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.

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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Nigeria’s U-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, have emerged champions of the 2025 WAFU Zone B U-20 Girls Cup, following an emphatic 3–0 victory over Ghana’s Black Princesses at the Stade Omnisports d’Adjohoun in Benin Republic on Tuesday.

The result marks sweet revenge for the Falconets, who lost to Ghana on penalties in the maiden edition of the tournament two years ago.

Goals from Akekoromowei, Alaba Olabiyi, and Ramotalahi Kareem sealed the title for the Nigerian girls, who dominated the final from start to finish.

Akekoromowei opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a powerful long-range free-kick, before Olabiyi doubled the advantage six minutes later. Despite the comfortable lead, the Falconets maintained their attacking momentum, pressing high and controlling possession.

In the second half, Kareem connected beautifully with an Akekoromowei cross around the 60th minute to make it 3–0 her third goal of the tournament tying her with Akekoromowei at the top of the scorers’ chart.

The win gives Nigeria a perfect record of nine points from three matches, while Ghana finished with six points. The Falconets will face host nation Benin Republic in their final group game a formality, as the title has already been secured.

With the WAFU crown now in their cabinet, the Falconets will turn their attention to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, where they are set to face Senegal in February 2026.

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A Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) game between Barau FC and Katsina United ended in violence on Saturday after a Barau FC player, Nana Abraham, was stabbed in the neck by a pitch invader at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.

Confirming the incident, Ahmad Gwale, Barau FC’s Director of Media Operations, said the shocking attack occurred shortly after the visitors equalised in the 69th minute of the match, which ended 1–1.

“One person from the Katsina United bench or one of their fans invaded the pitch and struck Abraham on the neck,” Gwale explained.

The game was temporarily halted following the assault but later resumed after the injured player was substituted. Abraham was immediately rushed for medical treatment, and the club says he is currently responding to care.

This incident adds to a growing concern over violence and poor security in Nigerian football. It comes just months after Plateau United striker, Vincent Temitope, was similarly stabbed in the neck by a fan during a league game at the Lafia City Stadium in Nasarawa.

Barau FC has called on NPFL authorities to investigate the attack and take urgent steps to ensure player safety in future fixtures.

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Super Eagles Head Coach Finidi Chelle has announced a 24-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial Africa 2026 FIFA World Cup Play-Offs, with the team’s captain William Troost-Ekong leading a strong lineup.

The list, released early Saturday, features top stars including Victor Osimhen, Stanley Nwabali, Calvin Bassey, and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Also returning to the fold are Maduka Okoye and Chidera Ejuke, while Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ademola Lookman maintain their places in the squad.

The Super Eagles will face Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat, Morocco, on Thursday, November 13, while Cameroon take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other semi-final at the El-Barid Stadium.

Defender Oluwasemilogo Ajayi will miss the Gabon tie due to suspension, having accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers.

Chelle’s men are expected to arrive in Rabat on November 10 from their various clubs across Europe and Africa.

Full List of Invited Super Eagles Players

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Maduka Okoye (Udinese, Italy).

Defenders:
William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium).

Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham, England); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Simon Moses (Paris FC, France); Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, Spain); Tolu Arokodare (Wolverhampton, England); Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain); Olakunle Olusegun (Pari Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

Match Information

• Fixture: Nigeria 🇳🇬 vs Gabon 🇬🇦
• Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-Offs
• Venue: Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, Rabat (Capacity: 22,000)
• Date: Thursday, November 13, 2025

Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi has been named in Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Best XI after a record-breaking season amid reports linking him with a potential four-month loan move to Turkish side Galatasaray during the 2026 World Cup break.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner enjoyed a remarkable campaign, scoring a league-high 29 goals and providing 19 assists, becoming only the second player in MLS history to top both charts in a single season. His performances guided Inter Miami to one of their best-ever league finishes and earned him recognition as one of MLS’s standout players.

Messi was joined in attack by Denis Bouanga of Los Angeles FC and Anders Dreyer of San Diego FC, while Minnesota United’s Dayne St. Clair was named Goalkeeper of the Year and included in the Best XI alongside defenders Tristan Blackmon (Vancouver), Alex Freeman (Orlando City), and Philadelphia Union’s Jakob Glesnes and Kai Wagner.

In midfield, Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Evander (FC Cincinnati), and Cristian Roldan (Seattle Sounders) completed the elite lineup, with six players St. Clair, Blackmon, Freeman, Roldan, Berhalter, and Dreyer earning their first ever Best XI selections.

Meanwhile, reports from Turkish media suggest that Galatasaray are exploring a short-term loan deal for Messi during the MLS off-season, which coincides with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His representatives have reportedly proposed the arrangement, with Galatasaray said to be willing to cover his €10 million salary to bolster their UEFA Champions League campaign.

Neither Galatasaray, Inter Miami, nor Messi’s camp have issued official comments regarding the speculation. The Argentine star, who extended his Inter Miami contract through 2028, appears focused on maintaining top form as he continues to make history in American soccer.

Source: AFP / Turkish Media Reports

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