A highly placed official in the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) says they have accepted their error for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho in the world cup qualifiers, hence will be deducted three points, three goals OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Teboho Mokoena wa supposed to be suspended for the game after picking up two bookings in previous games, but he played for over 80 minutes in the game. A decision which has now proved costly.

According to one of the country’s leading publications Soccer Laduma, a source from the football house hinted at contacts with FIFA and their acceptance of the point deduction for the error, which they badly regret.

“We (Bafana) have to win all the points that we have to play for going forward, and that’s all, to ensure that the team qualifies,” a well-placed source told the Siya crew, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“An error was made, and we can’t be pointing fingers at individuals right now what happened has happened, and we can’t go back. Those points are gone, as tough as that is to accept, but there are more to play for to ensure qualification. An announcement is pending.”

The expected deduction will see their point tally drop to ten reducing their previous five points lead over Rwanda in second to just one, but above Lesotho who will move to second on nine points.

Crucially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the team seen by many as the main rivals to South Africa in the group will move to within three points behind the leaders ahead of their meeting in Johannesburg later this year.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

English Premier League side Chelsea and Italian Serie A side Juventus are reportedly the two European teams who have concrete interest in signing Nigeria international forward Victor Osimhen, OwnGoalNigeria.com understands.

Osimhen is coming off a record breaking season where he scored 36 goals in all competitions to power Galatasary to a league and cup double in Turkey, where he is on loan from recently crowned Italian champions Napoli.

The Nigerian will return to Napoli upon the expiration of his loan, but will leave the club almost immediately following an agreement between both parties when he had a failed move away last summer.

Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia are reportedly the front runners for his signing after agreeing to trigger his release clause of around €75m, and also holding talks with his representative where they made it known, that they are willing to not just match but also surpass his current salary of around €10m a year.

However Chelsea are said to have also contacted his representative, and will go ahead with a bid for him if they are able to secure Champions League football when the English Premier League ends tomorrow.

During last summer transfer window, a late move to Chelsea broke down after both parties failed to reach a compromise on his salary with Chelsea pushing for him to reduce his wages, but ran out of time before an agreement could be reached.

This time around Chelsea will be able and willing to match his salary demand if they make it to the UEFA Champions League, but will still try to sign him if he is open to the idea of taking a pay cut with sources saying Osimhen is still keen on remaining in Europe.

Daniel Martins

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle snubbed a suggestion given to him by a former captain of the team to give out of contract defender Leon Balogun another chance with the team, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Chelle has made public the list of players who will represent Nigeria at the upcoming Unity Cup in England, and also the players who will be on parade for the friendly game against Russia in June.

Balogun was widely expected to be given another chance to impress after almost two years in the wilderness, largely due to his fine form for Scottish side Rangers where he played in 30 games this season, 21 of them starts, including the final four games under interim head coach Barry Ferguson.

Balogun announced he will be leaving Scottish side Rangers at the end of the season when his contract will expire, making him available for the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup, where they will begin their campaign on the 28th of May against Ghana before playing either of Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the other game of the tournament.

However the coach decided otherwise despite plea from a former Super Eagles captain, who believe that the experience of the 36 year old will be valuable especially in the world cup qualifiers, where they are struggling to see out games.

His advice came after the late minute goal against Zimbabwe in the 1-1 draw in Uyo in March. Chelle however maintained that he wants a younger player as back up behind his favorite trio of Semi Ajayi, William Troost-Ekong and Calvin Bassey in central defence.

It is why he once again called Slavia Prague defender Igho Ogbu for the Unity Cup and also the friendly game in Russia.

Ade Emmanuel

Portuguese giants FC Porto have taken a decision on the future of Nigeria international defender Zaidu Sanusi ahead of their participation at the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States of America, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Zaidu have been at the club since 2020 when he joined from Santa Clara, but this season he has had limited game time as he continue the build his way back to full fitness after spending almost a year out due to injury.

Despite playing just 102 minutes this season, the 27 year old left back was named in the of Porto for the club world cup, a tournament which could be his last in the colors of the club with just one year left on his deal after the tournament. The club have made it clear that he won’t be allowed to leave for free.

Already the camp of the Nigerian have been made aware of the decision by the club , and have already stated making contacts with prospective teams in Portugal, Turkey, England and Spain.

Porto will be participating at the club world cup where they will be up against Al Ahly of Egypt, Palmeiras of Brazil and Inter Miami in the group stage of the tournament, which begins on the 15th of June.

Daniel Martins

The main reason why the duo of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were left out of the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup in England has been made known to OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Their names was conspicuously missing from the list of players called up by head coach coach of the Super Eagles Eric Chelle not just for the Unity Cup, but also the friendly game against Russia in June.

We exclusively gathered that the idea is to allow them get a well deserved rest after a very demanding season, but also an opportunity for the coach to take a good look at other players he sees as credible alternatives to the duo.

” Lookman is likely coming to Nigeria with his Africa Player of the Year award and also spend time with his family here.

” We know they had a very demanding season and also have to sort out their club future. Aside that Chelle already knows what Lookman and Osimhen can do. He wants others playing in that role to also get the chance to play and make a case to be their replacement in the event of their absence”, a team source revealed.

” Tolu Arokodare, Sadiq Umar, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Kelechi Iheanacho and Victor Boniface can all make their case with ample game time over the course of the Unity Cup and also the game against Russia”, he confirmed.

On the Fulham duo of Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey he said aside given them a well deserved rest. They both have end of season commitments lined up and asked to be excused for both engagements.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says it has received the go ahead for Werder Bremen defender Felix Agu to make his debut for the Super Eagles of Nigeria after getting the all clear from world football governing body FIFA, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Like we exclusively reported on the 5th of May, the 25 year old who was named in the Super Eagles squad for the Unity Cup, but only to train was yet to be cleared by FIFA after representing Germany at U21 level twice in 2019.

NFF insist on getting a written clearance from FIFA before he will be allowed to play for the Super Eagles, and per an announcement on their official social media handle the approval have been given after confirmation by the German FA that he only played for them in friendly games.

” Felix Nnaemeka Agu confirmed ok to play for Nigeria ( Super Eagles). The German FA have written to confirm that the player has never represented them at any official game at the A and Junior Level.

” He played only two friendly games for the U21 team in 2019. Welcome Felix “, the post reads.

He now goes straight into contention for his debut at the Unity Cup starting with the game against Ghana on the 28th of May before facing either of Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in their second game of the tournament. He is also free to play in the friendly game against Russia in June.

When looking for raw talent in football, you don’t have to toil the ground and search for them like gold before discovering them in Nigeria.

We have a lot of talented and physically strong players across different areas in the country.
Some are silently building their careers through grassroots programs and hoping for a life-changing opportunity, and some have abandoned their dream in search of better alternatives—after all, man must survive.

Building a successful football career from the grassroots in Nigeria seems unattainable because the chances of hitting the spotlight are slim.
No wonder most Nigerian parents often oppose the idea of their children pursuing a football career. In fact, such a child is often considered as an unserious person because “why don’t you want to become a doctor or lawyer?”
That’s why Cardtonic has officially launched Tonic Football Club—a grassroots football initiative built to reignite hope and help young Nigerian footballers pursue their passion.
Tonic FC at a Glance
Tonic FC officially launched in April 2025 as a grassroots football initiative by Cardtonic, one of Nigeria’s leading digital platforms known for gift card trading, virtual dollar cards, gadgets sales and bill payments.

While the move into football might seem unexpected for a fintech company, Cardtonic’s connection to the sport isn’t new.

Over the years, the brand has consistently shown love for football, from monthly football predictions to Fantasy Premier League competitions that brought fans together online.

Tonic FC is simply an extension of that passion, turned into purpose.

The goal? To build a club that gives young talents a real chance to grow from the grassroots into something bigger, and to prove that a football career is worth pursuing if the right opportunities are provided.

Why Hope Is Fading for Young Nigerian Footballers

In Nigeria, becoming a professional footballer takes more than just talent. It takes visibility, access, and often—connections that most young players don’t have.

That’s why so many football dreams fade before they ever begin. For every player training hard in a grassroots program, there are countless others who’ve given up—not because they lacked skill, but because the path forward felt impossible.
Even parents discourage the dream. “How many people have you seen become successful footballers without connections?” And they’re not wrong—the odds are discouraging.
But Tonic FC is here to change that.

The goal is to build something solid from the ground up, so that young Nigerian players don’t need luck or “links” to be seen. All they need is talent, discipline, and a platform that believes in them.
What Sets Tonic FC Apart

What makes this club different is how it approaches young players. It’s not just about skills and match stats. It’s about giving them a place where their efforts feel seen, their growth is supported, and their passion is taken seriously.
From the way players are selected to how they’re nurtured, the focus is on grassroots development and real impact—not just chasing trophies.

And because it’s backed by Cardtonic, a brand rooted in solving everyday challenges through technology, Tonic FC brings that same energy into football—making the journey easier to start and harder to give up on.

Closing Thoughts

Building a football career from the grassroots in Nigeria has never been easy, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With the right platform, the right support, and a little hope, everything can change.

That’s what Tonic FC is here for: to reignite belief in the football dream and give young players the structure they’ve never had.

Through this community-driven initiative, Cardtonic is helping rewrite the story—one player, one chance, one goal at a time.
And maybe one day soon, Nigerian parents won’t ask “Why football?” They’ll ask,

“Where can we sign you up?”

Former Nigeria U20 midfielder Onuche Ogbelu is targeting a strong performance at next month’s club world cup to win the trust of head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

The 22 year old who was a part of the 2023 Nigeria U20 team starring at the WAFU tournament and also the AFCON joined Tunisian side Esperance after missing out from the Nigeria U20 team to the world cup in Argentina.

He has made himself a key member of the team who will represent Africa alongside Wydad AC of Morocco, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Al Ahly of Egypt at the inaugural club world cup in the USA from June 14th to July 23rd.

Ogbelu says he is confident that a good performance at the tournament will be good enough for him to be noticed by the senior national team selectors of Nigeria.

” It’s an avenue for me to show myself to the rest of the world but particularly the coach and others in the national team of Nigeria. A good performance there which I am hoping and praying for will no doubt make my dream of playing for Super Eagles a reality. I am focused on it”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Esperance are in group D with Flamengo of Brazil, Chelsea of England and Los Angeles FC of the USA.

Ade Emmanuel

The controversial decision to include Kelechi Iheanacho in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming Unity Cup and friendly game against Russia has drawn a lot of reactions, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Iheanacho has struggled for game time and goals this season. He joined LaLiga side Sevilla before the start of the season but six months later he was shipped out on loan to English Championship side Middlesbrough with their sporting director Victor Orta terming his signing as a mistake.

At Middlesbrough he struggled for regular game time playing just 15 matches with one goal and one assist as they lost out of a slot in the promotion play off. They communicated that they won’t be taking up the option of making his deal permanent.

Despite all his struggles he was somehow named in the Super Eagles squad for both engagements, and a player who was not part of the squad has given his opinion on the decision to include Iheanacho.

” It’s not the first time this is happening. I remember he was included in the AFCON squad while Injured and without a game in one month. It’s a case of unusual grace. Something that someone like me doesn’t have but it’s a total mockery of what national team football which rewards performance at club level is all about”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen is in talks with Saudi Arabia side Al Hilal on a possible transfer when his loan deal to Galatasary from Napoli ends on the 1st of June, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osimhen powered Galatasary to a domestic double by helping them win the Turkish Cup and also the league with a total of 36 goals including one in the title decider win over Kayserispor.

He has 25 goals in 29 league games, 6 in seven games in the Europa League and 5 in the Europa League. A tally that is his best ever goal scoring season in all competitions.

His sensational return in front of goal has attracted lot of interests from teams around Europe, but the wages of the 26 year old is a stumbling block with Napoli demanding in excess of €70m as his transfer fee. Osimhen wants at least €10m a year.

However Saudi Arabia side Al-Hilal who are in the market for a replacement for Brazilian star Neymar are willing to meet all of the conditions required to sign the forward, with Napoli also admitting that talks are underway.

According to transfer expert Sacha Tavolieri, the representative of the Nigerian have so far shown interest in the move, with the Saudis now hoping for the deal to be concluded in time before the start of pre season training.

Daniel Martins