Rangers International FC of Enugu continued their impressive run in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a 2-0 victory over Abia Warriors in a keenly contested Oriental derby played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Tuesday.
Goals from Chigozie Iwundu and Godwin Obaje in the 15th and 33rd minutes sealed the win for the Flying Antelopes, who have now climbed to fifth place on the log with 11 points from seven matches.
Despite the loss, Abia Warriors remain in fourth position with 12 points.
In another NPFL fixture decided in Kano, Rabiu Ali’s 23rd -minute goal handed Kano Pillars a narrow 1-0 win over Kwara United at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
The result moved Pillars up to 16th place with seven points, while Kwara United sit just above them in 13th position with eight points.
Liverpool star Mohamed Salah scored twice to help Egypt beat Djibouti 3-0 in Casablanca yesterday and qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 33-year-old has netted nine times in a marathon qualifying campaign that began two years ago, and victory for Egypt gave them an unassailable five-point lead in Group A with one round remaining.
Twice African Footballer of the Year, Salah helped Liverpool win the Premier League a record-equalling 20th time last season, and captured the Golden Boot award with 29 goals.
But the Egypt captain has lost his spark with Liverpool this season, scoring just three goals in nine matches in all competitions.
After Ibrahim Adel put Egypt ahead on eight minutes, Salah netted six minutes later and again on 84 minutes to complete the scoring.
While Egypt have won the Africa Cup of Nations a record seven times, they have been less successful in World Cup qualifying, qualifying for the tournament just four times in 15 attempts – in 1934, 1990, 2018 and now 2026.
Former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey scored as Ghana trounced the Central African Republic 5-0 in Meknes, and need one point from their final match at home to Comoros to qualify.
Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, captain Jordan Ayew 71 and Kamaldeen Sulemana were the other scorers for the Black Stars, who led 1-0 at half-time.
Cape Verde came from two goals behind in Tripoli to draw 3-3 with Libya and edge closer to a first World Cup appearance.
The island nation of about 550,000 inhabitants off the coast of Senegal will clinch first place in Group D if they defeat Eswatini in Praia on Monday.
Known as the Blue Sharks, the Cape Verdeans are two points ahead of Cameroon, who beat Mauritius 2-0 in Saint-Pierre with Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo among the goals.
Cape Verde have 20 points after nine rounds, two more than Cameroon, whose eight World Cup appearances in an African record.
Roberto Lopes, a defender with Republic of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, conceded a first-minute own goal as Cape Verde made a disastrous start.
Telmo Arcanjo levelled for the island nation before goals either side of half-time from Ezoo el Mariamy and Mahmoud al Shalwi gave the Mediterranean Knights a 3-1 lead.
Sidny Cabral reduced the deficit and Cyprus-based Willy Semedo equalised on 82 minutes to set up a tense finish as Cape Verde sought a fourth goal and qualification.
A match-winner did not materialise, but they will be expected to beat Eswatini, who remained winless in the group after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a 2-2 draw with Angola in Lobamba.
Cameroon, firm pre-qualifying favourites to win the group, had to secure maximum points in Mauritius to keep alive their hopes of overtaking Cape Verde, but needed 92 minutes to ensure success.
Dynamo Moscow midfielder Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu put the Indomitable Lions ahead on 57 minutes and Mbeumo struck in added time with his fourth goal of the qualifying campaign.
Cameroon complete their schedule at home to Angola in Yaounde and must win to have any hope of automatic qualification.
Should Cape Verde finish first, Cameroon would hope to finish among the four best-ranked runners-up and qualify for play-offs in November.
The winners of the African mini-tournament, comprising single-match semi-finals and a final, advance to six-nation inter-continental play-offs next March with two World Cup places up for grabs.
Eswatini looked set to end an eight-match winless run in the mini-league when South Africa-based Justice Figuareido pounced on long passes to score twice early in the second half.
Angola, with French coach Patrice Beaumelle in charge for the first time after the sacking of Portuguese Pedro Goncalves, halved the deficit through Jonathan Buatu.
Then slack Eswatini marking at a corner enabled Papel Ary to head the equaliser with 10 minutes of regular time remaining.
Former AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao will take over as coach of Al Ittihad following the sacking of Laurent Blanc, the Saudi Arabian Pro League club has announced.
The Portuguese coach, who also won 52 caps as a player, was revealed in a video on social media titled “The King Rules the Game”.
“Victory is not a choice,” says Conceicao, 50, in the video. “It is an identity that defines us. Rivals may change and their allies will fall but the champion remains.
“The champion owns the game. I am Sergio Conceicao, I came to build glory with Ittihad.”
He has signed a two-year contract and is the fourth Portuguese to manage the club, the most recent being current West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo who left in 2023.
Conceicao spent seven years in charge of Porto winning the Portuguese league three times before moving to Milan in the middle of last season.
He was fired after AC Milan finished eighth in Serie A and lost to Bologna in the Italian Cup final.
Al-Ittihad are currently third in the Saudi Pro League, three points behind leaders Al-Nassr.
It was a 2-0 defeat by their rivals at the end of September that spelt the end of Blanc’s 14 months in charge.
Barcelona will face Villarreal in Miami in a La Liga match on December 20, the Spanish top flight said Wednesday, making it the first European league fixture to be played abroad.
Earlier this week, European football governing body UEFA said they opposed the idea of games being played overseas but would permit it on an exceptional basis, along with a Serie A match in Australia in February between AC Milan and Como.
“With this match we take a historic step that projects La Liga and Spanish football into a new dimension,” said La Liga president Javier Tebas in a statement. “We understand and respect the concerns that this decision may generate, but it is important to put it into context – it is a single match out of the 380 that make up the season.”
The game was due to be played at Villarreal’s home stadium but will now take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in the United States, in Florida.
Villarreal will take measures to compensate season ticket holders after the game was moved.
“Villarreal season ticket holders will be able to travel for free to the match, and those who choose not to travel to Miami will enjoy a 30 percent discount on their season ticket price as part of the measures designed to reward their support and loyalty,” said La Liga.
In September a total of 18 fan groups from both teams involved expressed their “complete opposition” to the match taking place abroad.
La Liga have attempted to play matches overseas dating back to 2017 but the Spanish football federation (RFEF) frequently resisted, despite hosting the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia themselves.
Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid have also expressed their disapproval at the decision to take a La Liga game abroad.
They said in August hosting the game in Miami would “alter the competitive balance” of the league and set an “unacceptable precedent”.
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has become the first footballer in history to achieve billionaire status, with an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner reached the milestone following his record-breaking contract extension with Al Nassr, reportedly valued at over $400 million and inclusive of equity and performance bonuses—one of the most lucrative deals ever signed in football.
Ronaldo’s wealth extends far beyond the pitch. His global brand, CR7, encompasses fashion, hotels, fragrances, and fitness ventures, while his long-term endorsement deals with major companies such as Nike have contributed significantly to his financial success.
Though often compared to his longtime rival Lionel Messi in both achievements and earnings, Ronaldo’s recent ventures, particularly in Saudi Arabia, have firmly placed him ahead in the financial rankings—cementing his legacy not only as a football legend but also as one of sport’s most powerful business figures.
Here’s a look at the top 10 richest footballers in the world for 2025:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo – $1.4 billion
The Portuguese legend tops the list as football’s first billionaire. In addition to a massive contract at Al Nassr, Ronaldo’s wealth is driven by the CR7 brand, global endorsements, hotels, gyms, and fashion lines.
2. Lionel Messi – $850 million
Messi has combined football greatness with high-value partnerships. His deals with Adidas, Pepsi, and Louis Vuitton, along with smart investments in real estate and tech.
3. David Beckham – $500 million
Retired but still thriving, Beckham’s income now stems from brand endorsements and co-owning Inter Miami CF. He has long-term partnerships with brands like Adidas, H&M, and Haig Club whiskey.
4. Neymar Jr. – $350 million
Neymar’s massive salaries at PSG and Al Hilal, combined with sponsorships from Puma and Red Bull, have helped the Brazilian star climb the rich list rapidly.
5. Kylian Mbappé – $250 – 300 million
Mbappé is among the highest-paid players today, especially after his move to Real Madrid. With endorsements from Nike, Hublot, and EA Sports, his fortune continues to grow steeply.
6. Wayne Rooney – $216 million
Wayne Rooney acquired most of his wealth during his Premier League and MLS days. Post-retirement, Rooney has remained active as a manager and media personality.
7. Karim Benzema – $200 million
Following a legendary run at Real Madrid, Benzema’s move to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia significantly increased his wealth. He also benefits from sponsorships and private investments.
8. Zlatan Ibrahimović – $190 million
Zlatan’s charisma and brand power matched his football skills. Over two decades in top leagues and sponsorships from Nike, Volvo, and others contributed to his immense wealth.
9. Ronaldo Nazário (R9) – $160 million
The Brazilian icon made his money from elite contracts in the ’90s and 2000s, as well as endorsement deals. Today, he owns stakes in clubs like Real Valladolid and Cruzeiro.
10. Gareth Bale – $145 million
Bale earned a fortune from his time at Real Madrid, along with deals from Adidas and EA Sports. Since retirement, he has ventured into golf-related businesses and property investment.
Nigeria’s Flamingos have arrived safely in Casablanca, Morocco, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The team, comprising players and officials, departed Abuja at 7:18 a.m. on Wednesday and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. after a smooth four-hour, 20-minute flight. They are now lodged at the Ibis Hotel, Casablanca, and are scheduled to hold a light training session later this evening.
Head coach Bankole Olowookere’s side head into the tournament brimming with confidence after an impressive run in their build-up matches—winning all 10 friendlies, scoring 44 goals, and conceding none.
The Flamingos will play New Zealand in a friendly on Friday before facing Paraguay next Tuesday in another preparatory match.
At the World Cup, Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside France, Canada, and Samoa.
Perrypays Services Limited, organizers of the Perrypays Superstars Cup and founders of the Perrypays Football Academy, has announced the signing of one of its outstanding young players, Wisdom Igiebor, to Mgarr United FC, a Maltese First Division team.
The announcement was officially confirmed via the social media handles of Mgarr United FC, marking another milestone achievement for the Perrypays Football Academy and the vision behind the Perrypays Superstars Cup — a grassroots talent development initiative designed to nurture and showcase young Nigerian footballers to the global stage.
Speaking on the development, the Founder and Project Director of Perrypays Services Limited, Mr. Precious Dotty, expressed immense pride in the progress of the academy’s players.
He emphasised that the signing of Wisdom Igiebor is a clear testament to the mission of Perrypays to create opportunities, empower youth, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sports and talent in Nigeria.
“We believe that the purpose of a company is not just to make money but to try and develop the country, state, or city in which it renders services,” said Mr. Dotty.
“This achievement reaffirms our dedication to discovering, training, and projecting the next generation of football superstars from Africa to the world.”
The Perrypays Superstars Cup, organized annually by Perrypays Services Limited, serves as one of the most vibrant youth football tournaments in Nigeria. It has successfully drawn attention from scouts, clubs, and sports organizations across Europe and beyond.
The 2025 edition of the tournament recorded remarkable participation, and the organizers have already commenced preparations for the 2026 edition, which promises to be even more exciting, with a newly scouted team and extended partnership opportunities.
Perrypays Football Academy, a flagship initiative of Perrypays Services Limited, continues to serve as a breeding ground for young and aspiring footballers. The academy offers mentorship, international exposure, and technical training designed to meet global standards, bridging the gap between raw talent and professional football success.
In a demonstration of seriousness attached to Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho, an impressive 18 players yesterday underwent Super Eagles’ first training in Polokwane, South Africa.
In the mix under Coach Eric Sekou Chelle and his assistants, were the team’s leaders including captain
Wilfred Troost Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi , Moses Simon , Victor Osimhen and African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman.
There was the also the full contingent from England-based stars including the Fulham’s trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze as well as Frank Onyeka, Tolu Arokodare and defender Semi Ajayi.
The three invited goalkeepers including South Africa-based Stanley Nwabali as well as Tanzania –based Amas Obasogie and Greece-based Adebayo Adeleye were also at the team’s first session in the Limpopo province of South Africa. They were complemented by the quartet of Chrisantus Uche, Bruno Onyemaechi , Benjamin Fredrick and Terem Moffi who’s making a return to the fold after a long injury-enforced absence.
The 18 players that trained yesterday in Polokwane represented over 75 per cent of the players invited for the upcoming double header against Lesotho and Benin as the Super Eagles intensify their training sessions for the two must-win encounters in this October International window starting with Friday’s away match to Lesotho and next Tuesday’s match in Uyo against The Cheetahs of Benin.
Though there was no official statement, the late arrivals of the remaining five players including
Akor Adams (Sevilla), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod), Felix Agu (Werder Bremen) , Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City) and Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution), might not be unconnected with delay in procuring an entry visas to South Africa as widely reported on Monday.
A top official of the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) had hinted on Monday that just three players were in dire straits as per getting entry visas into the former apartheid enclave.
But it remains to be seen when these players will join the camp as the build up to Friday’s showdown at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane gathers steam.
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa), Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania), Adebayo Adeleye (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Semi Ajayi (Hull City, England), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece), Benjamin Fredrick (Dender, Belgium)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey), Chrisantus Uche (Getafe, Spain)
Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey), Moses Simon (Paris FC, France), Tolu Arokodare (Genk, Belgium), Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France).
PLAYERS YET TO ARRIVE IN POLOKWANE:
Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England), Bruno , Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany), Alhassan Yusuf (New England Revolution, USA),Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).
Nigeria and Argentina will, once again, set the global football stage alight as the Round of 16 of this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup finals commence in Chile this evening.
Both countries have fought memorable battles in the FIFA World Cup finals, FIFA U20 World Cup finals and at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament, but the most recent remains Nigeria’s spectacular 2-0 defeat of the Albiceleste in a Round of 16 encounter when Argentina hosted the FIFA U20 World Cup finals two years ago.
Ibrahim Muhammad and Haliru Sarki got the goals that stunned the hosts and upturned the prediction of most pundits, with the Flying Eagles marching ahead to the quarter-finals where they lost in extra time to the Republic of Korea.
Two decades ago, the Flying Eagles narrowly lost 1-2 to the Argies in the FIFA U20 World Cup Final in The Netherlands, both Argentine goals coming through penalty kicks converted by Lionel Messi, while Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi scored a brilliant goal for Nigeria.
Argentina have won the FIFA U20 World Cup six times, while Nigeria have finished with the silver medals twice (1989 and 2005) and the bronze once (1985), but there will be no inferiority complex on the part of the seven-time African champions when they take the pitch of the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago from 8.30pm Nigerian time tonight.
Self-belief, sense of purpose and pride, and resilience got the wards of Aliyu Zubair through the group stage, with four points off Saudi Arabia and Colombia, and the Colombians are unlikely to forget how the West Africans dominated a game they (Colombia) were tipped to easily win.
Thrice, the Flying Eagles struck the bar in the encounter at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, and earned a deserved point at the end when captain Daniel Bameyi coolly converted a penalty kick conceded in desperation by the South Americans as the tireless Nigerian attack went on the rampage once more.
Coach Zubair must pick a new man to team up with Tahir Maigana and Kparobo Arierhi in the fore, with Suleman Sani suspended after accumulating two yellow cards in the group stage.
The Flying Eagles arrived in Santiago from Talca on Monday evening, and will conduct a training session on Tuesday evening ahead of the clash with the Argies.
Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, have discovered their opponents for the final qualifying phase of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026, following yesterday’s draw held at the Patrick Baumann House of Basketball in Mies, Switzerland.
The four-time African champions will compete in Lyon-Villeurbanne, France, one of the four host cities for the global qualifiers scheduled to take place from March 11 to 17, 2026.
D’Tigress have been drawn in a tough group alongside France, Germany, Korea, Colombia, and the Philippines, as they look to secure a place at the Berlin 2026 World Cup. The qualifiers will serve as the final gateway to the world’s biggest women’s basketball tournament, where 16 nations will battle for glory.
The draw was conducted by Germany’s Marie Guelich and former French captain Endy Miyem, under the supervision of FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis and representatives from participating federations.
Aside from Lyon-Villeurbanne, other host cities for the qualifiers include Wuhan (China), San Juan (Puerto Rico), and Istanbul (Türkiye).
D’Tigress will be hoping to continue their dominance on the African continent and translate it into another impressive global outing as they aim to secure qualification for the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin 2026.
The Full Draw:
Wuhan, China: Mali, South Sudan, Brazil, Belgium, Czechia, China
Lyon-Villeurbanne, France: Colombia, Philippines, Germany, Korea, France, Nigeria
San Juan, Puerto Rico: New Zealand, Puerto Rico, USA, Senegal, Italy, Spain
Istanbul, Türkiye: Hungary, Türkiye, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan
