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Nigerian Midfielder Set to be Named CAF Player of the Year

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Nigeria’s Flamingos captain, Shakirat Moshood has made the final three for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

The energetic midfield maestro, who plies her trade with Bayelsa Queens will compete against Doha El Madani (Morocco/AS FAR) and Adji Ndiaye (Senegal/AS Bambey) for the coveted prize.

Despite Nigeria’s poor outing at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, she was shortlisted in the National Team of the Year (Women’s Category) at the forthcoming CAF Awards.

The skipper is expected to lead the 2022 bronze medallists as they commence preparations for the qualifying series for next year’s edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, which is now an annual event.

NPFL 26: Match Officials Appointed For Matchday 13 Revealed

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The match officials appointed for match day 13 in the ongoing 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, have been revealed.

El-Kanemi Warriors vs Kwara United: Adejoh Noah – Referee Mukhtari Usman – Assistant Referee 1 Jamilu Hamisu, Assistant Referee 2, Bala Kyari 4th Official

SHOOTING STARS VS REMO STARS DAHIRU MOHD
KAWU – Referee, ONALEYE JOSEPH KEHINDE, Assistant Referee 1, DAHIRU MUAZU, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, OLOYEDE DAMILOLA, 4TH OFFICIAL

BARAU VS RANGERS INT’L: SALAM OLABODE IDRIS, REFEREE, BAKARE ABDULWAHAB, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, LAWAL RIDWAN, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, RASHIDAT ABDULGANIY, 4TH OFFICIAL

NIGER TORNADOES Vs KATSINA UNITED: ABDULGANIYU ABDULMALIKBA, REFEREE, ABBA DADA BABA, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, OSUNDE STANLEY, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, USMAN ABDULLAHI, 4TH OFFICIAL

ENYIMBA INT’L VS WIKKI TOURISTS: AYENI RIDWAN, REFEREE, BELLO ALHASSAN, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, AKOMOLAFE GBENGA, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, FRIDAY ABU EMEJE, 4TH OFFICIAL

BAYELSA UNITED VS ABIA WARRIORS: ADENIJI ABDULRAHMAN, REFEREE, BAGUDU AHMED MOHD, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, ADEBIYI AYODEJI, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, OLUWATOSIN OMOTOYE, 4TH OFFICIAL

BENDEL INSURANCE VS KANO PILLARS: AJIBO CHINEME, REFEREE, UDEH SMART, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, EKUN FOLASHADE, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, ADEWEBI BABATUNDE, 4TH OFFICIAL

IKORODU CITY VS PLATEAU UNITED: ALOHAN OSAKPAMWAN, REFEREE, OTA JOEL ONOH, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, WOMI IKPI SAMSON, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, ENYADIKE UCHENNA, 4TH OFFICIAL

RIVERS UNITED VS WARRI WOLVES: AHMAD RABIU, REFEREE, SALIHU AMINU, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, YUSUF INDABAWA ABDULLLAHI, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, NWOSU BRIGHT, 4TH OFFICIAL

KUN-KHALIFAT VS NASARAWA UNITED: JIMOH ABDULRASHEE, REFEREE, IKPOWONSA IMUETINYAN, ASSISTANT REFEREE 1, AKOKOBA VICTOR, ASSISTANT REFEREE 2, FELEGHA JOHMBULL, 4TH OFFICIAL

2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off Final: Chelle Rues Ndidi’s Suspension Ahead of Nigeria, DR Congo Cracker

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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has rued the suspension of his deputy captain Wilfred Ndidi, who picked a second yellow card in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-off semi-final clash.

Ndidi will sit out the big fight against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday night for the lone ticket from Africa to the six-team 2026 FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoff Finals in March, from where two teams will bag tickets to next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.

According to Chelle, “Ndidi is an important player for us. His experience, ability and leadership on the pitch are important for this team. But we will manage the situation. We have a large squad of players and we will make changes.

“Ndidi is still here with us and will support the team mentally and with his presence.”

The potentially-explosive encounter inside the Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan will see the Leopards, who last attended football’s biggest houseparty in 1974, try to halt the strong march of the Super Eagles to a seventh finals since 1994.

While there were robust back-and-forths between the Eagles and the Panthers in Thursday’s semi-final, as well as eye-catching ding-dongs in regulation time, Nigeria eased into gear five in extra time and completely left their opponents for dead as they stormed to a 4-1 win.

Chelle can opt to start with either Raphael Onyedika or Frank Onyeka in place of Ndidi. Onyeka greatly shored up the midfield in extra time on Thursday. The coach also has added ammunition at the back as suspended centre-back Semi Ajayi is now free to go into action.

Already qualified for the Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March, are Bolivia and New Caledonia, with Iraq, Jamaica and Panama also well-placed to make it.

However, Nigeria and Panama are the highest-ranked of the six, and will each be seeded to play only one match (the two Final matches), after the other four had battled out semi-final matches.

Crown vs Heartland Preview: Ajilete Boys, Naze Millionaires Set for Fierce Clash in Ogbomosho

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Crown FC will host Heartland FC at the Soun Township Stadium, Ogbomosho, on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be a thrilling Matchday One encounter as both sides begin their campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

For Heartland FC, the game marks the start of their redemption journey after suffering relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season. Determined to bounce back to the topflight at the first attempt, the Naze Millionaires have undergone massive rebuilding under Technical Manager, Emmanuel Amuneke, who has brought in a crop of young, energetic players hungry to make their mark.

The former Super Eagles winger has emphasized discipline, teamwork, and attacking flair in his rebuilding process. Heartland’s pre-season preparations reflected that spirit, with the Owerri-based club impressing in several friendly matches and winning most of them — a confidence booster heading into the season opener.

Crown FC, on their part, will be banking on home advantage and the support of their passionate Ogbomosho fans to begin their own campaign on a strong note. Known for their resilience and compact style of play, the Ajilete Boys are expected to test Heartland’s resolve early on.

With both sides eager to start the season positively — Crown FC looking to assert dominance at home and Heartland aiming to signal their promotion intent — Saturday’s fixture is set to deliver intensity, emotion, and quality football at the Soun Township Stadium.

Heartland FC Media

Imo Sports Commissioner Announces Burial Arrangements for Late Mother

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The Imo State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha, has announced the funeral rites for his late mother, Lolo Ezinne Emilia Akueze Onyeocha (Nwanyi-Oma), née Ekezie, who passed away recently.

In a statement issued from his office at the Ministry of Sports Development, Imo State Secretariat, Owerri, and addressed to the Imo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), the Commissioner expressed profound grief over the loss.

He noted, however, that the family remains comforted by the exemplary, disciplined and godly life lived by their matriarch.

According to the announcement, the late Lolo Emilia Onyeocha will be laid to rest on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the residence of the late Chief Matthew Onyeocha in Umutanze, Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State.

A funeral Mass will precede the interment at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Umutanze, also in Orlu.

Hon. Onyeocha described his mother as “a virtuous woman, loving mother, and devoted Christian who lived a life of deep faith, kindness and selfless service to humanity.”

He added that her humility, calm wisdom and charitable disposition left enduring footprints in the lives she touched.

He further invited family members, friends, associates and well-wishers to join in celebrating her remarkable life and paying their final respects.

Tributes, prayers and messages of condolence may be sent to obinnaevaristus54@gmail.com.

“Though she is gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts,” the statement concluded, praying for the peaceful repose of her gentle soul.

2026 FIFA World Cup Playoffs: Nigeria Thrash Gabon, to Face DR Congo in Final

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Nigeria overcame a clutch of adversities to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-off Final after a masterclass performance in extra time, which condemned Gabon to a 4-1 defeat on Thursday in Morocco’s administrative capital, Rabat.

 

It was, for large swathes of the first semi-final, the Rumble In Rabat that was promised, but the three-time African champions, in search of a seventh FIFA World Cup ticket, turned the game on its head in extra time and ensured the Gabonese will continue the search for a first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket in another four years.

 

Both teams filed onto the turf of the glamorous Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan with palpable determination, but the Eagles had created two opportunities within the first four minutes, with stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi’s free-kick going a little above the sticks and Akor Adams’ shot as the ball fell to him in the box failing to threaten Loyce Mbaba.

 

In the 11th minute, Alex Iwobi, winning his 90th cap, saw his shot rise a little too high, and four minutes later, Mbaba and his guardsmen thwarted another Nigerian attack propelled by Bright Osayi-Samuel.

 

Within five minutes, Victor Osimhen narrowly missed target three times, but would not relent, and actually thought he had put Nigeria ahead when South African referee Tom Abongile stopped play to converse with the Video Assistant Referee on whether his headed ball had gone past the line. A goal was not given, eventually.

 

In the second half, the Panthers became more aggressive and the game flowed back and forth. Abongile actually stopped play for a possible penalty against Nigeria, but he did not give it, eventually.

 

In the 78th minute, Adams was on the alert to intercept a pass by defender Aaron Ondele to goalkeeper Mbaba, keep his cool and slot into the empty net to put Nigeria ahead.

 

However, with one minute left in regulation time, Mario Lemina latched onto a headed ball by Osayi-Samuel and beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with a fierce shot to the latter’s right.

 

Osimhen was on the break-away after a pass out of defence by Simon Moses in the last minute of added time, but saw his shot beat both the goalkeeper and the goalpost.

 

Instead of being discouraged, Nigeria became more determined, and seven minutes into the first half of extra time, Ndidi grabbed the ball in the middle, proceeded gracefully and found Chidera Ejuke who sliced the ball past Mbaba for Nigeria’s second.

 

Just two minutes later, it was over as a contest, as the magnificent Benjamin Fredericks, launching an onslaught from his defensive position, carefully threaded his pass for Osimhen to score his 30th senior goal for Nigeria in his 45th game.

 

Five minutes into the second half of extra time, the predator in Osimhen gave everyone a goal to remember, chesting down a floated ball into the box and dancing past two defenders before placing it past a hapless Mbaba for Nigeria’s fourth. It was the 2023 Africa Player of the Year’s 31st goal in 45 matches for Nigeria at senior level, keeping him only six goals short of the leading marksman, Rashidi Yekini of blessed memory.

 

With a minute to go, Ndidi came close to making it five and nicking the goal that his endeavour merited, but Mbaba had the presence of mind to push the ball round the post from a fierce shot.

 

The Super Eagles will now face the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s Final at the same Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay El Hassan.

Ghanaian Embassy Visit Recuperating Barau FC Player After Fans Attack in Katsina

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The Ghana Embassy in Nigeria has on Wednesday, paid a visit to Barau FC player, Nana Abraham, who sustained a neck injury and has since been discharged from a private hospital in Kano.

The delegation described Abraham’s discharge from the hospital as welcome news.

Recall that violence broke out after Barau FC equalised through Orji Kalu in the 69th minute, forcing the game to be halted following an attack on Barau FC’s Nana Abraham and team official Jabir Hassan.

The match was stopped for nearly 10 minutes after Katsina United fans neck wound the pitch, with Barau FC players refusing to continue until their safety was guaranteed.

Abraham was seen bleeding from a visible neck wound as officials and teammates struggled to control the chaos on the field.

The encounter, played in Katsina, was temporarily suspended as security operatives worked to restore order.

The match resumed after security intervention and eventually ended in a 1–1 draw at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium on Saturday, during NPFL Matchday 12.

Expert tasks youth on financial literacy, innovation, for economic development

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A tourism expert, Mr Chibuikem Diala has tasked Nigeria’s youths on the need to grow their knowledge of financial literacy and innovation for national development.

Diala, who is the Founder and Executive Director of the International Hospitality Tourism and Eco-Sustainability Forum (IHTEF), said this at the fifth edition of the Mbano Youth Summit, in Owerri, on Saturday.

Speaking on the theme : ‘ The 21st Century Mbano Youth, A Reflective Action Plan’, Diala noted that a good knowledge of financial literacy was necessary to make the best use of natural resources, and convert these to renewable income sources.

“ You cannot grow a city, state or nation without understanding financial literacy because the exploration of our raw materials is dependent upon our knowledge of innovation and financial literacy, else poverty might continue to ravage communities.

“ The young people we are bringing up today will be the leaders of tomorrow, hence the need to shape them right and keep them at par with innovative means of income generation and financial growth “, he said.

Diala added that Imo is blessed with a generation of active, proactive people, with youths topping the population.

He urged youths in the state and Nigeria at large to take advantage of modern technology to become self employed rather relying solely on government.

He also thanked the Convener of the summit, Mr Magnus Agbakwo, for consistently supporting youth development through the summit initiative, and called on other Nigerians to emulate him.

Speaking, Agbakwo said that he remained committed to the growth of youths through shared ideas presented at the summit despite meager resources.

He thanked all supporters of the summit for their contributions towards its success.

He urged well meaning Nigerians to rally support for the summit’s next edition in the interest of the nation’s future leaders.

Our correspondent reports that the summit was also attended by the Executive Secretary of the Imo State Health Insurance Authority, Dr Uchenna Ewelike and the Vice Chancellor of the Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Prof. Stella Lemchi, among others.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of gift items and awards to the summit’s ambassadors and resource persons.

Imo SWAN Congratulates Chairman, Cosmos Chukwuemeka on Prestigious Award of Honour

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Imo State Chapter, has extended heartfelt congratulations to its Chairman, Mr. Cosmos Chukwuemeka, on the Award of Honour presented to him by the Owerri North Football Referees Society on Friday, November 8, 2025, during the grand finale of their annual “Referees Week” held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

The award, conferred in recognition of Chukwuemeka’s integrity and professionalism in sports journalism, underscores his unwavering commitment to fairness, balance, and ethical standards in sports reportage and development within and beyond Imo State.

Imo SWAN regards this honour as a well-deserved acknowledgment of Chukwuemeka’s outstanding contributions to the growth of sports journalism and his consistent efforts in promoting credibility and integrity in the profession.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Secretary, Anthony Ahize, the association described Chukwuemeka as “a leader worthy of emulation” and urged all members of Imo SWAN to be inspired by his dedication, humility, and passion for excellence.

“This recognition is not only a personal achievement for our Chairman but also a collective pride for the entire Imo SWAN family. We celebrate him and encourage all members to emulate his exemplary leadership and commitment to the ideals of truth and fairness in sports reporting,” the statement read.

Once again, Imo SWAN congratulates Cosmos Chukwuemeka on this well-earned honour and wishes him continued success as he continues to raise the bar in sports journalism.

Crisis Averted as Super Eagles Return to Training After Boycott

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The Nigeria Super Eagles is reported to be back on the pitch later this evening for the official training session ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff with Gabon.

It was gathered that tensions have eased as the NFF and players reached a compromise.

The team is set to resume training this evening, putting them back on track for tomorrow’s crucial World Cup Qualifiers playoffs against Gabon.

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