Sport

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that the Super Eagles’ planned international friendlies against Venezuela and Colombia in the United States have been called off, following the team’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup play-offs. NFF’s Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire, told The PUNCH on Monday that the decision was unavoidable, as the fixture dates now coincide with the CAF play-off schedule. “Yes, we have cancelled it, and

Morocco has etched its name in football history after clinching the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a 2–0 win over Argentina in Monday’s final in Santiago, Chile — a victory that marks the country’s first-ever FIFA title. The North Africans sealed the win thanks to a brilliant brace from Yassir Zabiri, who struck in the 12th and 29th minutes to stun the home crowd and hand Morocco a deserved

Preparations are in full swing for the 2025 Lagos Women Run, with the Lagos State Government ramping up efforts ahead of the annual 10km race scheduled for November 8. Meetings between the Lagos State Sports Commission and organizing committees have been ongoing to ensure this year’s edition is more exciting and better organized than previous ones. The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has instructed all

Brazilian football legend Zico has hailed former Super Eagles captain Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha as one of the most gifted players Africa has ever produced. Speaking on John Obi Mikel’s “Obi One Podcast” on Thursday, the iconic playmaker praised Okocha’s exceptional talent and dazzling style of football, describing his creativity and flair as “fantastic.” “I like Okocha — a fantastic player. Number 10, Okocha,” Zico said, while also acknowledging other African

South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena has hailed Victor Osimhen as his “GOAT” — Greatest of All Time — after the Nigerian striker’s dazzling hat-trick against the Benin Republic on Tuesday. Mokoena took to social media on Wednesday to celebrate the Galatasaray forward, posting a simple but powerful message: “My GOAT.” His teammate, Khuliso Mudau, also joined in the admiration, describing Osimhen as “What a player,” following Nigeria’s dominant 4–0 win

Argentina have sealed their place in the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup final after defeating Colombia 1–0 in a tense semi-final clash on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional de Santiago, Chile. The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when Mateo Silvetti converted a fine assist from Gianluca Prestianni, whose clever run and cross from the right set up the decisive goal. Colombia’s hopes of a comeback were further dampened after

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will clash with Gabon in the semi-finals of the African zone play-offs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following the conclusion of the qualification group stage on Tuesday. The Eagles secured their place in the play-offs after thrashing Benin Republic 4–0 earlier in the day. Gabon, on the other hand, claimed the second spot in Group F after defeating Burundi 2–0, aided by Ivory Coast’s dominant win

Nigeria’s Super Eagles stormed into the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs with a resounding 4–0 victory over Benin Republic on Tuesday night at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Although the win wasn’t enough to clinch automatic qualification, the team’s dominant performance secured a crucial playoff berth, keeping their World Cup dream alive. Osimhen Leads the Charge Victor Osimhen delivered a spectacular hat-trick, opening the scoring in the 3rd minute

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be fighting for survival today as they host group leaders Benin Republic in a decisive final Group C clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo — a game that will determine their fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Having missed out on Qatar 2022, the Eagles now stand on the brink of another heartbreak — which would mark their first back-to-back World Cup absence