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  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles defender and Technical egg head of the Delta state Football Association DFA as well as First board member of the Delta state Sports Commission,Sam Sodje has criticised the poor application of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, warning that over dependence on the technology is slowing down matches and affecting the overall flow of the tournament. Speaking during a phone interview on SPORTS Xtra , a sports programme on Crown FM, Warri, Sodje said the frequent and often prolonged VAR reviews have made games drag unnecessarily, taking away from the excitement of live football. Sodje also expressed disappointment with the standard of officiating at the tournament, noting that it has fallen below the level witnessed at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast. According to him, referees at the previous edition set a higher benchmark in terms of consistency and decision-making, a standard he believes...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  FIFA has taken a significant step toward reshaping one of football’s most debated rules after opening the door to a proposed overhaul of the offside law championed by former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger. Under the proposed amendment, an attacking player would only be deemed offside if they have fully passed the last defender at the moment the ball is played. This would mark a clear departure from the current interpretation, where marginal decisions are often determined by small body parts such as a shoulder, toe, or knee. The change, which is aimed at restoring attacking advantage and reducing controversial VAR decisions, is now under active consideration by football’s law-making authorities. FIFA believes the proposal could simplify offside calls, improve clarity for fans, and limit the frustration caused by tight, frame-by-frame reviews. If approved, the new offside interpretation could be introduced as early as next season , representing one...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  FIFA has officially approved the nationality switch of goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, making the 24-year-old eligible to represent Nigeria at international level. Okonkwo, who previously featured at youth level for England, completed the change of association following FIFA’s clearance, opening the door for a potential call-up to the Super Eagles. The Wrexham shot-stopper has been in impressive form in the English Championship this season, recording 66 saves and keeping five clean sheets in 21 league appearances. His performances have played a key role in Wrexham’s campaign and have attracted growing attention from Nigerian football stakeholders. Okonkwo’s eligibility provides a timely boost to Nigeria’s goalkeeping options as the national team continues to rebuild and strengthen its squad ahead of upcoming international competitions. His blend of youth, experience in English football, and current form positions him as a strong contender for future S...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Nigeria secured a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda in their Group C encounter, producing a dominant display marked by superior possession, attacking intent, and clinical finishing. The Super Eagles took the lead in the 28th minute through Paul Onuachu, who capitalised on Nigeria’s early pressure to put his side ahead. Nigeria continued to control proceedings and doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark when Raphael Onyedika struck in the 62nd minute. The midfielder added his second goal of the night five minutes later, scoring again in the 67th minute to effectively put the game beyond Uganda’s reach. Uganda pulled one back in the 75th minute through R. Mato, offering brief hope for a comeback, but Nigeria remained composed to see out the contest. The statistics underlined Nigeria’s dominance. The Super Eagles enjoyed 71 percent possession compared to Uganda’s 29 percent, registered 12 shots to Uganda’s five, and recorded six shots o...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Nigeria secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Tunisia in an entertaining Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash on Sunday at the Fez Stadium in Morocco, reinforcing their credentials as title contenders. The Super Eagles took the lead just before halftime when Victor Osimhen struck in the 44th minute, rewarding Nigeria’s early dominance. Momentum swung firmly in Nigeria’s favour shortly after the restart as Wilfred Ndidi doubled the advantage in the 50th minute with a composed finish from midfield. Tunisia responded with renewed urgency and pulled one back in the 74th minute through Mohamed Talbi, setting up a tense final phase. However, Nigeria restored their two-goal cushion when Ademola Lookman found the net in the 67th minute, capping a strong attacking display. The Carthage Eagles refused to go quietly and were handed a lifeline late on when Aïssa Abdi converted a penalty in the 87th minute, but Nigeria held firm to see out the contest. Match statistics ...

  Reports say FIFA has officially dismissed Nigeria’s appeal challenging the eligibility of Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) players in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter, bringing an end to the matter and leaving the original result unchanged. In its ruling, FIFA’s adjudicatory body confirmed that DR Congo fully complied with all relevant provisions of the FIFA Statutes and Regulations. As a result, the outcome of the match — a 4–3 victory for DR Congo via a penalty shootout — has been upheld. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had lodged the appeal on the grounds that several Congolese players were allegedly ineligible under DR Congo’s domestic laws, which generally restrict dual citizenship. However, FIFA clarified that player eligibility in international competitions is assessed strictly under FIFA regulations, not domestic legal frameworks. According to FIFA, all the players fielded by DR Congo possessed valid Congolese passports and had been duly pr...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has dismissed claims circulating on social media that his recent analysis of Nigeria’s performance against Tanzania was driven by a lack of support for the national team. In an official statement, Oliseh expressed disappointment over the accusations, stressing that his comments were made in good faith and in line with his professional responsibility as a football analyst. He noted that he has devoted nearly four decades of his life to the growth and development of Nigerian football, both on and off the pitch. According to him, while his role demands objectivity and honest assessment, his commitment to the Super Eagles, the players, and head coach Eric Chelle remains unwavering. Oliseh explained that constructive criticism should not be mistaken for hostility, describing honest analysis as a necessary tool for improvement and progress. He also pointed out the irony of the situation, recalling that he ...

  Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, has thrown his weight behind Wilfred Ndidi as a strong candidate to captain the Nigerian national team following the retirement of Ahmed Musa and William Troost-Ekong from international football. Sodje made this known during a radio interview on the Crown FM Sports Show on Thursday, as Nigeria prepares for the fast-approaching Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). According to him, the leadership vacuum created by the exit of the two senior players presents an opportunity for a calm, disciplined and tactically intelligent figure to take charge of the squad. While acknowledging Victor Osimhen’s passion, intensity and winning mentality, Sodje stressed that captaincy goes beyond energy and goalscoring prowess. “Osimhen brings fire and hunger to the team, which is very important,” Sodje said. “But being captain of the Super Eagles requires more than that. You need someone who can manage the dressing room, communicate effectively with teammates an...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa , has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned nearly 15 years with the Nigerian national team. In a heartfelt message addressed to Nigerians and the Super Eagles family, Musa revealed that the decision came after deep reflection, marking the close of a journey that began from his youth and grew into one of the most significant careers in Nigerian football history. Musa recalled his early days with the national setup, noting that he was called up simultaneously to the U-20, U-23 and Super Eagles teams at a young age. Despite the demands and constant travel, he said representing Nigeria was never something he questioned, stressing that whenever the country called, he answered without hesitation. The former Leicester City forward described Nigeria as “always home,” even though football took him across different parts of the world. He lea...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  The Super Eagles of Nigeria have begun their build-up in Cairo, with 11 players already in camp ahead of their first official training session scheduled for 8:00pm local time. Those who have reported include goalkeepers Francis Izobo, Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie, as well as outfield players Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igho Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi. Team officials confirmed that 12 more players are expected to arrive later today, which will bring the squad close to full strength as preparations intensify. The inaugural training session will take place inside the main bowl of the Cairo International Stadium, giving the players an early chance to adapt to the pitch and surroundings. The coaching crew is expected to use the session to assess player fitness, begin tactical work and lay the foundation for team cohesion as Nigeria steps up its preparations in Cairo.

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Ebenezer Akinsanmiro played his final club match for FC Pisa before linking up with the Super Eagles for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring for 59 minutes in the Italian Serie A clash against Lecce. The midfielder is expected to join Nigeria’s camp following the fixture as preparations intensify ahead of the continental showpiece. In his last outing for Pisa prior to international duty, Akinsanmiro recorded a mixed performance in a tightly contested encounter. He registered 28 touches and maintained a 77 per cent pass accuracy, although he struggled offensively, failing to complete any of his four attempted dribbles under intense pressure from the opposition. Despite limited attacking influence, the Nigerian international showed grit and determination in midfield, winning 12 duels and contributing defensively throughout his time on the pitch. His overall effort earned him a match rating of 6.6 before he was substituted in the second half. ...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Victor Osimhen delivered another commanding performance as Galatasaray recorded a resounding 4–1 away victory over Antalyaspor in a Turkish Super Lig encounter on Saturday. The reigning champions dominated proceedings to round off the year on a high, extending their strong run of form in the league. The Nigerian striker capped an impressive display by getting on the scoresheet in the 56th minute, powering home a clinical finish that underlined his predatory instincts in front of goal. The strike marked Osimhen’s sixth league goal of the season and his 12th in all competitions, further cementing his status as one of Galatasaray’s most influential players. Osimhen’s latest goal came in what is expected to be his final club appearance before departing to join the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The masked forward has been in scintillating form, consistently delivering decisive contributions for the Istanbul giants. Galatasaray’...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Football fans in Warri, Delta State, have thrown their weight behind Super Eagles head coach for naming Stanley Nwabali as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of Maduka Okoye. The fans made their views known during a lively phone-in segment on the Crown FM sports show on Saturday, describing the decision as “spot on” and reflective of recent performances. Several callers, including Okeke, Comrade Udemba, Stanley, Friday and Shola, praised Nwabali’s composure, shot-stopping ability and commanding presence in goal, noting that his performances for Nigeria in recent competitive matches justified the coach’s trust. They argued that Nwabali has shown greater consistency under pressure and inspires more confidence in the Super Eagles’ defence. According to the fans, the goalkeeper’s calm distribution and decisive interventions in crucial moments have given him a clear edge over his rivals. Many insisted that form, not reputation, should determine selection, s...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has sharply criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and head coach Eric Chelle for releasing a 28-man AFCON 2025 squad without a single Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) player, describing the omission as “disturbing and a reflection of how low Nigerian football has dropped.” Speaking during a phone interview on the Crown 89.9FM Sports Show, Sodje did not hold back. He argued that excluding all home-based players from a major tournament roster sends a dangerous message about the credibility of the domestic league and the country’s development system. “This is disturbing… it shows the state of our football” The former Brendford FC of England defense anchor man,said the decision by Chelle and the NFF exposes a deep lack of trust in local talent. > “It is disturbing that Nigeria can’t find even one player in the NPFL good enough to sit on the bench,” Sodje fumed during the interview. “It tells you...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  The Nigeria national football team , the Super Eagles, have officially unveiled their 28-man squad ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to kick off in Morocco on December 21, 2025 . Head coach Eric Chelle has finalised his selections after trimming the initial provisional roster to meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) deadline. Goalkeepers The goalkeeping department includes a mix of experience and emerging talent: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United) retains his place despite recent injury concerns. Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars) adds depth from domestic African football. Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia) returns after a strong spell in European competition. Defenders The defensive unit blends seasoned internationals and new faces: Regular starters like Calvin Bassey , Bright Osayi-Samuel , Bruno Onyemaechi , Zaidu Sanusi and Chidozie Awaziem have been included. Ryan Alebiosu and Igoh Ogbu are among the y...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  A fresh wave of concern has emerged within the Nigerian football community following allegations that many local coaches may be holding CAF coaching certificates they did not fully qualify for . A reliable Nigerian football insider revealed that for several years, participants in the CAF C and CAF B coaching courses in Nigeria reportedly obtained certificates without completing the required modules or meeting the minimum attendance benchmarks. According to the insider, no candidate in Nigeria reportedly failed the CAF C or B courses for many years , raising red flags at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). “Do you know that in previous years, no one ever failed the CAF C and B coaching courses in Nigeria? Many attended the courses and got a certificate of attendance, but they did not actually complete the modules required or meet the needed attendance levels to pass the exam. CAF frowned on how everyone used to pass the course in Nigeria...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their status as Africa’s top-ranked women’s national team after climbing to 37th in the world in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking released this week. Remarkably, the nine-time African champions achieved the jump despite not playing any matches during the most recent women’s international window. Their ranking points now stand at 1607.063 , placing them comfortably ahead of their African rivals. African Rankings from the Latest FIFA List Based on the released standings: 1st in Africa / 37th in the world — Nigeria 🇳🇬 — 1607.063 pts South Africa 🇿🇦 — 55th — 1458.733 pts Ghana 🇬🇭 — 62nd — 1412.737 pts Zambia 🇿🇲 — 64th — 1403.415 pts Morocco 🇲🇦 — 66th — 1399.536 pts Cameroon 🇨🇲 — 70th — 1353.123 pts Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 — 72nd — 1339.045 pts Algeria 🇩🇿 — 73rd — 1322.267 pts Senegal 🇸🇳 — 81st — 1289.670 pts Mali 🇲🇱 — 85th — 1260.357 pts Consistency Without Matches Despite mi...

  Reports say Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has officially pledged to represent the Super Eagles, ending long-standing speculation over whether the 27-year-old would choose Nigeria or England at senior level. The decision marks a major boost for Nigerian football, as Adarabioyo—known for his composure, pace and aerial strength—had been on the radar of England’s Three Lions for several years. Despite being eligible for both nations, the Lagos-born centre-back has now opted to wear the green and white. Adarabioyo’s commitment is being celebrated across the Nigerian football community, with fans and analysts describing it as a significant win for the Super Eagles. His growing influence in Chelsea’s backline and his reputation as a modern, ball-playing defender make him a valuable addition to Nigeria’s squad. The Super Eagles have long courted the former Fulham and Manchester City player, who is widely regarded for his confidence on the ball, intelligent positioning, and abilit...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Ambassador Sheriff Mulade, Chairman of the Delta State Mini Football Association, has celebrated the outstanding performances of Ighogbadu Professionals and Oyoka Boys FC as the second edition of the Africa For Peace Sports Festival wrapped up on Sunday at the Games Village in Ugolo, Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State. The senior mini football final delivered a major upset, with underdogs Ighogbadu Professionals defeating Daudu United 3-1 to clinch the top prize of ₦1 million and a gold trophy. In the junior division, Oyoka Boys FC showcased resilience and talent, edging Pipeline Dragons FC 3-2 in a thrilling contest. In the third-place matchups, Ododeho FC secured a walkover victory and ₦300,000 after the late withdrawal of Men2Boys FC in the senior category. Meanwhile, Team Daudu dominated Sokoh Estate with a 4-1 win to take third place in the junior category. The festival also featured a rich blend of indoor games, including table tenni...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Institute of Sports, Surulere, Lagos, came alive on Friday as FRSC teams — Safety Shooters and Safety Babes — emerged champions of the men’s and women’s categories of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2025 . The grand finale was attended by members of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) board and top officials of Ardova PLC. Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Executive Chairman of Ardova PLC, Dr. Abdulwasiu Sowami , represented by the Deputy Managing Director, Mrs. Abiola Babatunde-Ojo , described the league as highly exciting and a testament to the sport’s growing standard. The season began months ago with the first phase in Benin City before the decisive second phase in Lagos. For Safety Shooters , the victory marked their first men’s title since 2020, topping the table with 57 points from 20 matches. The defending women’s champions, Safety Babes , extended their dominance with a historic fifth consecut...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has described the recent barrage of criticism aimed at Mohamed Salah from some former England stars as unfair , after the Liverpool forward publicly accused his club of having “thrown [him] under the bus.” Salah’s explosive comments followed a string of benchings and a 3–3 draw with Leeds United that intensified scrutiny of both the player and Liverpool’s management. Speaking in Effurun, Delta State , Sodje said players are often loyal to their clubs but — he added — “when the tables are turned the reverse is usually the case,” arguing media and ex-pro reactions have lacked context. Sodje told reporters that while Salah’s decision to air his feelings publicly may be controversial, the wave of attacks from high-profile figures — including blunt condemnations from some former England internationals — has been disproportionately harsh. Sodje also weighed in on Salah’s future, saying the Egypt international shou...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Eagles defender Sam Sodje has paid glowing tribute to William Troost-Ekong , describing the outgoing Nigeria vice-captain as “the embodiment of sacrifice and dedication” following his retirement from international football. Ekong announced his decision on Thursday, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the Super Eagles, during which he earned over 70 caps and captained the team on several occasions. Speaking on Friday during a radio interview on Crown 89.9 FM , monitored by Gosport5 , Sodje praised Ekong’s leadership, resilience and commitment to the national team. He noted that the centre-back consistently gave everything for Nigeria, even in the face of criticism and difficult circumstances. Reacting to questions on the timing of the announcement and speculations about possible pressure from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)—especially following the recent bonus-payment standoff between the federation and players, led b...

Barely 24 hours after Edo State officially received the hosting rights for the 2nd Niger Delta Games, project consultants Dunamis-Icon Limited hit the ground running—completing the first phase of a comprehensive inspection of key sporting facilities across Benin City. Led by the team head, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo , the delegation was conducted around the venues by Desmond Amadin Enabulele , Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission. Ikpokpo, visibly impressed, declared Edo a “ready-made choice” for a major regional sports fiesta expected to attract over 3,000 athletes and officials , plus an additional 5,000 spectators . “Edo ticks all the boxes for hosting an event of this magnitude. The facilities we’ve seen are solid, and with a few enhancements, the athletes will enjoy an excellent competition experience,” Ikpokpo said. The project consultant reserved special praise for the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium , noting its impressive maintenance standards. He added that Dunamis-Ic...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Nigeria has unveiled a 55-man preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), featuring a blend of established stars, returning faces and emerging talents as preparations intensify ahead of next year’s continental showpiece. The provisional list, released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), reflects the technical crew’s determination to build a competitive team capable of reclaiming Africa’s biggest football title. The squad is headlined by top performers across Europe, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Victor Boniface and Wilfred Ndidi, alongside trusted regulars such as Calvin Bassey, William Troost-Ekong, Alex Iwobi and Ola Aina. The goalkeeping department features Maduka Okoye, Francis Uzoho, Stanley Nwabali and Adebayo Adeleye, while new names like Ebenezer Harcourt also make the cut. Several breakout players and rising prospects have also been rewarded for their recent form. The defenders’ li...