Sports
2026 WCQ: Last Chance For Nigeria As Super Eagles Face Lesotho
The Super Eagles were almost certain to miss out on consecutive World Cup finals after their September 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
However, they were handed a lifeline when South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, narrowing the gap at the top of Group C.
The ruling left Nigeria three points adrift of Benin and South Africa with two games remaining, reshaping the qualification race and keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive.
Decisive game for the Super Eagles
Nigeria cannot afford to lose either of their remaining two matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Lesotho.
They must also hope South Africa slip up in their remaining games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
With several teams still mathematically capable of topping the group, a win in Polokwane is essential if the Super Eagles are to keep their campaign alive.
Group standings
Benin top the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference, while South Africa are second on 14 points with a +2 goal difference. Nigeria sit third on 11 points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Rwanda on 11 points and a neutral goal difference.
Head-to-head
Since 2019, the sides have met three times: they have drawn once and Nigeria have won twice.
Record so far
The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign has been patchy. To date, they have recorded two wins, five draws and one defeat, while Lesotho have two wins, three draws and three losses.
Optimism, ready
Ahead of the crucial tie, head coach Éric Chelle and some Super Eagles stars have expressed optimism about their chances.
Speaking at a press conference in Polokwane on Thursday, Chelle said the team must begin the game aggressively and with full focus.
Chelle warned that football is unpredictable, considering factors such as weather, refereeing errors, and individual mistakes can influence outcomes.
But he insisted the squad’s attention must remain on securing three points.
Sports
BREAKING: Chelsea sack head coach Liam Rosenior after Brighton loss
Chelsea have confirmed the sacking of Liam Rosenior, just three four months into his six-year deal at the club. The decision comes after the club suffered their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions.
In a statement published by the club, the FIFA Club World Cup champions confirmed that the decision was not taken lightly but rather forced after the poor form. They praised the Englishman for his time and Stamford Bridge and said:
“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.”
“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
The Blues hired Rosenior after Enzo Maresca resigned from his post on New Year’s Day. The Englishman had impressed at sister-club Strasbourg and was given the chance to show his skills at the Premier League club.
The 41-year-old took charge of just 23 matches before he was sacked. He won 11 matches, eight of which came in his first 11 matches at the club. The Blues kept just four clean sheets in all competitions, while conceding 38 goals and scoring just 47.
Chelsea reappoint Calum McFarlane as interim coach
Chelsea appointed Calum McFarlane as the interim coach after Enzo Maresca parted ways, and the former U21 coach is back at the helm for the rest of the season. He was a part of Liam Rosenior’s backroom staff and will take charge of the first-team for the rest of the season.
“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup. As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Sports
BREAKING: Super Eagles Star Alex Iwobi Attacked by Armed Robbers at UK Home
Reports indicate that the Nigerian international was confronted by intruders who forced their way into his home and threatened him with a knife while searching for valuables. The attackers reportedly ransacked the property and carted away expensive items, including luxury wristwatches, jewellery, mobile phones, and other personal belongings.
Sources close to the incident revealed that the robbers also accessed a safe inside the residence and stole valuables estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Fortunately, the Super Eagles star escaped without physical injuries, although the shocking incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of footballers living in Europe.
Alex Iwobi Robbed At Knifepoint: Iwobi Yet To Speak Publicly
As of the time of filing this report, Alex Iwobi has not released an official public statement regarding the robbery incident.
However, a source familiar with the situation said the midfielder is safe and recovering from the traumatic experience.
“He is doing okay and thankful that no one was injured. The most important thing is that he is safe after the frightening incident,” the source reportedly disclosed.
The source added that the player is cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.
Security agencies in the United Kingdom have reportedly launched an investigation into the robbery, with efforts underway to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the attack.
Authorities are believed to be reviewing security footage and gathering intelligence to track down the criminals responsible for the home invasion.
Although details of the suspects remain unclear, law enforcement officials are said to be treating the case as a targeted burglary involving a high-profile footballer.
Growing Concern Over Footballers’ Safety
The incident involving Alex Iwobi has once again highlighted the growing security risks faced by professional footballers in Europe.
In recent years, several footballers in the English Premier League and other European leagues have become targets of organized criminal gangs who monitor their movements and attack their homes in search of valuables.
Security experts say such attacks are often carefully planned, especially when players are away for matches or public engagements.
As a result, clubs and players are increasingly investing in advanced security systems and private protection to reduce the risk of home invasions.
Sports
Redknapp blames Arteta for Arsenal’s disappointing Carabao Cup final defeat
Jamie Redknapp called for Mikel Arteta to take the blame for Arsenal’s defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final for a huge decision – starting his second-choice goalkeeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga got the nod to start between the sticks for the Gunners at Wembley, chosen ahead of David Raya as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, having played every other match in the competition.
It was widely deemed as a risk and a downgrade on Raya, who usually plays Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League matches, and that proved to be true in the second-half.
Just after the hour mark, Kepa came out of his goal to try and catch Rayan Cherki’s cross, but fumbled the effort and the ball fell kindly into the path of Nico O’Reilly. Four minutes later, O’Reilly would score again as City won 2-0.
And Redknapp suggested that it was the wrong call to play the Spaniard – and that Arteta needs to take the blame for that.
He told Sky Sports: ‘I know people will say sentiment because he’s played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya, that’s why he’s your No2.
It was put to Redknapp that James Trafford, playing in goal for City, is the winners’ No2 and made three top-class saves in the first-half.
‘I’m not saying he’s a bad goalkeeper, but he’s not as good as Raya and it has backfired big time,’ Redknapp added. ‘You can turn around and say Trafford isn’t your No1 either, but he made three big saves and then he was hardly tested.’
Micah Richards went onto echo Redknapp’s views, explaining why the situation is different with Trafford.
Many thought the England star would be City’s No1 this season when he joined the club, but Gianluigi Donnarumma signed from Manchester City soon after to dislodge his spot.
Trafford has therefore been subject to mostly cup competitions, with nine of his 13 games this season coming in either the FA Cup or League Cup.
‘I think you’re right,’ Richards said. ‘When you asked about goalkeepers at the start, Trafford was brought in as a No1, he was ready – it’s just that Donnarumma came on the market.
‘The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big, so in a big game, you’re thinking, “you’ve got to go with Raya”. Look, we can talk about it after, but ultimately we’re talking about it because (it) cost Arsenal the game.’
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