Irreproachable Nigeria on Saturday produced an even more superb masterclass to overwhelm and over-run a dazed Algeria and reach the last-four of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.

The Desert Foxes goalkeeper, Luka Zidane, did his reputation a lot of good in the first period, foiling efforts by Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen as Nigeria exerted absolute authority inside the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

Osimhen danced to the right wing in the 7th minute but saw his intelligent cut-back swept out for a corner kick by Aissa Mandi. Osimhen’s header from the resultant corner kick flew over the sticks.

A quarter-hour later, Lookman streamed past the defence after another great pass by Alex Iwobi, only to see his effort smothered by Zidane.

Nigeria broke forward again in the 25th minute, but Zidane was alert and ran out to thwart the opportunity as Osimhen loomed once more. With eight minutes left in the first period, Akor Adams got at the end of another swift counter-attack but saw his effort fly over the bar with Zidane stranded.

Zidane and the Fennecs’ luck held well in the first 45 minutes, but two minutes into the second half, they were in no man’s land as Osimhen rose splendidly, suspending himself in the air, to nod into the net from a perfect pull-out by defender Bruno Onyemaechi. The great team goal started from Frank Onyeka’s pass to Adams, who found Iwobi, and who in turn found Onyemaechi.

Seven minutes later, another Onyemaechi cross and another Osimhen header. But this time, Zidane saved.

Three minutes before the hour, Nigeria established daylight between them and the North African country as Adams finished with aplomb from a great team move that started with Onyeka breaking down another Fennecs’ move and finding Iwobi, who found Osimhen. The 2023 African Player of the Year selflessly located Adams, and the Sevilla FC of Spain poacher rounded Zidane before slotting into the net for Nigeria’s second, and his own second AFCON goal.

With 10 minutes left, Adams came close to earning a brace and Nigeria’s third, with a diving header from Osimhen’s hard work and cross from the right. The ball ricocheted against the upright, saving the Fennecs’ blushes.

Victory shot the Super Eagles to a dream semi-final clash with hosts Morocco at the Crown Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday night.

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang has unveiled Gbenga Ogunbote as Plateau United New Technical Adviser.

Governor Mutfwang on Thursday, January 9, 2026, at the Old Government House, Jos, formally received the newly appointed Technical Adviser of Plateau United Football Club.

The Governor noted that football is a performance-driven and highly competitive global industry, stressing that timely and strategic decisions are critical to success.

He explained that the approval for the mid-season restructuring of Plateau United followed wide consultations and careful consideration of concerns raised by supporters, whom he described as indispensable stakeholders in the club’s growth and success.

Governor Mutfwang expressed strong confidence in the newly appointed Technical Adviser, Coach Olubenga Ogunbote, describing him as a seasoned and experienced professional with prior familiarity with Jos and Plateau State. He assured the technical crew of the full backing of the state government, emphasising that the club’s turnaround would be anchored on teamwork, discipline, professionalism, and a shared commitment to excellence.

The Governor further reiterated his administration’s readiness to support initiatives that promote accountability and best practices in sports administration, expressing optimism that the new technical leadership, working alongside government, club veterans, and supporters would usher in a new era of success for Plateau United Football Club.

Earlier, the Secretary to the Government of the State, Arc. Samuel N. Jatau, formally presented the technical team to the Governor, stating that the entire process leading to the appointment was transparent and in line with established procedures.

The Acting Chairman of Plateau United Football Club, Alhaji Alhassan Yakmut, commended Governor Mutfwang for his transparent, responsible, and people-centred style of leadership, noting that Plateau State continues to rank highly on national transparency indices. He explained that the appointment of a Technical Adviser followed internationally recognised football management practices, particularly in situations requiring team restructuring.

Alhaji Yakmut disclosed that all due processes were meticulously observed and supervised by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the State. He formally presented Coach Ogunbote to the Governor and symbolically handed over the club’s jersey, describing the gesture as a signal that Plateau United’s journey back to the top five positions in the NPFL had commenced in earnest.

He further revealed that the process was witnessed and validated by respected figures in Nigerian football, including Ndebituus Beroan, whom he described as a living legend and a founding player, coach, and administrator of the club. According to him, the presence of such veterans reinforces the credibility and integrity of the new technical direction.

The Acting Chairman added that the restructuring process enjoys the support of key government and sports stakeholders, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Director of Sports, Professor Ezra Gunen, the Sporting Director of Plateau United, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr. Gideon Atu, and other senior officials.

Alhaji Yakmut also confirmed that the club is working closely with the One United Supporters Club and other stakeholders to foster unity and a sense of collective ownership, noting that the chairman of the supporters’ club was part of the presentation delegation.

In his response, the newly unveiled Technical Adviser, Ogunbote, assured of his total commitment to repositioning Plateau United, stating that the focus would be on rebuilding confidence, strengthening team cohesion, and enhancing performance.

“We are going to integrate a few quality players, but it will not be wholesale recruitment because synergy is crucial in a team. The most important thing is to help the players rediscover themselves and restore their belief and hope,” he said.

The Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) has imposed sanctions on Ibom Angels FC following crowd disturbances and the assault on Bayelsa Queens players and officials during their Premiership fixture in Uyo on Wednesday.

The disciplinary action, announced on Thursday, 8 January 2026, followed a review of match officials’ reports and video evidence from the NWFL Premiership encounter, played on 7 January 2026 at the Uyo Township Stadium, Akwa Ibom State.

Supporters of Ibom Angels were found to have encroached onto the field of play and attacked players and officials of Bayelsa Queens, an act the league described as a serious violation of its regulatory framework and the principles of fair play.

As a result, the NWFL fined Ibom Angels a total of ₦2.5 million for multiple breaches of its regulations.

The fine includes ₦1.5 million for contravening Article 26.1 relating to assault, intimidation and offensive conduct, and an additional ₦1 million for bringing the game into disrepute and failing to provide adequate security.

The league organizers also ordered Ibom Angels to play their next three home matches behind closed doors, in line with Article 16.4 of the NWFL regulations.

Commenting on the decision, NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi said the sanctions were necessary to protect the integrity of the league and ensure the safety of all participants.

“The safety of players, officials and match personnel is non-negotiable,” Shabi said. “What occurred in Uyo represents a serious breach of our regulations and the values of the NWFL. We will take stiffer actions against any club whose supporters engage in violence or conduct capable of bringing the league into disrepute.”

The affected fixtures to be played without spectators are Ibom Angels’ home games against Ekiti Queens, Edo Queens and Naija Ratels, scheduled for January and February.

The NWFL further warned that any failure to comply with the sanctions or a repeat of such incidents could attract more severe penalties, including extended venue bans or further disciplinary measures.

By Silvernews

Ameh Joseph has quietly but firmly established himself as one of the most dependable pillars of the Kun Khalifat squad, earning the nickname “The Silent Defender.”

The Benue State–born centre-back was a constant presence throughout the Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign, featuring in every single match from start to finish.

His consistency and discipline stood out, as he was never omitted from the team list on Kun Khalifat’s historic journey to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Joseph’s influence was most evident during the decisive Super 8 Playoffs in Asaba, where his commanding displays at the heart of defence helped the Pride of Imo secure a landmark promotion ticket to the NPFL.

Calm under pressure and solid in his positioning, the defender played a crucial role in shutting down opposition attacks when it mattered most.

While he may not always grab the headlines, Ameh Joseph’s reliability, endurance, and commitment were central to Kun Khalifat’s success.

As the club prepares for life in the second stanza of NPFL, the Silent Defender remains one of the key figures expected to anchor the team’s backline at the top level of Nigerian football.

By Silvernews

Sabina Chikere, popularly known as Mama Edo Sports, has been honoured with the prestigious Wakawaka Sports Award, marking a bright start to the year in recognition of her contributions to sports development.

Speaking after receiving the award, Chikere attributed the achievements recorded in Edo State sports during her tenure to the confidence and support reposed in her by the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Hon. Philip Shaibu. She noted that Shaibu identified her potential early and entrusted her with key responsibilities, a gesture she described as instrumental to her success.

The award ceremony, which held last year at the City Cruz Hotel, Owerri—one of Imo State’s leading hospitality venues—attracted notable stakeholders and prominent figures from the sports industry.

Chikere also expressed appreciation to the current leadership of the Edo State Sports Commission for providing an enabling environment that has allowed sports to flourish in the state.

She reaffirmed her commitment to grassroots and youth development, assuring that Edo State would continue to produce talented sportsmen and women capable of competing nationally and being groomed into world-class athletes.

She dedicated the award to Hon. Philip Shaibu, describing it as a testament to visionary leadership and the power of believing in people.

Somalian referee Omar Artan has been appointed by CAF to officiate the quarterfinal fixture between Algeria vs Nigeria.

Artan is one of the referees selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He is widely regarded as one of the most respected referees in Africa.

Saturday’s third quarter-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations is certainly the pick of the last-8 clashes, as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria clash for the 23rd time at senior level, since their first encounter at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos 55 years ago.

Games between both teams over the past five-and-half decades have been laced with thrills and frills, shocking scorelines, drama, end-game flips, stunning comebacks, awesome performances by star players, and a bit of infamy.

The encounter in Marrakech will be the 10th time that both countries will clash in African football’s biggest championship, with Nigeria having won only three of the previous nine duels. Algeria have won four, and the other two have ended in stalemates.

A clash with the Desert Foxes awaits the Super Eagles following Monday night’s 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique’s Mambas in the Quarterfinals.

The three-time champions progressed to the last-8 of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco and will square up against Algeria who defeated DR Congo by a lone goal.

The three-time champions will on Thursday move to the city of Marrakech, where they will play Algeria’s Fennecs in Saturday’s quarter-final duel scheduled to kick off at 5pm.

Super Eagles has granted Akor Adams permission to leave camp to go be with his mum, who was hospitalised yesterday.

According to the team, “we’re sending prayers and strength to him and wishing his mum a quick recovery.”

Adams scored his first AFCON goal and his third for Nigeria in the 4-0 win over Mozambique to reach the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Super Eagles will take on the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash between Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria, which comes up in Rabat in the quarter-final showdown.

Nigeria mowed down Mozambique with a masterclass performance underpinned by purpose, direction, urgency, and clinical delivery in Fès on Monday night to reach the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Victor Osimhen, winning his 50th cap for Nigeria at senior level, struck after only two minutes after a cross by Bright Osayi-Samuel, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Defender Semi Ajayi, returning after sitting out Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat of Uganda, and who scored Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament, almost gave dominant Nigeria the lead after 10 minutes with another header, but the Mambas’ goalkeeper foiled the effort.

A quarter of an hour later, the goalkeeper had no answer as Nigeria poured forward once more, with Ademola Lookman hooking the ball into the net after a cross by Akor Adams, who had been put through by another superb Alex Iwobi pass.

Iwobi was at it again five minutes later, finding Lookman at the left side, and the forward connected brilliantly with Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s second, and Osimhen’s 33rd goal in 50 matches for Nigeria.

Iwobi, who has been imperious in this tournament, came close to scoring in the 37th minute, only to watch the opposing goal-tender foil the effort by parrying the ball for a corner kick.

The three-time champions started the second period the way they had started the first, and this time, Osimhen’s strike counted. He watched fellow striker Ademola Lookman turn the Mozambican defenders inside out and positioned himself to drive the ball into the net for Nigeria’s third and his own 34th senior goal – keeping him now within three more to match the great Rashidi Yekini’s all-time tally of 37 for Nigeria

Four minutes later, it could have been 4-0, but Osayi-Samuel’s drive from the edge of the box missed narrowly.

With 15 minutes left, Akor Adams scored his first AFCON goal and his third for Nigeria, when he hammered into the roof of the net for goal number four, after a textbook pass by Lookman.

Lookman’s own piledriver missed narrowly in the 78th minute, and substitute Raphael Onyedika also missed narrowly with an angled shot with two minutes left.

The win sends the Super Eagles to a quarter-final duel against the winner of Tuesday’s Round of 16 clash between Democratic Republic of Congo and Algeria, which comes up in Rabat. That quarter-final showdown will take place at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo Chapter, was visibly present on Saturday, January 3, 2026, as Umuoye Imerienwe in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area stood still to honour the life and legacy of Ezinne Lolo Beatrice Nwaogbo Ekechi (née Onuoha).

The association joined a wide spectrum of dignitaries, sports stakeholders and community leaders in paying final respects at what turned out to be a solemn yet regal farewell for the revered matriarch.

The burial rites formally commenced on Friday, January 2, with a Christian wake that set the tone for thanksgiving and reflection on a life devoted to family, faith and community service. The following day, emotions peaked during the funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, Imerienwe, where tributes, hymns and homilies vividly captured the virtues of humility, discipline and compassion that defined the late Ezinne Ekechi.

SWAN Imo’s presence was particularly symbolic, given the strong bond between the sports media body and the Ekechi family through sports development. Members of the association, led by its Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka, and represented at the event by Amadi Chijioke Divine (DJ Dica Divine), joined sports administrators, footballers and community youths to honour the woman who raised High Chief Dr. T.O.E. Ekechi, PhD (Ugo Eji Ejemba), a renowned sports entrepreneur and founder of the T.O.E Ekechi Unity Cup.

Following the church service, the funeral procession moved to the Ekechi Family Arena, which was transformed into a colourful reception venue. Cultural performances, music and warm interactions reflected the Igbo belief that a fulfilled life deserves celebration, even in death. The event seamlessly blended tradition, faith and festivity, underscoring the enduring legacy of the departed matriarch.

The occasion also attracted an imposing array of political and traditional dignitaries. In attendance were Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, and his wife, Barrister Chioma Uzodimma; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu; Imo State Chief of Staff, Barrister Nnamdi Anyaehie; former Imo State Governor, Chief Emeka Ihedioha; Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi and Patrick Ndubueze, alongside traditional rulers and captains of industry from across the region.

For the sports community and SWAN Imo in particular, the farewell was also a celebration of continuity. The late Ezinne Ekechi was remembered as the matriarch whose values birthed initiatives like the decade-long T.O.E Ekechi Unity Cup, whose 2025 final was decided on penalties just days earlier.

As guests departed Imerienwe, one message remained clear: Ezinne Lolo Beatrice Nwaogbo Ekechi lived with dignity, raised a legacy of impact, and was honoured in death by the very society her life helped to shape.