Nigeria’s Super Eagles have maintained its 40th position in the latest FIFA World ranking released on Thursday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The World Governing Body (FIFA) released the latest ranking on its website.

Jose Peseiro’s side also remains in sixth position in Africa.

The three-time African champions recorded a win and a draw from their last two outings.

The Super Eagles were forced to a 2-2 draw by Saudi Arabia, while they defeated Mozambique 3-2.

Meanwhile, Morocco remains Africa’s top-ranked team, The Atlas Lions stay 13th globally after extending their unbeaten run last month. A 3-0 win over Liberia and 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast kept Morocco top of the continent ahead of Senegal.

Senegal also held firm at 20th globally and second in Africa thanks to their 1-0 friendly win over Cameroon.

Algeria’s 33rd place worldwide is their highest position since June after recent steady improvement under coach Djamel Belmadi.

The Desert Foxes beat Cape Verde 5-1 before drawing 1-1 with Egypt in September to close within four points of Tunisia in third.

Their 1-1 draws at home to Morocco and South Africa proved costly for the Elephants with the AFCON on home soil fast approaching.

Meanwhile, their Matchday 1 opponents in next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Lesotho, dropped to 153rd spot.

Zimbabwe, who will host the Super Eagles on the 20th of November in match day two of the World Cup qualifiers remains at 125th.

Other teams in the Super Eagles World Cup qualifying group, South Africa, Rwanda, and Benin Republic are 64th, 140th, and 93rd respectively.

However, 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Argentina remains the one number football nation in the world having topped the list since April, when ‘La Albiceleste’ took the first position for the first time in six years.

Noteworthy jumps up the board include Portugal and Spain, who both have surged two positions into the top ten, to sixth and eight place, respectively.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria rallied to earn a share of the spoils against Ethiopia in their 2024 Olympics second-round qualifying contest at the Abebe Bekila Stadium, Addis Ababa, on Wednesday.

The host came into the contest with full confidence after annihilating Chad 10_0 on aggregate in the previous round.

The Lucy drew the first blood in the 6th minute through Birkie Amare who capitalized on sloppy defending by the Super Falcons backline to make it 1_0.

The Ethiopia ladies defended their lead and deservedly went into the break with a slander advantage.

However, In the 52nd minute, the Falcons equalized through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who volleyed home a long long-range shot from out of the box.

England-born and UDG Tenerife of Spain player Rinsola Babajide made her debut for the Falcons after coming on in the 71st minute.

Justin Madugu led Super Falcons thought they had grabbed the winner in the 92nd minute as substitute Ifeoma Onumonu headed home but it was ruled out for offside.

Both teams will clash in the reverse fixture at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Tuesday, October 31.

The overall winner will face Cameroon or Uganda in the third round.

The super Falcons of Nigeria will be aiming to reach paris 2024 Olympic after they failed to qualify for London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the official match ball for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The official match ball is named after Ivorian legendary forward Laurent Pokou.

The unveiling is yet another milestone in the countdown to the official kick-off of the competition.

Laurent Pokou, a legend of African football whose five goals in the 6-1 victory over Ethiopia at the 1970 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations remains a record during the final competition.

Laurent Pokou was also twice the highest goalscorer of the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring six goals in the 1968 tournament in Ethiopia and eight in the 1970 edition in Sudan.

Meanwhile, With 14 total goals, he is also the tournament’s second-highest overall goalscorer, behind Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, who eclipsed Pokou’s record in the 2008 ACN tournament with his 18th AFCON goals.

The official ball, POKOU, features the three main colors of the Cote d’Ivoire flag—white, orange, and green—while incorporating the latest technology that will revolutionize the game on the continent and beyond.

The 2023 AFCON will run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, in the cities of Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro, and Yamoussoukro.

Host Cote d’Ivoire will take on the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in the opening fixture at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium, Ebimpe, on January 13.

Erwan, a son of the late Pokou, presented the iconic and beautifully designed match ball to the audience during the Final Draw.

“This is an emotional moment for my family. It is a great honour bestowed on my late father who gave his life to Ivorian football, to have the official match ball for a tournament taking place in no other place than Cote d’Ivoire named after him.

“The family appreciates the efforts by CAF and the Local Organising Committee (COCAN) to celebrate heroes and heroines to motivate and inspire future generations to follow in their exemplary steps,” Erwan said.

Nicknamed L’homme d’Asmara, Pokou is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history in Ivorian football. It is in recognition of his contribution to football in the West African country, that one of the match venues for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 in San Pedro is christened Laurent Pokou Stadium.

A legend Ivorian of giants, ASEC Mimosas, Pokou also had stints with French sides, Stade Rennes and Nancy. He passed away on 13 November 2016 aged 69.

Former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has tagged Nigeria’s Super Eagles as one of the favorites for the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

The host Ivory Coast will face the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the second group game and the former Chelsea attacker admitted that it will be tough for both sides.

“I think that Côte d’Ivoire has every chance of getting out of this group

It’s indeed tough with the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are still the favourites of the competition.

We have Guinea and Guinea Bissau which will sell their skin dearly. It’s going to be a tough field but it’s the Ivory Coast which hosts, which organizes, the Ivorian public will be there to galvanize the team”, Ivory Coast all time goalscorer with 64 goals said.

The former Marseille striker missed the opportunity to win the trophy in 2015 after retiring from the national team in 2013.

It was a disappointing start for the Nigeria representative Enyimba International at the inaugural edition of the African Football League as they suffered a home defeat to Wydad Casablanca

The competition kicked off on Friday with Ahly of Egypt picking an away draw against Simba SC of Tanzania.

Simba SC recovered from a goal down to lead before Al Ahly hit back to ensure the first-leg tie is evenly poised.

The first half was tightly contested until Al Ahly struck against the run of play through Reda Slim in the first minute of stoppage time.

But Simba turned the game on its head after the break, equalizing through Denis Kibu in the 53rd minute before Sadjo Kanoute put the hosts ahead on the hour mark.

However, the Tanzanian side’s lead lasted just three minutes as Ahmed Kahraba immediately pegged them back to make it 2-2.

Neither team could find a late winner in a thrilling end-to-end finish as the first leg ended level.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundown of South Africa recorded the first away win of the tournament with a 0-2 away win over Petro Luanda in Angola.

Marcelo broke the deadlock in the 67th minute before Maseko made it 2-0 in the 80th minute to make the game safe for Sundowns, after a scoreless first half of the match.

The second leg is slated for Johannesburg next week.

In the same vein, A first-half goal from teenage sensation Cheick Oumar Fofana earned TP Mazembe a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tunisian side Esperance in their African Football League (AFL) quarter-final first leg.

The 19-year-old striker headed Mazembe in front just 11 minutes in at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania on Sunday to give the DR Congo club a slender advantage.

However, the Nigeria Premier League champions hosted the Wydad Casablanca on Sunday evening at the Goodwill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

Yahya Jabrane netted the only goal of the game just before half-time and ensured a comfortable lead for Wydad going into the locker room.

The People’s Elephant fought hard in the second half, but they were unable to break down the well-organized Wydad backline as the game ended 0-1.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are now ranked the most valuable national team in Africa.

The information was made available in an infographic displayed on the Super Eagles official X handle.

The three-time African champions are valued at €451.60 million.

Jose Peseiro’s side are also now ranked the 10th most valuable national team in the world.

Gareth Southgate’ the Three Lions of England top the ranking and are followed by France, Portugal, Brazil and Spain.

Argentina, Germany, Italy and Netherlands completes the top 10.

The Super Eagles defeated the Mambas of Mozambique 3-2 in their last friendly.

Jose Peseiro’s side will be in action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The West Africans will host the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on November 13.

They will then travel to the Amarhoro Stadium, Kigali for a matchday two encounter five days later.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are now ranked the most valuable national team in Africa.

The information was made available in an infographic displayed on the Super Eagles official X handle.

The three-time African champions are valued at €451.60 million.

Jose Peseiro’s side are also now ranked the 10th most valuable national team in the world.

Gareth Southgate’ the Three Lions of England top the ranking and are followed by France, Portugal, Brazil and Spain.

Argentina, Germany, Italy and Netherlands completes the top 10.

The Super Eagles defeated the Mambas of Mozambique 3-2 in their last friendly.

Jose Peseiro’s side will be in action in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

The West Africans will host the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on November 13.

They will then travel to the Amarhoro Stadium, Kigali for a matchday two encounter five days later.

Sporting Lagos have concluded plans to storm Ikenne with a large number of supporters for Sunday’s South West derby against Remo Stars.

Naija Super 8 winners, Sporting Lagos The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday four encounter is slated for the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

Coach Paul Offor’ side have made provisions for a round trip bus at a subsidised rate for supporters willing to travel for the encounter.

The side also assured the safety of the supporters to and from the venue of the game.

Both teams are meeting for the first time in the NPFL. However, they edge Daniel Ogunmodede Remo Stars on penalty during NaijaSuper8 pre-season tournament.

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will depart the country for Addis Ababa, Ethiopian capital on Sunday, October 22, 2023, for the 2024 Olympics Qualifiers first leg.

According to NigeriaFootball.ng, the players and officials of the nine-time African champions will leave the shores of Nigeria for the first leg of the Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers in Addis Ababa from the nation’s capital, Abuja.

18 foreign-based and four home-based players have been invited by Nigeria for the two-legged game.

The four home-based players invited for the two-legged tie; Monle Oyono (Bayelsa Queens), Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens), Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens), and Opeyemi Ajakaye (Robo Queens) will travel with the team officials.

They will be joined by the foreign-based players in Addis Ababa for their first training sessions ahead of the game.

For Ethiopia, 25 home-based players have been called up for the crucial doubleheader, including Loza Abera.

Ethiopia will hope to upset the nine-time African champions to boost their chances of qualify, while the Super Falcons attempt a return to the women’s football event at the Olympics after missing the last three editions, the London 2012, Rio Olympics in 2016 and Toyko 2020.

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho has apologised to fans after he replied to his critics in a social media post.

Nigerians fumed at his performance during the October friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

The Omonia Nicosia goalie fumbled the ball into his net in their 2-2 draw with the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia on Friday, October 13, and then four days later, he performed poorly in Nigeria’s 3-2 win over the Mambas of Mozambique.

Meanwhile, Fans then took to social media to lambast the goalkeeper, with many calling on head coach Jose Peseiro to drop him from the squad, and try other Goalkeepers.

The 24-year-old posted a picture on Snapchat in a bid to silence his critics, saying, “If e easy do am, make oyinbo man sign you.”.

His comments infuriated fans the more, with pundits, experts, and stakeholders also lambasting the Omonoia FC shot-stopper.

Uzoho has now apologised. He wrote:

“It has come to my attention that my recent Snapchat has not been my best behaviour towards you all as my loyal fans. I apologise for this as it was not my intention to conduct myself in such a manner towards the fans who have supported and motivated me throughout my career,” Uzoho posted on X.

“Accepting criticism is part of my job and one that I often welcome from people who continue to support me. I accept your criticisms with the utmost respect and understanding that you all want me to do better.

“I want you all to know that I continue to grow daily as a person and in my career and you all are a vital part of my growth and success. My actions are aimed to reflect this and will continue to do so.”

The Super Eagles will take on the Crocodiles of Lesotho and Warriors of Zimbabwe next month during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Teranga Lions of Senegal, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, has said they are aware that every country are waiting to claim the AFCON title from them.

Senegal won the competition for the first time in their history in 2021, beating the Pharaohs of Egypt in the final.

The Al Ahli goalie made the statement after Senegal defeated the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon by a lone goal in an international friendly game.

He added that they are ready for the challenge, and winning the trophy again remains their objective.

“Everyone’s waiting for us, and we’re going to have to respond as calmly as possible. We’ve gained experience.

“We have to hope that the team is complete so that we can progress and produce a fine African cup.

There’s still a lot of work to do before this African Cup, which is going to be very tough, “he said.

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has given reasons why he accepted a pay cut rather than take a walk from the job.

Peseiro took charge of the Super Eagles in May 2021.

The Portuguese agreed a reduction to his salary this summer so that he could remain in charge of the three-time African champions.

The 63-year-old will lead the West Africans to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in January.

Peseiro revealed that his players begged him to accept a pay cut to remain in charge of the team following the expiration of his contract in June.

The players pushed me to stay because they believe we can win (the AFCON),” he told Sky Sports.

“We can win it. The players know it. They come with the same energy, the same belief, to fight for the Super Eagles.”

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are drawn in Group A of the 2024 Africa cup of Nations, with hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles will take on Equatorial Guinea in their opening fixture at the Alhassan Quattara Stadium on Monday, January 14.

They will face Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau on January 18 and January 22 respectively. The team as part of shape up for the Nations Cup as well as World Cup qualifiers played a two-header friendly with Saudi Arabia and Mozambique respectively. while the tie against Saudi Arabia ended in a 2-2 draw the Eagles grabbed a 3-2 victory over the Mambas.

Peseiro has however warned his players they will need to be at their best to conquer the rest of the continent in Cote d’Ivoire next January.


“The main goal is to win the AFCON,” he added.

“We will need to be at our maximum because we know that there is good opposition. There are Senegal, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, and Ivory Coast. But we believe we can do it. I believe. And the players believe.”

The management of Akwa United has decided to relocate their season home games to another venue.

Since the completion of the Goodswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, the Promise Keepers have been playing their home at the venue.

But the club management has decided that henceforth, their home games will played at the newly renovated Eket Township Stadium.

The reason cited is because of the upcoming international games that will be coming up at the Stadium starting this weekend.

Apart hosting the Super Eagles for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in November, Godswill Akpabio Stadium will also serve as a home for Enyimba International and Rivers United who will be campaigning in the African Football League and CAF Confederation Cup respectively.

However, the Nigeria Premier Football League, regulatory body of the nation’s domestic football has granted Akwa United’s request to play its remaining 2023/24 season home matches at the Eket Stadium.

In a letter signed by the league’s Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league body has approved the 18,000-capacity Eket Stadium for Akwa United until such a time that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Nest of Champions will be less busy with international matches.

Nigeria’s Cricket team, the Yellow Greens, were at their best on Sunday at the Tafawa Belewa Cricket Oval in Lagos, defeating Rwanda by 18-run margin in the first West Africa Trophy final.

The East African cricket team came close to turning the table in the final of the 10-day competition, but Steve Tikolo’s team staged an incredible comeback to emerge champs.

Nigeria batted in the first innings, but the Yellow Greens didn’t look like the team who had beaten Rwanda three times during the tournament as they dropped three wickets in the powerplay.

But as the Nigerian team fought back and pushed themselves past the century mark, Man-of-The-Match Isaac Danladi and newly promoted Junior Yellow Greens captain Ridwan Abdulkareem eventually formed a strong partnership to prevent the visiting team from winning the tournament.

Danladi had 44 runs, and Abdulkareem had 39 runs before being dismissed with the final ball of the first innings.

The Yellow Greens scored 103 runs for the loss of seven wickets, and the supporters couldn’t be more proud—despite losing two more wickets in the 20th over.

Rwanda’s start to the second innings was as good as their first, averaging five runs per over with the first 30 balls, while they only dropped one wicket in the first 10 overs.

Lee Booth’s team was only able to score 63 runs after 16 overs thanks to improved Nigerian bowling, and after six more wickets fell, their 104-run target was far beyond their reach.

Chimelie Udekewe took the seventh wicket for Nigeria, who won all 10 of their games to finish the game undefeated in the tournament at the expense of a much better team like Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone.

A crestfallen Rwanda coach, Booth, couldn’t but give credit to the impressive run of Nigeria at the tournament.

“We gave it another push to give Nigeria a run for their money but some fall of wickets and run overs changed the game.

“Nigeria are clearly the best side in this tournament, anything short of victory would have been harsh on them,”
he said.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles continue their dominance over the Mambas of Mozambique as they secured another 3-2 win in an international friendly game.

It is now four wins from five games for the Eagles against Mozambique with one fixture ending in a draw.

The Eagles, who settled for a 2-2 draw against Saudi Arabia on Friday, faced the Mambas with a resolve to pull victory.

It was however not a tea party for the Jose Peseiro tutored side as the Mambas shot into the lead just six minutes into the match off Geny Catamo who slotted the ball past Francis Uzoho after connecting with a cross from the right wing.

Terem Moffi made it 1-1 in the 18th minute as he pounced on a loose ball by Mozambique keeper.

The Eagles went 2-1 ahead on 29 minutes through Frank Onyeka who volleyed home from the edge of the box after being setup by debutant Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.

In the 37th minute Edmilson Dove was sent off for Mozambique for a foul on Joe Aribo.

The Eagles went 3-1 up thanks to Moses Simon who slotted home from the penalty spot.

Mozambique fought hard and were rewarded in the 55th minute as Faisal Bangal’s free-kick close to the corner flag beat Uzoho at his near post.

Up next for Eagles is the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November where they will take on Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

After the two World Cup qualifiers, the Eagles will be in Côte d’Ivoire for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.