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
AFCON 2025: Billionaire Abdul Samad Rabiu promises Super Eagles Over USD1.5m if they win Semifinal
To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored.
BUA Group’s Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu congratulated the Super Eagles players on their brilliant victory against Algeria!
The Super Eagles thrashed the desert warriors 2-0 in the Saturday’s match at Marrakesh.
The billionaire industrialist, following the Super Eagles won, took the his official X handle, rejoicing with the team, and pledging:
” You have lifted the spirit of the nation, and we proudly cheer you on as you prepare for the semi-finals.
To encourage you, I pledge USD $500,000 to the players upon winning the semi-final, with an additional USD $50,000 for every goal scored.
Should you go on to win the final, I further pledge USD $1,000,000, plus USD $100,000 for each goal scored in the final.”
Sports
Super Eagles beat Algeria 2–0, Atiku,Obi applaud the team
Nigeria’s forward #09 Victor Osimhen (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) quarter-final football match between Algeria and Nigeria at the Grand stadium in Marrakesh on January 10, 2026. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP).
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor Peter Obi have joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory over Algeria, a result that booked the team a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations and reignited national belief in a title run.
In statements signed by both opposition leaders, the win was framed as more than just a football result, with each describing it as a moment of pride and shared joy for Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
Atiku described the night as a proud one for the country, applauding the team’s resolve and the hope their performance has stirred across the nation.“A proud night for our nation. I celebrate the Super Eagles on their solid 2–0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON quarter-final.
“Your fighting spirit has once again lifted the hopes of millions of Nigerians. Keep soaring, we are firmly behind you,” he said.Obi, in a separate message, praised the Super Eagles for making a strong statement with their display, saying the victory sent a clear signal to the rest of the continent.
Sports
WAFCON 2026 final draw holds Jan 15 in Rabat
Voting for the CAF Women’s Interclub Player of the Year involves members of the media, as well as captains and coaches from teams participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Final Draw for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 will take place in Rabat on Thursday, 15 January 2025, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has confirmed.
The qualified teams for the competition are hosts Morocco, alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Zambia.
The event will also feature the announcement of the remaining winners in the CAF Awards 2025 Women’s Categories, including the CAF Women’s Coach of the Year and other top honours in women’s football.
The draw will mark a milestone for the continental tournament, which will feature an expanded 16-team field for the first time in its history.
Ahead of the draw, CAF will announce the winners of three outstanding women’s football awards: CAF Women’s Coach of the Year, CAF Women’s Interclub Player of the Year, and CAF Women’s Club of the Year.
The awards were initially scheduled to be presented during the CAF Awards 2025 ceremony but were postponed as the women’s football season had not concluded, owing to the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League. CAF earlier this week officially reopened voting for the three categories.
CAF has reiterated that while it does not participate in the voting process, it oversees and coordinates the exercise.
Voting for the CAF Women’s Interclub Player of the Year involves members of the media, as well as captains and coaches from teams participating in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
-
Entertainment2 days agoNollywood ‘s Actress Allwell Ademola buried today in Lagos
-
Business2 days agoWhy Tax Reforms Benefits Will Be More Than The Shocks – Kupoluyi, LCCI President
-
Entertainment2 days agoWizkid becomes first African artist to hit 10 billion streams on Spotify
-
News2 days agoHomicide: Killer husband on the run for alleged murder of wife
-
News2 days agoFarouk Ahmed: Dangote Takes Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss to EFCC
-
Entertainment2 days agoCarnival Calabar Spectacles Excite Portugal’s Ambassador to Nigeria
-
News2 days agoInsecurity: Nigeria to procure 12 attack helicopters from US , as Trump plans more strikes
-
Sports2 days agoWAFCON 2026 final draw holds Jan 15 in Rabat
