Nigeria rekindled their interest in a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals after Tolu Arokodare’s 51st minute goal creamed three points off Rwanda at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, and took the Super Eagles’ haul to 10 in the campaign.

They are still in third place and six points off leaders South Africa, whom they confront in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, but the stark possibility of the Bafana Bafana losing three points and three goals due to the use of an ineligible player in a previous game means the Eagles still have a chance.

Benin Republic’s Cheetahs, in second place following their 1-0 win over Zimbabwe in Abidjan on Friday, have a final-day tango with the Super Eagles on 14th October.

The Super Eagles’ win, achieved in a gritty contest with the Amavubi, and South Africa’s 3-0 rout of Lesotho in Bloemfontein on Friday, means Tuesday’s showdown between the Eagles and the Bafana in a freezing evening in South Africa’s judicial capital will be nothing short of a flaming war.

Intense rivalry between both nations on and off the football pitch aside, the encounter at the Toyota Stadium will answer a lot of questions about which of the two teams desires a 2026 FIFA World Cup spot more, the true abilities of the present generation that represents both nations at senior level, and the side that is more resilient and battle-fit in a contest for which second place is no place.

Eternal suspect Victor Osimhen, who got both goals when the Eagles overpowered the Amavubi 2-0 in Kigali six months ago, thought he had given Nigeria the lead in the 8th minute, when he arrived at the end of a left-footed slash by Ademola Lookman to toe-poke the ball past Fiacre Ntwari. But his effort was ruled offside.

The Galatasaray of Turkey forward was taken off the game injured midway into the first period.

In the 13th minute, Ntwali showed why he is one of the most respected goalkeepers in East Africa when he dived full strength to divert a deceptive cross by Lookman, and a minute later, playing captain Wilfred Ndidi saw his belter from the edge of the box fly past the opposition goalpost. Ntwali, who had a very busy evening, denied good efforts by Simon Moses and Alex Iwobi later in the half.

Six minutes into the second half, Nigeria got the dividend that their endeavour merited, when Arokodare, now with Wolverhampton Wanderers in England, slammed the ball against the sticks and into the net from a goalmouth scramble.

The former KRC Genk forward had brilliantly held the ball for Moses to dart past and send it into the box. His initial effort was blocked, but he followed up and reaped just reward in netting his second international goal.

Five minutes later, Cyriel Dessers failed to strike at once from a good Iwobi pass, and Arokodare and Ndidi saw their shots saved by Ntwali, before the Amavubi number one produced a masterclass to divert Simon Moses’ angled free-kick with 14 minutes left.

The Super Eagles will now travel to Bloemfontein on Sunday, for their Matchday 8 confrontation with the Bafana Bafana.

Football fans will pay the sum of N3,000 and N1,000 respectively to watch Saturday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Tickets for the VIP section will go for N3,000 and the popular seats will sell for N1,000 at designated centres within the Uyo metropolis from Friday morning.

NFF’s Director of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks, said on Wednesday: “It is important to let the general public know that the NFF Security Committee has declared total war on all ticket manipulators this time. Ticket fakers and racketeers will be dealt with.

“All tickets will be scanned at the gates. All intending spectators are advised to buy their tickets from accredited ticket sellers. Fake ticket sellers or holders will be arrested and prosecuted.”

Ahead of Saturday’s match, the Amavubi contingent landed at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo at 5.28pm on Tuesday. The delegation was led by the newly-elected President of the Federation Rwandaise de Football Association (FERWAFA), Fabrice Shema Agoga. The contingent was well-received by a team from the local organizing committee, and is staying at the Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

They are scheduled to train at the practice pitch of the Nest of Champions by 4pm on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian camp at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Ikot-Ekpene has been further enlarged with the arrivals of Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, and new Panathinaikos of Greece forward Cyriel Dessers. Both arrived in Uyo on Wednesday morning.

The remaining five players, viz Victor Osimhen, Christantus Uche, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Raphael Onyedika were being expected on Wednesday evening.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has honoured two outstanding performers from the 2024/25 season with cash awards of ₦2 million each.

Nasarawa United striker Anas Yusuf, who netted 18 goals to finish as the league’s top scorer, received the award alongside Daniel Ogunmodede, head coach of Remo Stars, who guided his side to a historic first NPFL title. Remo Stars clinched the championship with 71 points, becoming the first privately-owned club from the South-West since 2000 to lift the league trophy.

Speaking during the award ceremony, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, represented by Secretary General Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, commended the NPFL board for its progress.

“The league is improving week in and week out. Every day, I receive not less than 20 invitations from clubs abroad. Instead of castigating our league, let us support and rally around it because the growth is obvious. The NFF fully supports what the NPFL board is doing,” Sanusi stated.

NPFL Chairman Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye reaffirmed the league’s commitment to raising standards despite challenges.

“We continue to work around the teething issues that could disrupt the smooth running of the league. Over the last three years, we’ve been able to start and finish the season as scheduled. This consistency has built confidence from the private sector, which is now willing to work with us. Our dream is to raise the quality and standard of the NPFL, ultimately increasing revenue for clubs and organisers,” Elegbeleye said.

Award recipient Anas Yusuf expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a motivation to aim higher.

“I’m happy to be recognised by the NPFL. This award motivates me to push harder, and I hope to surpass my goal-scoring record from last season hopefully score more than 20 goals ,” he said.

Team Bayelsa Increased their medal haul on day four at the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State .

In shooting, Eko Miracle Etim delivered a standout performance in the Pistol Riley event, clinching the gold medal for Team Bayelsa as her composure and precision reaffirmed Bayelsa’s growing dominance in marksmanship.

In football, it was a tale of mixed fortune as the male Team pipped Team Enugu one nil to secure a spot in the semifinals, while their female counterpart were not so lucky, losing 3-0 Team Delta.

The swimming pool proved fruitful yet again for Team Bayelsa as young swimmer, Daniel bagged a bronze medal in the 200m freestyle event, while the quartet of Daniel Odoh, Richman Bedford, Miebi Tobi, and Zion Agebed put on a remarkable show to capture silver in the 4x100m medley relay event, drawing loud applause from the crowd and the watching Bayelsa State Director of Sports, Mr. Andrew Aye.

In handball, Bayelsa’s male Team played out an intense 18-18 draw against Team Kano, but advanced to the quarterfinals by virtue of superior goal difference.

In traditional wrestling (Kokowa), both the male and female teams from Bayelsa cruised into the semifinals, showcasing strength, skill, and strategy.

Team Bayelsa also recorded success in Taekwondo, as Velary Akhogba advanced to the quarterfinals in the Boys’ -48kg category,defeating his opponent from Jigawa.

In Para Weightlifting, ThankGod Ayebainemi Goodluck lifted his way to a bronze medal in the Male 54kg category.

Day five promises to be exciting with the commencement of Athletics, as Team Bayelsa looks set to make a mark on the track and field.

Team Imo athletes gave a spirited account of themselves on Monday at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, winning four silver medals across Para Table Tennis, Darts, Cricket, and Para Powerlifting.

Cyclist Onasanya Samuel opened the haul with a silver medal in the 80KM road race, while weightlifter Victory Iwuoha added one silver and two bronze medals in the 60KG category to further boost Imo’s tally.

In Para Table Tennis, the duo of Amarachi Blessing Nkwocha and Chizoba Ohaka fought gallantly but were edged out by Abia’s Goodnews Young and Ikechi Victoria in the Girls’ Doubles final, settling for silver.

Another silver came from the Darts 501 singles event where Grace Ebochukwu lost 2-0 to Team Delta’s Jessica Okonkwo in the final.

The Cricket team also showed resilience, finishing runners-up to secure silver in the male ODI category.

Para Powerlifting produced more joy for Team Imo, with Ojike Caleb claiming second place in the Men’s 87KG event.

With these results, Team Imo’s medal count now stands at six silver and two bronze medals.

While the performances drew applause, officials emphasized there is still room for improvement as Team Imo continue their push for gold when the Games resume on Tuesday.

By Silvernews

Fulham have secured the signing of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan on a season-long loan, with an option to make the deal permanent. The 26-year-old has been handed the No. 19 shirt for the 2025/26 campaign.

Chukwueze links up with compatriots Calvin Bassey, last season’s Player of the Year, and Alex Iwobi, one of Fulham’s consistent performers. Speaking after his unveiling, the winger expressed delight at joining the London club, saying he already feels at home.

Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan welcomed the addition, describing Chukwueze as an explosive talent with valuable experience in Europe and international football for Nigeria.

By Silvernews

Crystal Palace have completed the signing of Super Eagles midfielder Chrisantus Uche on a season-long loan from La Liga side Getafe, with an obligation to buy. The 22-year-old will wear the No. 12 shirt for the 2025/26 campaign.

Uche becomes Palace’s fifth signing of the summer, joining Walter Benítez, Borna Sosa, Yeremy Pino, and Jaydee Canvot. Chairman Steve Parish described him as an exciting young talent with full international experience, while the player himself called the move “an unbelievable moment” and a big opportunity in his career.

The midfielder’s rise has been rapid, starting in Spain’s fifth tier with Moralo CP in 2022 before moves to AD Ceuta and Getafe, where he impressed with four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances last season.