Sports
Super Eagles to face Gabon in World Cup play-offs
Nigeria will take on Gabon in the semi-finals of the African section of the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, following the conclusion of the qualifying group matches on Tuesday, PUNCH Online reports.
The Super Eagles booked their place after a 4–0 victory over Benin earlier in the day, while Gabon confirmed second place in Group F with a 2–0 win against Burundi and Ivory Coast’s thumping of Kenya to win the group.
DR Congo also sealed their qualification with a narrow 1–0 win over Sudan to finish runners-up in Group B behind Senegal, with Cameroon joining them after placing second in Group D behind Cape Verde...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
The play-offs, which will feature the four best runners-up from the nine African qualifying groups, are scheduled to take place in Morocco from November 13 to 16.
Nigeria, expected to remain the highest-ranked African side among the four when FIFA releases its updated rankings on October 23, will face the lowest-ranked team among the four, Gabon.
Cameroon and DR Congo will contest the other semi-final.
Both semi-finals will be played on November 13, with the winners meeting three days later in a single-leg final.
The overall winner will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs in March 2026 for a chance to qualify for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The matches will be played as single-leg knockouts in a venue to be determined by CAF later.
If tied after 90 minutes, 30 minutes of extra time will follow, and if the scores remain level, a penalty shoot-out will decide the winner.
Morocco will host the mini-tournament, which gives Africa an additional opportunity to secure a place at the expanded 48-team World Cup.
All nine African group winners have already qualified directly for next year’s finals, while the play-offs will determine whether the continent can add one more representative through the inter-continental route.
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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
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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
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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
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