by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Ghana, Soccer
The draw for the Women’s FA Cup quarterfinals was held on Tuesday, confirming a series of mouth-watering fixtures ahead of a decisive round of matches scheduled for March 20–23.
FC Samartex will enjoy home advantage as they welcome FC Savannah, while Tamale Super Ladies are set to host Southern Zone campaigners Army Ladies in Tamale.
Another compelling fixture will see Jonina Ladies hit the road for an away clash against Supreme Ladies.
Hasaacas Ladies will also play on home turf, hosting Ampem Darkoaa at Kobby’s Astro Turf in what promises to be one of the standout ties of the round.
With the final eight teams now confirmed and paired, attention turns to next weekend, when the race for the semi-final spots will be decided as the Women’s FA Cup enters a crucial stage.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Burial arrangements have been finalised for the late father of Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi, with interment scheduled for February 12, 2026, in Umunede, Delta State.
Ndidi’s father, Sunday Ndidi, passed away in a tragic road accident in Umunede on Tuesday morning, just weeks after his son played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations. Family sources confirmed that the burial date was agreed upon a few days after his passing.
The 29-year-old midfielder took to social media to share an emotional tribute, reflecting on his final conversation with his father earlier that day. Ndidi revealed that although his father spoke with excitement, the exchange felt like a final goodbye, leaving him with memories of conversations they would no longer share.
He also recalled a special moment from the AFCON tournament, when he dedicated a goal celebration to his father during Nigeria’s 3–2 group-stage victory over Tunisia.
The burial ceremony in Umunede is expected to draw football stakeholders, administrators, teammates, and well-wishers from across Nigeria and beyond, as they gather to pay their last respects to the late Sunday Ndidi.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Nigeria, Soccer, World Cup
Brazil has officially unveiled a collection of Host City illustrations to mark 500 days to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.
The artwork, which forms part of the tournament’s official branding, features unique visual designs representing each of the eight Host Cities. Created by Brazilian female artists, the illustrations celebrate the intersection of football, culture, and public art.
According to FIFA, the project reflects Brazil’s rich street culture and long-standing tradition of celebrating football in shared public spaces. Each Host City is brought to life through four illustrations, showcasing iconic landmarks, scenes of celebration, and moments inspired by football culture.
The release of the artwork follows the recent unveiling of the tournament’s brand identity in Rio de Janeiro, which introduced the official emblem, the slogan “Go Epic™,” and the competition’s sonic identity.
Scheduled to run from June 24 to July 25, 2027, the Women’s World Cup will feature 32 national teams and will be the first edition of the tournament hosted in South America.
FIFA noted that the initiative also underlines a commitment to amplifying women’s voices in the build-up to the tournament, both on and off the pitch, through sport and creative expression.
Attention now shifts to the next major milestone, with FIFA expected to announce the official match schedule that will confirm fixtures across all Host Cities.
Media organisations can access editorial materials via the FIFA Digital Hub, while fans are able to register their interest in tickets through FIFA’s official platforms.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has clarified the decision behind Victor Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s penalty shootout defeat to Morocco in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria bowed out of the tournament after losing 4–2 on penalties following extra time, with questions raised over Osimhen’s late substitution and his non-participation in the shootout.
The Galatasaray striker was withdrawn near the end of extra time and replaced by Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu, a move that ruled him out of the penalties.
Onuachu went on to convert Nigeria’s opening kick, but misses from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyeamachi proved costly as Morocco advanced to the final.
Speaking on RMC Sport’s After Foot, Chelle revealed that the decision was influenced by Osimhen himself, who informed the coaching staff of a fitness concern.
“We practice penalty kicks in every training session, and I keep statistics on who performs best and who struggles,” Chelle explained.
“Before the shootout, Victor came to me and said, ‘Coach, my ankle is really bad. It hurts, and I can’t take a penalty kick.’”
The Malian tactician declined to elaborate on why midfielder Alex Iwobi did not feature among the penalty takers, despite being one of the team’s senior figures.
“I have my own statistics. Ademola Lookman was the fifth taker. As for Iwobi, that’s something I won’t discuss. What happens within the group stays within the group,” Chelle added.
According to the coach, penalty shootout decisions are based on preparation, readiness, and responsibility. He also referenced Nigeria’s third-place playoff win over Egypt, where the Super Eagles triumphed on penalties.
“Against Egypt, I selected players who were ready to take responsibility and accept the outcome,” he said.
Despite missing out on the final, Nigeria ended their AFCON campaign on a positive note by defeating Egypt in the third-place match to claim the bronze medal.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Feb 10, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Tunisian referee Haitham Guirat, who took charge of several matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, has been suspended indefinitely by the Tunisian Football Federation following a serious officiating error in a domestic league match.
The federation confirmed the decision on Monday, stating that Guirat was involved in a controversial incident during a Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 fixture.
The referees’ committee classified the incident as a “serious refereeing mistake,” prompting swift disciplinary action aimed at safeguarding the credibility of the league.
While the federation stopped short of revealing the exact nature of the error, the decision has sparked widespread criticism and renewed concerns over officiating standards within Tunisian football.
Guirat’s suspension has also reopened discussions about his role at the 2025 AFCON, particularly his involvement as VAR official during Nigeria’s third-place playoff against Egypt, a match the Super Eagles won via penalties.
According to the federation, the suspension comes with no fixed timeline.
Guirat will be subjected to further evaluation and review by Tunisian football authorities before any decision is made regarding a potential return to officiating.
