Nigerian Football
NFF Congress Holds in Ibadan, Applauds Tinubu, Makinde, and Global Partners for Support

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the Federal Government’s steadfast support for Nigerian football and all national teams.
The commendation came at the 81st Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Federation held on Saturday at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, Orita-Mefa, Ibadan.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, the NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, extended gratitude to President Tinubu and the National Sports Commission led by Shehu Dikko for their unwavering backing of the Federation’s programmes and initiatives.
The Congress also lauded the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, for graciously hosting the Assembly and for his administration’s outstanding hospitality to the Falconets, Nigeria’s U20 women’s national team, who are in Ibadan for their 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda.
Delegates praised the Government and people of Oyo State for their commitment to sports development and reaffirmed Ibadan’s capacity to host major international football events.
Similarly, the Congress extended appreciation to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe for their consistent and invaluable support to Nigerian football within the global and continental framework.
Applauding the achievements of Nigeria’s national teams, the Assembly celebrated the Super Falcons’ record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title and the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
It also commended the Flying Eagles, Falconets, and Flamingos for their commendable performances on the international stage.
The Congress endorsed the Executive Committee’s determination to secure the Super Eagles’ qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged continued technical and administrative backing for all national teams.
In line with good governance principles, delegates examined and approved the audited financial statements of the NFF for the year ended 31st December 2024 as presented by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC).
The Congress also authorized the advertisement of the external auditors’ position, noting the completion of PwC’s mandatory tenure, and approved the Federation’s 2026 financial year budget proposal.
Recognising grassroots football as the bedrock of national development, the Assembly directed the NFF Executive Committee to intensify efforts in talent discovery, coaching education, refereeing improvement, and infrastructure development in accordance with FIFA and CAF directives.
On governance reforms, the Congress acknowledged progress made in the FIFA-mandated amendment of the NFF Statutes (2010 as amended) and assured that an Extraordinary General Assembly would be convened to conclude the process.
Delegates commended the steady growth of domestic leagues — the NPFL, NNL, NWFL, and NLO — and urged league bodies, referees, and State Football Associations to maintain higher operational standards and competitiveness. The Congress also called on State Governments to invest more in standard football infrastructure to meet international requirements.
In a moment of solemn reflection, the Assembly offered prayers for football stakeholders who passed away during the year and extended condolences to their families.
Capping the day’s proceedings, the Congress passed a unanimous vote of confidence on the NFF Executive Committee led by Ibrahim Musa Gusau for its exemplary leadership and continued commitment to advancing Nigerian football.
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Nigerian Football
Tiger Beer Uncages Football: Launches ₦10m Street Tournament to Celebrate Grassroots Game

Tiger Beer has rolled out an electrifying new campaign that takes football back to its roots in Nigeria, bringing street energy, creativity, and big rewards to everyday players.
The Tiger Street Football (TSF) Tournament will showcase the fast-paced, raw version of the game often played in open fields, neighbourhood corners, and school yards — with a whopping ₦10 million prize pool available in each region.
Winners will walk away with ₦5 million, while runners-up take ₦3 million. Third and fourth-placed teams will pocket ₦1 million each, making the competition one of the most rewarding grassroots football platforms in the country.
But Tiger says the tournament is about more than money. It is about courage, community, and celebrating those who keep football alive at street level.
From aspiring talents chasing their first big break to workers bonding over five-a-side games after hours, the campaign shifts the spotlight from professionals to everyday Nigerians.
“Tiger Street Football is not just about football. It is about the people. It is about recognising talent, celebrating community, and giving Nigerians a platform to shine where football feels most alive — in the streets.
Tiger is a brand built on courage, and we see that same spirit every time someone steps onto the pitch to play,” said Maria Shadeko, Portfolio Manager for Premium Beer at Nigerian Breweries Plc.
The five-a-side tournament will be played the “Tiger way” — bold, thrilling, and unapologetically street.
Each team must have between five and eight players, all aged 18 or older and not registered with professional clubs. Registration is now open via www.tigerstreetfootballng.com, and must be completed by team captains.
Awka will host the first leg of the action, with registration drives, penalty shootouts, and knockout matches building up to the Awka TUX Semi-finals and Finals.
Adding to the excitement, the Tiger Uncage Experience (TUX) will run alongside the games, blending football with street culture.
Guests will enjoy music, art, street food, and fashion showcases, alongside Tiger Beer served from mobile bars. From photo booths to live painting and fashion pop-ups, the event promises a festival-like atmosphere.
For players, the campaign offers recognition and the chance to shine. For fans, it reminds them why football is the world’s game — its ability to unite communities. For Tiger Beer, it is a way to reward consumers and celebrate the untamed, courageous spirit of Nigerian football.
By returning the game to the streets, Tiger is not just creating a tournament. It is sparking a movement — where courage meets community, and where unforgettable memories are waiting to be made.
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Nigerian Football
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles set sights on deep run at the U20 World Cup in Chile

Nigeria arrive at the FIFA U-20 World Cup which kicks off in Chile this weekend with pedigree, purpose and a familiar target: go further than anyone expects.
The Flying Eagles, bronze medallists at the TotalEneegies U-20 AFCON in Egypt earlier this year, will play in the tournament which will be held in Chile from 27 September to 19 October 2025.
The Nigerians are back on the global stage for a record 14th appearance by an African nation at this tournament.
Drawn in Group F with Colombia, Norway and Saudi Arabia, they open against the Saudis before a European double that will test credentials early.
History says Nigeria handle this stage well—two-time runners-up (1989, 2005) and quarter-finalists as recently as 2023—and the class of 2025 believes it can push into the latter rounds again.
Tournament record
- Appearances: 14 (including 2025)
- Best finish: Runners-up (1989, 2005)
- Most recent run: Quarter-finals (2023)
Nigeria’s tradition at this level is undeniable.
With a balanced squad, a defined way of playing and match-winners in the final third, the Flying Eagles head to Chile believing the knockout rounds are more a target than a dream—and that a long October is possible.
How they qualified
Nigeria qualified as third place at the U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025, navigating a tight tournament in which margins were thin and clean sheets had premium value.
That run ensured Africa would again be represented by one of its most consistent youth programmes; the Flying Eagles have produced alumni from Mikel John Obi to Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze.
The coach: Aliyu Zubair
The Flying Eagles are led by Aliyu Zubair, appointed in 2025 with a clear brief to refresh the squad and keep Nigeria competitive at elite youth level.
Zubair’s group blends home-based NPFL talent with teenagers cutting their teeth in Europe.
His teams are compact without the ball and quick to break, using wide runners to stretch the game and a mobile No9 to finish moves.
Star turn & ones to watch
- Kparobo Arierhi – A powerful centre-forward whose movement across the line and penalty-box instincts stood out during qualifying. He attacks near-post spaces, presses willingly and offers a constant outlet for long diagonals.
- Daniel Daga – Midfield metronome. Breaks up play, recycles possession and steps forward to punch passes between the lines; his calm on the ball gives Nigeria control in tight matches.
- Abduljelil Kamaldeen – Direct winger with pace to burn and a knack for big-game moments; expect him to carry threat on counters and set-piece deliveries.
- Daniel Bameyi – Aerially dominant defender who relishes duels and organizes the back four; useful at attacking set plays.
Style & likely approach
Zubair’s blueprint is pragmatic and tournament-friendly:
- Base shape: 4-3-3 that can flatten into a 4-1-4-1 without the ball.
- Pressing: Mid-block with triggers on backward passes; full-backs step high when Nigeria lock play to a flank.
- Transitions: Quick verticality through Daga; wingers attack the half-spaces to feed Arierhi.
- Set-pieces: A real weapon—centre-backs and Arierhi provide size; rehearsed routines target the near post.
Nigeria’s Group F fixtures (local time)
- Nigeria v Saudi Arabia – Monday, 29 September
- Norway v Nigeria – Wednesday, 1 October
- Nigeria v Colombia – Saturday, 4 October
(Knockout qualification: top two in each group plus the four best third-placed teams.)
Group F outlook
Saudi Arabia offer a stern opener—technically neat and disciplined—but it’s the European pair that frame the section.
Norway will test Nigeria physically and from dead balls; Colombia bring tempo and flair.
If the Flying Eagles manage game states—especially after scoring—and keep discipline at set-pieces, top two is within reach, with the safety net of the third-place route.
Momentum from matchday one could tilt the whole campaign.
-Cafonline
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Nigerian Football
Eguavoen Flags Off Six-Day D-License Coaching Training

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday flagged off a six-day D-License Coaching Course in Abuja, with 40 coaches participating in the programme designed for beginners in the profession.
NFF Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen, who spoke at the opening session, said the course is a foundational step for aspiring coaches and a prerequisite for advancing to the C-License programme.
“The D-License is in modules and for beginners, and it must last a minimum of 60 hours,” Eguavoen explained.
“Just as it is in life, everything in football is in stages. We have a lot of talented young ones out there, and it is not the way you coach adults that you coach the young ones. Coaching the young ones requires special training.”
He added that the programme would not be restricted to Abuja alone. “This course is not going to be a one-off. After this national programme, we will have to take it to the Zones, and subsequently to the States.
“We have a total of 40 coaches undergoing this programme, and I can assure you they have a lot to learn,” the former Super Eagles coach said.
The D-License initiative follows a series of technical development courses recently organized by the NFF.
These include the record-setting CAF C-License course for women coaches, which ran from July to September last year with 30 participants; a CAF B-License programme in April 2025 with another 30 participants; and a Coach Educators’ Course in July that trained 25 participants.
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