Sports

FA Cup final to be held on August 1

Published

5 years ago

May 29, 2020

Bona Naija

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The FA Cup final will be held on Aug. 1, the Football Association announced on Friday, after the Premier League said on Thursday that its season will restart on June 17.

The quarter-finals of the FA Cup will be held over the weekend of June 27-28, with the semi-finals earmarked for the weekend of July 11-12.

The FA said that the dates were “provisional” and dependent on all safety elements being in place for the games.

“We are pleased to agree the provisional restart date for the 2019/20 Emirates FA Cup,” said FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham.

“The competition has been an integral part of the English football calendar for nearly 150 years and we’d like to thank the Premier League executive and clubs for their support in scheduling the remaining matches during this unprecedented time.”

Bullingham emphasised the provisional nature of the proposed dates, adding that “the health and wellbeing of players, staff and supporters remains our priority”.

The schedule for the Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals (originally drawn on 4 March):

Leicester City v Chelsea

Newcastle United v Manchester City

Sheffield United v Arsenal

Norwich City v Manchester United

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Achraf Hakimi Makes History as First Defender in 52 Years to Win 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year

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2 days ago

November 20, 2025

Bona Naija

Achraf Hakimi Makes History as First Defender in 52 Years to Win 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year

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Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi has been crowned the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first defender since 1973 to win Africa’s most prestigious individual football award. The Moroccan full-back finally clinched the honour after finishing as runner-up in the previous two editions.

Hakimi’s triumph ends Morocco’s long wait for a male winner since Mustapha Hadji claimed the award in 1998. His recognition comes after an extraordinary season in which he helped PSG secure a remarkable quintuple — the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1 title, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Super Cup.

Beyond club success, Hakimi also played a pivotal role in Morocco’s landmark qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to book their ticket to the tournament.

Despite sustaining an injury that left him arriving on a knee scooter, the 26-year-old attended the ceremony in person at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, drawing admiration from fans and dignitaries.

Morocco swept the night, reaffirming their rising dominance in African football ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which the nation will host.
• Ghizlane Chebbak won the Women’s Player of the Year award.
• Yassine Bounou secured the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year honour for the second time.
• The Moroccan U20 team was crowned National Team of the Year.

Hakimi’s historic win underscores the country’s football renaissance and cements his status as one of Africa’s greatest modern defenders.

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LIVE: Nigeria vs DR Congo – CAF World Cup Qualifiers Playoff Final

Published

6 days ago

November 16, 2025

Bona Naija

LIVE: Nigeria vs DR Congo – CAF World Cup Qualifiers Playoff Final

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Nigeria take on the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in a high-stakes showdown in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental playoffs in March.

The clash is being held at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, with kickoff scheduled for 8:00pm local time (19:00 GMT).

Nigeria enter the final with strong momentum after their dominant 4–1 semifinal victory over Gabon on Thursday. Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen was the hero on the night, scoring twice in extra time to push the Super Eagles through after a tense regulation period.

DR Congo booked their spot in the final with a dramatic 1–0 win over Cameroon, thanks to a late strike from captain Chancel Mbemba, who delivered when it mattered most.

Today’s CAF playoff decider is the last hurdle before the intercontinental playoffs—a mini-tournament scheduled for March in Mexico, featuring six teams battling for just two World Cup slots.
With everything on the line, both sides are expected to field their strongest lineups as they chase a pathway to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

More updates to follow LIVE.

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Portugal Qualifies for 2026 World Cup with Dominant 9–1 Win Over Armenia

Published

6 days ago

November 16, 2025

Bona Naija

Portugal qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dominant 9–1 victory over Armenia, featuring hat-tricks from Bruno Fernandes and João Neves.

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Portugal sealed their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in emphatic fashion on Sunday, crushing Armenia 9–1 in their final European qualifier at Estádio do Dragão in Porto.

Bruno Fernandes delivered a man-of-the-match performance, scoring a hat-trick and providing an assist in a game that showcased Portugal’s attacking firepower. Rising star João Neves also stole the spotlight with a brilliant hat-trick of his own, including a stunning free-kick that drew widespread praise online.

Although suspended for the match, captain Cristiano Ronaldo rallied his teammates with an Instagram message calling for unity and focus. His absence did little to slow the momentum, as fans on social media celebrated Portugal’s depth, balance, and emergence of new-generation talents.

The resounding victory secures Portugal’s seventh straight World Cup appearance, reinforcing their status as one of Europe’s most consistent footballing powers as they head toward the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

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Nigeria Beat Gabon After Extra Time to Keep 2026 World Cup Dream Alive

Published

1 week ago

November 13, 2025

Bona Naija

Victor Osimhen Shines as Super Eagles Advance to World Cup Qualifying Final

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked their place in the African World Cup qualifying play-off final after defeating Gabon 4–1 in extra time on Thursday at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria took an early lead through Akor Adams, who calmly finished a flowing move midway through the first half. However, Mario Lemina equalised late in the second half with a deflected strike that sent the game into extra time.

In the added period, substitute Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead before Victor Osimhen delivered a stunning brace to seal an emphatic victory for the three-time African champions.

Osimhen, who had missed a golden opportunity to win the game in stoppage time, redeemed himself with two clinical finishes that underlined his status as one of Africa’s top strikers.

The result sends Nigeria through to the final stage of the African play-offs, where they will face the winner of Cameroon vs DR Congo on Sunday. The victor of that encounter will advance to the intercontinental play-offs in March 2026, keeping hopes alive for a spot at the FIFA World Cup in North America.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles End Boycott, Resume Training for Gabon World Cup Playoff

Published

1 week ago

November 12, 2025

Bona Naija

Super Eagles End Boycott, Resume Training for Gabon World Cup Playoff

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have called off their training boycott in Rabat, Morocco, after resolving a dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over unpaid bonuses and allowances.

The standoff, which began over the weekend, had cast doubt on the team’s preparations for Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against Gabon. Players reportedly refused to train until their outstanding payments were cleared by the federation.

Team captain William Troost-Ekong confirmed late Tuesday that the issue has been settled, allowing the squad to resume full training sessions. “The payments have been made, and the team is fully focused on the task ahead. We appreciate the support of Nigerians and urge everyone to stand behind us,” Ekong said.

Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on ground. Team is UNITED and focussed as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead! 🇳🇬 @NGSuperEagles
— William Troost-Ekong (M.O.N) (@WTroostEkong) November 12, 2025

According to reports, the NFF released funds after a series of emergency meetings with sports ministry officials in Abuja. The settlement came amid ongoing financial challenges within the federation, which has struggled with funding delays and sponsorship shortfalls in recent months.

Head coach Finidi George and his technical crew are now working to restore momentum as the Super Eagles prepare to face a determined Gabonese side at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The match will determine Africa’s final automatic qualification slot for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Nigeria, a three-time African champions and regular World Cup participants, are seeking redemption after missing out on the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The team currently boasts a strong lineup, including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi, all of whom are expected to feature prominently in Thursday’s encounter.

With the payment dispute now behind them, the Super Eagles are refocusing on their mission securing a spot on football’s biggest stage and restoring pride to millions of Nigerian fans.

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