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
Sportsville Awards: Olopade Leads NSC Delegation to Honour Dikko with Transformative Impact Award
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation from the Commission to the prestigious Sportsville Awards in Lagos to honour NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Dikko is set to receive the Transformative Impact Award at the 2026 edition of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to repositioning Nigerian sports.
The NSC delegation’s presence underscored the Commission’s unity and support for its Chairman, who has been widely praised for driving reforms, fostering inclusivity, and delivering renewed optimism in Nigerian sports administration alongside Olopade.
Former NPFL scribe Salihu Abubakar and other stakeholders have already extended congratulations to Dikko, describing the nomination as well-deserved.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Danladi Bako, have lauded Sportsville as one of the most authentic sports awards in the country, commending the organisers for recognising genuine impact in the sector.
The sixth edition of the Sportsville Awards, which also featured former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, as a top guest, celebrates excellence and transformative contributions across Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.
Other nominees include Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and several prominent figures in sports development.
Hon. Olopade, who himself was recently crowned Sports Administrator of the Year at the New Telegraph Awards, dedicated previous honours to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman Dikko, highlighting the collaborative leadership driving Nigeria’s sports renaissance.
Mallam Shehu Dikko’s leadership at the NSC has been credited with major gains in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and international competitiveness, marking a turning point for Nigerian sports.
The event is expected to draw key stakeholders from the sports industry, government, and private sector as it honours individuals making lasting contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.
Full coverage and reactions from the awards ceremony are anticipated as the night unfolds in Lagos.
Sports
CAF appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as acting secretary general
Adamu, the first Nigerian to hold the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago , is taking over from Swiss-Congolese official Veron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned on Sunday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Nigerian football administrator Samson Adamu as it’s acting secretary – general.
Adamu, the first Nigerian to hold the position since the organisation’s establishment over 70 years ago , is taking over from Swiss-Congolese official Veron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned on Sunday.
Before his elevation, Adamu served as CAF’s director of tournaments and events, where he played a key role in organising major continental competitions.
His appointment was proposed by the CAF Executive Committee and subsequently ratified by the Congress during its meeting on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the Giza Palace Hotel in Cairo, Egypt.
The development marks a significant milestone for Nigerian football administration at the continental level, placing Adamu at the heart of CAF’s executive operations during a crucial period for African football governance.
Sports
Mohamed Salah quitting Liverpool after nine historic years
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club. The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.
Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year career at Anfield.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international confirmed the decision via a video message shared on his social media accounts.
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club.
A statement on Liverpool’s official website read:
“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season. The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.”
The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.
However, he has struggled to replicate that form this season, registering just 11 goal involvements, including five league goals.
-
Sports3 days agoCAF appoints Nigeria’s Samson Adamu as acting secretary general
-
Business3 days agoGovernor Otti Commissions Ultimum Manufacturing Plant in Aba
-
News3 days agoPresident Tinubu at 74, Donates Salaries to Armed Forces Welfare Fund
-
Politics3 days agoPDP will contest 2027 polls, says Wike
-
Business1 day agoBUA Foods Plc Reports Strong 2025 Performance with ₦1.77 Trillion Revenue, Proposes Record ₦28 Dividend per Share
-
News1 day agoNELFUND Debunks Claims of ₦25,000 Student Upkeep Allowance
-
Business2 days agoOPay launches new office in Jos
-
Politics2 days agoPDP Leadership Crisis: Faction Heads to Supreme Court as Tussle Deepens
