A direct-selling firm, QNET has stated its commitment to Nigeria through partnership and empowerment and giving back to the community.
General Manager of QNET Nigeria, Ayokunmi Solesi, gave the commitment yesterday during a webinar titled: “Beyond VCON: Media Insights from VCON 2025” to welcome back reporters that participated in this year’s Vcon, a major convention for the direct-selling company, which took place between September 13 and 17, 2025, at the SPICE Arena in Penang, Malaysia.
Solesi recalled that the journey of the company in creating opportunities the country began in 2022, adding that the journey has been smooth.
According to him, QNET is guided by the principles of empowerment, community development and partnership in its quest to give back to the community.
He restated the commitment of the company to innovation through the continued introduction of products that enhance people’s wellness, adding that in doing this, it doesn’t leave out the place of integrity in business.
He said Vcon is usually a major event that draws attendance from across the world.
Solesi said the company has been doing a lot in the area of improving the well-being of people by reducing the debilitating impact of electromagnetic fields.
Solesi said: “QNET isn’t just about selling products; it’s about building responsibly, sharing success stories selflessly, and ensuring we lift others as we grow. That’s what true entrepreneurship means, creating opportunities, adding value, and helping others rise.”
He also highlighted the company’s upcoming product innovations which enhance natural wellness, improve balance and energy without addiction.
He further noted that QNET’s Gold Stevie Award for Consumer Protection underscores its commitment to transparency and ethical practices in Nigeria and beyond.
During the panel discussion, Deputy Business Editor and ICT Editor at The Guardian Newspaper, Mr. Adeyemi Adepetu, lauded the immersive experience of the Malaysian convention.
Adepetu said: “From the airport reception to the global networking sessions, it was a top-notch experience. QNET’s hospitality and commitment to empowering communities were evident everywhere.”
He also commended QNET’s ongoing partnership with Nigerian regulators and law enforcement agencies, including the EFCC, in combating misinformation and fraudulent activities in the direct selling sector.
Also sharing her perspective, Juliet Umeh, Assistant High-Tech Editor at Vanguard Newspaper, described the Penang convention as “an unforgettable journey of purpose and possibility.”
She said: “It wasn’t just about covering a business event, it was an experience that celebrated community, innovation, and resilience. I saw firsthand how QNET’s philosophy of ‘Raise Yourself to Help Mankind, RYTHM’ translates into action through its empowerment and wellness initiatives.”
She lauded QNET’s commitment to human empowerment and wellness innovation through its health-oriented product range, including Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, Amezcua Bio Disc 3, Q Alive, E-Guard among others which help consumers mitigate the effects of electromagnetic radiation and promote balance in daily living.
Another panellist, Sulaiman Aledeh emphasized the human-centered nature of QNET’s business model: “At V-CON, I saw that QNET is not just a company, it’s a movement to elevate lives. Every product and story connects to helping people live better,” he remarked.
The webinar closed with a call for continued media collaboration to deepen public understanding of the direct selling industry and dispel long-held misconceptions.
QNET’s operations in Nigeria, managed through Newmark, began in 2022 and have since expanded through empowerment initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages like Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.
Participants agreed that events like the Beyond VCON webinar are vital for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s fast-growing direct selling ecosystem.
QNET’s operations in Nigeria, managed through Newmark, began in 2022 and have since expanded through empowerment initiatives such as FinGreen, which promotes financial literacy, and partnerships with orphanages like Little Saints Orphanage and Babe Salaam.
Participants said events such as the Beyond VCON webinar are vital for strengthening transparency, building public trust, and promoting responsible entrepreneurship across Africa’s fast-growing direct selling ecosystem.
Football is indeed a game of moments — moments that break hearts, moments that heal nations and moments that remind us why we believe. For the Super Eagles, their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying journey has been a stormy voyage through doubt, despair and redemption. From a near-collapse to a thunderous resurgence, the Super Eagles have proven once again that Nigerian football’s story is never short of drama, grit and glory write TUNDE LIADI , DANIEL OYEKAN & AKIOLAMILEKAN ISRAEL
After months of turbulence and widespread criticism, the Super Eagles have clawed their way back into reckoning for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in North America.
Their emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. A declaration that the pride of Africa’s most passionate football nation still burns bright.
Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s late goal reignited national optimism, marking a powerful statement from a team eager to reclaim its place among football’s elite after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.
When Eric Chelle took over as head coach earlier this year, the mood was bleak. The Super Eagles were flirting with elimination, fans had grown impatient and faith in the team was at an all-time low.
But football, like life, has a way of rewarding resilience and on Tuesday’s evening in Uyo, Nigeria reminded the world that they remain a force capable of rising when it matters most.
It wasn’t always this hopeful. The qualifiers began with sluggish draws and underwhelming performances that left the team languishing in the group. Critics called it the “lowest point” since 2012. But Chelle’s arrival injected purpose and identity back into the squad. His tactical structure, coupled with renewed discipline, gradually restored belief — culminating in the breath-taking demolition of the Cheetahs of Benin.
Head coach Eric Sekou Chelle lauded his players’ character, saying: “They’ve shown great spirit and adapted quickly to a new system. This win is just the beginning; the road ahead will be tough but I’m proud of their fight.”
He also hailed the fans’ energy and praised Osimhen’s leadership, calling him “the best striker in the world right now.”
With the result they earned in Uyo , the Super Eagles should have picked up the automatic ticket from Group C, but once more, Rwanda’s Amavubi failed to hold things tight for Nigeria at the crucial hour, crumbling like a pack of cards to South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Nelspruit. It was November 2005 all over again, when all the Amavubi needed to do was hold Angola to a draw on the final matchday at home in Kigali but they conceded a late goal by Fabrice Akwa to render Nigeria’s five-goal rout of Zimbabwe in Abuja inconsequential, instead sending Angola to their first FIFA World Cup finals.
Nevertheless, Captain William Troost-Ekong echoed his coach’s optimism. “We would have loved the automatic ticket, but we’ll fight through this path. What matters is belief — we’re united and ready for the next challenge,” he said.
In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November.
The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.
At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama
Ahead of the ‘long route’ in the Play-Offs and on evidence of the new found form of the Super Eagles, former international goalkeeper Alloy Agu summed up the national mood: “This is the Nigeria we know — hungry, disciplined, and united. If they stay focused, the World Cup ticket is achievable.”
With renewed belief and the nation’s support behind them, the Super Eagles are once again on the rise — daring to dream of 2026.
Another Nigeria international Victor Ikpeba was among those who hailed the turnaround.
“You have to give Coach Chelle credit,” Ikpeba, who was named the 1997 CAF Player of the Year said. “He came in when confidence was low, when results were poor, and he’s managed to get the boys believing again. The football is now more organized, more purposeful.”
Ikpeba, who once dazzled for Monaco, noted that Nigeria’s victory wasn’t just about tactics but about rekindling unity and identity.
“You can see structure and intent again. The team looks united — that’s what we’ve been missing.”
If there’s a heartbeat to this revival, it’s Victor Osimhen. The Galatasaray hitman scored a sensational hat-trick on Tuesday — each goal carrying the roar of a nation rediscovering its belief. His relentless energy, hunger, and leadership have turned him from a striker into a symbol.
Former Golden Eaglets coach Nduka Ugbade couldn’t hide his admiration.
“What Osimhen did against Benin is not just about goals; it’s about leadership, belief, and heart. He carries the team the same way Rashidi Yekini once did for Nigeria,” Ugbade enthused. “He plays with the spirit of the greats — Yekini, Maradona, even Pele. That’s greatness.”
Ugbade added that Osimhen’s rise has inspired a new generation:
“Every young player in Nigeria now wants to be like Osimhen — not just for his talent but for his resilience and story.”
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Alloy Agu believes Nigeria’s revival was rooted in discipline and teamwork.
“The boys showed hunger, discipline and professionalism. It’s a joy to see the Super Eagles play with such purpose again,” Agu said. “You could see unity in the squad. Everyone knew their job and executed it perfectly. That’s what makes great teams.”
For another former Nigeria international, Sam Sodje, the emphatic win came as no surprise. The former Portsmouth defender said it was vintage Nigeria — rising strongest when written off.
“This is the real Nigeria,” Sodje declared. “When everyone doubts us, that’s when we come alive. This performance shows what happens when we play for the badge. This is how champions react.”
Sodje described Osimhen as “something special” and praised the blend of youth and experience Chelle has instilled.
“His leadership, his hunger — that’s what separates great players. Nigeria is lucky to have him.”
Even in defeat, Benin Republic’s coach Gernot Rohr — the man who once guided Nigeria to the 2018 World Cup — couldn’t help but admire the Super Eagles’ rebirth.
“Nigeria were just too good,” Rohr admitted. “They have world-class players and showed why they remain one of Africa’s best sides.”
Rohr singled out Osimhen’s clinical display and Chelle’s tactical imprint.
“Osimhen is a fantastic striker — one of the best in the world. When he’s in this kind of form, it’s almost impossible to stop him.”
Despite the heavy loss, Rohr acknowledged that the Nigerian team he once led has evolved into a more dynamic, fearless side.
“They play with intensity and belief again. That’s what makes them dangerous.”
Meanwhile, Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games soccer gold medallist, Mobi Oparaku has defended the current squad of the Nigerian senior team, insisting that the Super Eagles are not a “one-man team” as some critics have claimed.
The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale right back attributed the team’s earlier struggles to instability on the technical bench.
“There has been a lot of reshuffling of coaches which has affected the team,” Oparaku told Brila FM. “The players are good, but the constant changes in management disrupted their rhythm and performance.”
Another soccer gold medallist at Atlanta 1996 and former Super Eagles’ midfield generalissimo, Garba Lawal, was upbeat about Nigeria’s prospects, expressing confidence that the Eagles have the quality to beat any opponent in the playoff.
“The players put themselves in this situation but they’ve also turned things around,” Lawal said. “After the CAF playoff comes the Intercontinental playoff, and if the Eagles play the way they did against Benin Republic, they can overcome anyone. But there must be no room for complacency.”
Also speaking, ex-left back Ifeanyi Udeze said the team’s second-half performance against Benin Republic gave Nigerians a glimpse of what to expect in the crucial playoff battles ahead.
“If we can show the same energy and intensity we displayed in the second half against Benin Republic when we face Gabon and in subsequent games, we’ll qualify for the World Cup,” Udeze noted.
Nigeria’s next test comes on November 13th when they face Gabon in Morocco in the playoff semifinal. Victory there would set up a potentially explosive clash with either Cameroon or DR Congo — a continental dogfight for the right to reach the Intercontinental Playoffs in March next year.
Ranked 45th in FIFA’s September 2025 ranking, Nigeria stands among Africa’s top sides and could be seeded should they get to the intercontinental phase — potentially facing lower-ranked opponents like Bolivia (77th ) or New Caledonia (150th ) for a place at the World Cup.
Former defender Godfrey Oboabona summed up the collective sentiment best:
“We’re not there yet but we’re close. The players have made us proud, and if they keep this momentum, we’ll be celebrating World Cup qualification soon,” he said.
From near elimination to roaring redemption, the Super Eagles’ journey has been one of courage, unity, and revival. A few months ago, hope was faint. Today, it burns bright.
Nigeria is not at the World Cup yet — but the fight, the fire and the faith are back. And for a country that lives and breathes football, that’s the most important victory of all.
Since their debut at the USA 1994 World Cup, the Super Eagles have qualified for five other editions including France 1998, Korea/Japan 2002, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014 and Russia 2018-reaching the Round of 16 three times. Though they missed the 2022 edition, their recent form and fighting spirit suggest a nation ready to rise again.
The flight to North America is still boarding and the Super Eagles can dream again of making the 2026 World Cup party as they headed for next month’s Continental Play-Off in Morocco.
From the sands of Trinidad to the lights of India, Nigeria’s Flamingos have chased the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup crown with relentless passion. Now, in Morocco, a new generation of dreamers is ready to finish what their predecessors began. With belief, discipline and the weight of national pride behind them, the Coach Bankole Olowookere-led side has vowed to soar higher than ever before, writes TUNDE LIADI
For over a decade, Nigeria’s Flamingos have carried the hopes of millions — the dream of becoming world champions. Since their debut in 2008 in New Zealand, the story has been one of courage, heartbreak and resilience. The team has graced every FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup except one, making them one of Africa’s most consistent performers on the global stage. Yet, despite seven appearances, the ultimate prize has remained just beyond reach.
The early years were filled with promise but ended in pain. After a forgettable maiden outing in New Zealand, the 2010 edition in Trinidad and Tobago offered a glimpse of what could be — a thrilling 6–5 quarterfinal loss to South Korea that showcased Nigeria’s attacking flair and fighting spirit. Two years later in Azerbaijan, France halted their run again on penalties after a goalless draw.
Their story of near misses continued in Costa Rica (2014) and the Dominican Republic (2024), where Spain and the United States respectively stopped the Flamingos at the quarterfinal stage. But it was in India in 2022 that the long wait for a breakthrough finally ended. Under the steady guidance of Coach Bankole Olowookere, the team defeated the mighty USA on penalties to reach their first-ever semi-final — only the second African team after Ghana to achieve that feat. They went on to beat Germany to clinch a historic bronze medal, joining Ghana as the only African nations to stand on the podium.
Now, as the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup kicks off in Morocco today, Olowookere’s new generation is back — hungrier, wiser, and bolder. Drawn in Group D alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, the Nigerian girls are determined to make their nation proud once again.
Their preparation has been nothing short of intense. The Flamingos arrived in Casablanca more than a week ahead of the tournament, fine-tuning their chemistry with high-tempo friendlies. They fell narrowly to New Zealand 4–3 before finishing strongly with a thrilling 3–2 victory over Paraguay. In 12 warm-up games, they scored 50 goals while conceding just six — a testament to their attacking depth and defensive discipline.
“We are going to achieve more than those before us,” declared striker Olamide Olanrewaju, brimming with confidence. “We are eager to get to the final and make Nigerians proud in Morocco.”
Goalkeeper Elizabeth Boniface, whose quick distribution sparked the opener in the win against Paraguay, echoed the same optimism: “We have worked and trained very hard for this competition. By God’s grace, we can go very far. My dream is to be the best goalkeeper in Morocco.”
For defender Azeezat Oduntan, the journey carries personal meaning : “I came from a neighbourhood where football is everything. Representing Nigeria means a lot to me. We are resilient, united, and we believe this is our time. We are bringing the trophy home.”
Olowookere, who masterminded the 2022 bronze-winning squad, believes that the team’s focus and mental toughness will be key. “We respect every opponent, but we fear none. The girls understand what’s at stake — it’s not just football; it’s about rewriting history.”
Their spirit was on full display in the Paraguay match — a rollercoaster of emotions and precision. Mariam Yahaya’s first-half hat-trick sealed the victory and underlined Nigeria’s attacking dynamism. The Flamingos pressed high, defended as a unit, and showed tactical maturity far beyond their age.
As they now move from Casablanca to Rabat — their home for the group stage — expectations are soaring. The lessons of past heartbreaks have hardened them, the bronze medal has emboldened them, and the nation’s hopes are firmly on their shoulders.
The much-anticipated 2025 Kaduna International Polo Tournament will soon get underway with over 40 teams expected from across the country bracing for titanic quest for laurels as the prestigious festival celebrates another epoch.
Tournament’s Committee hinted that the prestigious polo festival will gallop-off October 18 through October 25 at its traditional venue, the foremost Murtala Square in Kaduna City.
Already, most of Nigeria’s biggest high-goal teams, fifteen times champions, EL-Amin, 5th Chukker, Rubicon, Malcomines and Max Air are perfecting strategies ahead of what would unarguably be the toughest and the most competitive Kaduna polo in decades.
Kaduna Polo President, Mohammad Babangida , confirmed that foreign professionals from Argentina and Europe are expected to jostle for top honours alongside top Nigerian polo patrons and players .
Babangida who assured of an unprecedented added value to sponsors, players and enthusiasts, said Kaduna 2025 polo promises to be one of the exciting in years as the club is working around the clock to deliver on all fronts.
“The tournament committee has gone the extra mile to build in some notable innovations that would deliver good value for money and time to our esteemed sponsors, special guests and thousands of polo buffs and tourists, who will be part of the grand festival,” he added.
Vice President and Chairman Organizing Committee, General Kapeh Kazir, also disclosed that annual fiesta will be a weeklong extravaganza with high-goal teams jostling for the Georgian Cup that would be marking its 106th year of competition and the glittering low-goal EL-Amin Cup that traditionally offer cash reward to the Most Valuable Player each year.
He also listed the highly revered Emir of Katsina Cup and Imani Cup as the other main prizes on offer during the 2025 Kaduna polo carnival that offers a lot of innovative incentives and social activities both on and off the field throughout the fiesta.
General Kazir listed subsidiary prizes to be won during the week-long polo fiesta include General Hassan Katsina Cup, Sardauna Cup, Kere Ahmed Cup, Shehu Kangiwa Cup, Musa Yar’Adua Cup, Dangote Cup and Argentine Ambassador Cup, among others.
Further checks revealed that participating teams are expected from Lagos, Kano, Ibadan, Zaria, Sokoto, Abuja, Keffi, Bauchi, Minna, Jos, Yola, Port Harcourt and Maiduguri, alongside over fifteen Kaduna based teams.
Kaduna Polo Captain, Bello Buba, confirmed that host Kaduna Polo Club teams are perfecting strategies to vie for all the major titles at stake during the polo extravaganza.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s committee has assured all participating teams, invited guests, polo enthusiasts and tourists a most memorable during the week-long galloping fiesta at the “Home of Nigerian Polo” that remains the biggest sporting cum-tourism attraction to the state for more than a century now.
Two years ago the Kaduna festival which ended with pomp and ceremony was lauded for its unprecedented excitement by leading traditional rulers as one of the biggest and the most exciting polo festivals in the country that delivers from sports to tourism and glamour.
Always exciting and memorable, the Kaduna polo tournament prides itself as the biggest tourism attraction to the state and the 2025 edition will not be an exception.
The second season of the Spires 5-Aside Football Tournament has officially commenced, with organizers emphasizing its expanded focus on youth development, human capital, and technology integration.
At the launch event in Lagos, Convener Bankole Allibay thanked media houses, sponsors, and community partners for their continued support, noting that the tournament is no longer just about football but about building a future for Nigeria’s youth.
Allibay highlighted that Nigeria has one of the youngest populations in the world, with over 65 percent of citizens under the age of 35, and more than 76 percent expressing interest in football. He said the tournament is designed to leverage that passion, using sport as a tool for unity, community engagement, and skill development. The initiative, he explained, aims to connect young talent with real opportunities, both on and off the pitch.
A new addition to this year’s edition is a week-long IT training program for selected participants, free of charge. This program will include courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning, graphic design, mental wellness tools, and productivity software. Belay described the initiative as an effort to equip young Nigerians with relevant digital skills for today’s job market.
He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Guild of Sports Editors, the Nicosia Sports Commission, and numerous sponsors, including the Chatham School of Finance, QLR Hospital, and the Chatham City Development Ministry, which fully funded this year’s event. He called for sustained support from the public and private sectors to ensure the program’s long-term success.
Allibay concluded by reaffirming the tournament’s mission: to unite, empower, and develop Nigeria’s youth through football and education. He described Spires 5-Aside as a model of grassroots development driven by purpose, passion, and partnership.
The event’s Headliner of the night Nigeria’s Patrick Ocheme (7-1) who will face Abdoul Razac Sankara (7-4)of Burkina Faso in the Featherweight main event, is brimming with optimism.
Ocheme, who has quickly become a fan favourite for his exciting fighting style, described the opportunity as both a blessing and motivation to keep improving.
“Real privilege to be in Rwanda, very clean place with very accommodating people; It will mean a lot for me to portray my God-given talent in front the people here in Rwanda,” Ocheme said yesterday’s media conference “They call me star boy for a reason; I love visiting the crowd, I want everybody to be fun while watching .
He continued: “It will really mean a lot for me to be the first PFL Africa Featherweight Champion 2025 because it is only going to be the start of my dream
My aim is to become one of the best strikers in the world There is a lot of talent in Africa and what PFL is doing for us is really inspiring and amazing. We need to play our own part which is to ensure we improve
“All of us amateur and professional fighters need to focus on the basics and make sure we improve on our own side. It will attract other promotions
I believe we as Africans are very talented. I would say the difference between us and those who are fighting elsewhere in the world is privilege. We do not have many opportunities here in Africa as they do.
“What the PFL is doing for us right now is life-changing for all of us, even for those who have lost in the preliminary rounds. I am fighting against a really good opponent. I would say we are the best two ,” he noted.
Indeed, Nigeria is set to make a strong statement with three of its top mixed martial artists including Ocheme, Wasi Adeshina and Joffie Houlton all competing in the semi-finals for a place in the championship finals later this year in Benin Republic.
The semifinals will feature Africa’s best athletes across four divisions, Featherweight, Bantamweight, Welterweight and Heavyweight battling for a shot at continental glory.
In the Featherweight bout, Adeshina 8-3 will go up against Liberia’s Dwight Joseph (15–2), while Nigeria’s Joffie Houlton (8–4) will face Abraham Bably (6–2) of Côte d’Ivoire in the Heavyweight division. If both Ocheme and Adeshina win their fights, the Featherweight final in December could be an all-Nigerian showdown in Benin.
“The PFL Africa semifinals here in Rwanda is gonna be fun,” remarked Adeshina. “My fellow Nigerians and I are going to show phenomenal fighting and a good event
“We call on everybody to come and cheer for us. My opponent is a good striker but I am going to expose his weaknesses on Saturday .”
The PFL Africa Semifinals is regarded as a landmark event in African mixed martial arts history. It is the first time the continent will host such a large scale MMA tournament, reaffirming Rwanda’s growing reputation as a leading destination for sports and entertainment in Africa. The winners from the Kigali semifinals will proceed to the PFL Africa Finals in Benin in December, where the inaugural champions will be crowned.
For Nigeria, the competition offers more than just medals it’s a chance to prove its strength on the global stage. With Ocheme, Adeshina, and Houlton all in action, fans back home are hoping to see the nation dominate the PFL Africa circuit and bring the championship titles home.
Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo once again topped the Forbes highest-paid footballers list for the 2025-26 season, as one of three members of the top 10 plying their trade in Saudi Arabia.
It is the sixth time in the last decade that Ronaldo has topped the Forbes list and comes just over a week after Bloomberg announced that the 40-year-old had become football’s first billionaire.
With on- and off-field earnings of an estimated $280 million, Al Nassr’s Ronaldo will earn more than double that of second-placed rival Lionel Messi, whose $130 million estimate is made up of more off-field earnings than those from playing for his American club Inter Miami.
Next up is French former Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benezema, who earns $104 million a year thanks to his huge contract at Saudis Al Ittihad.
The third member of the top 10 playing in Saudi Arabia is Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, a teammate of Ronaldo’s who earns an estimated $54 million in eighth.
The number of players from Saudi clubs in the top 10 compared to a year ago has dropped by one as Brazil’s Neymar left Al Hilal in January to return to his boyhood club, Santos in Sao Paulo.
He had been third on the list with $110 million in 2024-25 but now apparently earns a paltry $38 million, mostly from off-field contracts.
Despite the power and wealth of the English Premier League – whose clubs spent a record £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion) on transfers in the summer window – only two players from that competition make the top 10 with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland fifth and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah seventh.
But it is Spain’s La Liga that has the most representatives in the top 10, including three Real Madrid players in Kylian Mbappe (fourth), Vinicius Jr (sixth) and Jude Bellingham (ninth).
While the fourth player from Spain is Barcelona’s teenage starlet Lamine Yamal, who is 10th with $43 million.
“Combined, the world’s ten highest-paid soccer players are set to earn an estimated $945 million during the 2025-26 campaign,” Forbes said in a statement.
Captain William Troost-Ekong has affirmed the Super Eagles’ readiness to give the CAF Play-Off Tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Morocco next month their very best shot even as he appealed for patience and unwavering support from Nigerians as the team continues its quest for World Cup qualification, following Tuesday’s emphatic 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic.
“We are quite happy to have that opportunity, it is a long route but it is a route after all,” the 32-year-old Ekong said in an official NFF statement.
“For us, we will remain strong and tough and ready to confront every challenge on our way as we search for the ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It was a wonderful team effort on Tuesday evening. Everyone contributed; each person played their part. If the other match had gone in favour, we would be with the automatic ticket now. But that’s life. You take what you get and run with it, and make the best of it,” he noted.
In the CAF Play-offs, Nigeria will take on Gabon’s Palancas Negras in a ‘first semi-final’ on Thursday, 13th November, with Cameroon taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the ‘second semi-final’ on Friday, 14th November. The two winners clash on Sunday, 16th November in the ‘final’, with the winner to proceed to the Intercontinental Play-offs scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March next year.
At the International Play-off Tournament, six teams will battle for two tickets. The teams are Africa’s winner, Bolivia, New Caledonia, winner of Asian play-off between Iraq and the United Arab Emirates, and two of Jamaica, Costa Rica and Panama.
Meanwhile, defender with Saudi side, Al-Kholood Club defender who has already earned an impressive 82 International Caps, underlined the significance of wearing the Nigeria’s colours , stressing it comes with immense pressure and responsibility.
“It’s not easy to wear this shirt — it’s very heavy,” he noted at the presser following Tuesday’s win in Uyo. “Many players stood up and took responsibility today, and that’s what we need. Everyone is trying, giving their best. It’s not always perfect, but we’re united in our effort to make Nigerians proud.”
Yet Ekong condemned criticisms often directed at the Super Eagles, insisting that such negativity can affect morale. He pointed to Frank Onyeka’s late goal and Victor Osimhen’s standout display as proof of the team’s depth and determination.
“Frank came off the bench and made an impact — that shows the strength and unity of this squad. Everyone wants to contribute, and that competition keeps us sharp,” he added.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s recent challenges, Ekong admitted that the frequent coaching changes and limited training time have disrupted consistency. However, he expressed optimism that stability and time under the current coach will bring improvement.
“We’ve had about four coaches recently, and it’s been hard to build rhythm. But with more time together, we’ll get stronger. The boys are working hard, and the results will show,” he assured.
With major fixtures ahead — including next month’s playoffs and the 2026 AFCON — Ekong urged fans to remain patient and supportive as the team continues to rebuild confidence and cohesion.
“We just need a bit of patience. Mistakes will happen, but no one should be afraid to try. We feel the support of over 270 million Nigerians, and that drives us. We’ll keep improving — the work is far from over,” he concluded.
Tolu Arokodare has revealed that he’s learning immensely from Super Eagles’ teammate, Victor Osimhen, describing the Galatasaray hitman as a big inspiration both on and off the pitch.
Arokodare, who featured in Nigeria’s 4–0 demolition of Benin Republic in the final Group C game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Uyo, expressed his fond admiration for the ace striker who netted a hat-trick in the encounter.
“Osimhen is out of this world,” Arokodare exclaimed on Snapchat after the match. “That’s some Ronaldo vs Spain kind of performance. Uncle Cristiano Victor LeBron James Osimhen! You guys don’t understand what it means to play alongside your mentor. I’m learning every single day from him — on and off the field. Thank you for the lessons and, of course, the goals too.”
The lanky striker, one of the new faces in the Super Eagles, admitted that training and playing with Osimhen has been like attending a “master class in modern striking.”
Beyond his admiration for Osimhen, Arokodare also praised his teammates who shone in the dominant victory — especially Frank Onyeka, whose late strike sealed the rout, and Benjamin Frederick, whom he called “one for the future.”
“Uncle Frank Onyeka, thank you o! First time you enter the box, you score — keep doing that as long as you’ve got the energy to run back. Great finish, my guy, great redemption. God really showed up for us,” Arokodare added.
He also hailed Benjamin Frederick for his composure and maturity beyond his years, describing him as a “superstar in the making.”
The Wolves striker went on to appreciate the entire team, the coaching staff, and Nigerian fans for their belief and support.
“To my teammates, goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, attackers, and coaches — may God continue to reward our sweat. And to Nigerians, thank you for praying, believing, and supporting us. Two more games to go, and the same God who started with us will finish with us.”
Nigeria’s emphatic win secured a place in the 2026 World Cup playoffs, keeping alive the Super Eagles’ dream of returning to the global stage.
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has issued a strong warning to clubs over the unsporting conduct of ball boys during league matches, describing the deliberate hiding of match balls as a serious breach of fair play and league regulations.
In a circular dated October 14, 2025, and signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL management expressed deep concern over what it called “unscrupulous and improper behaviour” by some ball boys—often to the advantage of home teams.
The league stated that such acts amount to unfairness and violate the NPFL’s operational frameworks, especially when used to waste time or disrupt the flow of play.
“The continuous attitude of ball boys hiding match balls when the game is still on, and probably in favour of the home team, constitutes an act of unfairness and a breach of the frameworks and rules of the NPFL,” the circular read in part.
The NPFL declared that the misconduct will no longer be tolerated and will henceforth attract a fine of ₦1 million for any club found complicit, as stipulated under Section C of the league’s rulebook.
To ensure smooth match operations, clubs have also been directed to make a minimum of 10 match balls available at all times during NPFL fixtures.
“Any team found wanting and encouraging such attitude will be sanctioned with a fine of One Million Naira, as such behaviour is contrary to fair play and brings the game into disrepute,” the circular reiterated.
The NPFL Board restated its commitment to preserving the integrity and credibility of the league, while also copying the notice to all State Football Associations for strict enforcement and oversight.
