Author: Peter Noah KC

NIGERIA international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye says he is delighted to be back doing what he loves after returning from a two-month ban over betting irregularities. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the 24-year-old’s comeback continued with a standout performance, even though Udinese suffered a 3-1 defeat to Juventus at the Allianz Stadium. Okoye, making his third appearance since his suspension was lifted, turned heads with an inspired individual display that earned him the highest match rating of 8.2 by statistics platform Sofascore, ahead of every Juventus player on the pitch. “I’ve been out for a while, and it’s always difficult…

CHAIRMAN of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, has denied allegations of misappropriation of the $1.2 million FIFA fund meant for the construction of the mini-stadium in Kebbi State. Dikko, who spoke in an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday monitored by News Point Nigeria, stated that no one collected the money, insisting that FIFA directly managed the project funds. “That is where people are getting it wrong; no one collected the money. I’m not here to defend the NFF; they can defend themselves. “But as the leader of sports in Nigeria, what happens to the NFF affects…

THE race for Africa’s final ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup will hit full throttle in Rabat next month, with powerhouse nations Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo and Gabon set for a fierce mini-tournament that offers a last lifeline to reach the United States, Canada and Mexico. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday confirmed that all matches, two semi-finals and a final will take place in the Moroccan capital between November 13 and November 17. Nigeria will take center stage in the opening semi-final when they lock horns with Gabon on November…

FORMER President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has dismissed allegations of misappropriation surrounding the controversial FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State, insisting that every dollar disbursed for the facility was properly accounted for and audited. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the controversy erupted after FIFA, in a social media post, shared a photograph showing the Kebbi stadium project—in its current, incomplete state—under the FIFA Forward Programme. The image sparked widespread criticism from Nigerians who questioned how the $1.2 million reportedly allocated to the project failed to produce a substantial sporting facility. Responding to the public backlash,…

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…