latest
Alex Iwobi Says Super Eagles Still Eye 2026 World Cup Spot Despite Uncertainty.
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.
latest
Troops Crush ISWAP Attack On Yobe Military Base In Fierce Clash.
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▶
latest
Nigeria Hands D’Tigers To NBA Veteran David Fizdale In Bold 2028 Olympics Push.
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.
latest
Maduka Okoye Hits 10 Clean Sheets In Serie A As Udinese Beat Cagliari.
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▶
-
latest9 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
