by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, International, Soccer, World Cup
Benin Republic’s hopes of a historic first FIFA World Cup qualification received a major boost after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld FIFA’s sanction against Equatorial Guinea for fielding an ineligible player during the ongoing 2026 African qualifiers.
CAS dismissed Equatorial Guinea’s appeal to overturn FIFA’s decision, which saw them stripped of six points and six goals for using veteran striker Emilio Nsue in victories over Namibia and Liberia in November 2023. FIFA had ruled in May 2024 that Nsue, despite regularly playing for Equatorial Guinea and even winning the AFCON golden boot earlier that year, had never been formally cleared to switch allegiance from Spain, whom he represented at youth level.
Although FIFA later granted Nsue clearance in March 2025, Equatorial Guinea’s appeal for the reinstatement of their deducted points was rejected, leaving their qualification hopes in ruins. The ruling keeps Namibia in second place in Group H with 15 points, four clear of Liberia, while Tunisia have already sealed the group’s automatic World Cup slot.
For Benin Republic, the CAS verdict sparks renewed optimism. The Cheetahs sit second in Group C on 14 points, three behind leaders South Africa. However, they are urging FIFA to apply the same disciplinary standards to Bafana Bafana, who fielded Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite the midfielder having accumulated two yellow cards.
Should FIFA sanction South Africa, the group dynamics would shift dramatically: both Benin and South Africa would be level on 14 points, with Benin edging top spot on goal difference. That scenario would set up a dramatic showdown in Bloemfontein, where the two sides meet in the final group match—a potential winner-takes-all clash for a direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.
As things stand, CAS’ firm stance has thrown Group C wide open and given Benin Republic a glimmer of hope that their long-awaited World Cup breakthrough could still be on the horizon.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer, World Cup
Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has opened up about his deep admiration for Ghana and his genuine desire to lead the Black Stars, insisting that his interest was never driven by financial motives.
Saintfiet, who was in contention to replace Chris Hughton before Otto Addo’s reappointment in March 2024, revealed that he held a marathon four-hour discussion with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) during the selection process.
“I wanted to coach the Black Stars, not for money, but to help Ghana achieve success in international competitions,” Saintfiet told Sportsblog247.com.
The veteran tactician, who guided The Gambia to consecutive Africa Cup of Nations appearances, admitted that though he wasn’t chosen, he holds no bitterness. Instead, he commended Otto Addo’s leadership and even hinted at the possibility of working alongside him in the future.
“I would be glad to work with Otto Addo in the Black Stars’ coaching setup,” he affirmed.
Ironically, the two men found themselves on opposite dugouts earlier this year during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Otto Addo’s Ghana edged Saintfiet’s Mali 1-0 in Accra — a result that left Mali fighting to stay alive in the race for qualification.
Saintfiet’s words paint the picture of a coach driven not by contracts or paychecks, but by passion and a belief in the rich football heritage of Ghana.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has opened up about the Super Eagles’ difficult path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, conceding that the team’s hopes now rest on their final two qualifying matches.
The Super Eagles claimed a much-needed win over Rwanda in Uyo last Saturday, but a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Johannesburg left them stuck in third place in their group. With Bafana Bafana leading on six points and Benin sitting second with three, Nigeria’s margin for error has all but disappeared.
Chelle, who admitted his side had targeted maximum points from their recent fixtures, acknowledged that their situation is precarious but not impossible.
> “We are professionals and it’s two games remaining. For sure, these players want to win those two games. Now it’s difficult for us at the moment because we wanted to win the past two games,” the coach reflected.
“I think we did everything. In one month, we have the two remaining games. Lots of things can happen in one month—about the points, about the teams, about everything.”
Nigeria will now turn their attention to Lesotho on Monday, October 6, before clashing with Benin in what could prove to be their decisive battle a week later.
For Chelle and his men, the message is clear: win or risk missing out on the world’s biggest stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, has launched a strong rebuke against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), questioning their insistence on employing foreign coaches for the national team.
Oliseh, known for his uncompromising stance on Nigerian football matters, argued that if the NFF believes foreigners are better equipped to handle the Super Eagles, then the federation’s leadership itself should also be replaced with foreigners.
The ex-Juventus midfielder blamed Nigeria’s unimpressive performance in the CAF 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on the decision to stick with a foreign coach. With just two games left, the Super Eagles sit third in Group C on 11 points, trailing South Africa (17 points) and Benin Republic (14 points).
The latest 1-1 draw against South Africa in Uyo has further dented Nigeria’s chances of booking a place at the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. For Oliseh, this is evidence that the problem lies with poor decision-making at the administrative level.
“I’m a fan of the Nigerian brand,” Oliseh declared. “I am totally against foreigners running our national team. Any Nigerian who supports otherwise should return their passport. If we accept that another race is better than us in managing our football, then why stop there? Let’s also bring foreigners to head the NFF. Maybe then they will understand they are killing the pride of Nigeria.”
Oliseh further stressed that Malian coach Eric Chelle is no better than several qualified Nigerian Grade A coaches, insisting the federation must learn to trust its own people.
The Super Eagles face a defining moment next month with decisive fixtures against Lesotho in South Africa and Benin Republic at home in Uyo.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Sep 12, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA
The Super Eagles are heading to Houston this November for one last big test before AFCON 2025. Nigeria will face Venezuela on Friday, November 14, at the Shell Energy Stadium—a historic first appearance for the three-time African champions at the venue.
The clash is more than just a friendly. With World Cup qualifiers wrapped up, head coach Eric Chelle sees this as the perfect opportunity to fine-tune tactics, test squad depth, and give fringe players one final chance to impress before the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco this December.
Nigeria has been drawn in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, and expectations are high after their heartbreaking runner-up finish to Senegal in the last edition. The Houston outing could prove decisive in shaping Chelle’s final 23-man squad.
For Venezuela, it’s a quick return to Houston after their goalless draw with Guatemala earlier this year. Coach Fernando Batista’s men will be looking to rebuild confidence following a mixed qualifying run that exposed defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in heavy defeats against Argentina and Colombia.
The fixture also carries a touch of history. Exactly twelve years ago, on November 14, 2012, the two nations clashed in Miami, where Nigeria ran out 3-1 winners courtesy of goals from Brown Ideye, Nosa Igiebor, and Ogenyi Onazi. This time, both sides meet again on the same date—but with preparation and fine-tuning the ultimate priority.
Houston is set for a night of international flair, as Africa and South America collide once more.
