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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’...