Sports
FIFA Suspends Congo, Pakistan with Russia from the 2026 World Cup:
Congo is currently bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC Confederation.
The world football governing body has suspended three federations over what it terms ‘serious circumstances’.
FIFA has taken swift action, suspending the football federations of Congo and Pakistan with immediate effect due to ‘serious circumstances’.
This decision effectively bars both nations from participating in the 2026 World Cup.
The Congolese Football Association (FECOFOOT) has been suspended due to “a particularly serious situation of undue interference by third parties” in its affairs.FIFA’s statement emphasised that this interference constitutes a clear violation of FECOFOOT’s obligations according to the FIFA Statutes.
The decision was taken in consultation with CAF after two FIFA/CAF missions were dispatched to Brazzaville,” FIFA’s statement read.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) was also suspended for failing to adopt a revised constitution that ensures “truly fair and democratic elections”.
The suspension will only be lifted if the PFF Congress approves the version of the PFF Constitution presented by FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
PFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Haroon Malik explained that
FIFA wants to make amendments to the PFF Constitution to bring it in line with international standards.
However, the newly-elected PFF Congress members have not agreed to FIFA’s proposals.
Russia is the third country that has been suspended by FIFA after it invaded Ukraine back in February, 2022.
Congo is currently bottom of Group E in the CAF qualification section, while Pakistan finished bottom of Group G in the second round of the qualification process in the AFC Confederation.
Sports
CAF Awards: Super Falcons win 2025 women’s team of the year
This marks the team’s seventh CAF Women’s National Team of the Year award, having previously won in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and consecutively in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, have been named the Women’s National Team of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held on Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, claimed the honour after a remarkable year in which they secured a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final, showcasing their pedigree, depth, and resilience.
This marks the team’s seventh CAF Women’s National Team of the Year award, having previously won in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and consecutively in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
The Super Falcons beat strong contenders, Ghana’s Black Queens and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, to clinch the award.The award further reaffirms the Super Falcons’ dominance on the continent.
Sports
Breaking: Achraf Hakimi crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025
The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), capping an exceptional season for both club and country.
The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back claimed the award for the first time, selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.
Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, helping the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. He also placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 and 5 goals with 4 assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.
His performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and the CAF Team of the Year.
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Sports
Tinubu commends Super Eagles despite World Cup miss
The president then called on “football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders” to return to the “drawing board” and “plug all the loopholes.
President Bola Tinubu on Monday commended the Super Eagles for “their efforts” after missing out on ticket for the 2026 World Cup.
On Sunday, the Super Eagles lost to DR Congo 4-3 on penalties in the final match of the African playoffs for the World Cup. The game had ended 1-1 after extra time.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” Tinubu said in a statement.
The president then called on “football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders” to return to the “drawing board” and “plug all the loopholes”.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory.”
The Super Eagles also missed out on the 2022 World Cup. It is the first time Nigeria have failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups since the country’s debut in 1994.
The 2025 AFCON will be held in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group C against Tunisia, Tanzania and Uganda.
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