Sports

FIFA U-20 World Cup: NFF Commends Flying Eagles

Published

3 years ago

June 5, 2023

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The Nigeria Football Federation has commended the Flying Eagles for giving a good account of themselves at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Argentina.

After an impressive match at the tournament, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were able to make it to the quarter-finals where they faced Korea Republic.

Two-time runners-up Nigeria dominated for large parts of the game but were eliminated from the tourney by a single goal on Sunday as the Korea Republic surged into the semi-finals for the second successive tournament.

The Flying Eagles, who eliminated hosts and six-time champions Argentina in the Round of 16 on Wednesday, created few chances despite passing the ball around the field quite well.

However, the lack of punch in the final third was the greatest undoing of the seven-time African champions.

NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, on Monday in Abuja told NAN that the Flying Eagles gave their best at the world cup, adding that they did not disgrace the country.

“The Flying Eagles have done their very best. I can say they have not disgraced Nigeria.

“In every competition, there has to be a winner and there has to be a time when some teams will be eliminated.

“Yesterday, it wasn’t our day. The team played very well but the goals refused to come.

“So, I think we should take it in good fate and move forward.

“As I have always said, anytime we go for competitions, we go to fulfil God’s righteousness because whatever God has destined to happen will happen, you cannot change it.

“If you have looked at the game, you would know that it wasn’t our game at all.”

He said the team could have equalised towards the end of the full-time but the goal “refused to come.”

The NFF Scribe apologised to Nigerians for the failure of the team to progress to the semi-finals, stressing that the Flying Eagles gave 100 per cent.

“We want to say we are sorry to Nigerians who believed in the team that they could go all the way.

“Going by their progression and improvement from match to match, Nigerians expected us to defeat the Koreans.

“But as I said earlier, it wasn’t the wish of God. He did his wish and we were eliminated by the Koreans,” he added.

NAN

Related Topics:FIFA U20 World Cup Flying Eagles

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Wakama names D’Tigress squad for FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Players named in the squad include Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Nicole Enabosi and Ifunnaya Okoro.
Others on the roster are Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah, Victoria Macaulay, Sarah Ogoke, Murjanatu Musa and Rita Igbokwe.

Published

3 hours ago

March 6, 2026

OCHEFA

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Photo: D’Tigress

D’Tigress head coach Rena Wakama has named her final 12-player squad for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.

The qualifying tournament will run from March 11 to 17, with Nigeria set to face France, the Philippines, Colombia, Germany and South Korea during the series.

Wakama has largely retained the core of players who powered D’Tigress to their historic continental dominance.

Eleven members of the squad were part of the team that defeated Mali women’s national basketball team in Abidjan to secure a fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as the dominant force in African women’s basketball.

The final squad was selected from a 17-player provisional list released on February 25 as preparations intensified for the qualifiers.

Players named in the squad include Ezinne Kalu, Promise Amukamara, Amy Okonkwo, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Nicole Enabosi and Ifunnaya Okoro.

Others on the roster are Pallas Kunayi-Akpannah, Victoria Macaulay, Sarah Ogoke, Murjanatu Musa and Rita Igbokwe.

Nigeria will open their campaign against Colombia on March 11 before facing South Korea the following day. D’Tigress will then meet the Philippines on March 14 after a two-day break, followed by a clash against hosts France on March 15. The team will conclude their fixtures against Germany on March 17.

(Source: Business Day)

Sports

CAF Changes WAFCON 2026 to July- August

CAF said that the change in dates was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the continent’s flagship women’s football competition.

Published

22 hours ago

March 5, 2026

OCHEFA

20 Views

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a new date for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In a statement published on its website on Thursday, CAF shifted the tournament from its initial March schedule to a new window between July and August.

The competition, which Morocco secured the rights to host in October 2024, will now run from July 25 to August 16, following consultations between CAF, FIFA and other key stakeholders involved in organising the event.The tournament was originally scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3.

CAF said that the change in dates was necessary to ensure the smooth organisation of the continent’s flagship women’s football competition.

“After discussions between CAF and its partners, FIFA and other stakeholders, CAF decided to reschedule the dates of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026 to 25 July – 16 August 2026 to ensure the success of this important women’s competition, in the light of certain unforeseen circumstances,” the organisation said.

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FIFA Confirms DR Congo for 2026 World Cup Inter-Confederation Play-Off, Ending Super Eagles’ Qualification Hopes

Published

2 days ago

March 4, 2026

Charles Flames

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FIFA has officially confirmed the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) as Africa’s representative in the inter-confederation play-off tournament for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, effectively closing the door on Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The decision, announced as part of the final list of participating teams in the play-off bracket, includes DR Congo alongside Bolivia, Iraq, Jamaica, New Caledonia, and Suriname.

The six teams will compete in a mini-tournament later this month for the two remaining qualification spots.DR Congo earned their place by defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the CAF play-off final in Rabat, Morocco, on November 16, 2025.

The Leopards advanced as the best runner-up from the African qualifiers.

Nigeria’s Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had lodged a protest with FIFA in December 2025, alleging that DR Congo fielded ineligible players—citing dual nationality issues under Congolese law for individuals like Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Axel Tuanzebe.

Despite the review, FIFA’s inclusion of DR Congo in the confirmed line-up signals that the complaint was not upheld or did not alter the qualification outcome.

This marks the second consecutive World Cup that Nigeria will miss, following their absence from the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

The Super Eagles, featuring stars such as Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, had high expectations but faltered in the qualifiers, finishing second in their group behind South Africa before the playoff heartbreak.

Fans and analysts have expressed disappointment, with calls for reforms in the Nigeria Football Federation amid ongoing questions about administration, player management, and campaign strategy.

DR Congo now turns focus to the inter-confederation play-offs, where a strong performance could secure their first-ever World Cup appearance.

The tournament is scheduled for March 2026 in Mexico.