Osimhen Brace Revives Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes with Crucial 2-0 Win Over Rwanda
Yahoo News

Osimhen Brace Revives Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup Hopes with Crucial 2-0 Win Over Rwanda

The win in Kigali ended Nigeria’s winless run in the qualifiers and marked the country’s first away goals against Rwanda in nearly 20 years. Prior to the match, Nigeria was fifth in Group C, five points behind the automatic qualification spot, intensifying pressure to secure a victory. Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes received a major boost as the Super Eagles defeated Rwanda 2-0 on matchday five, thanks to a brilliant brace from Victor Osimhen.

Super Eagles Fall to Rwanda 2-1 in Nations Cup Qualifier, Coach Eguavoen Makes Seven Changes.
 Premium Times

Super Eagles Fall to Rwanda 2-1 in Nations Cup Qualifier, Coach Eguavoen Makes Seven Changes.

The match saw Nigeria's team heavily rotated, with Coach Augustine Eguavoen making seven changes to the lineup that drew 1-1 against Benin last Thursday in Côte d'Ivoire. Rwanda’s victory was crucial as they finished third in Group D, tied on points with Benin but lagging on goal difference. The Super Eagles suffered their first defeat in the 2025 Nations Cup qualifier, losing 2-1 to the Wasps of Rwanda on matchday 6.

CAF Awards Super Eagles Three Points, Fines Libya $50,000 Over Abandoned Qualifier
 The Nation Online

CAF Awards Super Eagles Three Points, Fines Libya $50,000 Over Abandoned Qualifier

This was confirmed in a statement issued by Ousmane Kane, Chairperson of the CAF Disciplinary Board, outlining the decision to penalize Libya for their role in the botched match. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has granted Nigeria's Super Eagles three points and fined the Libya Football Federation $50,000 in connection with the abandoned Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Libya.

NFF Withdraws Super Eagles from AFCON Qualifier After 12-Hour Stranded Ordeal at Libya
 Bella Naija

NFF Withdraws Super Eagles from AFCON Qualifier After 12-Hour Stranded Ordeal at Libya

The decision came after a distressing 12-hour delay at Libya’s Al-Abraq International Airport, where the team was redirected despite being cleared to land in Benghazi. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the withdrawal of the Super Eagles from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya, which was originally set for Tuesday.

Nigeria Appoints Germany’s Bruno Labbadia as New Football Coach Amid Tumultuous Year
 Al Jazeera

Nigeria Appoints Germany’s Bruno Labbadia as New Football Coach Amid Tumultuous Year

The former German international’s appointment, announced on Tuesday via social media, is effective immediately, though the details of his contract remain undisclosed. The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Germany’s Bruno Labbadia as the new coach of the Nigerian men’s football team, marking the third coaching appointment in a tumultuous year for the nation's football.

Sports Minister Apologizes as Nigeria Fails to Win a Medal at Paris Olympics.
 RFi

Sports Minister Apologizes as Nigeria Fails to Win a Medal at Paris Olympics.

The disappointing outcome led to criticism from former and current Olympians, urging a reformation of the country's sports federations. Sports Minister John Owan Enoh issued a public apology, acknowledging the nation's failure and promising to reflect on the shortcomings. Despite boasting top athletes like 100m hurdles record holder Tobi Amusan, Nigeria left the Paris Olympics without a single medal, marking the first time the "Giant of Africa" returned empty-handed since the 2012 London Games.

USA Clinches Fifth Consecutive Olympic Gold in Men's Basketball, Defeating France 98-87
 Punch NG

USA Clinches Fifth Consecutive Olympic Gold in Men's Basketball, Defeating France 98-87

In a thrilling rematch of the Paris Olympics final, the star-studded US team, led by LeBron James, showcased their dominance against France, which featured NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama. The USA basketball team clinched the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing a dominant performance in the finals. With exceptional teamwork and skill, the team secured their victory, reaffirming their status as a powerhouse in international basketball.

Ese Brume Finishes Fifth at Paris 2024 Olympics as Medal Quest Falls Short
 Thisday LIve

Ese Brume Finishes Fifth at Paris 2024 Olympics as Medal Quest Falls Short

Brume, who previously secured a bronze medal at Tokyo 2021, was unable to replicate her 2022 performance, which earned her a silver medal at the World Championships in Oregon, USA. Alongside Brume, two other Nigerian jumpers, Ruth Usoro and Prestina Ochonogor, who reached the final, finished 10th and 12th with jumps of 6.58m and 6.24m, respectively. Ese Brume's pursuit of a consecutive Olympic medal came up short on Thursday night at the Paris 2024 Games, where she placed fifth with a best jump of 6.70m.

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympic Wrestling Final, Shaking Up Medal Matches
 CBS News

Vinesh Phogat Disqualified from Olympic Wrestling Final, Shaking Up Medal Matches

This disqualification has impacted the medal matches, forcing adjustments by the organizers. Phogat, who initially defeated Cuba's Yusneylis Guzman Lopez in the semifinals, saw Guzman Lopez advance to the gold medal match. Indian women's wrestler Vinesh Phogat has been disqualified from the 50-kilogram wrestling final at the Paris Olympics due to failing to make weight on Wednesday.

Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Advances to Women's 200m Final at Paris Olympic Games.
 Premium Times

Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Advances to Women's 200m Final at Paris Olympic Games.

Ofili's achievement marks a historic milestone as she becomes the first Nigerian since Mary Onyali to qualify for the 200m final at the Olympics. Onyali, who remains the only Nigerian to have reached the podium in this event, set a high standard for future generations, and Ofili's performance continues that legacy. Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has secured her place in the final of the women's 200m event at the ongoing Paris Olympic Games. She finished second in the semi-final with a season's best time of 22.05 seconds, just behind Julien Alfred, who clocked in at 21.98 seconds.

Super Falcons Suffer Back-to-Back Defeats at Paris Olympics with 1-0 Loss to Spain
 Making Of Champs

Super Falcons Suffer Back-to-Back Defeats at Paris Olympics with 1-0 Loss to Spain

The Super Falcons made strategic changes to their lineup, with Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo starting in place of Onyi Echegini and Chinwendu Ihezuo. Despite the modifications, the reigning World Champions, Spain, dominated the first half, limiting Nigeria's opportunities to counterattack. Nigeria’s Super Falcons faced a 1-0 defeat against Spain in their second match at the Paris Olympics, marking consecutive losses following their opening match defeat to Brazil.

Victor Osimhen's Future at Napoli Uncertain as PSG Moves Away from Deal
 The Sun NG

Victor Osimhen's Future at Napoli Uncertain as PSG Moves Away from Deal

The future of Nigeria’s striker Victor Osimhen at Napoli remains uncertain as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) appears to be distancing itself from securing the player. Osimhen’s hefty salary of €12 million net per season and a total cost of €31 million gross until June 2026 significantly influences Napoli’s transfer activities. Resolving his status is crucial for the club’s plans, including the potential acquisition of Romelu Lukaku, as indicated by coach Antonio Conte.

President Tinubu Backs Pinnick's Re-election Bid to FIFA Council
 Channels TV

President Tinubu Backs Pinnick's Re-election Bid to FIFA Council

President Bola Tinubu has strongly supported Amaju Pinnick's bid for re-election to the FIFA Council. Pinnick, a two-term President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was first elected to the Council in March 2021, Pinnick, two-term President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), was elected into the Council in March 2021 – the third Nigerian after the late Oyo Orok Oyo and Dr. Amos Adamu.

NFF Unveils Final Squad for Super Falcons' Olympic Campaign in Paris
 Premium Times NG

NFF Unveils Final Squad for Super Falcons' Olympic Campaign in Paris

Noticeably absent are veteran players Onome Ebi and Francesca Ordega. While initial reports suggested they were being pushed for inclusion against the coach’s wishes, both players denied involvement in such tactics. After weeks of speculation, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has unveiled the final roster for the Super Falcons’ Olympic squad in Paris.