The Future Eagles’ unbeaten run at the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan ended on Wednesday after they were beaten 6-3 by Benin Republic.

Nigeria had gone six matches without defeat before Benin Republic’s greater attacking threat proved decisive in the evening fixture.

Captain Timothy Ogar Ijachi scored twice for the Future Eagles, taking his tournament tally to 11 goals. Wisdom Boniface also found the net, registering his second goal of the competition.

Ijachi has been one of Nigeria’s standout players in Baku. He began the tournament with a goal in the 3-3 draw against South Sudan before scoring again in the 2-2 draw with Jordan on Sunday morning.

The captain added two more goals in Sunday evening’s 3-3 draw with The Gambia, maintaining his remarkable scoring run.

He struck again on Monday morning, scoring the winning goal in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Cyprus. Later that day, he scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 1-1 draw with Pakistan.

Ijachi continued his outstanding form on Wednesday, scoring a hat-trick as the Future Eagles defeated New Caledonia 7-0. He then followed that performance with another two goals against Benin Republic, although Nigeria ultimately suffered their first defeat of the tournament.

The Nigeria Football Federation’s Acting General Secretary, Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, has urged the Flamingos to look ahead to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup last-16 tie against Mexico after visiting the team’s training session in Rabat.

Nigeria face Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament in Morocco at stake.

Ikpeme attended the team’s afternoon training on Wednesday and told the players to put their victory over Korea DPR behind them as they prepare for the next stage of their World Cup campaign.

He encouraged the squad to maintain their focus and determination before a knockout match in which there is no room for complacency.

The meeting with Mexico also brings back memories of the teams’ previous encounter at the 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals.

In that Group D match, played at the Estadio Nacional de Costa Rica in San Jose on 23rdMarch 2014, Nigeria recorded a 3-0 victory. Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Aminat Yakubu scored for the Flamingos.

Head Coach Hakeem Busari had already warned his players not to dwell on their group-stage victories against Puerto Rico and Cup-holders Korea DPR.

Instead, Busari has asked them to prepare for the greater intensity and different demands of knockout-stage football.

The coach can choose from his full 21-player squad for Thursday’s contest. Goalkeeper Jane Ijirigho has been in strong form, while defenders Azeezat Oduntan, Ohunene Sunday, Esther Stephen and Kanyinsola Rodiat Yusuf are expected to be considered for starting places.

Favour Nkwocha and Tosin Rafiu could continue in midfield after featuring for the Falconets at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland last month. Mary Dunstan is also in contention for a place in the middle of the pitch.

Up front, Oluebube Umejiaku and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi may retain their places after scoring two goals each in the competition.

Precious Oscar is another option in attack, while captain Harmony Chidi could return to the starting line-up after being left on the bench for Friday’s meeting with the world champions.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm Morocco time, which is 4pm in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Flamingos have been urged to put their group-stage success behind them and maintain their concentration when they face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.

Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, delivered that message during a visit to the team’s afternoon training session in Rabat on Wednesday.

The Flamingos meet Mexico on Thursday, October 29, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake as Nigeria continue their pursuit of the title.

Ikpeme encouraged the players to remain determined and focused, while warning them not to allow their victory over Korea DPR to distract them from the challenge of knockout football.

Nigeria recorded wins over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR during the group stage, but head coach Hakeem Busari has already stressed that those results must not lead to complacency.

Busari told his players to prepare mentally and physically for the greater intensity of the knockout stages, where a single match will determine whether their World Cup campaign continues.

The last-16 tie also revives a previous meeting between Nigeria and Mexico at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The teams faced one another at the 2014 tournament in Costa Rica, with Nigeria claiming a convincing 3-0 victory in a Group D match on March 23, 2014.

Rasheedat Ajibade, Uchenna Kanu and Aminat Yakubu scored for the Flamingos in that encounter, which was played at the Estadio Nacional in San Jose.

Nigeria will now aim to reproduce that result and carry their strong group-stage form into Thursday’s contest. Victory would secure a quarter-final place, while defeat would bring their campaign in Morocco to an end.

Lazio moved to the top of Serie A after a dominant 6-2 victory over 10-man Sassuolo, with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru making a decisive impact after coming on at half-time.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side reached 25 points from nine matches, although their position at the summit is dependent on Inter’s midweek fixture against Venezia.

Sassuolo remain 14th with eight points and have now extended their winless run.

Lazio made a rapid start at the Mapei Stadium, taking the lead after only two minutes when Kenneth Taylor finished sharply.

The hosts levelled five minutes later, although reports differed over whether the goal was scored by Kristian Thorstvedt or was an own goal by Josip Sutalo.

Lazio restored their advantage through Gustav Isaksen in the 13th minute before Romano Floriani Mussolini added a third three minutes later. It was the defender’s first senior goal for Lazio.

Sassuolo’s hopes of recovering suffered another blow in the 31st minute when Thorstvedt was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Sassuolo pulled one goal back just before the interval through Sebastiano Esposito. Lazio responded in first-half stoppage time, with Mattia Zaccagni heading in to re-establish a two-goal lead.

Dele-Bashiru helps Lazio take control

Dele-Bashiru replaced Taylor at half-time and immediately added energy and composure to Lazio’s midfield.

The Nigerian had scored his first goal of the season against Juventus days earlier and continued to demonstrate his growing importance to Gattuso’s team.

He completed 39 of 40 passes as Lazio controlled possession and dictated the tempo after the break. Tijjani Noslin increased their lead in the 55th minute, finishing a move set up by Zaccagni to make it 5-2.

Lazio were then awarded two penalties, but Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati kept out both attempts, saving Zaccagni’s effort and another from Davide Frattesi.

Those misses did not alter the course of the match, with Lazio continuing to control proceedings.

Dele-Bashiru supplied his assist in the 65th minute, finding Noslin, who sent a long-range effort into the top corner. The goal completed Noslin’s brace and made the score 6-2.

The midfielder’s passing, work rate and willingness to move the ball forward helped Lazio maintain their intensity throughout the second half.

Isaksen and Zaccagni also provided attacking contributions in an emphatic away performance that sends an early warning to Lazio’s Serie A rivals. However, Inter’s outstanding match means the race for first place remains open.

Sassuolo were left to reflect on a difficult evening, with Thorstvedt’s dismissal adding to the problems created by Lazio’s attacking display.

For Lazio and Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru’s performance offered further evidence of his increasing influence in Italy as he continues to build momentum following his return from injury.

Lazio moved to the top of Serie A after a dominant 6-2 victory over 10-man Sassuolo, with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru making a decisive impact after coming on at half-time.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side reached 25 points from nine matches, although their position at the summit is dependent on Inter’s midweek fixture against Venezia.

Sassuolo remain 14th with eight points and have now extended their winless run.

Lazio made a rapid start at the Mapei Stadium, taking the lead after only two minutes when Kenneth Taylor finished sharply.

The hosts levelled five minutes later, although reports differed over whether the goal was scored by Kristian Thorstvedt or was an own goal by Josip Sutalo.

Lazio restored their advantage through Gustav Isaksen in the 13th minute before Romano Floriani Mussolini added a third three minutes later. It was the defender’s first senior goal for Lazio.

Sassuolo’s hopes of recovering suffered another blow in the 31st minute when Thorstvedt was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Sassuolo pulled one goal back just before the interval through Sebastiano Esposito. Lazio responded in first-half stoppage time, with Mattia Zaccagni heading in to re-establish a two-goal lead.

Dele-Bashiru helps Lazio take control

Dele-Bashiru replaced Taylor at half-time and immediately added energy and composure to Lazio’s midfield.

The Nigerian had scored his first goal of the season against Juventus days earlier and continued to demonstrate his growing importance to Gattuso’s team.

He completed 39 of 40 passes as Lazio controlled possession and dictated the tempo after the break. Tijjani Noslin increased their lead in the 55th minute, finishing a move set up by Zaccagni to make it 5-2.

Lazio were then awarded two penalties, but Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati kept out both attempts, saving Zaccagni’s effort and another from Davide Frattesi.

Those misses did not alter the course of the match, with Lazio continuing to control proceedings.

Dele-Bashiru supplied his assist in the 65th minute, finding Noslin, who sent a long-range effort into the top corner. The goal completed Noslin’s brace and made the score 6-2.

The midfielder’s passing, work rate and willingness to move the ball forward helped Lazio maintain their intensity throughout the second half.

Isaksen and Zaccagni also provided attacking contributions in an emphatic away performance that sends an early warning to Lazio’s Serie A rivals. However, Inter’s outstanding match means the race for first place remains open.

Sassuolo were left to reflect on a difficult evening, with Thorstvedt’s dismissal adding to the problems created by Lazio’s attacking display.

For Lazio and Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru’s performance offered further evidence of his increasing influence in Italy as he continues to build momentum following his return from injury.

Lazio moved to the top of Serie A after a dominant 6-2 victory over 10-man Sassuolo, with Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru making a decisive impact after coming on at half-time.

Gennaro Gattuso’s side reached 25 points from nine matches, although their position at the summit is dependent on Inter’s midweek fixture against Venezia.

Sassuolo remain 14th with eight points and have now extended their winless run.

Lazio made a rapid start at the Mapei Stadium, taking the lead after only two minutes when Kenneth Taylor finished sharply.

The hosts levelled five minutes later, although reports differed over whether the goal was scored by Kristian Thorstvedt or was an own goal by Josip Sutalo.

Lazio restored their advantage through Gustav Isaksen in the 13th minute before Romano Floriani Mussolini added a third three minutes later. It was the defender’s first senior goal for Lazio.

Sassuolo’s hopes of recovering suffered another blow in the 31st minute when Thorstvedt was shown a straight red card for a studs-up challenge.

Despite being reduced to 10 players, Sassuolo pulled one goal back just before the interval through Sebastiano Esposito. Lazio responded in first-half stoppage time, with Mattia Zaccagni heading in to re-establish a two-goal lead.

Dele-Bashiru helps Lazio take control

Dele-Bashiru replaced Taylor at half-time and immediately added energy and composure to Lazio’s midfield.

The Nigerian had scored his first goal of the season against Juventus days earlier and continued to demonstrate his growing importance to Gattuso’s team.

He completed 39 of 40 passes as Lazio controlled possession and dictated the tempo after the break. Tijjani Noslin increased their lead in the 55th minute, finishing a move set up by Zaccagni to make it 5-2.

Lazio were then awarded two penalties, but Sassuolo goalkeeper Stefano Turati kept out both attempts, saving Zaccagni’s effort and another from Davide Frattesi.

Those misses did not alter the course of the match, with Lazio continuing to control proceedings.

Dele-Bashiru supplied his assist in the 65th minute, finding Noslin, who sent a long-range effort into the top corner. The goal completed Noslin’s brace and made the score 6-2.

The midfielder’s passing, work rate and willingness to move the ball forward helped Lazio maintain their intensity throughout the second half.

Isaksen and Zaccagni also provided attacking contributions in an emphatic away performance that sends an early warning to Lazio’s Serie A rivals. However, Inter’s outstanding match means the race for first place remains open.

Sassuolo were left to reflect on a difficult evening, with Thorstvedt’s dismissal adding to the problems created by Lazio’s attacking display.

For Lazio and Nigeria, Dele-Bashiru’s performance offered further evidence of his increasing influence in Italy as he continues to build momentum following his return from injury.

League Two club Fleetwood Town produced one of the biggest shocks in Carabao Cup history by beating Premier League champions Arsenal 5–3 on penalties after a 1–1 draw at Highbury Stadium on Tuesday.

Teenage defender Conor Haughey scored the decisive penalty to send Fleetwood into the quarter-finals and eliminate Arsenal, who were beaten finalists in last season’s competition.

The 19-year-old Northern Ireland Under-21 international admitted he had not practised penalties before taking the final kick. Fleetwood goalkeeper Jay Lynch had earlier saved Bruno Guimaraes’ effort, giving the hosts the advantage in the shootout.

Haughey then found the top-left corner, prompting huge celebrations and a pitch invasion as Fleetwood secured a historic victory.

Fleetwood had entered the match as underdogs and were 18th in the fourth tier. The game was delayed for eight minutes shortly after kick-off when a drone hovered over the stadium, with referee Michael Salisbury eventually allowing play to restart.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta made nine changes from the team that defeated Everton 2–0 on Saturday, retaining only Myles Lewis-Skelly and Viktor Gyokeres. Martin Zubimendi, Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera were among those brought into the starting line-up, but the visitors struggled to impose themselves.

Fleetwood took the lead in the 21st minute when Fulham loanee Aaron Loupalo-Bi converted Mark Helm’s forward pass. Matt Lawlor’s side defended resolutely, making important blocks and winning challenges to frustrate Arsenal.

Loupalo-Bi held off 17-year-old defender Marli Salmon before sliding the ball beneath debutant goalkeeper Illan Meslier. Arsenal could not find an equaliser before half-time.

Arteta responded by introducing captain Martin Ødegaard and defender Ben White at the interval. Arsenal levelled in the 50th minute when Gyokeres scored his first goal of the season.

Ceadach O’Neill, making his senior Arsenal debut, cut in from the left and sent a low cross towards the far post. Gyokeres fell as he tussled with Finley Potter but still managed to turn the ball past Lynch.

Arsenal pressed for a winner, but Lynch denied Havertz from close range and Lewis-Skelly missed the target. Their frustration increased five minutes from time when Max Dowman was sent off for kicking out at Fleetwood’s Harrison Neal. Dowman had impressed in Arsenal’s 4–2 win over Ipswich Town in the previous round.

Despite playing against 10 men, Fleetwood had to withstand late pressure. Lynch made stoppage-time saves from White and Ødegaard to force the shootout, where his intervention against Guimaraes proved decisive.

Arteta congratulated Fleetwood but said Arsenal had failed to turn their chances into goals. He did not criticise his players’ attitude or application, while confirming he had not spoken to Dowman about the dismissal, despite warnings about discipline.

The defeat ends Arsenal’s hopes of winning the Carabao Cup this season and extends their wait for another triumph in a competition they last won in 1993.

Fleetwood will face Bradford City, who beat Peterborough United in another fourth-round tie, among the last eight. The remaining quarter-finalists will be decided after Wednesday and Thursday’s matches.

Lawlor described the achievement as “mental”, saying his players had dreamed of such an occasion. He praised their resilience against a club with far greater financial resources and squad depth. The result is a major milestone for Fleetwood, who have spent 15 years in the Football League.

Bendel Insurance have agreed a new front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Premium Trust Bank for the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The bank’s logo will appear on the front of Bendel Insurance’s traditional yellow and green shirts, replacing Sterling Bank, who had occupied the position since 2021.

Sterling Bank’s original agreement made history during the 2021/22 season, when it became the first private company to provide a N50m shirt sponsorship for a Nigerian club. Bendel Insurance were competing in the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the time.

The value of that deal later increased to N75m after Bendel Insurance secured promotion. The partnership remained in place until this season.

The arrival of Premium Trust Bank comes as Bendel Insurance look to mount a challenge for the NPFL title. The club ended a 43-year wait for a trophy by winning the 2023 Federation Cup.

Bendel Insurance had been one of seven NPFL clubs without a front-of-shirt sponsor, according to the NPFL sponsorship tracker for 2026/27. The new agreement ends that status and provides the club with a fresh commercial partnership.

The new jerseys carrying the Premium Trust Bank branding are expected to be officially unveiled in Benin in the coming days.

Premium Trust Bank has established a significant presence in Nigerian sport. It was the headline sponsor of the National Sports Festival in Ogun 2024 and will also headline the Enugu 2026 edition.

The bank also sponsors Bayelsa Queens and serves as the official kit sponsor of NPFL referees and Match Commissioners.

Its sporting partnerships further include Team Nigeria athletes Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume.

Rangers International have switched their attention to their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign after being eliminated from the CAF Champions League by MC Alger.

The Flying Antelopes were beaten 3-2 on aggregate by the Algerian side, ending their involvement in the continental competition.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s team will now prepare for their Matchday 11 meeting with Rivers United at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt.

Rangers, the defending NPFL champions, are aiming to respond to their continental disappointment by returning to winning ways and strengthening their position in the title race.

“Focus shifts to the next battle! ????? We travel to Port Harcourt to face Rivers United FC in our next NPFL fixture. The quest for those crucial three points continues. ??,” the club said on its official X handle.

Rivers United currently lead the NPFL standings with 17 points from 10 matches.

Rangers also have 17 points, but have played two matches fewer than the table-toppers, leaving them well placed in the contest as the league season develops.

The fixture will therefore provide an important test for both teams. Rangers will be looking to recover from their CAF Champions League exit, while Rivers United will seek to preserve their unbeaten start and remain at the top of the standings.

Niger Tornadoes will face Barau FC on October 30 at 14:00 GMT, with both sides looking to strengthen their position in the league after contrasting runs of form. Niger Tornadoes have recorded one win, two draws and two defeats in their last five matches, while Barau FC are unbeaten across the same period with three wins and two draws.

The fixture gives Niger Tornadoes an opportunity to respond to an inconsistent sequence and build momentum at an important stage of the campaign. Barau FC, meanwhile, will arrive with confidence after producing a more reliable set of recent results.

The key statistics of the players of both teams this season:

Assists: (Niger Tornadoes) — 0 assists, (Barau FC) — 0 assists.Goalkeepers saves: (Niger Tornadoes) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0Tackles: (Niger Tornadoes) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0.Most encounters won: (Niger Tornadoes) — 0, (Barau FC) — 0.

Top 5 scorers this season:

(0)

(0)

Team statistics:

The match is expected to be decided by which side can impose its style early. Niger Tornadoes need a controlled performance to prevent the visitors from extending their unbeaten run, while Barau FC will look to turn their recent consistency into another positive result.

The five previous matches played by the teams:

Niger Tornadoes — WLDLDBarau FC — WDWDW

Niger Tornadoes’ last five results WLDLD show a team that has struggled to maintain a steady rhythm. The run includes a victory, two draws and two losses, suggesting that the side has been competitive in several matches but has not consistently converted performances into points.

According to home statistics this season, Niger Tornadoes scores more goals and concedes more in the following intervals:

IntervalsGoal Scored, %Goals conceded, %0-1514.29%25.00%16-30 14.29%25.00%31-4514.29%25.00% 46-6057.14%25.00%61-7576-9091-105

Barau FC has the following time frames of scoring and conceding goals:

Intervals

Goal Scored, %

Goals conceded, %

0-15

22.22%

16.67%

16-30

22.22%

16.67%

31-45

11.11%

33.33%

46-60

22.22%

33.33%

61-75

22.22%

76-90

91-105

Head-to-head stats:

Teams

Games

Win

Draws

Losses

H

A

H

A

H

A

Niger Tornadoes

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Barau FC

0

0

0

0

0

0

Probabilities before the match:

Niger Tornadoes

Barau FC

62.5%

Winning the game62.5%

44%Attack potential

44%80%

Potential in defense80%

50%Strength against each other

50%60%

Goal Potential60%

Summary: the probability of Barau FC winning – 10%, draw – 45%, loss – 45%. Thus Niger Tornadoes, most likely, win (win or draw)

Goal Forecast:Niger Tornadoes, is likely to score -1.5 goals, Barau FC is likely to score no more than -1.5.

The bookmaker odds for this match:

Home win

Draw

Away win

0

0

0

Save the date

The match between the teams Niger Tornadoes and Barau FC will take place on October 30 at 14:00 (GMT) at the stadium Bako Kontagora Stadium.

Alex Iwobi has moved into joint second place with Mohamed Salah for Premier League appearances by an African international after featuring in Fulham’s 1-0 win over Coventry City.

The Nigeria midfielder made his 328th appearance in the competition on Saturday, leaving him 26 matches short of the record attributed to former Ivory Coast defender Kolo Toure.

Iwobi is already Nigeria’s most-capped player in Premier League history and has now matched Liverpool forward Salah, who occupies the same position in the African rankings. Toure remains the leading African player, with 353 appearances for Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

The milestone underlines Iwobi’s longevity in English football. He has played in the Premier League for more than a decade, representing Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.

From Arsenal debut to Fulham milestone

Iwobi made his Premier League debut for Arsenal on 31 October 2015, coming on as a substitute in a 3-0 victory over Swansea City.

He made his first start in March 2016 and scored as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at Goodison Park.

The midfielder joined Everton in 2019 before returning to London to sign for Fulham in September 2023. His latest appearance came shortly before the 11th anniversary of his Premier League debut.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) marked the achievement, with acting general secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme identifying Toure’s total as the next target for Iwobi.

Iwobi’s 328 appearances place him ahead of Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha, who have each played 305 Premier League matches. Shola Ameobi ended his career with 298 appearances.

Iwobi leads Nigerian appearance chart

Ameobi previously held Nigeria’s record, having played for Newcastle United and Crystal Palace. Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo made 228 appearances across spells with Everton and Norwich City, while John Mikel Obi featured in 249 matches.

Nwankwo Kanu played 273 Premier League games and Yakubu Aiyegbeni made 252 appearances.

Iwobi also holds Nigeria’s Premier League assists record, while Yakubu remains the country’s leading scorer in the competition. Yakubu scored 95 goals in 252 appearances for Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn Rovers.

Yobo holds another notable Nigerian endurance mark after completing a 3,420-minute season. Former striker Efan Ekoku also recorded a significant Premier League achievement, securing his own place in the competition’s history.

Fulham extend winning run

Iwobi’s landmark appearance came as Fulham recorded their second successive Premier League victory.

Oscar Bobb scored the only goal against Coventry, following Fulham’s previous 1-0 win over Hull City. Iwobi had scored the decisive goal in that match.

Having drawn level with Salah, Iwobi now needs 26 more Premier League appearances to move clear at the top of the African rankings and claim the record for himself.

Nigeria will play Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup after finishing second in Group B with six points.

The Flamingos lost 2–1 to Poland in their opening match, before responding with victories over Puerto Rico and defending champions Korea DPR. They beat Puerto Rico 2–0 and then secured qualification with a 3–1 win against Korea DPR.

The last-16 tie is scheduled for Thursday, 29 October 2026, with kick-off at 16:00 Nigerian time in Rabat, Morocco. Nigeria must win to reach the quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s group-stage campaign

Nigeria scored six goals and conceded four across their three matches. Poland also ended the group stage on six points after beating Puerto Rico 6–2, while Korea DPR likewise finished with six points despite their defeat by Nigeria.

Korea DPR had made an impressive start to the tournament, winning both of their first two matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding only one. Nigeria’s 3–1 victory was therefore their biggest result of the group stage and secured the Flamingos’ progress to the knockout rounds.

Nigeria’s results in Group B were:

- Nigeria 1–2 Poland defeat

- Nigeria 2–0 Puerto Rico victory

- Nigeria 3–1 Korea DPR victory

Adegbuyi and Yusuf seal decisive win

Oluwakemi Adegbuyi put Nigeria ahead in the 15th minute against Korea DPR.

The advantage was doubled in the 38th minute when Oluebube Umejiaku scored after being set up by Tosin Rafiu. Kanyinsola Yusuf then extended Nigeria’s lead to 3–0 with a free-kick in the 56th minute.

Korea DPR reduced the deficit through Yu Jong Hyang eight minutes from the end, but Nigeria held on for a notable victory.

Adegbuyi appeared to have scored a fourth for Nigeria in the 88th minute. However, the goal was ruled out after a video review found a foul during the build-up.

Mexico next in Morocco

Mexico are Nigeria’s opponents in the next round, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.

The Flamingos’ previous best finish at the tournament was a bronze medal in 2022. Korea DPR, whom Nigeria defeated in the group stage, are two-time U-17 Women’s World Cup champions.

Nigeria have now faced Korea DPR three times at the U-17 Women’s World Cup. They won 3–2 in 2010, lost 3–0 in 2016 and claimed a 3–1 victory in 2026. The record stands at two Nigeria wins and one for Korea DPR.

Their immediate task is to overcome Mexico and secure a place in the last eight.

Nigeria’s Future Eagles recorded their biggest victory of the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival by beating New Caledonia 7-0 on Wednesday morning.

The result secured their place in the Tier C round of 16 and extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the tournament to six matches.

Captain Timothy Ijachi led the scoring with a hat-trick, while Abdulsalam Muhammad contributed two goals. Wisdom Oche and Mayowa Salu also found the net as Nigeria produced a dominant performance.

The Future Eagles needed only 60 seconds to take the lead, with Oche opening the scoring. Ijachi then struck twice in quick succession, scoring in the 12th and 16th minutes to give Nigeria a 3-0 advantage.

Muhammad added the fourth goal in the 21st minute before Ijachi completed his hat-trick in the 35th minute.

Nigeria continued to press after the interval, although the main damage had already been done before half-time. Muhammad scored his second goal four minutes after Ijachi’s third to make it 6-0, before Salu completed the scoring in the 40th minute.

The Future Eagles will now play the winner of the Tier C round-of-32 match between Republic of Benin and Cuba in the last 16.

The inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival will conclude on Friday, 30 October, when the Tier finals are played.

Nigeria’s Olympic Eagles have begun their preparations for a two-legged 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Head coach Eric Chelle oversaw the team’s first training session on Tuesday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, with 28 players taking part.

The session marked the start of Nigeria’s build-up to the second-round encounter, although three invited players were not yet available after representing Rangers International in the CAF Champions League.

Chimobi Igwilo, Kenneth Igboke and Chibueze Oputa joined camp later after featuring for the Flying Antelopes in their second-leg match against MC Alger of Algeria in the CAF Champions League second preliminary round.

The Rangers International trio are expected to train with the rest of the squad on Wednesday, when the Olympic Eagles will hold both morning and evening sessions.

Nigeria are expected to step up their preparations once all the invited players are in camp, with the squad facing a demanding two-match contest against DR Congo.

The Congolese team will host the opening leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi on Friday, November 13, 2026.

The return fixture will be played at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.

The winner of the tie will progress to the final qualifying round, where they will meet either Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso for a place at the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

Nigeria’s Future Eagles begin their bid for a Tier C title against New Caledonia in the Round of 32 at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Wednesday.

The two sides reached the knockout stage after finishing third in their respective qualification groups. Nigeria placed third in Group AD, while New Caledonia finished third in Group AA.

Patrick Bassey’s team enter the match unbeaten, having collected seven points from five games. Their record includes one win and four draws, with 11 goals scored and 10 conceded.

Captain Timothy Ijach has been Nigeria’s leading performer, scoring in four consecutive matches. Wisdom Oche and Abdulrazak Mufutau have also made strong contributions during the tournament.

The Festival’s format ensures that no team is eliminated at the early stage. Instead, all participating teams are divided into six performance-based tiers according to their group positions.

Group winners advance to Tier A, where they compete for the overall title. The runners-up are placed in Tier B, while third-placed teams, including Nigeria, enter Tier C.

A total of 32 teams will contest the Tier C knockout bracket. Nigeria and New Caledonia will meet in one of the Round of 32 fixtures on Wednesday.

The round of 16 and placement matches are scheduled for Thursday 29th, before the Tier finals take place on Friday 30th October. Those finals will determine the final rankings in each tier.

Nigeria head coach Akeem Busari has called on the Flamingos to be more efficient in front of goal when they face Mexico in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat on Thursday.

The Flamingos scored six goals during the group stage but conceded three, and Busari wants his players to improve their finishing as the competition moves into its knockout phase.

With Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals at stake, the coach has underlined the importance of taking chances in a match where there will be no opportunity to recover from a mistake.

“We know there is no second chance, and we let the players know why it is important to take their opportunities once and for all,” Busari told the team’s media.

Busari also acknowledged the quality of Mexico and said both teams deserved respect as they pursue progress in the tournament.

“Mexico are a very good side. I believe they respect us, and we equally have respect for them because every team at this particular stage is a contender for the trophy,” he said.

The Nigerian coach said preparation has focused on ensuring the players approach the match with the correct mindset and are ready for the demands of the last-16 tie.

“We have just talked to the players about high mentality, a sense of readiness and a good approach to the game,” Busari added.

Nigeria will therefore need to combine the attacking threat shown in the group stage with greater accuracy in front of goal if they are to overcome Mexico and keep their title ambitions alive.

The Flamingos’ progress will depend on how effectively they convert their opportunities, with Busari insisting that a clinical display is essential against their Mexican opponents.

Lazio moved to the top of Serie A with a 6-2 victory over 10-man Sassuolo, with Nigeria international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru providing an assist in a remarkable eight-goal match on Tuesday.

Dele-Bashiru was named among the substitutes but came on before the second half began. He later played a decisive role in Lazio’s sixth goal, setting up Tijjani Noslin to complete his brace.

The result gave Lazio their eighth win in nine matches and extended their unbeaten start to the season. They now have 25 points, three clear of Inter, who travel to bottom club Venezia on Wednesday.

Lazio took the lead after only two minutes when Dutch midfielder Kenneth Taylor finished from close range after a cross from Gustav Isaksen had been intercepted. The goal was checked by VAR for a lengthy period before being awarded.

Sassuolo responded quickly. Kristian Thorstvedt levelled in the seventh minute with a first-time finish from Josh Doig’s pass, but Lazio regained the advantage six minutes later when Isaksen made it 2-1.

Romano Floriani Mussolini added a third just two minutes afterwards, scoring his first Serie A goal.

The match changed significantly in the 31st minute when Thorstvedt, who had earlier equalised for Sassuolo, was shown a straight red card for a serious tackle on Mattia Zaccagni.

Despite playing with 10 men, Sassuolo reduced the deficit before half-time. Sebastiano Esposito scored in the 43rd minute to make it 3-2, but Lazio restored their two-goal lead in first-half stoppage time when Zaccagni headed in a cross.

Zaccagni missed a penalty five minutes after the restart, one of two spot-kicks missed during the match, but Lazio continued to pull away.

Noslin scored with a curling finish to make it 5-2 before Dele-Bashiru helped create the sixth goal in the 61st minute. Noslin collected the pass and struck powerfully from the edge of the area to complete his two-goal performance and seal a 6-2 win.

Lazio have now avoided defeat in their first nine league matches for the first time since the 1999-2000 season, when they last won the Scudetto.

Terem Moffi scored his second goal for Hamburg, but it was not enough to prevent a 3-1 home defeat by Eintracht Frankfurt in the second round of the German Cup on Tuesday.

Frankfurt had established a 3-0 lead before Moffi found the net with 11 minutes remaining. The forward’s effort offered Hamburg little more than consolation as the five-time German Cup winners advanced.

Raphael Onyedika played the full 90 minutes for Eintracht Frankfurt in the tie.

The goal was Moffi’s second in all competitions since he joined Hamburg during the summer transfer window. His other strike came in the league, where he scored his maiden Bundesliga goal.

The defeat leaves Hamburg with consecutive losses. They had previously been beaten 1-0 away by Paderborn in Saturday’s league match.

Frankfurt also entered the cup fixture after losing their previous game, going down by -0 to Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Eintracht Frankfurt are seeking to win the German Cup for the first time since their most recent triumph in 2018.

Chelsea have secured the future of Nigeria-eligible striker Chizaram Ezenwata by handing him a new contract running until June 2029, according to BSNSports.com.ng.

The 18-year-old forward was rewarded after a prolific 2025/26 season with Chelsea’s Under-18 side, establishing himself as one of the club’s leading young attacking prospects.

Ezenwata scored 15 goals and supplied seven assists in 21 appearances for the youth team. His contributions were involved in 22 goals overall during the campaign.

The new agreement marks an important stage in Ezenwata’s development at Stamford Bridge, where he will continue working through Chelsea’s youth system with the aim of eventually challenging for a place in the senior side.

His performances have increased expectations around his progress as he develops his game at the Premier League club.

Ezenwata can also represent Nigeria at international level. His continued development at Chelsea could therefore provide the country with another potential attacking option in the future.

Tochukwu Nnadi may depart Olympique Marseille during the January transfer window after an uncertain opening spell with the French Ligue 1 club, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 23-year-old Nigeria international joined Marseille from Belgian side Zulte Waregem for a reported €6 million during the winter transfer window.

Nnadi has made eight appearances for the French club since arriving, competing for a place in the midfield as he attempts to establish himself in the team.

However, the midfielder is understood to be considering a move away in January in search of more consistent playing time. A transfer could give him the chance to take on a more prominent role elsewhere and continue his development.

Marseille, meanwhile, may review their options before the second half of the season as they assess Nnadi’s position within the squad.