Super Eagles coach Eric Sekou Chelle has praised his team's performance in their 3-2 win over Tunisia at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite conceding two late goals, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chelle admitted his team lost control of the game after dominating the first 75 minutes, but was proud of their resilience in holding on to win.

"I am happy that we were able to improve with every game," Chelle said in his post-match conference.

"You can say what you want but the reality is that we deserve this win. We can’t do 90mins with big high pressure. We did for 75mins and that’s why I did two wingers sub”

"We did some good things, but we also did some bad ones. We have to continue to improve".

The Franco-Malian tactician was pleased with his team's improvement from their opening 2-1 win over Tanzania, and is confident they can build on this performance against Uganda on Tuesday.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nine-time NPFL champions Enyimba are set to announce Deji Ayeni as their new technical adviser, with an official reveal expected next week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayeni, 53, is set to take the reins from suspended coach Stanley Eguma, who was relieved of his duties in November due to poor results.

Lawrence Ukaegbu has been holding fort in an interim capacity, but Ayeni's appointment will bring stability to the People's Elephant.

The experienced coach, who last managed Crown FC of Ogbomosho in the NNL, has a wealth of experience in Nigerian football, having worked with top clubs like Sunshine Stars and Akwa United.

Ayeni's task is clear: revive Enyimba's fortunes in the second half of the 2025/26 season.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has declared his team's readiness to avenge their 1-0 loss to Tunisia at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Ndidi emphasized that the painful defeat has fueled the team's confidence and preparation for Saturday's Group C clash against the Carthage Eagles.

"It was a painful loss in 2021, but it gives us more confidence. When we talked about it, the guys were really, really prepared," Ndidi said, referencing Nigeria's impressive group stage performance in Cameroon, where they won all three games.

Ndidi's comments come after Nigeria's 2-1 win over Tanzania in their AFCON 2025 opener, with goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman.

Tunisia, meanwhile, topped Group C with a 3-1 victory over Uganda.

The match is set for Saturday, December 27, at 9:00 PM WAT in Fès, Morocco, with Malian referee Boubou Traore in charge and Senegalese official Issa Sy as VAR.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigeria's Super Eagles are looking to kick off their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a win against Tanzania's Taifa Stars in Fès on Tuesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Coach Éric Chelle emphasized the importance of a strong start, saying, "This is a big game because this is the first game and the first game is very important. For sure, we want to win this game".

The three-time African champions are in Group C, alongside Tunisia and Uganda, with only the top two teams guaranteed a spot in the Round of 16.

Chelle's side will be without some key players, including Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick, due to injuries.

Tanzania, ranked 74 places below Nigeria in the FIFA standings, will be looking to cause an upset.

Their coach, Miguel Gamondi, warned his team about Nigeria's attacking prowess, saying, "The smallest mistake against this kind of team can punish you".

The other Group C match on Tuesday will see Tunisia take on Uganda.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen openly Appologised for the team's failure to secure a ticket from to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria in the African World Cup Playoff final lost to DR Congo on penalties comfirming Nigeria's absence at the World football fiesta for twice in a roll.

Osimhen as the three time African champions prepare for the 2025 African Cup of Nations in a Morroco claimed the African tournament provides the opportunity to correct their mistakes.

"This afcon is an opportunity for to right our wrong, to try to show make the Super Eagles fans all over the world believe that there is so much more we can give." Said the Galatasaray strike in an interview with Pooja Media.

"We are so sorry I have to use this opportunity to say we are so sorry for not getting the world cup ticket, I know the disappointment in the faces of alot of Nigerian fans.

"Life has happened so we have to keep it moving. This AFCON is opportunity for us to do well and try to make sure that we win the tournament." Osimhen concluded

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigerian representatives Rivers United have been drawn into Group A of the CAF Champions League alongside holders Pyramids SC, RS Berkane, and Power Dynamos, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The draw took place on Monday in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Rivers United, led by coach Finidi George, will be making their debut in the group stage after overcoming Black Bulls of Mozambique 3-1 on aggregate in the qualifying rounds.

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They will face stiff competition from experienced opponents, including Pyramids SC, the reigning champions, RS Berkane of Morocco, and Power Dynamos from Zambia.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has denied allegations of financial mismanagement in the construction of the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The project has been surrounded by controversy after a social media post by FIFA showed the half-completed Benin-Kebbi Stadium, sparking criticism over the utilization of funds.

Pinnick, in an interview with Arise TV news, said, “ FIFA gives you their money, they audit their money, they know A to Z, and they have standards. So, if the contract was worth approximately $ 1.1 million in 2020, how much was it in Naira? Less than 400 million naira. That’s what people don’t know, ”

Pinnick also maintained that the project followed due process and that no additional funds were approved despite the COVID-19 pandemic delaying construction.

He further urged Nigerians to verify facts before making public accusations, insisting that his administration operated with transparency and accountability.

The FIFA Goal Project aims to improve football infrastructure worldwide, but its implementation in Nigeria has sparked mixed reactions due to the state of some facilities funded under the initiative.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

The Referee Development Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has suspended three referees, Mohammed B. Tuta, Ben Japhet, and Ikechukwu Taiwo, from officiating in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The suspension follows a review of their performances in recent matches, including the matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, which was marred by fan violence.

Tuta and Japhet were criticized for decisions that fell short of professional standards, while Taiwo was sanctioned for awarding an "unjustified penalty" in the Nasarawa United vs Rangers match.

The Referees Committee has confirmed that the suspensions are indefinite, pending further review and retraining programs.

The Committee has reiterated its commitment to maintaining integrity, transparency, and professionalism in Nigerian football officiating, warning that any referee found compromising match standards will face severe disciplinary action.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has deducted three points from South Africa in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers for fielding ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in their March match against Lesotho, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Mokoena was serving a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. In addition to the points deduction, South Africa has also had three goals deducted from their tally.

This decision significantly impacts the standings in Group C, with South Africa dropping to second place behind Benin Republic.

The points deduction also boosts Nigeria's chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. With two matches remaining, Nigeria trails the group leaders by three points.

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The South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,536.04) and issued a warning.

Mokoena himself has received a warning. SAFA has ten days to appeal the ruling before the FIFA Appeal Committee.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Nigeria's Flying Eagles have suffered a setback ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, with defender Marvelous Freedom ruled out due to a knee injury sustained during training earlier this week, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ikorodu City centre-back's recovery is not expected to be completed within the tournament's timeframe.

In response to Freedom's injury, head coach Aliyu Zubairu has called up Haruna Aliyu, a defender from Wikki Tourists, as his replacement.

Notably, Aliyu was initially dropped from the team just before their departure to Chile's final preparations. Aliyu will now travel to Chile on Friday to join the rest of the team.

The Flying Eagles are set to kick off their U-20 World Cup campaign against Norway next Monday, with Colombia and Saudi Arabia completing the Group F lineup.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze is confident that Nigeria will secure a crucial win against South Africa in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match, set to take place at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, is a must-win for Nigeria to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

“South Africa is a strong team, they have good players. They are first in the group, but we are Nigeria, and we have a good team to compete with them,” Chukwueze told the media.

“I believe we will get a good result here. The most important thing is for us to win. We are really focused on that. I’m confident we will be in the World. All we just need is the support of Nigerians.”

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Home-based Super Eagles captain, Junior Nduka, has expressed determination to conclude the team's 2024 African Nations Championship campaign on a positive note despite their current struggles, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The West Africans have been eliminated from the competition after losing their opening two fixtures to Senegal and Sudan, failing to score a single goal and conceding five.

However, Nduka emphasized that the team will give their all in the final group game against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

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The match against Congo promises to be a challenging encounter, but Nduka is confident that his teammates will put up a spirited performance.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Congo head coach, Barthelemy Ngatsono, has emphasized the need for his players to perform at their highest level if they are to secure a positive result against Nigeria in their upcoming African Nations Championship match, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ngatsono's side is yet to record a win in the tournament, currently occupying second position in Group D with two points from two games.

A victory over Nigeria would significantly boost their chances of advancing to the quarter-finals.

The Congo coach acknowledged that Nigeria, despite their struggles in the tournament so far, would be a formidable opponent.

"We respect Nigeria, but they are like a wounded lion. They will play with pride, so we must be sharper and stay focused,” CAFonline quoted the gaffer as par Dailypost.

Nigeria, on the other hand, will be playing for pride after failing to win in their opening two fixtures.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun  

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has introduced a new regulation requiring head coaches to attend post-match press conferences after every game, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Clubs that fail to comply with this directive will face a fine of N1 million.

NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, emphasized the importance of this regulation, stating that it is a standard practice in other parts of the world.

The league believes that post-match press conferences are essential for promoting transparency, enhancing media coverage, and fostering fan engagement.

According to Elegbeleye, Match Commissioners will be tasked with ensuring compliance, and any coach found defaulting will face immediate penalties, including fines and potential bench bans.

The NPFL Board is committed to elevating the league's profile and providing value to all stakeholders, particularly media partners who play a crucial role in showcasing matches and crafting narratives that connect fans to the game.

The 2025/26 NPFL season is set to kick off on August 22, with defending champions Remo Stars facing Rivers United in the opening fixture.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Akin Olowokere, assistant coach of Shooting Stars SC, has died after collapsing during a training session at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode on Monday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Olowokere, a former Sunshine Stars player and coach, was part of the coaching staff recently appointed by 3SC.

The incident occurred while the team was preparing for Matchday 2 of the ValueJet Cup 2025.

Olowokere was immediately attended to by medical staff and rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Olowokere's appointment was part of a coaching shake-up at Shooting Stars, where the club parted ways with the Gbenga Ogunbote-led coaching crew.

The news of his passing has shocked the football community.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Remo Stars goalkeeper, Sabitu Abiola has committed to the Nigeria Premier Football League champions for another two years, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Signing a new contract that will keeps him at the club until 2027.

Abiola, who made his senior debut for the Sky Blue Stars last season, featured in two league matches during their title-winning campaign.

The young goalkeeper is expected to play a more prominent role in the team during the upcoming 2025-26 season, which kicks off on August 22, 2025.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the full payment of match bonuses and allowances for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko confirmed that the entitlements have been disbursed for immediate payment to the players and officials.

The move aims to boost the team's morale as they prepare to face Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in the final on Saturday at the Olympic Stadium.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

South Africa's Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis has expressed confidence in her team's ability to overcome Nigeria's Super Falcons in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The defending champions have a complex history with Nigeria, despite losing more matches overall.

However, Ellis highlighted their 1-0 win over Nigeria in their last WAFCON meeting three years ago as evidence that her team knows how to beat their opponents.

“We know what this match means. We know what it takes to beat Nigeria,” Ellis was quoted by CAFonline.

South Africa edged past Senegal 4-1 on penalties to reach the semifinals, while Nigeria thrashed Zambia 5-0.

The highly anticipated semifinal clash takes place on Tuesday.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Ifeoma Onumonu's availability for Nigeria's quarterfinal match against Zambia's Copper Queens is in doubt due to injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Montpellier striker according to Dailypost missed Wednesday's training session, casting uncertainty over her participation in the crucial encounter.

31-year-old has made one appearance at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, featuring for 54 minutes in Nigeria's 0-0 draw with Algeria.

The Super Falcons face Zambia on Friday at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with the winner advancing to the semifinals.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigerian midfielder, Toni Payne has expressed her delight at switching allegiance from the United States to Nigeria, saying she'll forever be happy with her decision, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The 30-year-old, born in Alabama to Nigerian parents, represented the US at youth levels before pledging her loyalty to Nigeria in 2019.

Payne made her Super Falcons debut two years later and has since featured in several major tournaments, including the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA Women's World Cup, and Olympic Games.

"Even though I did grow up with dreams of playing for the US, when I had the opportunity to play for Nigeria, it was almost a no-brainer and a no question for me. So, yeah, no regrets,” she said

With no regrets, Payne affirmed her choice to play for Nigeria, a decision that has seen her become an integral part of the national team.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun