Nigeria women's national under-17 football team have arrived safely in Ikenne as preparations intensify for their second-round FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Guinea women's national under-17 football team later this month.

The team departed Abuja at 5:21 p.m. and landed in Lagos at 6:11 p.m. before completing the journey to Ikenne at approximately 8:21 p.m. on Sunday evening.

The coaching crew, led by Akeem Busari, is expected to continue fine-tuning the squad ahead of the crucial first-leg encounter against Guinea.

Prior to their departure from Abuja, the Flamingos enjoyed an impressive run of results in a series of friendly matches aimed at sharpening the team’s readiness for the qualifiers.

The Nigerian U-17 girls recorded emphatic victories over several domestic sides, beginning with a commanding 6-0 win against Nazareth Queens. They followed it up with a dominant 7-0 triumph over Generation Next and later secured a 7-2 victory against YAFA.

The Flamingos also played out a draw with Real Rising Stars before concluding their friendly campaign in style with a resounding 7-0 victory over Solo Wonder Babes.

The team will now shift full focus to the upcoming qualifier as they seek to secure a place at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Jerome Akor Adams emerged as the hero for Sevilla FC after scoring a dramatic stoppage-time winner in Saturday’s vital 2-1 comeback victory over RCD Espanyol in La Liga, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian striker came off the bench in the 75th minute at the Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium and delivered the decisive moment deep into added time, sending the home supporters into celebration as Sevilla strengthened their fight against relegation.

Sevilla had trailed earlier in the second half before mounting a spirited late response. Defender Castrín restored parity for the hosts before Akor completed the turnaround with a composed finish to secure all three points.

According to Sofascore, Akor earned an impressive 7.8 rating for his impactful cameo appearance, while fellow Nigerian international Chidera Ejuke, who played the full match, received a 7.3 rating.

The strike was Akor’s ninth La Liga goal of the campaign and could prove crucial in Sevilla’s bid to avoid relegation from the Spanish top flight.

The victory moved Sevilla further clear of the relegation zone in what has become one of the most competitive survival battles in recent La Liga history. Spanish reports described the result as a major boost for the Andalusian club, who have endured a difficult campaign and faced mounting pressure in recent weeks.

With only a few matches left in the season, the relegation fight remains extremely tight, with several clubs separated by only a handful of points. Sevilla’s recent improvement has revived hopes of preserving their top-flight status and avoiding what would have been a stunning relegation for the seven-time UEFA Europa League champions.

Espanyol, meanwhile, remain deep in trouble after extending their winless run in 2026, increasing the pressure ahead of the final stretch of the season.

With the championship on the line, Galatasaray found themselves under intense pressure after falling behind twice during the encounter. However, Osimhen rose to the occasion with a sensational display that proved decisive in the club’s comeback triumph.

The Super Eagles forward scored two crucial goals, including the dramatic winner in the 88th minute, to hand Galatasaray a record-extending 26th league title and their fourth consecutive Turkish championship.

The performance further capped an outstanding campaign for the Nigerian international, who has established himself as one of the most influential players in Turkish football since arriving from SSC Napoli.

The former African footballer of the year now has three league titles to his name: one Italian Serie A title and two Turkish Superlig titles.

The victory confirmed Galatasaray’s dominance in Turkish football with a fourth consecutive title and twenty-six titles in total.

Uche Dozie

The encounter, played at the Bingu National Stadium on Saturday, saw the hosts push Nigeria to the limit, but the Falconets advanced with a 3-2 aggregate victory after winning the first leg 2-0 in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Malawi’s star forward Faith Chimzimu scored in the 9th and 56th minutes to put the Nigerian side under serious pressure and briefly raise hopes of a comeback for the Young Scorchers.

However, substitute Precious Oscar scored a crucial goal in the 62nd minute to restore Nigeria’s aggregate advantage and ultimately seal qualification for the tournament.

The Falconets endured a tense finish in Lilongwe but showed resilience to secure one of Africa’s four tickets to the global competition scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5 to 27, 2026.

With the qualification, Nigeria maintained its remarkable record of never missing a single edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition began.

Before overcoming Malawi, the Falconets had eliminated Rwanda U20 Women 5-0 on aggregate and defeated Senegal U20 Women 3-1 on aggregate during the qualification campaign.

Uche Dozie 

Moses Aduku believes Nigeria’s women's national under-20 football team will face a less difficult challenge in the second leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Malawi's women's national under-20 football team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Falconets head into Saturday’s decisive encounter in Malawi with a comfortable 2-0 advantage from the first leg and remain on course to qualify for the tournament scheduled to hold in Poland from September 5 to 27.

Speaking ahead of the return fixture, Aduku stated that Malawi would be forced to attack in search of goals, a situation he believes will favour his side.

“We will not go defensive, rather we will take the game to them to see if we can get goals, and I know my girls can do that,” Aduku said.

“We know the opponent will not sit back; they will come out to play. Definitely, I think it will be easier in Malawi because if they sit back, and we can create chances like this in the first leg, we lost a lot of scoring chances. Now they will come out to play, and definitely we will have chances to score.”

The coach also expressed confidence in his team’s defensive organisation and goalkeeping strength ahead of the encounter.

“I think our defence is not bad and our goalkeeper is not that bad, so we are on course,” he added.

The Falconets boast an impressive qualification history, having never failed to reach the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since the competition was introduced. Malawi, meanwhile, are aiming to secure a historic first-ever appearance at the biennial tournament.

Eric Chelle has left out forwards Kelechi Iheanacho and Tolu Arokodare from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in London, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Iheanacho had been strongly linked with a return to the Nigeria national football team after rediscovering form with Celtic F.C., scoring four goals in his last three matches. Despite the striker’s resurgence, Chelle opted against recalling the experienced forward as he continues reshaping the squad ahead of future international competitions.

Instead, the Franco-Malian tactician handed opportunities to emerging attackers Owen Oseni of Plymouth Argyle F.C. and Rafiu Durosinmi, who currently plays for Pisa Sporting Club.

Arokodare was also omitted despite recently featuring in the Premier League with Wolverhampton Wanderers F.C. Chelle instead recalled Terem Moffi, who recently celebrated a league title success during his loan spell with FC Porto.

Nigeria’s attack for the Unity Cup is expected to revolve around Moffi, Oseni, and Durosinmi, while Femi Azeez has also been included among the attacking options.

Moffi is likely to lead the line in the absence of Victor Osimhen, who is unavailable for the tournament. The striker previously missed Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign following inactivity after his exit from OGC Nice amid reported issues with supporters.

Oseni’s invitation is viewed as one of the biggest surprises in the squad. However, sources close to the team revealed Chelle has been impressed by the forward’s pressing ability, movement, aggression, work rate, and attacking output this season.

Nigeria will begin their Unity Cup title defence against Zimbabwe national football team, with a potential final against either India national football team or Jamaica national football team awaiting the winners.

Chelle has repeatedly stated that the tournament will serve as a platform to assess fringe players, home-based talents, and emerging prospects as he continues building his preferred squad for upcoming major competitions.

Global music stars Shakira and Burna Boy are set to release the official song for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026 titled “Dai Dai.”, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports

Shakira announced the news on social media from the iconic Maracanã Stadium, revealing that the highly anticipated single will officially drop on May 14.

In her announcement, the award-winning singer wrote:

“From Maracanã Stadium, here is ‘Dai Dai,’ the FIFA World Cup Official Song 2026. Coming 5/14. We’re ready!”

The collaboration marks another major global moment for Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, whose international influence continues to grow across music and sports entertainment.

“Dai Dai” is expected to serve as one of the signature anthems for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host.

Shakira is no stranger to World Cup music, having previously delivered iconic tournament songs such as Waka Waka (This Time for Africa) for the 2010 FIFA World Cup and La La La (Brazil 2014).

Uche Dozie

Maikaba will take charge of the Flying Eagles, while Uwejamomere has been appointed head coach of the Golden Eaglets following the ratification of their appointments by the NFF Executive Committee.

Maikaba is an experienced tactician who has coached several clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League and was part of the coaching crew of the Flying Eagles in 2019. He also previously handled the Golden Eaglets and won the President’s Federation Cup in 2017.

Uwejamomere, 29, has built a growing reputation in youth football development and performance analysis. He currently serves as Head of Academy at Sporting Lagos and has worked extensively as a match analyst with both the Super Eagles and Super Falcons.

The young coach also previously worked as an academy youth development coach at Millwall FC, Gillingham FC and Nottingham Forest FC in England. In Nigeria, he served as head coach of Abeokuta-based Stormers SC.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will discover their opponents for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday, May 19, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A total of 48 teams, including co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will take part in the qualification series. The matches are scheduled to be played across three FIFA international windows in September, October, and November.

The teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the final tournament.

Nigeria head into the qualifiers following a third-place finish at the 2025 tournament in Morocco, and will be aiming to secure qualification for the continental showpiece.

According to the Confederation of African Football, the 2027 AFCON will run from June 19 to July 17, with the opening match scheduled for Saturday, June 19, and the final set for Saturday, July 17.

Warri Wolves F.C. have been hit with heavy sanctions by the Nigeria Premier Football League following breaches recorded during their Matchday 36 fixture against Plateau United F.C., Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the league body, the club failed to provide adequate security at the venue, allowing unauthorised individuals access to restricted areas of the stadium. Supporters were also found guilty of engaging in unsporting conduct capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

In addition, fans were accused of gross misconduct towards match officials, an incident that reportedly caused a 10-minute delay during the encounter.

As a result, Warri Wolves have been fined a total of ?6 million. This includes ?2 million for inadequate security, ?1 million for supporters’ unsporting behaviour, and ?3 million for misconduct directed at match officials.

The league body has also ordered the club to play its remaining home fixtures behind closed doors, further compounding the disciplinary measures.

Beyond the financial penalties, Warri Wolves have been instructed to identify and prosecute those responsible for the incidents and provide evidence of such actions to the NPFL.

The club has been given 48 hours to appeal the sanctions.

Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Nigeria women's national under-20 football team, have arrived in Lilongwe ahead of their decisive second-leg clash against Malawi women's national under-20 football team in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The team departed Abuja on Tuesday and touched down at Kamuzu International Airport, the main gateway to the Malawian capital, located about 26 kilometres from the city centre.

Nigeria head into the encounter with a comfortable 2-0 advantage from the first leg, placing them in a strong position to progress. The Falconets need only to avoid conceding more than two goals to secure qualification for the global tournament.

However, the hosts are preparing for a spirited response. The Football Association of Malawi has announced free entry for fans in a bid to create a packed and intimidating atmosphere for the visitors. Malawi will be banking on strong home support as they attempt to overturn the deficit against the seven-time African champions.

Despite the expected pressure, Nigeria remain confident following their composed first-leg display, where they took firm control of the tie.

The winner on aggregate will book a place at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland later this year.

Ikorodu City F.C. delivered a commanding performance to secure a 3–1 victory over Wikki Tourists F.C. in their Matchday 36 clash at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The hosts wasted no time asserting control, taking the lead just four minutes into the encounter through Farouk Salami. Their early dominance continued, and Abayomi Ayodeji doubled the advantage in the 18th minute to put the visitors firmly on the back foot.

Ikorodu City maintained their attacking intensity and extended their lead before halftime, with Joseph Arumala calmly converting from the penalty spot in the 37th minute to make it 3–0.

Wikki Tourists managed to reduce the deficit in the 66th minute when Jonathan Mairiga found the net, but the response proved insufficient to spark a comeback.

The result strengthens Ikorodu City’s position as the Nigeria Premier Football League season approaches its decisive stages, with the Lagos-based side building momentum at a crucial point in the campaign.

The Nigeria National League Super Four tournament continues on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, with crucial Matchday Two fixtures lined up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

With the competition entering a defining phase, teams will be aiming to gain early control ahead of the final round of matches scheduled for Friday.

The opening fixture will see Ranchers Bees F.C. take on Inter Lagos F.C. at 4 p.m., as both sides look to bounce back from opening-day defeats. Ranchers Bees suffered a narrow 1–0 loss to Sporting Lagos F.C., undone by a first-half header from Alex Leme despite a disciplined defensive display.

Inter Lagos also endured a setback in their opener, falling 1–0 to Doma United F.C., with Yusuf Fantami’s decisive header proving the difference. They will, however, be without Adigun, who was sent off late in that encounter, adding to the challenge ahead.

Later in the evening, Sporting Lagos will face Doma United in what promises to be a defining clash between the two Matchday One winners. Sporting Lagos impressed with their attacking dominance in the opening game, with Seun Akanji playing a key role and earning Man of the Match honours.

Doma United, on the other hand, showcased resilience and tactical discipline in their victory, capitalising on key moments to secure maximum points. Both teams head into the encounter level on three points, making the result potentially decisive in determining the early frontrunner.

With little margin for error, the stakes continue to rise as the tournament progresses, setting up an intense battle among the league’s top contenders.

Arsenal F.C. has secured a place in the UEFA Champions League final for the first time in two decades after a 2–1 aggregate victory over Atlético Madrid, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

A decisive first-half strike from Bukayo Saka proved enough in the second leg in London, as the winger finished from close range just before halftime to seal a 1–0 win. The result followed a 1–1 draw in Madrid, ensuring the Gunners progressed on aggregate.

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman started the match but struggled to impose himself on the contest and was withdrawn early in the second half as Atlético searched for a route back into the tie.

The visitors increased the pressure after the interval and were left frustrated when their appeals for a penalty following a challenge on Antoine Griezmann were turned down. Arsenal, however, remained composed and nearly extended their lead, with Viktor Gyökeres missing a clear chance.

A disciplined defensive display ensured Arsenal protected their advantage, marking a major milestone in the club’s recent history.

The Gunners will now face either Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain in the final, scheduled to take place in Budapest on May 30.

A wave of grief has swept through football communities in Nigeria and Italy following the death of Emmanuel King Okoye, who passed away at the age of 25 after collapsing during a match, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okoye, a midfielder born in 2000, was in Nigeria visiting family when the incident occurred on Wednesday. According to reports from Italian outlet Notiziario del Calcio and authorities in Canicattini, he suffered a severe head injury after a collision on the pitch, which led to his sudden collapse.

Emergency responders reportedly acted quickly, administering first aid before rushing him to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to stabilise him, he was later pronounced dead.

The tragic loss has been strongly felt in Italy, where Okoye spent much of his career playing for amateur clubs, including ASD Acri and US Palmese.

In a statement, Pol.D. Città di Canicattini Calcio paid tribute to the late midfielder, describing him as a dedicated and passionate player. The club recalled his time with them during the 2018–2019 season and extended condolences to his family, highlighting the lasting impression he made both on and off the pitch.

Okoye’s passing comes shortly after the death of former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo, who also collapsed during a local friendly match in Kaduna.

The back-to-back tragedies have reignited concerns over player safety and the availability of emergency medical response systems in football, particularly at grassroots and amateur levels. Okoye is remembered by teammates and clubs as a committed professional whose career, though largely outside the spotlight, reflected a deep love for the game.

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has stepped up efforts to identify fresh talent from the domestic scene as part of plans to strengthen the national team ahead of upcoming international fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Franco-Malian tactician is set to embark on a scouting tour across venues in the Nigerian Premier Football League, where he will closely monitor selected matches in search of players who fit into his long-term vision for the team.

The initiative reflects a broader strategy aimed at expanding Nigeria’s talent pool beyond its traditional dependence on foreign-based players, while giving greater recognition to performers in the domestic league.

Chelle is also expected to use the forthcoming Unity Cup in London as a key evaluation platform, with several home-based players likely to be handed opportunities to stake their claim for regular inclusion in the squad.

Sources within the national team setup indicate that the coach has established a clear recruitment profile, focusing on young players, particularly those under the age of 23, who possess energy, tactical discipline, and the ability to sustain high-intensity pressing throughout matches.

The approach signals a shift towards a more physically demanding and structured playing style, requiring players to contribute effectively in both attacking and defensive phases.

Consistent performances in the NPFL are expected to play a decisive role in securing national team invitations, as Chelle looks to bridge the gap between domestic football and the international stage while reinforcing confidence in the local league as a viable source of talent.

With the squad undergoing gradual evolution, striking the right balance between experienced internationals and emerging home-based prospects remains a key priority, with upcoming tournaments and friendly matches set to shape future selections.

Ola Aina says Nottingham Forest are approaching their UEFA Europa League semi-final clash against Aston Villa with confidence and excitement, as both sides prepare for a decisive first-leg encounter at the City Ground, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Forest head into Thursday night’s tie on the back of an emphatic 5-0 victory over Sunderland AFC at the Stadium of Light, a result that has boosted belief within Vítor Pereira’s squad ahead of the high-stakes European showdown.

Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Aina played down the pressure surrounding the fixture, insisting the team is focused on delivering a strong performance.

“I don’t think there’s that much pressure. The team and club are all proud to be in this situation in the semi-final. We just want to work hard and get the best result we can, which is hopefully a win tomorrow,” he said.

The Nigeria international described the occasion as a special moment for both the players and the club, emphasising the importance of embracing the experience.

“It’s a special one. I know it’s a massive night for the club and the players in the dressing room. It’s an occasion that everyone will be relishing to be a part of,” Aina added.

Looking ahead, the defender admitted that reaching the final would represent a significant milestone in Forest’s European journey.

“I think that would be fantastic. Just to say you’ve contributed to something like that is something that nobody can take away from you. Hopefully, tomorrow is another step towards that,” he concluded.

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has opened up on why Michael Olise opted against representing Nigeria at the international level, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Olise, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, was eligible to feature for multiple nations, including Nigeria, France, Algeria, and England, due to his diverse heritage. Born in Hammersmith, London, to a British-Nigerian father and a Franco-Algerian mother, the winger had several international options early in his career.

Rohr revealed that he first identified Olise in 2019 while the player was still developing in England. The former Nigeria boss, alongside his assistants, monitored the then-Reading FC youngster closely and made efforts to bring him into the Super Eagles setup, including placing him on the standby list ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

However, the move never materialised, as Olise declined the opportunity, with Rohr suggesting the player had already set his sights on representing a European national team.

“In 2019, we saw this player and tried to invite him, but he didn’t want to join us because he already believed he had a big future with a European team,” Rohr said on Brila FM.

Olise has since gone on to represent France national football team at the senior level, making his debut in 2024. He was also part of the squad that claimed a silver medal in the football event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Rohr admitted that while the player’s potential was evident early on, Nigeria ultimately missed out on securing his international allegiance.

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on either Sudan or Comoros in the second round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following the official draw released by the Confederation of African Football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sudan and Comoros are set to meet in the first round, with the winner advancing to face Nigeria in the next phase of the qualification series.

The second-round fixtures are scheduled to be played between October 5 and October 13, 2026, marking the Super Falcons’ entry point into the race for a place at the global showpiece.

As one of Africa’s most successful women’s national teams, the Super Falcons will be aiming to overcome their yet-to-be-confirmed opponents and take a significant step toward securing another Olympic appearance.

Matchday 17 of the Nigeria Women's Football League Premiership produced decisive outcomes across various centres, as teams stepped up their pursuit of qualification for the season-ending Super Six, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In Lagos, Dannaz Ladies and Abia Angels settled for a goalless draw in a tightly fought contest. At Ile-Ogbo, Osun Babes edged FC Robo Queens 1-0, with Nofisat Tijani netting the only goal in the 36th minute.

Defending champions Bayelsa Queens continued their impressive run with a 2-0 victory over Heartland Queens in Yenagoa, courtesy of strikes from Aminat Folorunsho and Sofiat Bankole.

In Asaba, Delta Queens produced a dominant display to defeat Remo Stars Ladies 3-0, with Temitope Titilayo, Vweire Samson, and Rita Tsebee all getting on the scoresheet. Rivers Angels recorded one of the standout performances of the round, thrashing Ekiti Queens 4-0 in Port Harcourt. Abasiofon Uwah bagged a brace, while Patience Otubo and Zainab Oduga added further goals.

In Benin City, Edo Queens were held to a 1-1 draw by Ibom Angels. Esther Inyang gave the hosts the lead before Jessica Mark equalised late on.

Elsewhere, Adamawa Queens secured a 2-0 win over Naija Ratels, while Ahudiyannem Queens cruised to a 3-0 away victory against Confluence Queens, with Mary Lucky scoring twice.

In Lafia, Nasarawa Amazons came from behind to beat Sunshine Queens 2-1, as Bibiana Odoh struck twice in quick succession after Chigozie Idika had earlier put the visitors ahead.

With the campaign entering its final stretch, the battle for Super Six qualification continues to gather momentum, with several teams still firmly in contention for a place in the championship playoffs.