Sports

Eritrea Withdraws 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Eritrea have withdrawn from African qualifying for the 2026 World Cup less than a week before their opening game, soccer’s global governing body said on Friday.

No reason was given for the withdrawal.

Eritrea were in Group E and were scheduled to begin their campaign in Morocco on Nov. 16. The qualifying group will go ahead with the remaining five teams, including Zambia, Congo, Tanzania and Niger.

“FIFA and CAF can confirm that the Eritrean National Football Federation has withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition,” FIFA said in a statement.

FIFA said all Eritrea’s games have been cancelled. The rest of the Group E schedule remains unchanged.

According to a media release by CAF, following Eritrea’s withdrawal, group E of the CAF qualifiers will be contested by the five remaining teams: Morocco, Zambia, Congo, Tanzania and Niger.

All of Eritrea’s matches have been cancelled, while the rest of the match schedule for Group E remains unchanged.

Sports

AFCON Qualifier: Nigeria secures 1-0 victory against Libya

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Libya in Uyo on Saturday, moving to seven points from three games in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Libya adopted a defensive strategy, aiming for a draw, but Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute.

74th minute Substitute Fisayo Dele-Bashiru converted Moses Simon’s cross from the left side, sending the thousands of Nigerian fans at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium into jubilation.

The win marked interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen’s second victory in three AFCON 2025 qualifiers. Nigeria’s poor finishing and a contentious offside call had threatened to deny them the three points.

The two teams will face off again in Benina on Tuesday in their fourth Group D match.

Sports

Ogun Govt begins renovation works in major sporting complexes as Ogun prepares for NSF

The Ogun State Government has commenced reconstruction and renovation works on the MKO Abiola International Stadium and the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, ahead of the National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged “2024 Gateway Games.”

Speaking after inspecting the two facilities, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka assured that the renovation works would be completed within the stipulated time and would be tested before the games.

The scraping of the pitch at the main bowl of the stadium, the removal of the tartan tracks, as well as the roofs at the indoor hall of the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, are ongoing simultaneously as the commissioner led journalists to the sites.

He revealed that the VIP section of the stadium would be expanded, while an Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and handball courts would also be constructed inside the stadium.

The commissioner noted that the current administration is intensifying its efforts to develop sports and youth development programs in the state, as well as to discover and nurture young athletes.

He highlighted the importance of harnessing the potential of the youth and channeling their energy into productive ventures for their personal success and the socio-economic gains of the state, reiterating the government’s commitment to organizing a world-class National Sports Festival.

Hon. Isiaka submitted that the festival will bring together the best athletes from the state, inspiring the next generation of athletes, promoting the rich cultural heritage, and promising to reward outstanding performances.

He stated that the massive renovation will not only help develop the skills and dedication of local athletes before, during, and after the games but will also underscore the commitment and readiness of the state government to host the National Sports Festival, calling on corporate organizations and other well-meaning individuals to join hands with the government to make the NSF a huge success.

He noted that the Sports Festival is a moment for the state to shine and show the world the abundance of talent, potential, and hospitality available in the state.

Hon. Isiaka reaffirmed the readiness of the state government to host a befitting festival, adding that the facilities would be top-notch and would attract national and international events.

The National Sports Festival will be held between January 12 and January 26, 2025.

Sports

Eguavoen unveils Super Eagles squad for Libya clash

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has announced a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya.

Captain William Ekong, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, and 20 other players have been called up for the home-and-away battles. The team includes:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye, and Amas Obasogie

Defenders: William Ekong, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Olaoluwa Aina, and Benjamin Tanimu

Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi

Forwards: Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Ademola Lookman, Kelechi Iheanacho, Victor Boniface, Moses Simon, and Taiwo Awoniyi

Notably absent due to injury is Victor Osimhen, while Olisa Ndah also misses out. Bright Osayi-Samuel returns after missing the previous matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda.

The Super Eagles will host Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on October 11 and travel to Benghazi for the return leg on October 15. Players are expected to report in Uyo on October 7.