Category: Entertainment

The Chairman of the Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Mr. Divine Ogbonnaya, has expressed his delight with Sunshine Queens’ advancement to the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s President Federation Cup. The team, also known as the Owena Whales, secured a decisive 2-0 victory over Plateau United Queens in the Round of 16.

Ogbonnaya lauded the players for their relentless effort and composure in securing the win. He acknowledged that despite the two-goal margin, Plateau United Queens proved to be a challenging opponent. “It was a game that could have produced more goals, but I am pleased with your performance,” Ogbonnaya stated, as reported by Blitzksports. “Our opponents were no pushovers, and I am happy we have made it through,” he added.

The victory underscores Sunshine Queens’ strong form in the competition, with Ogbonnaya praising the squad’s resolve and tactical discipline on the pitch.

Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi has emphasized that while maintaining their winning momentum is important, tonight’s friendly against Poland serves as a crucial evaluation for the team’s long-term development. Speaking ahead of the match at Warsaw’s PGE Narodowy Stadium, Ndidi noted that facing a top-tier opponent like Poland will provide a true measure of Nigeria’s progress.

The three-time African champions are currently on an impressive five-match winning streak, having won four and drawn one of their last five outings. Ndidi, however, stressed that the focus extends beyond just victories. “Of course it’s about winning, but development also counts,” he told przegladsportowy.onet. “A match against such a top rival as Poland will be a good test for our vision for the future.”

The encounter, scheduled to kick off at 7:45 PM Nigerian time, presents an opportunity for coach Éric Chelle to evaluate his squad against a European powerhouse. Ndidi’s comments underscore the balancing act between short-term results and building a formidable team for upcoming challenges.

Manchester United have officially announced that striker Rasmus Hojlund has completed a permanent transfer to Napoli. The Danish forward spent the previous campaign on loan with the Serie A outfit, netting 16 goals in 44 appearances across all competitions. The Red Devils released a statement saying, ‘Everyone at the club would like to wish Rasmus all the very best for the future,’ confirming the move.

In related news, Liverpool are reportedly zeroing in on RB Leipzig’s teenage sensation Yan Diomande as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who departed Anfield at the end of the season. According to The Sun, the 19-year-old has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs after a standout campaign in the Bundesliga, where he scored 12 goals. Diomande has been in Germany for less than a year but has quickly made a name for himself, with the Reds now viewing him as a prime candidate to fill the void left by Salah.

Recently retired Argentine legend Angel Di Maria has shared his insights on which nations could lift the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2026. The former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain star, who played a crucial role in Argentina’s 2022 triumph, believes several European powerhouses stand out.

In a conversation with Ballon d’Or, Di Maria emphasized France’s consistent production of elite talent and their ability to maintain high standards as key reasons for their favorite status. He also pointed to Spain, noting their strong performances but cautioning that injuries to key players could affect their campaign.

Furthermore, Di Maria highlighted Portugal, the team of his former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, as a squad brimming with quality. He specifically mentioned midfielders João Neves and Vitinha, stating they add a unique flair to the game and can make a significant impact. According to Di Maria, there are three or four teams that will be genuinely competing for the trophy.

FC Basel’s attacking midfielder Philip Otele has officially linked up with the Super Eagles squad in Warsaw as preparations intensify for the upcoming international friendly against Poland. According to reports, his arrival brings the number of players available to head coach Éric Chelle to 21.

The 27-year-old winger was part of Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign last week, featuring in both matches. During the final against Jamaica, he provided an assist that helped secure a convincing 3-0 victory for the Reggae Boyz.

Given his late arrival, Otele is anticipated to start the Poland match from the substitutes’ bench. He made his senior team debut against Jordan in March and has since earned three caps for Nigeria.

Nigerian Fuji music icon Remi Aluko has opened up about his deteriorating eyesight, revealing that he has lost his vision entirely due to a prolonged battle with glaucoma. In a candid interview on Oyinmomo TV, the veteran singer shared the details of his health struggle, stating that he currently cannot see.

Aluko, who has been managing glaucoma for several years, explained that despite undergoing eye surgery in the past, his condition has worsened. He emphasized that there is no distinction between him and a blind person now, though he continues to navigate life with resilience.

“I am a glaucoma patient. I am managing my situation, but right now I am not seeing. Many people are unaware of my condition because I don’t let it affect my spirit. There’s no difference between me and someone who is blind, but I choose not to dwell on it,” he said.

The musician added that he maintains a positive outlook and cares for himself as if he could see, deliberately avoiding depression by focusing on what he can still do.

Remo Stars shot-stopper Alladoum Francis Kolimba has been called back to represent the Central African Republic national team. The goalkeeper last appeared for his country during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola, and his recent performances with the Nigerian club have earned him a return to the international fold.

Kolimba, who has earned three caps for CAR, impressed during the previous NPFL season with Remo Stars. He managed one clean sheet in ten outings for the Sky Blue Stars. Prior to joining Remo Stars, the goalkeeper played for Katsina United and Wikki Tourists.

CAR will be involved in two international friendlies this month, taking on Togo and Angola. Kolimba’s inclusion in the squad highlights his development and the recognition of his contributions at club level.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, African football fans are turning to platforms like Bettingtop10 NG for team news and insights. However, Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be absent from the tournament for the second consecutive time. The team failed to advance from Group C, finishing level on points with South Africa but losing out on goal difference. Injuries to key player Victor Osimhen severely hampered their attacking output.

Despite this setback, Nigeria is already eyeing the 2030 World Cup with renewed ambition. Former coach Jose Peseiro has been replaced by legendary midfielder Zinedine Zidane, signaling a fresh start. Osimhen, along with stars like Denis Damage and Chuba Akpom, has pledged to be part of the 2030 campaign.

To succeed, Nigeria must overhaul its youth development system, which has declined due to poor funding and political interference. The repeated failures at youth levels underscore systemic issues that go beyond World Cup qualification. Addressing these root causes is essential to avoid missing another tournament.

FIFA has officially released the final squad lists for all 48 nations competing in the 2026 World Cup, a total of 1,248 players. The announcement on Tuesday revealed that 891 of these athletes will be making their tournament debut, while 357 are returning for another campaign. This summer’s competition kicks off on June 11 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In a statement, football’s governing body highlighted the “exciting milestones” as the opening match draws near. “With 48 teams and 1,248 players available across 104 matches, this edition represents a watershed moment for the global game, opening doors to more nations, players, and fans than ever before,” the statement declared.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the pairings for the Round of 16 stage of the 2026 President Federation Cup. This phase promises several exciting clashes between teams from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL).

Among the lower-league encounters, Sokoto United will go head-to-head with Adamawa United in a battle of NNL outfits. Meanwhile, Bendel Insurance faces El-Kanemi Warriors in a fixture that brings together two top-flight sides. Kada Warriors will test their mettle against Wikki Tourists, a team that suffered relegation from the NPFL last season. In another all-NNL affair, Bida Lions are set to host Flight FC.

The majority of the remaining ties feature NPFL clubs. A standout fixture sees Ikorodu City take on Enyimba FC. Additionally, Rivers United will lock horns with Nasarawa United, while Plateau United will face FC Basira. Completing the lineup, Sunshine Stars U19 will square off against Barau FC.

The NFF has yet to confirm the dates, venues, and kick-off times for the Round of 16, but these details are expected to be released shortly.