Manchester United attacker Matheus Cunha has described Arsenal as the best football team in the world, despite the Red Devils securing a dramatic 3–2 Premier League victory over the league leaders on Sunday. The thrilling encounter took place at the Emirates Stadium, where Arsenal’s recent defensive instability continued in a match that delivered end-to-end action and late drama. Mikel Arteta’s side entered the fixture in strong league position but were undone by Manchester United’s resilience and decisive finishing. Arsenal began the match on the front foot, pressing aggressively and controlling possession in the early stages. Their dominance paid off when Lisandro Martinez inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, handing the hosts an early advantage and igniting the home crowd. Manchester United, however, responded with composure and intent. The visitors gradually grew into the game and found their way back before halftime when Bryan Mbeumo calmly converted, restoring parity and shifting momentum heading into the break. The second half remained tightly contested, with both teams pushing for control. United briefly took the lead through Patrick Dorgu, whose well-taken goal silenced the Emirates and placed pressure back on the league leaders. In the 84th minute, Arsenal thought they had rescued the contest when Mikel Merino rose highest from a corner kick, powering a header into the net to level the score once again. At that point, it appeared the Gunners were regaining authority and possibly steering the match toward a late winner. However, United refused to settle. In the closing moments, Michael Carrick’s side pushed forward with renewed belief, and the breakthrough arrived in spectacular fashion. Matheus Cunha produced a superb curling strike, sealing a rare and memorable victory for Manchester United on Arsenal’s home ground. The result significantly altered the Premier League landscape. Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table was cut to four points, while Manchester United climbed into the Champions League qualification positions, moving ahead of both Liverpool and Chelsea. Speaking after the match, Cunha expressed pride in his team’s bravery and determination, insisting that the victory came against the strongest side in global football at present. “We defeated the best team in the world,” Cunha told BBC Sport. He went on to praise Arsenal’s structure and long-term development under their manager. “I think we showed strength and unity as a group. Coming here, we knew exactly what to expect. For me, this is the best team in the world right now.They’ve worked with Mikel [Arteta] for many years, so they fully understand his ideas, his system, and everything he wants on the pitch.” Cunha also highlighted Manchester United’s collective mindset and belief heading into such a demanding fixture. “We know how difficult it is to play here, but we stayed together. Everything we do as a team is about winning matches.” Reflecting on the influence of Michael Carrick since stepping in as caretaker manager, Cunha acknowledged the emotional connection and understanding Carrick brings to the role. “He understands the feeling because he played here for many years.”
Former Manchester United captain and football analyst, Gary Neville, has put forward two high-profile managerial options he believes could succeed Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s permanent head coach at the end of the season. His comments followed the Red Devils’ 3–2 Premier League victory over Arsenal on Sunday at the Emirates Stadium. Neville suggested that despite the impressive win, Manchester United should maintain stability by allowing Carrick to continue in his interim role until the season concludes. According to him, the club should simultaneously prepare for a long-term transition by targeting elite-level managers with proven pedigree at the highest level of world football. In his assessment, Neville identified Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel as the two standout candidates capable of taking over the role on a permanent basis. Both managers are currently leading major national teams, with Ancelotti in charge of Brazil and Tuchel overseeing England’s national side. Reflecting on Manchester United’s performance against Arsenal, Neville emphasized that the result itself was not the most important takeaway from the match. Instead, he highlighted the team’s approach, noting the intensity, energy, and overall quality displayed throughout the game, which he described as the standard he expects from the club. Neville further stated that Carrick’s current responsibility should be to guide the team through the remainder of the season while ensuring a smooth handover to a world-class successor. He stressed that the next appointment must be someone of elite managerial stature, capable of restoring Manchester United’s long-term competitiveness at the highest level.
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Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu made a sensational comeback for his Turkish club, Trabzonspor, as they secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over Kasımpaşa in the Süper Lig on Friday. Onuachu, who had recently represented Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, was introduced as a substitute in the 46th minute, replacing Kazeem Olaigbe. Less than ten minutes later, he marked his return with a powerful strike in the 51st minute, assisted by Christ Inao Oulaï, signaling a triumphant return to club action. This impressive goal brings Onuachu’s total tally for the 2025-2026 season to 12 goals, solidifying his status as one of the top forwards in the Turkish Süper Lig this season. The Nigerian international played a key role for the Super Eagles, helping the team earn a bronze medal at AFCON 2025. During the tournament, Onuachu scored a crucial goal, contributing to Nigeria’s successful campaign and podium finish. Back in Turkey, his return has been nothing short of impactful. After giving Trabzonspor the early lead, the match saw Kasımpaşa equalize in the 61st minute. Fousseni Diabaté capitalized on a precise through ball from Irfan Can Kahveci, leveling the score and intensifying the competition. The tension persisted until the 84th minute when Oleksandr Zubkov delivered a decisive goal from the left side of the box, assisted by Anthony Nwakaeme, ensuring Trabzonspor clinched a vital 2-1 victory in front of their home fans. This performance not only highlighted Onuachu’s returning form but also strengthened Trabzonspor’s position in the Süper Lig standings. Fans and analysts alike praised the forward for seamlessly transitioning from international duty back to club responsibilities, demonstrating resilience and goal-scoring consistency. With his recent performance, Paul Onuachu continues to cement his reputation as a prolific Nigerian striker in European football, showing that he remains a key figure for both his club and national team. As Trabzonspor progresses through the season, supporters will be hoping that Onuachu continues his remarkable scoring run and helps the team compete for top positions in the league.
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Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has played down comments made by Manchester City head coach, Pep Guardiola, who recently described the Gunners as the best team in world football. Guardiola made the statement while addressing journalists during his pre-match press briefing ahead of Manchester City’s English Premier League encounter against Wolverhampton Wanderers. In that session, the City boss praised Arsenal’s performances and overall quality, suggesting that the North London side currently stands above every other team globally. Despite the high praise coming from one of football’s most respected tacticians, Arteta was quick to temper expectations. Speaking during his own pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Manchester United, the Spanish coach rejected the idea that his team has reached such an elite status. When asked directly about Guardiola’s assessment, Arteta responded cautiously, insisting that Arsenal still has significant progress to make before earning that label. According to Arteta, while Arsenal continues to improve and get many aspects of their football right, perfection remains far off. He stressed that true recognition as the best team in the world is determined by success in winning major trophies, something Arsenal has not achieved consistently in recent times. Arteta explained that elite status in football is not solely based on performance levels or playing style but on tangible achievements. He acknowledged the positive direction of his squad but made it clear that silverware remains the ultimate benchmark. In his words, being considered the world’s best requires winning many titles, and Arsenal has not yet met that standard. His comments underline a grounded and results-driven mindset as the club continues its pursuit of top honors both domestically and in Europe.
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Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has provided clarity on why attacking midfielder Cole Palmer did not feature in the matchday lineup for the club’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Pafos. The Blues hosted the European tie at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night, where they secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory. The decisive moment came late in the game when Moises Caicedo rose to meet a header that ultimately separated both sides. Following the match, attention quickly turned to Palmer’s absence, as the midfielder has been an important figure for Chelsea in recent fixtures. Addressing the situation, Rosenior explained that the decision was based on a minor physical concern, rather than a tactical omission. According to the Chelsea manager, Palmer experienced tightness in his thigh prior to the match. As a precautionary measure, the technical staff opted not to include him in the squad to avoid any risk of aggravating the issue. Rosenior emphasized that the situation was not considered serious and suggested that the player was close to being available. He further reassured supporters that Palmer’s condition is being closely monitored by the club’s medical team. “Cole felt a little bit of tightness in his thigh,” Rosenior said.“He just misses out, but he should be absolutely fine for Sunday.” The coach’s comments indicate confidence that Palmer will return in time for Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, easing concerns about a prolonged absence. With the victory over Pafos, Chelsea have now accumulated 13 points, placing them eighth on the table. This position currently represents the final automatic qualification spot for progression into the Champions League round of 16, keeping the club firmly in contention as the group stage unfolds.
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Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has acknowledged that his team’s upcoming UEFA Champions League encounter against Manchester City will be a demanding challenge. The much-anticipated fixture is set to feature two of world football’s most lethal goal scorers, as Osimhen and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland are expected to lead their respective attacks. Both clubs are competing strongly for a place in the Champions League Round of 16, making the contest even more significant. Galatasaray recently played out a 1–1 draw against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday night in the UEFA Champions League, a result that keeps their qualification hopes alive. Speaking after the match, Osimhen reflected on both the game and his return to action following his involvement with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The Super Eagles striker returned to the starting lineup and expressed clear excitement about rejoining his teammates. The striker, who featured from the start, did not hide his joy at being back with the squad and reconnecting with the supporters. According to him, the team was fully aware of the challenge Atlético Madrid posed even before kickoff. “I truly missed everyone, especially the fans,” Osimhen said while speaking to Galatasaray’s official media platform. “We already knew before the match that we were going to face a very strong opponent.” Osimhen went on to commend his teammates for their commitment and collective effort throughout the encounter, stressing that the team performed admirably against a well-organized side. “I want to appreciate my teammates for the effort they put in across the entire 90 minutes. We played well against a quality team,” he added. “The game was evenly balanced. We had chances to finish it at certain moments. Overall, I’m pleased with our performance.” Turning his attention to Galatasaray’s next Champions League fixture, Osimhen admitted that facing Manchester City would be far from straightforward. He described the English champions as one of the strongest teams in global football. “Manchester City are among the best teams in the world,” he said. “We take things one step at a time. First, we will concentrate on the league, then we will shift our attention to that match.” Despite the difficulty ahead, the Nigerian striker expressed confidence in his squad and maintained an optimistic outlook. “It won’t be easy, but I believe in my teammates,” Osimhen stated. “I’m approaching it positively. I think we can take something from the game. The most important thing is to perform well, just like we did against Atlético.” Following the 1–1 draw with Atlético Madrid, Galatasaray remains well positioned in the standings. Their chances of finishing inside the top 24 and progressing to the next phase of the UEFA Champions League remain intact, depending on the outcomes of other fixtures.
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Former Liverpool captain and football icon Steven Gerrard has openly praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta for what he described as a very intelligent decision involving young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal recently confirmed that Nwaneri, who is 18 years old, will spend the rest of the season on loan at French club Marseille. The move is aimed at giving the highly rated teenager more regular playing time at a competitive senior level. Nwaneri made history back in 2022 when he became the youngest footballer ever to feature in the Premier League, making his debut for Arsenal at just 15 years of age. Since then, he has continued to attract attention as one of England’s most promising young midfield talents. Last season, the teenage midfielder enjoyed a productive campaign with the Gunners. He featured in 37 matches across all competitions and gradually established himself as an important squad member under Arteta’s guidance. His performances raised expectations that he would play a significant role this season, especially as Arsenal push strongly for the league title. However, the current campaign has not unfolded as many expected. Nwaneri has only appeared in three matches so far, all of which came in cup competitions. This limited involvement reduced his chances of consistent development through regular first-team football. Initially, Arsenal were keen to keep the young midfielder in North London. The club believed that staying within a squad competing for major honours could benefit his growth, particularly as Arsenal aim to end their long wait for a league title. Despite this, Nwaneri expressed a clear desire to explore a new challenge. He communicated to the club that a move to Marseille was attractive due to the opportunity for more playing time, exposure to a different football culture, and the experience of competing in another European league. The England under-21 international now joins a Marseille side that sits third in Ligue 1, trailing unexpected league leaders Lens by eight points. The French club is also positioned mid-table in its Champions League group, offering Nwaneri valuable experience at both domestic and European levels. At Marseille, Nwaneri will work under manager Roberto De Zerbi, a coach widely respected for his ability to improve young players. Gerrard believes this environment is ideal for Arsenal’s teenage prospect. Speaking on TNT Sports, Gerrard shared his thoughts on young players moving abroad on loan. He expressed strong approval of the strategy, stating that such moves can benefit all parties involved if handled correctly. Gerrard highlighted Arteta’s judgment in choosing De Zerbi as the mentor for Nwaneri, emphasizing the Italian coach’s proven track record in player development. According to Gerrard, the Marseille manager will provide the young midfielder with the guidance, education, and match exposure he currently needs. He added that regular game time, combined with the experience of a new league and high-pressure matches, will only support Nwaneri’s development. Gerrard concluded by noting that the teenager already possesses quality and talent, and that gaining experience is the final step needed to prepare him for long-term success at the highest level.
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The UEFA Champions League continues to deliver thrilling individual performances, with Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane making a notable move on the competition’s scoring table this season. The England captain has now climbed above Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray in the ongoing Champions League goals race. Kane achieved this milestone following a decisive performance for Bayern Munich in their recent European fixture. During Bayern’s 2–0 victory over Union Saint-Gilloise on Wednesday, Kane found the net twice. That double strike lifted his total Champions League output for the current campaign to seven goals. Prior to that encounter, Kane had registered five goals, while both Osimhen and Haaland were already sitting on six goals each. The latest update means the Bayern striker has overtaken the two prolific forwards in the seasonal rankings. Despite this progress, Kane still trails Real Madrid attacker Kylian Mbappé, who remains firmly at the summit of the scoring chart. Mbappé has accumulated eleven goals, placing him comfortably ahead of the chasing pack. As it stands, the Champions League’s leading scorers reflect the intense attacking quality across Europe’s elite clubs, with multiple top forwards separated by narrow margins. UEFA Champions League Top Goalscorers (So Far) With several knockout fixtures still to come, the race for the Golden Boot remains open, and further changes at the top of the chart are expected as the tournament progresses.
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Zeynep Sonmez, the rising tennis star from Turkiye, has stormed into the third round of the Australian Open 2026 after a commanding straight-sets victory over Hungary’s Anna Bondar. This achievement marks Sonmez’s second Grand Slam third-round appearance in just six months, highlighting her growing presence on the international tennis stage. Competing at one of Melbourne Park’s smaller show courts, world No. 112 Sonmez clinched a 6-2, 6-4 triumph over Bondar in a 90-minute match on Wednesday. Her performance thrilled spectators as she demonstrated both skill and composure under pressure. Sonmez, who made history last year at Wimbledon by becoming the first Turkish player to reach a Grand Slam third round, basked in the deafening applause from the crowd on Court 7. Red flags waved proudly as fans chanted her name relentlessly, creating an atmosphere that Sonmez described as “like being at home.” In a post-match interview, the 23-year-old from Istanbul reflected on the support she received: “I really appreciated that so many Turkish people were here cheering. In the beginning, I was a little nervous, but once I settled into the match, I felt completely in control.” She added, “The energy on the court was incredible. I felt the support from everyone, and it truly felt like we were all playing together.” Sonmez will face a formidable opponent in the fourth round as she goes up against Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva, ranked 94th in the world. Despite the challenge, Sonmez can expect her fans to continue cheering her on, as the level of support she has received in Australia has surpassed anything she experienced in previous tournaments. “At Wimbledon, there were also many fans supporting me, and during my first round here, too. But today’s support was extraordinary—I’ve never experienced anything like it,” Sonmez said. The Turkish crowd’s fervor was so intense that Sonmez admitted she “couldn’t even hear her own thoughts” during the match. Her strong connection with fans is fueled further by knowing that people back home are watching her play in the early hours of the morning. “I know they’re supporting me from home, even at 3 a.m. Many people wake up just to watch my matches, and that motivates me even more,” she said. Earlier in the tournament, Sonmez won hearts by rushing to the aid of a ball girl who fainted due to the punishing Melbourne heat, demonstrating both her sportsmanship and empathy on and off the court. With her remarkable rise and the unwavering support of her fans, Zeynep Sonmez continues to inspire tennis enthusiasts in Turkiye and around the world as she seeks to make history at the Australian Open 2026.
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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has restated its commitment to youth empowerment, with a renewed pledge to stimulate growth within Nigeria’s sports economy. This assurance was given by the National Chairman of the APC, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, according to an official statement released on Monday by his media aide, Abimbola Tooki. The statement followed the conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which ended on Sunday. Nigeria finished the tournament in third position, while Senegal defeated host nation Morocco in the final to emerge champions. Beyond the competitive results, the APC chairman reportedly used the continental football event as an opportunity to extend Nigeria’s sports diplomacy beyond the pitch. While in Morocco, Professor Yilwatda led high-level strategic engagements focused on redefining the future of Nigerian football and positioning it as a driver of employment, national cohesion, and long-term development. According to the statement, Yilwatda was part of the Federal Government’s official delegation to Morocco during the AFCON tournament. While supporting the Super Eagles alongside Nigerians at home and abroad, he also engaged in discussions aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s football ecosystem into a sustainable economic sector. The APC chairman’s involvement went beyond symbolic presence. On the sidelines of AFCON activities in Rabat, a landmark strategy session was convened to examine how Nigeria could intentionally deploy football as a tool for job creation, youth inclusion, and infrastructure development across the country. The statement explained that the strategy meeting was facilitated by the Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Silas Agara. It brought together political leadership, football diplomacy stakeholders, and technical experts with a shared objective. That objective, according to the APC, was to study and adapt lessons from Morocco’s widely acknowledged sports development framework into a practical Nigerian model capable of producing measurable and sustainable outcomes. Central to the discussions was the understanding that Morocco’s football achievements did not occur by chance. Instead, they were the result of long-term planning, coherent policy alignment, and consistent investment in sports infrastructure and talent development. Drawing from these lessons, participants agreed that Nigeria’s approach must extend beyond match results and tournament success. The focus, they noted, should be on the broader sports economy, which includes employment opportunities in stadium construction and maintenance, facility management, coaching education, sports administration, technology solutions, and other related sectors with the capacity to absorb thousands of young Nigerians. The statement further disclosed that Professor Yilwatda would provide the required political leadership and policy guidance to drive the proposed vision. Meanwhile, Silas Agara would oversee implementation, ensuring that the strategy results in tangible employment opportunities and structured skills development for Nigerian youths. In addition, Amaju Pinnick, a FIFA Council member and leader within the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is expected to contribute international perspective and facilitate access to global technical support. Policy and technology expert Esebamen Clement will lead the development of a data-driven and implementable framework designed to guide the initiative and ensure accountability in execution. Another major outcome of the Rabat engagement was the emphasis on collaboration with state governments, particularly through the Progressive Governors Forum, to ensure nationwide alignment and decentralised execution. Professor Yilwatda reaffirmed that football, when properly structured and supported, has the capacity to function as a powerful vehicle for national unity, youth empowerment, and economic growth, reinforcing the APC’s broader development agenda
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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have surged to 26th position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings, marking their highest global placement in 16 years, after an impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, according to LMSINT MEDIA. The significant rise highlights the growing competitiveness of African football, with tournament hosts Morocco also achieving a historic milestone by entering the world’s top 10 for the first time since 1998. Under the leadership of head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria emerged as one of the most improved teams in the January 2026 FIFA ranking update, climbing 12 places following their bronze medal finish at the continental tournament. The Super Eagles had not reached such a high ranking since May 2010, when they were placed 21st globally, making the latest development a major moment in the nation’s football history. During the ranking assessment period, Nigeria played seven matches, securing six victories and one defeat, a run that significantly boosted their ranking score. Their AFCON journey began strongly with a commanding 4–0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16, followed by a solid 2–0 victory against Algeria in the quarter-finals. In the semi-finals, Nigeria faced tournament hosts Morocco, where the match ended goalless before the Eagles narrowly lost on penalties. Despite the setback, the team responded with resilience in the third-place playoff, holding Egypt to another scoreless draw before clinching a 4–2 penalty shootout victory, securing the bronze medal. FIFA confirmed that Nigeria earned 79.09 ranking points, the highest point increase recorded by any country in the latest update, underscoring the strong impact of their AFCON performances. Morocco, although beaten by Senegal in extra time in the final, moved up three places to eighth, achieving their highest ranking ever and returning to the top 10 for the first time since April 1998. Senegal’s AFCON triumph also delivered historic rewards, as they climbed seven places to 12th, their best ranking to date. At the summit of the global standings, Spain retained the number one position, followed by world champions Argentina in second place and France in third. Morocco’s entry into the top 10 pushed Croatia, Belgium, and Germany down the rankings, reflecting the competitive shifts caused by recent international fixtures. Across Africa, Cameroon and Nigeria recorded the joint highest positional climb, each moving up 12 places, while other notable improvements saw Algeria rise to 28th, Egypt to 31st, and Ivory Coast to 37th. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) now boasts nine national teams inside the world’s top 50, an increase of two compared to the end of 2025. FIFA has confirmed that the next edition of the Men’s World Rankings will be published on April 1, 2026.
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The planned upgrade of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja is projected to absorb ₦24,642,000,000 from the total ₦203,602,968,852 budget allocated to the National Sports Commission (NSC) in the 2026 appropriation bill, according to reports by LMSINT MEDIA. This allocation forms part of Nigeria’s broader fiscal plan following the presentation of a ₦58.18 trillion “Budget of Restoration” by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to a joint sitting of the National Assembly last year. Within this framework, the sports sector has experienced a notable financial boost, as the proposed 2026 allocation represents a 300 percent rise compared to the ₦78 billion approved for sports development in 2025. The increase reflects the commission’s focus on infrastructure renewal, athlete development, and participation in major international sporting events. The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, had earlier disclosed plans to begin rehabilitation work on the Abuja stadium before the end of 2025. This move is part of a wider strategy aimed at restoring Nigeria’s deteriorating sports facilities and repositioning them to meet international standards. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium, officially opened in 2003 during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has long struggled with operational and maintenance challenges. Despite undergoing renovation works between 2020 and 2022, the stadium has been adjudged unsuitable for hosting senior national teams and high-profile competitions. During the tenure of former Sports Minister Sunday Dare, Africa’s richest man and Nigerian industrialist, Aliko Dangote, contributed $1 million towards refurbishing the stadium’s main bowl. That renovation, carried out by indigenous contractors, involved laying Pure Dynasty Paspalum grass, installing two digital scoreboards, setting up 24 irrigation sprinklers, establishing nursery beds, and implementing a two-year maintenance programme. These upgrades were executed under a Public-Private Partnership arrangement designed to ensure sustainability. However, the improvements failed to endure. Within a year after the facility was handed back to the Federal Government, the pitch deteriorated significantly. This decline forced the Super Eagles to relocate their home fixtures to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The national team last played on the Abuja pitch on March 24, 2023, when they suffered a 1–0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Following that match, former head coach José Peseiro and several players openly criticized the poor state of the playing surface. Under the 2026 budget proposal, the NSC has allocated ₦18,775,000,000 for the first phase of rehabilitation and upgrading of the stadium’s main bowl. An additional ₦5,800,000,000 has been earmarked for completing a high-performance training centre intended to support elite athletes. Furthermore, ₦65,000,000 has been set aside for the provision of internet bandwidth, including fibre-optic connectivity and LAN/WAN infrastructure, across the stadium complex and other critical national sports facilities managed by the commission. Separate from these figures, the budget also includes ₦15,500,000,000 for the construction of a dedicated sports secretariat within the stadium premises, aimed at improving administrative efficiency and coordination. Originally constructed at a cost of $360 million between 2000 and 2003 to host the 8th African Games held in October 2003, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium was designed to seat 60,491 spectators. The structure features a lightweight roof system intended to provide coverage and comfort for fans. Beyond infrastructure spending, the NSC has proposed ₦4,222,800,000 to support Nigeria’s participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. In preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, the commission plans to invest ₦5,105,337,650 in intensified training and preparatory programmes. Participation in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy is also expected to cost ₦1,000,000,000. Football-related expenditures remain a significant component of the budget. Nigeria’s participation in the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the forthcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and other FIFA-sanctioned competitions involving both the men’s and women’s national teams is projected to cost the NSC ₦14,200,000,000.
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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has openly commended his squad after Nigeria secured victory in the AFCON third-place playoff against Egypt on Saturday. Speaking after the match, Chelle described the performance of his players as admirable, noting that they showed total commitment and dedication throughout the encounter. According to the coach, the players’ attitude and effort earned his deep respect. The Malian tactician was on the sidelines as Nigeria clinched the bronze medal following a 4–2 triumph in the penalty shootout against the Egyptian side. The tightly contested fixture produced no goals during regulation time, ending 0–0 after 90 minutes. The match was eventually decided from the penalty spot, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali emerged as the hero. The shot-stopper made crucial saves, denying efforts from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, which ultimately swung the outcome in Nigeria’s favor. Reacting to the game during his post-match interview, Chelle acknowledged the challenges he faced in working with the team, particularly given his background and coaching approach. “You know it’s not easy when a French guy comes and I was so demanding with them,” Chelle stated. He went on to express pride in his players, emphasizing that their commitment on the pitch left a lasting impression on him. “I’m very proud of them. They gave everything for me, and without doubt, they have earned my respect for life,” he added.
