Author: SportsIntel

With three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, Super Eagles seek vital points in their remaining two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, starting with the encounter with the Crocodiles on neutral ground on Friday. The clash is the penultimate matchday of the series, with Nigeria needing all three points and favor from elsewhere to stand in good stead heading into the final matchday, when they host current group leaders Benin Republic at Uyo’s Godswill Akpabio Stadium.  Africa’s best players in the last two years, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, will lead Nigeria’s charge for crucial three…

Nigeria is out of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, after a 4-0 loss to six-time champions Argentina on Wednesday evening. The result helps Argentina avenge the Flying Eagles’ triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago. Alejo Sarco scored first as early as the second minute,  before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box. Nigeria’s penalty appeal didn’t materialize as the referee…

Mati Taiwo is back — and his return to the Nigerian national team couldn’t be more symbolic after nearly three years away. Team Nigeria prepares to defend its men’s team title at the 2025 ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis, starting from October 12th-19th. Mati earned his place on the team through hard work, helping Nigeria secure a men’s team victory, and reached the semifinals in singles at the 2025 West Africa Regional Championships in Lagos. These performances were pivotal to his selection, including the ranking points he garnered at WTT Contender Lagos. Now based in France and playing for league side…

Nigeria’s head coach, Aliyu Zubair, analyzed Flying Eagles’ tactical discipline and mental resilience as the key factors behind their qualification. Nigeria’s U20 secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia on Monday, a result that sealed Nigeria’s passage into the Round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. Zubair Analyzes Flying Eagles’ Qualification According to him, the Flying Eagles went into the encounter fully aware of Colombia’s physical and technical strengths but adapted effectively in the second half to contain their opponents. “We know they’re a physically fit side and very good on the ball, so when we…

Nigeria’s coach, Eric Chelle, adjusts his 23-man World Cup qualifier squad as Nigeria prepares for two decisive World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic. Porto FC Defender Zaidu Sanusi and Crystal Palace midfielder Christantus Uche will replace the injured Cyriel Dessers and Bright Osayi-Samuel. The changes come at a critical point, with Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance. Chelle’s World Cup Qualifier Squad: Question On Selections The first list had only one right-back, and now, Chelle is replacing A left-back to replace the only right-back called up. Also, four midfielders, nine attackers made the list…

Galatasaray earned their first win in the UEFA Champions League when they narrowly defeated Liverpool 1-0 at the Rams Park Stadium. Liverpool conceded an early penalty in the 18th minute of the match after Dominik Szoboszlai fouled Baris Alper Yilmaz inside the 18-yard area. Osimhen Scores Against Liverpool Victor Osimhen coolly converted the penalty afterwards to put Galatasaray 1-0 ahead in the game. The Reds struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half to score the equalizing goal before halftime. Their performance improved significantly in the second period as they saw more of the ball but had a difficult…

Nigeria’s sprinting sensations Kanyisola Ajayi and Okon pursue record, history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo to book their spots in the men’s 100m semifinals. Later this evening in Tokyo, two young Nigerian athletes will compete in the men’s 100m semifinals, hoping to make the final. Ajayi, Okon Pursue Record, History On his World Championships debut, Ajayi produced one of the night’s standout moments, clocking an impressive 9.88s in his heat to smash his Personal Best (PB). Ajayi placed second in his heat behind South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, who also set a new PB of 9.87s, with Jamaica’s…

Nigeria’s Super Eagles walk a tightrope when they face Rwanda in a Group C fixture, which could impact their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier campaign at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo. After six matches played, Nigeria sits in fourth place with seven points. Group leaders South Africa are well ahead on 16 points, while both Rwanda(a single point) and Benin edge the Super Eagles by two points. With only the first-placed team guaranteed direct qualification and the runners-up forced into the playoffs, Saturday’s clash in Uyo is significant for Coach Eric Chelle and his team. Nigeria Vs Rwanda Head-to-Head When…

Alex Iwobi, 11 other players have arrived in Akwa Ibom ahead of the Nigeria vs Rwanda World Cup Qualifier. The Super Eagles will play Rwanda and South Africa to revive their faltering qualification hopes. A win in the two crucial games is important, as Nigeria is ranked fourth in Group A with seven points. Iwobi, 11 Others Arrive Camp In the morning, nine players arrived at the Ikot Ikpenne camp. They are: Alex Iwobi Calvin Bassey Fisayo Dele-Bashiru Ola Aina Bright Osayi-Samuel Moses Simon Chidozie Awaziem Adebayo Adeleye Benjamin Fredericks Subsequently, two more players, Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, arrive before Tuesday…

Super Eagles Coach Eric Sekou Chelle is a man stuck between sack rumours and a herculean task of navigating an all-important FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and away to South Africa. In an interview with Osasu, Chelle exhibited the demeanor of an assured man who is sure of the outcome. Despite the storm behind him, Chelle’s provisional list provides insights into immediate plans and a glimpse of the future Eagles. In the short term, Chelle’s pick includes team captain William Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Olaoluwa Aina and Calvin Bassey, midfielders Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi, forwards Victor…