One of the top performers for Nigeria at the U20 World Cup Tahir Maigana is back in Nigeria after spending time in Portugal with league giants Benfica, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

The 16 year old who started in every game for Nigeria at the tournament, where the crash out in the round of 16 following a 4-0 loss to Argentina did enough to catch the attention of scouts of the Portuguese giants.

He spent the last few days with the team, where he had a tour of their training facilities, met with officials of their youth teams before leaving for Nigeria yesterday.

Benfica are presently leading the race for his signing after the visit, although teams in Italy, Spain and Portugal are said to be willing and pushing to have him visit their training group.

For now he can’t sign for any team abroad as he is yet to reach the age of 18. Which is pegged by FIFA as the age for international transfers.

Daniel Martins

Coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle says new defender Benjamin Fredrick has shown with his performance against Lesotho in the world cup qualifiers that he can play in any position, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Fredrick made his debut playing as a centre back in games against Rwanda and South Africa respectively, but against Lesotho which was his third competitive cap he was deployed at right back.

Chelle moved him to the role owing to the absence of three players who would have played that role in Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Felix Agu, and he acquitted himself nicely with a man of the match performance.

He didn’t look out of place especially when he ventured forward. His performance won the heart of Chelle who said the 20 year Brentford defender can play anywhere and still be at his best.

” When he ( Fredrick) came to the team I played him as a midfielder in training. At his club in Belgium (FC Dender) he plays majorly as a right back or a wing back. He has also played in the midfield. He can play anywhere comfortably”, the coach said.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The match winner for Benin Republic in their 1-0 away win against Rwanda which put them in pole position to qualify for the world cup has spoken on his desire to stop Nigeria from qualifying for the 2026 world cup, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Benin Republic will be up against Nigeria tomorrow in their final game of the qualifiers, and they need to avoid a defeat to seal a spot at the tournament for the first time ever.

France based Tosin Aiyegun is among the driving forces of the team, and the Lorient star is on a high heading into the game against Nigeria in Uyo after his winning goal in Kigali, ten minutes from time.

Born in Nigeria to a Beninioise father and a Nigerian mother, Aiyegun says his decision to play for Benin Republic was borne out of the rejection he suffered in his bid to play for Nigeria.

” Nigeria have so many good players in top leagues around the world especially in my position. So they stopped me from following up with my dreams of playing for the Super Eagles. Now I am motivated to stop them from qualifying for the world cup”, Aiyegun told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

” As a country we have come this far and I believe if we stay focused and work hard like we have been doing then we will get the result that we need to be at the world cup” , he stated.

Ade Emmanuel

Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali must time himself out on his playfulness between the Eagles’ sticks and be reminded it’s pure business.

The Chippa United keeper was at it again last Friday when he gifted Lesotho a goal in the 2-1 win against the Southern Africans in Polokwane last Friday.

Nwabali threw serious business overboard to gleefully palm the innocuous ball from a corner into the path of the lurking Mosotho to pull one back. Wilfred Ndidi, his partner-in-play only offered a limpet-like marking that didn’t bother the happy Mosotho who had only entered the fray a few minutes earlier.

He wasn’t done with his play party in his familiar Polokwane “playground”, this time inviting Semi Ajayi for a hide-and-seek game that only took an inch away from calamity. The ball strolled carelessly into touch just before captain William Troost-Ekong slowly arrived to avert an impending danger.

Earlier in the qualifiers in the very important face off against South Africa, Nwabali only barely escaped a marching order for his violent conduct on a Bafana Bafana.

Nwabali, crowning himself a king without completing his prince process has caused more panic situations in the Eagles’ last defence line than keeping out the dangers.

His disposition has smacked of pure over confidence and I-don’t-have-any-replacement-now stance and he’s only leaving panic buttons to press for the embattled Eagles.

Rock he was when he bulldozed his way into the sick goalkeeping department to breathe life into it to the delight of millions of Eagles’ fans. With the confidence of all the stakeholders in the bag for the big keeper, he has seemed to relax as no opposition is in sight to a threat.

Great keeper he’s through and through but the panic situations he’s served up lately will pay him and his embattled Eagles no dividends.

Concerns about his attitude and conduct have also alarmed the teeming fans whose headaches of Eagles’ dicey situation in the World Cup qualifiers have reached a worrisome level.

His bravery between the sticks and risk taking are still commendable but leaving the Eagles’ defence line vulnerable to hungry strikers with his playfulness remains the big issue that must be addressed.

Had his gaffe against Lesotho ended up in the Eagles’ net with just seconds left in the added time, Eagles’ Tuesday’s last game would just be a mere formality.

Eagles’ coaches will not keep quiet and watch Nwabali’s playfulness put them on the back foot, rather, riots acts’ reading would be a stitch in time to save nine.

The goalkeeping crisis that bedevilled Eagles gave birth to Nwabali and could still give birth to a lot more. Nwabali’s schoolboy acts shouldn’t be turned a blind eye to.

Uganda-based Amas Obasogie has been around Eagles for some time and could be looked at. His club consistency could be a huge point for him to stake a claim just like Nwabali broke the bull’s horns to become Eagles’ number one keeper.

Cyprus-based Adebayo Adeleye has been tasted once in his country’s colours and could also grab a chance.

Nwabali must watch his back now and prick himself to reality that all that glitters isn’t gold.

Enough of those playful acts Nwabali, Eagles’ goal line isn’t a playground.

IKENWA ASHIBUOGWU NNABUOGOR

The reason why the Super Eagles of Nigeria are yet to arrive in Nigeria after yesterday’s 2-1 win over Lesotho in Polokwane have been made known to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Super Eagles were expected to be in Nigeria in the early hours of today, but at the time of this report they are yet to arrive in Uyo ahead of Tuesday’s cracker against Benin Republic.

Their visitors are already in Nigeria for the game, where they need to avoid defeat to seal a spot in the world cup, unlike Nigeria who need a win and hope that South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other game.

We gathered that the charted flight convening the super eagles players from Polokwane back to Nigeria has been forced to land in Angola when the pilot announced a crack window in the cock pit midday after taking off in Luanda Angola after an initial stop over in the Angolan capital to refuel.

Reports says that there was no visible threat to lives of all on board as the pilot safely landed the aircraft properly. They are now expected to board another aircraft to Nigeria.

Coach of South Africa Hugo Broos has admitted that it will be difficult for his team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after their 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Broos team were the group leaders until a three points deduction for fielding an ineligible player in March against Lesotho pushed Benin Republic to the top on goal difference.

Yesterday Benin won 1-0 away to Rwanda handing them a two points lead going into the last game of the series against Nigeria in Uyo. South Africa on the other hand need to beat Rwanda to be sure of progressing in the event that Nigeria beat Rwanda.

While explaining yesterday’s failure, the coach lamented the missed chances blaming it on ill luck.

“Yes, it’s true, I think we tried everything today, we didn’t have the luck either, one moment on the ball line saved, one on the post, you also need a little bit of luck in such games and we didn’t have it in our side today,” Broos told SABC Sport.

“We fight for it, we did everything, tried everything but ok, you see a very motivated Zimbabwe team against us and we knew it would be tough, but that’s also football.

“It was not in our favour, at that moment Zimbabwe just played 20 metres of their goal and they tried with the transitions they would be dangerous and they tried a few times with the transitions.

“They were dangerous too, but this is something that’s very hard to accept certainly, it’s not lost totally but it will be very difficult now,” he added.

Looking forward to the final round of games, the coach said they no longer have their destiny in their hand with their fate resting on the outcome of the game between Nigeria and Benin Republic.

“Yeah, this is not good, also that we don’t have the result in our favour either but what can I say? I can’t blame my team, I can’t be angry, I’m just very disappointed that we couldn’t score the goal that we needed,” Broos said.

“We have to play again like today and try to win that game and see what happens, if everything is like it has to be maybe Benin losing in Nigeria and with the goal-difference, I don’t have a good view of that but we just have to go for the victory against Rwanda and see what happens”.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The senior national team of Nigeria need a 1-0 win over Benin Republic next week to qualify for the world cup, if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda in the group’s other game, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Following yesterday’s 2-1 win over Lesotho and with South Africa playing out a 0-0 draw against Zimbabwe, the senior national team of Nigeria moved within one point of the second placed team but still remain three points behind Benin Republic who were 1-0 winners over Rwanda in Kigali.

Heading into the last round of games, Nigeria will go into it with two options which can be activated with a 1-0 win over Benin Republic, meaning they can either finish second and pick a playoff spot or finish top if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda.

In the event that South Africa fails to beat Rwanda, the Nigerian team will only need a 1-0 win to go level on point with Benin Republic at the top. They will also be tied on goal difference which is the first tie breaker.

With goal difference unable to pick a winner, the next breaker with be goal scored and even on that they will both be level on the same number of goals scored. Then the third breaker which is head to head will now be used.

A 1-0 win for Nigeria will see both teams tied on a 2-2 aggregate owing to the fact that Benin Republic won the reverse fixture 2-1. It’s at this juncture that the away goal rule will now be applied.

The goal Nigeria scored away will be okay for them to progress as group winners, but this is only possible if South Africa fail to beat Rwanda. However a 1-0 win will also put them in pole position to finish as one of the best four runners up , which will seal a play off spot owing to CAF’s directive on points picked against the bottom team in all group following the withdrawal of Eritrea.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The stage is set for a thrilling climax as Ikorodu City FA and ISAGT booked their places in the grand finale of the 1xcup.ng, Nigeria’s biggest amateur football tournament.

The semi-finals, held on October 6, delivered the drama, intensity, and technical quality often seen in professional football, setting up what promises to be a blockbuster decider in Lagos.

In the first semi-final, Ikorodu City FA edged Nath Boys FA 4–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time.

Nath Boys struck first in the 50th minute through a well-worked move, but Ikorodu City — known for their disciplined backline, having conceded only once in four games before this encounter — hit back just ten minutes later.

Both teams fought hard in the closing stages but failed to break the deadlock. The match went to penalties, where Ikorodu City remained composed to convert all four kicks, while Nath Boys missed two of their three attempts.

The victory extended Ikorodu City’s unbeaten run and secured their place in the final.

ISAGT continued their flawless run with a dominant 2–0 victory over Dosu Joseph FC, repeating their group-stage triumph over the same opponents.

ISAGT dictated the tempo from the onset, pressing high and forcing a costly goalkeeping error in the 54th minute that gifted them the opener.

Seven minutes later, they doubled their lead to take full control of the contest.

Dosu Joseph struggled to find a response as ISAGT’s defense held firm to seal a well-deserved win and a spot in the final.

The 1xcup.ng Final will hold at the MJ Arena, Lagos, on October 16, with Ikorodu City FA and ISAGT going head-to-head for the title and a ₦10 million prize, representing half of the tournament’s ₦20 million total prize pool.

Before the main clash, Nath Boys FA will face Dosu Joseph FC in the third-place playoff, with ₦3 million up for grabs as a consolation prize. The runners-up in the final will receive ₦5 million.

Tournament excitement builds
The 1xCup 2025 has reaffirmed its place as Nigeria’s most competitive amateur football competition, drawing attention from grassroots fans, scouts, and analysts across the country.

Supporters can access team profiles, match statistics, and player features on the official website, 1xcup.ng, and also place bets on the final through the tournament’s official partner, 1xBet.

With both finalists unbeaten so far, the 1xCup 2025 Final promises fireworks — a fitting conclusion to a tournament that continues to elevate the standard of amateur football in Nigeria.

The senior national team of Nigeria kept their hope of making it to the 2026 World Cup with a nervy 2-1 away win over Lesotho, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nigeria went ahead in the game when William Troost-Ekong converted from the spot to put Nigeria ahead in the second half following a hand ball incident.

Substitute Jerome Akor netted on his debut to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead, but a mix up in the Nigerian box between goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Wilfred Ndidi in a bid to clear a corner kick, handed an opening to Lesotho to pull a goal back.

Nigeria pushed and worked hard to sustain the win, which mean they go into Tuesday’s game against Benin Republic, which is their last in the series with the hope of picking a win and hope result go their way.

In the other games in the group, South Africa were held to a shocking 0-0 draw by Zimbabwe handing the initiative in the group to Benin Republic, who were 1-0 winners away to Rwanda.

Benin Republic now lead the group with two points heading into the final game in the group where they will be up against Nigeria in Uyo.

The senior national team of Nigeria kept their hope of making it to the 2026 World Cup with a nervy 2-1 away win over Lesotho, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Nigeria went ahead in the game when William Troost-Ekong converted from the spot to put Nigeria ahead in the second half following a hand ball incident.

Substitute Jerome Akor netted on his debut to give Nigeria a 2-0 lead, but a mix up in the Nigerian box between goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Wilfred Ndidi in a bid to clear a corner kick, handed an opening to Lesotho to pull a goal back.

Nigeria pushed and worked hard to sustain the win, which mean they go into Tuesday’s game against Benin Republic, which is their last in the series with the hope of picking a win and hope result go their way.

We rate the performance of the players who were on parade for Nigeria in the game.

Stanley Nwabali – Gifted Lesotho a goal with a poor punch, and almost handed them the chance to draw level when he was involved in another mix up with Semi Ajayi in the last minute of the game. Lucky that it drifted wide…..5/10

Benjamin Fredrick – Another flawless performance from the 20 year old despite playing at right back. Didn’t put a foot wrong for the entire duration of the game…..9/10

Bruno Onyemaechi – A much better showing than in previous games. However didn’t look quite comfortable in the closing stages of the game…..6/10

William Troost-Ekong – Looked suspect all through the game but took his goal from the spot brilliantly. A steady performance where he showed his leadership qualities…..7/10

Wilfred Ndidi – A subdued performance not helped with the fact that he played in a midfield two with Alex Iwobi. Was up for a fight and was unlucky not to have won a penalty when he was hacked in the box…..7/10

Alex Iwobi – Once again put up a very determined and dominance performance. Ran the show in the middle for Nigeria with passes and also came close to scoring with a rasping drive from range…..8/10

Moses Simon – Defended really well in the first half and in the second half took the game to Lesotho. Had an effort cleared off the line and was unlucky not to have an assist. A strong showing…..8/10

Tolu Arokodare – So much was expected from him playing in a two man attack with Osimhen, but didn’t dovetail nicely with wayward passes, heavy touch and missed a glorious header on the stroke of half time…..5/10

Victor Osimhen – He was his usual battling self. Running into ever ball in his path keeping the defence of Lesotho stretched and busy. Set up Akor nicely for Nigeria’s second goal…..8/10.

Substitute:

Jerome Akor – Scored on his debut and was very lively. A strong runner who gave the team a different dimension in attack upon his introduction…..7/10