There are reports in Turkey suggesting that Victor Osimhen won’t be available for the Super Eagles of Nigeria when they begin their campaign next month in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Osimhen picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Nigeria in the world cup qualifiers playoff, and will miss three weeks according to a statement from his club Galatasaray.

He has already spent a week on the sidelines, but with the AFCON less than a month away there are fresh doubts over his availability with the club saying he won’t be fit until a further three weeks which will put his participation in doubts.

Galatasaray are also said to be unhappy with the way Nigeria handled Osimhen during the world cup qualifiers playoff where he played 120 minutes in the first game against Gabon that went into extra time.

They said Osimhen’s hamstring issues means he can’t play beyond 70 minutes until at least next season, when he is expected to be fully fit but Nigeria played him up until extra time and it played a role in the relapse he suffered.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Nigeria’s ongoing resurrection in qualifying for next summer’s FIFA World Cup beggars belief. After six matchdays, the Super Eagles looked dead and buried, winning just one game and dropping points to the likes of group winners South Africa, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe, as well as losing on the road against Benin. Since then, though, the Nigerians have roared back to life.

Victories home and away against Rwanda, coupled with an away draw against Bafana Bafana, saw them back in contention; however, they still needed to beat Benin by two clear goals in their final qualifier in order to secure a playoff spot. With the pressure on, the Super Eagles duly emerged with a thumping 4-0 victory courtesy of a spellbinding hat trick from talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. That result secured a spot in the playoffs, and Nigeria picked up where they left off.

Gabon Swept Aside

After a last-minute equalizer from Gabon’s Mario Lemina, Nigeria had to settle for a 1-1 draw in their CAF playoff semifinal. In extra time, however, Osimhen came to the fore once more, netting a brace alongside Chidera Ejuke’s strike to secure a 4-1 extra time victory and safe progression to the next round. Now, the interconfederational playoff beckons.

While Nigeria is simply hoping for a spot at the World Cup, a number of the planet’s big boys are aiming to leave MetLife Stadium next July with the trophy. Even though the tournament is still seven months away, online betting sites already have their favorites earmarked, and it’s the usual suspects who have top billing. The latest live betting odds at Bovada currently have reigning European Champions Spain positioned as the 4/1 frontrunners, with England and France their nearest contenders at 13/2.

But for the Super Eagles, simply punching their tickets to North America next summer is the only order of business. So, who will they have to face and defeat in the inter-confederationalplayoffs to make their dream a reality? Let’s take a look.

Bolivia

Bolivia’s hopes of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 1994 are alive after a famous final matchday in South American qualifying. La Verde headed into the final round of fixtures needing to beat heavyweights Brazil at home, while simultaneously hoping that Venezuela would be beaten by the already qualified Colombia.

The Venezuelans duly lost on their home patch, throwing away 1-0 and 2-1 leads to ultimately suffer a 6-3 drubbing after four goals from Colombian striker Luis Suarez. Suddenly, Bolivia found the power in their hands, and they managed to secure a famous 1-0 victory against the Selecao, thanks to Miguel Terceros’ penalty on the stroke of halftime. The Bolivians will harbor genuine hopes of making it through the inter-confederational playoff, but by the same token, Nigeria will fancy their chances of beating the South American outfit.

New Caledonia

Oceania minnows New Caledonia are also confirmed in the playoffs. They finished as runners-up to New Zealand in the OFC section of qualifying, suffering a 3-0 defeat in the final round after goals from Michael Boxall, Kosta Barbarouses, and Elijah Just in Auckland. Ranked 161st in the world, it would be a huge surprise to see them reach the World Cup for the first time ever.

UAE or Iraq

The United Arab Emirates and Iraq will face off in an Asian section playoff, with the winner moving on to the inter-confederational round. Both sides have qualified for the tournament just once before, with the former appearing at Italia ’90 and the latter four years prior in Mexico. They finished ahead of the likes of China and 2022 hosts Qatar in order to make it this far, and they will fancy their chances of progressing should they make it to the inter-confederationalstage.

Wide Open Concacaf Section

Two teams from the Concacaf region will also head to the playoffs, but currently, it’s anyone’s guess as to who those two teams will be. Jamaica is one of the favorites, as their recent 1-1 draw away at Trinidad and Tobago left them at the mercy of Curacao in the race for Group B’s sole automatic qualifying spot. The Reggae Boyz must beat the current table toppers to progress automatically, and then it would be Curacao heading to the playoffs.

Panama is on the other side, currently sitting in a playoff spot; however, they are level on points with Suriname ahead of the final round of fixtures. Any one of three Group C teams – Haiti, Honduras, and Costa Rica – could also qualify. Those three are separated by just one point, with one of them guaranteed automatic qualification, while the other two need to hope they amass more points than the other two second-place finishers to secure a playoff spot. To put it bluntly, the Concacaf section is currently wide open ahead of the final round of fixtures.

Nigeria has always turned out some really talented footballers over the years. Every now and then though a fresh group comes along that just feels like a shift. The current crop of young Super Eagles players shows all the marks of a squad set to shape the next phase in Nigerian football. These guys are technically sharp and well drilled. They have been through real tests too. On top of that they carry this deeper purpose. They are not just showing up to the national team for a chance to shine. They come in aiming to create a tougher, more thoughtful and fiercer path ahead for the Super Eagles.

Nigerian football has dealt with ups and downs in identity over the last few years. The raw skill was never missing. The real issues came from shaky organization and spotty long range plans. This younger bunch grew up seeing those problems play out firsthand. They spot the weak spots from before. They are set on not falling into the same traps. A lot of them came through better run youth setups and solid coaching. They got chances to pick up advanced playing styles while overseas. All this has molded players who approach the game with a lot more focus than earlier stars had back when they were that young.

You can see their preparedness right there on the field in how they handle various game situations. They bring a grown up feel to their play. They stick to the game plan and keep things tight without dropping the flair that makes Nigerian football special. These players also get the bigger picture of today’s sports world in ways that older groups sometimes missed. The young ones now dig into scouting reports on rivals. They keep up with stats and trends. They lean into choices backed by numbers. Even fans invest in deeper analysis, whether it is tracking team form across competitions or understanding how performance indicators influence areas like cricket betting where trends, discipline and historical insight play a major role in prediction. This kind of shift in mindset has led to sharper players overall and fans who know their stuff better.

A More Complete Football Education

The standout edge for this new wave is the level of training they get in the game. Kids in Nigeria now leave youth programs with a solid grasp of tactics from the start. They understand pressing and how to hold defensive shapes. They know quick switches from back to front. The ones who train in Europe pick it up even quicker. They work with managers who stress knowing your spot on the field. They demand top notch habits all around.

That is part of why so many Nigerian exports step into elite leagues without blinking. They want to be bigger than Michael Lahoud. The surroundings do not throw them off. They walk in ready. This kind of groundwork pays off big in global matches. Their fast adjustments and clear thinking often decide if you win or fade.

Their ability to switch roles stands out as a big plus too. Plenty of them handle more than one spot. That is especially true in the middle of the park where the game now calls for players who do it all. Nigeria’s talent pool has these midfield types who can set the pace. They slice through defenses. They cover ground smartly. The senior side relies on that variety. It counts a lot in big events where having options and bending to the moment makes the difference.

Leadership and Mental Strength Emerging Early

People feel good about this group partly because of their headspace under fire. These are not kids who fold when things get rough. A bunch of them have scrapped in hard youth battles since early on. They earned spots in cutthroat club teams. They came through intense setups. The Super Eagles gain from that toughness.

It feels good to watch leaders step up so young as well. Some of these prospects talk with real poise in press chats. They act like vets who mean business. They own their roles during games. They face the tough spots head on. For a side that has leaned on big voices in the locker room before this fresh attitude fits right in.

Players from abroad are helping drive the change too. The ones who pick Nigeria over other options bring a true tie to the place. Their drive boosts the whole team’s outlook. It fills out important areas with quality. Most grew up in places where showing up prepared and staying sharp is just how it is. Carrying that into the national group lifts the standards for all.

A Promising Future Built on Structure and Intention

Raw ability by itself will not push Nigeria forward to a fresh time. The key turns out to be the framework around it. Managers need to keep shaping a clear way of playing that plays to these players strengths. Steady picks clear strategies and a setup that values hard work will turn the Super Eagles into a force that rules African soccer once more.

Supporters matter in this too. Nigerian crowds bring heat and high hopes. They rally hard behind anyone who puts in the effort and shows growth. As these young ones develop, the bond with the fanbase will mean even more.

One thing stands out clearly. Nigeria has this set of rising stars who are geared up to do more than just wear the jersey. They can guide the way. They hold the skills, the drive and the hunger to steer the Super Eagles toward steadier wins. With the support system getting better around them this lot might mark the coming ten years in Nigerian football. They are not sitting around for what comes next. They stand prepared today.

One time Nigeria U20 invitee Owen Goodman has finally gotten his desire to play for Canada at senior level, despite holding a meeting with the president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Ibrahim Musa Gusua.

Goodman was handed a call up to the U20 team of Nigeria, who were preparing for the world cup in Argentina but a combination of issues meant he didn’t show up.

The Crystal Palace goalkeeper visited Nigeria after the tournament alongside his mother and gifted the Gusau a signed jersey of his club, after a meeting at the headquarters of the NFF.

However he made it clear afterwards in an interview that his dream is to play for Canada and not Nigeria or England, even though he represented the latter at youth level.

“I grew up in Canada, I was born in England, I’ve spent a lot of my life in Canada and England,” Goodman Jr. told Goalkeeper.com. “I’ve played for England at youth level but looking at it now, I feel like my dream is to play for Canada.

“I’ve never really said that to many people but I’m just waiting on a call-up from Canada. I don’t know when it will come, but I’m hoping it will come soon. But that’s my dream, to play for Canada”, he said last year.

His father also backed his decision explaining that they are waiting for his citizenship to be approved by the Canadian authorities.

“He tells me he feels more Canadian than Nigerian,” his father, Phil, told The Athletic. “His preference is Canada, but the only way that can happen is if he gets his citizenship. That is through the Canadian Soccer Association, but we may see if we can do it off our own back because he wants to become a citizen anyway and it gives him a better chance of a call-up”.

Last month, the 21-year-old goalkeeper received an email from his immigration lawyer in Toronto, asking if he could jump on a Zoom call. Goodman, who was born in England but lived in Alliston, Ont., for eight years as a child, assumed that it was just another update in his arduous quest for citizenship.

“When you’re waiting so long, so long, you start to lose a bit of hope,” he said. “That’s kind of where I was at.”

But the call, it turned out, was the one he’d been waiting for: His childhood residency made him Canadian in the eyes of the government as well as his own. He is in Toronto this week for his first senior international window with the national team, which will include Thursday’s friendly against Ecuador at BMO Field.

That dream came to alive when he made the bench for Canada in a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in an international friendly game. Although he didn’t get to play in the game.

On loan to English League One side Huddersfield United, he has so far played in ten games this season with eight coming in the league and two in Cup games.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria has submitted a 55 man provisional list of players he intends to pick his final squad of players from for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Hurting from failing to pick the ticket to represent Africa at the Intercontinental playoff for a world cup spot, the coach has wasted no time in switching his attention to the AFCON in Morocco.

We exclusively gathered that the team’s camp will open on the 8th of December in Morocco, but before then the coach would have trimmed the players on the provisional list to a minimum of 30 players.

Sources say the list he submitted contains names of players who are relatively unknown, but have been on the radar of the coach for some time and he sees them as a part of the team in the nearest future.

However he stuck with most of the players he has worked with since taking over as coach, and he goes to the AFCON with the sole aim of going on step better than the team did at the last tournament, where they were beaten in the final by the host Cote d’Ivoire.

Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman

The French Embassy in Nigeria has struck a partnership with Nigeria international forward Moses Simon to organise an U15 tournament in Benue State aimed at discovering future players for Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com report.

The tournament will feature ten teams with two coming from Kaduna and Nasarawa State respectively. The tournament will run from the 20th of November to 23rd with support from the Benue State Football Association.

In a goodwill message delivered at the start of the tournament today, the French Embassy in Nigeria explained the idea behind the partnership, and also what they intend to achieve with it.

According to the statements, they hope to see some of the U15 players from the tournament excel in professional football in the next ten years, just like Moses Simon who has 88 caps for Nigeria.

Below is a text of the statement made available to the press.

Dear young players, dear coaches,

I am pleased to deliver this message on behalf of Mrs Ketty REGIS, the Cooperation Attaché of the Embassy of France in Nigeria. On behalf of the Embassy, I would like to commend the opening of this U15 tournament here in Benue, organised with the Moses Simon Foundation, even though I unfortunately cannot be physically present with you today.

For the past two years, we have been working with the Foundation on sport, youth and inclusion. For us, this tournament is not just a competition: it is a space that gives young people a real place where the values of respect and equality are put into practice. This is also what we mean by sports diplomacy: using sport as a common language and a lever for development.

The inspiring journey of Moses Simon, who has played in France for seven seasons, with Nantes and now Paris Football Club, creates a natural bridge between France and Nigeria. We admire the player, of course, but also the man who has chosen to put his experience at the service of young people. He shows that an international career can remain closely connected to the local realities of youth here in Nigeria.

I would like to warmly acknowledge the presence of teams from Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and other States across the country. Your participation gives this tournament a national dimension. It shows that football can bring people together, create encounters between young people who share the same passion, and open up new opportunities. In Benue, the French Embassy also supports other initiatives, in particular those in favour of women and girls in internally displaced persons camps, with the same conviction: a more inclusive society is a stronger society.

To the young players, a very clear message: this tournament is for you. The result matters, of course, but your behaviour matters just as much. The way you treat your opponents, the referee and your teammates will say a lot about the kind of example you want to set around you. Show that it is possible to be competitive without violence, determined without cheating, proud without being disrespectful. These are the values that should guide you on and off the pitch.

I would like to warmly thank the Moses Simon Foundation, a strong and highly valued partner of the Embassy, as well as the authorities of Benue State, the coaches, referees, volunteers and all those who have contributed to the organisation of this tournament.

To all the teams: play with your hearts, play together, and make this tournament a moment you can still be proud of ten years from now. I wish you all an excellent tournament.

Thank you.

They went further to explain that the tournament highlights the role of Simon in building a bridge between France and Nigeria. A prove that success abroad can serve local communities back here in Nigeria.

U15 national football tournament in Benue: The Moses Simon Foundation and France promote youth and inclusion

Benue State, Nigeria – The Embassy of France in Nigeria is supporting an under-15 football tournament organised by the Moses Simon Foundation in Benue State, as part of its ongoing collaboration with the Foundation on sport, youth and inclusion.

For the past two years, the Embassy and the Moses Simon Foundation have worked together to use football as a tool for inclusion and opportunity. The tournament offers young people a place to play, to be seen and to learn key values such as respect, fair play and equality.

“This tournament is more than a competition; it gives space and recognition to young people,” said Mrs Ketty REGIS, the Cooperation Attaché at the French Embassy. “Through football, we see respect, equality and teamwork in action.”

The event also highlights the role of international footballer Moses Simon, who has played in France for seven seasons with FC Nantes and now Paris FC. His career naturally connects France and Nigeria and gives a special meaning to this partnership.

“Moses Simon builds a bridge between France and Nigeria,” the Embassy representative added. “He shows that success abroad can serve local communities here in Nigeria.”

Teams from Benue, Kaduna, Nasarawa and other States across the country are taking part, giving the tournament a national dimension. By bringing together young players from different backgrounds who share the same passion, the competition helps create links, mutual understanding and new perspectives.

In Benue State, the Embassy of France is also involved in other initiatives, in particular in favour of women and girls in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. While separate from the tournament, these programmes are guided by the same conviction: a more inclusive society is a stronger society.

The Embassy considers that this kind of grassroots project deserves to be highlighted and encouraged. It illustrates very concretely how sport can contribute to social cohesion, protection and empowerment of young people, especially when supported by committed local actors such as the Moses Simon Foundation.

To the young players, the Embassy sends a clear message: the final score matters, but behaviour on and off the pitch matters just as much. The way they treat opponents, referees and teammates will reflect the example they want to set being competitive without violence, determined without cheating and proud without disrespect.

The Embassy of France in Nigeria warmly thanks the Moses Simon Foundation, a strong and trusted partner as well as the authorities of Benue State, the coaches, referees, volunteers and all those who contributed to the organisation of the tournament. It wishes all participating teams an excellent competition and encourages them to play with their hearts and make this tournament a moment they will still be proud of in ten years’ time.

The representative of out of favour Nigeria international midfielder Uche Chrisantus says it’s not true that his loan deal with English Premier League side Crystal Palace will be terminated, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Reports have been circulating about plans to terminate his loan deal which has an obligation to buy option with Getafe. He joined the club in the summer after a year in the Spanish top flight.

The 22 year old has only played in three English Premier League games and two cup games, not quite the expected return when he agreed to join the English side.

While admitting that it hasn’t been the best of time for Uche in England due to a lack of playing time. He said reports of early termination of his loan deal is wide off the mark and instead a decision will be made in the summer, if things doesn’t get better before then.

” There is no truth in such reports and Uche is shocked about it. It started from England and the Nigerian media picked it up. What is true is that he is unhappy over a lack of playing time and if it doesn’t change, then there will be a decision in the summer”, he told OwnGoalNigeria.com.

Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has handed on loan Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface another chance to make an impression ahead of next month Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.

Boniface hasn’t gotten a look in since his poor performance in the friendly game against Russia in June, where he was hooked off at half time ending his search for his first international goal for Nigeria.

Heading into the AFCON, the 24 year old who is on loan to Werder Bremen is among the players listed in the preliminary list of players for the tournament with two assists to his name from 8 games.

Chelle is a huge fan of his ability and believe a regular run of games between now, and when the tournament gets underway will help him reach a level good enough for the team.

His return is coming on the back of the poor performance of Tolu Arokodare in the world cup qualifiers playoff final against Dr Congo. However Arokodare is also listed in the expanded squad.

English Premier League side Brighton are going to test the resolve of Brentford in holding on to Nigeria international defender Benjamin Fredrick with a bid of around £5m, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.

Fredrick has been a revelation for Nigeria in the world cup qualifiers, with impressive performances in all of the games he has played and looked certain to be a regular for the team at the AFCON in December.

On loan to Belgium side FC Dender from Brentford, a couple of teams have made enquiries about signing the 20 year old but none has been bold enough like Brighton who are willing to pay £5m.

Signed from Kaduna based Academy Simoiben, owned by the wife (Ibukun Simon ) of Nigeria international Moses Simon, Brentford are adamant that he has a future with the club and will be given his chance next season.

German side RB Leipzig were top among the teams to sound out the defender, who is comfortable as a right back or centre back but were told in clear terms that he isn’t for sale.