Head Coach Justine Madugu remains upbeat about Nigeria’s chances against Bénin Republic in their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture, despite midfielder Jennifer Echegini being knocked out of the two games after suffering a hamstring injury in her club, Paris Saint Germain of France’s game on Monday night.

Echegini, who scored Nigeria’s winning goal in this year’s Women AFCON Final match against hosts Morocco in Rabat, will now miss Friday’s first leg of the final qualifying fixture at the Stade de Kégué in the Togolese capital, as well as the return at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex on Tuesday.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who also plays for PSG in France, is scheduled to arrive in Lomé on Tuesday night, alongside the Mexico-based duo of defender Osinachi Ohale and forward Chinwendu Ihezuo, USA-based duo of defender Michelle Alozie and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, Canada-based forward Esther Okoronkwo and Italy-based defender Shukurat Oladipo.

The camp swelled from nine players to 11 on Monday night with the arrivals of Portugal-based midfielder Christy Ucheibe and goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashley Plumptre jetted into Lomé on Tuesday afternoon.

Tobi Adepoju, Sporting Director of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, says the documentation of fans’ attendance at its home games is one of the innovations of the management.

In a post on his official X handle, the youngest Sporting Director in the NPFL, noted that the move is to maintain and acknowledge the huge fan base of the club as a traditional side in Nigeria’s top-flight division.

According to him, “One of the innovations we have introduced is to document our fans attendance.

“Number(s) is key and when we say Shooting Stars is a traditional club with generational fanbase, we were not over hyping but stating the truth.

“This data is accurate with our Matchday mechanism designed by the Club COO, Mr. Bunmi Fadayomi.

“We appreciate our loyal fans for their commitment and support. Let’s keep the energy positive!”

The Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, came alive on Sunday as 3SC defeated Abia Warriors 2–0 in their NPFL Match-day 9 encounter.

The victory extended the Oluyole Warriors’ unbeaten home run and strengthened their push toward the top of the NPFL table.

The match day tickets that were sold as revealed by the club include; 175 and 811 for the VVIP and VIP sections while 4,921 tickets were sold for the regular section in an electrifying atmosphere at Adamasingba.

Recall that 3SC snapped Adepoju from Ikorodu City at the start of the campaign and has so far brought with him a dynamic blend of ambition, modern football insight, and administrative experience.

Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, as host of the finals of 2025 Nigeria Men’s Premier Basketball League.

According to a release signed by the Vice-President of the NBBF, Babs Ogunade, who doubles as the Chairman of the Premier Basketball League, and released by the NBBF Secretary Mrs. Amina Amanchi, after the successful conclusion of the Atlantic and Savannah conferences, the NBBF invited bids from participating teams to host the final eight and four of the premier basketball championship.

“As the sole team to bid for both finals, the NBBF approved and awarded the hosting rights of the final 8 and final 4, to Rivers Hoppers Basketball Club of Port-Harcourt.

“The club informed in their bid, that they are prepared provide a standard venue, facilities, security, medical assistance, online live streaming of matches, buses to and from competition venues, financial support to participating teams as accommodation subsidy, and to the federation for adequate logistics to ensure smooth and hitch free event.”

The statement further revealed that for the final 8, is expected to hold 26 October to 3 November, 2025. As teams are expected to arrive 26 October, while the matches which are expected to be played in a round-robin format, will take 27 October to 2 November.

The statement also informed that the final 4 matches which shall involve the top four teams from the final 8, will hold between 20-23 November, at the same venue.

Champions Nigeria will commence training sessions on Monday in the Togolese capital, Lomé ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying fixture, first leg match against their Béninoise counterparts, which will take place on Friday.

Six-time Africa Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala was among the early birds in the Super Falcons’ Lomé camp, alongside new invitee Joy Omewa, as well as Turkey-based defender Tosin Demehin, China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi, and the home-based quintet of goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, defenders Blessing Ilivieda and Miracle Usani, midfielder Taiwo Afolabi and forward Kafayat Mafisere.

Head Coach Justine Madugu has confirmed that the team will begin training sessions in Lomé on Monday afternoon, as they prepare to face the Bénin senior women’s team at the 25,000 – capacity Stade de Kégué on Friday afternoon.

Both West African neighbours clash in a final qualifying fixture for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations championship to be hosted by Morocco, and which serves as Africa’s qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, to be hosted by Brazil. The encounter will commence at 3pm Togo time (4pm Nigeria time).

The return leg is slated for the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta on Tuesday, 28th October 2025.

The Confederation of African Football has selected Gambian official Ngum Fatou as referee for Friday’s match, with Mauritanians Mariem Chedad and Hamedine Houleye as assistant referees 1 and 2 respectively, while Gambian Isatou Touray will serve as fourth official.

Halimatou Hamidou from Niger Republic will be the commissioner, while Martha Nyekanyeka from Malawi will be in the role of referee assessor.

SUPER FALCONS FOR WAFCON QUALIFYING FIXTURE VS BÉNIN:

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)

Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint Germain, France); Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels); Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal)

Forwards: Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjorrin FC, Denmark); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)

The Management of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA) has announced the passing of Sunshine Queens Coordinator, Austin Ukwuama, Silvernews.com.ng reports.

This was contained in a statement by the management of ODSFA.

According to the statement, “We received with deep shock and great sadness the news of the passing of Mr. Austin Ukwuama, the Coordinator of Sunshine Queens Football Club fondly known by many as “My Friend Before Before.”

“Mr. Ukwuama’s death is both sudden and heartbreaking, leaving a void that will be hard to fill.

“He was not just a passionate football administrator but also a die-hard supporter of all Ondo State football teams and our national football sides.

“His unwavering dedication, cheerful personality, and genuine love for the game touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

“Throughout his years of service, Mr. Ukwuama demonstrated commitment, loyalty, and enthusiasm that inspired players, coaches, and colleagues alike.

“The entire football family in Ondo State will forever remember his invaluable contributions and steadfast support at all times.

“The Ondo State Football Agency deeply mourns his demise and extends heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire football community.

“His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved and worked with him. Adieu, “My Friend Before Before.” Your legacy and passion for football will never be forgotten.”

Super Falcons sensation, Esther Okoronkwo has won her first trophy with AFC Toronto after an impressive campaign.

She finished the NSL regular season with the most assists (7).

So far in 2025, she has won the WAFCON title, recorded the most assists (6) in the WAFCON.

Okoronkwo is having one of the best season of her career having been nominated for the coveted CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

By Silvernews.

The Dream Land Football Ground, World Bank Estate, Owerri, was a scene of excitement and nostalgia at the weekend as the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars clashed with the Dynamic All-Stars in a friendly match held to celebrate one of Imo football’s respected figures, Onyema Kingsley, popularly known as Atanda, on his 55th birthday.
The lively encounter brought together former teammates, coaches, and supporters who once made Iwuanyanwu Nationale a dominant force in Nigerian football. It was more than a birthday celebration — it was a reunion of legends, a rekindling of friendships, and a reminder of the pride Imo once held as a football powerhouse.
Players who featured for the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars included Echendu Osita, Jonathan Ubanwa, Jukky, and Coach Oparanozi, who entertained fans with flashes of the vintage skills that once thrilled stadiums across the country. The atmosphere was electric, as members of the club’s supporters’ group, led by their chairman, rendered melodic football songs that brought back memories of the good old days when Atanda stood firm in the team’s defensive line.
Among the dignitaries present were former Super Eagles defender Mobi Oparaku; Coach Kanu Anukute, Secretary of the Ex-Iwuanyanwu Dynamic All-Stars; and the Vice Chairman of the Dynamic All-Stars, all of whom praised the celebrant for his humility, leadership, and unwavering love for the game.
Speaking after the match, the Vice Chairman described Atanda as “the rock holding the team’s values together — a player whose discipline, loyalty, and team spirit still inspire both veterans and the younger generation.” In his remarks, Kanu Anukute commended the event as “a beautiful celebration of friendship and legacy,” urging sports authorities in Imo to work with veteran players to mentor young talents and revive the state’s football heritage.
The event ended in a festive mood, with laughter, music, and heartfelt tributes to Onyema Kingsley (Atanda) — a man whose name remains etched in the proud story of Iwuanyanwu Nationale, and whose legacy continues to inspire the spirit of football in Imo and across Nigeria.

Canada’s U17 girls scored three second-half goals to dominate Nigeria 4-1 in the opening match of Group D of the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

The game at the Football Academy Mohammed VI (Pitch 2) in Moroccan city of Salé, near Rabat, was barely two minutes old when Canada went in front after a strong run by Molly Hale from the left was smartly finished off by Gabriela Istocki.

The Flamingos rose stoutly to the challenge, contesting for every ball, and taking over the midfield. In the 9th minute, captain Shakirat Moshood’s long-range drive was saved by goalkeeper Khadijah Cisse, and four minutes later, Moshood’s volley from the edge of the box rose a little too high.

As the Flamingos continued to pile pressure, Chisom Nwachukwu shot directly at Cisse from the left wing, but on the half hour, Cisse could not hold firm to Kaosarat Olanrewaju’s shot as Nigeria broke forward again, and Queen Joseph was on hand to bundle the ball over the line for the equalizer.

The Flamingos came into the second half even more energized, and a good cross by Nwachukwu was punched away by the alert Cisse in the 68th minute.

Five minutes later, Canada went 2-1 up after a long ball freed substitute Melisa Kekic, and she turned a defender before firing low past Elizabeth Boniface.

With 10 minutes left, substitute Julia Amireh profited hugely as goalkeeper Boniface spilled the ball in an attempt to foil an attack by the rampant Canadians, making it 3-1.

Six minutes later, it was 4-1, as Amireh outpaced the Nigerian defence and drove the ball to the far right of Boniface.

The Management of Kano Pillars has announced the suspension of Evans Ogenyi as its Technical Adviser alongside Chief Coach, Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro.

This was contained in a statement by the club following their 2-1 loss to Barau FC in a match day 9 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, encounter.

According to the club, “they have been suspended with immediate effect following the team’s unsatisfactory performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

“So far, the Sai Masu Gida have played eight matches, recording two wins, two draws, and four losses.

“In the interim, former club captain and Assistant Coach, Gambo Muhammad alongside goalkeeping Coach, Suleiman Shuaibu will take charge of the team’s technical duties, while Coach Garzali Muhammad (Kusa) from the Junior Pillars will provide support in an ad-hoc capacity pending further directives.”