Sports
BREAKING: CAF delists Nigeria, Libya AFCON qualifier amidst controversy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially delisted the Group D second-leg fixture of the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya.
The match was originally scheduled to take place in Libya at 8 p.m. following the first leg, which saw the Super Eagles triumph over the Mediterranean Knights with a narrow 1-0 victory at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The return leg has been mired in controversy, primarily due to the harrowing experience faced by the Super Eagles players and officials, who reported being stranded at the Libya airport for over 14 hours.
The ordeal ultimately led to their decision to return home rather than participate in the scheduled match.
In light of the situation, CAF has launched an investigation into the incident after the Libya Football Federation accused Nigeria of sabotage and threatened legal action.
The African football governing body further updated its schedule for games to be played on Tuesday, notably excluding the Libya versus Nigeria fixture from the list.
Meanwhile, the President of the Libyan Football Federation, Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani, has announced his resignation during a regular meeting of the Federation’s General Assembly.
Al-Shalmani’s resignation comes amid growing tension regarding the treatment of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, during their recent trip to Libya for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
Sports
Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Oliseh Gets IFAB Appointment
Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has landed a new role with the International Football Association Board, IFAB.
IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide.
Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.
He wrote: “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)!
“Honored to contribute to its mission!”Oliseh’s appointment to the IFAB board will see the former Dortmund and Juventus midfielder work with some of football’s most influential figures, including legendary Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger.
Sports
Future National Sports Festival to hold November/ December – Dikko
He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, says that the Commission is developing a national calendar that will set November and December as the fixed months for hosting the festival.
Dikko disclosed this during a World Media Chat held at the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat, yesterday.
He commended Ogun State for its outstanding hosting of the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing it as a game-changer for sports development in Nigeria.
He called on other states aspiring to host future editions to emulate and improve on the standard set by Ogun.
Dikko noted that the entire country is taking note of the impressive organization and swift handling of challenges during the festival.
“This festival is a major improvement from previous editions.
“It is normal to experience hitches in events of this magnitude, but the prompt resolution of those issues shows great commitment. This edition will serve as a benchmark for future games.”Dikko emphasized.
He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.
“We are building a sports economy—beyond the games, we are looking at job creation, the value chain, and revenue generation.
Ogun’s example is now motivating other states to step forward and host,” he explained.
Sports
Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034
Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to partially lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales in 2026.
The change comes as part of broader efforts to align with global expectations ahead of hosting major international events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.
The Economic Times, reported that alcohol will be available in a strictly controlled manner, limited to select zones such as luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and designated tourist destinations.
Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.
However, there will be clear limitations. Only milder forms of alcohol – beer, wine, and cider will be allowed.
Spirits and hard liquors will remain prohibited. Importantly, alcohol consumption will not be permitted in homes, shops, or general public areas.
Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.
A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.
Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.
-
Entertainment2 days ago
BREAKING: Segun Arinze Re-elected AVOA President
-
News3 days ago
Mauritania’s Tah succeeds Adesina as 9th AfDB President
-
News3 hours ago
CASER Launches Prince Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition
-
News2 days ago
2027: Hurdles Before The Coalition, By Emeka Monye
-
Opinions2 minutes ago
One Million Teachers (1MT) Sparks National Policy Conversation with Transformative Education Model