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AFCON: ‘Be strong, you did your best for Nigeria’ – Sports minister tells Iwobi

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The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh recently had a discussion with Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi following cyber bullies against the Fulham star.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Enoh’s media aide, Diana-Mary Tiku Nsan on Monday.

Enoh, who led the Super Eagles of Nigeria back home after the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast, told Iwobi: “I am aware of what is happening on social media and as a ministry, this is not the first time we are going to make a statement against bullying, not just you but our sportsmen and women in general who are exposed to bullying due to the outcome of competitions.

“We are concerned about how our sportsmen and women are treated.”

The final AFCON 2023 has seen Iwobi experience a routine of unpleasant remarks hurled at him.

Iwobi confirmed leaving social media after the final game.

“For me, I have taken myself out of social media after yesterday’s game,” he said.

Enoh, however, encouraged the former Arsenal star saying:

“You did your best for your country and I am proud of you. The leadership and the rest of the country is proud of you.

“Those who are not are in the far minority and do not speak for the rest of our country, so just be strong.

“You did your best, you are part of a team that brought home a silver medal which the country last won at AFCON 2000, which is 23 years ago. You put in your best, thank you very much.”

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2026 World Cup: FIFA probes 8,000-ticket resale scheme in Miami

While Ticket Kings claims it aims to “democratise access to live entertainment”, FIFA has vowed to block unauthorised investment schemes and prevent black-market practices from affecting the integrity of the World Cup ticket market.

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FIFA has opened an investigation into a ticket resale plan promoted by Miami-based firm Ticket Kings, which allegedly sought investors with promises of high profits from reselling tickets for the 2026 World Cup.

In the  promotional documents, Ticket Kings aimed to raise $5.5 million to buy around 8,000 tickets for matches involving England, Brazil, and Scotland. Investors were promised returns of 50% to 87% within six months.

The company described the scheme as a “unique investment opportunity” capitalising on global demand for World Cup tickets.FIFA said bulk ticket reselling for profit violates its rules.

A spokesperson confirmed that the enforcement team is reviewing the case and will take “appropriate action”, stressing that the ticketing system is designed to protect fans and prevent price manipulation.

The probe comes amid growing frustration over record-high ticket costs for the tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Reports show resale prices for the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, have reached $8,600, with one listing on FIFA’s platform reportedly hitting $230,000.

Critics warn schemes like Ticket Kings could fuel speculation, widening the gap between face-value and resale prices and making matches less accessible to ordinary supporters.

While Ticket Kings claims it aims to “democratise access to live entertainment”, FIFA has vowed to block unauthorised investment schemes and prevent black-market practices from affecting the integrity of the World Cup ticket market.

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FIFA proposes one‑minute off‑field rule for injured players

If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.

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FIFA on Monday proposed a new rule that would require players who receive on-field medical treatment to remain off the pitch for at least one minute.

BBC Sport reported that the proposal which is aimed at reducing time-wasting on the pitch, will be discussed during the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board, the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.

If approved, the measure would be incorporated into football’s global rulebook.

At present, the Laws of the Game do not specify a mandatory period that injured players must stay off the field after treatment. Domestic competitions are allowed to implement their own guidelines.

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48 nations to compete as FIFA releases schedule for Series 2026

Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.

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FIFA has released the full match schedule for the FIFA Series 2026, the expanded edition of its international friendly tournament, which will bring together 48 national teams from all six confederations.

The fixtures, published on the association’s website on Monday, are scheduled for the March and April 2026 international match window.

Twelve groups of four teams each—nine men’s groups and three women’s groups—will compete, hosted by 11 FIFA Member Associations.

Rwanda will stage two groups, while other hosts include Australia, Azerbaijan, Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.

All matches are official international friendlies and will be broadcast globally, providing fans worldwide with access and giving participating teams valuable exposure, particularly for those that rarely face opponents from other confederations.

According to FIFA, participating Member Associations have chosen their preferred competition formats within each group, either a semi-final and final structure.

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