Zimbabwe head coach, Michael Nees, has boldly declared that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will not qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following their disappointing 1-1 draw against his team in the recent qualifier, Nigeriasoccernet.com gathered.

The Super Eagles took the lead in the 74th minute through Victor Osimhen, but Zimbabwe responded dramatically in stoppage time, as Tawanda Chirewa slotted past Stanley Nwabali to secure a share of the points.

Reacting to the result, Nees questioned Nigeria’s approach, stating:

"If you want to qualify for the World Cup, you must play strategically, use your energy to create chances, and convert them."

The German tactician took a swipe at the 2013 AFCON champions, suggesting that their current position in the qualifiers reflects their true quality.

"To be honest, I am very satisfied with our performance because we really came here to win. You may not believe it, but you saw it. We knew we could outplay Nigeria. As the game went on, the pressure on Nigeria increased, and that motivated us.

"As for now, the World Cup qualification is over for us as well as for Nigeria. Oh, you’re laughing? How many points do you (Nigeria) have? Are you first or second on the table? I came in as Zimbabwe coach in August, assembled these boys, and played a draw in Nigeria."

Group C Standings After Matchday Six

Position

Team

Points

1st

South Africa

13

2nd

Rwanda

8

3rd

Benin

8

4th

Nigeria

7

5th

Lesotho

6

6th

Zimbabwe

4

The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up at the 2023 AFCON, have now won just one of their six qualifiers, leaving their World Cup hopes hanging by a thread. Nigeria must now secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures and hope other results go in their favor to stand any chance of making it to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The two sides head into the encounter with a point separating them and a win paramount in their hearts if they are to hope for qualification.

The Eagles have struggled so far, garnering just 3 points in four matches, finding themselves in 5th position. Nees says can make the situation worse for Nigeria.

“Everybody knows Nigeria are better than their current position and our positions are similar,” the 57-year-old German said on Brila FM.

“For Nigeria to turn things around, they have to perform, but I believe they are beatable in Uyo.”

There was nothing to choose between the two sides when they played in November 2023, where it ended 1-1.

Nigeria will play Zimbabwe four days after traveling to Kigali to play Rwanda at the end of March at the Godswil Akpabio International Stadium.

Uche Dozie

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, made an emphatic start to their 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign, dominating New Zealand with a 4-1 victory in their opening Group A match on Wednesday, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Displaying attacking prowess and defensive strength, the young Nigerian side set the tone for a promising tournament run.

The Flamingos’ goals came from Shakirat Moshood, Khadijat Adegoke, Faridat Abdulwahab, and captain Taiwo Afolabi, who each found the back of the net to secure the impressive result.

New Zealand's lone goal was scored by Hannah Saxon. The match kicked off with early pressure from Nigeria, as Moshood opened the scoring just two minutes in, latching onto a pass before skillfully beating her marker in the box and firing a low left-footed shot into the bottom corner.

Khadijat Adegoke made it 2-0 in the 13th minute with a powerful long-range effort that the New Zealand goalkeeper could not hold onto, resulting in the ball crossing the line despite her attempt to save it. By the 25th minute, the Flamingos had extended their lead to 3-0 through Faridat Abdulwahab, who curled in a stunning shot from outside the box, leaving the New Zealand defense with no chance.

Team captain Taiwo Afolabi sealed the victory with a well-placed header from a precise cross, bringing the score to 4-0. Despite Nigeria’s commanding lead, New Zealand managed to pull one back, as Hannah Saxon capitalized on a corner kick, controlling the ball before striking it past the Flamingos’ keeper with a left-footed shot.

With this strong performance, Nigeria will look to build on their momentum when they face tournament debutants Ecuador in their next Group A fixture on Saturday, October 19.

In other Group A action, the Dominican Republic, who are hosting the tournament, lost 2-0 to face Ecuador.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

Nigeria U-17 Women national team has been placed in Group A for this year's U-17 Women's World Cup in Dominican Republic, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

https://twitter.com/NGSuper_Falcons/status/1804678515746357749?t=L3DtzZX77ffgSEP5sHAVpg&s=19

The Flamingos will compete alongside the hosts, Ecuador, and New Zealand at the official draw which took place on 22 June 2024 at the Monument to Fray Anton de Montesinos in Santo Domingo

The Nigerian Ladies seek to better their bronze medal finish at the 2022 World Cup in India after beating Liberia 6-1 on aggregate in their last qualifying round of matches.

The tournament is scheduled to hold from 16 October to 3 November, 2024 as the Flamingos kick start their campaign against New Zealand on 16 October.

Uche Dozie

With the matchday 5 clash between Nigeria and Rwanda the next in the ongoing FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Rwanda coach Horsten Frank has decided to consult former Super Eagles and current Benin Republic coach Genort Rohr on how he masterminded an historic win over the Super Eagles some days back, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.

Rohr led Benin Republic to their first ever win against Nigeria on the 10th of June, 2024 at the Stade Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, in Ivory Coast, to move joint top of group C of the qualifying standings after 4 games played.

Rwanda who currently tops the table on goal difference will host the Eagles in Group C, matchday five of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in March 2025, and ahead of that, coach Horsten Frank have began the process that could earn him and his team a win over Nigeria.

"I’m very sure we will have a phone call before, maybe two or three, and if he can tell me something, I will be stupid not to take it," Horsten Frank told Brila FM.

“For that we will try to be in contact if possible we can help each other, for sure we will do it,“ he said about Genort Rohr.

With only the group winners expected to qualify directly to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada, Horsten Frank will hope he can lead Rwanda to their first ever World Cup finals, and that chances will be boosted with a win against Nigeria.

Oluwayemi Omolagba

The head of the the Squirrels of Benin Republic has unveiled 25-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Nigeria, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Rohr, a former coach of the Super Eagles, has invited three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and seven attackers.

On the list are two players of Nigerian root, Tosin Ayegun of FC Lorient and Samson Akinyoola who plays for Zamalek SC.

The Squirrels will face both Group C leaders, Rwanda and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on Thursday, June 6 and Monday June 10 respectively.

Aside Akinyoola, Karim Rahman and Romaric Amoussou are the other newly invited players into the team.

Benin Republic, currently winless in Group C, need victories in these fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

World football governing body, FIFA has announced that the under 17 World Cup for men and women will now hold annually, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decision was taken at the FIFA Council meeting held virtually from Zurich, Switzerland on Thursday.

It was confirmed that Qatar will host the next five editions of the expanded 48-team FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Likewise, Morocco will host the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, which has been expanded to 24 teams, annually from 2025-2029.

"This followed a global call for expressions of interest in hosting both competitions, with a focus on leveraging the use of existing footballing infrastructure in the interest of tournament efficiencies and sustainability."

Uche Dozie 

Argentina will now host the FIFA U20 World Cup this year, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

This is coming with months to the tournament after the earlier scheduled host Indonesia were stripped off the hosting rights due to their political intolerance of Israel who qualified for the first time in their history.

Announcing the new host FIFA wrote: “FIFA is delighted to announce that this year's edition of the FIFA U-20 World Cup will take place in Argentina, as the home of the world champions opens its doors to the tomorrow’s superstars of world football,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“I would like to thank the AFA and particularly its President Claudio Tapia, as well as the governmental authorities, for their commitment to hosting this magnificent event at such short notice.

[caption id="attachment_735522" align="alignnone" width="300"] FIFA President Gianni Infantino hands over the trophy to 2017 champions, England[/caption]

“The U-20 World Cup plays a key role in FIFA’s efforts to promote youth football across the world. Since 1977, this tournament has featured some of the greatest players of the past decades, including Diego Armando Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Erling Haaland and many others. Having this year’s edition taking place in a country that lives and breathes football will be a tremendous inspiration for the stars of tomorrow.”

Argentina has won the most FIFA Under 20 World Cup titles 6 times, while the Brazil has won the youth championship titles 5th times.

The Flying Eagles will be playing in the FIFA U20 World Cup for the 13th time this year.

They finished runners up twice and won the bronze once.

By Oluwayemi Omolagba

The Trophy has already left FIFA’s headquarters and been to several countries, and will arrive in Nigeria, one of only seven countries to have taken part in every edition of the competition, on Saturday evening. The Trophy will make its way to all the 32 countries taking part in this year’s finals, with Nigeria being the ninth stop on the game-changing global tour.

Since world football’s governing body, FIFA, launched the women’s flagship tournament 32 years ago, only Nigeria, USA, Norway, Germany, Brazil, Japan and Sweden have played in every edition. All seven nations will again be on display at the ninth FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand from 20th July to 20th August this year.

The one-month championship Down Under will be the biggest in the history of the competition, as it welcomes 32 teams – the same number as featured in the men’s World Cup in Qatar late last year.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup was launched as a 12-team tournament in China in 1991, and stayed on that number for the championship in Sweden in 1995. It became a 16-nation tournament in the USA in 1999 and 2003 and was also the same number for China in 2007 and Germany in 2011. It became a 24-team tournament in Canada in 2015 and remained that way at the last competition in France in 2019.

Only four countries have won the glittering trophy: USA, Germany, Norway and Japan. USA have been victorious on four occasions and Germany have lifted it twice. Japan and Norway were champions once each.

Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Zambia will fly Africa’s flag in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, with nine-time African champions Nigeria already slotted into Group B which will also feature co-hosts Australia, Republic of Ireland and Canada.

The Super Falcons will play their first match at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup against Canada at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium on Friday, 21 July 2023.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy will be on display at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja from 12 noon on Sunday, with a photo session planned for a number of invited guests.

Before the display, the FIFA team will pay a courtesy visit to the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare in his office at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

NFF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT

The FIFA World Cup trophy tour will be in  Nigeria in the month of March according to pieces of information gathered by Nigeriasoccernet.com on Thursday.

The event which last happened in 2019 in Abuja will take place on the 26th of March, 2023 as Nigerian fans will have the opportunity to see the world cup.

The event seeks to encourage people of all ages to be inspired to get excited about the FIFA Women's World Cup tournament set to hold in Australia and New Zealand.

The trophy will go around the 32 Nations that will be taking part in this year's global showpiece.

The tour’s Skills Drills will encourage women and girls worldwide to join the celebration by showcasing their footballing ability and creativity.

Countries like Colombia, Costa Rica, Denmark, Morocco, the Philippines, the Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Vietnam, and Zambia who would be participating for the time in the world cup will be visited.

Uche Dozie

The President-General, Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), Dr Rafiu Ladipo, has thrown his weight behind Africa's only remaining team in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Morocco to go ahead and win the World Cup.

Ladipo says it is Africa's time and he is not surprised that the North African team has reached this height of the semi finals.

He says following Brazil Legend, Pele's prediction of an African nation winning the illustrious title one day, this may just be the time and year for Africa.

"Yes I am happy today that Morocco is playing semi final against France. I believe, this is Africa's time. Morocco will surely go into the final. It's after getting into the final that will be talking about the cup. He told AM Metro FM Sport this Wednesday in an interview monitored by nigeriasoccernet.com.

He asked if he was not surprised that Morocco made it this far, the astute Nigeria football stakeholder replied "I'm not surprised because I actually believe this is Africa's year. Pele said it sometime that one day an African nation will win the World Cup maybe this is the year, so I'm not surprised. When Pele said it everybody was thinking of Nigeria, but unfortunately we are not there. We can't be crying over spilt milk, an African country is there. I believe Morocco will do well today." He enthused.

Morocco made history becoming the first Africa country to reach the semi finals of the World Cup in Qatar after beating one of tournament favourites, Portugal by a lone goal in the round of 8.

The Lions of Morocco had finished top of their pool becoming the African team to achieve that feat after 24 years.

They have a date with history as they play defending Champions, France for another possible history making feat on Wednesday night.

Uche Dozie

Morocco on Tuesday evening became the fifth African team to have ever reached quarterfinals of the World Cup after defeating the 2010 champions Spain 3-0 on penalties after a goals 120 minutes.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have not conceded a direct goal from any other their opposition at the World Cup except for an own goal in their last group stage against Canada.

Morocco after victory, got the deserved praise from former Nigerian international Austin Okocha claiming “it takes a lot of courage to defend” against a team like Spain.

“Well deserve, it takes a lot of courage to defend like that for over 120 minutes without loosing focus, without loosing concentration.

“They deserve a bit of luck at the end of the day because penalty can go either ways. Congratulations to them.”

Morocco will now play Portugal in the quarterfinals after the Selecao defeated Switzerland 6-1.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun 

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has nothing but praise for his team who should resilience despite failing to monster a shot on target in all of their six attempts.

“I can't really blame the team, they did a good job today, and had good control over a very good Brazil team for some time." Coach Yakin told reporters.

"We lacked courage in attack to a certain extent. Congratulations to Brazil, but with a little more luck we could have done more.”

A win in their game against Serbia would guarantee progress while a draw would also be enough unless Cameroon pull off a shock win over Brazil, which would then mean goal difference would come into play.

By Olujimi Dare Ogun

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The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has revealed the mascot for the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Tazuni, a fun, football-loving penguin was unveiled on Tuesday October 18 as the Official Mascot of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 202, capturing the spirit of an event that will go Beyond Greatness.

Based on the ‘Eudyptula minor’ species endemic to Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia, Tazuni is the perfect representative of the host region and will help to bring the excitement of the highly anticipated tournament to a new generation of fans.

Streetwise and confident, Tazuni stands out from the crowd thanks to her signature blue tuft of hair. Her name is a fusion of ‘Tasman Sea’ – which she calls home – and ‘unity’, a key value of the event.

The 15-year-old, who plays in midfield, falls in love with football after joining in with a group of kids playing a game on the beach.

Her footballing dreams come true when one evening she gazes up to see fireworks explode overhead coming from a nearby stadium. The kids from the beach hand over a personalised football kit, and she confidently strides into the stadium to showcase her talents.

Tazuni will become an important symbol for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand, appearing on official tournament merchandise and media platforms, as well as in real life in community activities ahead of the event.

FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura said: “Today’s announcement is a major milestone on the road to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia & New Zealand. Tazuni stands for everything which makes the Women’s World Cup unique, and her story will resonate with millions of young fans around the world.

“We look forward to her playing a starring role in the tournament and helping to inspire the next generation as we continue to take women’s football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Beyond Greatness.”

Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer said: “Tazuni is the perfect mascot for this tournament, exemplifying all that is positive about the biggest women’s football event ever staged, and our sport-obsessed host nations who are ready to welcome the world.

“Like millions of youngsters worldwide, football is how Tazuni expresses herself, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 will provide inspiration for a new generation of football fans and participants from across the globe.”

Tazuni’s first live appearance will be in Auckland/T?maki Makaurau at the tournament’s Draw on 22 October. Fans can watch the Draw, and Tazuni, live from 7.30 pm (NZT) on FIFA+ and on SKY Sport and Prime in Aotearoa New Zealand, and Optus Sport in Australia.

Source: FIFA Media

Hundreds of Ghanaian football fans flocked to the Accra Polo grounds on Sunday to watch the FIFA World Cup trophy which has been displayed for public viewing.

Chants and cheers were heard among the crowd as some fans took pictures of the trophy to express their excitement.

"I am really happy to see the World Cup trophy live and believe the cup will return to Ghana," Isaac Addo, a Ghanaian football fan said.

Emelda Nutifafa, another football fan, said," It is a great feeling to see the World Cup trophy here in Ghana."

The 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy is currently in the West African Nation on a tour and has France 1998 World Cup winner, David Trezeguet headlining the event.

The FIFA World Cup trophy arrived in Ghana on Saturday and is currently on a two-day tour.

Ghana will join Cameroon, Senegal, Morocco, and Tunisia to represent the continent at the World Cup in Qatar this year.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup will begin on November 20 and the final game will be played on December 18.

The 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy landed in Ghana on Saturday morning for a tour ahead of the global showpiece in Qatar later this year.

Ghana Football Association officials and the Youth and Sports Minister, Yusif Mustapha were all at the Kotoka International Airport to meet the entourage from FIFA.

The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola invites football fans to view the most iconic symbol in football and experience the real magic of the world’s largest, most anticipated sporting event.

The one-and-only, solid-gold Original FIFA World Cup Trophy, the same trophy presented by FIFA to the team winning the FIFA World Cup, will be on display for fans around the world to see.

The trophy will be received by his Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, President of The Republic of Ghana. A consumer event will also be organized on the second day at the Accra Polo Court.

David Trezeguet, the FIFA Legend who won FIFA World Cup in 1998 will be accompanying the trophy during the two days of activities in Ghana.

Ghana secured qualification to the World Cup at the expense of Nigeria after a two-legged playoff game.

The Black Stars who are returning to the Mundial for the fourth time have been housed in Group H and will open their campaign against Portugal on November 24 at Stadium 974 in Doha.

Four days later, the Black Stars return to action with a clash with South Korea at the Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan.

Ghana will wrap up its group stage adventure with its much-anticipated encounter with Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium in Al Wakrah.

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere has invited 35 players to camp as the U17 Girls National Team, Flamingos commence preparations for the 7th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup taking place in India in the month of October.

Team captain Alvine Dah-Zossu, first choice goalkeeper Faith Omilana, regular defenders Miracle Usani, Blessing Sunday, Comfort Folorunsho and Tumininu Adeshina, midfielders Blessing Emmanuel and Taiwo Afolabi, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye and Aminat Bello are among those told to report at the Serob Legacy Hotel, Wuye, Abuja on Tuesday 30th August 2022 with their training kits, medical certificate of fitness and international passport.

The Flamingos conquered the challenges of Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt and Ethiopia to qualify for this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, winning five of their six matches in the process.

The 7th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in India 11th – 30th October 2022.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Linda Jiwuaku (Confluence Queens); Jessica Chikamso (Rivers Angels); Uchechi Onyechere (Heartland Queens); Comfort Erhabor (UK-based)

Defenders: Miracle Usani (Abia Angels); Tumininu Adeshina (Naija Ratels); Iniobong Umanah (Nasarawa Amazons); Olamide Oyinlola (Naija Ratels); Confidence Nwora (Nasarawa Amazons); Comfort Folorunsho (Delta Queens); Mamuzo Edafe (Rivers Angels); Immaculate Effiong (Abia Angels); Ekezie Onyedikachi (Heartland Queens); Blessing Sunday (Edo Queens); Marylin Essien (Rivers Angels)

Midfielders: Alima Alasse (IFK Goteborg, Sweden); Bisola Mosaku (Kazeem Eletu Queens); Blessing Emmanuel (Naija Ratels); Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Mary Aderemi (Bayelsa Queens); Chidera Okenwa (Abia Angels)

Forwards: Daniella Alali (LA Galaxy, USA); Tolulope Adubairo (Arsenal Women, England); Amarachi Ndudim (Abia Angels); Mary Lucky (Heartland Queens); Edidiong Etimi (Bayelsa Queens); Ijeoma Onweagba (Ibom Angels); Odinaka Odoh (Honey Badgers); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens); Aminat Bello (Naija Ratels); Alvine Dah-Zossu (Osun Babes); Kafayat Bashiru (Bayelsa Queens); Yetunde Ayantosho (Osun Babes); Udeme Ukoh (Ibom Angels).

Source: NFF

Super Falcons’ captain, Onome Ebi has declared that the nine-time African champions are fully focused on the twin objectives of winning a ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals and retaining their Women Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco next month.

Cup holders Nigeria and 11 other countries will contend for the coveted Women AFCON trophy in the North African kingdom between 2nd – 23rd July, and all four semi-finalists are guaranteed berths in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup – the biggest ever in the history of the women’s game that will be staged in Australia and New Zealand a year on.

“We are aware of the intense competition that is going to play out there in Morocco. We have no illusions. Women’s football has continued to grow in a lot of other African nations, faster than anyone can imagine. So, there will be nothing like under-rating any team. All the teams will be upbeat about their chances and winning tickets to the World Cup.

“On our part, as defending champions, we know our strengths. We know what we have to bring to the pitch to conquer. The wise thing always is to take it one match at a time. We go up first against the Banyana, and then we have to face the challenges of Botswana and Burundi. Then, the knock-out rounds. World Cup ticket is paramount, but we also want to retain our trophy.”

Nigeria have won nine of the 11 championships contested so far, done every other year since 1998, except for the 2020 edition that was obliterated by the coronavirus pandemic.

Ebi, who has played in five FIFA World Cup finals since the United States of America in 2003, was among 19 early arrivals as the training camp commenced in Abuja on Thursday.

The 19 early birds have now been joined by four others, and four more are expected as the team prepares to depart the country next weekend for Morocco.