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Gusau says NFF working diligently to ensure Eagles, Falcons, others attain greater heights

 President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday disclosed that the football-governing body is working assiduously to ensure that all the National Teams perform much better in their competitions in the next one year, than they have done in the past year.

He made this pledge while reviewing the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next one year.

 While highlighting the achievements of the past year, which included a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, quarter-final performance of the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, qualification of the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and best-ever outing by the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau asserverated that the Board and Secretariat have worked in tandem to remove toxicity from the system and enable a more conducive environment for the game in the country.

 “One of our priorities on coming into office was to ensure that the football environment was cleansed of so much toxicity that had threatened the health of the game and made some persons feel unwelcome in the system. We have tried our best to give everyone a sense of belonging with a policy of inclusiveness.

“Off the pitch, we are proud of the work of the Interim Management Committee that we constituted to organize the last NPFL League Season, which was commended by all stakeholders, and we also feel fulfilled about the constitution of the Boards of the NNL, NWFL and NLO with vibrant, knowledgeable and competent individuals who are capable of taking the leagues to the next level. Elections into the State FAs have also been largely peaceful and successful.”

 Gusau said his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

 “We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women Olympic Football Tournament. Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year.

 
“We are working already with the new NPFL Board to grow the NPFL into the product that all administrators and stakeholders desire, and also with the boards of the other Leagues to improve the state of our domestic football. To achieve all these, we need money, so we are also looking to work even harder to grow our revenue base through aggressive marketing drive.”

 
The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized. “As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa also are. Playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.”

 
Also at the parley were NFF Executive Committee Members H. E. Ali Silas Agara and Mr. George Aluo; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammad.

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BREAKING: Finally, Popular Islamic Cleric Names Those Behind Terrorism In Nigeria

In light of the recent surge in security-related attacks and acts of violence throughout Nigeria, which have garnered significant attention from international communities, including the United States, it is evident that these events have deepened divisions within the country.

Investigations have revealed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating these acts, shedding light on the motivations and affiliations behind their actions. CLICK LINK TO CONTINUE READING.

 

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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.


Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.


Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”


January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.


Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.


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World Cup No.7? Stunning Prediction as Cristiano Ronaldo Is Backed to Make History Again

Cristiano Ronaldo celebrating in a Portugal jersey

Cristiano Ronaldo is 40, still scoring, still breaking records — and now tipped to do the unthinkable: play at a seventh FIFA World Cup.

With the 2030 tournament set to be co-hosted by Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, former Portugal striker Nuno Gomes believes the idea of Ronaldo saying his final goodbye at home could be too tempting for the all-time great to resist.


Ronaldo at 40: Still rewriting the record books

The Al-Nassr superstar continues to defy age, maintaining elite form in the Saudi Pro League and keeping himself available for Portugal. He currently boasts:

  • 226 international caps

  • 143 goals for Portugal

  • A lifetime chase for 1,000 career goals

Ronaldo has previously indicated the next World Cup would be his last — but as history shows, the GOAT often changes the script.


“Maybe even he doesn’t know yet” – Nuno Gomes

Speaking to talkSPORT, Nuno Gomes said Ronaldo’s longevity makes predictions tricky:

“Only him, or maybe not even him, knows the answer. He’s still fit to play. He’s still scoring goals. And in football, that’s the most important thing.”

Gomes admits Ronaldo is no longer the explosive teenager who dazzled at 18, but insists the forward remains efficient, dangerous, and an example for younger players.

He added that Portugal boss Roberto Martinez will also play a major role in determining Ronaldo’s future appearances.

Still, the romantic idea of a final farewell in Portugal at the 2030 World Cup might be the perfect ending:

“In four years we are hosting some games. Maybe it could be an opportunity to say goodbye at home.”


Euro 2028? Don’t rule him out

Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown also believes Ronaldo’s hunger will keep him going:

“If he can bring something to the squad, why not pick him? He’s still there for the younger players and wants them to do well.”

Brown insists Ronaldo won’t retire from international football until he retires completely — and that his belief, energy, and competitiveness remain unmatched.


So… will Ronaldo play the 2030 World Cup?

If his body holds up — and knowing the way Ronaldo trains — it’s far from impossible.
A seventh World Cup would make even more history and allow him to finally say goodbye in front of home fans.

And with CR7, you can never say never.

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