Nigerian Football
DR Congo are the sixth to progress to World Cup qualifiers play-off round
The Democratic Republic of Congo are through to the play-off round of the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers after edging Benin 2-0 in a Group J top of the table clash in Kinshasa. They thus join Senegal, Congo DR, Egypt, Mali and Morocco.
The victory took Les Leopards to 11 points, top of the group while Benin finished second, just one point behind. Meanwhile in the other group match, Tanzania and Madagascar played to a 1-1 draw.
Heading to this fixture, Benin just needed a point in the Congolese capital to get themselves into the play-off round, but found themselves pegged back after just 10 minutes.
Dieumerci Mbokani converted from the penalty spot after he was pulled back inside the area.
The Congolese held on to the lead, failing to net in a second despite having some chances.
In the second half, Benin came back with strategy to get themselves into the game and were on attack mode from the restart.
They came close four minutes after the restart when Jodel Dossou weaved his way into the box, but his eventual shot hit the side netting.
The Beninese side kept pushing, knowing just a draw was enough to push them a step closer to a dream place in Qatar.
But, their hopes were skinned off with quarter of an hour left when Ben Malango headed home from the edge of the six yard box after rising to meet a Dieumerci Amale cross from the right.
DR Congo managed the game neatly to ensure they guarded their victory and earn a ticket to the play-offs.
Madagascar 1-1 Tanzania
At the Mahamasina Municipal Stadium in Antananarivo, home side Madagascar fought from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Tanzania, with the two sides already out of contention. The result sees Tanzania finish third in the group with eight points while Madagascar are bottom with four.
Tanzania got into the lead in the 25th minute when Saimon Msuva scored his fourth goal of the qualifiers with a neat finish off a Salum Feisal pass.
Madagascar were rejuvenated in the second half and Hakim Abdallah forced Metacha Mnata to a good save in the 57th minute when he nodded in a strong header from Loic Lapoussin’s cross.
Paolon Voavy also came close 20 minutes to time just a few seconds after coming on when he was put through by a brilliant Fabrice Rakotondraibe backheel, but is shot was wayward.
They however got the much needed goal in the 74th minute when Abdallah fired in a volley from inside the box after the Tanzanian backline failed to clear away a Lapoussin freekick from the left.
Madagascar had to finish the match with 10 men when Pascal Razakanantenaina was sent off for a second yellow card for fouling Msuva at the edge of the box. From the resultant freekick, Novatus Dismas saw his freekick crack against the bar.
Zimbabwe 1-1 Ethiopia
Elsewhere, Ethiopia played to a 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe in a dead rubber Group G fixture. Kudakwashe Mahachi gave Zimbabwe a 36th minute lead before Abubeker Nasir equalized for the Ethiopians with three minutes to play.
Ethiopia finish the group phase with five points while Zimbabwe finish bottom with two points.
By Kunle Solaja.
Nigeria’s planned participation in a four-nation invitational tournament later this month is facing serious uncertainty after a significant escalation in Middle Eastern tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Super Eagles were scheduled to compete in Amman, Jordan, from March 27 to 31, alongside Iran, Jordan and Costa Rica, as part of preparations for future competitive fixtures and squad building. But recent geopolitical developments have cast doubt over whether the event can still go ahead as planned.
An official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed to Sports Village Square that the situation is being closely monitored, with security and travel concerns emerging as key factors in deciding the tournament’s fate.
The doubts stem from joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which triggered a sharp escalation in hostilities and sparked retaliatory actions across the region, including reports of attacks and counter-attacks in neighbouring countries.
The unfolding crisis has already led to airspace closures, flight cancellations and broader travel disruptions in the Gulf and Levant, complicating international travel plans for teams and supporters alike.
The Super Eagles had planned to open the tournament against Iran on March 27 at the Amman International Stadium before facing hosts Jordan four days later. However, Iran’s participation itself is now in question as the security situation deepens and Iranian football authorities weigh their options amid the conflict.
The tournament was seen as a valuable opportunity for head coach Eric Chelle to assess his squad in a competitive setting before the next major competitions, which include the 2027 Afcon qualifiers.
Jordan, who will make their own debut at the 2026 World Cup, was using the event to build momentum on home soil, but the escalating crisis places not just Nigeria’s fixtures at risk, but the entire mini-tournament.
The NFF has not yet announced an alternative plan should the tournament be cancelled or postponed.
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Matchday drama unfolded across centres in the Nigeria Premier Football League(NPFL) as title contenders stumbled, traditional powerhouses flexed their muscles, and the race for continental places tightened significantly.
Rivers United’s grip at the top suffered a dent after a shock 1–0 defeat to Bayelsa United in a tense South-South derby. The slim victory handed Bayelsa a crucial three points while slowing Rivers’ momentum at a critical stage of the season.
The biggest statement of the weekend came from Bendel Insurance, who dismantled Ikorodu City 4–0 in a ruthless display. Insurance were clinical from start to finish, overpowering their visitors and boosting both their goal difference and their standing in the upper half of the table. For Ikorodu City, who had been firmly in the mix near the summit, the heavy loss could prove costly in the long run.
Enugu Rangers also strengthened their position with a composed 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United. The Flying Antelopes controlled proceedings and capitalised on their chances, ensuring maximum points against a direct rival in the race for honours. With Rivers United dropping points, Rangers’ win significantly narrows the gap at the top.
In Aba, Enyimba were held to a 1–1 draw by Kun Khalifat in a fiercely contested encounter. The People’s Elephant had to settle for a point despite home advantage, a result that may affect their ambitions of climbing into the continental qualification spots.
Elsewhere, Niger Tornadoes and Warri Wolves played out a goalless draw in a tightly fought affair where defences dominated, and clear chances were scarce.
Remo Stars continued their battle against relegation with a 2–0 triumph over Katsina United in Ikenne.
Remo Stars begin redemption course with a 2-0 defeat of Katsina United
Ibadan, Shooting Stars delighted their supporters with a spirited 2–1 victory over Kano Pillars. The Oluyole Warriors demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline to edge the encounter, keeping their push for a higher finish on track.
Sunday Results
- Bayelsa United 1-0 Rivers United
- Bendel Insurance 4-0 Ikorodu City
- Enugu Rangers 2-0 Nasarawa United
- Enyimba 1-1 Kun Khalifat
- Niger Tornadoes 0-0 Warri Wolves
- Remo Stars 2-0 Katsina United
- Shooting Stars 2-1 Kano Pillars
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The race for promotion in the 2025/2026 season of the Nigeria National League (NNL) has gathered momentum, with relegated sides Akwa United and Doma United pushing strongly for an immediate return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Both former top-flight campaigners have shown resilience since dropping to the second tier last season. Akwa United currently lead Conference B with a game in hand, underlining their determination to bounce back at the first attempt. Meanwhile, Doma United sit atop Conference C despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat to Sokoto United on Matchday 11.
Southern Conference Delivers Drama
Matchday 11 in the Southern Conference produced thrilling encounters, further tightening the race for promotion.
In Conference A, two away wins, one home victory and a draw defined the round. The headline fixture between table-toppers Inter-Lagos FC and second-placed Beyond Limit FC ended in a goalless stalemate in Abeokuta. The result ensured Inter-Lagos maintained their grip on first place, though Beyond Limit remain firmly in contention.
Elsewhere, Smart City edged Edel FC 1-0, Gateway United secured a similar 1-0 win over Crown FC, while Sunshine Stars boosted their campaign with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Abia Comets. The victories have intensified the competition in what is shaping up to be one of the most closely fought groups in the league.
Conference B: Akwa United Hold Firm
Conference B continues to heat up as teams battle for supremacy. Osun United claimed a crucial 1-0 away victory at Abakaliki FC, while Rovers FC defeated Stormers 1-0 in Calabar.
Despite the pressure from chasing teams, Akwa United remain firmly in control at the summit. With a game in hand, the Promise Keepers are well-positioned to strengthen their promotion bid in the coming weeks.
Conference C: Doma United Stay Ahead
In Conference C, Sokoto United handed leaders Doma United a 1-0 setback, but the defeat did little to dislodge them from the top. Doma remain on 19 points, narrowly ahead of FC Basira, who climbed to 18 points after a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars.
The slim margin between the top sides suggests a tense battle ahead, with every point likely to prove decisive in the quest for a top-two finish.
Conference D: Northern Battle Intensifies
Yobe Desert Stars moved temporarily to the summit of Conference D with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Ranchers Bees, taking their tally to 15 points. Jigawa Golden Stars edged Adamawa United 1-0, while Gombe United and Kebbi United settled for a goalless draw.
Promotion Race Wide Open
With each conference producing unpredictable outcomes, the NNL promotion race remains delicately poised. For traditional heavyweights Akwa United and Doma United, the objective is clear: secure one of the coveted promotion spots and return to the Nigeria Elite League.
As the season progresses, the intensity is expected to rise further, with fans across the country watching closely to see which clubs will earn the right to rejoin Nigeria’s top-flight next season.
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