Sports
FIFA Rankings: Super Eagles Fall Eight Places After Dismal World Cup Qualifiers

The Super Eagles have fallen by eight places in the latest FIFA rankings, moving to 38th globally following a dismal outing in the race for the 2026 World Cup.
Nigeria lost to the Benin Republic for the first time and had before then drawn South Africa – all games in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers for Africa – leaving their hopes of reaching the competition hanging in the balance.
In FIFA’s latest ranking released on Thursday, the Super Eagles are now 5th in Africa, falling two steps behind on the continental pecking order.
Morocco moved up one place as the best team in Africa, placing 12th globally. They are followed by Senegal (18th), Egypt (36th), and Cote d’Ivoire (37th) in second, third, and fourth respectively on the continental rankings.
Argentina, France, Belgium, Brazil, and England in that order occupy the first five positions globally.
Eagles In Crisis

The Super Eagles’ poor World Cup qualification run has seen them manage only three points from four games, four points below leaders Rwanda in the Group C race.
Following the dismal showing, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said it would hire a technical adviser for the team in the coming weeks.
Days after the move, Finidi George resigned as the head coach of the team, less than two months after he was appointed to lead the Super Eagles.
Finidi’s resignation came at the time that star forward Victor Osimhen fired back at him over a comment he (Finidi) allegedly made accusing the Napoli player of non-commitment to the national team.
The NFF has yet to officially comment on Finidi’s resignation or Osimhen’s outburst. The Super Eagles’ next competitive game will be later in the year when the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers begin.
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.
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