Author: Peter Noah KC

THE House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to set up a special committee to investigate financial grants advanced to the Nigerian Football Federation by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, totalling $25m. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the resolution of the House followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary, co-sponsored by Lagos lawmaker, Adedayo Adesola and his Rivers State counterpart, Felix Nwaeke. Titled “Motion to sport further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by Nigerian Football Federation,” Adesola noted that the mismanagement of grants by the global football governing body is largely…

FORMER presidential candidate and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of failing to deliver a promised FIFA-funded stadium in Awka, Anambra State, a revelation that comes amid mounting allegations of widespread financial mismanagement within the football governing body. News Point Nigeria Sports reports tht in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Obi said officials from the Sports Federation had informed him during his tenure as governor that Anambra had been selected as one of six locations across Nigeria to host a FIFA-standard stadium, fully funded by FIFA and executed through the…

SUPER Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has vowed to guide Nigeria to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging his players to adopt a warrior-like mentality as they prepare for a tense playoff run. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support. “Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said. “We beat Benin because the fans pushed the…

FOR the 19th consecutive year, no Nigerian referee has been selected among the officials preparing to officiate at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), further extending the country’s absence from Africa’s premier football showpiece. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the latest shortlist of 94 referees, assistant referees, VAR officials, instructors, and assessors expected to attend a preparatory training programme ahead of the tournament in Morocco. The intensive camp is scheduled to hold from November 8 to 13 in Cairo, Egypt. The training is designed to assess fitness, match interpretation, VAR operation,…

THE Super Falcons of Nigeria started their qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in comfortable style after a 2–0 victory over the Benin Republic in Friday’s first-leg encounter played in Lomé, Togo. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that first-half strikes from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo sealed the win for the nine-time African champions, who dictated play from start to finish and rarely looked troubled. The Falcons announced their intent early, with Rasheedat Ajibade’s audacious sixth-minute lob beating goalkeeper Ogoun but crashing against the crossbar. Just moments later, Folashade Ijamilusi’s fierce drive forced a fine save…

SUPER Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been named among the top contenders for the CAF Player of the Year award. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that also in the running are Egypt and Liverpool star forward Mohamed Salah, as well as Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi. Other contenders include Cameroonian midfielder Frank Anguissa, Congo’s Fiston Mayele, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui, and the Senegalese duo Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Matar Sarr. Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced the nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards – Men’s Categories on Thursday. The award celebrates the continent’s…

NIGERIA’s former world cruiserweight boxing champion, Bash Ali, is stepping back into the ring after more than two decades of retirement and he’s promising a knockout before the first bell fades. News Point Nigeria’s Sport reports that now 69 years old, the fiery and outspoken Ali is set to face Prince Bob Alagoro in a headline bout dubbed “Legendary Ring Return”, scheduled for November 22, 2025, at Shalom Park & Events Centre, Igando, Lagos, opposite the General Hospital. The event, promoted by New Era Promotions, will also feature a star-studded lineup of Nigerian boxing talents, including Idris Hamza, Segun “War”…

THE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially confirmed the cancellation of the Super Eagles’ scheduled international friendly matches against Venezuela and Colombia in the United States, following the team’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the matches, which were to be played in Houston and New York next month, were scrapped due to scheduling conflicts with the Confederation of African Football (CAF)’s play-off fixtures. Speaking with journalists on Monday, NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, explained that the decision was inevitable once Nigeria booked a play-off spot. “Yes, we have cancelled…

SUPER Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has stirred controversy on social media after posting a cryptic message days following his on-field clashes with teammates during Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo. News Point Nigeria Sports report that the message, shared on his Instagram story on Friday, read:“I never fake care anyone. What I give, I give from my heart. Choose a good heart. People change so fast…King VO9.” Though brief, the post has sparked widespread speculation about underlying tensions within the Super Eagles’ camp, particularly given the timing, coming just days after visible disagreements between Nwabali and key…

SUPER Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has carved his name into English Premier League history, becoming the Nigerian player with the highest number of appearances in the competition’s history. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Iwobi achieved this remarkable milestone on Saturday when he featured for Fulham in their hard-fought 1–0 home defeat to Arsenal at Craven Cottage. The match marked Iwobi’s 299th Premier League appearance, surpassing the previous record of 288 appearances held by Newcastle United legend, Shola Ameobi — a record that had stood unbroken for 11 years. Though Fulham narrowly lost to Arsenal, the day was deeply significant…

NIGERIA’s Super Eagles have made a major leap in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, climbing four places to 41st in the world and reclaiming their position among Africa’s top five football nations. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the updated ranking, published by FIFA on Friday, reflects Nigeria’s renewed momentum under coach Eric Chelle, following a series of impressive results in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. From their previous 45th position, the three-time African champions now sit just behind continental powerhouses Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, and Algeria, overtaking Ivory Coast, who dropped to 42nd. Nigeria’s rise comes on…

NIGERIA will face Gabon in the semi-finals at the continental stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs. This follows the Super Eagles’ victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday and the conclusion of the qualifying group matches. A 4–0 victory over their neighbours sealed a place for the Eagles at the play-offs, while Gabon confirmed second place in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi. South Africa topped the group with 18 points, while Nigeria closely followed in second place with 17 points. Ivory Coast defeated Kenya to top the group. In other matches, DR Congo sealed their…

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s Super Eagles on their emphatic 4–0 victory over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, commending the team for restoring national pride and keeping the country’s World Cup dream alive. In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga sent to News Point Nigeria Sports, the President lauded the team’s “hunger, passion, and determination” during the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match held at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The victory lifted Nigeria to second place in Group C with 17 points just one behind South…

DESPITE a convincing 4-0 win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, the Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s goal secured the vital victory for Nigeria, but it was not enough, as South Africa also defeated Rwanda 3-0 to top the group. South Africa topped the group with 18 points, while Nigeria closely followed in second place with 17 points. With 17 points, Nigeria stands a strong chance of qualifying as one of the best runners-up, which would give the West…

THE Nigeria Premier Football League on Monday hit Kano Pillars with heavy sanctions after violent scenes at their Matchday 8 home game against Shooting Stars on Sunday, at Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. In a Summary Jurisdiction Notice dated October 13 and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league found the club guilty of multiple breaches, including inadequate security, supporter misconduct, throwing dangerous objects, and assault on away players and match officials. The notice obtained by News Point Nigeria Sports read, “Kano Pillars failed to provide adequate & effective security, which resulted in unauthorised persons gaining access to…

BOTH Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Cheetahs of Benin Republic will be without key players when they clash in a decisive Group C World Cup qualifier on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the match, which could determine the fate of both sides in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will see the two West African rivals line up short-handed after crucial suspensions. Benin coach Gernot Rohr confirmed that midfielder Sessi d’Almeida and defender Yohan Roche will not travel with the team to Uyo after both players picked up their…

SUPER Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has praised Lesotho for their spirited performance while reaffirming Nigeria’s determination to finish their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on a strong note. News Point Nigeria Sport reports that speaking during a post-match conference after Nigeria’s hard-fought encounter against Lesotho on Friday, Ekong admitted it was a difficult game and acknowledged the opponents’ effort. “Lesotho played a great game; it wasn’t easy to come here. I can understand their disappointment and frustration because they put up a very good fight,” he said Ahead of the crucial tie against the Benin Republic, the 32-year-old Al-Kholood centre…

THERE was prolonged panic as an aircraft conveying Nigeria’s Super Eagles from South Africa to Uyo for their final World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic made an emergency landing in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday after developing a technical fault mid-air. According to a source, who spoke to News Point Nigeria Sports, the ValueJet aircraft, which initially stopped in Luanda to refuel, reportedly turned back about 25 minutes after takeoff when a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield, prompting the pilot to initiate emergency procedures. All players, officials, and government delegates on board were safely evacuated upon landing. The team…

THE Super Eagles moved a step closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after edging Lesotho 2-1 on Friday in a match that could prove decisive for Nigeria’s campaign. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that Captain Troost Ekong gave Nigeria the perfect start in the 55th minute by converting a penalty following a handball in the Lesotho box, sending the home fans into jubilation. Akor Adams later doubled the advantage with a clinical finish in the 80th minute, seemingly putting Nigeria in control. Lesotho responded in the 83rd minute with a goal from Kalake, but the Eagles held firm to…

SUPER Eagles midfielder and Fulham star Alex Iwobi has expressed strong confidence that Nigeria will qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, assuring fans that the team remains fully committed to restoring national pride on the global stage. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that speaking in an exclusive interview with SuperSport, the 28-year-old playmaker also reflected on his latest career milestone becoming the Nigerian with the joint-most appearances in the English Premier League (EPL) alongside former Newcastle United forward Shola Ameobi. Iwobi, who began his Premier League career at Arsenal before stints at Everton and Fulham, described the achievement as…