Brighton & Hove Albion Women have congratulated goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on her nomination for the 2025 Ballon d'Or Yachine Trophy, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nnadozie is one of five goalkeepers nominated for the award, marking her first-ever nomination for the individual honor.

The 24-year-old's impressive performances for Paris FC earned her the recognition. Nnadozie played a key role in Paris FC's Coupe de France Féminine win in May.

The Confederation of African Football, CAF with the picture of the African champions holding her Golden Glove on her head wrote on X, "when your saves speaks,the world listens. Chiamaka Nnadozie taka a bow."

Brighton took to social media to celebrate Nnadozie's achievement, congratulating her on her well-deserved nomination.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have arrived in Abuja after their triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The team, led by their players and officials, touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday afternoon.

To celebrate their record-extending 10th WAFCON title, the Super Falcons will hold a trophy parade through key areas of the Federal Capital Territory, including Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama, and Wuse Market.

Later in the day, the team will be honored by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, following their thrilling 3-2 victory over Morocco's Atlas Lionesses in the tournament final.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has abolished the Niger Delta Ministry and the Ministry of Sports Development, in a significant restructuring of the government, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

This decision was made during a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, announced the changes on his official X handle.

According to Onanuga, "there will now be a Ministry of Regional Development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission."

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Additionally, the Ministry of Tourism will merge with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy. The National Sports Commission will take over the responsibilities of the Ministry of Sports Development.

Onanuga stated that the National Sports Commission will assume the role of the Ministry of Sports henceforth.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Fourteen players have now reported to the Super Eagles camp in Uyo, as the team prepares for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Benin Republic and Rwanda, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, and Frank Onyeka were the latest arrivals, joining the eleven who arrived yesterday.

The remaining nine players are expected to arrive later today, completing the squad for the upcoming matches.

The Super Eagles will hold their first training session tonight at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium's practice pitch, with the media and fans invited to attend.

The team is gearing up for a crucial qualifying campaign, and coach Augustine Eguavoen will be looking to fine-tune his squad's preparations ahead of the fixtures.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, will arrive in Uyo on Wednesday ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The contingent, including players, backroom staff, and officials from the South African Football Association (SAFA), will travel on a chartered aircraft.

They will be accommodated at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene.

With eight of the Super Eagles players still stranded in lago due to the national strike, it remains to be seen how the Nigeria Football Federation plan to convey the Hugo Broos' squad from Lagos to Uyo.

Thee fixture is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Nigeria’s Super Eagle Legend, Daniel Amokachi, has expressed optimism about the future of African football, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking in Zanzibar, where he is attending the CAF African Schools Football Champions Continental Finals as a CAF Legend, Amokachi shared his positive outlook.

The draw for the four-day tournament, set to take place at the Amaan Stadium from May 21 to 24, occurred on Sunday.

Amokachi, who also served as a commentator and analyst at the recent TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, praised the growth of African football.

He highlighted the significance of the CAF African Schools Football Championship in promoting the sport's development across the continent.

“One has to commend the scale of this event. You are talking about over 800,000 learners participating across Africa. Also, the prize money involved will help in the development of school sport and development in Africa.” Amokachi told the media.

“Such competitions contribute significantly to the growth of football in Africa, and as many witnessed at the recent AFCON, African football is on an exciting rise across all sectors. Having a strong foundation such as this tournament can only benefit African football,” said the new Super Eagles assistant coach.

The CAF African Schools Football Championship, the first of its kind in world football, features boys and girls under 15 competing internationally.

The tournament also offers unique self-development skills and knowledge through its capacity-building initiatives.

The Nigeria Football Federation has revealed plans for a groundbreaking Football Awards set to recognize and reward outstanding players and coaches within the Nigerian football sphere on a monthly basis, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Designed to stimulate positive discourse surrounding Nigerian football both domestically and internationally, the Awards will debut with seven categories, spotlighting the contributions of players and coaching personnel across various aspects of the sport.

In addition to celebrating individual excellence, the NFF Awards will offer valuable sponsorship opportunities, providing companies and organizations with avenues to support the growth and sustainability of Nigerian football.

Emphasizing the celebration of achievements and industry-wide successes, the initiative aims to engage fans meaningfully, elevate Nigerian football on the global platform, and ensure ongoing dialogue about the sport's development.

The NFF anticipates that the Awards, alongside the ensuing discussions online and offline, will significantly contribute to revitalizing the country's domestic leagues and cultivating increased interest from the private sector.

More information on the Awards, including categories, nomination procedures, and the launch date, will be unveiled in the upcoming weeks.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Super Eagles defender, William Troost-Ekong, has disclosed the team's desire for Jose Peseiro is to continue leading the national team, although the player remain in the dark of the gaffer’s decision, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Peseiro, whose contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expired after the Africa Cup of Nations, has garnered interest from the Algeria Football Federation, leaving his status with the Nigerian team in limbo.

Despite the speculation, the 63-year-old tactician steered the Super Eagles to a commendable second-place finish at the 2023 biennial competition.

Troost-Ekong, in an exclusive interview with CNN World Sports' Amanda Davies, revealed the players' hope for Peseiro's contract extension, citing their satisfaction with his leadership and the significant progress made under his guidance.

"Yes. I think the players are happy with him. Reaching the final is something significant and also something we can build on," Troost-Ekong stated, reflecting the team's sentiment towards Peseiro's tenure.

While awaiting clarity on Peseiro's decision, Troost-Ekong revealed his uncertainty about the coach's plans, echoing the players' eagerness to welcome him back to continue their journey together.

“However, on what he had in mind, I did try to ask him before we left and he said he’s going to call me back. I think I’m just as much in the dark as you guys are but I think all the players would be happy to see him back.” Ekong added as per Daily Post.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Luton Town forward, Elijah Adebayo, has voiced his aspiration to represent Nigeria's national team, the Super Eagles, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Born in Brent, England, to Nigerian parents, the 26-year-old striker is eligible to play for both Nigeria and England at the international level.

Expressing his desire to don Nigeria's green and white jersey, Adebayo emphasized the significance it holds for his family, particularly his mother. In an interview with The Times, he stated, "I would like to play for Nigeria,”

Acknowledging his dual eligibility, Adebayo indicated that representing either Nigeria or England would be a source of pride for his family, but Nigeria holds a special place in his heart.

“It would make my mum happy, make her proud. That’s something we’ve spoken about.

“Playing for England? It would be a case of whichever comes first. My mum would be proud if I played for Nigeria or England, but Nigeria especially.”

With nine goals in 23 league appearances for Luton Town this season, Adebayo's form has drawn attention, raising hopes for a potential call-up to the Super Eagles in the future.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Napoli's forward, Victor Osimhen, is poised to make his return to the club later this week, following Nigeria's 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Serie A champions have been without their top striker since early January and have indeed missed his presence in the team.

Italian news website, Football Italia claimed Osimhen will arrive back in Naples either on Friday or Saturday.

It remains uncertain whether he will feature in Serie A action against Genoa this weekend, with caretaker manager Walter Mazzarri possibly opting to reintegrate him into the squad for the upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona next Wednesday.

Osimhen although, scored one goal in seven of the cup matches but his talismanic display was crucial to Nigeria’s successful route to the final.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

With the final between the Super Eagles of  Nigeria and the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire almost at the corner, legendary football manager, Jose Mourihno has put his unwavering support behind Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Both Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire already played in the group stage with the three time champions prevailing 1-0.

Mourihno claim revealed that Jose Peseiro (the Eagles head coach) has been is his best friend relishing their time in the university days and how he wished the 63 year-old become the first Portuguese coach to win the African Cup of Nations.

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“My best friend in football is in the final. The Nigerian coach is my best friend. He grew up with me. We studied together, we went to the university together, the same day.” Mourihno said in an interview with FootballFive

“We spent five years together every day. We left the same he’s probably my biggest friend in football, Jose (Peseiro) is my big friend. And for him, a huge opportunity to make history because never has a Portuguese coach won the African cup.”

The high-stakes final of the 2023 African Cup of Nations is scheduled to kick off at 9:00 pm on Sunday, February 11, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Watford forward, Emmanuel Dennis speaks confidently of the Super Eagles lifting the Africa Cup of Nations with  Ivorian club teammate, Vakoun Bayo boosting of the quality in the Eagles team, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire will clash in the final at the Alssanne Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday and both Dennis have cordially declared their loyalty for their representative national team.

While Bayo claim the Elephants will literally match the with their weight, Dennis opposed in the short video saying, “eagles fly, are not evening gonna see us.”

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Nigeria prior to the final defeated Côte d’Ivoire 1-0 in the group stage of the competition.

The host nation have won the tournament twice while Nigeria will be fighting their fourth on Sunday by 9pm.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Super Eagles' head coach, Jose Peseiro, has lavished praise on Ahmed Musa for his exemplary leadership qualities and selfless dedication to the team's cause, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Despite not featuring on the pitch during the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire, Musa's impact as captain has been lauded by Peseiro.

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In a media interaction ahead of the AFCON final, Peseiro highlighted Musa's invaluable contributions behind the scenes, emphasizing his role in fostering unity and morale within the squad.

“Musa is an important player for us, even if he hasn't played any game. He has not complained or caused any problems," Peseiro remarked.

The coach emphasized Musa's readiness to offer support and guidance to his teammates, drawing from his wealth of experience and previous AFCON campaigns.

“He is the star of the team and commands a lot of respect from his teammates," Peseiro added.

Despite his absence on the field, Musa's influence off the pitch underscores the significance of leadership beyond performance metrics, as the Super Eagles aim for glory in the AFCON final.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

Ivory Coast's forward, Sebastian Haller, asserts the Elephants' determination to retaliate their earlier loss to Nigeria during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Despite their prior 1-0 defeat to the Super Eagles, Haller expresses Ivory Coast's resolute quest for revenge and clinching the trophy this time.

“We are playing the final against Nigeria. It is a great nation. It is heavy. They beat us in the group stage," Haller conveyed to BeIn SPORTS.

“But we are already motivated to go and lift the trophy on Sunday in this stadium in front of the Ivorian people. We have revenge to take on Nigeria."

The highly anticipated clash is scheduled to commence at 9 PM at Alhassan Quattara, Ebimpe, Abidjan on Sunday.

 By Olujimi Dare Ogun

On Friday, Flamingos will clash in the return leg against Central African Republic, with the Confederation of African Football having appointed Moroccan official Zakia El Grini as the referee, while her compatriots Ihsane Nouajli, Karima Khadiri and Sabah Sadir will serve as assistant 1, assistant 2 and fourth official respectively, Nigeriasoccernet.com can confirm.

Naa Odofoley Nortey from Ghana will be in the role of commissioner. The match will kick off at 4pm at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

Both teams clashed in Douala, Cameroon last Sunday in the second round, first leg of the African qualification series for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, with the Flamingos running away with a 6-0 win. Douala has been ‘home ground’ for national football teams of Central African Republic for some years now as there is no stadium in that country approved for international matches.

Harmony Chidi and Shakirat Moshood got a brace each, with Prisca Nwachukwu and Edidiong Etim also on the scoresheet at the Stade de la Reunification.

By Olaleye Oluwadamilola

South Africa's goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, has expressed unwavering confidence in his team's defensive prowess, asserting that containing the threat posed by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Moses Simon will pose no significant challenge, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Speaking at a pre-match press briefing on Tuesday ahead of Nigeria's showdown with South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal, Williams emphasized the capability of the South African backline to handle the attacking trio.

Nigeria's Lookman has been in fine form, scoring three goals in the tournament, with Osimhen netting once and securing a crucial penalty in their hard-fought victory over Ivory Coast. Simon, too, has left his mark, forcing an own goal against Equatorial Guinea.

The Bafana Bafana captain's remarks come on the back of a defensive masterclass from South Africa, who have kept four consecutive clean sheets in the tournament.

When quizzed about the prospect of facing Nigeria's formidable attackers, Williams affirmed, "Definitely. We are looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be tough but we’ve been facing similar players throughout the tournament and I think our defence has been rock solid."

He further highlighted the collective effort of the team in defensive duties, acknowledging the crucial role played by the strikers in supporting the defensive line.

"Our back four has been amazing throughout the tournament so we know it’s going to be a tough challenge but one that we are looking forward to," Williams added, exuding confidence ahead of the crucial semifinal encounter.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

In preparation for their highly anticipated semi-final showdown against South Africa, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has implemented a crucial change to his starting line-up, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Left-wing back Zaidu Sanusi, sidelined due to injury, makes way for Fenerbahce sensation Bright Osayi-Samuel, who steps into the starting eleven.

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen again picks up a starting shirt despite injuring fears.

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Additionally, Ola Aina assumes the left-wing back role, while William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, and Semi Ajayi fortify the central defense.

In midfield, the dynamic duo of Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi are tasked once again with orchestrating the team's play in what is suspected to be a 3-4-3 formation.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

South Africa's defensive stalwart, Grant Kekana, has asserted the unwavering commitment of Bafana Bafana as they gear up for a decisive 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final showdown against Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Mamelodi Sundowns defender shared his thoughts in anticipation of Wednesday's highly anticipated clash at the Stade de la Paix, Bouaké.

Following a hard-fought 2-1 penalty shootout victory over Cape Verde, South Africa has earned their place in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a formidable encounter with the Super Eagles.

Acknowledging the impending challenge, Kekana emphasized that Wednesday's clash is poised to be South Africa's most formidable test in the ongoing AFCON.

Addressing reporters in the mixed zone, Kekana acknowledged Nigeria's wealth of quality players and their commendable journey in the tournament.

“Obviously it’s another tough opponent. We know Nigeria has a lot of quality players, we know they’ve done well to also get this far but we believe in ourselves.” Kekana said.

Despite the tough opposition, he conveyed the team's self-belief, outlining their proactive approach to strategizing and expressing confidence in securing a positive result against Nigeria through meticulous planning.

“We are going to go to the drawing board, plan accordingly and give ourselves a chance of getting a positive result against them.”

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

In a noteworthy development, the Super Eagles have amassed an impressive $2.5 million in prize money after successfully progressing to the semi-final stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed a substantial 40% increase in prize funds just before the commencement of the tournament.

It's crucial to distinguish this prize money from the bonuses and allowances disbursed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to the players.

As the competition intensifies, the stakes are undeniably high, with the overall AFCON winner set to claim a substantial $7 million, while the runners-up will not leave empty-handed, securing $4 million.

In the upcoming semi-final clash, Nigeria is poised to face the formidable Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, this Wednesday.

The quarterfinalists, who gave a commendable performance, will each be awarded $1.3 million, while the teams that advanced from the Round of 16 will receive a respectable $800,000.

The financial rewards add an extra layer of excitement to the thrilling football spectacle unfolding on the African continent.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

South Africa's head coach, Hugo Broos, asserts that his team won't be burdened by pressure as they approach the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against Nigeria this Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Despite a hard-fought quarter-final victory against Cape Verde, marking their first semi-final appearance in 24 years, Broos is optimistic about his team's mindset.

Following a penalty shootout where goalkeeper Ronwen Williams showcased his skills with four crucial saves, Broos shared his perspective during the post-match press conference, stating, as reported by France24: "It is maybe bizarre for me to say that, but for us, our AFCON has already been a success.

“We are in the semi-finals. Nobody thought we would do that when we left South Africa to come here."

Broos emphasized the reduced pressure on his team, expressing certainty about the upcoming clash with Nigeria.

He clarified, "There will be less pressure on us when we face Nigeria; I am certain of that. That doesn’t mean we don’t want to play the final, certainly not."

The encounter is set to take place at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake, on Wednesday night.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun