubt for the AFCON in December.

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Nigeria super falcons Goal keeper Chiamaka Nnadozie finishes 4th in the first edition of the Women’s Yachine Trophy, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/ballondor/status/1970212092847255759?t=c3PPWpTcmVPlQmsUSBADzA&s=19

The best women African goalkeeper finished behind Hannah Hampton, Ann-Katrin Berger and Cata Coll who finished first, second and third respectively.

The achievement comes following the 24-year old her triumph at the 2024 Women's African Nations Cup WAFCON in Morocco where she also emerge the best goalkeeper.

She also won Coupe de France Féminine with Paris FC in the 2024/2025 season.

The former Paris FC and Brighton and Hove Albion women shot stopper has consecutively won the best goalkeeper in Africa.

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FIFA confirms both Teboho Mokoena and the South African FA face charges of breaching disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In a letter dated on the 15th of September, 2025, FIFA has given the South African Football Association and Tebogo Mokoena six days to submit a response regarding the fielding of an ineligible player in a WC qualifier against Lesotho.

Mokoena was fielded while under suspension in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, which South Africa won 2–0 against Lesotho on 21 March.

If found guilty, Bafana could be forced to forfeit the result of the match, which would hand Lesotho a 3–0 victory on paper, while other sanctions such as fines or suspensions could also be imposed. SAFA has yet to issue a public statement on the matter.

Points deduction for South Africa will leave group C of the World Cup Qualifiers open, a group with Benin Republic in second with 14 points, and Nigeria and Rwanda, who are third and fourth respectively, have 11 points.

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Aiyegbeni, who scored 21 goals in 55 appearances for Nigeria between 2000 and 2012, made the comments while speaking on Sunday Oliseh’s podcast.

The former English Premier League star striker opines that the present Super Eagles lack flair and have too many defensive midfielders instead of creatives.

“When we look at the team, we have too many defensive midfielders. We don’t have a creative midfielder. If I play in this team, I’ll struggle to score goals. I’m telling you because when you look at Osimhen when he plays, he’s fighting because he already knows.

“We don’t have a midfielder who can pass the ball. We always pass the ball sideways. We cannot string six passes or seven passes. When we pass the ball a bit, then we kick it long. We cannot build a team like this.”

The former Everton man states that the situation also affects Victor Osimhen, as he has to hustle to score goals for the team.

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The Bafana Bafana and the Super Eagles engage in a make-or-break encounter for the 2026 World Cup ticket, and Williams feels it's time to get one over the West Africans after years of being unable to win their rivals.

The number one ranked shot stopper in Africa says South Africa is getting closer and closer to beating Nigeria with recent performances and results against the African giants, and hopes that the bringing rights become South Africa's in Tuesday's match.

"That's the history they have gotten over us, we haven't beaten them in a very long time. Yes, we've had positive results, I mean going away to Nigeria last year (it's so difficult) and to come out here with a positive result and play the way we played shows that we are growing as a team and we are getting closer and closer to beating them. We saw it at AFCON, we saw what when played away to Nigeria. So hopefully tomorrow (today) we go a step further and change the narrative. I mean if you look at the head to head obviously they have the bragging right, but hopefully tomorrow (today) we can show there is a new leave for Bafana Bafana and our Amapiano guys can be happy"

South Africa tops Group C with 16 points, as against Nigeria's 10 points in third. A win for the host on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, at 5 pm Nigeria time will take them closer to securing the 2026 World Cup ticket.

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Nigeria Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, anticipates an exciting encounter against a good South Africa team in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chelle says they are looking forward to playing against an opponent they have always had respect for.

He reveals his admiration for the South Africa team and technical crew as he affirms that the game is a big game that he and his players are looking forward to.

“I know something, South Africa are a very good team, and they have got good players. I like your coach, he is a very good coach, and his technical staff (is great too). Like I said, we know that this is a very big game and just like my players, we are very happy to be playing this match,” he said.

South Africa is currently on top of group C with 16 points, 6 more than Nigeria with 10 points, which sits third, and the two sides will be looking to outwit each other to enhance qualification chances.

The Bafana Bafana host the Super Eagles at the Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein, at 5 pm Nigerian time.

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Victor Osimhen won't be traveling with the Super Eagles to South Africa for Tuesday's match, Nigeriasoccernet.com can confirm.

This is after the Galatasaray SK striker was injured in the World Cup Qualifiers between Nigeria and Rwanda on Saturday at the Uyo township Stadium.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation, the team doctor confirms he has a bruise on his chin and woke up on Sunday morning feeling some discomfort.

The former African footballer of the year played for 34 minutes of the game following a knock by a Rwandan defender before he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.

Nigeria who go to South Africa in a make or sea encounter on Tuesday will now travel without the goal poacher. He is expected to return to Turkey for more medical assessment.

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Nigeria Super Eagles have had their first training with the complement of all the invited players on Wednesday in Uyo, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

With the arrival of Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Chrisantus Uche, Raphael Onyedika and Samuel Chukwueze the squad was complete for a full session on Wednesday afternoon.

African footballer of the year, Ademola Lookman and Cyriel Dessers had arrive earlier in the day to make the squad 18 players.

The team prepares for the World Cup Qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa on Saturday and Tuesday in Nigeria and South Africa respectively.

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Nasarawa United forward, Yusuf Anas is aiming at scoring 20 goals in the Nigeria Premier Football League 2025/2026 season after his top scorer award, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The goal poacher targets two goals more from his 18 goals scored in the 2024/2025 season while speaking at an NPFL award ceremony organized for the league's top scorer and coach of the season.

Yusuf expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to aim higher.

“I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season and hopefully score more than 20 goals ,” he said.

The NPFL also honoured Daniel Ogunmodede, the Coach of Remo Stars, champions of the 2024/25 NPFL season.

Ogunmodede guided his side to a historic first NPFL title when Remo Stars clinched the championship with 71 points, becoming the first privately-owned club from the South-West since the year 2000 to lift the league trophy.

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This followed the mutual departure of coach Salisu Yusuf, who left the Lafia-based side to join a Benin Republic team.

A release from the media team of the Solid Miners, Ayuba signed a two-year deal to bolster the performance of the team as the Nigeria Premier Football League season begins this August.

Mbwas, 47, brings vast coaching experience from stints with Heartland, Wikki Tourists, Enugu Rangers, and most recently, Plateau United, whom he led to a 7th-place finish. A CAF B license holder, Mbwas is also a decorated former player, having featured for clubs across Nigeria, Europe, Asia, and South America.

Mbwas's first test comes on August 24 when Nasarawa United face Niger Tornadoes in their 2025/26 league opener.

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Newly promoted, Kano-based Barau FC have announced via their social media accounts that they will be adopting the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, as their home ground for the 25/26 (NPFL) season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

https://twitter.com/BarauFootball/status/1951732399223558411?t=exCJirrRj-qYdw7p9Fwy_A&s=19

According to Barau FC Chairman, Ibrahim Shitu Chanji, the relocation became paramount due to ongoing renovations at their home stadium, Dambatta Stadium.

In a statement issued by the club’s Media Officer, Ahmad Hamisu Gwale, while speaking with Arewa Radio, the decision followed approval from the Kano State Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The Maliya Boys will play their first ever top-flight game at the Sani Abacha against Enyimba on match day one

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