Sports
WCQ: DR Congo knock out Super Eagles in World Cup playoff on penalties
Akor Adams kept the Super Eagles alive, but DR Congo struck back through Sadique and later scored the decisive fourth penalty, leaving Nigeria trailing 4–3 in the shootout.
The Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream suffered a major blow on Sunday as DR Congo advanced to the intercontinental playoff following a dramatic penalty shootout at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The match ended 1–1 after 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, sending the high-stakes encounter to penalties.
Nigeria initially went ahead through Frank Onyeka in the third minute, but DR Congo equalised in the 32nd minute through M. Elia.
Extra time saw both teams create chances, with Tolu Arokodare missing a header for Nigeria and Nwabali making a crucial save from a DR Congo free kick, but neither side could break the deadlock.
The tension continued into the penalty shootout.
Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon missed early chances, while Nwabali denied DR Congo’s first penalty.
Akor Adams kept the Super Eagles alive, but DR Congo struck back through Sadique and later scored the decisive fourth penalty, leaving Nigeria trailing 4–3 in the shootout.
(PUNCH)
Sports
Olympic qualifier: Comoros to face Super Falcons following 30-0 victory over Sudan
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
Comoros have booked a date with African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, after a 30–0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before following it up with a 13–0 triumph five days later to complete a dominant aggregate win.
In the first leg, Comoros opened the scoring after eight minutes before producing a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed Sudan throughout the encounter.
Nine different players got on the scoresheet in a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality of the Comorian side.
In the second leg on Monday, Comoros scored three goals in the first half and added 10 more after the break to seal a 13–0 victory.
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
The Super Falcons are expected to go into the tie as strong favourites.
Credit: PUNCH
Sports
Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026
Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.
The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.
The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.
This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.
Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.
The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.
Source: LEADERSHIP
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