Nigeria General Sport news

• Somali referee denied entry to US

  09-06-2026 02:59 via thesun.ng
  
  Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been refused entry to the US where he is due to officiate at the World Cup finals.
  Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, set to be the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States, a sports ministry official told AFP on Monday.
  It was not immediately clear why Artan was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced
  
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• 2026 W/Cup: Brazil President Predicts Win Over Morocco

  11-06-2026 09:09 via completesports.com
  
  Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has expressed a strong belief that his country’s national team will start the 2026 World Cup with a victory against Morocco. Speaking after a meeting of Brazil’s Council for Sustainable Economic and Social Development, Lula told reporters he expects the Seleção to win their opening match on Saturday [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: ‘We Can’t Control Everything’ –Infantino Reacts After Somali Referee Denial Of Entry To US

  11-06-2026 08:45 via completesports.com
  
  FIFA President Gianni Infantino has urged the public to chill and relax after US authorities denied entry to Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the first Somali referee selected to officiate a World Cup. Despite holding a valid visa, he was held for 11 hours and ultimately deemed inadmissible by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) due to [...]
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• FIFA backs Trump, defends ticket prices ahead of World Cup kick-off

  11-06-2026 08:17 via thesun.ng
  
  By Lawrence Agbo
  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across North America, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended both the tournament’s ticket pricing structure and the role played by U.S. President Donald Trump in helping bring the competition to the United States.
  Speaking in Mexico City on the eve of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino dismissed criticism surrounding the cost of tickets and visa-related controversies that have overshadowed preparation
  
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• ‘Very Satisfied’– Martinez Reflects On Portugal’s Win Over Super Eagles

  11-06-2026 08:03 via completesports.com
  
  Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has shared his thoughts on his side’s victory over the Super Eagles, Completesports.com reports. The Selecao edged past Nigeria 2-1 in their final warm-up fixture ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night. Pedro Neto gave Portugal the lead in [...]
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• Barcelona Formally Submit Bid To Host 2029 Champions League Final

  11-06-2026 08:03 via completesports.com
  
  Barcelona have officially submitted a bid to UEFA to host the 2029 UEFA Champions League final. The La Liga giants confirmed in an official statement that it has already submitted all the documentation required by UEFA for the renovated Camp Nou to be considered as the venue for the final. According to the club, the [...]
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• 2026 World Cup: ‘Nigeria Will Be A Big Miss’ –Terry

  11-06-2026 07:56 via completesports.com
  
  Former England captain John Terry has expressed deep disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling the Super Eagles’ absence a major miss for the global tournament. Terry noted that a football tournament of this magnitude loses some of its flair and pedigree without a nation as culturally rich and [...]
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• 10 best midfielders at the 2026 World Cup

  11-06-2026 02:35 via thesun.ng
  
  Goal-scoring will never go out of fashion, and they’ve always said that “defense wins championships,” but soccer continues to revolve around the engine room.
  The middle of the pitch is the battleground that so often decides outcomes of matches. It’s where the fight for control is at its fiercest, and where teams can hurt their opponents the most.
  Soccer has drifted into an era of pace and power, but the supreme technical craft that defined Spain’s dominant cycle bet
  
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• Bosnia, Norway lead tallest teams

  11-06-2026 02:32 via thesun.ng
  
  The average height of the teams participating in the World Cup is a classic statistic in every tournament, analyzed not only by fans but also by coaches. Aerial play and set pieces are crucial in these competitions. The 2026 World Cup ranking, compiled using the average height of the squads, shows that Europe dominates among the tallest teams in the tournament.
  Bosnia and Herzegovina and Norway share first place in the rankings with an average height of 187.2 centimeters per player. Both teams t
  
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• Messi, Ronaldo headline race for football’s biggest prize

  11-06-2026 02:30 via thesun.ng
  
  • As 48-team FIFA World Cup begins
  FIFA World Cup 2026 gets under way today as 48 teams gather across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the biggest edition of the tournament in history.
  The tournament will run for almost six weeks before concluding with the final at New Jersey’s 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium on July 19.
  The first World Cup to be hosted by three countries will begin at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, where Mexico face South Africa.
  For football supporters, att
  
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• US official claims banned referee had links with ‘terror organisations’

  11-06-2026 02:28 via thesun.ng
  
  Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States because of his “association with suspected members of terror organisations”, says a US official.
  The 34-year-old – Africa’s referee of the year in 2025 – was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single entry US visa.
  Somalia is one of 12 several countries on a travel ban list
  
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• Fulham keen on Chukwueze stay

  11-06-2026 02:26 via thesun.ng
  
  Premier League side Fulham are reportedly interested in securing the services of Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan ahead of the new season, BSNSports.com.ng reports.Poland vs Nigeria
  Chukwueze, who spent the previous campaign on a season-long loan at Craven Cottage, impressed during his spell with Marco Silva’s side, prompting Fulham to explore the possibility of making the move permanent.
  However, the London club are seeking to negotiate a reduced transfer fee with AC Milan.
  
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• NPFL: Governor dissolves Bayelsa United board, coaching crew over poor results

  11-06-2026 02:25 via thesun.ng
  
  Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has dissolved the board and coaching crew of Bayelsa United Football Club following the team’s disappointing performances, BSNSports.com.ng reportsSoccer
  The decision was announced on Wednesday ahead of the State Executive Council meeting held in Yenagoa.
  Governor Diri expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s recent results, stressing that the move was aimed at repositioning the Prosperity Boys for improved performances and future success.
  
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• 47th CBN Senior Tennis Championship serves off in Abuja

  11-06-2026 02:22 via thesun.ng
  
  Abuja will once again take centre stage in Nigerian tennis as the 47th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Senior Tennis Championship serves off on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Tennis Complex of Package B, Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
  The week-long tournament, sponsored by the Central Bank of Nigeria, will run until June 20, when champions across various categories will be crowned at the grand finale in the nation’s capital.
   The championship will feature competition in
  
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• 18 states ready for Nigeria’s 2026 Olympic Day celebration

  11-06-2026 02:18 via thesun.ng
  
  No fewer than 18 states have confirmed their participation in the 2026 Olympic Day Celebration following the decision by the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Sports For All Commission to postpone the nationwide event by one week.
  The annual celebration, originally scheduled for June 27, will now take place across the country on July 4, 2026, after the Main Organising Committee (MOC) approved the adjustment at an emergency meeting held on June 6.
  According to the committee, the postponement was ne
  
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• International Breweries fields its strongest-ever FIFA World Cup 2026 Squad

  11-06-2026 02:15 via thesun.ng
  
  International Breweries Plc (IBPLC), part of AB InBev – the world’s largest brewer and proud makers of more than 500 iconic brands – has officially unveiled its FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, featuring four of its leading brands: Budweiser, Trophy Premium Lager, Hero Lager and Flying Fish, each set to bring Nigerians closer to the excitement, passion and celebration of the world’s biggest football tournament ever; the World Cup featuring 48 teams across Canada, Mexico, and th
  
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• NSC sets aside 2026 budget support for retired athletes – Dikko

  11-06-2026 02:08 via thesun.ng
  
  The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has disclosed that the Commission has made provisions in its 2026 budget to support retired Nigerian athletes facing financial and medical difficulties.
  Dikko made the announcement on Wednesday while receiving members of the Association of Retired Nigerian Sports Men and Women (RENISA) at the NSC headquarters in Abuja. The delegation was led by the association’s president, Sunday Adeleye.
  The NSC chairman described the form
  
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• Princewill Albert targets more titles after historic Ibom Open triumph

  11-06-2026 02:06 via thesun.ng
  
  By Akanimo Kufre, UyoPrincewill Albert Targets More Titles After Historic Ibom Open TriumphFresh from winning the 2026 Ibom Open Golf Championship, Princewill Albert has set his sights on conquering even bigger tournaments, declaring that his next targets are the Nigeria’s Cup and The Prestige Golf Classic.
  Albert, who emerged overall champion of Nigeria’s most prestigious amateur golf tournament, said years of hard work, consistency and self-belief finally paid off as he lifted the
  
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• Friendly: How Super Eagles Rated In Slim Defeat To Portugal

  11-06-2026 01:06 via completesports.com
  
  Following Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Portugal in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night. Completessports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players… Maduka Okoye 7/10 The Udinese goalkeeper conceded twice but made a couple of saves to help keep the scoreline respectable. Christian Akpan 5/10 Struggled to make much impact on his [...]
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• Friendly: Okoye Was Brilliant In Eagles Loss Against Portugal –Lawal

  11-06-2026 00:49 via completesports.com
  
  Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has praised Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s impressive performance in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly game. The Udinese goalkeeper made some vital saves despite conceding two goals against a star-studded Portuguese side at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. Okoye’s Excellent Display Portugal deservedly went [...]
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• Friendly: Ronaldo, Fernandes Feature As Portugal Edge Out Impressive Super Eagles

  11-06-2026 00:06 via completesports.com
  
  Despite putting up a battling and impressive display the Super Eagles fell to a 2-1 loss to Portugal in Wednesday’s international friendly match. Chelsea’s Pedro Neto opened the scoring for the hosts but Akor Adams equalised for the Super Eagles. Substitute Francisco Conce Ronaldo had the first attempt on goal just two minutes into the [...]
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• Portugal ends Super Eagles unbeaten run with 2-1 win

  10-06-2026 23:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Nigeria’s 12-match unbeaten streak came to an end on Wednesday after Portugal claimed a 2-1 victory over the Super Eagles in an international friendly.The two sides were locked in a closely contested encounter before Portugal broke the deadlock in the 74th minute through Pedro Neto.The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, drawing level in the 82nd minute through Akor Adams.
  The striker showed composure to finish from close range after being picked out by Fisayo Dele-Bashiru.With the
  
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• Full list of Super Eagles players with 100 caps as Iwobi achieves feat

  10-06-2026 23:31 via vanguardngr.com
  Alex Iwobi has etched his name into Nigerian football history after making his 100th appearance for the Super Eagles, becoming just the fourth player to reach the milestone for the national team.The Fulham midfielder achieved the feat during Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal on Wednesday, joining an elite group comprising former captain Joseph Yobo, legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and current Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa.Iwobi, who made his senior debut for Nigeria
  
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• Portugal vs Nigeria: Chelle Names Super Eagles Starting XI

  10-06-2026 21:23 via completesports.com
  
  Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has named a strong starting XI for tonight’s international friendly against Portugal, Completesports.com reports. Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye starts between the sticks as expected. The defensive trio of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi will line up at the back. Read Also:Chelle: Super Eagles Strong Enough To Beat [...]
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• Nigeria XI vs Portugal: Iwobi, Adams start as Cristiano Ronaldo leads hosts

  10-06-2026 21:13 via vanguardngr.com
  Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will start in attack as the European side takes on Nigeria in their international friendly clash, while Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams headline the Super Eagles’ starting lineup.Portugal manager has named a strong side led by Ronaldo, with Bruno Fernandes, Vitinha and João Neves featuring in midfield. Pedro Neto and Trincão will provide support in attack.Diogo Costa starts in goal for Portugal, with Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Gonçalo
  
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• Haiti forced to change World Cup jersey over war imagery

  10-06-2026 20:57 via vanguardngr.com
  Haiti have been forced to change their kit design just days before their World Cup opener against Scotland after FIFA banned a depiction of a war scene on the shirts.An illustration of the Battle of Vertieres in 1803, which secured Haiti’s independence, with the Haitian flag had been embedded on the shirts worn by the players in two warm-up friendlies in Florida.Colombian manufacturer Saeta said on Wednesday that they have modified the kit to meet FIFA’s regulations.“The final
  
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• Gascoigne: England Can Replicate 1990 Spirit At World Cup

  10-06-2026 20:49 via completesports.com
  
  Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne has urged the current England squad to replicate the unbelievable team spirit of the 1990 World Cup squad. Speaking on ITV, the 59-year-old Gascoigne reflected on the heroics of Bobby Robson’s 1990 squad, which reached the semi-finals in Italy before bowing out to West Germany. Read Also:Ronaldo vs Messi: The [...]
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• Portugal Vs Nigeria Live Blogging – International Friendly Match

  10-06-2026 20:45 via completesports.com
  
  Completesports.com’s Live Blogging of international friendly match between Portugal — Selecao das Quinas [Team of the Quincunxes] — and the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Estadio Dr. Magalhaes Pessoa, Leiria.
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• Gov Diri Disbands Bayelsa United; Sacks Coaches, Management Staff

  10-06-2026 20:43 via completesports.com
  
  Bayelsa United FC have been disbanded by the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Douye Diri, following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) to the Nigeria National League (NNL), reports Completesports.com reports. Governor Diri also announced the dissolution of the Management Committee led by Tarilaye Amankwe and the technical crew led [...]
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• Trump confirms 2026 World Cup attendance

  10-06-2026 20:42 via thesun.ng
  
  United States President Donald Trump has confirmed that he will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, adding another high-profile political presence to the global football showpiece set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump responded affirmatively when asked whether he planned to attend any of the tournament’s matches, signalling his intention to be part of an event expected to attract millions of fans and billions of viewers wor
  
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