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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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 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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