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Coach Chelle Picks Super Eagles squad for 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey are drafted into defence.

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Nigeria have announced their 23-man squad for October’s decisive 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin on Friday, with head coach Eric Chelle handing Sevilla striker Akor Adams a maiden call-up.

Captain William Troost-Ekong headlines the team, while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun all return after spells away from the national side.

Stanley Nwabali retains his place as first-choice goalkeeper, supported by Amas Obasogie and Adebayo Adeleye, while Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, and Calvin Bassey are drafted into defence.

In midfield, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka and Alhassan Yusuf provide Chelle with both experience and energy.

Nigeria’s forward line is led by Victor Osimhen and also features Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, the returning Olakunle Olusegun and debutant Adams.

The announcement comes at a critical juncture in Group C of the African qualifiers.

Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the World Cup had appeared to be slipping away after five draws in eight matches, but FIFA’s recent sanction against South Africa has dramatically altered the picture.

(PUNCH)

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NFF Sacks Madugu over WAFCON crashed out

The decision was reached by its Executive Committee following the poor performance at the recently concluded 2026 women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has sacked the Super Falcons of Nigeria head coach, Justin Madugu, and his crew.

The decision was reached by its Executive Committee following the poor performance at the recently concluded 2026 women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

The nation’s football governing body announced that the sack of Madugu and his technical crew following their return from WAFCON where the Falcons crashed out at the quarter-final stage.

They also failed to achieve automatic qualification to the 2027 women’s World Cup, and lost to South Africa for a chance to reach the World Cup via the playoffs.

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Cameroon Win First WAFCON Cup Title

In a dominant first-half display, they scored three times before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable run at the tournament.

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The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon have won their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title after defeating Malawi 3-0 in Rabat on Sunday.

In a dominant first-half display, they scored three times before the break to end Malawi’s remarkable run at the tournament.

Marie Ngah Manga scored twice, while Naomi Eto added a spectacular scissors kick as Cameroon took a commanding lead before half-time.

Cameroon had reached the final after eliminating Nigeria and hosts Morocco, having previously lost three WAFCON finals.

Malawi, competing in their first WAFCON campaign, struggled to match Cameroon despite their impressive run to the final.

They had entered the tournament ranked 153rd in the world.

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made an early save at the feet of Temwa Chawinga as Malawi looked to threaten in the opening minutes.

Bihina also denied Chikondi Gondwe in the 14th minute before Cameroon began to take control.

Cameroon opened the scoring in the 20th minute after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo failed to deal with Grace Mendoua’s cross.

Sikelo pushed the cross onto her own crossbar, allowing Ngah Manga to react quickly and head the ball into the net from close range.

Malawi tried to respond, but Cameroon remained in control.

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Committees hit the ground running for 8th Kwara State Sports Festival

The committees is entrusted with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and executing a peaceful, transparent and impactful festival involving all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

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Kwara State Sports Commission has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC), and 12 sub-committees to oversee the successful hosting of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, the state’s flagship sporting event.

The 8th Kwara State Sports Festival is scheduled to hold from August 21 to 29 at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, with activities commencing daily at 9:00 a.m.

The committees was inaugurated by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, who doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Bola Mogaji.

The sub-committees inaugurated include the Ceremonial, Publicity and Media, Technical, Security, Accreditation, Accommodation, Feeding, Venues, Power and Transportation Committees

The committees is entrusted with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and executing a peaceful, transparent and impactful festival involving all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

Mogaji charged members of the committees to hit the ground running by working within the stipulated timeframe and developing realistic budgets that would ensure the successful achievement of the festival’s objectives.

He commended the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his consistent investment in sports development, noting that the approval for the staging of the 8th edition of the festival reflected the governor’s passion and commitment to the advancement of sports in Kwara State.

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