Arsenal have asked for their Premier League game away at Everton in the run-up to Christmas be played a day earlier as they look to avoid playing two matches in three days.
It is understood the Gunners have applied for the game, which is currently scheduled for Sunday, 21 December at 14:00, be moved to Saturday, 20 December at 20:00 BST.
The Premier League leaders are scheduled to play their EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on 23 December.
The cup game was moved by the EFL from the original date of 16 December because that scenario would have seen Palace, who are competing in the Conference League in Europe, play three times in five days.
Arsenal want to play the Everton game a day earlier to allow extra recovery time for Mikel Arteta’s players before they face Palace.
While Arsenal have made clear their preference for their first visit to Hill Dickinson Stadium be moved to the Saturday, it is understood that is not the only potential date under consideration by the Premier League.
After the EFL changed the date for the cup quarter-final between the two London clubs, Arteta said: “Hopefully they will move our Premier League match, because to play two days later doesn’t make any sense.
“So now we decide the date [for the EFL Cup match] I am sure they will change the Premier League [match] as well.”
Following the move, matches in the third and fourth divisions of Turkish football have been postponed for two weeks, although games in the country’s top two divisions will continue.
The TFF has asked world governing body Fifa for an extra 15 days in addition to the winter transfer window so that clubs can deal with squad shortages. Fifa has been asked for comment.
Besiktas, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, issued a statement saying two of their players had been referred to the PFDK and that they had “full faith” in the innocence of the pair.
Local media reports also reported that eight people, including a club chairman, had been arrested by Turkish authorities as part of their investigations.
The scandal initially hit the headlines on 27 October, when TFF president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu said hundreds of referees were linked to betting accounts.
Haciosmanoglu claimed that out of 571 referees working in Turkey’s professional leagues, 371 had betting accounts and 152 were actively placing wagers.
He said the group included seven referees and 15 assistant referees from Turkey’s top two divisions, as well as 36 “classified” referees and 94 assistants from the level below.
The TFF president added that 10 referees each placed more than 10,000 bets. One referee placed 18,227, while 142 referees placed bets on more than 1,000 matches. Some referees only placed a single bet.
Like players and coaches, match officials are forbidden from participating in betting activities by TFF regulations, as well as those of Fifa and European governing body Uefa.
Turkish prosecutors recently issued detention orders for 21 people – including 17 referees and two football club presidents – as part of a major investigation into betting and match fixing.
Ademola Lookman, the African Footballer of the Year, and first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali were among the 14 players who took part in the Super Eagles’ first training session in Rabat, Morocco, in preparation for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Off against Gabon on Thursday.
The training session, conducted by head coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his technical team, also featured goalkeeper Amas Obasogie and Sevilla players Akor Adams and Chidera Ejuke. The squad has been further strengthened with the arrival of Bright Osayi-Samuel and Raphael Onyedika, and it is anticipated that the team will have a full roster for training today, including star striker Victor Osimhen.
In a related update, Osimhen has confirmed that his focus has shifted entirely to the World Cup Play-offs after his recent disappointment with Galatasaray, where they suffered a 1-0 loss to Kocaelispor in the Turkish Super Lig on Sunday.
Ahead of the crucial CAF playoffs in Morocco, captain William Troost-Ekong has admitted that the Super Eagles can’t afford any room for errors, stressing that qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is not negotiable for him , his teammates and Nigeria as a country.
The Al-Kholood defender, who has made 80 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in 2015, remains one of the most experienced figures in the current squad, having featured at both the FIFA World Cup and the Olympic Games.
“Playing at the World Cup for the second time would be a dream,” the 32-year-old Rio 2016 bronze medallist told Olympics.com. “In 2018, I fulfilled my childhood dream at 23. Now, with more experience and maturity, I’m ready to lead this exciting generation and go beyond what we achieved before.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s bumpy qualifying run, the former Udinese and Watford defender admitted the team faced difficulties but praised their resilience.
“We were disappointed not to qualify directly. The first five rounds were tough, and we had to play catch-up. But reaching the playoffs is still a significant achievement,” he said. “The challenges over the last two to three years have strengthened us, and I believe we’re well-prepared for what lies ahead.”
Nigeria opens their playoff campaign on Thursday, November 13, against a strong Gabon side led by veteran striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Troost-Ekong acknowledged the threat of their opponents but promised that the Eagles will not take any team lightly.
“Gabon is a strong team. I’ve played against Aubameyang in Saudi Arabia, and I know what he brings. In Africa, you can’t underestimate anyone and we certainly won’t,” he noted.
If Nigeria progresses, they will face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16 for a ticket to the Intercontinental Playoffs in March 2026.
Troost-Ekong emphasized that focus and unity will be key to victory: “We’ve built great chemistry, and the mind-set in camp is positive. It’s a one-off game on neutral ground, and we know we must win to reach the final playoff. There’s no room for error.”
For Troost-Ekong, who was named Player of the Tournament at the last Africa Cup of Nations, the weight of expectation from 200 million Nigerians is immense.
“Playing for Nigeria comes with immense pressure, but it’s an honour to represent such a passionate football nation. We’ve all been fans before becoming players, so we understand the emotions. We aim to channel that energy positively and give our best,” he said.
Gabon’s head coach, Thierry Mouyouma, has outlined a strategic plan aimed at unsettling Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff.
The high-stakes match is scheduled for Thursday in Rabat, Morocco, with the winner advancing to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the next round.
Speaking ahead of the clash, Mouyouma emphasized Gabon’s intent to dominate possession and control the tempo of the game, particularly in midfield.
“One of the keys to this match is our ability to control both the game and the midfield,” he said during a press briefing.
He further explained that Gabon’s focus will not simply be on holding the ball, but on purposeful possession aimed at asserting dominance and creating scoring opportunities.
“I want us to hold onto the ball more, not just for possession’s sake, but to dominate play in our own half and progress collectively as a unit,” Mouyouma stated.
The coach highlighted that gaining control in Nigeria’s half would be crucial to Gabon’s qualification ambitions. “We must solve the issue of game control – ensuring we dictate play in the opponent’s territory. That will bring us closer to scoring, and for this match, all we need is one goal to qualify,” he added.
Mouyouma concluded by reaffirming that Gabon’s disciplined, possession-oriented strategy reflects the tactical blueprint prepared by his technical team for this decisive playoff showdown.
Plateau State’s athletes reaffirmed their supremacy in long-distance running at the 2nd Edition of the Ikogosi 17.5KM Marathon, clinching top positions in both the male and female categories of the prestigious race.
The event, organized by the Ikogosi Marathon Initiative (IMI), was held on Saturday, 8th November, attracting thousands of runners and spectators from across Nigeria. The marathon commenced at the Ilawe-Ekiti Roundabout and concluded at the Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort, one of Ekiti State’s major tourist destinations.
The annual race has continued to boost sports tourism, youth development, and community engagement, further establishing Ekiti State as a growing hub for sporting excellence.
In the men’s elite category, Iliya Raymond Gyang from Plateau State claimed first place with a time of 57 minutes, 33 seconds, while Francis James followed closely at 57 minutes, 44 seconds. Sadjo Ismael finished third with 59 minutes, 16 seconds.
The women’s elite race also saw a clean sweep by Plateau runners. Blessing Shamboa emerged winner with 68 minutes, followed by Akusho Lydia Thomas at 70 minutes, 12 seconds, and Nvou Gyang Tanko who placed third at 71 minutes, 15 seconds.
Their impressive performances further cement Plateau State’s reputation as the home of Nigeria’s finest long-distance athletes.
In recognition of grassroots participation, Ikogosi marathon initiative honoured top-performing indigenous athletes from Ekiti State.
In the indigenous male category, Tunde Segun from Otun-Ekiti emerged winner, followed by Sunday Ijoko from Ijero-Ekiti and Agbalaya Alayande from Ado-Ekiti.
In the indigenous female category, Ona Ara Popoola from Ilawe-Ekiti took first place, while Imisioluwa Ajayi from Igbemo-Ekiti finished second and Maria Ojanbati from Omuo-Ekiti placed third.
These performances reflect the growing depth of athletic talent and sports potential within Ekiti State.
Race Consultant and Technical Leader, Femi Abegunde, commended all participants and noted that the 2025 edition recorded 6,891 registered runners and 3,694 finishers.
According to him, the Ikogosi Marathon has evolved into a multifaceted platform that drives youth empowerment, economic growth, and community unity. He emphasized that the initiative continues to attract national attention and corporate sponsorship, positioning Ekiti as a model for sustainable sports tourism in Nigeria.
The success of the marathon was attributed to the support of the Ekiti State Government, as well as key sponsors including Premium Trust Bank and the MKD ARAOYE Foundation, which has supported the event since inception.
The Ikogosi Warm Springs Resort also contributed by providing logistics and hospitality, while GossyWater ensured safety and hydration throughout the race.
The marathon was officially flagged off by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ajibade Alabi, the Alawe of Ilawe-Ekiti, who praised IMI for its consistent excellence since the event’s debut in 2019.
Oba Alabi lauded the organizers for promoting unity, inclusion, and economic development through sports, describing the initiative as “a beacon of youth empowerment and social transformation in Ekiti State.”
The Ikogosi Marathon Initiative (IMI) reiterated its commitment to strengthening Ekiti State’s position as a premier sports tourism destination.
With each successful edition, the Ikogosi 17.5KM Marathon continues to inspire young athletes, energize local communities, and elevate the state’s cultural and economic profile on the national stage.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has released key regulations governing the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff between Nigeria and Gabon as well as the tie between Cameroon and Democratic Republic of Congo, ensuring transparency and uniformity ahead of the decisive encounters.
According to CAF, the one-legged ties will strictly adhere to specific competition rules designed to guarantee fairness as both teams battle for progression to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Among the confirmed procedures, CAF stated that if the match ends in a stalemate after 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time will be played. Should the deadlock persist, the winner will then be decided through a penalty shootout.
Teams will also be allowed a maximum of five substitutions during regulation time, with an additional sixth substitution permitted if the game extends into extra time. This measure, CAF noted, aims to help coaches manage fatigue and maintain intensity throughout the contest.
Furthermore, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will be deployed to assist match officials in reviewing key incidents such as goals, penalty decisions, red cards, and mistaken identity cases—ensuring accuracy and fairness in officiating.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Panthers of Gabon will square off in what is expected to be a thrilling and competitive duel, with a place in the next round of the World Cup qualifiers at stake.
The winner of the fixture will advance to face either Cameroon or DR Congo in the final of the mini-tournament. The CAF World Cup Playoffs are scheduled to kick off on Thursday, November 13, and conclude on November 16.
The organizers of The Big Sports Dialogue 1.0: Reshaping Nigeria’s Sports Ecosystem have officially unveiled plans for the landmark event, which is scheduled to hold on November 24, 2025, in Lagos.
Addressing journalists at a press conference, Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Osaze Ebueku, emphasized the urgent need to reposition Nigeria’s sports industry as a major contributor to economic development, employment generation, and national unity.
“On November 24, 2025, Lagos will host the most consequential gathering of sports leaders, policymakers, investors, and media voices in Nigeria’s history. Big Dialogue 1.0 is not just a conference, it’s a movement. Backed by the National Sports Commission (NSC) and RHINSE (Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy), we unite to transform sports into an engine for economic growth, job creation, and national pride,” Ebueku stated.
He drew attention to Nigeria’s immense but underutilized sports potential, saying, “Nigeria’s sports potential is undeniable. From the roar of the Super Eagles to the triumphs of our athletes on the global stage, we have talent, passion, and resilience. Yet, our contribution to the GDP 0.33% in 2021, 0.31% in 2020 tells a story of untapped promise. But today, we break the cycle.”
According to the organizers, the dialogue will seek to produce tangible outcomes, including the drafting of a National Sports Blueprint to address infrastructure gaps, funding, and governance reform. It will also foster collaboration between the private sector and innovators to boost grassroots development, prioritize athlete welfare and post-career support, and drive media efforts to reshape the narrative around Nigerian sports by celebrating achievements and addressing challenges.
High-profile speakers expected at the event include NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, NSC Director-General Bukola Olopade, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, and ace journalist Rufai Oseni, among others.
Other organizers present at the launch included Jerome Obuninta, sports journalist Sylvanus Ofekun, and sports caster Aron Akerejola.
Meanwhile, the organisers also hinted that a major focus on the dialogue is the revitalization of school sports, including partnerships with organizations such as NUGA games and other institutional leagues, to strengthen the talent pipeline from campuses to the national stage.
There are also plan to integrate technology and data systems to track athletes’ growth from school level to professional ranks, providing valuable insights for coaching, investment, and policymaking. Combined with strategic media engagement to inspire and inform, these efforts are designed to position sports as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and social transformation.
The Big Sports Dialogue 1.0 is expected to serve as a defining moment for Nigeria’s sports sector, bringing together diverse voices to reshape the nation’s sports ecosystem for sustainable growth and national pride.
Sports infrastructure expert and Monimichelle Sports Construction Ltd CEO, Ebi Ezekiel Egbe, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s football pitch standards, stressing that poor turf quality continues to hinder the performance of the Super Eagles despite the team’s world-class talent.
Egbe, in a statement issued, urged football authorities and stakeholders to stop blaming the players for inconsistent performances and instead address what he described as the “ball behaviour problem” on Nigerian pitches.
“For the past decade, I have consistently advocated for a critical issue that continues to affect the Super Eagles’ performance the behaviour of the ball on our home pitches,” he said. “Our players are elite professionals trained in Europe, used to speed football, fast transitions, and precision passing but our 100% natural grass turfs slow the game down and disrupt their rhythm.”
The certified grounds man explained that while hybrid turf systems commonly used in Europe support faster and more consistent ball movement, Nigerian stadiums still rely on poorly maintained natural grass that impedes play.
“This technical imbalance is not about player quality,” Egbe noted. “It’s about infrastructure. Until Nigeria aligns its football pitches with international standards, our players will always face unnecessary disadvantages at home.”
Egbe pointed to CAF’s decision to host the upcoming World Cup playoff system at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco as a model Nigeria should emulate. According to him, the stadium’s hybrid natural turf mirrors the conditions elite African players are accustomed to abroad, offering the right balance between speed, traction, and control.
“The choice of Morocco is not by chance,” he said. “The hybrid natural turf provides the ideal balance between speed, traction, and ball control all critical for player confidence, safety, and performance. Nigeria must learn from this model to remain competitive at CAF and FIFA levels.”
Egbe urged the Nigerian Football Federation and relevant stakeholders to invest in hybrid turf tec
Plateau State Governor Barr Caleb Mutfwang has described the Nigerian University Game (NUGA) as an event that promotes unity, collaboration, harmony and continued to sharpen the intellects of University students across the country.
The Governor gave the remarks in his speech during the opening ceremony of NUGA 2025 hosted at the University of Jos.
Mutfwang expressed confident that all athletes will compete lawfully, fairly, and in a manner that reflects our shared humanity.
He encouraged participants to take advantage of the pleasant weather on the Plateau and make their stay a memorable one.
“Let me urge you all to do your best and represent your various institutions with dignity and honour. Let every medal you win bring pride to you, your family, and your university. Do not misuse your stay here or acquire medals in dishonour. Compete with integrity. Play fair. And let your achievements reflect the true spirit of sportsmanship,” he said.
While declaring the NUGA 2025 open, Ondo State Governor , Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, urged the athletes to good ambassadors of their universities and a source of pride to their families.
He urged them to compete with passion, but also with integrity. Let fairness guide your actions and sportsmanship define your legacy.
“University games such as NUGA are the golden threads that weave together the diverse fabric of our country. They teach us that success is earned through merit that rules apply equally to all and that respect is the foundation of both rivalry and friendship,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Prof. Ishaya Tanko said: “Hosting the NUGA Games for the very first time is not just a celebration of sports — it is a celebration of unity, excellence, and the indomitable Nigerian spirit.
“For us at the University of Jos, hosting NUGA is an honour, a privilege, and a responsibility. It is an affirmation of the confidence reposed in our institution by the Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) and, by extension, the entire Nigerian university system.”
“Since its inception in 1966, NUGA has remained the most prestigious university sporting event in Nigeria, a platform that builds bridges across regions, fosters unity, and empowers young people through the values of sports: discipline, teamwork, integrity, and resilience. These values are at the heart of what we do at the University of Jos.
In his remarks, NUGA acting President noted that the 2025 edition of NUGA brings together 81 universities from across the country, with over 7,800 student-athletes and 2,715 officials. “This marks the highest number of participants in the history of NUGA, and it is a testament to how far we have come as a community.”
