The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to establish a Special Committee to investigate the alleged mismanagement of financial grants totalling $25 million received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA. This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance during Tuesday’s plenary, jointly sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers). The motion, titled “Motion to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” expressed concern over the alleged diversion of funds, which, according to Adesola, has contributed significantly to the nation’s declining football performance across all levels. Adesola recalled that former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, had recently accused the NFF of frustrating football development in the country through the misappropriation of FIFA and CAF grants, including the questionable use of $1 million meant to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup. The motion also noted that between 2015 and 2025, the NFF reportedly received over $25 million in development funds from FIFA and CAF, without any tangible improvements or investments to reflect such huge financial support. Speaking on the substance of the motion, the Lagos lawmaker noted that in December 2016, “FIFA sent an audit query over the mishandling of $1.1m development grant to NFF and reported that US$802,000 lacked proper documentation, prompting Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit and asked NFF to account for receipts and disbursements.” He continued, “The House notes that between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then President, Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject to EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship. “One of these monies, a $1.2m, is the subject of a news item currently trending on social media, which NFF allegedly used to construct Birnin Kebbi Stadium. “We are concerned that a physical inspection of the stadium in Birnin Kebbi showed that it is a substandard facility in terms of quality and quantity, which cannot justify the sum of $1.2m claimed to have been spent on the project by the NFF.” He, however, added that “The Kenyan Football Federation used the same amount of grant to develop a standard and well-equipped facility, to further raise eyebrows on the profligacy in NFF.” He maintained that with another African Cup of Nations round the corner and the World Cup play-off, both involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria, “There is a need to take decisive action on further misuse of public funds by the leadership of NFF.” The motion was unanimously endorsed at the plenary presided over by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and the House resolved to set up a special investigative committee to probe NFF finances from 2015 to date. It also resolved to invite the leadership of NFF to appear before the special committee with documents showing receipts and expenditures of grants.

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been listed among the top contenders for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year award. Joining him on the shortlist are Egypt and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah, and Morocco’s Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi. Other nominees include Cameroon’s Frank Anguissa, Congo’s Fiston Mayele, Gabon’s Denis Bouanga, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui, and Senegalese duo Iliman Ndiaye and Pape Matar Sarr. According to CAF, the awards celebrate Africa’s best performers across players, coaches, clubs, and national teams. “The impact of players and coaches on African and global football during the period under review, from 6 January to 15 October 2025, has been remarkable. These nominations honour those who have made significant contributions to the game on the continent,” CAF stated. The football body added that a panel of experts comprising members of the CAF Technical & Development Committee, seasoned coaches, CAF Legends, and selected media representatives shortlisted 10 nominees per category based on performances across all competitions. Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, was also nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. He will face stiff competition from Morocco’s Yassine Bonou, South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, Cameroon’s Andre Onana, and Senegal’s Edouard Mendy. Other categories announced include Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year.

Kano Pillars FC has suspended Technical Adviser Ogenyi Evans and Chief Coach Ahmed Garba with immediate effect due to poor performance in the ongoing 2025/2026 NPFL season. The team has recorded just two wins, two draws, and four losses in eight matches. Former captain Gambo Muhammad, Goalkeeping Coach Suleiman Shuaibu, and Coach Garzali Muhammad from Junior Pillars will take over in the interim. The club is also facing sanctions from the NPFL following crowd trouble during a recent match. Pillars will play their next 10 home games in Katsina behind closed doors, pay a ₦9.5 million fine, and have had three points and goals deducted. They currently sit in 20th place after a 2–1 loss to Barau FC.

Patrick Kluivert’s time as head coach of Indonesia has come to an end after he and the football federation “mutually agreed” to part ways on Thursday, following the team's unsuccessful attempt to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Indonesia’s hopes of making it to the tournament in North America were dashed after back-to-back defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia last week. The 49-year-old Dutch and former Barcelona star, who took charge in January, led the team in just eight matches — winning three, losing four, and drawing one. In a post on Instagram, Kluivert described his time with the team as “an unforgettable journey.” He expressed his disappointment at missing out on World Cup qualification but said he remains proud of the progress made during his tenure. Kluivert was appointed after the controversial dismissal of South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong. The former striker was appointed on a two-year deal earlier this year, with the goal of guiding Indonesia to their first-ever World Cup since gaining independence in 1945. According to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI), his exit was the result of a “mutual termination” agreement. The PSSI added that the decision was part of a broader review of the national team’s coaching and development strategy. No replacement for Kluivert has been announced yet. Born in Amsterdam, Kluivert retired from professional football in 2008 after an impressive playing career that began at Ajax—where he won the Champions League—before going on to play for AC Milan and Barcelona. However, his coaching career has been less distinguished. His most recent role was with Turkish club Adana Demirspor, where he spent just five months in charge in 2023. Prior to that, he served as caretaker coach of Curaçao in 2021. He also worked as assistant to Louis van Gaal with the Netherlands national team between 2012 and 2014.

Nigeria boosted their World Cup qualification hopes with a resounding 4–0 victory over Benin in Uyo on Tuesday night, sealing a spot in the playoff round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. The Super Eagles delivered one of their finest performances of the campaign, inspired by Victor Osimhen’s sensational hat-trick, before Frank Onyeka completed the rout in the closing moments. Osimhen wasted no time putting Nigeria ahead in the third minute, slotting home from a clever Samuel Chukwueze assist. The Napoli forward doubled the lead midway through the first half, rising to nod in another pinpoint cross from Chukwueze. While Benin attempted to fight back, Nigeria maintained firm control. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made key saves, and defenders Calvin Bassey and Bright Osayi-Samuel ensured the visitors found no breakthrough. Osimhen completed his treble in the 51st minute with a calm finish, effectively sealing the game and reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s elite strikers. Substitutes Olakunle Olusegun and Terem Moffi injected more pace into the attack as Nigeria pressed for more goals. Benin’s faint hopes of a comeback faded as they struggled to convert their limited chances, and their misery deepened in the 90th minute when Frank Onyeka added a fourth after a dazzling run and cross from Moses Simon. With the emphatic win, Nigeria finishes second in Group C and advances to the playoff stage, keeping alive their quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Nigerian football prodigy Richard Ajayi has taken a major step in his career by breaking into top-tier European football. The highly rated left-footed player, who turns 16 in December, has been invited to train with Bayern Munich’s first team after impressing with his versatility—capable of playing as a left-back, left-forward, and central midfielder. Ajayi has been turning heads with his performances and is widely seen as one to watch in the coming months. A product of Badagry-based amateur side Stars-To-Be Football Club, Ajayi joined the Bundesliga giants three years ago and has since drawn praise and comparisons to former greats like David Alabi. Following news of his promotion, the young talent expressed excitement but remained grounded, noting that the real work starts now and he is committed to meeting the high expectations set by his coaches.

Togolese international footballer Samuel Asamoah suffered a broken neck and may face paralysis after being pushed into a pitch-side LED advertising board during a League One match in China, his club announced. Video footage shows the 31-year-old colliding head-first with the panel after being shoved by an opponent while contesting the ball. Guangxi Pingguo FC announced that midfielder Samuel Asamoah suffered neck fractures and nerve damage, requiring surgery and putting him at risk of high-level paraplegia, likely ruling him out for the rest of the season and potentially impacting his career. As of Wednesday, the club reported he is in stable condition and recovering, thanking fans for their support and promising updates as his recovery progresses.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have suffered a major blow in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following the completion of Matchday 9 fixtures in the African qualifiers on Tuesday. Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, trailing group leaders Benin Republic and South Africa, who both have 14 points. Although Africa has nine automatic qualification slots and four additional places for the best second-placed teams across the nine groups due to the World Cup’s expansion to 48 teams, Tuesday’s results have severely dented Nigeria’s chances. Burkina Faso’s 1–0 win over Sierra Leone, Cameroon’s 2–0 victory against Mauritius, and Madagascar’s 2–1 triumph over Comoros have all boosted their standings, putting their point totals beyond Nigeria’s reach. At present, Gabon and Madagascar are level on 19 points, while Burkina Faso and Cameroon each have 18. Even if Nigeria wins its remaining two matches—away to Lesotho and at home against Benin Republic—the Super Eagles can only amass a maximum of 17 points. To keep their World Cup hopes alive, Nigeria must win both games convincingly and hope South Africa drops points in at least one of their remaining fixtures.

Fédération Internationale de Football Association[FIFA] has unveiled Trionda, the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup, designed by German manufacturer Adidas, which has supplied every World Cup ball since 1970. The ball features advanced technology and design elements that celebrate the three host nations — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his joy and pride as he unveiled the Trionda during an event in New York on Thursday. The 2026 World Cup, the first to be hosted by three countries and feature 48 teams, inspired the design and name of its official ball, which carries the colors red, blue and green, along with symbols from each host nation — Canada’s maple leaves, Mexico’s eagle, and U.S. stars — tied together by a triangle representing unity. Beyond its striking look, the ball includes advanced technology such as deep seams for flight stability, embossed icons for grip in wet conditions, and a motion sensor chip that relays movement data to the VAR system. The unveiling comes as FIFA counts down to the June 11–July 19 tournament, with online ticket sales already attracting over 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and the official draw set for December 5 in Washington.

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick emphasized that his team must improve their defending after conceding a last-minute goal in a 2-1 defeat to reigning Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday. Goncalo Ramos struck in the 90th minute at the Olympic Stadium to seal the win for the French side in their group stage encounter.Barcelona’s high defensive line was exposed when Achraf Hakimi broke through and delivered a cross for Ramos to score. Flick conceded that PSG were performing at a superior level. The Catalans were knocked out of last season’s Champions League semi-finals by Inter Milan, exposing their defensive flaws by conceding seven goals. Coach Hansi Flick admitted his team was below their best against PSG, who deserved the win, and stressed the need for better defensive structure. He remained confident in his squad’s potential, saying the match offered valuable lessons, and praised PSG’s philosophy, quality, and speed.