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By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Warri billionaire businessman and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Chief Ayiri Emami, has revealed he advised former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, not to locate the FIFA Forward Project stadium in Ugborodo, Delta State. In a video currently trending on social media, Chief Emami said his advice was based purely on practical and economic reasons that could have affected the timely and cost-effective completion of the project. He noted that the logistical challenges and high cost of transporting construction materials and equipment to Ugborodo made it less suitable for such project given the amount available. According to him, he recommended Ode-Itsekiri as a more viable and accessible alternative, considering its proximity to Warri, which would ease the movement of materials and personnel. Chief Emami stressed that his position was guided by developmental reasoning and the need to ensure the project’s success, rathe...

  The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that Nigeria will take on Gabon in the opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Playoff Tournament on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco. The crucial semi-final clash will kick off at 17:00 local time (16:00 GMT) and marks the beginning of the continental playoff series that will decide Africa’s representative in the FIFA Inter-Continental Playoff. The mini-tournament, scheduled from 13–16 November 2025, will feature four teams — Nigeria, Gabon, Cameroon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo — competing for a single ticket to the next stage. The venues confirmed by CAF and the Moroccan hosts are the El Barid Stadium and the Prince Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex, with a draw on October 30, 2025, to determine the match venues for each semi-final. Following Nigeria’s encounter with Gabon, Cameroon will face DR Congo in the second semi-final at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT). The winners from both matches wi...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured qualification for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 1–1 draw with Benin Republic in Abuja on Thursday, advancing 3–1 on aggregate. Ashleigh Plumptre opened the scoring for Nigeria with a powerful header from a corner kick in the first half, but the visitors equalised after the break to earn a share of the spoils. The result, however, was enough to see the Super Falcons through, following their 2–0 victory in the first leg in Cotonou. In other results, Ghana thrashed Egypt 4–0, Malawi defeated Angola 2–0, while Tanzania stunned Ethiopia 1–0 away from home. Kenya also edged Gambia 1–0, Burkina Faso beat Togo by the same margin, and Cameroon were held to a goalless draw by Algeria. With these outcomes, the stage is now set for the 2025 WAFCON proper, where the 10-time champions Nigeria will begin their quest for an unprecedented 11th continental crown.

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  For the first time in 20 years, Nigeria has returned to the World Taekwondo Championships, and the comeback was marked by glory as African number one, Elizabeth Oluchi Anyanacho , clinched a bronze medal in the women’s -67kg category . The championship, held in Wuxi, China , runs from October 24 to 30, 2025 . Anyanacho’s remarkable feat ended Nigeria’s long absence from the global taekwondo stage and underscored her consistency as one of Africa’s finest athletes in the sport. Her bronze medal finish is a testament to her determination and the growing revival of taekwondo in Nigeria. With this achievement, Anyanacho not only cements her status as a leading African competitor but also reignites hope for the nation’s taekwondo community ahead of future international events, including the Olympic qualifiers. Her performance in Wuxi stands as a proud moment for Nigerian sports and a motivating milestone for aspiring martial artists across the count...

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant financial boost for clubs participating in its intercontinental competitions, with the 2025/2026 CAF Champions League group stage teams now guaranteed a minimum reward of $700,000 . According to CAF’s latest update, every club that reached the Champions League group stage will receive the payment as part of efforts to promote financial stability and encourage greater investment in African club football. Teams in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage will also pocket $400,000 , while those eliminated in the preliminary round will receive an additional $50,000 , bringing their total earnings to $100,000 after the initial participation grant. CAF’s new prize structure underscores its commitment to making continental football more lucrative and sustainable for participating clubs. The move is expected to motivate teams to improve competitiveness while easing the financial burden of travel and logistics, ensuring t...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Warri Wolves continued their fine home form with a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United in Ozoro on Matchday 10 of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season. Forward Igbunu Evwierhurhoma was the star of the game, netting both goals for the Seasiders in the 16th and stoppage (90+1) minutes to secure all three points for the home side. The result provides a crucial boost for Warri Wolves as they look to move up the NPFL table, while Bayelsa United’s struggles on the road persist. Elsewhere, other Matchday 10 fixtures produced thrilling encounters and surprising outcomes across the country. Full Matchday 10 Results: Katsina United 1–0 El-Kanemi Warriors Kano Pillars 0–2 Niger Tornadoes Wikki Tourist 2–0 Shooting Stars Abia Warriors 2–0 Barau FC Kun Khalifat 1–1 Bendel Insurance Plateau United 2–1 Enyimba International Rangers International 0–0 Kwara United Warri Wolves 2–0 Bayelsa United Matchday 10 saw a total of 10 goals scored ...

  Head coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle , has revealed that his technical crew is currently monitoring and analyzing hundreds of Nigerian footballers across the world as part of efforts to strengthen the national team. Speaking about the process of player selection, Chelle disclosed that the national team’s scouting network keeps tabs on about 500 Nigerian players globally , with 80 players being followed closely every week . “I receive a lot of messages about new Nigerian players for potential call-ups to the national team,” Chelle said. “Sometimes I watch the players people send me, and I analyze them. The technical staff reviews about 500 Nigerian players around the world. We follow 80 players every week. It is difficult to try something new at this time.” The coach emphasized that integrating new players, especially those born and raised in Europe, requires careful consideration due to the unique challenges of African football . “African football is difficult. It’...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  The much-anticipated Round of 16 fixtures for the ongoing Ofuagara Peace and Unity Cup have been released, promising football fans in Delta State an exciting lineup of matches as top community teams battle for supremacy and a place in the quarter-finals. According to the official schedule, all matches will be played at Ogbe Primary School , beginning on Sunday, 26th October 2025 , and continuing on Saturday, 1st November 2025 . The first day of action will see four mouthwatering fixtures. At 12 noon , Ijaw Ex-Professionals will take on Agbarho Allstars , followed by a clash between Uvwvie Allstars and Ex-Mowoe Allstars at 1:30 p.m. . Later in the afternoon, Uvwvie Ex-Players face Ubeji Allstars at 3:00 p.m. , while Delta Allstars International battle Express Allstars in the day’s final game at 4:30 p.m. The competition resumes the following weekend, Saturday, 1st November 2025 , with four more fixtures. Cornerlux Allstars will open ...

  The Local Organizing Committee of the Africa for Peace Sports Festival has announced a one-week extension for registration, following numerous appeals from sports enthusiasts and prospective participants across Delta State. According to a statement signed by the LOC Chairman and former Super Eagles midfielder, Mr. Edema Fuludu , the new registration deadline is now Monday, November 3, 2025 . Fuludu said the extension became necessary to give more teams and individuals the opportunity to participate in the continent’s fast-rising community sports fiesta, which features a total cash prize of ₦10 million up for grabs across various sporting events. He further explained that games with fewer than eight registered participants will be canceled, with full refunds made to affected teams or individuals. Interested participants are to send their payment receipts alongside their team name , type of sport/game , and WhatsApp number to Mr. Malo (08145120522) or Mr. Ola (08061675744)...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Rivers United manager, Finidi George , has made history by becoming the first Nigerian coach in seven years to guide a Nigerian club to the group stage of the CAF Champions League . The former Super Eagles winger achieved the feat after his side defeated Black Bulls of Mozambique 3–1 on aggregate , sealing their place among Africa’s elite clubs in the continental competition. The victory marks a major milestone for Nigerian football, as no team from the country has reached the CAF Champions League group phase since 2018 . Rivers United’s qualification ends a long drought that had sparked concerns about the declining fortunes of Nigerian clubs on the continental stage. Finidi, who took charge of Rivers United earlier this year, expressed delight at the achievement, dedicating the success to his players and the club’s supporters. Rivers United’s qualification is expected to boost the country’s CAF ranking and renew confidence in the capacity o...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  The world football governing body, FIFA, is reportedly set to launch an investigation into the $1.2 million (₦1.75 billion) stadium project built in partnership with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Kebbi State, under the FIFA Forward development program. According to reports, FIFA’s Compliance and Governance Department raised concerns over the implementation process following public outage over transparency and quality of the project, which was funded through the FIFA Forward 2.0 initiative designed to assist member associations with infrastructure and football development. The Kebbi mini-stadium, earmarked as one of Nigeria’s key grassroots football infrastructure projects, has drawn public criticism over its slow completion pace and questionable standard, despite the large sum reportedly allocated for its construction. Sources close to the matter indicate that FIFA’s audit team may conduct an on-site assessment to verify whether the fun...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Former chairman of Warri Wolves Football Club, Etu Moses , has predicted a hard-fought victory for the Seasiders in their upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash against Bayelsa United . Speaking during a phone interview on the Sports Extra programme on Crown 89.9FM , monitored by GoSport5 , Etu described the fixture as one of the most competitive encounters in recent NPFL history, citing the long-standing rivalry between both clubs. He noted that the match would not be an easy outing for either side, pointing to several factors that could shape the outcome — including the limited community support Warri Wolves currently receive from Ozoro , their new home base, and the two-match ultimatum recently issued to Bayelsa United’s players and management by the Bayelsa State Government to improve their performance. “The rivalry is deep, and with Bayelsa United under pressure to deliver, it’s going to be a very intense game,” E...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  Nigeria’s long wait for representation among elite referees at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has continued, as no Nigerian official made the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) shortlist for its AFCON 2025 preparatory training camp. The latest exclusion means it has now been 19 years since a Nigerian referee last took charge at the centre of Africa’s biggest football tournament — a drought that dates back to the 2006 edition of the competition. CAF on Thursday released the list of selected referees, assistant referees, and VAR officials scheduled to undergo an intensive pre-tournament training ahead of AFCON 2025 in Morocco, but conspicuously missing were any names from Nigeria. Football analysts have described the recurring absence as a worrying reflection of the decline in Nigeria’s officiating standards , despite the country’s rich football history and strong presence in the continental game. A former Nigerian referee, who spo...

  By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi  WARRI: The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing renewed public scrutiny over its handling of $10 million received from FIFA’s Forward Project, following revelations of abandoned infrastructure, questionable expenditure, and a troubling lack of transparency in fund allocation. A Breakdown That Raises More Questions Than Answers According to NFF documents, the federation reportedly spent: Infrastructure: $2.6 million — for “artificial pitches” in Kebbi and Delta (Ugborodo) National Teams: $2.3 million Administration and Governance: $1.9 million Women’s Football: $700,000 Uncategorized Competitions: $200,000 Equipment: $200,000 Capacity Development: $100,000 Observers argue that the figures reveal a worrying trend: more funds went into NFF bureaucracy than into women’s football, grassroots empowerment, or capacity building — the very areas FIFA’s Forward Project was designed to strengthen. Ugborodo: The $1 Million Project That Never Was Nowher...

  The Chairman of the Delta State Mini Football Association, Comrade (Chief) Sheriff Mulade , has assured that the second edition of the Africa for Peace Games Village Sports Festival will be fun-packed, exciting, and unifying for all participants and spectators. Mulade, who disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Warri, said this year’s edition of the festival is designed not only to promote fitness and sportsmanship but also to strengthen peace, unity, and youth development across Africa. According to him, the Africa for Peace Sports Festival will feature a variety of events including five-aside football, snooker, table tennis, gym contests , as well as trial sports such as scrabble, chess, and foosball , among others. He explained that the initiative aligns with the broader goal of using sports as a tool for peacebuilding and community development, especially in the Niger Delta region and beyond. Mulade emphasized that the upcoming festival which will kick off on t...

  Former Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, has hailed Morocco’s victory at the recent FIFA U-20 World Cup, describing it as a sign that football stakeholders in the North African country are now reaping the rewards of sustainable investment and long-term planning. Sodje made the remarks during a phone interview from London during Sports Extra radio show on Crown FM, Warri, Delta State, where he praised Morocco’s steady rise in world football. He said Morocco’s success story was “a product of years of careful planning, structured development, and consistent implementation,” emphasizing that the victory reflects the country’s dedication to building a solid football foundation. While lamenting Nigeria’s poor outing at the tournament, the former Brentford FC defender expressed concern over the country’s continued reliance on individual talent rather than a well-coordinated system. > “For too long, our national teams have depended on individual brilliance. What we need is a structure...