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Category: Sports

  •  Play-offs: Super Eagles in  chaos

     Play-offs: Super Eagles in  chaos

    • Players, officials boycott training over unpaid allowances
    • NSC, NFF  move-in to douse fire
    • Talismanic Osimhen finally joins teammates
    • By Daniel Oyekan with Agency Reports

    The Super Eagles are currently facing significant challenges ahead of their CAF Play-Off match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Players and officials staged a boycott of training in Rabat, Morocco, due to unresolved unpaid bonuses that have accumulated over the past two years. The decision to refuse participation in practice came just two days before their important semifinal clash against Gabon, raising concerns about team morale and readiness.

    Reports indicate that during yesterday’s scheduled evening training session, the players communicated their stance to coach Eric Chelle  and his technical staff, demanding resolution of their financial issues.

    Initially, the protest was thought to relate to payments from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the ongoing  2026  World Cup campaign.

    Read Also: Super Eagles won’t underestimate Aubameyang’s Gabon , says Troost- Ekong

    However, the National Sports Commission (NSC) clarified that these outstanding allowances had been settled. The dispute appears to now compete with a separate bonus agreement that has led to negotiations between the players and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

    In response to the situation, the NSC and NFF have intervened to address the concerns raised by the players. There is optimism that an agreement can be reached before the game, enabling the team to resume training ahead of tomorrow’s decisive match against Gabon at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco,

    Notably, all key players, including star striker Victor Osimhen, have arrived in Rabat, ensuring that the squad is at full strength for the upcoming match. The resolution of the financial disputes is crucial for the team, as they look to focus on their performance against Gabon.

    Super Eagles in Rabat :Calvin Bassey; Alex Iwobi; Samuel Chukwueze ;Tolu Arokodare; Olakunle Olusegun; Wilfred Ndidi; Moses Simon; William Troost-Ekong; Benjamin Frederick; Chidozie Awaziem; Amas Obasogie; Stanley Nwabali ;Semi Ajayi; Ademola Lookman ;Akor Adams; Chidera Ejuke; Bright Osayi-Samuel; Raphael Onyedika; Frank Onyeka ;Zaidu Sanusi; Bruno Onyemaechi; Alhassan Yusuf; Victor Osimhen  and Maduka Okoye

  • Super Eagles need  warrior mentality to subdue  Gabon , says Aghahowa

    Super Eagles need  warrior mentality to subdue  Gabon , says Aghahowa

    Former  Nigeria International Julius Aghahowa has called on the Super Eagles  to approach their upcoming World Cup playoff against Gabon with grit, focus and a warrior’s mind-set.

    Nigeria will face the Panthers of Gabon tomorrow , November 13th , at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as they seek to move closer to qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

    Speaking ahead of the crucial encounter, Aghahowa, who starred for Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic during his playing career, emphasized the importance of mental strength and leadership within the squad.

     “We have the players, and they are doing well week in and week out in their clubs,” Aghahowa told Brila fm. “But when they come to the national team, something changes. The problem is not their ability it’s the mentality. Psychologically, they need to be handled with a strong mind-set, and we also need a coach with that same mentality to orient them properly.”

    Read Also: JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    The former Super Eagles forward, who represented Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, expressed concern over what he described as a recurring psychological weakness in the team’s approach to key games. He urged both the players and technical crew to show hunger and resilience.

    “When you wear the Nigerian jersey, it’s not just football it’s a battle,” Aghahowa said. “You must give 120%. There should be a spirit that pushes you to fight for every ball, every moment. I don’t see that enough in the team, and it must change.”

    Aghahowa also reflected on the factors that have put Nigeria in the playoff position, suggesting that poor administrative decisions contributed to the current challenge.

    “It’s normal for ex-players to express frustration. Some decisions taken in the past led to this situation,” he added. “If those decisions had been different, maybe qualifying would have been smoother for us.”

    Despite his concerns, the former international remains hopeful that Nigeria will rise to the occasion against Gabon and secure progress in Morocco.

     “The next game is the most important one,” Aghahowa noted. “Everyone called up must bring their A-game, be fit, focused, and ready to sacrifice. The pressure is high, but I still believe we can qualify if we approach it with seriousness and the right mentality.”

  • Nigeria  vs. Gabon Iwobi ready to face ‘big brother’ Aubameyang

    Nigeria  vs. Gabon Iwobi ready to face ‘big brother’ Aubameyang

    Alex Iwobi says Nigeria’s efforts to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been “resurrected from the dead” following an ominously poor start that saw the Super Eagles take just three points from their first four qualifiers.

    A campaign that involved home draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe, three different coaches and several injuries to talismanic striker Victor Osimhen eventually ended in salvation thanks to an injury-time goal in their final group game against Benin.

    That strike by Brentford’s Frank Onyeka gave the West Africans a 4-0 victory that saw them sneak into the African play-offs on goal difference as runners up in Group C.

    But Nigeria face a new challenge tomorrow  – how to stop Iwobi’s former Arsenal team-mate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang when they meet Gabon in their play-off semi-final  in Morocco.

    “He’s getting on, but you wouldn’t think that. He’s a youthful guy,” Iwobi told BBC Sport Africa when discussing the 36-year-old Gabon skipper. “I don’t know how we’re going to lock him up.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles won’t underestimate Aubameyang’s Gabon , says Troost- Ekong

    Aubameyang has already bagged seven goals in World Cup qualifying, including four in one game against The Gambia, as Gabon finished a point behind holders Ivory Coast in their group.

    And the Marseille striker will be motivated by the possibility of leading his nation to the World Cup for the first time.

    Iwobi, who played alongside Aubameyang for the Gunners during the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, added: “We both have the same goal and we both respect that, but he’s such a great person off the pitch as well.”

    “I was his little brother. He was taking care of me. He used to talk to me, have banter, just make sure I feel comfortable.

    “On the pitch, he always said to me, ‘Alex, just express yourself, be you’.

    “He’s a very, very happy guy. His aura and his charisma are just amazing. He’s always playing with a smile on his face.”

    After missing out on top spot to South Africa in Group C, which would have guaranteed automatic qualification for next year’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States, Nigeria now face a difficult path to reach the finals.

    They must beat Gabon and then the winner of Thursday’s other play-off between Cameroon and DR Congo  to progress to an intercontinental qualifier which will be held in March.

    Should Nigeria reach that stage, their world ranking should see them play one match against an opponent from  Asia, Oceania, South America or the Concacaf (North, Central America and Caribbean) region.

    The winners will then take their place at the expanded 48-team tournament.

    After Nigeria missed out on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iwobi is keen to return to the international game’s biggest stage.

    “Giving ourselves another chance to go into the World Cup, the confidence is high,” said the 29-year-old.”I’ve been in one [Russia 2018], I would like to be in one again.

    “Hopefully we get the chance to do that. It’s not going to be easy. We’ve got to play Gabon first and I’m sure he (Aubameyang) wants to go to the World Cup as well.”

    Eric Chelle was tasked with delivering World Cup qualification when he was appointed as Nigeria boss at the start of this year

    The man who has resurrected Nigeria’s World Cup dream is Eric Chelle.

    The Malian became the first non-Nigerian African to take charge of the Super Eagles when he was appointed in January.

    He has gone unbeaten in six competitive games, with four wins and two draws, and Iwobi says the 48-year-old has installed a positive atmosphere among the squad.

    “Our manager constantly reminds us that we’re able to push through all circumstances,” explained the Fulham midfielder.

    “He’s such a great man. We almost don’t see him as like a manager, but like a big brother. He’s created a big brotherhood.

    “You see him on the touchline. He gets heated – he’s literally trying to fight for us.

    “It motivates us, that we want to play not just for Nigeria but for him as well.”

    Iwobi also had a message for fans who have been unhappy with the team’s qualifying campaign up until now.

    “It wasn’t the greatest of starts,” he acknowledged with knowing understatement.

    “But they (the fans) also need to understand we all have the same goal.

    “I understand when they’re disappointed because we are very disappointed in not winning games comfortably or winning against teams that maybe we should have.

    “We feel like on any day, if we give 100%, and we’ve got the players to do so, that we can beat any team.

    “But there’s one thing saying it, we have to prove it.”

  • W’Cup playoff :Underdogs Gabon banks on Aubameyang for Nigeria

    W’Cup playoff :Underdogs Gabon banks on Aubameyang for Nigeria

    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could crown a chequered international career with success in the African World Cup playoff in Morocco this week but Gabon are very much the outsiders as four countries look to keep alive hopes of making next year’s finals.

    Gabon meet Nigeria in Rabat tomorrow , followed by a clash between Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo, in a playoff tournament for the four best runners-up across the nine already-concluded African qualifying groups.

    The nine winners are automatically through to next year’s finals in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. but this week’s mini-tournament offers the possibility of a 10th  representative for the continent.

    Tomorrow’s two winners will meet in a final on Sunday to determine the African side that advances to the inter-continental playoff in March, where the last places for the 48-team World Cup will be determined.

    Read Also: JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    French-born Aubameyang won the African Footballer of the Year award 10 years ago on the back of his scoring exploits with Borussia Dortmund and has been Gabon’s talisman since his first cap in 2009 but never able to steer his country to international success despite them twice hosting the Africa Cup of Nations.

    The 36-year-old’s 80-cap tally might have been substantially higher had he not clashed with administrators and coaches and more than once temporarily retired from international football

    But now in the twilight of his career, Aubameyang has a chance to take the small central African country to a first ever World Cup if he can keep up his form of recent months.

    The striker scored all four goals as Gabon beat the Gambia 4-3 in last month’s qualifier before finishing second in their group and has pitched in with goals for Olympique de Marseille since his return to Ligue 1 from a spell in Saudi Arabia.

    Aubameyang will share the same pitch on Thursday with one of his successors, 2023 Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, who leads Nigeria’s hopes of a seventh World Cup finals appearance.

    Cameroon have qualified for eight previous World Cups, more than any other African side, but their qualifying campaign has been overshadowed by frequent skirmishes between government-appointed coach Marc Brys and federation president Samuel Eto’o.

    DR Congo’s only previous World Cup appearance was over half a century ago when the country was known as Zaire. They were leading their group but let a two-goal advantage at home to Senegal slip and lost 3-2 to finish second and have to try again in the playoffs.

    However, Yoane Wissa’s absence through injury is a blow to their chances.

  • Falconets thrash Ghana’s Princesses to clinch WAFU B U20 Girls Cup

    Falconets thrash Ghana’s Princesses to clinch WAFU B U20 Girls Cup

    Janet Akekoromowei and Ramotalahi Kareem were again among the goals as Nigeria’s Falconets routed their Ghanaian counterparts 3-0 on Tuesday, to emerge champions of the WAFU B U20 Girls Tournament in Bénin Republic.

    The Princesses, 1-3 losers to the two-time FIFA World Cup silver-medallists when both teams clashed at the same Stade Omnisport d’Adjohoun on Saturday, were unable to stop the rampaging Nigerians who were 2-0 up before the 25th minute, courtesy goals by Akekoromowei (17th  minute) and Alaba Olabiyi (24th  minute). Akekoromowie netted twice against the Ghanaians on Saturday while Kareem got a brace against the Beninoise on Sunday.

    Read Also: Super Eagles won’t underestimate Aubameyang’s Gabon , says Troost- Ekong

    Victory sprang the Falconets to nine points and plus eight goals difference (they have scored thrice in each of their three games) to claim the trophy in the three-team tournament, with Ghana’s Princesses on six points after victories over the host nation.

    The Falconets will be up against the host nation today at the same venue, but the encounter is largely ceremonial as Nigeria have claimed the trophy.

  • N12m up for grab as 2025  Obasa Games begins Friday

    N12m up for grab as 2025  Obasa Games begins Friday

    The organisers of Honourable Mudashiru Obasa’s Games tagged ‘Obasa Games 2025‘ have announced  a total of N12 million as prize money for the third edition of the competition holding  between November 14th and December 13th  in Lagos.

    The event, which was organised by King Sports International in honour of the Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, will see youths from all 57 Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in Lagos State compete in seven sports including football, boxing, chess, table tennis, scrabble, Ayo and athletes.

    According to the organisers, the winners of the football competition will receive the sum of N3m cash reward while second and third-placed teams will pocket N2m and N1m respectively.

    Also, winners from Table Tennis event will share N2m; winners from Boxing event will part with N2m while N500, 000 each was allocated for winners from Chess, Ayo and Scrabble events.

    Speaking at a press conference, the Chairman Local Organising Committee Moshood Olawale Ajibola said this year’s edition was aimed to give all youths in Lagos State the opportunity to showcase their talents, stressing that participants were drawn from all six educational districts in Lagos State. 

    “This time around we are going across Lagos State which will include all six educational districts. We are doing all these so that all Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas will have participants in the tournament. That’s our aim this year,” Olawale said.

    Read Also: JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    He added: “The Obasa Games have grown bigger and bigger from its inception and all thanks to Hon. Dr. Mudashiru Obasa for his vision and support to the youths in Lagos State. Our aim is to identify talents in Lagos State through Sports that is why we organised this tournament. We also give kudos to the Chairman of the Agege Local Government, Hon. Abdul Ganiyu Obasa for his support to the program. He has given a lot to the event.” 

    The one-month long event will begin with opening ceremony on November 14th  at Anwar-Ul Islam Model College Agege.

    Also, Anwar-Ul Islam Model College Agege, Dairy Farm Secondary School field and Abesan Mini Stadium will host football event.

    Olawale said elimination process in six other Sports apart from football, which will be conducted within the six educational districts, will begin from 17 November to 22nd November. He added that all winners at the elimination process will converge at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Agege Stadium from 24th to 28th November to compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions.

    The tournament started three years ago with a football tournament within Agege Local Government Area, and it was expanded to Lagos West Senatorial District for the second edition last year with five sports before it was extended this year to all 57 Local Government Areas (LGA) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDA) in Lagos State.

  • WESPAC: Sponsors  boost  Scrabble Federation ahead of Accra Tourney    

    WESPAC: Sponsors  boost  Scrabble Federation ahead of Accra Tourney    

    The winds of fortune are blowing strong for Nigerian Scrabble with surge of sponsors and corporate allies line up behind the newly inaugurated board of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF).

    With the 2025 World English Scrabble Players Association Championship (WESPAC) in Accra fast approaching, the board’s programs have ignited a wave of confidence, belief and generosity.

    Leading the charge is Loenese International, whose Managing Director, Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi, is not just a corporate name but a scrabble enthusiast himself. Ojofeitimi’s passion for the sport is more than words; his company is backing Team Nigeria’s quest for glory in Ghana.

    For more than 20 years, Ojofeitimi’s commitment to Scrabble has been nothing short of remarkable. He has supported local and international championships, contributed to players’ welfare, and helped Nigeria maintain its enviable reputation as a global powerhouse in Scrabble — a sport where the country consistently ranks among the world’s best.

    Those who know him closely say his motivation is simple: he loves to see people grow. Whether it’s young players competing in their first open tournament or seasoned champions defending national honour, Ojofeitimi has been there, quietly cheering and contributing.

    In the intricate world of Scrabble, a game of intellect, patience, and precision, few names resonate with quiet power and consistent purpose like Engineer Gbenga Ojofeitimi.

    Read Also: Super Eagles won’t underestimate Aubameyang’s Gabon , says Troost- Ekong

    Long before he became a member of the NSF board, Engineer Ojofeitimi was already a familiar name in the federation’s corridors. His presence was often felt quietly, through sponsorship of tournaments, support for emerging talents, and contributions to national team preparations.

    He didn’t just write cheques; he mentored players, encouraged coaches, and championed the values of discipline and excellence. To many in the Scrabble community, he embodies the rare mix of passion and professionalism that Nigerian sports so desperately need.

    Also in the vanguard is Sir Itiakpo Ikpokpo, the dynamic CEO of Dunamis, fondly known in sporting circles as Malik. His track record in sports sponsorship is already legendary, fresh from the success of the maiden Niger Delta Sports Festival in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, he’s now throwing his weight behind the word warriors of Nigeria.

    The momentum doesn’t stop there. Perculiar Nigeria Limited under the dynamic leadership of Engineer Olanrewaju Adeleke, has joined the Scrabble crusade, translating their words into tangible action by supporting Team Nigeria’s World Championship campaign.

    The company that is a leading force in construction in Nigeria was also a major backer of last year’s All Nigeria Amazon Scrabble Championship in Benin City, proving that their commitment runs deep.

    Engineer Olanrewaju Adeleke, has promised to lift the new board and it various programs and he has also promised to bring some of his friends and business associates to identify with scrabble and its activities.

    Another rising ally is Boaz Commodities Ltd, helmed by Collins Okafor, the man behind the celebrated BSP Tournament in Ajegunle, Lagos. Okafor’s firm has already indicated interest in financing NSF events, a move expected to further strengthen the federation’s grassroots and elite programs.

    Amid this corporate enthusiasm, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has been nothing short of exceptional. Under the astute leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade, the NSC has been “burning candles at both ends” to ensure Scrabble thrives as a true national sport. Their backing for Team Nigeria’s Accra campaign has been described as “massive and game-changing.”

    Inside camp, the mood is electric. The Chairman of the Lagos State Scrabble and Monopoly Association, Engineer Dipo Akanbi, has emerged as a quiet force of inspiration, providing some funding, moral support, and even springing a delightful surprise visit complete with lunch for players and coaches.

    With such energy, vision, and belief flowing from boardrooms to the players’ tables, the stage is set for Team Nigeria to make another bold statement on the world stage.

    The countdown has begun. The words are ready. The tiles will tell the story in Accra.

  • Lookman’s Atalanta name Palladino as new manager

    Lookman’s Atalanta name Palladino as new manager

     Super Eagles  forward,  Ademola Lookman,  will now work under the  watch of a new trainer  after Atalanta   announced the arrival of Raffaele Palladino following the sacking of Ivan Juric.

    The 2024 Europa League winners said in a statement the former Italian international had signed a contract until June 30, 2027.

    Palladino, 41, cut his coaching teeth at Monza, first with the youth teams before taking charge of the first team in 2022 and competing in two seasons in the top flight.

    He then joined Fiorentina, finishing sixth in Serie A before surprisingly departing last July after only one season in charge.

    Read Also: JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    Palladino arrives at a club that has not recovered from the departure of its iconic coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who left in the close-season after nine years in Bergamo to join Roma.

    Struggling Atalanta have won only four matches this campaign – two in Serie A and two in the Champions League – out of a total of 15 played.

    In the league, they have lost two games in a row and lounge in 13th  place after 11 rounds, with only six points separating them from the relegation zone.

    Atalanta said in a statement that Juric and his coaching staff had all been dismissed on Monday as they became the fourth Serie A club to change coach this season after Juventus, Genoa and Fiorentina.

  • 2026 World Cup ‘definitely’ my last, says Ronaldo

    2026 World Cup ‘definitely’ my last, says Ronaldo

     Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo said next year’s World Cup would be his last as he winds down one of the all-time great careers.

    The 40-year-old forward, with more than 950 club and international goals, also said he would retire from football in “one or two years”.

    “Definitely, yes,” he told a Saudi forum by video link, when asked if 2026 would be his final World Cup. “I’m gonna be 41 years old and I think it will be the moment.”

    Ronaldo, who began a lucrative stint at Saudi Arabia’s Al Nassr in 2023, also elaborated on comments last week when he said he would retire “soon”.

    “Let’s be honest, when I mean soon, it’s probably one or two years I’ll still be at the game,” he said.

    Read Also: Super Eagles won’t underestimate Aubameyang’s Gabon , says Troost- Ekong

    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is hoping to play at a sixth World Cup next year. He came closest to lifting the trophy on debut in 2006, when Portugal lost to France in the semi-finals.

    Portugal have yet to qualify for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico, but can secure their spot if they beat Ireland tomorrow.

    Last month, Ronaldo became the top goalscorer in World Cup qualifying history when he netted twice against Hungary to reach 41 goals, overtaking retired Guatemalan international Carlos Ruiz’s 39.

    The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward is also the all-time leading international goalscorer with 143 strikes.

    During an interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored last week, Ronaldo opened up further about the realities of his looming retirement.

     “It will be difficult? Yes. Probably will cry, yes. I’m an open person. It will be very, very difficult, yes,” he said.

    Ronaldo joined Al Nassr after leaving Manchester United for a second time in late 2022, a move that heralded an influx of late-career stars to the oil-rich kingdom.

    Ronaldo initially signed for 200 million euros a year, according to a source close to Al Nassr at the time, and inked a two-year contract extension in June.

    Last month, he was named by Bloomberg as the sport’s first billionaire, and topped the Forbes list of highest-paid footballers for the sixth time in a decade.

    With on-and off-field earnings of an estimated $280 million, Ronaldo will earn more than double that of second-placed rival Lionel Messi during the upcoming season, according to Forbes.

    Saudi Arabia, which is spending big on sports and entertainment as part of its economic diversification plan, was named as host of the 2034 World Cup last December.

  • JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    JUST IN: 48 hours to World cup play off, Super Eagles boycott training over unpaid bonuses

    Nigeria’s preparations for Thursday’s high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon hit a major snag on Tuesday as the Super Eagles squad and officials staged a boycott in Rabat over unsettled allowances and bonuses.

    Sources confirmed that the entire team, including backroom staff, refused to take part in training, citing lingering financial grievances with football authorities.

    In a joint statement by players and officials, the team said: “The full squad including officials withheld from training today in Morocco because of unresolved issues with outstanding payments. The Super Eagles are awaiting a quick resolution to continue preparations for Thursday’s game with Gabon.”

    The protest comes just two days before the first semi-final of the World Cup Africa Playoff Tournament at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat. 

    The outcome of the encounter could shape Nigeria’s route to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

    Prior to the disruption, there were signs of renewed optimism in the camp following the arrival of Victor Osimhen on Tuesday.

     The 2023 African Player of the Year joined 22 teammates in Morocco, energising head coach Eric Chelle’s squad. Training sessions had been sharp, focusing on tactical drills, pressing transitions, and set-piece routines.

    However, the payment dispute has now cast a shadow over the team’s build-up. Players are reportedly unhappy about delayed bonuses and appearance fees from previous international engagements.

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was yet to issue a formal statement on the matter, though discussions are believed to be ongoing to resolve the impasse swiftly.

    The Super Eagles have 23 players in camp, including Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Samuel Chukwueze, and Ademola Lookman, with goalkeeper Maduka Okoye still expected to arrive. The development adds to an already tense preparation period for the team.

    Earlier this week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest with FIFA over the appointment of South African and Beninese match officials for the Gabon clash, citing concerns about neutrality given both nations’ involvement in Nigeria’s previous qualifying group.

    The Super Eagles are expected to resume training on Wednesday, pending a resolution of the financial dispute, as they seek to stay focused ahead of what is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most crucial fixtures in recent years.

    If the standoff is resolved in time, head coach Eric Chelle will have his full squad of 24 players, including the much-anticipated arrival of Okoye, ready for Thursday’s must-win showdown in Rabat.