Category: Sport News

Tunde Omoniyi 

After an impressive game against the Desert Warriors of Algeria,Super Eagles Coach,Eric Chelle has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches on the continent after guiding Nigeria to the semi-finals of the tournament.

The Super Eagles’ performances have drawn widespread attention, placing the former Mali coach firmly on the radar of several African football federations.

Investigator news reports that Tunisia have reportedly made a strong move to lure Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle away from Nigeria following his impressive outing at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

The Tunisia Football Federation is currently in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with Sami Trabelsi.

Tunisia’s decision followed their elimination from the competition, having earlier suffered a 3–2 defeat to Nigeria during the group stage.

According to reports, Tunisian officials have sounded out Chelle and are prepared to offer him a lucrative contract worth $100,000 per month.

An official approach to his representatives is expected after the conclusion of the AFCON.

Investigator news gathered that Chelle’s contractual situation with the Nigeria Football Federation remains unclear, despite achieving the target of reaching the semi-finals.

Aside from Tunisia, Angola and Guinea are also said to have submitted proposals, further underlining Chelle’s rising profile in African football.

Tunde Omoniyi

Tunisia’s national team coach, Sami Trabelsi, has been sacked following their shocking exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a 3-2 penalty shootout loss to 10-man Mali.

The decision was made by mutual consent with the Tunisian Football Federation, just a day after the team’s disappointing defeat.

Trabelsi, 57, had taken charge of the team in February 2025 for a second term, previously leading the national team from 2011 to 2013.

Despite qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Tunisia’s struggles at AFCON, including conceding in every group match for the first time since 2017, likely led to Trabelsi’s departure.

Investigator news reports that the North Africans finished second in Group C in Morocco in the ongoing AFCON competition,beating Uganda 3-1 in their opener before losing 3-2 to Nigeria and drawing 1-1 with Tanzania.

The Tunisian Football Federation said in a statement on social media that it had decided to terminate the contractual relationship by mutual consent with the national team technical staff.

The Tunisian Football Federation is expected to appoint a new coach soon, with potential candidates including Mondher Kebaier, Jalel Kadri, and Faouzi Benzarti.

Tunde Omoniyi 

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.

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.

Read Also: WCQ2026: Nigeria Thrash Benin 4-0,Miss Automatic Qualification 

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.

Felicia Asuquo, Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-0 victory over the Cheetahs of the Benin Republic,commending the team for keeping the nation’s hope alive as they pursue qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a press release signed by the Presidential Spokesperson,Mr Bayo Onanuga,the President praised the Super Eagles for the hunger,passion,and determination displayed on the field in Uyo,noting that the superlative performance has reignited Nigerians’ football pride.

”While the job is not yet complete, I join millions of Nigerian football fans in wishing our team every success in the playoffs.

” The mood across the country reflects a shared belief that Nigeria deserves a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which Canada, Mexico, and the United States will host.

“As your President, I assure you and the coaching crew of the Federal Government’s support as you strive to secure your place at the tournament. Nigerians everywhere believe in you, and I do too.”

“We look forward to seeing you fly our flag proudly on the world stage.”he stated

Tunde Omoniyi 

Nigeria Super Eagles has failed to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Despite a convincing 4-0 win and Victor Osimhen’s hat-trick and Frank Onyeka’s goal over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic, it was not enough,as South Africa also defeated Rwanda 3-0 to top the group with 18 points.

While Nigeria closely followed in second place with 17 points,Nigeria stands a strong chance of qualifying as one of the best runners-up, which would give the West Africans a second opportunity to reach the World Cup through the play-offs.

Tunde Omoniyi 

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has unveiled his 23-man list for October’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and the Republic of Benin.

In the list released on Friday 3, October 2025,Captain William Troost-Ekong leads the team while Semi Ajayi, Terem Moffi, Alhassan Yusuf and Olakunle Olusegun return to the squad.

Sevilla striker Akor Adams has also earned a maiden call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of the World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles must beat both Lesotho and Benin Republic to stand any chance of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico.

Nigeria is currently occupying the third position on the qualification table with 11 points, trailing both Benin Republic and South Africa who have 14 points.

The Super Eagles will round off their World Cup qualification campaign with an away game against Lesotho on October 10 while they will host Benin Republic on October 14.

Full Squad:

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali, Amas Obasogie, Adebayo Adeleye.

Defenders: Felix Agu, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi, Benjamin Fredrick, Calvin Bassey, William Ekong, Semi Ajayi.

Midfielders: Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf.

Forwards: Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Tolu Arokodare, Victor Osimhen, Terem Moffi, Cyriel Dessers, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Olakunle Olusegun.

 Tunde Omoniyi 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have dropped to 45th in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Thursday, reflecting a continued decline following their 1-1 draw against South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Eric Chelle-led team had secured a 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their previous fixture but struggled to maintain momentum in Bloemfontein.

The September rankings mark a one-place drop from July, when Nigeria fell from 43rd in April to 44th. On the continental stage, the Super Eagles are now sixth, trailing Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Côte d’Ivoire overtook Nigeria to reach 44th globally, while Tunisia moved up three places to 49th. South Africa climbed to 55th following four points gained from their matches against Lesotho and Nigeria.

Lesotho, Nigeria’s next opponent in the qualifiers, now ranks 153rd, and Benin Republic has improved to 93rd.

Globally, Spain has returned to the top of the FIFA rankings after their UEFA EURO 2024 victory, displacing Argentina, who dropped to third.

France moved into second, England retained fourth, and Portugal entered the top five, overtaking Brazil. Germany fell three places to 12th following an unexpected loss to Slovakia, which itself jumped ten places to 42nd.

Morocco and Senegal remain Africa’s leading nations in the rankings, positioned 11th and 18th globally, respectively. Morocco’s rise reflects a strong winning run, securing early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Super Eagles will have opportunities to improve their ranking when they face Lesotho and Benin Republic in October, a period that could determine their competitiveness in the World Cup qualifiers and their continental standing.

The next FIFA Men’s World Ranking is scheduled for release on October 23, providing a new benchmark for Nigeria’s football trajectory

Tunde Omoniyi

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo,keeping Nigeria’s slim hopes of reaching the competition alive. 

Tolu Arokodare, a striker for Wolverhampton Wanderers, scored the decisive goal in the 51st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Rwanda to slot the ball past the goalkeeper.

Nigeria came to the game on the back of a poor start to the qualification race, needing victory over the Amavubis to do so.

Expectedly, the Super Eagles dominated play at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium but struggled to convert their chances.

Galatasaray’s pointman, Victor Osimhen, thought he had given Nigeria the lead when he put the ball in the back of the net in the eighth minute. But his goal was ruled off for being offside.

Osimhen was subbed in the 33rd minute, a few minutes after he went down from a challenge.

He was replaced by Cyril Dessers of Panathinaikos. Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi’s effort just moments later was tipped off by the brilliant Fiacre Ntwari in the Rwandan goal.

Investigator news reports that the win moved Nigeria to third place in Group C with 10 points, leapfrogging Rwanda and keeping their World Cup hopes alive.

The Super Eagles will face Group C leaders South Africa, who have 16 points, in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. A win in this match would significantly boost Nigeria’s qualification chances.

Investigator news gathered that Arokodare’s goal marked his first competitive goal for Nigeria, and he was introduced as a substitute in the second half, replacing Frank Onyeka.

The Super Eagles’ victory over Rwanda has injected fresh hope into their World Cup qualifying campaign, and fans are optimistic about the team’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Emmanuel lkpeama

As Nigeria is still basking in the glory of the Super Falcons’ stunning victory at the 2024 WAFCON Tournament in Morocco! Hon. Oduse,a FIFA-licensed agent, and former chairmanship aspirant in Ejigbo LCDA, Lagos, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the team for their remarkable win.

In a congratulatory message signed and released by his Media handlers,Hon. Oduse praised the Super Falcons for their doggedness, creativity, industriousness, resilience, and fight-to-finish spirit, which ultimately led to their 3-2 triumph over host nation Morocco.

He highlighted the turning point of the game, which came in the second half, thanks to Nigeria’s coach’s clever tactics and strategy.

Investigator news reports stated that the winning goals were scored by Esther Okoronkwo, who converted a penalty in the 64th minute, Folashade Ijamilusi, who netted the equalizer in the 71st minute, and Jennifer Echeginni, who sealed the victory with a dramatic winner in the 88th minute.

As a professional sports manager, Hon. Oduse commended the team for their outstanding performance and urged the Nigeria Football Federation to continue nurturing young talents across the country.

He also advised the “Glass house” to retain the winning team, emphasizing, “You don’t change a winning team”.

We wish the Super Falcons continued success in their future endeavors!¹ ² ³

Emeka Ochulor

The Nigeria Super Falcons have booked their spot in the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a resounding 5-0 victory over Zambia’s Copper Queens.

The match which was played at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, saw Nigeria dominate from the onset, with Osinachi Ohale scoring the opening goal in the second minute with a precise header.

The Super Falcons continued to press, generating multiple scoring opportunities throughout the initial half. Esther Okoronkwo extended Nigeria’s lead in the 33rd minute, calmly slotting the ball past the Zambian goalkeeper. Just before halftime, Chinwendu Ihezuo added a third goal, converting a one-on-one opportunity against the Zambian goalkeeper.

The second half saw no decrease in intensity from the Nigerian side. Tosin Demehin headed in a free-kick delivered by Esther Okoronkwo in the 69th minute, further increasing the score to 4-0. Folashade Ijamilusi sealed the victory with a fifth goal in the 90+4 minute, tapping home unopposed at the back post.

Throughout the match, Nigeria’s defensive unit maintained its strong performance, ensuring the team’s clean sheet in the tournament thus far. Zambia’s attempts to breach Nigeria’s defense, including efforts from Barbra Banda, were thwarted by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

The Super Falcons will now face the winner of the quarterfinal match between South Africa and Senegal in the semifinals. With this dominant win, Nigeria moves closer to their aspiration for a tenth WAFCON title, a goal they have termed “Mission X”.

Nigerian coach Justin Madugu implemented several strategic substitutions during the second half, bringing in Asisat Oshoala, Christy Ucheibe, and Deborah Abiodun for Esther Okoronkwo, Echegini, and Halimatu Ayinde. Chinwendu Ihezuo was later substituted by Sikiratu Isah.

[7/18, 9:44 PM] The Investigator News: The Nigeria Super Falcons secured a dominant 5-0 victory over Zambia in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) quarter-final match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday, July 18, 2025. The win propels Nigeria, a nine-time champion, closer to their aspiration for a tenth title, a goal they have termed “Mission X.”

The encounter, which some football analysts had anticipated would be a closely contested affair between Zambia’s Barbra Banda, the current African Wo