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…
Author: Peter Noah KC
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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…
REIGNING Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray are reportedly preparing an audacious January transfer move for Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman, in a bid to form a formidable all-Nigerian attacking partnership alongside Victor Osimhen, News Point Nigeria Sports reports. According to reputable Turkish outlet Fanatik, Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has reignited his interest in Lookman after a failed attempt to sign him last summer. The Istanbul giants have now reopened communication with the forward’s representatives and are readying a fresh bid for Atalanta’s 27-year-old star when the winter transfer window opens. Sources within the club revealed that Buruk has been a…
FORMER Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has expressed confidence that Nigeria can still qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite the team’s precarious position in the Group C standings. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that with just two matches remaining, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C, trailing South Africa and Benin Republic by three points. Nigeria is set to face Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday before returning home to play Benin Republic in Uyo for their final group fixture. Speaking on his ObiOne Podcast, the former Chelsea midfielder described Nigeria’s qualification campaign as “hanging by a…
THE Super Eagles of Nigeria have received a major boost ahead of their must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying encounter against Lesotho, as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and at least 15 other players have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, to kick-start full team preparations. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that the players arrived on Tuesday, joining the technical crew and backroom staff who touched down a day earlier to set up the team’s training base. Among the early arrivals are team captain William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Bruno Onyemaechi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka,…
NIGERIA’s Flying Eagles have sealed a place in the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile after holding Colombia to a pulsating 1–1 draw in the early hours of Monday. News Point Nigeria Sports reports that at the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the seven-time African champions displayed grit and flair in a match that tested their resilience, defensive coordination, and attacking creativity. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the early hero, producing two point-blank saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to deny Colombia’s Kener Gonzalez and Neyser Villareal. Despite Colombia’s early surge, the Flying Eagles…