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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Judith Audu’s film Evi begins nationwide school tour
Nollywood actress, producer and director Judith Audu has kicked off a nationwide school tour with her award winning film Evi. The project aims to take the movie directly to campuses and secondary schools across Nigeria and use it as a tool for education, inspiration and social change. According to Audu, the tour will begin with screenings across the South East from May 1 before moving to other regions of the country. At each stop, students will watch the film and then take part in discussions about its themes, which focus on values, resilience and the choices young people make in difficult situations. She explained that Evi was created not just as entertainment but as a conversation starter for young Nigerians. By bringing the film directly to schools, she hopes to reach students where they are, encourage dialogue on real life […]
MasterChef Nigeria: Pearl, Margaret first to be eliminated
Pearl and Margaret have become the first contestants to be eliminated from the maiden season of MasterChef Nigeria after a tense opening episode. The popular cooking show features ten home cooks competing for a grand prize of 73 million naira and the title of Nigeria’s first MasterChef. In the first challenge, contestants were asked to recreate a dish inspired by a person who shaped their culinary journey, using a photograph as their guide. They had 60 minutes to prepare and plate a complete meal that told a personal story and impressed the judges with taste, creativity and presentation. Pearl, a 30 year old from Delta State, chose to honour a loved one with a bold menu of pan seared catfish, garri polenta and palm nut velouté, also known as banga soup. However, she struggled with time management in the kitchen […]
Cameraboss wins Creative Visionary award
London based Nigerian photographer and filmmaker Cameraboss has been named Creative Visionary of the Year 2025 2026 in the United Kingdom. The award recognises his outstanding contribution to visual storytelling, especially in wedding, lifestyle and portrait photography that celebrates African culture in the diaspora. The honour was presented at a high profile event in London, where industry leaders and public officials gathered to celebrate excellence in the creative sector. The Mayor of Westminster presented the award in the presence of the Mayor of Islington and other distinguished guests, underscoring the significance of Cameraboss’s work to the city’s cultural life. Cameraboss, whose real name is John Olalekan Durojaye, is the creative director of the Cameraboss brand. Over the years he has built a strong reputation for capturing emotional, vibrant and cinematic images at Nigerian and African weddings across the UK and […]
Onyedika rejects Brugge deal, pushes for big transfer
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has rejected a new contract offer from Belgian club Club Brugge as he pushes for a major transfer this summer. Reports in Belgium say the club has been trying for some time to extend his deal, but the Nigerian has turned down every proposal so far. Brugge were unwilling to let Onyedika leave during the January transfer window because of his importance to their title challenge. However, the player is now said to be focused on securing a move at the end of the season, and this has reportedly affected his concentration in recent weeks. Onyedika has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe’s top leagues following his strong performances for both club and country. Premier League side Aston Villa are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, while German Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Eintracht […]
Is Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles diaspora push lazy or smart
Debate has intensified over Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s growing reliance on foreign born players of Nigerian descent, with many asking if his diaspora recruitment drive is a smart strategy or a lazy shortcut. Supporters argue that the approach reflects modern football realities, while critics fear it may weaken opportunities for home based talents in the Nigerian league. Since taking charge, Chelle has widened Nigeria’s scouting network across Europe, targeting dual nationality professionals who are eligible to represent the country. He has already secured commitments from players such as defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while holding talks with several other prospects who grew up abroad. Chelle insists that his focus is not on passports but on quality and fit for his tactical plans. He has repeatedly said that he cannot invite every interested player and […]
Galatasaray value Osimhen at €150m amid transfer links
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly placed a massive 150 million euros valuation on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer interest from top European clubs. The Istanbul giants see the Nigerian forward as a key asset and are using the huge price tag to fend off potential suitors. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a record deal, has been in outstanding form since arriving in Turkey. Reports indicate that his transfer fee and performances have already made him one of the most valuable players in the Turkish Super Lig. Club officials believe his market value has almost doubled since the move, justifying the 150 million euros benchmark. The high valuation comes as clubs from Spain, England and France continue to monitor his situation closely. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and some Premier League sides have all been linked with Osimhen […]
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Barcelona Close in on La Liga Title After Osasuna Win
Barcelona have moved a step closer to securing a second consecutive La Liga title after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Osasuna at Estadio El Sadar. The win extends Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table to 14 points, leaving them on the verge of being crowned champions under head coach Hansi Flick. The Catalan side could officially seal the title as early as Sunday if Real Madrid fail to beat Espanyol. If Real Madrid win, Barcelona will still have the opportunity to clinch the championship by avoiding defeat in their upcoming home clash against Real Madrid on May 10. The match in Pamplona was tightly contested for long spells before Barcelona broke the deadlock through a well-worked attacking move. Substitute Marcus Rashford delivered a precise cross into the box, where striker Robert Lewandowski rose to head home the opening […]
Onyedika rejects Brugge deal, pushes for big transfer
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has rejected a new contract offer from Belgian club Club Brugge as he pushes for a major transfer this summer. Reports in Belgium say the club has been trying for some time to extend his deal, but the Nigerian has turned down every proposal so far. Brugge were unwilling to let Onyedika leave during the January transfer window because of his importance to their title challenge. However, the player is now said to be focused on securing a move at the end of the season, and this has reportedly affected his concentration in recent weeks. Onyedika has attracted interest from several clubs in Europe’s top leagues following his strong performances for both club and country. Premier League side Aston Villa are among the teams monitoring his situation closely, while German Bundesliga clubs Wolfsburg and Eintracht […]
Is Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles diaspora push lazy or smart
Debate has intensified over Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle’s growing reliance on foreign born players of Nigerian descent, with many asking if his diaspora recruitment drive is a smart strategy or a lazy shortcut. Supporters argue that the approach reflects modern football realities, while critics fear it may weaken opportunities for home based talents in the Nigerian league. Since taking charge, Chelle has widened Nigeria’s scouting network across Europe, targeting dual nationality professionals who are eligible to represent the country. He has already secured commitments from players such as defenders Felix Agu and Ryan Alebiosu and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, while holding talks with several other prospects who grew up abroad. Chelle insists that his focus is not on passports but on quality and fit for his tactical plans. He has repeatedly said that he cannot invite every interested player and […]
Galatasaray value Osimhen at €150m amid transfer links
Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly placed a massive 150 million euros valuation on Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen amid growing transfer interest from top European clubs. The Istanbul giants see the Nigerian forward as a key asset and are using the huge price tag to fend off potential suitors. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Napoli in a record deal, has been in outstanding form since arriving in Turkey. Reports indicate that his transfer fee and performances have already made him one of the most valuable players in the Turkish Super Lig. Club officials believe his market value has almost doubled since the move, justifying the 150 million euros benchmark. The high valuation comes as clubs from Spain, England and France continue to monitor his situation closely. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and some Premier League sides have all been linked with Osimhen […]
150 emerging talents grace NewHope Naija tourney
The inaugural NewHope Naija Football Club Scouting Tournament has showcased 150 emerging talents from academies in Lagos and Ijebu Ode at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan. The three day event drew more than 10 scouts from European and Chinese clubs, who watched closely for the next generation of Nigerian stars. Players from 12 football academies displayed their skills in tightly contested matches designed to test technique, game intelligence and mentality. Organisers said the format allowed scouts to see how youngsters perform under pressure in a competitive environment. Chen Yaosheng, President of Nationwide League One side NewHope Naija FC, said the tournament was created to give talented players a direct platform to be discovered. He expressed confidence that several participants will earn opportunities abroad based on their performances. Consultant to NewHope Naija FC and CEO of Henry 707 Sport Limited, Henry […]
EPL: Arsenal seek to ramp up heat on Man City in title race
Mikel Arteta’s side ended a poor domestic run with a hard fought 1 0 win over Newcastle United last weekend. That result kept them three points ahead of City, who still have a game in hand. According to data analysts Opta, Arsenal remain slight favourites to finish the season as champions if they win their remaining matches. However, any slip up against Fulham or in their final three games could swing the momentum decisively back towards Pep Guardiola’s team. Arsenal have struggled to score freely in recent weeks, failing to net more than once in any league match since mid March. City, by contrast, have hit form at the right time and are scoring with far greater ease. After facing Fulham, Arsenal still have tricky fixtures, including an away clash at West Ham United that many pundits see as their […]