Sports
Full List of key Super Eagles players ‘ruled out’ of CAF Playoff
A couple of key Super Eagles players have been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff, dealing a major blow to these players’ eagerness to help the nation secure a place at the intercontinental playoffs.
The absence of these stars – due to injuries, suspensions, and fitness concerns – has left head coach Eric Chelle with tough decisions to make as he prepares his squad for the crucial CAF playoff fixtures...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The full list of key Super Eagles players that may be missing the playoffs include :
Terem Moffi
The 26-year-old suffered a hamstring injury last month after returning from international duty and Nice head coach, Franck Haise, had announced that he expected the forward to be out for several weeks.
Felix Agu
Felix Agu, a defender for Werder Bremen, has been formally ruled out of the continental showcase, a blow to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
After suffering a syndesmosis ligament injury during Werder Bremen’s 1-0 Bundesliga victory over St. Pauli last month, the 26-year-old just had surgery and would not partake in any action.
Ola Aina
Ola Aina sustained his long-term injury during the international duty last month. Sean Dyche has described Aina’s injury as a “longer-term situation” and that the versatile defender may face an extended spell on the sidelines.
Cyriel Dessers
Cyriel Dessers, a striker for Panathinaikos, is also anticipated to miss the match because of an ankle ailment. Nigeria’s choices in the final third are further limited because Dessers has already missed his team’s last six games, and would be available for selection.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has been ruled out for a month following a thigh injury, an injury that he sustained during Lazio’s Derby della Capitale on September 21.The midfielder sustained a Grade I injury to his right thigh flexor, according to tests performed by Lazio’s medical staff.
Semi Ajayi
Due to accumulated bookings, Semi Ajayi is suspended for the first leg; however, if Nigeria defeat Gabon, he might still be included in the squad as a backup for their last match.
The African playoffs will take place in Rabat, Morocco, from November 13–16, according to announcement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The winners of the two semifinals will compete in a final to advance to the intercontinental playoffs.
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Key Points:
Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.
Sources: Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray amid growing transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. The 27-year-old said, “I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable.” Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli two years ago before completing a permanent €75 million transfer last summer. He has recorded 57 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Key Points:
Osimhen is the highest earner in Turkey with a package of around €21 million net.
He praised the club’s atmosphere, calling it “family, love, unity, and utmost respect.”
He said hundreds of fans crowded the airport to welcome him upon arrival.
The club organised an elaborate tifo to honour him and his late mother.
Any formal bid would need to be in the nine-figure range...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Osimhen’s comments suggest he is settled in Istanbul and not looking for a move.
Sources: Soccernet, Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:
“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.
Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.
Sources: Complete Sports
👉 Are You A WhatsApp User? Do You Want To Get Our News As Fast As Possible On Daily Basis? 👉 Click This Link To Join WhatsApp Channel Now.
Breaking News8 months agoWorld’s Youngest Undergraduate is Nigerian JOSHUA BECKFORD, gained admission in Oxford University at the age of Six years
Breaking News6 months agoJUST IN: Finally United States President Donald Trump Revokes 80,000 Visas of Nigerians, Other Foreign Nationals
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Woman in Trouble For Burning 7-year-old Girl’s Private Parts With Hot Knife
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: FULL DETAILS! Top Secret Leaked Why SIM Fubara Fails to Return to Government House After Reinstatement
Breaking News6 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Nigerian Billionaire Lawmaker Ned Nwoko, Orders Arrest of His Mother In Law Regina Daniels’ Mother, Rita
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Federal Government Releases Proof of N25,000 Cash Transfers to 71 Million Nigerians in 8.1 Million Households
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Another Rivers Saga: Just Reinstated Fubara Told to Sack All Sole Administrators Appointees, Seek Tinubu’s Assurance Over Impeachment
Breaking News8 months agoBREAKING NEWS: Finally Department of State Services (DSS) summons Sowore over post on Tinubu