New Zealand has officially booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their third appearance on football’s biggest stage. The All Whites sealed qualification in dominant fashion with a commanding 3-0 victory over New Caledonia on Monday, March 24. The win not only reaffirmed their regional supremacy but also made them the fifth team to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament. Despite their triumph, the celebrations were somewhat dampened by an unfortunate injury to star striker Chris Wood, who plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League. Wood, a key figure in New Zealand’s attack, has been in excellent form and was expected to play a crucial role in their World Cup campaign. His injury raises concerns for both club and country, as his recovery timeline remains uncertain. New Zealand’s qualification adds to their growing reputation in international football. Having previously appeared in the World Cup in 1982 and 2010, the team will be eager to make a significant impact in the 2026 edition, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their solid performance in the qualifiers highlights their defensive resilience and attacking prowess, making them a team to watch as preparations for the tournament intensify. With months to go before the World Cup kicks off, New Zealand will focus on fine-tuning their squad and ensuring their key players, including Wood, regain full fitness. Fans will be hopeful that the All Whites can defy expectations and put in a strong showing on the global stage.

Nigerian Goalkeeper-Turned-Striker Suleman Shaibu Stuns TP Mazembe with Goal-Scoring Prowess Suleman Shaibu, a 22-year-old Nigerian goalkeeper for TP Mazembe, has become an unexpected attacking sensation, proving his versatility by excelling as a striker. Originally a shot-stopper, Shaibu found himself taking on an outfield role due to FIFA’s ban on player registrations, which left his club struggling with a depleted squad. With Mazembe unable to sign reinforcements, the Kano-born player volunteered to play upfront, a suggestion initially met with skepticism by teammates and fans alike. However, he quickly silenced doubters by scoring seven goals and providing 15 assists across 13 appearances as a substitute. Shaibu's first game as a forward came in October 2024 against Don Bosco, where he entered the match in the 65th minute. Since then, he has impressed with his attacking instincts, taking advantage of the club's lack of striking options. Reflecting on his transition, Shaibu revealed that many within the club thought he was joking when he first suggested the switch. However, with only one struggling striker available, the coaching staff took a chance on him, handing him an outfield jersey in training. “What started as a joke became an opportunity. I knew I could do it; I just needed a chance to prove myself,” he said. Despite initial doubts from supporters, Shaibu embraced his new role and quickly adapted, delivering crucial goals and assists. His remarkable performances have now sparked ambitions of representing Nigeria’s Super Eagles and possibly securing a move to a bigger league. “If I can reach 10 to 15 goals this season but don’t get consistent chances next season, I’ll look for opportunities in North African leagues before considering a move to Europe,” he stated. Shaibu's incredible transformation from goalkeeper to goal-scorer has made him one of the most talked-about players in African football, proving that talent and adaptability can defy expectations.

Calvin Bassey: From Struggles at Ajax to Fulham’s Defensive Anchor When Fulham secured the signing of Calvin Bassey from Ajax in July 2023, the Nigerian defender wasted no time in expressing his enthusiasm. Amid the usual remarks about excitement and new challenges, he made a personal connection: “It’s a London club as well, so it’s always a plus to go home.” Though born in Aosta, Italy, and now representing Nigeria at the international level, Bassey was raised in Newham. His return to the city that shaped him has marked a remarkable transformation in his career. In just over a year, Bassey has become a beloved figure at Craven Cottage. His sharp sense of humor has endeared him to teammates, while his commanding presence at the back has won over Fulham supporters. The club’s £19 million investment now looks like a bargain, but his path to success wasn’t immediate. His brief and challenging stint at Ajax, where he struggled to establish himself, dented his confidence. Fulham, however, saw potential in the defender, and under Marco Silva’s guidance, he has rediscovered the dominant form that made him a standout at Rangers in Scotland. Bassey’s development is evident when comparing two matches against Tottenham. In October 2023, his eagerness to play ambitious passes led to costly errors, including a misplaced ball that gifted Spurs possession. A failed attempt to recover resulted in a clumsy collision with teammate Tim Ream, allowing Heung-min Son an easy goal. Fulham lost 2-0, and Bassey took much of the blame. Fast forward to last Sunday, and the transformation was striking. This time, Bassey outmuscled Djed Spence before shrugging off Cristian Romero with sheer physical dominance, leaving both Spurs players on the ground. His confidence, decision-making, and composure under pressure have all grown significantly over the past 20 months. His impact isn’t limited to defense. Bassey scored his first Fulham goal in February 2023, netting in a dramatic 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford—Fulham’s first win there since 2009. A year later, he repeated the feat in the FA Cup, heading home the opening goal before helping his team secure a quarterfinal spot through a penalty shootout. His celebration, leading teammates in a dance in front of the traveling Fulham fans, underscored the strong bond he has built with the club’s supporters. His towering displays have sparked debate among fans, with some even calling him the best center-back in the Premier League outside the traditional Big Six. While competitors like Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi might have claims to that title, Bassey has undoubtedly entered the conversation. To his closest friends at Fulham—Emile Smith Rowe and fellow Nigerian Alex Iwobi—Bassey is a jokester, always ready with a prank. But on the pitch, he is a serious force, a key pillar in Fulham’s defensive setup and an integral part of their success.

Osimhen Shines with Brace as Super Eagles Revive World Cup Hopes True to his pre-match confidence, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen delivered a stellar performance on Friday, netting two first-half goals to keep Nigeria’s World Cup qualification hopes alive. The Super Eagles secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi in Kigali, but they remain in fourth place in Group C with six points—four points behind group leaders South Africa. Bafana Bafana had earlier claimed the top spot with a 2-0 win over Lesotho, taking their tally to 10 points. Meanwhile, Benin Republic sits in second place with eight points after their 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe, while Rwanda holds third place with seven points. Osimhen opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a perfectly executed free kick delivered by Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. He doubled Nigeria’s lead deep into first-half stoppage time (45+3), showing his attacking prowess as he surged forward and coolly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper. This victory marked a winning start for head coach Eric Chelle in his first assignment with the Super Eagles. The team now shifts focus to their next challenge, a home fixture against Zimbabwe’s Warriors in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday. Meanwhile, in Polokwane, South Africa strengthened their grip on the group with a 2-0 triumph over Lesotho, courtesy of goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adamas. Despite a slow start, Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock after the hour mark, securing three vital points. Up next, South Africa will face Benin in a crucial away clash in Abidjan, while Lesotho travels to Kigali to take on Rwanda. Back in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Super Eagles for their impressive victory over Rwanda. Through its renowned brands—Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink the company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Nigerian football. Wasiu Ola Abiola, Head of Digital Brand Media PR and Sponsorships at Nigerian Breweries Plc, commended the team for their determination and outstanding performance. "We are incredibly proud of the Super Eagles for their fantastic display against Rwanda. This victory is a testament to their dedication, teamwork, and the passion that defines Nigerian football. Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink celebrate excellence, and once again, the Super Eagles have proven that Nigeria belongs among the elite in world football,” Abiola stated. As the Super Eagles prepare for their next battle against Zimbabwe, fans eagerly anticipate another strong performance to strengthen Nigeria’s quest for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Nigerian Breweries Brands Power Super Eagles with ‘Man of the Match’ Award As the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe in Uyo on Tuesday night, Nigerian Breweries Plc, through its flagship brands—Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink—is set to fuel the team’s momentum by introducing a ‘Man of the Match’ award to honor the standout performer of the game. This initiative, tagged “Operation Super Eagles Sustain the Tempo,” highlights the brands’ strong commitment to Nigerian football and their dedication to keeping the national team motivated throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign. Olaoluwa Babalola, Portfolio Manager for Mainstream Lager Brands at Nigerian Breweries Plc, underscored the essence of the initiative, emphasizing its alignment with the values of resilience and unity deeply ingrained in Nigerian culture. “Goldberg, Life Continental, and Zagg Energy Drink represent strength, determination, and community—values that mirror the spirit of Nigerian football. The Super Eagles are a symbol of national pride, and we want to celebrate the players who give their all on the pitch. Recognizing their efforts with this award serves as an extra incentive to push for excellence,” Babalola explained. Echoing this sentiment, Wasiu Ola Abiola, Head of Digital, Brand Media PR, and Sponsorships at Nigerian Breweries Plc, reinforced the company’s unwavering support for Nigerian football at all levels. “Football unites the nation, and the Super Eagles embody the passion and determination that define our people. Our brands are committed to fueling this energy, and through the ‘Man of the Match’ award, we aim to reward outstanding performances while inspiring the team to strive for greatness,” Abiola stated. This collaboration comes at a crucial moment in Nigeria’s World Cup qualification journey, where every match plays a pivotal role in securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Nigerian Breweries Plc has a long-standing history of backing Nigerian sports, from supporting the national teams to grassroots football programs. The company officially signed a sponsorship agreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on February 1, 2018, solidifying its role as a key partner in Nigerian football. Since then, all levels of the national teams, including the women’s squads, have benefited from the partnership, drawing fan engagement comparable to top European clubs. With star players such as Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Samuel Chukwueze in the squad, the competition for the Man of the Match award is expected to be fierce. The winner will receive a ₦1 million cash prize, along with additional brand rewards in recognition of their outstanding performance. As Nigeria gears up to face Zimbabwe, fans can not only anticipate a thrilling encounter but also take pride in the unwavering support from homegrown brands championing Nigerian football excellence.

Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has enforced strict measures within the national team’s camp as Nigeria intensifies preparations for their crucial must-win encounter against Zimbabwe. With the high-stakes match set to take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Chelle is leaving no room for distractions, ensuring that players and staff remain fully focused on the task ahead. The coach’s decision to impose tighter restrictions highlights the importance of maintaining discipline and concentration as the team looks to secure a vital victory. Given the significance of the fixture, Chelle aims to create an environment that fosters unity, tactical precision, and peak performance. As Nigeria pushes forward in their campaign, the Super Eagles will be expected to bring their best game to the pitch, with Chelle’s leadership and strict camp regulations playing a key role in their preparation for this decisive encounter. Super Eagles Tighten Focus Ahead of Zimbabwe Clash After Rwanda Victory The Super Eagles took a crucial step in reviving their World Cup qualification campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali on Friday. The win saw Nigeria climb from fifth to fourth place in the standings, bringing their total points to six and reigniting hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious tournament. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe, who played out a 2-2 draw against Benin Republic on Thursday, have already arrived in Uyo, determined to challenge the Super Eagles on home soil. Aware of the stakes, head coach Eric Chelle is ensuring that his squad remains fully focused on the task ahead, refusing to let the Rwanda triumph distract them from the mission at hand. Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, revealed that Chelle has reinforced strict disciplinary measures within the team’s camp to maintain full concentration. “The coach is not letting the team’s victory over Rwanda shift their attention away from the Zimbabwe game. To keep the squad in the right mindset, he has put certain restrictions in place,” Efoghe stated. As part of these measures, no visitors or media personnel are permitted within the camp. Sunday's training session was held behind closed doors, while Monday’s practice will allow media coverage for only 15 minutes, immediately following the official press conference. Additionally, a designated mixed-zone session will be set up on match day to facilitate limited interactions between players and journalists. Upon arriving in Uyo on Saturday, the Super Eagles players expressed their determination to win all their remaining Group C matches. Their goal is to maximize their chances of qualifying for the World Cup after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar. With heightened focus and Chelle’s disciplined approach, Nigeria is aiming to strengthen its position in the qualifiers, beginning with a decisive performance against Zimbabwe. Captain William Troost-Ekong was among the most vocal players, emphasizing the significance of Friday’s victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi as a crucial statement in Nigeria’s World Cup qualification campaign. Reflecting on the win, he said, “It was essential for us to send a strong message with that performance, and we’re pleased with both the result and how we achieved it. However, we know that qualification is not secured yet, and there is still a lot of work ahead. This was just the beginning of our recovery, and we must remain committed to putting in the effort.” Super Eagles Determined to Secure World Cup Qualification as Zimbabwe Clash Looms Captain William Troost-Ekong has emphasized the team’s determination to turn their World Cup qualification campaign around, stating that Friday’s victory over Rwanda was a crucial step in reigniting Nigeria’s hopes. While acknowledging the challenges faced in the earlier matches, he chose not to dwell on past setbacks, instead focusing on the positive outlook ahead. “I don’t want to dwell on the circumstances that led to the results of our first four matches," Ekong stated. "The most important thing is that we still have a chance to recover and revive our campaign. Friday’s win showed that we are on the right track, and we need to keep that momentum going.” With a crucial clash against Zimbabwe on the horizon, Ekong assured fans that he and the rest of the team are fully committed to securing another vital victory. The Super Eagles captain dismissed any thoughts of complacency and made it clear that Nigeria's ambition to reach the FIFA World Cup remains stronger than ever. “We’ve heard talk about Zimbabwe coming to Uyo to get a result, but they should put that thought to rest. Our motivation to qualify for the World Cup is second to none," he declared. "Apart from myself, Alex Iwobi, and maybe one or two others who played at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, this generation of players is eager to showcase their talent on the biggest stage. It’s not just about making the country proud; it’s about proving ourselves and fulfilling our own dreams.” Star striker Victor Osimhen, who delivered a match-winning performance against Rwanda with two crucial goals, echoed Ekong’s sentiments. The Napoli forward stressed that the team understands the magnitude of the task ahead and is prepared to give everything in the remaining matches. “We are fully ready,” Osimhen affirmed. “From now on, every game is a battle, and we have to approach each one with the mindset of warriors. There’s no room for mistakes—we must fight with everything we have to get the results we need.” A victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday would propel Nigeria to nine points, significantly boosting their chances of securing a World Cup ticket. The Super Eagles’ position could be further strengthened if Benin Republic and South Africa neutralize each other in their encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. With the stakes at an all-time high, Nigeria's players are rallying together, determined to seize their moment and bring the Super Eagles back to the grandest stage of world football.

Moses Simon Shines on Return, Assists Winning Goal in Nantes’ Victory Over Lille Nigerian winger Moses Simon made a triumphant return from injury, playing a decisive role in FC Nantes' 1-0 victory over Lille in their latest Ligue 1 fixture. Simon, who had been sidelined due to injury, wasted no time in making an impact, providing the crucial assist for the game's only goal in what marked his 24th appearance of the season. His return came as a significant boost for Nantes, who are aiming to solidify their position in the league. With this latest contribution, the Super Eagles forward has now recorded six goals and eight assists this season, further highlighting his importance to the team. His attacking creativity and playmaking ability have been vital to Nantes’ campaign, reinforcing his status as a key figure in their push for success. As the season progresses, Nantes will be counting on Simon to maintain his form, with his influence expected to be crucial in their upcoming fixtures in the French top flight.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a public disclaimer warning about a fake X account impersonating Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle. In a post on the Super Eagles’ official X account on Saturday night, the NFF clarified that Chelle does not have an account on X (formerly Twitter) and stated that any account claiming to represent the Malian coach is fraudulent. “Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not have an X account. His only official social media presence is on Instagram: [@eric_chelle],” the post read. “Please be advised that Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, does not possess an X account. Exercise caution and be wary of scams or any misleading information.” the post added. The warning follows rising concerns over misinformation and fraud on X, where fake accounts frequently spread misleading content about Chelle. Chelle’s team is set to face Zimbabwe in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles’ qualification campaign has taken another turn, as Zimbabwe’s players have been promised a $150,000 cash incentive to pull off an upset against both Benin’s Cheetahs and Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Initially, the Warriors—along with their technical crew and support staff—were set to receive $150,000 from the Zimbabwean government for defeating Benin on Thursday. However, that match ended in a 2-2 draw. Now, another $150,000 is on offer if they can shock Nigeria in Uyo. While the incentive serves as motivation for the Warriors, some might view it as an insult to the three-time African champions given its modest sum. Nigeria’s journey to the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—has been far from smooth. The Super Eagles remain winless in four qualifiers, sitting fifth in Group C behind Rwanda, South Africa, Benin, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe.

Christian Eriksen Set to Leave Manchester United This Summer Christian Eriksen has confirmed that he expects to leave Manchester United at the end of the season and does not plan to join another Premier League club. The 33-year-old Danish midfielder arrived at Old Trafford on a free transfer in July 2022, following a brief stint with Brentford, where he restarted his career after suffering a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020. Since joining United, Eriksen has made 66 Premier League appearances, though his game time this season has been limited to just 16 league matches. With his contract expiring this summer, the club has yet to initiate discussions over a renewal. “I haven’t heard anything from the club, so I assume our time together will come to an end—that’s how I see it,” Eriksen told Danish media. “I’m ready to explore new opportunities, but I haven’t decided where yet.” Having started his professional career at Ajax, Eriksen spent seven years at Tottenham Hotspur before moving to Inter Milan. Spurs had shown interest in re-signing him before he opted to join Manchester United. Looking ahead, Eriksen ruled out a move to Major League Soccer but expressed a desire to continue playing in Europe. “My intention is not to stay in England,” he stated. “I won’t be heading to the U.S., but I’m also not ready to return to Denmark just yet. I still have good years left playing abroad.”