by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 9, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set for a do-or-die showdown as they take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, on Friday evening.
With the qualification race heating up, Nigeria must secure all three points — and hope results elsewhere go their way — to stay within touching distance of group leaders Benin Republic and South Africa. The Eagles currently trail both nations by three points, making victory in Polokwane non-negotiable.
All eyes will be on Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, two of Africa’s finest performers in recent years, as they spearhead Nigeria’s attack. The duo, along with Moses Simon, form a lethal offensive trio that will be key to unlocking Lesotho’s resilient defense.
The return of Osimhen, who missed last month’s clash with South Africa due to injury, is a major boost for coach Eric Chelle, who will, however, be without key players Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Raphael Onyedika, and Cyriel Dessers — all sidelined through injury.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali is expected to retain his starting role following a string of impressive performances. Defensive options include William Troost-Ekong, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Benjamin Frederick, offering a solid backline foundation.
Midfield creativity and control will rest on Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, and Christantus Uche, while attack options beyond the starting trio include Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Terem Moffi, and Jerome Akor Adams — all eager to make their mark.
The stakes couldn’t be higher: a win will keep Nigeria’s World Cup dream alive before their final group clash against Benin Republic in Uyo next week.
Full 21-Man Squad to Face Lesotho in Polokwane
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa)
Amas Obasogie (Singida Blackstars, Tanzania)
Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece)
Defenders:
William Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia)
Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England)
Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (Hull City, England)
Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, Portugal)
Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece)
Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium)
Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England)
Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)
Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (New England Revolution, USA)
Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas FC, Turkey)
Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace, England)
Forwards:
Ademola Lookman (Atalanta BC, Italy)
Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham FC, England)
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray FC, Turkey)
Moses Simon (Paris FC, France)
Tolu Arokodare (Wolves, England)
Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
Jerome Akor Adams (Sevilla FC, Spain)
Nigeria’s path to the 2026 World Cup may be narrow, but with firepower like Osimhen and Lookman, the Super Eagles will be flying into Polokwane with belief, pride, and the unbreakable Nigerian spirit.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 9, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain Joseph Yobo has voiced deep concern over Nigeria’s shaky path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, admitting he is clinging to hope and prayer for a miracle that would see the team qualify for football’s biggest stage.
Speaking in an interview with Brila FM, Yobo reflected on the painful memories of Nigeria’s 2006 World Cup miss, drawing parallels to the current situation as the Super Eagles battle to keep their qualification hopes alive.
> “I feel horrible because something similar happened during our time. We were young, a strong generation, and missing the 2006 World Cup affected our careers,” he recalled.
“The World Cup is the biggest stage in football. It goes beyond the players — it impacts the nation, the fans, even the economy. For a country like Nigeria not to be there, it doesn’t make sense.”
With South Africa currently leading their qualification group, Nigeria must win both remaining matches — and by convincing margins — while hoping South Africa slips up to keep their dream alive.
Yobo, who featured in three World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014), stressed the broader significance of qualification beyond sport, noting how football serves as a unifying force for Nigerians.
> “It affects everyone because football is a huge part of our culture. We can’t keep making these mistakes. I’m not even thinking about not qualifying. I’m just hoping a miracle happens somewhere. But we must play our part first.”
As the Super Eagles prepare for their decisive fixtures, Yobo’s words echo the sentiments of millions across Nigeria — a mix of frustration, faith, and an unyielding belief that miracles still happen in football.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 9, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
As the Black Stars edge closer to another slice of history, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum has hailed the team’s progress and passion, describing Ghana’s potential fifth World Cup qualification as a “huge achievement for the nation.”
Speaking on Woezor TV, Asante Twum emphasized the pride and determination driving both the players and technical team, following Ghana’s emphatic 5-0 demolition of the Central African Republic in Morocco on Wednesday.
> “The players and the technical team are determined to qualify for the World Cup, and qualifying for the World Cup for the fifth time is a huge achievement for the country and the team,” he stated.
The Black Stars’ spectacular performance — featuring goals from Mohammed Salisu, Thomas Partey, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, and Kamaldeen Sulemana — has lifted the four-time African champions to the top of Group I with 22 points. With just one point needed from their final qualifier, Ghana stands on the brink of confirming their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The journey has been one of resilience, renewal, and rising confidence under Otto Addo, and as the team prepares for their final showdown against Comoros this Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium (7:00 PM GMT), anticipation across the country is reaching fever pitch.
For Asante Twum and millions of Ghanaian fans, qualification would not only mark a return to football’s biggest stage — it would reaffirm Ghana’s enduring legacy as one of Africa’s football powerhouses.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 9, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Accra is bracing for a football carnival this Sunday as the Black Stars gear up for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Comoros — a match that could officially seal Ghana’s ticket to North America.
With excitement soaring and expectations at fever pitch, the Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rolled out strict matchday directives to ensure safety, order, and smooth access for thousands expected to flood the Accra Sports Stadium.
According to official notices, all fans must be seated by 6:00 PM ahead of the 7:00 PM kickoff, with a firm reminder that “NO TICKET, NO ACCESS.” The rule forms part of heightened security and crowd-control measures for what promises to be a high-energy evening under the floodlights.
To ease traffic congestion around the stadium, authorities have announced major diversions and security checkpoints at Osu Cemetery Traffic Lights, Independence Square intersections, and Ministries Roads. Supporters are urged to park at Independence Square and walk to the stadium.
For those yet to grab their tickets, sales are ongoing at approved outlets — including the Ministry of Sports & Recreation car park, Airport Shell, Osu Goil & Total, Nima Goil, Joy FM, Batsona Total, Achimota Shell 1 & 2, and Kaneshie Pamprom Goil — but will end strictly at 1:00 PM on matchday.
Ticket categories are as follows:
VIP – GH₵1,000
Upper VIP – GH₵500
Lower VIP – GH₵250
Centre Line – GH₵100
Popular Stand – GH₵50
The Black Stars enter this final Group I encounter brimming with confidence after their stunning 5-0 demolition of the Central African Republic in Morocco — a victory powered by goals from Mohammed Salisu, Alexander Djiku, Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Now sitting atop Group I with 22 points, Otto Addo’s side needs just a single point to confirm qualification. But make no mistake — Ghana will be hunting for another statement win to thrill home fans and cap off their qualifying campaign in grand style.
Come Sunday night, Accra will stop for football — and the Black Stars are ready to light up the capital once again.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Oct 9, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
With anticipation building ahead of Ghana’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash at the Accra Sports Stadium, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) says it is still waiting to hear from Comoros regarding their training arrangements.
According to Henry Asante Twum, Communications Director of the GFA, FIFA regulations require that the visiting team train at the same time as the scheduled kickoff — exactly 24 hours before the match. However, as of Thursday evening, no official communication had been received from the Comorian delegation.
Speaking on Agoro Fie on Onua TV, Asante Twum provided updates on the Black Stars’ preparations, confirming that the team would hold an open recovery session on Thursday, followed by a closed training session on Friday, before wrapping up with their final practice on Saturday at 5:30 pm.
> “We are hoping to hear from the Comorans, but per the regulations, we must give them the opportunity to train on the pitch at the time of the game, which is 7:00 pm,” he explained.
Despite the logistical wait, the GFA spokesperson emphasized that the Black Stars remain fully focused on extending their unbeaten home record and finishing their qualifying campaign stronger than ever in Group I.
With qualification all but sealed, Ghana’s clash with Comoros isn’t just about points — it’s about pride, momentum, and sending a message of dominance as Otto Addo’s men edge closer to another World Cup adventure.
