Sports
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.
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)
Sports
Super Eagles captain Ndidi mourns father’s death
” We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.
• Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi
Sunday Ndidi – the father of Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, died today in a road accident at Umunede, Delta State.
The retired military officer was confirmed dead after being rushed to a hospital at Agbor, also in Delta State.
Ndidi’s club, Besiktas, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our footballer Wilfred Ndidi’s esteemed father, Sunday Ndidi, in a fatal traffic accident,” the club said in a statement released via their official X account.
Ndidi recently captained Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he also scored his first international goal for the country.
While celebrating his headed goal against Tunisia in Nigeria’s second group match, the midfielder referenced his father and his admiration for former Nigeria captain Kanu Nwankwo.
The celebration came from my dad because he was always talking about Kanu Nwankwo,” Ndidi told journalists in Morocco.
“So I just thought about my dad. I had seen the video before, but it came to my head, and I said I was going to do it for my dad.”
Ndidi, who often speaks about growing up with his father in the barracks, was born and raised in Lagos.
Sports
Lagos to host Davis Cup World Group II playoff
Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.
The Lagos Lawn Tennis Club will host Davis Cup World Group II playoff between Nigeria and Uzbekistan from 6–8 February 2026.
The President of the Nigeria Tennis Federation, Victor Ochie, who disclosed this, said that hosting the event will significantly contribute to the development of lawn tennis in the country.
Prince Kunle Oyekanmi, publicity secretary of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, expressed confidence in the club’s ability to host a world-class tournament.“We are committed to ensuring a successful championship that will leave a lasting mark on the sport globally,” he said.
Oyekanmi added that the Davis Cup will inspire young and upcoming Nigerian players to pursue lawn tennis more passionately.
Oyekanmi emphasised that with the world’s attention on Lagos in February, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to elevate Nigerian tennis to new heights.
Sports
US opens priority visa appointments for 2026 World Cup ticket holders
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.
The United States on Tuesday, opened a priority visa appointment system for holders of tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, allowing fans to seek earlier appointments ahead of the tournament.
The World Cup will be hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
BBC reported that visa appointment scheme will enable ticket holders to access prioritised visa slots before the competition begins on June 11.
The US will host 78 of the 104 matches at the 2026 World Cup across 11 cities, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.”
In November, President Donald Trump said the Departments of State and Homeland Security had been working “tirelessly” to ensure football fans from around the world are properly vetted and able to travel to the United States for the summer tournament.
“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within our power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success. We are setting records on ticket sales,” Trump said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that the organisation expects “between five and ten million people” to travel to North America to enjoy the World Cup.
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