Millwall manager Alex Neil has warned potential suitors that Nigerian winger Femi Azeez will not be allowed to leave the club on the cheap amid growing transfer interest, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Azeez has reportedly attracted attention from Premier League newcomers Hull City and several clubs across Europe, while Millwall previously rejected offers from Ipswich Town for the 25-year-old during the January transfer window.

The winger joined Millwall from Reading for just over £1 million in the summer of 2024 and has since developed into one of the club’s most influential attacking players.

Millwall are now reportedly seeking around €20 million for Azeez, with Neil insisting the club is under no pressure to sell.

“When the window’s open I don’t think we ever get distracted. Good players attract interest, it’s as simple as that,” Neil said.

The manager revealed that Azeez attracted bids in January but the club opted to retain their key players, a decision that helped Millwall finish third in the Championship.

“But like every player, every player’s got their price. What I will say is that if anybody is trying to undercut us or go cheap on it, then we don’t need to sell anybody. It puts us in a strong position in that sense.”

Neil also expressed surprise that more clubs had not joined the race for the Nigerian, given his impressive production in the Championship.

“You buy goals and assists, and Femi has been as good as anybody in the last season or two at this level. Let’s see what the next few weeks bring.”

Azeez enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing eight assists in the Championship. His performances also earned him a place in the Championship Team of the Season.

With Millwall holding a strong negotiating position, interested clubs are likely to face a substantial financial commitment if they want to prise the Nigeria international away from The Den.

Nigerian clubs competing in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions have been handed an August 15 deadline to submit their squad lists for the first preliminary round, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The deadline affects all Nigerian representatives in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with Rangers International and Rivers United set to compete in the Champions League, while Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the Confederation Cup.

The four clubs are expected to complete the registration of their eligible players and submit their official squad lists to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the deadline.

Failure to meet the registration requirements could create complications for the clubs ahead of their opening preliminary-round fixtures and potentially affect the eligibility of players to feature in the continental competitions.

The deadline comes as the Nigerian representatives intensify preparations for their respective CAF campaigns, with the clubs hoping to advance through the preliminary rounds and secure places in the lucrative group stages.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has constituted a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate Nigeria’s recent poor performances in international football, with particular attention on the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The move follows the Falcons’ disappointing campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the defending champions were eliminated by Cameroon in the quarter-finals before suffering a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup qualifying playoff.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s remarkable record of appearing at every edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991. The setback has raised fresh questions about the state of women’s football in the country and the factors behind the national teams’ recent struggles.

Former NFF General Secretary, Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON, will chair the committee, which has been tasked with examining the reasons behind what the federation described as the “unwholesome poor run” of Nigeria’s national teams in international competitions.

The committee comprises former Nigeria U-20 head coach and Nigeria Football Coaches Association president Ladan Bosso, former Super Falcons captain and multiple Women’s AFCON winner Desire Oparanozie, former Super Eagles captain and AFCON winner Mutiu Adepoju, and former FIFA referee Dr Alex Mana.

Chairman of the Sokoto State Football Association, Mallam Mohammed Nasir Sa’idu, will serve as secretary.

Fact-Finding Committee:

Ambassador Fanny Amun, MON - Chairman

Coach Ladan Bosso - Member

Desire Oparanozie - Member

Mutiu Adepoju - Member

Dr Alex Mana - Member

Mallam Mohammed Nasir Sa’idu - Secretary

The committee is expected to assess the factors responsible for Nigeria’s recent international setbacks and provide findings that could help the NFF address the challenges facing the country’s national teams.

The Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) will organise its annual seminar for assessors, referees and assistant referees ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with the programme scheduled to take place in Abuja from August 15 to 29, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The seminar is expected to provide match officials with comprehensive preparation ahead of the new campaign, with participants set to undergo physical fitness tests, technical sessions, practical exercises and assessments.

The NRA said the programme is designed to ensure referees and assistant referees are physically and technically ready to handle the demands of the upcoming NPFL season.

The seminar will also allow assessors to review key officiating standards and ensure match officials are adequately equipped before the league gets underway.

Nigerian forward Anas Yusuf has completed a transfer to Ethiopian Premier League side Wolaita Dicha FC from Algerian outfit JS Saoura, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The 22-year-old attacker becomes the latest Nigerian player to make the move to Ethiopia, where he will look to continue his development and establish himself in East African football.

Yusuf previously featured for JS Saoura in Algeria before securing his transfer to Wolaita Dicha FC.

The move presents the young forward with a fresh opportunity to gain valuable experience, contribute to his new club and take another step forward in his professional career.

Rivers United assistant coach Yemi Olanrewaju has reaffirmed his commitment to the club despite reports linking him with a possible move to other Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) sides, including Shooting Stars, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Olanrewaju said he enjoys a strong working relationship with Rivers United and head coach Finidi George, adding that preparations have intensified ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season.

The former Shooting Stars target admitted that he has great admiration for the Ibadan club and its project, but stressed that he intends to honour his current contract with Rivers United.

“I am a coach with credibility and values, and there are many things I hold in high esteem, and one of them is Respect. I love Shooting and its project, and we have had contacts in the past, and it is a club I will always consider, but for now, my focus and everything is with Rivers as I would like to honour my contract till the end of the season.”

Olanrewaju also praised the Rivers United hierarchy for the trust and support they have shown him since his arrival.

“I don’t like to abandon a contract and run halfway. Rivers United management have been so good and kind to me, and the trust they place in me is unbelievable, and also my boss, ElFINITO.”

While keeping the door open to a future return to Shooting Stars, the coach insisted that there is currently no reason for him to look beyond Rivers United.

“Shooting Stars is a club I will always feel honoured to be linked with or mentioned with. If the opportunity comes again in the future, I'll be glad to consider it, as I believe the union will be massive.”

Olanrewaju's comments effectively put the current speculation to rest, with the Rivers United assistant coach focused on helping the Port Harcourt club achieve its objectives in the coming campaign.

Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with Turkish champions Galatasaray over the possibility of signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian potentially emerging as part of a sensational swap deal involving the Premier League champions’ players, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Galatasaray initially contacted Arsenal regarding forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, but Osimhen’s name was also brought into the discussions as the Gunners continue their search for a proven world-class striker.

Arsenal had previously explored moves for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. However, Vinicius has committed his future to Madrid, while Alvarez’s reported £100 million-plus valuation has made a deal difficult, with Barcelona also interested in the Argentine.

The latest development has opened the door for Osimhen, who is regarded as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers and has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Galatasaray are understood to be interested in Martinelli, with reports claiming the Turkish giants have already made a £38.4 million proposal for the Brazilian. They are also exploring a deal for Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.

During negotiations over the two Arsenal forwards, Galatasaray reportedly raised the possibility of Osimhen moving in the opposite direction, potentially paving the way for a complicated swap arrangement.

The 27-year-old Nigerian joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli last summer for €75 million after a successful loan spell. He has since scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances for the Istanbul giants, while his contract runs until June 2029.

Osimhen played a key role in Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig triumph last season, finishing as the club’s leading scorer and helping them retain the title.

Martinelli, meanwhile, appears increasingly likely to leave Arsenal after seven years at the club. The Brazilian has made 278 appearances and scored 62 goals, but with his contract entering its final year, Arsenal are reportedly prepared to listen to offers.

Osimhen was also on target in Galatasaray’s 2-1 pre-season defeat to Villarreal, further underlining his importance to the Turkish champions as speculation over his future continues.

Former Shooting Stars coach Fatai Amao has criticised the Super Falcons following their 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off in Casablanca, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes

The loss means Nigeria will miss the Women’s World Cup for the first time since making their debut at the competition in 1991, ending an eight-edition streak.

The Super Falcons fell behind in the 56th minute when Thembi Kgatlana found the breakthrough, before Refiloe Jane doubled South Africa’s advantage 21 minutes later. Christy Ucheibe pulled one back from the penalty spot late in the game, but Nigeria could not find an equaliser.

Amao expressed his disappointment with the result, describing the performance as unacceptable given the importance of the encounter.

“I am really disappointed with the way the Super Falcons lost their only chance of qualifying for the 2027 Women’s World Cup to South Africa.

“This performance is unacceptable considering the fact that this match was supposed to serve as an opportunity for the team to bounce back to winning ways.

“We have to look beyond this result and start to prepare early for the next tournament.”

Nigeria's failure to qualify comes after their quarter-final elimination by Cameroon at the 2026 WAFCON, which had already ended their remarkable record of reaching at least the semi-finals in every edition they had previously contested.

The Super Falcons, who have won the continental title 10 times, will now have to regroup and begin preparations for their next major international challenge.

Meanwhile, Ghana defeated Côte d’Ivoire 2-1 in the other play-in fixture to advance to the preliminary round of the Inter-Confederation Playoffs.

South Africa defeated Nigeria’s Super Falcons 2-1 in Thursday’s 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in clash, ending the nine-time African champions’ hopes of reaching the global tournament, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The defeat means Nigeria will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since making their debut at the inaugural edition in 1991, bringing an end to a remarkable streak of eight consecutive appearances.

The Super Falcons had been given another route to qualification after their quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 WAFCON, but they were unable to overcome Banyana Banyana in Casablanca.

Nigeria’s failure to qualify represents a major setback for the most successful team in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, who have featured at every Women’s World Cup since 1991.

For South Africa, the victory keeps their hopes of reaching the 2027 World Cup alive as they advance in the qualification process.

Former Shooting Stars head coach Nurudeen Aweroro has denied allegations that he collected money from players during his time at the club, insisting that anyone making such claims should provide evidence.

Aweroro left the Oluyole Warriors by mutual consent last Saturday after guiding the Ibadan club to third place in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, securing their first continental qualification in 27 years. NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The coach’s departure also affected assistant coach Shakiru Lawal and team manager Tammy Tamuno, while the club prepares for its return to the CAF Confederation Cup, where they have been drawn against Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien.

Speaking on Yoruba sports programme Gbagede Ere Idaraya with Sola Aiyegbajeje in Ibadan, Aweroro strongly rejected the allegations.

“Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty,” Aweroro said.

He explained that while some players occasionally wanted to appreciate him financially, he never demanded money from them.

Aweroro cited Qamar Adegoke, who was struggling for goals at the time, saying he prayed for the striker and challenged him to score at least 10 goals. According to the coach, when Adegoke wanted to send him money, he instructed him to give it to the fans instead.

He also mentioned Alade Balogun, whom he brought from Ikorodu City, as another player who could confirm that he never requested financial favours from him.

“You see these players, there are some among them that I give money to, and there are some that I buy boots for.”

Aweroro also revealed that his time at Shooting Stars came with considerable pressure, despite achieving the club's objective of securing continental football.

The coach disclosed that he experienced a serious health scare during his time in charge and was advised by doctors to rest, but remained focused on achieving the club's target.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are reportedly considering former Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo for the vacant position. The 57-year-old, who guided Rangers to the NPFL title in 2016, is reportedly open to the move, although negotiations with Abia Warriors would still need to be concluded.

Former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is also believed to be among the leading candidates for the job.

Shooting Stars will begin their 2026/27 NPFL campaign against Inter Lagos in Ibadan on August 28 before turning their attention to their CAF Confederation Cup tie against CS Sfaxien.

Katsina United have clarified the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of their player Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina on Tuesday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Ozor reportedly collapsed during the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor.

The club subsequently announced his death through its official communication channels. However, reports later emerged that the player had been moved from the morgue to an intensive care unit after medical personnel noticed movements in parts of his body.

Katsina United media officer Nasir Gide confirmed that Ozor was initially taken to Katsina General Hospital after being pronounced dead at another facility.

“When we rushed him to a nearby hospital, he was confirmed dead by a doctor. We collected a police report and took him back to Katsina General Hospital, where he was also said to be dead. They took his body to the morgue there,” Gide said.

“Later, the medical personnel informed us that he had been taken back to the ICU from the morgue when they noticed movements in his body.”

However, Katsina United issued a further statement on Wednesday to dispel reports that Ozor had regained consciousness, explaining that his family had requested additional medical confirmation before his body was taken to the morgue.

“Despite the efforts that followed, Chinedu sadly passed away,” the club stated.

The club also urged the public to disregard reports suggesting that the player had returned to life.

“We have seen reports claiming that Chinedu later regained consciousness or ‘came back to life.’ We understand that people desperately wanted this to be true. We all did. But sadly, those reports are not true.”

Katsina United said Ozor’s family had been overwhelmed by shock and continued to hope that further medical checks could produce a different outcome.

Heartland FC, Ozor’s former club, also paid tribute to the player following his death.

“Chinedu Ozor: You fought the good fight. You tried your best and strove to make the most of what we thought was a second chance you were given, but sadly, you could not make it.”

Meanwhile, Barau FC, one of the teams involved in the pre-season tournament, has reiterated its decision to withdraw from the competition, citing concerns over its organisation and the decision to continue the tournament following the incident.

The tragedy has once again raised questions about medical preparedness and emergency response at football venues in Nigeria.

Ozor’s death comes exactly one year after Shooting Stars assistant coach Akin Olowokere collapsed and died during a training session on August 11, 2025.

The Nigerian football community was also shaken in March 2020 when Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins, 23, died after collapsing during a league match against Katsina United.

Following Martins’ death, the Nigeria Football Federation directed that league matches should not be played at venues without adequate medical equipment and personnel. Match commissioners and host football associations were also instructed to inspect and test medical facilities before approving venues for matches.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) board has suspended the remainder of Bendel Insurance head coach Kennedy Boboye’s touchline ban, clearing him to return to the dugout ahead of the 2026/27 season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Boboye was originally handed a 17-match suspension in March after he was accused of assaulting match officials following Bendel Insurance’s Matchday 32 encounter against Plateau United last season.

Although the coach denied the allegations, he served six matches of the punishment during the closing stages of the 2025/26 campaign.

The NPFL has now reviewed the case following an appeal from Bendel Insurance and agreed to suspend the remaining portion of the sanction.

In a letter to the club, the league board cited Boboye’s conduct during the period of his suspension, as well as his previous contributions to Nigerian football, as factors behind the decision.

“Your good conduct in the intervening period of the sanction has been taken into consideration and counted as a positive for you,” the letter stated.

The board also acknowledged Boboye’s past service to the country as a player and member of the national team’s technical setup.

“The Board has therefore elected to suspend the rest of the remaining period of your sanction. However, the punishment will be served out should you be involved in similar conduct in the next one season.”

The NPFL further warned the experienced coach to maintain exemplary conduct, stressing his responsibility as a role model to players and younger members of the coaching staff.

Boboye is therefore free to take his place on the Benin Arsenal bench when Bendel Insurance begin their 2026/27 campaign against Warri Wolves in Benin on Sunday, August 30.

The coach joined Bendel Insurance in October 2025 and guided the club to fifth place in the 2025/26 NPFL season, finishing four points short of a continental qualification spot.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Ethan Nwaneri could remain with the first team this season after the youngster impressed during pre-season, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 19-year-old returned to north London following a challenging loan spell at Marseille, where his development was disrupted by changes and uncertainty surrounding the French club.

Arteta believes the experience has helped Nwaneri mature both on and off the pitch and says he has been impressed by the midfielder’s transformation since returning to Arsenal.

“He’s been really good. Probably, his loan at Marseille wasn’t what he expected. There was a lot of noise and change around the club.

“But he looks different and more mature. He’s incredible at that. That’s what six months can do to you.

“It’s a different experience to be on your own, to go through tough times and witness another part of football that you have to be good enough to cope with. I’m very happy with what he’s done in preseason.”

Nwaneri’s strong pre-season could now see him play a more prominent role in Arteta’s plans, despite previous interest from clubs across Europe and speculation that Arsenal could consider a permanent transfer.

The Hale End academy graduate remains the youngest player ever to feature in the Premier League, having made his debut at just 15 years and 181 days in September 2022.

He enjoyed a productive 2024/25 campaign, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances across all competitions before Arsenal opted to send him to Marseille during the second half of the 2025/26 season.

Nwaneri had also signed a long-term contract extension with the Gunners in 2025, and his latest pre-season performances appear to have strengthened his case for a place in Arsenal’s first-team squad.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has vowed that Nigeria will give everything to keep their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive when they face South Africa on Thursday, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The 10-time African champions missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria now face Banyana Banyana at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with a place in the inter-confederation playoffs at stake.

Madugu acknowledged the importance of the encounter and expressed confidence that his players can respond positively to their disappointment against the Indomitable Lionesses.

“We have a second chance. We have this second opportunity. We are still going to do the best that we can,” Madugu said during his interaction with the media in Casablanca.

The coach stressed that the Super Falcons are determined to make the most of the opportunity and deliver a result that will keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

“We’re not leaving anything out. We’re going to put in all our best to make sure that we put smiles on the faces of our people because we know what it means to all of us as Nigerians.”

Madugu also revealed that selection for the decisive encounter would be based strictly on readiness, ruling out experimentation or unnecessary squad rotation.

“For tomorrow’s (today's) game, for every game we pick, we pick those that we feel are ready to ensure that we win every match,” he added.

“It’s not just about squad rotation, that everybody should have an opportunity to just play. It’s not about that. It’s about ensuring that we have the right people that will always win every game for us.”

The Super Falcons must defeat South Africa to advance to the inter-confederation playoffs and preserve their hopes of featuring at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has called on her teammates to put their quarter-final defeat to Cameroon behind them and focus on securing victory against South Africa in their crucial 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria’s hopes of securing automatic qualification were dashed after the 10-time African champions suffered a 1-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lionesses in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

However, Justine Madugu’s side still have another route to Brazil 2027 through the inter-confederation play-offs.

The Super Falcons must first overcome South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in Casablanca to advance to the mini-tournament and keep their World Cup ambitions alive.

Ajibade acknowledged the disappointment of the Cameroon defeat but insisted the team must quickly regroup and focus on the opportunity ahead.

“What has happened has happened. There’s nothing we can do about that. We can’t control it anymore. It’s all about putting ourselves together and getting the loss behind us,” Ajibade told a press conference.

The captain also urged her teammates to demonstrate the mentality expected of champions when they face South Africa.

“Sometimes champions are defined in the face of adversities. We just have to go back and prepare better. Being in the World Cup, honestly, in Nigeria, that is very important for us. So we’ll do our best.”

The decisive encounter will take place at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm Nigerian time.

National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General Bukola Olopade has urged the Super Falcons to put their WAFCON disappointment behind them and secure victory against South Africa in Thursday’s crucial 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup playoff, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nigeria’s hopes of automatic qualification were ended by a 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, but the 10-time African champions still have an opportunity to reach the World Cup through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Olopade believes the Super Falcons must quickly move on from their setback and focus entirely on the decisive encounter with Desiree Ellis’ Banyana Banyana at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca.

“The Super Falcons remain Africa’s biggest football brand and the pride of the continent; therefore, the rare loss to Cameroon should not define them because we know how good they are,” Olopade told the NSC media.

The NSC chief also reminded the players of the strong support they continue to enjoy from Nigerians and urged them to give their best against South Africa.

“The girls have brought us tremendous joy over the years, and I want them to know that Nigerians are definitely behind them, more than ever before, even as they play this crucial game tonight.”

Victory over South Africa would move Nigeria into the inter-confederation playoff stage, keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive.

Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has defended Chiamaka Nnadozie following her costly error in Nigeria’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Cameroon, but admits the technical crew could consider other goalkeeping options ahead of Thursday’s crucial 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup play-off against South Africa, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Nnadozie has faced criticism throughout the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after her positioning was questioned in some of the goals Nigeria conceded during the tournament.

The goalkeeper came under scrutiny in the Super Falcons’ 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening group match, before responding with a clean sheet in the 1-0 victory over Zambia. She then conceded twice as Nigeria defeated Egypt 6-2 to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

Nnadozie was again criticised against Cameroon after Myriam Maéva Nyadjou’s superb free-kick found the net, with the Nigerian goalkeeper unable to cover the far side of her goal.

Despite the setback, Madugu was quick to defend the three-time CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, insisting that one mistake should not define her quality.

“Chiamaka has been a wonderful goalkeeper, not just for the national team, but also for her club. Anyone can make mistakes at any time. These mistakes can be costly, as it has been for us today, but that’s not to say she’s a bad goalkeeper,” Madugu said after the match.

However, the coach confirmed that the technical crew would conduct a full assessment of the squad before deciding on their lineup for the South Africa clash.

Nigeria have alternatives available, including Nigeria Women’s Football League goalkeeper of the year Fatima Oloko and Portsmouth goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor, who impressed during the scouting process.

Madugu stressed that every position would be reviewed as the team prepares for the decisive encounter.

“It’s natural that when things like this happen, we have to do an overall assessment of the team, what went wrong, what we did well, where did we get it wrong,” he said.

“We have to do an overall assessment and see what we can do in the shortest possible time before the next game against South Africa.

“There’s nothing bad about exploring other players.”

Nigeria’s defeat to Cameroon brought an unwanted piece of history, as the Super Falcons failed to reach the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time.

The result also denied the 10-time African champions one of the continent’s four automatic qualification spots for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria must now defeat South Africa in Casablanca on Thursday to advance to the FIFA inter-confederation play-offs, which will be held in November and December and provide another opportunity to secure a place at the World Cup.

Super Eagles striker Rafiu Durosinmi has set his sights on winning the Belgian Pro League Golden Boot after making an impressive start to the new season with Genk, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The Nigerian forward opened the scoring for Genk against Zulte Waregem on Sunday, but his effort was not enough to prevent the hosts from securing a 2-1 comeback victory on the opening day.

Despite the disappointing result, Durosinmi delivered a strong individual performance and was rewarded with the Man of the Match award.

The 25-year-old is now targeting the league's top-scoring prize and hopes to emulate fellow Nigerians Paul Onuachu and Tolu Arokodare, who have previously finished as the Belgian top flight's leading scorers.

“I want to score, I want to finish high in the standings, and I also want to go for the top scorer title. I have always dreamed of that,” Durosinmi told DAZN.

The striker admitted that the defeat made it difficult to fully enjoy his individual recognition, insisting that collecting three points would have made the occasion more special.

“Of course I would have preferred to win, because then this would have been a great moment to celebrate,” he added.

Durosinmi will have another opportunity to add to his goals tally when Genk host Westerlo at the Cegeka Arena on Saturday.

South Africa defender Lebohang Ramalepe has called on her teammates to show greater mental strength when they face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in a crucial FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification encounter, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

Banyana Banyana missed out on automatic qualification after suffering a 2-1 defeat to hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria also failed to secure a direct route to the World Cup after losing 1-0 to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in their own quarter-final clash.

The two continental rivals must now battle for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs, with Thursday’s encounter carrying huge significance for both teams.

Ramalepe believes South Africa’s chances will depend heavily on their ability to remain mentally strong and maintain belief despite the disappointment of their WAFCON exit.

“What is required is mental toughness. As a team, we just need to ask ourselves: ‘what is it that we want?’” Ramalepe told ESPN.

The defender urged her teammates not to approach the match with a defeatist mentality, insisting that their World Cup dream remains alive.

“If we go into the next match with the mentality of ‘all is lost’… no, we still have a chance; all is not lost.

“We just need to stay focused, be mentally sharp and take it as a final match.”

South Africa will now turn their attention to the Super Falcons, with both teams desperate to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The decisive encounter is scheduled for Thursday at the Moulay Rachid Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 9pm Nigerian time.

Nigeria’s hopes of featuring at the next CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations have received a boost after WAFU B formally appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to consider granting the country an additional qualification slot, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The regional football body has written to CAF requesting special consideration for the Flying Eagles following their campaign at the recently concluded WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire.

The appeal reportedly followed an agreement reached by the four semi-finalists, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and Niger Republic, before the knockout matches.

WAFU B is understood to have referenced the precedent from the 2025 U-20 AFCON in Egypt, when Tunisia were granted a place in the tournament following changes to the hosting arrangements.

Tunisia had initially finished third in the UNAF qualifiers behind Egypt and Morocco. However, after Côte d’Ivoire withdrew as the original host and Egypt assumed hosting responsibilities, Tunisia were subsequently included in the competition.

That decision resulted in 13 teams participating in the 2025 tournament.

WAFU B is now asking CAF to consider a similar arrangement for Nigeria ahead of the next edition, which will be hosted by Ghana.

The regional body wants CAF to award WAFU B an additional qualification slot, which would enable Nigeria to join the other representatives from the zone and increase the region's total number of participants to three.

CAF is expected to study the request before making a final decision on whether Nigeria will be granted a place in the continental championship.

For the Flying Eagles, a favourable response would provide a major lifeline following their WAFU B campaign and preserve their opportunity to compete for continental honours at U-20 level.