The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • FIFA opens  Talent Academy, Arena Project in  Djibouti

    FIFA opens  Talent Academy, Arena Project in  Djibouti

    Djibouti football witnessed a major milestone with the opening of the FIFA Talent Academy on Thursday in the capital Djibouti City.

    The FIFA Talent Academy, part of the world’s football governing body’s Talent Development Scheme (TDS) was launched under the leadership of FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger seeks to give every talented young player a genuine opportunity to progress, while strengthening the global competitiveness of both men’s and women’s football.

    Djibouti thus becomes the second African country after Mauritania and 40 others globally – to benefit from this strategic programme, which aligns with FIFA’s vision: raising the level of national teams and reducing regional disparities.

    “More than 40 FIFA Talent Academies are now in place worldwide, with many more under development. The modern facilities of this academy make it a unique centre of excellence in East Africa,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

    The Djiboutian Football Federation (FDF) has already implemented a series of programmes in collaboration with FIFA: from talent identification (in 2024) and the selection of 20 boys and 20 girls across six regions, to the creation of regional centres training over 300 young players, and strengthening technical staff, with 15 coaches mentored by a FIFA Talent Coach.

     The FIFA Talent Academy in Djibouti is therefore a significant step on African soil and a recognition of the remarkable efforts and progress of the FDF, which has scrupulously met the established criteria. The facility christened “Douda Football Academy of Excellence” can host nearly 50 youngsters in a professional setting, enabling the development of elite players through a high-level training environment.

    By integrating schooling into its programme, the academy promotes a sustainable ecosystem that supports the personal and social development of young athletes.

    “The ultimate goal is to provide young players with top-level guidance, combining training, education and development, so they can reach their full potential and contribute to the growth of football in their country,” explained Wenger, adding the FIFA objective is to establish 75 Talent Academies worldwide by 2027.

    The ceremony was graced by Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh; Djibouti Prime Minister, Abdoulkader Kamil Mohamed; FIFA Director of Global Football Development Steven Martens; FIFA Deputy Director of the Member Associations Division and Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, Djibouti FA President Souleiman Hassan Waberi amongst others.

    Read Also: FIFA to award  first  Peace Prize at World Cup draw

    Meanwhile, Djibouti has become the latest African Member Association to benefit from the FIFA Arena Project. The ultra-modern pitch at the Palmeraie School in the country’s capital ensures Djibouti joins Morocco, Niger, Liberia and Algeria, who inaugurated the projects recently.

    The FIFA Arena project is part of a global initiative to build mini-pitches worldwide, in line with the commitment made by the FIFA President Infantino at the Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris in July 2024.

    The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by offering more play opportunities to children, especially in disadvantaged urban and rural areas.

    For Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Director of the Member Associations Division and Regional Director for Africa, the opening of the Talent Academy and the inauguration of the mini-pitch represent “a historic step for Djiboutian and African football. This will provide a prestigious setting to create new opportunities for Djiboutian boys and girls to thrive through football and, perhaps, play at the highest level. These projects are the result of in-depth work carried out by the FDF with FIFA’s full support, and we are very proud of that.”

    FIFA’s objective is to install at least 1,000 new mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.

  • Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon, says World Cup dream on course

    Tinubu hails Super Eagles’ 4–1 victory over Gabon, says World Cup dream on course

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their resounding 4–1 victory over Gabon in Thursday’s FIFA World Cup qualifying Africa Playoff match, describing the win as a powerful display of Nigeria’s resilience and winning spirit.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the team’s performance, marked by courage, tactical balance and clinical finishing, reflected the “Nigerian character that rises, adapts and prevails.”

    Tinubu said the victory has infused fresh momentum into the country’s World Cup campaign and renewed national confidence as the Eagles push toward securing a place at the global tournament.

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    He commended the players, coaching staff, and the technical and administrative crew for their dedication to the national cause, noting that their commitment and hard work were evident in the quality of Thursday’s performance.

    According to the President, the result underscores the deep reservoir of football talent that Nigeria continues to produce and the team’s determination to reclaim its place among Africa’s elite sides.

    Tinubu also applauded the millions of Nigerians at home and abroad whose passionate support, he said, continues to inspire the team, especially during decisive international fixtures.

    In a direct message to the squad, the President urged the players to remain focused and build on their success in the remaining qualifiers.

    “Every match is an opportunity to show discipline and character. This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring. The nation stands with you,” he said.

  • Things to know as Nigeria take on Gabon in 2026 World Cup Playoff

    Things to know as Nigeria take on Gabon in 2026 World Cup Playoff

    The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a crucial showdown against Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff, as both sides battle for a place in the final qualifying round.

    With pressure mounting and expectations high, Nigeria will be eager to impose their superiority and avoid costly mistakes that could derail their World Cup hopes. The victor from this encounter will advance to face either Congo or Cameroon in the next stage of the playoff series.

    Buoyed by an impressive run of form, the Super Eagles enter this fixture with renewed belief following their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in the final group game — a result that sealed their playoff qualification. Before that, the 2024 AFCON finalists had struggled for consistency, winning just three matches throughout the qualifiers. South Africa, despite having three points deducted, finished top of the group to book their direct ticket.

    Gabon, meanwhile, were solid and competitive throughout their group campaign but narrowly missed out on qualification to the Ivory Coast by a single point. The Panthers are now determined to make amends, though they must first overcome Nigeria — and potentially one of Congo or Cameroon — to keep their World Cup dream alive.

    For the Super Eagles, dominance in midfield, quick transitions down the flanks, and defensive discipline will be key. Their ability to convert chances efficiently could prove decisive. On the other hand, Nigeria’s backline must stay alert to the attacking duo of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Bouanga, who will undoubtedly pose a constant threat to the defense.

    However, the firepower in Nigeria’s attack could tilt the balance. With Victor Osimhen in blistering form, alongside Moses Simon, Alex Iwobi, and other top European-based stars, the Super Eagles have enough quality to trouble the Gabonese defense.

    All players are available for selection except Semi Ajayi, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. The Hull City defender will, however, be eligible should Nigeria progress to face Congo or Cameroon.

    Read Also: Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    History also favors the Super Eagles, who have won five of their nine previous meetings with Gabon, drawing three and losing only once. Their most notable encounter came in 2005, when Nigeria triumphed 2–0.

    This time, though, there will be no home advantage for either side, as both the semifinal and final playoff matches are scheduled to take place in Morocco — setting the stage for a tense, neutral-ground battle.

    Nigeria World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:

    W D W D W W

    Nigeria form (all competitions):

    W D W D W W

    Gabon World Cup Qualifying – Africa form:

    W W W D W W

    Gabon form (all competitions):

    L W W D W W

    Nigeria’s possible starting lineup:

    Nwabali; Frederick, Ekong, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Ndidi, Iwobi, Simon; Osimhen, Lookman

    Gabon’s possible starting lineup:

    Mbaba; Onfia, M’bemba, Manga; Lemina, Kanga, Ndong, Averlant; Obiang, Bouanga, Aubameyang

    Fixture: Nigeria vs Gabon

    Competition: 2025 FIFA World Cup Playoffs

    Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

    Time: 5:00 p.m. (Nigerian time)

    Venue: Moulay El Hassan Stadium

    Where to Watch: CAF TV, DSTV, Sporty TV

    Prediction

    Nigeria 2-0 Gabon

    Nigeria 3-1 Gabon

    Both teams to score

  • Nigeria vs. Gabon : Ekong issues  Eagles’ battle cry for Rabat showdown

    Nigeria vs. Gabon : Ekong issues  Eagles’ battle cry for Rabat showdown

    By David Oyekan

    Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has confirmed that all outstanding issues surrounding the Super Eagles’ recent training boycott have now been resolved, bringing relief to millions of fans ahead of today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

    In a statement released late  Wednesday night on his X handle , Troost-Ekong assured that the team remains united and fully committed to the national cause after what had been a tense 24 hours.

     “Issue resolved. Outstanding promises cleared on ground. Team is united and focused as before on representing Nigeria with our maximum for the games ahead,” the Super Eagles skipper declared.

    The  Super Eagles had boycotted training on Tuesday evening over pay dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Although the National Sports Commission confirmed that all previous allowances had been cleared before the incident, the players were pushing for a new agreement on special match bonuses ahead of the decisive playoff fixture.

    Read Also: NFF confirms Super Eagles friendlies in US

    Sources from within the camp revealed that after a series of closed-door meetings between team representatives and NFF officials, both sides reached a compromise, paving the way for the team to resume full training.

    With the dispute now settled, focus has swiftly returned to football as the Super Eagles prepare to take on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Today, November 13.The winner of the encounter will advance to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF play-off final for a spot in the Intercontinental Playoffs next March.

    Troost-Ekong’s leadership and swift communication have been widely praised for helping to stabilize the camp and refocus attention on the task at hand.

     The Nigeria captain, who was named Player of the Tournament at the last Africa Cup of Nations, is expected to play a crucial role both on and off the pitch as the Super Eagles aim stake a claim  for  the 2026 World Cup ticket.

  • Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Play-Offs:  NFF tips Super Eagles to subdue Panthers  after pay dispute

    Nigeria’s Super Eagles returned to the training ground on Wednesday evening, as focus shifts firmly to Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa playoff semi-final clash with the Panthers of Gabon.

    The pay dispute that reared its head and knocked off Tuesday’s training session has been put to bed and the players now look forward to putting  today’s potentially-explosive encounter out of the reach of the Gabonese, and earn a place in Sunday’s Final.

    Yesterday , the three-time African champions trained at the Institut Royal de Formation Des Cadres in Salé, outside Rabat.

    President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed confidence that the team will deliver on Thursday.

    “We believe in the players and their ability to make Nigeria proud, not only on Thursday, but throughout these playoffs. We have a team capable of earning a World Cup ticket.”

    Former Nigeria international and coach, now NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, said: “These boys that I know, that I have worked with, want to go to the FIFA World Cup. The aspiration of every professional footballer is to play at the World Cup and enhance their market value.

     “The timing of the strike was wrong. They might have had their reasons but the timing was not the best. Having said that, I have faith in them to rise up to the occasion and do the business on Thursday, and afterwards, on Sunday.”

    Today’s high-stakes encounter at the Complexe Sportif Prince Heritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, starting at 5pm (Morocco is on same time zone with Nigeria presently) will be the 10th confrontation between the senior men national teams of Nigeria and Gabon, with Nigeria having won five of the previous nine matches, and three drawn.

    Read Also: NFF  hails Tinubu’s  unflinching support for Nigerian football

    Gabon won only one – a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Libreville that ended 2-1.

    Today, forwards Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will be the cynosure, as two of the deadliest strikers in world football (Aubameyang netted all four of Gabon’s goals in an away game against Gambia in the qualifying series while Osimhen scored two away to Rwanda and three at home to Bénin Republic) lead their teams’ pursuit of a FIFA World Cup ticket.

    HEAD-TO-HEAD: NIGERIA vs. GABON

    28 Aug 1965: Gabon 2-2 Nigeria (Friendly)

    29 Aug 1965: Gabon 1-4 Nigeria (Friendly)

    02 Mar 1983: Gabon 0-0 Nigeria (Friendly)

    07 Jan 1989:  Nigeria 1-0 Gabon (WC qualifier)

    25 June 1989: Gabon 2-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier)

    26 Mar 1994: Nigeria 3-0 Gabon (AFCON finals)

    21 Nov 1999: Gabon 0-2 Nigeria (Friendly)

    09 Oct 2004: Gabon 1-1 Nigeria (WC qualifier)

    26 Mar 2005: Nigeria 2-0 Gabon (WC qualifier)

  • Mikel challenges  Super Eagles  to grab World Cup ticket despite odds  

    Mikel challenges  Super Eagles  to grab World Cup ticket despite odds  

    Former Super Eagles captain, John Obi Mikel, has described the recent strike action by the national team as ill-timed, stressing that it came at a critical moment when Nigeria should be fully focused on today’s decisive CAF World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon in Rabat, Morocco.

    Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner acknowledged the concerns of the players over unpaid bonuses and administrative lapses but maintained that the timing of their protest was wrong.

     “I have seen so many pictures and conversations about FIFA giving $1.2 million to the NFF to build stadiums and all the corruptions that have gone on. The corruption has to be rooted out of the game if we want to go forward,” Mikel said. “But now is not the best time to discuss those. Now is the time to focus on the game against Gabon in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying playoffs to get to the next round.”

    The former Chelsea midfielder emphasized the importance of unity and mental focus ahead of what he described as a “mountain to climb” for Nigeria, urging the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to do everything possible to make the players comfortable and motivated.

    Read Also: W’Cup 2026: Toro hails NFF, stakeholders for Super Eagles’   playoff spot

     “It is a difficult task for us. It is a mountain to climb and we have to make sure we are ready,” he added. “Whatever the NFF have to do to make the players feel comfortable to perform and give their best for the country, they have to do that right now.”

    Mikel expressed confidence in the team’s quality, singling out Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as one of the world’s best, but warned against overreliance on him.

     “We have one of the best strikers in the world right now — he is absolutely on fire. But it is not just him. The whole team has to perform. Don’t depend on Victor Osimhen alone. Find the motivation in you knowing that this is the biggest game of the nation’s life,” Mikel said.

    He concluded by urging the players to put aside distractions and give their all to secure Nigeria’s qualification for the next stage of the World Cup playoffs.

     “We have to qualify for the World Cup. There is no two ways about it.”

  • W’CUP PLAY-OFFS: Osimhen, Mbeumo tipped to  shine   in Rabat

    W’CUP PLAY-OFFS: Osimhen, Mbeumo tipped to  shine   in Rabat

    Star African strikers Victor Osimhen of Nigeria and Bryan Mbeumo of Cameroon want to grace the 2026 World Cup tournament, but only one of them can succeed.

    Nigeria face Gabon and Cameroon meet the Democratic Republic of Congo today  in Rabat in the semi-finals of an African play-offs series for the global showpiece.

    The winners clash on Sunday, also in the Moroccan capital, with a place in inter-continental play-offs next March on the line.

    Whoever represents Africa will be joined by two teams from Central America/Caribbean region plus Bolivia, New Caledonia and Iraq or UAE with two World Cup slots up for grabs.

    Nigeria are firm favourites and Cameroon slight favourites to reach the final, and continue the fight to be among the 48 qualifiers for an expanded World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

    When a 10-round African qualifying competition ended last month, Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire , Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia secured qualification as group winners.

    Now, the four best runners-up get a second chance, and Osimhen and Mbeumo could play key roles in deciding which country moves closer to giving Africa a 10th representative.

    Osimhen scored a hat-trick against Benin in a 4-0 final-round win last month, which enabled Nigeria to pip Burkina Faso on goal difference for the final runners-up slot.

    Switching to the Champions League, he notched another treble last week for Galatasaray at Ajax Amsterdam, and is the leading scorer in the competition with six goals.

     “I love Victor. He is the best striker in the world,” says Eric Chelle, the Franco-Malian  coach of the Super Eagles.

     “It will be very difficult in Morocco,” said the tactician who boasts four wins and two draws in competitive matches since taking charge.

    Although Gabon had the best record among the four runners-up with eight wins and a draw, they are ranked 36 places below Nigeria in the world and the least fancied of the four contenders.

    But if Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the last two African Player of the Year award winners, can form a formidable strike partnership, Gabon are also able to choose a dynamic duo.

    Los Angeles-based Denis Bouanga is among 10 nominees for the 2025 African Player of the Year having scored eight times in World Cup qualifying.

    Veteran Marseille goal poacher Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netted seven times in qualifying and, at 36, knows this may be a last chance to feature at a World Cup.

     “We have discovered many new players and the team now has a solid core. Gabon are capable of achieving great things,” says Bouanga.

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    Meanwhile, Mbeumo has scored four goals in his last four appearances for Manchester United, helping the Red Devils to a five-match unbeaten Premier League run.

    The 26-year-old former Brentford striker was voted player of the month for October in the most watched domestic league in the world.

    Belgium-born Cameroon coach Marc Brys hopes Mbeumo can transfer his predatory instincts from England to Morocco and steer the Indomitable Lions to the final.

    Cameroon have qualified for the World Cup eight times – an African record – but finished four points behind shock qualifiers Cape Verde in Group D.

    Needing maximum points from their final group match at home against Angola to have a chance of overtaking Cape Verde, they disappointed in a 0-0 stalemate.

    Only six places in the world rankings separate Cameroon and DR Congo, who will lack injured Newcastle United winger Yoane Wissa.

    The Congolese had looked set to be among the group winners before blowing a two-goal lead in a home loss to Senegal.

  • Play-Offs:  Onana doubtful as injuries  hit Cameroon

    Play-Offs:  Onana doubtful as injuries  hit Cameroon

    Cameroon have been hit by two major injury blows, and face a possible third before today’s  World Cup playoff against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Veteran striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and in-form midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa have been ruled out of the match in Rabat, where Cameroon are looking to keep alive their World Cup hopes.

    Goalkeeper Andre Onana is also a doubt after suffering an ankle injury, football federation officials added.

    Choupo-Moting has suffered a knee sprain while Zambo Anguissa pulled out of Tuesday’s training session with a hamstring injury. The midfielder, who turns 30 on Sunday, has scored four goals for Napoli in Serie A this season.

    Read Also: Nigeria v. Gabon: NFF Protests FIFA official appointments for W’ Cup Play-off

    Cameroon are participating in a playoff tournament for the four best runners-up across the nine African World Cup qualifying groups, which concluded their fixtures last month.

    This week’s mini-tournament offers the possibility of a 10th  representative for the continent at next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

    If Cameroon win today , they would progress to a final in Rabat on Sunday against either Gabon or Nigeria to determine the African side that advances to the intercontinental playoff in March, where the last places for the 48-team World Cup will be determined.

    Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have competed in eight previous World Cups – more than any other African nation.

  • Play-offs: ANFASSC strengthens global fan network with Nigerian Community in Morocco

    Play-offs: ANFASSC strengthens global fan network with Nigerian Community in Morocco

    By David Oyekan

    As Nigeria intensifies preparations for the all-important 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Playoff, the Authentic Nigeria Football and Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) has strengthened its global presence by teaming up with the Nigerian Community in Morocco to rally support for the Super Eagles.

    The collaboration, led by ANFASSC President, Prince Abayomi Ogunjimi, and Nigeria Community Morocco President, Pere Noel Ageli, signals a renewed effort to build an organized, connected and passionate base of Nigerian football fans beyond the country’s borders.

    The partnership aims to ensure that Nigerians living in Morocco are actively involved in cheering for the national team during the playoff encounter, fostering a sense of unity and patriotism even thousands of miles away from home.

    According to the supporters body, the move is not just about matchday excitement but a deliberate strategy to sustain the culture of organized support and global fan engagement that ANFASSC has become known for over the years.

    Read Also: Abandoned FIFA Project: Monimichelle faults NFF on funding as equipment  rot away in Ugborodo  

     “This partnership goes beyond football-it’s about identity, pride, and ensuring that the Nigerian voice is heard wherever our national teams play,” the supporters’ body stated.

    The collaboration is expected to enhance participation among Nigerians in the diaspora, providing opportunities for them to take part in fan events, share updates and contribute to the broader growth of Nigerian sports culture abroad.

    As the Super Eagles prepare for one of their most decisive fixtures on the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ANFASSC’s initiative highlights the growing importance of structured supporter groups in uniting fans and energizing the national team’s quest for success.

    Through such international partnerships, ANFASSC continues to position itself as a model of organized football support in Africa, promoting patriotism, unity and passion for the green and white wherever the game takes Nigeria.

  • Play-Offs: Lorfa faults  Super Eagles for boycotting  training over pay row

    Play-Offs: Lorfa faults  Super Eagles for boycotting  training over pay row

    Former Nigeria International, Dominic Iorfa has expressed displeasure with the Nigeria’s Senior Male football team, for boycotting training ahead of the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup African playoff semi-final with Gabon.

    Iorfa, who was widely known as the ‘Speedstar’ during his active playing days, regretted the unfortunate events from the camp of the Super Eagles, describing it as ‘disgusting.’

    The  football administrator recounted that during his active playing days in England with Queens Park Rangers, some of his teammates were stunned that African players did receive huge match bonuses and incentives.

    While calling on the players to eschew personal aggrandizement, Iorfa noted that the rising profiles of the players won’t be known to the global audience if they hadn’t played for the national team.

    His words: “The players that are refusing to train because of match bonuses/incentives is a disgusting thing to talk about. It is surprising to some of these European countries when they hear the kind of money African Players get for playing for their countries.

    Read Also: Abandoned FIFA Project: Monimichelle faults NFF on funding as equipment  rot away in Ugborodo  

    “I remember my days playing in England with Queen’s Park Rangers (QPR), and every time I got back from national team duty and while discussing at training, I tell them how much money I got for playing for my country,  they will be asking me what for because European players only get incentives when they qualify major tournaments.

    “QPR in the early 90s had five English International players including; Ray Wilkins, Kenny Samson, David Seaman, Paul Parker and, Roy Wegerle of the  USA.

    “How will they refuse to train because of bonuses despite the huge amount of money they receive from their clubs? The national team brought the players to the spotlight because about 80% of the players won’t be known.

    “The interesting part is that back in the day, many of Nigeria’s iconic and legendary players first rose to prominence through their impressive performances in the local league even before moving to international clubs. This also paved the way for talented players to become household names among local fans.”