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By Chimaobi Jose Nzoromobi #SportyTalk. For years, Nigerian football has lived with a contradiction. The country’s national teams sparkle on the continental and global stage, yet its clubs continue to struggle in CAF competitions, unable to recapture the dominance of the early 2000s. What once felt like a temporary dip has now hardened into a pattern. A review of their last 30 outings in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup offers a troubling portrait of inconsistency, unpreparedness and widening gaps between Nigeria and the continent’s elite. The 2025/26 season has done little to soften that reality. Rivers United, Remo Stars, Kwara United and Abia Warriors were Nigeria’s latest hopefuls. But like many before them, their campaigns were marred by early exits and decisive away losses. Remo Stars, who began brightly with a 4–0 win over US Zilimadjou, fell apart in later rounds. Rivers United bruised their way to the group stage but were outclassed 3–0 in their opening match ...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Former Super Falcons head coach, Randy Waldrum, has raised fresh allegations against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), accusing the body of mismanaging funds allocated for the team's preparation ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Speaking in a recent interview, Waldrum claimed that FIFA released $960,000 to the NFF specifically for the Super Falcons’ World Cup preparations. According to him, the global football body also approved payment for 22 technical staff members , yet he was only provided with 11 personnel during the build-up to the tournament. Waldrum further alleged that despite the substantial funding, the NFF failed to provide basic logistical support. “ I don’t know why Nigerians don’t question these kinds of things, ” he said, expressing frustration that even flight tickets could not be provided , and the team played no international friendlies during the crucial preparation stages. His remarks have rekindled discussion...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has once again exposed deep-rooted problems in the administration of football in the country. Amid growing public frustration, former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has openly expressed interest in taking up a leadership role within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)—but only in a corruption-free environment . Mikel’s declaration has reignited the long-standing debate about whether Nigeria’s football should finally be entrusted to those who have lived, bled, and succeeded for the game— our ex-internationals . His stance not only carries weight but also represents a powerful case study for why former players should lead football reforms in Nigeria. 1. They Understand Modern Football Better Than Career Administrators Today’s football is driven by science, technology, professionalism, and long-term planning. Ex-internationals like Mikel have spent their lives in elite football environ...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday came under pressure after failing to provide a clear answer on when participating teams will be guaranteed the release of their Europe-based players for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). During a special AFCON briefing session attended by coaches and officials of all 24 qualified teams, former Super Eagles manager and current head coach of Benin Republic, Gernot Rohr, raised a key concern regarding player availability. Rohr asked CAF to specify when national teams could expect their foreign-based players to arrive in camp in order to begin final preparations for the continental showpiece. However, CAF officials could not offer a definite response. Instead, they stated that the matter rests entirely with FIFA, which determines the official release window and enforces related regulations. Rohr pressed further for clarity, but the briefing became more tense when a member of Senegal’s...

  The 2025 Ardova Handball Premier League (AHPL) Phase Two began in thrilling fashion on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, as top teams in both the men’s and women’s categories delivered intense matchups at the NIS Indoor Sports Hall, Surulere, and Rowe Park, Yaba, Lagos. The opening day showcased skill, grit, and early statements of intent from title contenders across the league. MEN’S CATEGORY – DAY 1 RESULTS Safety Shooters got the day underway with a commanding 25–15 victory over Osun United in the 7:30am fixture, setting a powerful tone for their campaign. Benue Buffaloes, however, struggled to keep up with the fast-paced Rima Strikers, falling 16–36 in one of the most lopsided results of the day at 9:00am. Lagos Seasiders thrilled their home fans but eventually bowed 21–28 to a clinical Niger United side in the 10:30am encounter. Correction Boys produced a standout performance in the afternoon, overpowering De Defenders 34–27 in a high-scoring affair. The final men’s match ...

By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  The Africa For Peace Sports Festival mini-football tournament has successfully concluded its opening phase, delivering weeks of thrilling action and setting the stage for an electrifying knockout round. After 48 fiercely contested matches, eight standout teams have booked their places in the next round: Oyoka Boys FC , United Friends Stars , Lord Mark , Sokoh Estate , Pipeline Dragons FC , Chimoski FC , Fulani FC , and Daudu United . These teams will now battle for the tournament’s grand prize of ₦1 million , proudly sponsored by Ambassador Sheriff Mulade , whose support continues to elevate the prestige and impact of the festival. The knockout stage for the 20–45 years category is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, November 29 , with expectations high for even tougher contests as the race to the finals intensifies. Meanwhile, excitement is building for the commencement of the senior category (46 years and above) Allstars , which will take centre stag...

  By Chimaobi J Nzoromobi  Matchday 14 of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) produced 10 goals across seven tightly contested fixtures, with Warri Wolves being held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat FC at the Ozoro Township Stadium. FULL-TIME IN OZORO: WARRI WOLVES 1–1 KUN KHALIFAT Warri Wolves struck early through Prince Ebhohon, who put the hosts ahead in the 6th minute after a sharp attacking move. Kun Khalifat responded strongly and deservedly levelled in the 38th minute, converting from a well-delivered corner kick to make it 1–1. The second half saw Wolves make tactical changes: 48' – Shemayi Amatesiro IN, Bakare Emmanuel OUT 65' – Ohanu Justus & Israel Oladeji IN; Othuke Egbo & Mayi Seth OUT Neither side could find a winner as the match ended in a stalemate. OTHER MATCHDAY 14 RESULTS Abia Warriors 0–0 Bendel Insurance Kwara United 0–0 Shooting Stars Nasarawa United 3–0 El Kanemi Warriors Rangers International 1–0 Niger Tornadoes Remo Stars 2–0 Barau Wikki To...