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Tag: 2026 WCQ

  • 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles WorldCup dreams in tatters, lose 2-1 to Benin

    2026 WCQ: Super Eagles WorldCup dreams in tatters, lose 2-1 to Benin

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in tatters as they lost 2-1 to Republique Du Benin in Abidjan.

    Nigerian midfielder, Raphael Onyedika drew the first blood inside 29th minute but  Benin equalized few minutes after,  a player with  Nigerian blood running through his veins, Harold Oluwafemi Dossou capitalized on a defensive error  to slot the ball past goalie Stanley Nwabali for the hosts equalizer.

    In the closing minutes of the first half, Brest of France forward and captain, Steve Bounie latched on to a loose ball from a corner kick to put the hosts in the lead.

    The Eagles tried all they could but lack of clinical finishing ensured the score line remained the same.

    Benin Republic have won two out of four games in the ongoing qualifying series.

    Tonight result meant that Super Eagles remain fifth in Group C after playing draw three times and losing the fourth to Benin Republic.

  • 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles land in Abidjan for Squirrels clash on Monday

    2026 WCQ: Super Eagles land in Abidjan for Squirrels clash on Monday

    The Super Eagles have arrived in Abidjan, capital of Cote d’Ivoire for Monday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualification series Day 4 encounter against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic.

    The delegation, led by President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, included 23 players, technical and administrative officials, a few members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, and a couple of media representatives. They flew aboard a chartered ValueJet aircraft from the Obong Victor Attah Airport in Uyo and landed at the Aeroport Felix Houphouet-Boigny at noon on Sunday.

    Lying in a strange fifth place in the six-team Group C after three rounds of matches, the Super Eagles know only a win against the Cheetahs on Monday evening will keep them seriously in the hunt for a place at the World Cup finals to be jointly hosted by Canada, USA and Mexico in two years’ time.

    Coach Finidi George told thenff.com on arrival: “We’re very much aware of why we are here and what we have to do. The players want to go to the World Cup and they have resolved to give their all in every game going forward. We had our opportunities against South Africa on Friday and should have won, but that is gone and we face another challenge now.

    “We have resolved not to look too far ahead in this race. The essence is to take it one match at a time. Benin Republic is in our front now, and we must deal with that squarely.”

    With only three points from their first three matches of the campaign, and going up against the Cheetahs who boast four points, the Eagles know they must fire on all cylinders and recreate the happy moments of the AFCON at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny – where they won all three matches played there during the Africa Cup of Nations finals earlier in the year.

    The Eagles have been scheduled to have a feel of the familiar turf during their official training at 4pm CIV time on Sunday.

    Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho will be the referee for Monday’s encounter that commences at 4pm CIV time (5pm in Nigeria). Ethiopian officials Temesgin Samuel Atango and Tigle Gizlaw Belachew will serve as assistant referees 1 and 2, while Cameroonian Antoine Max Effa Essouma will be fourth official.

    Djamel Haimoudi from Algeria will be the referee assessor, with Burkinabe David Yameogo as commissioner and Ivorian Atte Claude Elloh as security officer.

  • 2026 WCQ: Surprise! as Lesotho go top of Group C, Super Eagles drop to 5th after matchday 3

    2026 WCQ: Surprise! as Lesotho go top of Group C, Super Eagles drop to 5th after matchday 3

    Relatively unknown footballing nation of Lesotho are surprisingly topping group C  after match day 3 in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series in Africa.

    It would be recalled that Nigeria and South Africa picked up a point each in their much-publicised clash in Uyo on Friday, to leave less-fancied Lesotho perched on top of Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualification series.

    AFCON bronze medallist South Africa drew the first blood after 29 minutes, when Themba Zwane waltzed his way past the Nigerian defence and was left unchallenged to fire past goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali from close range.

    Before then, Paul Onuachu had headed over from close range a cross by the nifty Ademola Lookman in the third minute, and five minutes later, Alex Iwobi shot too high when presented with an opportunity to rattle goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

    At the other end, Nwabali got the capacity crowd cheering with a double save from Zwane and Iqraam Rayners in the 10th minute. Seven minutes later, Teboho Mokoena saw the ball kiss the croosbar from his sharp delivery off a 20-yard free-kick.

    After Zwane’s goal, it was Bafana all the way, and Benjamin Tanimu had to be diligent to avoid an own goal as Percy Tau and Zwane caught the Nigerian rearguard napping again.

    Nigeria restored parity with only a minute into the second half, when Alex Iwobi fed Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the box, and the Turkey-based midfielder turned brilliantly to lash past Ronwen Williams.

    Nigeria dominated afterwards, with substitute Samuel Chukwueze hitting the underside of the bar in a flowing move, Lookman shooting away from goal with three minutes left, and the Europa Cup final hero drawing a full-length save from Williams in added time.

    The draw means Lesotho, who defeated Zimbabwe 2-0 earlier on Friday, remain top of the group with five points, while South Africa, Benin Republic and Rwanda are on four points, with Nigeria on three.

  • 2026 WCQ: Why I benched Boniface for 90 minutes against South Africa- Finidi George

    2026 WCQ: Why I benched Boniface for 90 minutes against South Africa- Finidi George

    Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, has explained why he didn’t introduce Victor Boniface in yesterday’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa on Thursday.

    It would be recalled that Victor Boniface was an unused susbstitute in yesterday’s 1-1 draw with South Africa.

    Boniface was widely expected to start the game with Victor Osimhen injured.

    But Finidi left the Bayer Leverkusen forward on the bench for the entire duration of the game.

    When asked by reporters about the decision, he replied: “Allow us to do our jobs.

    “We wanted to introduce Boniface and Moffi, but Semi had a knock and we had to take him off and introduce Moffi and Onyedika.

    “The fans and media would shout for different players, if they don’t perform well, the shout will be, take him off. Allow us to do our jobs.”

    The Super Eagles take on Benin Republic next on Monday.

  • 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana share spoils in Uyo

    2026 WCQ: Super Eagles, Bafana Bafana share spoils in Uyo

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria was on Friday night held to a 1-1 draw by the visiting Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

    Sundown’s of South Africa striker, Themba Zwane galloped past three Nigerian defenders before slotting the ball past Super Eagles goalie, Stanley Nwabali inside 29th minute of the encounter.

    All efforts by the hosts to equalize proved abortive as the first half ended in the visitor’s favour.

    Upon resumption of second half, newbie Dele Bashiru received a pass from Iwobi turn right in front of a South African defender before slotting the ball past South African goalie, Hayden Williams for an equalizer on the 46th minute of the encounter.

    Few minutes after scoring, Dele Bashiru cropped an injury and was replaced by AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze.

    Super Eagles pressed forward and troubled the Visitor’s defence on many occasions but failed to convert their chances.

    After 90 minutes plus additional time both sides settled for a share of the spoils.

    The result meant that Super Eagles have dropped to fifth  on the log while Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa and Benin Republic occupy the first second, third  and fourth spot currently.

    Super Eagles will play the Squirrels of Benin Republic next week Tuesday in Abidjan.

     

  • 2026 WCQ; Injury boost for Super Eagles ahead clash with Bafana Bafana today in Uyo

    2026 WCQ; Injury boost for Super Eagles ahead clash with Bafana Bafana today in Uyo

    The confidence of the Super Eagles players in camp have been boosted by the recovery of two players who were initial doubts due to injuries.

    AC Milan’s  Samuel Chukwueze and Boavista central defender Chidozie Awaziem have both been declared fit by Super Eagles medical team ahead of today’s final against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa  scheduled to hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday (today) evening.

    Chukwueze had overcome a hamstring injury only to sustain a minor knock in a recent training session.

    However, the former Villarreal star has since recovered and is ready to play against South Africa.

    On his part, Awaziem, who had been training separately due to discomfort, has also been declared fit to play after overcoming a stomach upset.

    Victor Boniface and stand in captain Wilfred Ndidi are expected to play today after few months of absence due to injuries.

    Recall both Boniface and Ndidi were not part of the AFCON runners-up squad due to injuries.

    Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the match on Friday, Super Eagles coach Finidi George expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad.

    He confirmed that Chukwueze and Awaziem are available for selection.

    “All the players are ready. Chukwueze had a knock but trained properly yesterday, so he’s good to go. Chidozie had a stomach upset, but he’s fine now,” Finidi stated.

  • 2026 WCQ: Sudan overtake Senegal in Group B, Libya go top in Group D after defeating Mauritius

    2026 WCQ: Sudan overtake Senegal in Group B, Libya go top in Group D after defeating Mauritius

    Thursday evening witnessed series of 2026 World Cup qualifying games across different centers in the continent of Africa.

    The biggest result of the afternoon was in Group B where coach Kwesi Appiah’s Sudan claimed a convincing 2-0 victory over Mauritania in Nouakchott.

    Sudan on Thursday night stunned the Mauritania 2-0 away from home to boost their chances of making it to the 2026 World Cup.

    Saifeldin Bakhit scored first in the thrilling encounter inside 15 minute before Aly Abeid doubled the lead after an own goal in the 29th minute against own team to hand the visitors all three points.

    The win propels Sudan to the top of Group B with seven points, three more than second-placed Senegal, who are set to host DR Congo in the group’s other game on Thursday.

    In another venue, Libya hosted Mauritius in a Group D encounter at the Martyrs of February Stadium.

    The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute through Faisal Al Abdri, but Mauritius equalized ten minutes later courtesy of Kevin Bru.

    Libya regained the lead just before halftime, with Ahmed Ekrawa finding the back of the net in the 40th minute.

    The 2-1 victory sees Libya go top of Group D with seven points, overtaking group leaders Cameroon and Cape Verde, who are scheduled to clash in Yaounde on Saturday.

    The group standing will take a new shape today and tomorrow after many teams would have played their 2026 qualifiers.

  • 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles camp swells to 20 as three more players arrive

    2026 WCQ: Super Eagles camp swells to 20 as three more players arrive

    The Super Eagles camp in Uyo has continued to bubble following the arrival of five more players.

    Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Frank Onyeka and Paul Onuachu joined today to swell the number to 20.

    The quintet’s arrival was delayed by the Nigeria Labour Congress strike.

    They will join their teammates in training later in the evening.

    Only three players, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Maduka Okoye are still being expected in camp.

    The Super Eagles started preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin on Sunday.

    The clash with Bafana Bafana of South Africa will hold by 8pm at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo on Friday.

  • 2026 WCQ: 20 Super Eagles players in camp as team intensify training ahead clash with South Africa

    2026 WCQ: 20 Super Eagles players in camp as team intensify training ahead clash with South Africa

    The atmosphere around the camp of African vice champions Nigeria has livened up even more as five players who were initially stranded in two different parts of the country as a result of the nationwide strike were ferried into Uyo on Tuesday morning.

    Defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, alongside midfielder Frank Onyeka and forward Paul Onuachu landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo just after noon aboard a private jet arranged by the Nigeria Football Federation, and were driven to the team’s Ibom Hotel and Resorts to meet up with team mates in time for lunch.

    The arrival of the quintet brought the tally of players in camp to 20, three days to the Day 3 qualifying battle with the Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the Akwa Ibom capital.

    Nigeria and South Africa go toe-to-toe in a rematch of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations first semi-final, which the Super Eagles trumped 4-2 after penalty shootout at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

    Three-time African champions Nigeria, who have reached the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, missed out on the last houseparty in Qatar, and after a sluggish start to the qualifiers, need all three points on offer to be in strong contention for the only ticket from Group C as the campaign drags on.

    Rwanda are surprise leaders of the pool after two matchdays, on four points, with South Africa on three and Nigeria on two.

    The 10-match series will end in October next year, with winners of the nine groups qualifying automatically for the finals in Canada, USA and Mexico. The best four second-placed teams in all nine groups will contest a CAF Play-off Tournament, with the winner going ahead to contest a FIFA Play-off Tournament for another slot.

    President Federation Cup: One of three surviving NPFL teams to bite the dust on Wednesday

    Only two clubs from the country’s elite division can reach the semi-finals of this year’s President Federation Cup competition, with two of the surviving trio, Sunshine Stars and Kano Pillars, going headlong against each other in one of the quarter-final duels scheduled for the Federal Capital, Abuja on Wednesday.

    The venue to be is Area 3 Stadium, where one of the NPFL teams must bite the dust, paving way for the other to progress to the last four.

    The other NPFL side, Abia Warriors, are up against giant-killers Sokoto United at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project field inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium Complex. Sokoto United eliminated two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC in the Round of 16.

    El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri will confront surprise packets Inter Lagos at the FCT-Bwari ground, while two surprise qualifiers, EFFC FC and Kebbi United tango at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.

     

  • 2026 WCQ: Super Eagles camp bubbles as 13 players train on Sunday

    2026 WCQ: Super Eagles camp bubbles as 13 players train on Sunday

    13 Super Eagles players have hit training at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo as they intensified preparations for their double decker  2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bafana Bafana of South Africa and the squirrels of Benin Republic.

    Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Samuel Chukwueze, Fisayo Bashiru, Terem Moffi and Victor Boniface were among the players who took part in the training.

    New boys, Ismaila Sodiq and Kenneth Igboke, as well as Ojo Olorunleke, Stanley Nwabili, Benjamin Tanimu, Ibrahim Olawoyin and Raphael Onyedika, also participated in the session.

    Ademola Lookman and Maduka Okoye should join latest Tuesday as the Serie A season will be ending today, Sunday.

    Others not yet in camp are still being expected latest Tuesday.

    The Super Eagles play Bafana Bafana on Friday June 7th before proceeding to Abidjan for the cracker against the Squirrels of Benin Republic.