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2026 WCQ: Bassey declares Super Eagles ready for battle against Gabon

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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.

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Edo Queens Win 2025/26 NWFL Title

They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

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Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) for the 2025/26 season.

They won the title after drawing goalless with Bayelsa Queens in the final round of NWFL Premiership Super Six fixtures at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Sunday.

This was s their second NWFL title in three years for coach Moses Aduku’s team.

Before the game, Adaaa Edo Queens were on nine points, needing only one point to be crowned champions.

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World Cup: Japan Holds Netherlands To 2-2 Draw

A draw gives each team one point, so neither gains an early advantage in the group. Their exact positions would depend on the result of the other group match.

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Japan came from behind twice to earn a 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in their opening World Cup match, with Daichi Kamada’s 88th-minute header rescuing a point in Dallas.

The Netherlands took the lead in the 51st minute when Virgil van Dijk headed home to make it 1-0. Japan responded six minutes later through Keito Nakamura, who levelled the score at 1-1 in the 57th minute.

The Dutch regained the advantage in the 64th minute when Crysencio Summerville curled a superb strike into the net for a 2-1 lead.

However, Japan struck again with two minutes remaining as Kamada headed in the equaliser to make it 2-2.

The Netherlands controlled possession throughout the game and held a slight edge in expected goals.

Both teams registered 10 shots, but the Dutch were more accurate, recording six shots on target to Japan’s three.

Despite spending less time on the ball and producing fewer efforts on target, Japan capitalised on their key opportunities and left with a valuable point, while the Netherlands were unable to turn their possession advantage into victory.

A draw gives each team one point, so neither gains an early advantage in the group. Their exact positions would depend on the result of the other group match.

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World Cup: Sweden beats Tunisia 5-1

For Tunisia, the defeat leaves little margin for error heading into their next group fixture, while Sweden have immediately established themselves as serious contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.

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Sweden on Monday started their FIFA World Cup campaign on a good note , cruising to a commanding 5-1 victory over Tunisia in their Group F opener at Estadio Monterrey stadium.

The Scandinavian side took control early through Yasin Ayari, who opened the scoring with a stunning strike in the seventh minute before Alexander Isak doubled the advantage after half an hour.

Tunisia briefly threatened a comeback when Omar Rekik pulled a goal back just before half-time, but Sweden returned after the interval with renewed intensity.

Viktor Gyökeres extended Sweden’s lead in the 59th minute before substitute Mattias Svanberg and Ayari added late goals to seal an emphatic victory.

Ayari was the standout performer, scoring twice in an impressive World Cup debut, while Isak finished with a goal and two assists and Gyökeres contributed a goal and an assist.

Sweden’s clinical finishing ultimately made the difference. Although Tunisia enjoyed periods of possession and created opportunities, they lacked composure in the final third and paid heavily for defensive lapses.The result gives Sweden an early advantage in Group F after Netherlands and Japan shared the points in a 2-2 draw on Sunday.

For Tunisia, the defeat leaves little margin for error heading into their next group fixture, while Sweden have immediately established themselves as serious contenders for a place in the knockout rounds.

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