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NFF Pocketed $1m FIFA Gave Nigeria for World Cup Qualification – Oliseh

Former Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh has called out the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
He accused NFF of pocketing $1 million from FIFA.
Oliseh, speaking on the Home Turf podcast, claimed the money was reward for Nigeria qualifying for the 2002 World Cup.
According to him, there was an agreement to split the money equally and share one half among the players.
But the NFF opted to disband the team and kept the money.
Oliseh said: “We were going to the (2002) World Cup and we had an agreement. $1 million was going to come from FIFA’s money and we agreed to split it 50-50. You take $500k and we take $500k.
 
“$500k was going to be shared among the 30 players who took part in the qualifiers. That amount to around $18,000 each.
 
“But the only way the players would have been paid, is if Oliseh was there to ensure his colleagues got their share.
 
“To get that money, NFF eliminated Oliseh and his assistant captain, Finidi George.
 
“We qualified to the finals and they disbanded the team. They made sure we did not get our share.
 
“The team that went to that World Cup, 80% of that team didn’t play in the qualifiers. That means they didn’t get the share of that money.”
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NPFL Reacts As Kano Pillars Fans Attack Referees, Players After 1–1 Draw

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has reacted after fans invaded the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano following Sunday’s 1–1 draw between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
Chaos broke out at the Sani Abacha Stadium after Kano Pillars fans invaded the pitch and attacked match officials, players, and staff of Shooting Stars Sports Club following a dramatic late equaliser.
The fixture, which ended 1–1, descended into violent scenes moments after the final whistle.
Kano Pillars had taken the lead through Mustapha Jibrin in the ninth minute, and the home crowd appeared set to celebrate victory.
However, during the stoppage time, Adams Mustapha equalised for Shooting Stars,  a goal that turned jubilation into chaos.
In a statement released, the NPFL’s Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, condemned the incident and promised swift sanctions once official reports are reviewed.
“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Mr Owumi said.

“This isolated incident is being treated with utmost seriousness.

 
“Appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports from the Match Commissioner and Referees.”
He added that the league management had contacted both match officials and Shooting Stars representatives to ensure their safety.
In a separate statement, the management of Kano Pillars acknowledged the unrest but insisted the situation was “swiftly brought under control.”
 
“Immediately after the final whistle, a few misguided persons attempted to cause disorder within the stadium premises. However, thanks to the swift intervention of our stewards and security agencies, the situation was promptly brought under control,”the club stated.
The club confirmed that several individuals had been arrested and handed over to the police and pledged full cooperation with security agencies.
“Kano Pillars FC will fully cooperate with the authorities to ensure that any individual found culpable faces the full wrath of the law,” the statement added.
“Furthermore, the club will impose strict sanctions by banning all identified troublemakers from accessing the Sani Abacha Stadium for the next 10 seasons.”
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Super Eagles Finally Land In Uyo After Turbulent Flight From South Africa

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have safely landed in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following a tense delay caused by a midair emergency on their flight from Polokwane, South Africa.

The Super Eagles, originally scheduled to land on Saturday, touched down safely at about 8:05 a.m. on Sunday after a technical scare forced their chartered aircraft to return to Luanda, Angola.

According to reports, the Value Jet aircraft made an initial stop in Luanda to refuel before continuing to Uyo. However, just twenty-five minutes after takeoff, the pilot was compelled to make a swift U-turn after a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windshield.

What had begun as a smooth journey quickly turned into a tense episode. Players, coaching staff, and government officials aboard the flight were said to have remained calm as the pilot executed a safe return to Luanda, where they disembarked to await further arrangements from the airline.

Despite the scare, the team eventually continued their trip to Uyo without further incident.

The Super Eagles are set to face Benin Republic in a must-win 2026 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. The fixture is crucial, with Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging in the balance after their hard-fought 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane on Friday.

Captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams were the heroes on the night, scoring second-half goals that secured the victory. However, a late slip by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali allowed Lesotho a consolation goal, keeping fans on edge until the final whistle.

The victory lifted Nigeria to third place in Group C with 14 points, trailing South Africa by one point and leaders Benin Republic by three. To book an automatic ticket to the World Cup, Nigeria must not only beat Benin convincingly but also hope that South Africa fail to defeat Rwanda in Mbombela.

In other matches, South Africa were held to a goalless draw by Zimbabwe in Durban, while Benin edged Rwanda 1-0, leaving the group finely poised ahead of Tuesday’s decisive encounters.

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They Will Say I Took Nigeria To Court – Oliseh Speaks On Dragging NFF To FIFA

Sunday Oliseh, a former Super Eagles head coach, has revealed that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) still owes him $26,000.

Oliseh stated this while speaking on the Home Turf podcast.

The 51-year-old claimed that he would win the case if he dragged the NFF before the world football governing body, FIFA.

However, he said he has no intentions to fight against his country.

Oliseh said: “Till today, I am the only Nigerian coach ever to resign.

“And till today, they are still owing me two months salary, which is $26,000.

“A lot of people have asked me to take the NFF to court.

“I will not take my fatherland to a western court. It starts with FIFA and I will win.

“But when they write it in the media, they will say ‘Oliseh takes Nigeria to court’. They won’t say ‘Oliseh takes NFF to court’.”

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2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Fly Out Of Polokwane For Benin Clash

The Super Eagles are scheduled to depart Polokwane for Uyo on a chartered flight this Saturday morning, following their match against Lesotho.

The flight will is scheduled to leave South Africa 8 am Nigerian time.

Eric Chelle’s side defeated Lesotho 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matchday nine encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane on Friday night.

Nigeria will face neighbours Benin Republic in their final qualifying game.

Tuesday’s encounter will hold at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

The Super Eagles need a big win to stand any chance of qualifying for the World Cup.

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Nigeria vs Benin: ‘We Have opportunity’ – Troost-Ekong On How Super Eagles Will Secure World Cup Ticket

Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong, has expressed confidence ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, saying Eric Chelle’s Benin Republic side presents an “opportunity” for Nigeria to capitalize on.

According to Troost-Ekong, Nigeria needs to beat Benin in Uyo and do that convincingly with more than one goal.

The former Watford defender spoke at his post-match interview after leading the Super Eagles to beat Lesotho 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Friday.

“We want to be at the World Cup, we have said that now for the last nine months,”Troost-Ekong said.

“We have the opportunity now with the game in Uyo against Benin [Republic], who we know we have to score a certain number of goals.

“It was always the case that we needed to win the game and we had to win it convincingly.”

Benin Republic is three points ahead of Nigeria and two points ahead of South Africa in Group C standings.

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Super Eagles revive world cup hopes with crucial win over Lesotho

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have reignited their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Lesotho on Friday.

Captain William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring from the penalty spot, giving Nigeria the lead in the first half.

 

Newcomer Akor Adams made an instant impact, netting his debut goal to double the advantage and delight fans at the packed stadium.

 

Despite Nigeria’s dominance, Lesotho refused to go down without a fight. Kalake’s 83rd-minute strike reduced the deficit, putting pressure on the Eagles in the closing moments.

However, the team held on firmly to secure a vital three points, keeping their World Cup dream alive.

 

The victory temporarily lifts Nigeria into a better position on the Group C table, restoring confidence after previous disappointing draws.

 

Group C drama intensifies after South Africa and Zimbabwe draw

The race for qualification remains tight as South Africa and Zimbabwe played out a draw in their own clash.

This outcome worked in Nigeria’s favour, ensuring that the Super Eagles can still finish first or second in the group if they maintain momentum.

Football analysts have described the result as a “lifeline” for the Nigerian side, who had earlier been criticised for inconsistent performances.

Nigeria’s next challenge will be against Benin Republic in what promises to be a make-or-break fixture. Meanwhile, Head Coach Finidi George is expected to make key tactical changes, having faced scrutiny over the team’s defensive lapses.

Pressure mounts ahead of final group clash with Benin

Benin Republic’s surprise victory over Rwanda has added more tension to the group standings.

The result means that the Super Eagles must secure a win in their final group game to guarantee a qualifying spot.

Failure to do so could see Nigeria miss out on the World Cup, a nightmare scenario that fans and stakeholders are desperate to avoid.

Players are reportedly in high spirits after the Lesotho win, with Troost-Ekong and Adams urging the team to stay focused.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has also expressed optimism, promising full support and motivation ahead of the next match. As anticipation builds, the spotlight now turns to Finidi George and his men to deliver the victory that will seal Nigeria’s place on football’s biggest stage.

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I’m Not Interested In Eric Chelle’s Job – Eguavoen Says

Augustine Eguavoen, Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has made it clear that he has no interest whatsoever in taking up the Super Eagles coaching role.

There were reports in the media that the NFF has lined up Eguavoen and Ladan Bosso as replacement for Chelle should the Super Eagles fail to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the publication, Eguavoen and Bosso will also lead the Super Eagles to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Eguavoen said he is hurt with the baseless rumours.

“I feel very hurt by these baseless rumours because I really have no idea where they are coming from.

“I have a very good working relationship with Coach Eric Chelle, and I have absolutely no interest in taking over the squad.

“I am praying for him to succeed,” Eguavoen told thenff.com.

The Super Eagles will be in action against the Crocodiless of Lesotho on Friday.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes First Footballer to Become a Billionaire

Football star, Cristiano Ronaldo has made history by becoming football’s first billionaire player.
This is according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, an external index that tracks the world’s richest people based on their net worth.
Bloomberg Billionaires Index revealed the 40-year-old Portugal and Al-Nassr striker’s wealth for the first time.
The valuation takes into account career earnings, investments, and endorsements and says Ronaldo’s net worth is $1.4bn (£1.04bn).
It says he earned more than $550m (£410m) in salary between 2002 and 2023, and breaks down his reported earnings through deals and sponsorship, including a decade-long deal with Nike worth almost $18m (£13.4m) a year.
When Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League in 2022 he reportedly became the best-paid player in football history with an annual salary of £177m.
His contract was due to end in June 2025 but he signed a new two-year deal – reportedly worth more than $400m (£298m) – which will keep him at the club beyond his 42nd birthday.
Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, who played against Ronaldo for many years during their time in Spain, has earned more than $600m (£447m) in pre-tax salary during his career, according to Bloomberg.
That includes $20m (£15m) in guaranteed annual pay since 2023, which is about 10% of Ronaldo’s income during the same period.
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Anthony Joshua Is Scared Of Me – Congolese Heavyweight Boxer, Bakole Declares

Martin Bakole, the Congolese heavyweight, has boldly claimed that he would knock out Anthony Joshua if they were to face off in the ring in Nigeria, vowing to do so in front of Joshua’s home crowd.

Joshua is being lined up for a comeback fight in Nigeria early next year following his loss to Daniel Dubois in a world heavyweight title bout at Wembley Stadium in September last year.

Bakole, a former sparring partner of Joshua, has volunteered to face the British-Nigerian boxer in what he described as ‘the Rumble in the Jungle II.’

“I’d take the fight with Anthony Joshua in a heartbeat. We are both African fighters, and now we’re seeing boxing come back to Africa,” Bakole told Sky Sports.

“Anthony Joshua doesn’t want to fight me. He knows what happened in sparring. If we get in the ring, I’m going to knock him out, without doubt.

“I’ll even knock him out in Nigeria, in front of his own crowd. This is the fight to make. And we need to make it in Africa. It’ll be the Rumble in the Jungle II.”

Promoter Dr Ezekiel Adamu, who recently staged the successful Chaos in the Ring event in Lagos in association with Amir Khan, confirmed that Bakole is among several options being considered for Joshua’s return.

“He is an option. There are a lot of options being thrown at us for this particular fight, but – yes – Martin Bakole is here,” Adamu told Sky Sports News.

“We have a lot of options that we’ll be looking at, and we believe that we’ll come up with something really exciting that will excite the whole world and obviously bring proper excitement to Africa as well, especially Nigeria.”

Adamu disclosed that Nigeria, with its population of about 250 million people and status as Africa’s economic capital, is ideally positioned to host the fight.

Joshua’s team had previously considered Ghana as a potential location for his comeback bout, but Nigeria appears to be gaining traction as the preferred destination.

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