₦airaland Forum

Nigerian heavyweight Efe Ajagba has called for a rematch following his controversial majority draw against DR Congo’s Martin Bakole in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The two African powerhouses clashed on Saturday at the ANB Arena, with high expectations leading into the 10-round bout. Judges Bob Williams and Pablo Gonzalez scored the fight 95-95, while Kieran McCann gave Ajagba the edge at 96-94, resulting in a majority draw.

The Nigerian started strong, dominating the early rounds and keeping Bakole at bay with effective movement and sharp counters. Although Bakole grew into the fight in the later rounds and landed several solid shots, he struggled to fully corner Ajagba, who remained composed and evasive.

Read more: https://boldsportsng.com/ajagba-demands-rematch-after-controversial-draw-against-bakole/

… Nnadozie’s heroics end Paris’ 19-year wait for a trophy[i][/i]

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie emerged as the heroine for Paris FC, saving two crucial penalties in a high-stakes shootout to secure a dramatic 5-4 victory over Paris Saint-Germain and clinch the Coupe de France title on Saturday.

Heading into the final as underdogs, Paris FC held firm against PSG, keeping the match goalless after regulation time despite several defensive lapses that nearly led to goals.

Both sides pushed for a winner, but resolute defending and brilliant goalkeeping kept the deadlock intact. PSG’s Katarzyna Kiedrzynek pulled off impressive saves—first denying Kessya Bussy’s close-range effort in the 47th minute with a strong left hand, then pushing away a strike from Maëlle Garbino in the 56th minute.

Read full story here: https://boldsportsng.com/nnadozie-saves-2-penalty-kicks-as-paris-fc-stun-psg-to-win-coupe-de-france/

Arsenal have become the latest club to express interest in signing Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners now join a growing list of top European clubs—including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Liverpool, and Manchester United who are keen on securing the services of the Atalanta winger.

Lookman is expected to bring his successful stint at Atalanta to a close at the end of the season. Since arriving from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig on a permanent deal, he has enjoyed three prolific seasons in Serie A, scoring at least 15 goals each campaign.

Read full story here: https://boldsportsng.com/arsenal-join-race-to-sign-ademola-lookman-ahead-of-2025-26-season/

Nottingham Forest have activated the one-year extension clause in Ola Aina’s contract, keeping the in-form defender at the club until the end of the 2025/26 season, according to The Athletic.

Aina, 28, joined Forest on a free transfer in July 2023 and has become a key figure under manager Nuno Espirito Santo. The Nigeria international has made 31 Premier League appearances this season, scoring twice.

Aina’s performances on the pitch and influence off it have made him one of the most important players in the dressing room. He has often been seen laughing, dancing, or joking with teammates like Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi, and is described as one of the squad’s biggest characters.

Read more here https://boldsportsng.com/nottingham-forest-activate-1-year-extension-for-in-form-aina/

Galatasaray striker Álvaro Morata has heaped praise on Super Eagles star and teammate Victor Osimhen, describing him as one of the best strikers in the world and expressing his delight at playing alongside the Nigerian international.

The Spanish forward, who has represented elite clubs like Real Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus, Atlético Madrid, and AC Milan, is currently on loan at Galatasaray, where he has often served as backup to the in-form Osimhen.

The 32-year-old made a notable impact in Galatasaray’s 5-1 demolition of Eyüpspor on Sunday in a Turkish Super Lig clash, bringing his tally to five goals in 11 appearances across all competitions for the Turkish giants.

Read full story: https://www.boldsportsng.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=25784&action=edit

Super Eagles and Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, has dropped a brand-new single titled ‘Hop Out’, featuring chart-topping British artist Ramz and Nigerian rap sensation ODUMODUBLVCK.

Released under his musical alias ‘17’—a nod to his jersey number at Fulham, and previously at Arsenal and Everton—the track premiered at 7 p.m. UK time on Thursday.

Though best known for his exploits on the pitch, Iwobi is no stranger to the mic. Much like his uncle, Nigerian football legend Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, who also ventured into rap during his playing days, Iwobi has been steadily building his music portfolio. His earlier tracks include Don’t Shoot, Sunrise in Paris, and What’s Luv.

Read more: https://www.boldsportsng.com/alex-iwobi-17-drops-new-single-hop-out-featuring-ramz-odumodublvck/

Nigerian basketball sensation Reuben Chinyelu has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft while retaining his college eligibility at the University of Florida.

Reuben Chinyelu, a standout starter for the Florida Gators, was instrumental in their recent 2025 NCAA Championship win, helping the team edge out the Houston Cougars in a tightly contested final.

His basketball journey began in Nigeria in 2018, and by 2019, he was already representing the country at the FIBA U-16 Afrobasket. There, he led Nigeria to a third-place finish and emerged as the tournament’s top rebounder. Despite his standout performance, the team narrowly missed out on qualification for the FIBA U-17 World Cup, as only the top two teams advanced.

Read the full story here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/nigerian-basketball-prodigee-reuben-chinyelu-enters-2025-nba-draft-after-ncaa-title-win/?fbclid=IwY2xjawJvKcZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHrn4xuFVpzoj3wPAJMSn-ooqkPtyhgHHMYqTA-R7sH2rWwFMYKYiK3zDerrq_aem_U5zkqbIx_lFMfLE4Ybvd4Q

Check out this Nigerian beauty Kiki Iriafen who was drafted by the Washington Mystics as the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

She was dressed in Nigerian attire for the event, which took place at The Shed at Hudson Yards in Manhattan, New York.

She played her college basketball at Stanford (three years) and USC (one year) before declaring for the draft.

It is not all about basketball for Kiki... she earned a bachelor's degree in design engineering from Stanford University. She is now pursuing a master's degree in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of Southern California (USC).

Read full story here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/kiki-iriafen-drafted-no-4-overall-by-washington-mystics-in-2025-wnba-draft/

The Nigeria Football Federation has decried statements in a section of the social media that the football-ruling body was indebted to former Nigeria captain and coach, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, who died on Saturday.

Reacting to one statement on social media that claimed NFF was owing the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team captain the sum of $128,000, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said:

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu. During the first term of the Board headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the papers of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/nff-not-owing-late-christian-chukwu-sanusi/

Tributes are flooding in after the passing of legendary central defender and captain of Nigeria’s historic 1980 AFCON-winning team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu, who died in Enugu on Saturday.

The iconic Nigerian footballer, who won the hearts of many due to his formidable defensive presence and his loyalty to Enugu Rangers — the team he played for throughout his career — passed away at 74 after suffering from an illness, as confirmed by former teammates Emmanuel Okala and Segun Odegbami.

During his playing days, Chukwu captained the Nigerian national team which was then called the Green Eagles from 1974 to 1980. He was a member of the Nigerian teams that placed second in the 1976 and 1978 AFCON and following a 3-0 victory over Algeria in the 1980 final, he became the first Nigerian captain to lift the African Nations Cup.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/tributes-pour-in-as-nigerians-mourn-passing-of-afcon-winning-captain-christian-chukwu/

Eric Chelle’s tenure as Super Eagles head coach may be cut short, with reports suggesting that the Malian is contemplating contract termination due to his future beyond the World Cup qualifiers being viewed as uncertain.

Eric Chelle was unveiled as the 37th head coach of the Super Eagles in January and since then, he has led the team to a 2-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali before drawing 1-1 with Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

At his unveiling, the former Malian head coach signed a two-year contract with an option for another year if he qualifies Nigeria for the World Cup. However, just over two months into his tenure, Eric Chelle is allegedly having second thoughts about continuing as the head coach of the Super Eagles.


Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/report-chelle-considering-terminating-contract-as-super-eagles-coach/

Former National and one-time West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun Success Olanrewaju has tragically died after collapsing during a boxing match in Ghana on Saturday.

Olanrewaju lost consciousness while facing Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at the Ghana Professional Boxing League’s Fight Night 15, held at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra.

A viral video circulating on social media captured the moment Olanrewaju lost control and slumped against the ropes following an exchange of blows with his opponent.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/nigerian-boxer-olanrewaju-dies-after-collapsing-during-match-in-ghana/

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are reportedly pushing for FIFA to deduct 3 points from South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena, who was deemed to be ineligible, against Lesotho.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was in action, playing 82 minutes before being substituted out for Thalente Mbatha as South Africa recorded a crucial 2-0 victory over Lesotho in their World Cup qualifier clash at the Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane.

However, it has been revealed that Teboho Mokoena received a yellow card against Benin Republic in South Africa’s 2-1 win before receiving another yellow card against Zimbabwe in their 3-1 win.

Read more here: WCQ: https://www.boldsportsng.com/wcq-nff-seek-3-point-deduction-for-group-leaders-south-africa/

Super Eagles forward Terem Moffi has resumed training following recovery from a cruciate ligament injury sustained during pre-season in July.

The OGC Nice striker, sidelined since the injury, has progressed to full training with his teammates. While it remains uncertain whether the 25-year-old will return to competitive action immediately after the international break, or undergo a more gradual reintegration, his return boosts the team.

Currently fourth in the league standings, Nice hopes Terem Moffi’s presence will strengthen their push for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/just-in-ogc-nice-announce-terem-moffi-signing-from-lorient/

Watch as naija football fans predict Eagles starting XI to face Rwanda. Who's gonna be right?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csMBb2gmF1E?si=o_Ed2AjKoJeKWbJa

Rwanda’s assistant coach, Eric Nshimiyimana, has confidently predicted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles will fail to secure the crucial three points they desperately need when they face the Amavubi in their World Cup qualifier clash on Friday, March 21.

Nigeria’s poor start has left them in a precarious position, and they must secure three points against Rwanda to stay in contention for World Cup qualification. In contrast, Rwanda are looking to avoid defeat, which would allow Nigeria to close the gap between them to just one point.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on behalf of head coach Adel Amrouche, Eric Nshimiyimana exuded confidence, stating that Nigeria would not achieve their desired outcome: “We’re not under any pressure because we already have our 7 points, so Nigeria are the ones under pressure because they need these points too but they will not get it,” he confidently boasted.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/nigeria-will-not-get-three-points-rwanda-assistant-head-coach-boasts/

The Zimbabwean government has made a bold move to motivate the Warriors, offering a $300,000 cash bonus if they secure wins in their upcoming FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Benin and Nigeria.

Zimbabwe currently sits bottom in Group C, with only two points from four games, leaving them five points behind group leaders Rwanda, South Africa, and Benin. To revive their World Cup qualification hopes, the Warriors must be victorious against Benin’s Cheetahs and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.

In an effort to boost the team’s morale, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has released a strong statement, promising a financial reward for victories in both matches, scheduled for March 20 and 25. This move aims to drive the team to success and bring the nation together in support of the Warriors.

Read more: https://www.boldsportsng.com/zimbabwe-government-offer-300000-bonus-for-warriors-to-defeat-benin-nigeria/

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has emphasized that the team is fully focused on securing maximum points when they face Rwanda in their matchday five encounter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The clash is set to take place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday.

The match is pivotal for Nigeria, who are desperate to revive their World Cup qualifying campaign after a disappointing start. The Eagles currently sit second from bottom in Group C with just three points from a possible 12.

Meanwhile, Rwanda leads the group on goal difference, having accumulated seven points from their first four games. A win would strengthen their position at the top and boost their chances of securing a World Cup berth.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/we-cant-afford-a-draw-our-objective-is-to-pick-3-points-troost-ekong/

Former Zimbabwe captain Knowledge Musona is confident that the Warriors have what it takes to revive their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. He revealed that their goal is to secure a maximum of six points in their upcoming matches against Benin and Nigeria.

The 34-year-old, who retired from international football after representing Zimbabwe at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), was recalled by new head coach Michael Nees to help the team revive their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Warriors will face joint Group C leaders Benin at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Thursday, aiming for their first win of the qualifiers. They will then travel to Uyo to take on Nigeria’s Super Eagles on March 25 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

Read more here:

Former Rwanda head coach Stephen Constantine believes the East African nation has what it takes to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that it would be dangerous if the Super Eagles underestimates the Amavubi.

The Englishman, who managed Rwanda between 2014 and 2015 and currently coaches Pakistan’s national football team, urged Rwandans to take their football seriously and recognize the talent within their squad. He also cautioned opponents against underestimating Rwanda’s strength.

Rwanda has made an impressive start to their World Cup qualifying campaign, topping Group C on goal difference with seven points from their first four matches. Their next challenge will be a crucial clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on March 21.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/wcq-dont-underestimate-rwanda-ex-amavubi-coach-warns-super-eagles/

A total of eight players are expected to join the Super Eagles camp tonight, ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium, Kigali.

The incoming players include Nantes forward Simon Moses as well as Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha, Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, Fenerbahçe fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel and new Super Eagles invitee Igoh Ogbu.

They will join six teammates who arrived early in camp, including Victor Osimhen, Tolu Arokodare, Bruno Onyemaechi, Amas Obasogie, Kayode Bankole and Papa Daniel.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/eight-players-expected-to-join-eagles-camp-in-kigali-tonight/

A total of six players have arrived at the Super Eagles camp ahead of their crucial, must-win 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Group C leaders, Rwanda, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The players currently in camp include strikers Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare, defender Bruno Onyemaechi, goalkeepers Ama Obasogie and Kayode Bankole, as well as midfielder Papa Daniel.

The highly anticipated clash between the Eagles and Amavubi is set for March 22. Nigeria must secure a victory to revive their World Cup qualification hopes, as a draw or loss would significantly diminish their chances of making it to the tournament, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will host.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/osimhen-arokodare-among-early-arrivals-at-super-eagles-camp/

Werder Bremen fullback Felix Agu has expressed his desire to play for the Super Eagles, stating that it would be a dream come true for him to achieve this feat.

Born in Germany to a Nigerian Father and a German Mother, Agu had previously represented Germany at the youth level, playing for the U21 side. Professionally, he began his career with VfL Osnabrück before joining Werder Bremen in 2020, where he has made 89 appearances in five seasons.

In an interview with football journalist Oma Akatugba, Felix Agu confirmed his aspirations to play for the Nigerian national team: “To play on the National level was always a dream of mine and I had to make half of a decision already because I played for the German U21 but I want to be open.”

Read full details here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/german-born-fullback-felix-agu-expresses-desire-to-play-for-nigeria/

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong, along with in-form strikers Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare, are expected to be among the first arrivals at the team’s camp in Kigali, Rwanda, ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier on Friday, March 21.

The camp officially opens today, Sunday, March 16, with several Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials already in Kigali, preparing for the players’ arrival.

Troost-Ekong and Osimhen played their final club matches before the international break on Friday. Osimhen netted a hat-trick in Galatasaray’s 4-0 win over Antalyaspor, while Troost-Ekong’s Al Kholood suffered a 3-1 defeat to Al Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, and Jhon Durán getting on the scoresheet.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/osimhen-troost-ekong-arokodare-to-lead-early-arrivals-to-super-eagles-camp/

Rwanda’s head coach, Adel Amrouche, has announced a 28-man provisional squad for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria and Lesotho, set to take place at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21 and 25.

This marks Amrouche’s first squad selection as Amavubi coach, featuring a mix of 15 foreign-based players – including the team’s reliable goalkeeper, Ntwari Fiacre of Kaizer Chiefs – and 13 local talents.

The highly anticipated list sees the return of midfielders Hakim Sahabo and Rafael York, both of whom last featured in Rwanda’s 1-0 victory over Lesotho in South Africa. The list will be pruned down to 23 later in the week.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/2026-wcq-amrouche-unveils-28-man-provisional-squad-for-nigeria-lesotho-clashes/

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has shared his impressions of new head coach Eric Chelle, describing him as demanding and passionate about fighting for success.

Since taking the reins as Super Eagles coach in January, Eric Chelle has been proactive in connecting with key players, both domestically and abroad. He has held discussions with several squad members and visited others based in Europe.

Additionally, Chelle has been scouting for fresh talent by attending Nigerian Premier Football League matches, aiming to uncover hidden gems for the national team.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/osimhen-eric-chelle-is-going-to-be-very-demanding/

Despite missing out on Eric Chelle’s 23-man squad for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe later this month, Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa has thrown his full support behind the team, urging them to go all out for maximum points.

Musa was a surprise inclusion in Chelle’s 39-man provisional squad earlier this month but did not make the final 23-man list announced today.

However, the Kano Pillars forward remains fully behind the team, sending his best wishes and encouraging them to secure victories against Rwanda in Kigali on March 21 and Zimbabwe in Uyo on March 25.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/ahmed-musa-backs-eagles-despite-missing-out-on-23-man-world-cup-qualifiers-squad/

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has announced his final 23-man squad, omitting 18 players, including in-form striker Cyriel Dessers and captain Ahmed Musa, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on March 21 and Zimbabwe on March 25, with back-to-back wins essential to revitalize their qualification bid.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/breaking-dessers-musa-out-as-chelle-releases-eagles-squad-for-rwanda-zimbabwe/

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Moroccan referee Jayed Jalal as the center official for the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. The match will take place at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on Friday, March 21.

Jalal, 37, will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mostapha Akarkad and Hamza Nassiri, who will serve as the first and second assistant referees, respectively.

The game is a must-win for both teams. Rwanda will be looking to solidify their position at the top of the Group C standings, while Nigeria aims to revive their World Cup qualification hopes with a crucial victory.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/rwanda-vs-nigeria-caf-appoints-morrocan-ref-for-super-eagles-clash/

Super Eagles and Nantes winger Moses Simon has been included in Transfermarkt’s “most precious player” in Europe’s top five leagues ranking, placing eight in the list compiled based on players who contribute the highest percent of their team’s league goals.

Nantes currently sit 14th in Ligue 1 with 24 points from 25 matches, three points above the relegation zone. However, amidst the team’s struggles, Moses Simon has emerged as a standout performer, delivering exceptional displays and impressive statistics that rival those of the league’s top players.

Moses Simon has netted six league goals, the second-highest tally for Nantes, surpassed only by Matthis Abline. Moreover, his creative prowess has been even more remarkable, with seven assists to his name, trailing only PSG’s Joao Neves and Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, who have eight and nine assists, respectively.

Read more here: https://www.boldsportsng.com/moses-simon-ranked-eighth-most-precious-player-in-europes-top-five-leagues/