Nigerian Football
Chelle Names Provisional Squad for Must-Win Rwanda, South Africa Clashes
Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekou Chelle has released a 31-man provisional list for the next two Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying against Rwanda and South Africa, with a mix of established stars, returning faces and fresh prospects setting the stage for intense selection battles.
Captain William Ekong, first-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, and Europe-based regulars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman headline the squad.
But with Nigeria languishing in fourth place in their group, the stakes could not be higher as the Eagles chase six points to revive their qualification hopes.
Competition for Places
The return of striker Victor Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, will dominate headlines, but he faces competition from Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers—who impressed at the 2025 Unity Cup in London—and Terem Moffi of Nice. With Sadiq Umar and Nathan Tella also included, Chelle has one of the deepest attacking rosters in years, raising questions about who will lead the line in Uyo and Bloemfontein.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi’s recovery from injury to secure a recall is timely, but he will need to prove his fitness in camp. Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru provide energetic alternatives, while Fulham’s Iwobi remains the creative hub.
The inclusion of youngster Christantus Uche offers a glimpse of future depth in the middle of the park.
The defence sees familiar names in Ekong, Bassey and Aina, but the call-ups of Felix Agu, Benjamin Fredericks and Igoh Ogbu add youthful competition.
Chidozie Awaziem, making a return, will hope to cement his place after a patchy international form.
Injury Watch
While the squad is rich in talent, injury concerns loom. Osimhen has endured stop-start fitness issues in recent months, while Ndidi’s recent move to Turkey’s Besiktas was shadowed by questions about his durability. Striker Mbaoma Victor, a regular at the Unity Cup, was overlooked due to a recent injury setback.
Coach Chelle will be hoping his first-choice players stay fit in the week leading to the camp’s opening on 1 September in Uyo.
What’s at Stake
Nigeria sit fourth in their qualifying group and cannot afford further slip-ups. The Super Eagles host Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday, 6 September in Matchday 7 before travelling to Bloemfontein to face long-time rivals South Africa on Tuesday, 9 September in what could prove decisive for their qualification push.
Chelle’s selection blends experience with experimentation, but his challenge will be to strike the right balance between proven performers and emerging talents.
With group leaders pulling away, anything short of two positive results could place Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes in jeopardy.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Defending champions Remo Stars began their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title defence on a shaky note, playing out a 1-1 draw with Rivers United in the opening fixture of the 2025/26 season on Friday.
The Ikenne-based side, who are using the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta as their temporary home ground, had to come from behind after falling to an early strike from their visitors.
Former Remo forward, Aniemeke Okon, silenced the home crowd in the third minute, rising highest to head past goalkeeper Kayode Bankole Obassa and net the first goal of the new NPFL season. But the champions responded swiftly, as Victor Mbaoma latched onto a clever through pass from Samuel Anakwe to smash home the equaliser just five minutes later.
Mbaoma’s goal, his 52nd in the NPFL and 16th for Remo Stars, was bittersweet, as the returning striker — back from a stint with Rwanda’s APR FC — limped off injured in the 21st minute and was replaced by new signing Adama Goita.
The second half produced end-to-end exchanges, with Anakwe impressing for the hosts while Rivers United stood firm at the back. The visitors, however, finished the encounter with ten men after Temple Emekayi received a straight red card in stoppage time for dangerous play.
The result preserved Remo Stars’ impressive home record, stretching their unbeaten run in front of their fans to 52 matches. Yet, Rivers United remain a difficult hurdle for the Sky Blues, who have now failed to win in their last three meetings and boast just one victory in 12 head-to-head encounters.
Remo Stars will travel to face Kun Khalifat FC on Matchday Two, while Rivers United will play host to 2025 President’s Federation Cup winners, Kwara United.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Nigeria’s Season 2025/26 of the elite football league kicks off in 10 centres across the country this Friday. The opening day has lined up high-stakes fixtures.
Fans can expect thrilling rivalries, debut stories, and the first statements of intent from clubs eyeing the crown.
Remo Stars vs Rivers United (Abeokuta)
The spotlight will be firmly in Abeokuta, the temporary home of the Ikenne-based Remo Stars, who host Rivers United in what promises to be a blockbuster opener. It will be a continuation of last season’s rivalry, where both teams struggled for the championship, which Remo Stars eventually won, pushing Rivers United to the runners-up position.
Both sides have established themselves among the league’s elite in recent seasons, with Remo Stars known for their flair and Rivers United carrying the weight of continental experience.
A clash of ambition awaits. Remo Stars may, however, be understrength as nine of their players, as well as the head coach, are just returning from the African Nations Championship (CHAN) still going on in East Africa.
Abia Warriors vs Kano Pillars (Umuahia)
In Umuahia, Abia Warriors welcome the legendary Kano Pillars in a battle that pits youthful hunger against tradition. Pillars, buoyed by their passionate fan base, will aim to assert themselves early, but the Warriors are known for upsetting giants at home.
It will be the first league match for Ahmed Musa as the General Manager of Kano Pillars.
Wikki Tourists vs Plateau United (Bauchi)
North-central rivals Wikki Tourists and Plateau United lock horns in Bauchi. Matches between both sides are often fiercely contested, and Plateau’s pedigree as former champions will be tested by Wikki’s resilience.
Katsina United vs Warri Wolves (Katsina)
Katsina United begin their campaign against newly promoted Warri Wolves. The Wolves, back in the big time, will be eager to mark their return with a statement, while Katsina rely on home advantage to start strong.
Rangers Int’l vs Kun-Khalifat (Enugu)
At the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu Rangers International face Kun-Khalifat, the league newcomers. For Rangers, it’s a chance to begin their season in front of a loyal home crowd, but all eyes will be on Kun-Khalifat to see how they adapt to the top-flight spotlight.
Kun-Khalifat of Imo State are one of the four private clubs featuring in the Nigerian elite league this season.
Kwara United vs Ikorodu City (Ilorin)
Kwara United entertain Ikorodu City, who are having their second season in the NPFL. In their maiden adventure, they were almost securing the ticket to feature in the CAF Confederation League.
The Lagos-based side will be playing their first-ever NPFL match, and their baptism of fire comes against a Kwara United team eager to improve on last season’s mid-table finish.
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Bendel Insurance (Maiduguri)
Maiduguri hosts a heavyweight duel as El-Kanemi Warriors take on Bendel Insurance. Insurance, one of the league’s traditional giants, face a tough away test against a side known for turning their home ground into a fortress.
Shooting Stars vs Bayelsa United (Ibadan)
In Ibadan, Shooting Stars (3SC) face Bayelsa United in a fixture steeped in pride. The Oluyole Warriors aim to rekindle their glory days, while Bayelsa United, FA Cup specialists, look to prove their consistency in league football.
Barau vs Enyimba Int’l
League debutants Barau could not have asked for a sterner introduction as they host record champions Enyimba International. The People’s Elephant, with their history of dominance, will be expected to start strong, but Barau will draw on home support to seek a famous result.
Niger Tornadoes vs Nasarawa United (Minna)
The final fixture sees Niger Tornadoes welcome Nasarawa United in a north-central derby. With both teams battling for early momentum, fans should expect a fiery contest in Minna.
The 2025 NPFL season promises drama, goals, and stories of resilience. As the whistle sounds across ten venues this weekend, the journey towards Nigeria’s most coveted football title begins in earnest.Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Nigeria’s football house should be in a celebratory mood today. By every traceable historical account, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), originally the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), is 92 years old. Yet, in a strange twist of institutional amnesia, the federation does not recognise this milestone, preferring instead to cling to the notion that it was “founded in 1945.”
That contested date is boldly displayed on the NFF’s crest, despite the absence of any verifiable founding event in 1945.
Instead, research by Sports Village Square and corroborated archival materials confirm that the country’s football governing body came into being on Monday, 21 August 1933, at No. 42 Broad Street, Lagos—a building that still stands today.
The evidence is both clear and overwhelming. Reports of the foundation meeting were published in the Daily Times of 25 August 1933. Records at the National Archives in Ibadan and the Football Association (FA) offices in London further reinforce the claim.
Indeed, minutes of the FA meeting of 4 June 1934 explicitly state that “The Nigeria Football Association was admitted to membership under Rule 5 of the Rules of Association.”
The Daily Times of 14 September 1934 also reported the affiliation, confirming that Nigeria’s football governing body was recognised internationally long before 1945.
So where did the myth of 1945 originate?
It appears to stem from the beginning of the Governor’s Cup—now the President Federation Cup—in 1945. But that, too, is a distortion of history.
The first three editions of the tournament were not organised by the NFA but by the Lagos and District Amateur Football Association (LDAFA), founded in 1932 by Henry A. Porter, who also spearheaded the creation of the NFA a year later.
Porter became the NFA’s first President, with Sir Adeyemo Alakija, Frederick Baron Mulford, and Dr. Isaac Oluwole serving as Vice Presidents, while James Mead of the United Africa Company acted as Secretary/Treasurer. Their first Annual General Meeting took place on 19 February 1934, also documented by the Daily Times.
Despite these verifiable historical records, successive NFA/NFF regimes since 2003 have been reluctant to embrace the 1933 foundation date.
Officials fear a backlash from the international football community, worried that acknowledging an “older age” might invite criticism of past ignorance.
Yet, to historians and purists, the refusal to accept the evidence does more harm than good. It leaves the NFF celebrating milestones on shaky ground while sidelining the true pioneers of Nigerian football administration.
For now, the paradox remains: the NFF is 92 years old today, inching towards its centenary. But in its own records, it is still only 80.
One day, as the facts continue to stare it in the face, Nigeria’s football establishment may finally reconcile with its true history.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- US OPEN1 week ago
Venus Williams gets a US Open wild card at age 45 and will be the oldest in singles since 1981
- Nigerian Football1 day ago
NFF clocks 92 today, but still denies its true age
- World Cup2 days ago
South Africa vs Nigeria: Super Eagles Face Double Test in Bloemfontein — Football and Fierce Weather
- CHAN1 week ago
Like a hurricane, Sudan blow Super Eagles B into pieces!
- CHAN3 days ago
Like Niger, their northern neighbours in Group C, will Nigeria in Group D exit CHAN without a Goal?
- CHAN3 days ago
Nigeria ends drought, beats Congo 2-0 in CHAN to restore pride
- CHAN23 hours ago
Numbers That Shaped CHAN 2024: From 74 Goals to 7 Red Cards in the Group Stage
- CHAN1 week ago
Sudan’s 4-0 demolition of Nigeria adds to the five biggest shock results in CHAN History