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Alex Iwobi Says Super Eagles Still Eye 2026 World Cup Spot Despite Uncertainty.

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Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi has insisted that Nigeria is still hopeful of securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team’s qualification campaign.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on SuperSport Football on Thursday, the 29-year-old discussed the emotional challenges of the qualification process and the tough choice the squad faces between pursuing continental glory and earning a place at football’s biggest stage.

Asked whether Nigeria would prioritise an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title over World Cup qualification, Iwobi admitted it was a complex decision shaped by the experiences of different players in the squad.

He said, “We’re still waiting, and hopefully we can make it to the World Cup. But it’s a tough one because winning AFCON is a huge achievement, a memorable moment in any player’s career.

“At the same time, I’ve already been to the World Cup, but many of my teammates haven’t. They want to experience it for the first time. So I can’t just be selfish and push for AFCON at the expense of their World Cup dreams. It’s a difficult balance.”

Iwobi, who played for Nigeria at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, explained that many of his teammates are highly motivated by the chance to compete on the global stage, a factor that continues to influence the squad’s approach.

His remarks come after Nigeria’s disappointing run at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where the Super Eagles were eliminated before the final, between December 2025 and January 2026.

Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign also suffered a setback following a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in the playoff final in Rabat. The Leopards advanced after winning 4-3 on penalties, earning a place in the inter-confederation playoffs scheduled for March 2026.

In response, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a formal protest with FIFA, claiming that several DR Congo players were ineligible under current regulations.

DR Congo’s football authorities rejected the claims, insisting that all players were cleared by FIFA and calling for the result to be upheld.

As of late January, FIFA was still reviewing the petition, leaving Nigerian fans hopeful that a favourable ruling could keep the Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup dream alive.

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Troops Crush ISWAP Attack On Yobe Military Base In Fierce Clash.

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Troops of the Joint Task Force North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, have successfully repelled a coordinated night attack by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists on the 120 Task Force Battalion in Goniri, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the assault began late on Saturday, May 9, 2026, and continued into the early hours of Sunday, May 10, in the town of Goniri.

The Media Information Officer of Headquarters JTF North-East, Operation HADIN KAI, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Sunday.

According to him, the attackers advanced from the Mandunari axis around midnight but were quickly detected by troops on active duty.

Uba stated that the troops launched a coordinated counter-operation, successfully trapping the terrorists in a deadly ambush zone.

He confirmed that the camp was not breached and no military equipment was lost during the attack.

He added that air support from the OPHK Air Component and Nigerian Army Aviation played a key role in reinforcing ground troops and destroying fleeing insurgents in a joint air-land operation.

Following the engagement, intelligence-led exploitation of the area reportedly revealed blood trails, body parts, and other evidence indicating heavy casualties among the terrorists.

Military sources also confirmed the recovery of weapons and equipment, including a General Purpose Machine Gun, two PKT guns, five AK-47 rifles, and several rounds of ammunition.

Some injured soldiers are currently receiving medical treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

Troops have since continued follow-up operations in the area to track fleeing terrorists and consolidate gains from the encounter.

The military described the failed attack as further evidence of its growing operational superiority and the inability of terrorist groups to breach fortified positions in the theatre of operations.

This incident occurred less than 48 hours after troops reportedly repelled another ISWAP attack on the 27 Brigade Headquarters in Buni Gari, also in Yobe State, during which several terrorists were neutralised.

In a related operation, troops intercepted suspected terrorist logistics supplies along the Banki–Kumshe axis in Borno State during an ambush on May 8, 2026.

The interception led to the seizure of several items, including bicycles, fuel containers, medical supplies, food items, and communication accessories believed to be intended for insurgent use.

Military authorities said no troop casualties were recorded in the logistics interception and confirmed that surveillance and intelligence operations are ongoing to disrupt terrorist supply routes across the region.

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Nigeria Hands D’Tigers To NBA Veteran David Fizdale In Bold 2028 Olympics Push.

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The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has appointed David Fizdale as the new head coach of D’Tigers, with the American expected to lead the national team’s quest to qualify for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The federation announced the appointment on Saturday, describing it as part of a broader long-term strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s technical framework and build a team capable of sustained success on the global stage.

Fizdale, a former NBA head coach with the Memphis Grizzlies and New York Knicks, most recently served as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Suns between 2023 and 2025.

According to the NBBF, his appointment reflects the federation’s desire to bring elite-level experience, strong leadership, and extensive basketball knowledge to the national team setup.

Fizdale’s immediate focus will be guiding Nigeria through the FIBA Basketball World Cup African qualifiers in Luanda, where D’Tigers are set to face Angola, Guinea, Tunisia, and Rwanda on the road to Olympic qualification.

Speaking after his appointment, the 51-year-old described the role as deeply personal, particularly because successful qualification would give him the opportunity to coach Nigeria at the Olympics in his hometown of Los Angeles.

He said the prospect of leading Nigeria to Olympic qualification and potentially competing for a medal in front of his family makes the challenge especially meaningful.

Fizdale noted that returning to a head coaching role brings renewed excitement, adding that the chance to achieve such a milestone on home soil would represent a full-circle moment in his basketball journey.

Nigeria has previously featured at three Olympic Games but has yet to win a medal.

NBBF President Musa Kida said Fizdale’s appointment aligns with the federation’s ambition to establish a globally competitive basketball structure while also supporting player development and coaching education in Nigeria.

Fizdale also acknowledged former D’Tigers coach Mike Brown for encouraging him to take on the role, revealing that discussions with Brown played a major part in his decision.

He is expected to begin preparations immediately as Nigeria intensifies its push toward the 2028 Olympics, while also contributing to broader basketball development initiatives across the country.

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Maduka Okoye Hits 10 Clean Sheets In Serie A As Udinese Beat Cagliari.

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Maduka Okoye made history on Saturday after recording his 10th clean sheet of the Serie A season, becoming the first Nigerian goalkeeper since Vincent Enyeama 11 years ago to achieve that feat in any of Europe’s top five leagues.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The milestone came as Udinese secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Cagliari at the Unipol Domus.

Enyeama previously set the benchmark during the 2014/2015 season when he kept 17 clean sheets for Lille in Ligue 1. Okoye’s achievement has now reignited hope for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as the team continues its search for a reliable long-term first-choice goalkeeper.

The 26-year-old delivered a strong performance, making three crucial saves from five shots on target.

His defining moment came in the first half when he produced a superb full-stretch fingertip save to keep the score level, providing Udinese with the platform to take control of the match.

Adam Buksa opened the scoring in the 56th minute, while Idrissa Gueye sealed the victory deep into stoppage time in the 96th minute.

The win marked Udinese’s 14th league triumph of the season and moved the club up to ninth place in the Serie A standings.

Okoye’s latest clean sheet tally also equals his personal best from the 2020/2021 campaign with Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch Eredivisie.

Since joining Udinese in 2022, the Nigerian shot-stopper has steadily rebuilt his reputation and established himself as a vital player for the club.

His impressive performances have reportedly drawn transfer interest from top clubs including Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Bournemouth ahead of the summer transfer window.

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