Sports
FIFA U-20 World Cup: NFF Commends Flying Eagles
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
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.
-
Business3 days agoPresident Tinubu Hails NGX for Crossing ₦100 Trillion Market Capitalisation Milestone
-
Sports3 days agoNdidi builds up team’s moral , offers to pay outstanding bonuses
-
Entertainment2 days agoNollywood ‘s Actress Allwell Ademola buried today in Lagos
-
News2 days agoHomicide: Killer husband on the run for alleged murder of wife
-
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 agoFarouk Ahmed: Dangote Takes Petition Against Ex-NMDPRA Boss to EFCC
-
News2 days agoInsecurity: Nigeria to procure 12 attack helicopters from US , as Trump plans more strikes
