FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to officiate the crucial 2026 World Cup CAF playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo, scheduled for Sunday. Jayed will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi as the assistant referees, while Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki serves as fourth official.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for the match comprises Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria and Haitham Guirat from Tunisia, ensuring full video review coverage. The playoff determines which team advances to the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental playoffs, adding high stakes to the Nigeria vs DR Congo showdown.
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No life lost as fire guts makeshift structures in Lagos
The blaze, which affected temporary buildings in a Lagos community, prompted a rapid response from emergency services who managed to stop it from spreading to neighbouring properties. According to reports, the fire broke out among clusters of makeshift structures, forcing residents and traders to flee as flames spread through the area. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency said its teams, working alongside firefighters, contained the blaze and confirmed that there were no casualties. Officials noted that while the incident led to significant property damage, nearby buildings were protected and there were no injuries or deaths reported. The cause of the fire is being investigated, with authorities urging residents in high‑risk areas to observe safety guidelines and report emergencies promptly
US hopeful Hormuz Strait deal will be done ‘today or tomorrow’ after ship hit
Washington is expressing optimism that talks involving Iran and Oman will soon restore safe passage for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for global oil supplies. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC there is “a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict,” saying any agreement would ensure freedom of movement rather than allow Iran to charge tolls. His comments echoed President Donald Trump, who said progress in talks had led him to hold off on further military strikes while negotiators work on a framework to reopen the waterway. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US is “involved” in negotiations between Oman and Iran aimed at increasing safe traffic through the strait, noting that around 20 per cent of global […]
Salah arrives in Turkey for Trabzonspor talks
The 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward landed at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on Wednesday, greeted by excited Trabzonspor fans as the club confirmed ongoing transfer talks.rte+2 Trabzonspor shared photos of Salah on social media, showing him aboard a private jet and wearing the club’s blue and maroon shirt, captioned “Salah mode: ON.” The club had earlier announced that negotiations to sign the former Liverpool star were under way, with the player expected to travel on to Trabzon after completing his medical in Istanbul.bbc+4 According to Turkish media reports, Salah is set to sign a two‑year contract with an option for a third, worth around €17 million a year. The winger scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions and 193 Premier League goals—191 of them for the Reds—making him one of the club’s all‑time greats and one of Africa’s most […]
Breaking: WAEC releases 2026 results; 1.2m candidates pass English, Maths
The West African Examinations Council on Wednesday announced the release of the 2026 Computer‑Based WASSCE for school candidates, revealing that over 1.2 million students met the minimum requirement for admission into tertiary institutions. WAEC said 1,200,514 candidates, representing 61.54%, obtained credits and above in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, slightly lower than the 62.96% recorded in 2025. Overall, 1,687,378 candidates (86.50%) earned credits in a minimum of five subjects with or without English and Maths The Council withheld the results of 167,486 candidates (8.59%) over various examination malpractice cases, while about 94.05% of results have been fully processed and released. WAEC added that candidates can check their results online via the WAEC Direct portal and generate e‑PINs themselves, with digital certificates available within 48 hours and hard copies within 90 days
BBNaija: ‘You are the Gambit’ — Big Brother reveals secret to Aikou
During his diary session on Wednesday, Big Brother told Aikou that he is one of two Gambits this season and warned him that his true role must remain a closely guarded secret inside the house. Aikou appeared stunned by the revelation but accepted the assignment, acknowledging the responsibility before leaving the diary room. The twist builds on Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi‑Uchendu announced that viewers had voted Aikou and Flora as Season 11’s Gambits, guaranteeing them spots in the house until the finale. Under the Gambit rule, Aikou and Flora are now barred from competing for the ₦160 million grand prize but remain full housemates tasked with carrying out confidential missions designed to influence events from behind the scenes. With Big Brother insisting that Aikou’s identity “must remain a secret,” fans will be watching to see how he […]
Tottenham get green light to open bid for Osimhen
Tottenham are pushing to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray as new manager Roberto De Zerbi makes him a key summer target. Reports say Spurs have been given sporting approval to open talks for the 27-year-old, and personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle once a fee is agreed. The London club’s opening approach is believed to be in the £50 million to £55 million bracket, but Galatasaray are holding out for about £65 million. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish club are said to value him much higher because of his goal-scoring record and importance to the squad. Earlier reports also indicated that Osimhen would be open to a Premier League move, strengthening speculation around Tottenham’s interest.
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Salah arrives in Turkey for Trabzonspor talks
The 34‑year‑old Egyptian forward landed at Istanbul Ataturk Airport on Wednesday, greeted by excited Trabzonspor fans as the club confirmed ongoing transfer talks.rte+2 Trabzonspor shared photos of Salah on social media, showing him aboard a private jet and wearing the club’s blue and maroon shirt, captioned “Salah mode: ON.” The club had earlier announced that negotiations to sign the former Liverpool star were under way, with the player expected to travel on to Trabzon after completing his medical in Istanbul.bbc+4 According to Turkish media reports, Salah is set to sign a two‑year contract with an option for a third, worth around €17 million a year. The winger scored 257 goals in 442 appearances for Liverpool in all competitions and 193 Premier League goals—191 of them for the Reds—making him one of the club’s all‑time greats and one of Africa’s most […]
Tottenham get green light to open bid for Osimhen
Tottenham are pushing to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray as new manager Roberto De Zerbi makes him a key summer target. Reports say Spurs have been given sporting approval to open talks for the 27-year-old, and personal terms are not expected to be a major obstacle once a fee is agreed. The London club’s opening approach is believed to be in the £50 million to £55 million bracket, but Galatasaray are holding out for about £65 million. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until 2029, and the Turkish club are said to value him much higher because of his goal-scoring record and importance to the squad. Earlier reports also indicated that Osimhen would be open to a Premier League move, strengthening speculation around Tottenham’s interest.
How many African countries will qualify for Women’s World Cup through WAFCON?
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will decide Africa’s route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.punchng+2 The four semifinalists at WAFCON will qualify automatically for the World Cup. The two losing quarter-finalists with the best tournament records will move on to the FIFA inter-confederation playoffs, where they will try to secure the continent’s remaining spots. That means Africa is guaranteed at least four World Cup teams, and could have as many as six if both playoff representatives qualify. The tournament features 16 teams in four groups, with the top two from each group advancing to the quarter-finals.
World Cup must be kept out of private hands – Chelsea manager Alonso
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Commonwealth Games: Amusan storms into 100m hurdles final
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FIFA issues deadline to members over plan to sell $4 bn stake
FIFA has given member associations until September 19 to support a plan that would sell a stake in its major competitions, with each member reportedly set to receive $40 million if the proposal goes through.supersport+1 According to reports, FIFA wants to create a new company to run its biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, and then sell up to 20 or 21 percent of the business to private investors. The move could generate about $4.2 billion, while a broader funding package tied to the project could rise to $10 billion.reuters+4 FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly told member associations that they must decide by September 19 if they want to benefit from the payout. If approved, the plan would represent one of FIFA’s biggest commercial shifts in recent years and could reshape how the body funds […]