Category: Sports

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Wike urged former Super Eagles captain, Joseph Yobo, to convey the feelings of Nigerians to the national team.

The minister stated that football remains a unifying force in the country and noted that many Nigerians were unhappy about the Super Eagles’ absence from the global tournament.

Speaking in Abuja, the minister said Nigerians expected more from the national team and hoped lessons would be learned to ensure qualification for future international competitions.

Addressing Yobo, Wike said he should relay the concerns of football loving Nigerians to the players and technical crew, stressing that the country’s absence from the World Cup was disappointing for millions of supporters.

The minister, however, expressed confidence that the Super Eagles could bounce back stronger and reclaim their place among the world’s football elite.

Nigeria failed to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending the country’s wait for a return to football’s biggest stage after also missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

Wike to Yobo: Tell Super Eagles Nigerians unhappy over World Cup absence

Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has insisted that he doesn’t know if he would play for his country at the 2030 edition of the FIFA World Cup tournament.

The 39-year-old, however, said that he is only focused on the ongoing 2026 World Cup at the moment.

The Inter Miami forward has been impressive for Argentina so far at the World Cup.

Messi has scored five goals in two appearances for Argentina. He scored a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria.

When asked about playing at the 2030 World Cup, Messi said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano: “I don’t know.

“The truth is, I am not thinking about that right now.

“It seems a bit far off… but, as I said, I am living one day at a time and focused on the present.”

2020 World Cup: Messi speaks on playing for Argentina

Nasarawa United have announced a 21-day off-season break for their players, technical crew and backroom staff following the conclusion of the 2025-26 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

The break will run from Tuesday, June 23, 2026, to July 13, 2026.

Nasarawa United finished sixth in the NPFL last season.

The Solid Miners also reached the semi-final of the President Federation Cup, losing 4-2 on penalties to Ikorodu City FC after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Nasarawa United admitted that they failed to achieve their target for the season but assured that a review of the campaign is underway.

They insisted that their target for the 2026-27 season is to aim for title, and a continental ticket.

NPFL: Nasarawa United embark on 21-day break

Shooting Stars are eyeing a move for Haruna Hadi ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

The Oluyole Warriors are reported to have submitted a bid to Remo Stars for the player.

Shooting Stars, however face stiff competition from Sporting Lagos for the striker.

Hadi remain a priced asset for Remo Stars following his exploits in the NPFL last season.

Shooting Stars are currently strengthening their squad ahead of the new campaign.

The Ibadan-based club finished in third position last season.

NPFL: Shooting Stars, Sporting Lagos battle for Haruna Hadi

Nigeria’s Flamingos continued their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Benin Republic with a dominant 11-0 win over RoyalToms Queens in a friendly at the Remo Stars Sports Complex.

It was the Flamingos’ last  friendly before the clash with the Young Amazons.

Harmony Chidi scored a hat-trick, while Kindness Ifeanyi was on target twice.

Queen Joseph, Mary Dunstan, Tobiloba Sarafa, Destiny Itobore, Precious Oscar, and Koasarat Olarenwaju were also on target for the Flamingos in the game.

Akeem Busari’s side will now shift attention to the first leg of the qualifiers against Benin Republic slated for the Remo Stars Sports Complex on Saturday, 4 July.

The reverse fixture will hold one week later  at the Stade de Kegue, Lome.

U-17 WWCQ: Flamingos thrash RoyalToms Queens 11-0 ahead Benin clash

Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen, has asserted that Galatasaray is the best team in the Turkish Super Lig.

He promised that the club will return even stronger in the UEFA Champions League next season.

The Nigerian international had a remarkable season with the Yellow-Reds following his permanent transfer from Napoli in the summer of 2025.

Osimhen was instrumental in Galatasaray’s European journey, netting seven goals and providing three assists in ten matches as the Turkish giants advanced to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League before being eliminated by Liverpool.

Despite the disappointment of their exit from Europe, the 27-year-old remains hopeful about the club’s future and believes they can achieve even greater success on the continental stage next season.

In statements reported by Turkish outlet Fanatik, Osimhen emphasized the club’s efforts in enhancing the visibility of Turkish football globally.

“We have been showcasing the Turkish League to the world for years. We are making both the country and the league stand out,” Osimhen remarked.

“Next season, we will be even better and represent Galatasaray more effectively. We are the best. We have stated this numerous times.”

While conveying the squad’s resolve to exceed their accomplishments next season, Osimhen also acknowledged the fans for their steadfast support and passionate encouragement throughout the campaign.

“And we will return with the same determination next season. I miss my team and my fans immensely. The best atmosphere in the world is in our stadium. You can come and witness it. Everyone agrees,” he added.

‘We’ve been making Turkey, Turkish league known to the world’ – Osimhen 

Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior is attracting interest from a Kenyan club, DAILY POST reports.

According to reports, Ayobami has been offered a lucrative deal to lure him away from the Oluyole Warriors.

Ayobami has been a key figure in Shooting Stars’ midfield.

His performances last season drawn interest from abroad as the Ibadan-based side secured a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Shooting Stars are said to have open talks with the midfielder to keep him at the club.

The former NPFL champions are desparate to keep him at the club as they look to build on last season’s performance.

NPFL: Shooting Stars offer Abayomi new contract amid interest from Kenya

Naziru Sarki Laja is set to join Niger Tornados ahead of the 2026-27 Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, season.

Laja was on the books of Wikki Tourist last season.

He was one of the standout performers for the Bauchi Elephants despite their relegation to the Nigeria National League, NNL.

Laja has been identified as a replacement for Shehu Dabai who left the Ikon Allah Boys for Rivers United.

His ability to control tempo and link play is expected to bolster Niger Tornados’ midfield options next season.

An official announcement from Niger Tornados is expected soon.

Sarki Laja’s arrival would mark one of the club’s early moves in the transfer window ahead of pre-season.

NPFL: Naziru Sarki Laja set for Niger Tornados move

Shehu Dabai has penned an emotional farewell message to Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, side, Niger Tornadoes.

Dabai left Niger Tornadoes for Rivers United on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old forward featured prominently for Niger Tornadoes in the NPFL last term.

He netted seven goals in 30 appearances for the Ikon Allah Boys.

“It’s not easy to say goodbye to you my people’s of Nigerlite I’m grateful for everything Niger Tornadoes give me” Dabai wrote on his social media handle.

“But in life sometimes you need to accept a new challenge.”

“I wish you all the best my people’s of Nigerlite yours forever.”

Dabai’s arrival adds attacking options for Rivers United as they prepare to compete domestically and on the continent next season.

NPFL: Dabai pens farewell message to Niger Tornadoes after Rivers United move

Portugal captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has become the first footballer to score in six different World Cups.

Ronaldo achieved the feat when he opened the scoring against Uzbekistan at the ongoing tournament in North America.

The 41-year-old had come under criticisms from fans and pundits, following their opening 0-0 draw with the Democratic Republic of Congo.

But Ronaldo registered his first goal at this World Cup, blasting home an effort within the first five minutes.

Ahead of the game, Ronaldo had gone four straight matches for Portugal without a goal and 10 straight games without a goal at major tournaments.

His last goal at a major tournament came in Portugal’s opener at Qatar 2022.

2026 World Cup: Ronaldo breaks new record with goal in Portugal vs Uzbekistan