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2026 WC Qualifiers: 18 players in camp as Super Eagles begin Morocco final push

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The Super Eagles’ camp has officially opened in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup CAF playoff against Gabon, with 18 players already on the ground as preparations intensify.

The team confirmed the development in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, sharing the full list of arrivals under the caption “Eagles in Camp.”

Those in Morocco include Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, William Troost-Ekong, Benjamin Fredericks, Chidozie Awaziem, Amas Obasogie, Stanley Nwabali, Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke, Bright Osayi-Samuel, and Raphael Onyedika.

Team officials and the first batch of players arrived at the Rive Hotel, Rabat, on Sunday afternoon, signalling the start of the final phase of preparations for the decisive fixture.

The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, earlier confirmed that early arrivals included the trio of Bassey, Iwobi, and Chukwueze, alongside Arokodare and Olusegun.

Head coach, Eric Chelle, had named a 24-man squad for the playoffs, featuring a blend of returning stars and consistent performers.

Udinese goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, and Sevilla winger, Chidera Ejuke, both earned recalls after strong club performances this season.

Nigeria will face Gabon in Thursday’s semi-final clash, while Cameroon will battle the Democratic Republic of Congo in the other fixture at the El-Barid Stadium, also in Rabat.

Winners of both matches will meet in the final on November 16 to determine who advances to the inter-confederation playoffs for a place at the 2026 World Cup in North America.

See also  Osimhen will be 100% ready for Fenerbahce

The Super Eagles, who last featured at the global tournament in 2018, are aiming to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage after missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar.

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CAF Accepts Joint Bid Of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger To Host 2032 AFCON

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially accepted the joint declaration of interest submitted by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The decision follows a productive meeting between CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the presidents of the football federations of the three countries.

The joint bid is being spearheaded by the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger seeking to stage Africa’s biggest football tournament together for the first time.Women’s Football Apparel

CAF commended the three nations for their collective ambition and commitment to strengthening regional cooperation through football, describing the initiative as a significant step towards promoting unity and development across the continent.

The acceptance of the declaration of interest marks the beginning of the bidding process, with the three countries expected to continue working with CAF to meet the requirements for hosting the 2032 AFCON.

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See also  Scientists warn FIFA over extreme heat risks ahead of 2026 World Cup
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NSSF boss, Olabisi Joseph elected ISF Africa president

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President of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, Mrs Olabisi Joseph, has been elected Continental President for Africa of the International School Sport Federation during the 2026 ISF General Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia, The PUNCH reports.

A total of 82 countries attended the General Assembly, with 79 votes cast during the election.

Joseph’s emergence makes history as she becomes the first African woman and the first woman in the history of the ISF to be elected to the continental leadership position.

Her election is seen as another milestone for Nigeria’s growing influence in the development and administration of school sports across Africa.

In a statement signed by NSSF Secretary-General Oba Funsho, the federation congratulated Joseph on her achievement and pledged its support for her tenure.

“On behalf of the NSSF executives, state coordinators, management, staff and the entire Nigerian student community, we celebrate this milestone and pledge our full support as she takes on this continental responsibility to advance school sports for African children,” the statement read.

“We congratulate her and wish her a successful and impactful tenure.”

Joseph made history in 2019 when she became the first female president of the NSSF after emerging unopposed at the federation’s elective congress held at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

A former secretary of the federation, she was re-elected for a second term during the NSSF Annual General Meeting held in Lagos in 2024.

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Rafiu Durosinmi set to become Genk’s record signing

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Super Eagles sriker Rafiu Durosinmi is set to become Genk’s most expensive signing after the Belgian club agreed a €10.5m (about N16.6bn) deal with Pisa for the Nigerian striker, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

According to Italian transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the deal includes performance-related bonuses, while Pisa will also retain a 10 per cent sell-on clause.

The transfer will eclipse Genk’s previous record of €7m, paid to Celta Vigo for Theo Bongonda in 2019.

Durosinmi, 23, only joined Pisa from Czech side Viktoria Plzen in January for a fee believed to be around €9m. However, he struggled to make an impact in Italy, scoring once in 12 competitive appearances.

Pisa’s relegation from Serie A has also influenced the decision to cash in on the Nigerian, with the club now set to recover most of their investment while retaining a stake in any future transfer.

Genk, meanwhile, are betting on Durosinmi rediscovering the form that made him one of the most highly-rated strikers in the Czech Republic.

The Belgian club have enjoyed success with Nigerian forwards, with Paul Onuachu becoming one of the league’s most prolific strikers before earning a move to the Premier League.

Tolu Arokodare also revived his career at Genk, winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot before joining Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Standing at 1.92 metres, Durosinmi fits the profile of the powerful centre-forward the club has traditionally developed, and Genk believe he can follow the same path as his compatriots.

The move could also boost his Super Eagles ambitions. With Victor Osimhen, Onuachu, Arokodare and Akor Adams competing for places in Eric Chelle’s attack, regular football and goals in Belgium could bring Durosinmi back into contention for Nigeria.

See also  Arsenal ex-goalkeeper Manninger dies after car struck by train

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