by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Soccer, USA, World Cup
Football’s mini-World Cup could return every four years, featuring continental champions from around the globe.
FIFA is reportedly planning to revive the once-popular FIFA Confederations Cup with a revamped structure. The new version of the tournament would feature eight elite national teams, competing every four years in a high-stakes battle of continental supremacy.
Under the proposed format, the participating nations would include the reigning champions from each continental competition, alongside the current FIFA World Cup winners:
Argentina (World Cup winners)
Spain (UEFA Euro champions)
Portugal (UEFA Nations League winners)
Colombia (Copa América finalists, filling in for already-qualified Argentina)
Mexico (CONCACAF Gold Cup winners)
Qatar (AFC Asian Cup winners)
Ivory Coast (AFCON winners)
New Zealand (OFC Nations Cup champions)
The return of this prestigious tournament would offer fans a thrilling international competition between global heavyweights outside of the World Cup cycle.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Former Super Eagles boss, Augustine Eguavoen, has thrown his weight behind Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup ambitions despite the uphill task ahead.
Now in his fourth stint with the national team, the 59-year-old tactician briefly returned to steer the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2025 AFCON after Finidi George stepped down. Although Eric Chelle has since taken over as head coach, Eguavoen remains confident that the dream of playing in North America is still alive.
“It’s easier said than done, but we have the potential and the personnel,” Eguavoen told Sportsblog247.com. “It’s a tight rope, but everything is possible. With the boys we have now and every Nigerian coming together, it is doable. I’m 100% sure.”
With Nigeria currently sitting fourth in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifiers, the Super Eagles must win all remaining matches to stand a chance. Still, Eguavoen believes the team’s mindset must be laser-focused.
“One game at a time. Treat every game like a final,” he said.
The former Super Eagles captain also praised Eric Chelle’s early impact on the team. “Very good performance. I hope the record continues. There shouldn’t be any distractions. Let him do what he feels is right — give him control.”
On the women’s front, Eguavoen expressed optimism ahead of the Super Falcons’ campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), kicking off July 5 in Morocco.
“We’re the best in Africa, one of the best in the world,” Eguavoen declared. “I was in Morocco last time when they finished fourth — that’s behind us now. From the World Cup to the Olympics, this team has made progress. They can go all the way.”
The Super Falcons will fine-tune preparations this evening with a crucial friendly against Portugal, as they aim to reclaim their continental crown in Morocco.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has fired a timely warning to Group C rivals South Africa and Rwanda, insisting Nigeria remains firmly in the hunt for a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite a shaky start to the qualifiers — with just one win in six games — the Chippa United shot-stopper believes all hope is far from lost. Nigeria currently sit fourth in Group C with seven points, trailing table-toppers South Africa (13 points), and both Rwanda and Benin (8 points each).
But with 12 points still up for grabs across the remaining four matches, Nwabali is confident the Super Eagles can still soar to North America for the tournament jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“It’s football — being Nigeria doesn’t automatically mean we’ll beat everyone,” Nwabali told Sportsblog247.com. “We still have a good chance to qualify despite our current position. We’re focused on the next game, and we’ll keep pushing to turn things around.”
Nigeria’s road to redemption begins in September with a must-win clash against Rwanda on home soil, followed by a daunting away trip to South Africa. October fixtures will see the Super Eagles face Lesotho away and wrap up with a potential decider against Benin at home.
After the heartbreak of missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the three-time African champions are determined to avoid another disappointment. With six previous World Cup appearances under their belt — including round of 16 finishes in 1994, 1998, and 2014 — Nigeria are fighting to keep their place among football’s global elite.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | AFCON, Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer, USA, World Cup
After witnessing one of the most thrilling matches of the FIFA Club World Cup, Nigerian international Michelle Alozie has found a new club to cheer for — South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Super Falcons star was left in awe after Sundowns pushed Borussia Dortmund to the limit in a gripping 7-goal spectacle that ended 4-3 in favour of the German heavyweights.
Despite falling behind 4-1 at one point, Sundowns showed immense character, clawing their way back into the contest with two second-half goals, including a stunning 90th-minute strike that nearly completed an epic comeback.
Their fearless performance did not go unnoticed. Alozie, currently gearing up for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), took to social media to salute the South African champions, calling their attacking play “inspiring” and “bold.”
Her praise earned her an instant welcome from the Sundowns community. The club responded warmly:
“Welcome to the Yellow Nation.”
Alozie’s support may have crossed borders, but she’ll have to set fandom aside when Nigeria face South Africa in Morocco, where the Super Falcons and Banyana Banyana are expected to renew their intense rivalry.
The reigning champions South Africa are determined to defend their WAFCON crown, while Nigeria, record winners of the tournament, are desperate to reclaim their title.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jun 23, 2025 | Africa, Europe, International, Nigeria, Soccer
As the sun rises on a new era at Lazio, Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru finds himself at a career-defining crossroads. With former Chelsea and Napoli tactician Maurizio Sarri now at the helm of the Biancocelesti, the 23-year-old Super Eagles star is set for a crucial evaluation during pre-season.
Dele-Bashiru, who made the switch from Turkish side Hatayspor last summer, endured a turbulent debut season in Serie A. While his domestic performances were inconsistent—yielding only three goals and one assist in 20 league matches—his exploits in the UEFA Europa League painted a different picture. In Europe, he proved more effective, contributing two goals and two assists in eight games and helping Lazio push deep into the competition.
With Lazio finishing a disappointing seventh in the 2024/25 campaign and missing out on Champions League football, Sarri has been appointed to engineer a major rebuild. Renowned for his meticulous, high-tempo, possession-driven football, the Italian tactician will use pre-season to assess which players fit his demanding philosophy.
Dele-Bashiru, a powerful and skillful presence in midfield, will be under the microscope. The question remains: Can he adapt to Sarri’s system and stake a claim in a restructured Lazio side?
Meanwhile, interest is growing elsewhere. Atalanta’s sporting director Tony D’Amico is reportedly monitoring the Nigerian, hinting at a possible switch to Bergamo if Lazio chooses to part ways.
As Lazio’s preseason camp nears, all eyes will be on Dele-Bashiru. His fate could shape not only his own trajectory but also Lazio’s midfield identity for the coming season.
