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Super Eagles miss out on automatic World Cup qualification despite 4–0 win over Benin

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•FILE PHOTO: Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen and teammates celebrate after scoring a goal.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria cruised to a 4–0 victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo but fell short of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Despite the emphatic win, Nigeria finished as one of the best second-placed teams in the CAF qualifying series and will now advance to the African playoff round.

Striker Victor Osimhen was the standout performer of the night, scoring a sensational hat-trick to power Nigeria past their West African neighbours.

The Galatasaray forward opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, calmly finishing off a swift attacking move to give the Super Eagles a dream start.

The visitors showed flashes of resilience but struggled to contain Nigeria’s high pressing and attacking tempo.

Osimhen doubled the lead midway through the first half with a trademark header, rising highest to meet a cross from Samuel Chukwueze.

Shortly after the break, the 26-year-old completed his hat-trick with a composed finish from close range, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.

With Nigeria still chasing a superior goal difference to improve their ranking among the runners-up, coach Éric Chelle’s men maintained their attacking intensity until the final whistle.

Their persistence paid off in added time when substitute Frank Onyeka smashed home a superb volley from Moses Simon’s cross to seal the 4–0 victory.

The result capped an impressive performance but was not enough to lift the Super Eagles to the top of their group, meaning they will have to navigate the playoff stage to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

(Daily Trust)

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Breaking: Arsenal Win Premier League For First Time In 22 Years

The Gunners, who have set the pace for most of the season, have bounced back impressively since losing to City last month, winning four straight league matches without conceding a goal.

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Arsenal have won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years with a game to spare after Man City failed to win at Bournemouth.

Arsenal ended their 22-year wait to be crowned Premier League champions on Tuesday after Manchester City were held 1-1 by Bournemouth.

City had to win to take the title fight to the final day, but the Cherries extended their unbeaten streak to 17 league games, a run which has secured European football for the first time in the club’s history.

After finishing second for the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta’s Gunners have finally made it over the line to end a six-year trophy drought.

Arsenal edged to the brink of the title with an unconvincing 1-0 win over already relegated Burnley on Monday, which took them five points clear of City.

The Gunners, who have set the pace for most of the season, have bounced back impressively since losing to City last month, winning four straight league matches without conceding a goal.

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AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Nigeria to face Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau

The draw was conducted at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo on Tuesday, with former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong serving as one of the draw assistants.

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Nigeria have been drawn in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where they will face Madagascar, co-hosts Tanzania and Guinea- Bissau for a place at the tournament.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

The draw was conducted at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association in Cairo on Tuesday, with former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong serving as one of the draw assistants.

A total of 48 teams will participate in the qualifiers, with the draw producing 12 groups and 24 teams qualifying for the finals.

Nigeria were drawn from Pot 1 and handed a relatively favourable path to the tournament.

However, due to the presence of Tanzania — who have qualified automatically as co-hosts — in the group, only the top team will qualify for the finals.

The same applies to other groups containing any of the co-hosts, while the top two teams from the remaining groups will qualify.

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Guardiola debunks Man City exit report

Since arriving at Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has delivered an era of unprecedented success, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups. His tenure has transformed the club into one of the most dominant forces in world football.

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• Pep Guardiola , Manchester City

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has firmly rejected speculation that he is planning to leave the club at the end of the season, insisting he remains fully committed to his role at the Etihad Stadium.

Since arriving at Manchester City in 2016, Guardiola has delivered an era of unprecedented success, winning six Premier League titles, the Champions League, three FA Cups, and five League Cups.

His tenure has transformed the club into one of the most dominant forces in world football.

The Spaniard moved quickly to quell growing rumours during his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.

Recent reports had suggested that Manchester City were already making internal preparations for life after Guardiola, with former assistant Enzo Maresca emerging as a leading candidate to replace him.

However, Guardiola, who still has one year left on his current contract, appeared unfazed by the claims.

“So many times, I have one more year,” he said when asked about his future. “I am here, I have a contract.”

He also dismissed suggestions that the remaining fixtures could serve as a farewell tour, and laughed off reports that the club might name the newly expanded North Stand after him if he departs this summer.

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