Tag: General Sports

Reports have been circulating that Chelsea midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are set to switch their international allegiance from England and France to Nigeria ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Speculation erupted after reports suggested that Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu had applied for a nationality switch and were included in Nigeria’s 31-man provisional squad for the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

However, BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji has confirmed, through a top NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) official, that no such process has been initiated.

“Only a federation can apply on behalf of players if they intend to switch. The news circulating now is fake,” the official clarified.

While both players remain eligible to represent Nigeria due to their heritage, there is no official confirmation that they have taken steps to commit to the Super Eagles.

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Will Nigeria Pursue the Chelsea Duo?

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers fast approaching and Wilfred Ndidi’s fitness a concern, many fans believe Chukwuemeka and Ugochukwu could be valuable additions to Nigeria’s squad.

Chukwuemeka, an exciting attacking midfielder, has shown flashes of brilliance in the Premier League.

But until a formal application is made and FIFA approves a nationality switch, both players remain eligible for England and France respectively.

READ MORE:FIFA suspends FECOFOOT indefinitely—World Cup hopes in jeopardy

Meanwhile, the NFF has appointed Eric Chelle, former Mali national team coach, as the new Super Eagles head coach ahead of the crucial qualifiers in March.

Nigeria, a three-time African champion, is in desperate need of victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to keep its World Cup hopes alive.

Source: The Athletic NG

Greek champions Olympiacos have reinforced their belief in Nigerian defender Bruno Onyemaechi by including him in their UEFA Europa League squad for the knockout rounds.

Onyemaechi joined Olympiacos from Portuguese club Boavista in January for €2.5 million, and the club has wasted no time in integrating him into their European campaign.

According to CNN Portugal, Olympiacos registered Onyemaechi while removing experienced midfielder Sérgio Oliveira, who has been linked with a move away from the club. Brazilian winger Willian, who has joined Fulham, and Theofanis Bakoulas were also left out of the updated squad.

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Olympiacos have already secured a place in the Europa League round of 16 and will be looking to build on their continental success after winning the UEFA Europa Conference League last season by defeating Fiorentina in the final.

Onyemaechi Prepares for His European Debut

If Onyemaechi makes an appearance in the Europa League, it will be his first-ever outing in a European club competition.

The Nigerian fullback previously played for Portuguese clubs Feirense, Vila Real, and Boavista, none of which have competed on the European stage. Now, he has the opportunity to test himself against some of the best teams in the competition.

Onyemaechi came close to lifting his first major silverware at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria reached the final but fell to hosts Côte d’Ivoire despite an early lead.

READ MORE: “Jay-Jay Okocha will always be my GOAT” – Alex Iwobi

However, Olympiacos could provide him with another shot at glory, as they currently lead the Greek Super League by four points ahead of AEK Athens.

The club is the most successful in Greek football history, with 47 league titles, their last triumph coming in 2022.

Onyemaechi could also make his Greek Super League debut this Sunday when Olympiacos host Asteras Tripolis at the Stadio Georgios Karaiskáki in Piraeus.

Source: The Athletic NG

FIFA has officially suspended the Congolese Football Federation (FECOFOOT) with immediate effect due to what it describes as “a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties” in the federation’s affairs.

This, according to FIFA, is a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations under the FIFA Statutes.

The decision, taken in consultation with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), follows two FIFA/CAF missions to Brazzaville, which assessed the crisis within the Congolese football governing body.

Congo’s World Cup Campaign at Risk

Congo’s national team, the Red Devils, are part of Group E in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers alongside Morocco, Tanzania, Zambia, Niger Republic, and Eritrea. Their next scheduled match is an away fixture against Tanzania, but it may not take place unless FIFA lifts the suspension before then.

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The Red Devils’ qualification campaign had already suffered a blow after their humiliating 6-0 defeat at home to Morocco last June, and this latest development puts their World Cup hopes in serious doubt.

What the Suspension Means for Congolese Football

With immediate effect, FECOFOOT loses all its membership rights as defined in Article 13 of FIFA’s statutes. This means:

• The Congolese national team and club sides are banned from participating in international competitions.
• FECOFOOT representatives are barred from FIFA-related events and decision-making processes.
• Congolese clubs are ineligible to compete in CAF inter-club competitions, though none had reached this season’s quarter-finals.

Conditions for Lifting the Suspension

FIFA has outlined specific conditions that must be met before the suspension can be lifted:

1. Full control of FECOFOOT headquarters, the Ignié Technical Centre, and all other facilities must be returned to the federation.
2. Any attempts to alter the signatories of FECOFOOT’s bank accounts must cease, and control must be restored to the signatories recognized by FIFA and CAF.
3. Any legal or administrative decisions granting an ad hoc committee control over FECOFOOT must be declared invalid or set aside.
4. The Congolese authorities must ensure FECOFOOT can manage its affairs independently, without undue influence from third parties.

READ MORE: Aruna Quadri crashes out of Singapore Smash 2025 after tough battle with Calderano

Congo had already failed to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, and with this suspension in place, their future in international football remains uncertain. Unless FIFA’s conditions are met, the nation’s footballing activities will remain on hold indefinitely.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigeria’s Aruna Quadri suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Brazil’s Hugo Calderano in the second round of the Men’s Singles at the Singapore Smash 2025, ending his tournament hopes earlier than expected.

Quadri started strong, taking the first game 11-8, but Calderano mounted a comeback, winning the next three games 11-8, 11-9, and 11-6 to secure his place in the third round. With this win, Calderano now leads their last four encounters 3-1.

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Speaking after the match, Calderano acknowledged the Nigerian’s dangerous playing style.

“I always knew Aruna was a very dangerous player. He can come back from 2-0 down, and he showed that again today. Everyone knows how capable he is of winning these kinds of matches. It was another valuable experience playing against him,” Calderano said.

In the Women’s Singles, Egypt’s Hana Goda also exited the tournament in the second round after a tough 3-1 loss to China’s Man Kuai (11-1, 5-11, 11-1, 12-10).

READ MORE:Alex Iwobi snubs Messi and Ronaldo, names unbelievable Super Eagles legend as his GOAT

Other Egyptian players, including Omar Assar, Youssef Abdelaziz, Mohamed El-Beiali, Dina Meshref, and Mariam Alhodaby, also suffered early eliminations, failing to advance past the first round of the $1.5 million event.

Despite his early exit, Quadri isn’t dwelling on the loss. He is set to compete at the WTT Champions in China next month but will first focus on defending his title at the 2025 African Cup in Tunisia later this month.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has once again hailed his uncle, Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, as the greatest footballer of all time.

Iwobi, who currently plays for Fulham, has never hidden his admiration for Okocha, whose dazzling dribbling and creativity left a lasting mark on African and European football.

Speaking on the Is This Seat Taken podcast, Iwobi expressed his deep respect for his uncle, emphasizing Okocha’s influence both on and off the pitch.

“In sports? Forever my uncle, Jay-Jay Okocha. I have to shout him out all the time—on and off the field,” Iwobi said.

Okocha, renowned for his exceptional dribbling and playmaking, is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers. His career included unforgettable stints with Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Paris Saint-Germain, and Bolton Wanderers.

READ MORE:Kpaboro Arierhri explains why he Chose Lillestrøm SK over offers from top European clubs

Okocha had 73 caps for the Nigeria national team between 1993 and 2006, scoring 14 goals, and was a member of three FIFA World Cup squads and five AFCON team (1994,2000,2002, 2004 and 2006)

He won the AFCON title in 1994 and helped the dream team to Olympic gold medal in 1996.

Having grown up watching Okocha, Iwobi credits him as a major influence on his playing style and professional attitude.

“I used to watch his matches and training sessions. He’s the one who really taught me how to express myself,” Iwobi shared.

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“And off the pitch, he’s always advising me—how to be professional, manage my money, stay humble, and remain grounded. He will always be my idol,” the former Arsenal star added.

Iwobi started his professional career at Arsenal before moving to Everton in 2019. In 2023, he joined Fulham, where he continues to impress under manager Marco Silva.

Iwobi playing for the Super Eagles during AFCON 2024

Since making his international debut in 2015, Iwobi has earned over 80 caps and scored 10 goals for Nigeria, cementing his role as a key player for the Super Eagles.

Source: The Athletic NG

Leicester City head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy has provided a positive injury update on Super Eagles midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, confirming his availability ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash against Manchester United

Ndidi has been out of action since December 8, 2024, after suffering a hamstring injury during Leicester’s 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The 28-year-old Nigerian was forced off in the 52nd minute at the King Power Stadium, with scans later confirming the extent of his injury.

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Speaking ahead of Leicester’s trip to Old Trafford, Van Nistelrooy shared a positive update on Ndidi’s recovery, confirming that the midfielder is fit and ready to return.

“Wilf is fine. He had a great week of training last week and this week. He’ll be part of the squad tomorrow,” the Leicester City boss said via the club’s official website.

While Ndidi is set to make his comeback, Van Nistelrooy also revealed that a few other players are carrying minor injuries and will undergo late fitness tests before the final squad selection.#

READ MORE:Super Eagles winger in contention for Ligue 1 ‘Top Passeur’ award – The Athletic NG

Meanwhile, Manchester United are dealing with their own injury concerns, as key players including Lisandro Martínez (cruciate ligament), Johnny Evans (fitness issue), Luke Shaw (hamstring), and Mason Mount (muscle injury) are all ruled out.

Leicester will be hope that Ndidi’s return adds much-needed defensive stability to their midfield as they look to secure a crucial FA Cup victory at Old Trafford.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigeria U-20 star Kpaboro Arierhri has opened up about his decision to sign with Norwegian club Lillestrøm SK, despite receiving offers from top European clubs.

Arierhri’s Rise to Prominence

The 18-year-old striker was instrumental in helping Beyond Limits Football Academy win the 2024 Viareggio Cup in Italy, scoring in the final against C.N Brazzaville.

His performance helped the team make history as the first African side to win the prestigious trophy.

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Arierhri’s stellar performances attracted interest from several top European clubs, but he had already signed a pre-contract agreement with Lillestrøm last year, completing the finer details of the deal in 2024.

Why He Chose Lillestrøm Over Top European Offers

While offers from Aston Villa and Lyon were on the table, Arierhri explained that his priority was to find a club where he could play regularly and develop as a player.

“I wanted the opportunity to play first-team football, which is why I chose Lillestrøm Sportsklubb, despite interest from several top clubs.

Signing my first professional contract with Lillestrøm is an incredible feeling—I’m living my dream. My goal is to establish myself, score goals, and help the team win matches,” Arierhri told Africa Foot.

Arierhri’s talent has been undeniable. He finished as the top scorer in The Creative Championship League (TCC) last season, scoring 22 goals in just 15 games.

At the Viareggio Cup, he scored five goals in five matches, and in the Gothia Cup in Sweden, he netted four goals in five games, although Beyond Limits lost in the final to Sporting Lagos Academy.

READ MORE:Wilfred Ndidi: Leicester City boss gives injury update on Nigerian midfielder

Arierhri also made an impact for the Flying Eagles at the WAFU U-20 Championship in Ghana, scoring twice in the final against the hosts to help Nigeria claim the title.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon is in the running to receive a newly introduced honor in French football, as Ligue 1 organizers unveil the ‘Top Passeur’ badge, an award recognizing the league’s top assist provider.

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) announced the initiative on Wednesday, February 5, expanding its badge system, which previously only rewarded the league’s top goal scorer.

Ligue 1 Introduces New Recognition for Assist Leaders

Currently, Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembélé holds the badge for Ligue 1’s top scorer, having netted 14 goals in 20 matches. He is closely followed by Marseille’s Mason Greenwood (13 goals) and Lille’s Jonathan David (12 goals).

In an effort to highlight creativity, the Ligue 1 has now introduced the ‘Top Passeur’ badge, which will be displayed on the jersey of Ligue 1’s leading assist provider.

Joao Neves, le #TopPasseur pic.twitter.com/X0L0ejpuDW

— Ligue 1 McDonald’s (@Ligue1) February 5, 2025

The first player to receive this badge is PSG’s Joao Neves, who has recorded six assists in 16 appearances this season, according to Ouest-France.

Simon Among the Leading Contenders

Super Eagles winger Moses Simon, one of Europe’s most effective dribblers, is a strong contender for the new honour. He has also provided six assists this season in 18 ligue 1 appearances.

READ MORE:Super Eagles coach Chelle meets Premier League stars ahead of World Cup Qualifiers

Simon is currently tied with Neves and Strasbourg’s Dilane Bakwa, but since the PSG star has played fewer matches, the Nigerian winger will need a strong performance in his next fixture to take the lead in the assist rankings.

Simon’s Impact at Nantes

The Super Eagles forward has been a key player for Nantes this season, directly contributing to 11 league goals (five goals, six assists).

His goals have come against Saint-Étienne, Rennes, Lens, Montpellier, and Auxerre, while he has provided assists against Brest, Lyon, Lens, Nice, Angers, and Reims.

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As Nantes prepare to take on Brest this weekend, Simon will have another chance to showcase his playmaking abilities.

A couple of assists could see him surpass Neves and become the new holder of Ligue 1’s ‘Top Passeur’ badge.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and his assistant Hedi Taboubi are reportedly in England to hold talks with key Premier League players, including Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Taiwo Awoniyi, as preparations intensify for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With just three points from four matches, Nigeria faces an uphill battle in Group C, where Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin currently lead the race for the automatic qualification spot.

The Super Eagles will take on Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March, needing maximum points to revive their campaign.

Oparaku’s Advice: Build a Team, Not Just Individuals

Former Nigeria international Mobi Oparaku has urged Chelle to prioritize team cohesion rather than relying on individual brilliance.

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The 48-year-old, who played a key role in Nigeria’s historic gold-medal triumph at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, believes unity is crucial for success.

“When they step onto the pitch next month, they should not see themselves as individuals playing for Nigeria but as a team representing the country,” Oparaku told Brila FM.

“There’s a difference between a group of players coming to represent the Super Eagles and a unified team fighting for Nigeria. If they play as a team, we can properly evaluate them.

But if we only talk about individual talents, then we don’t have a real team. I hope this new coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, can instill a strong team spirit for the World Cup qualifiers.”

Super Eagles Seek Redemption Against Rwanda

The Super Eagles will be looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Rwanda in Uyo during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

That setback, under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, did not stop Nigeria from securing a spot at the tournament in Morocco later this year.

READ MORE:Ijamilusi lands mega move to Chinese club Liaoning Baiye FC

However, Chelle now faces the task of reigniting Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes with a crucial victory over Rwanda on matchday five.

Nigeria’s Qualification Challenge

Nigeria will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe in Uyo four days later.

With Rwanda leading Group C on seven points—closely followed by South Africa and Benin—Nigeria must secure maximum points to stay in the qualification race. Lesotho sits fourth with five points, while Zimbabwe trails at the bottom with two.

As Chelle meets with key players in England, Nigerian fans will hope these discussions translate into a more united and determined Super Eagles team when they return to action next month.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is set to return from injury, but the Udinese goalkeeper now finds himself caught in the middle of a betting scandal that could overshadow his comeback.

Okoye Back in Action After Wrist Surgery

Okoye, 24, has been out for over a month after undergoing surgery to repair a scapholunate ligament tear in his right wrist, his absence was a major setback, but he has now resumed full training with Udinese, preparing for a potential return to action.

According to Tutto Udinese, Okoye was among the players who reported back to the club’s Bruseschi training center this week, joining teammates Keinan Davis and Kingsley Ehizibue ahead of their upcoming clash against Napoli.

Despite missing several weeks, Okoye has been one of Serie A’s standout goalkeepers this season, making 14 appearances and registering 42 saves. His return could also put him in contention for a Super Eagles call-up ahead of Nigeria’s key qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe in March.

Betting Scandal Threatens His Career

However, just as Okoye looks set to reclaim his spot, he is now facing serious off-field allegations. Reports in Italy claim that he is under investigation for allegedly placing a bet on himself to receive a yellow card during Udinese’s Serie A clash against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

READ MORE: Super Falcons face fierce WAFCON battle as South Africa steps up preparations

The booking, which occurred in the 64th minute for time-wasting, reportedly triggered an alert from Italian betting company Sisal, whose algorithm flagged unusual betting patterns on that specific incident.

If the allegations prove true, Okoye could face disciplinary action, which might jeopardize both his club and international future. Okoye chose to represent Nigeria over Germany and was the Super Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper at the 2021 AFCON, though he faced criticism after the team’s early exit.

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He returned to the squad under Augustine Eguavoen, playing in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Rwanda in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. With new head coach Eric Chelle now leading the team, Okoye’s return from injury was expected to strengthen Nigeria’s squad.

However, the betting scandal could complicate his chances of reclaiming his starting role, especially as Nigeria is desperate for back-to-back victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to turn their qualification campaign around.

Source: The Athletic NG