Sports
2026 WCQ: Bassey declares Super Eagles ready for battle against Gabon
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s readiness ahead of their crucial semi-final clash against Gabon in the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs. The match takes place on Thursday in Rabat, Morocco, against Éric Chelle’s Panthers.
The Super Eagles overcame a slow start in the qualifiers to secure their place in the playoffs, and Bassey says the squad is now fully focused on achieving victory.
“I think we started very slow, but hope has been restored. We just have to make sure that we keep going and take the game as it comes. We are Nigeria, a massive nation, and we know there is a lot of expectation and responsibility,” Bassey told Sporty TV.
The encounter, which carries high stakes for both teams, is scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. Nigerian time. Analysts expect a tightly contested match, as Gabon, led by Chelle, have also shown resilience in the qualifiers.
With strong backing from Nigerian supporters both at home and in Morocco, the Super Eagles are aiming to continue their impressive run and book a place in the final stage of the World Cup playoffs. Bassey emphasized that the team is focused on maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively under the high-pressure environment.
“We understand the expectations of our nation, and the unity and support from our fans give us an extra boost. It’s time to show the world the quality of Nigerian football,” Bassey added.
Tonight’s match is poised to be a defining moment for Nigeria’s World Cup campaign, with both teams vying for a place in the final and a step closer to qualification.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
Sports
FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.
Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(The Nation)
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