Mikel Obi Slams NFF Over Nigeria's World Cup Struggles

 

Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has voiced his frustration at Nigeria’s uncertain path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the responsibility lies squarely with the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).

Speaking passionately, the ex-Chelsea midfielder said Nigeria’s repeated failures on the biggest stage cannot be excused.

“If Nigeria doesn’t qualify for the World Cup, the entire NFF board has to go. It’s unacceptable,” Mikel declared. “We didn’t qualify for Qatar, the last World Cup, and now it looks like again we are not going to make it. Honestly, I have nothing to say about it. It is just horrible.”

Mikel was quick to defend the players, stressing that while they bear some responsibility, they should not be made the scapegoats.

“Do you blame the players? No, I don’t blame the players. Yes, the players have to take responsibility for the situation, but are you gonna blame the players alone? No,” he explained.

The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner also highlighted a deeper problem that he believes undermines African football as a whole.

“Again, we talk about it so many times, and that’s why you have people disrespect the African continent and football. It’s the same issues, the same excuses, and nothing changes.”

Mikel’s comments come as pressure mounts on the Super Eagles, who face a crucial run of games to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup. With Nigeria missing out on the 2022 edition in Qatar, the stakes have never been higher.

Africa Top Sports

Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala leaves Bay FC for Saudi Women’s Al-Hilal

 

Nigeria forward Asisat Oshoala has joined Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al-Hilal on transfer from Bay FC in the National Women’s Soccer League.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The 30-year-old Nigerian international signed a two-year contract with Al-Hilal.

Oshoala joined Bay FC before its inaugural season in 2024 from Barcelona, where she won two Women’s Champions League titles. She scored a team-high seven goals in her first year with the San Francisco Bay Area team.

The 30-year-old scored Bay FC’s first franchise goal on March 17, 2024, in the 17th minute of a match against Angel City.

“Asisat has been an incredibly important part of Bay FC history, not only with her impact on the pitch but also through the energy, professionalism, and kindness she brought every day,” Matt Patter, Bay’s sporting director, said in a prepared statement Tuesday.

“She is a world-class player and an even better person, and we are grateful for everything she contributed to our club in its first season.”

A six-time African player of the year, her last being in 2023, Oshoala was on the Nigerian team that won its 10th Africa Cup of Nations title in July.

Born in Ikorodu, Oshoala was also the first African woman to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or award, the title regarded as representing the best player in the world each year.

She missed out on the 2022 award to Alexia Putellas of Spain. That year also marked her sixth and last African Women’s Player of the Year award.

Oshoala joins fellow Nigerians, Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega, at Al-Hilal.

Al Jazeera

Olympic sprinter Favour Ofili confirms controversial nationality switch from Nigeria to Turkey

 

Olympic sprinter Favour Ofili has officially confirmed her switch of allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey, citing years of frustration with officials from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) over administrative failures that she says cost her two Olympic appearances.

"I'm starting a new chapter representing Turkey," Ofili, who ran for LSU Tigers, said in a statement on her Instagram page on Monday. "I am proud to have represented Nigeria for many years in a highly successful way.

"Having won six gold medals, two silver medals and two bronze medals in championship meets and experiencing the biggest disappointment from AFN and NOC for their negligence towards me in two Olympics (Tokyo and Paris), I have made this decision."

The switch was confirmed by AFN President Tonobok Okowa, who told ESPN: "They have officially informed us. Both World Athletics and the athlete herself."

However, Okowa claimed that contrary to Ofili's statement, her reasons for switching were purely financial and not due to the incompetence of Nigeria athletics officials.

"Ofili herself knows the whole truth," Okowa said. "This is all about money. Herself and her coach, they are trying to make some money. I don't see anything wrong with that, but as far as I am concerned, if she wants to go, it's okay. She's an adult but she should stop using these reasons as her excuse.

"Okay, the Kenyans and Jamaicans that are going to Turkey, what reasons do they have? Let her go in peace. She's an adult, she has the right to make her decision if she wants to switch allegiance or not."

The 22-year-old, who reached the 200-meter final at the Paris Games, said the move was not motivated by money despite reports Turkey offered her $500,000.

"This change comes from my heart, not from financial motives," she said.

Ofili was one of a number of Nigerian athletes who were excluded from the Tokyo Olympics due to the AFN's errors. Then, four years later, her name was not included in the 100m race, which left her in tears at the Paris Games.

Ofili said she received no compensation or apology from Nigerian officials for the missed opportunities. "They are all still in office. They said I was paid compensation. I got nothing from anyone at all, not even an apology," she said.

Okowa denied that the AFN was responsible for the Tokyo Olympics debacle, telling ESPN that the responsibility lay with the athlete: "As far as I am concerned, the first Olympics, she did not complete her out of competition test.

"And Nigeria cannot be held responsible. At that time, I was not even the president then, we just came in two weeks after. Her preparation was done by the former administration.

"But an athlete is supposed to fill her whereabouts, to enable the testing officers get to him or her. Unfortunately she did not complete her three out of competition tests, and that was why some of them were not allowed to compete. That is not the AFN's problem."

On not being entered for the 100m in Paris, Okowa said it was not the AFN's fault either, as they did what they were supposed to do: "The technical department said they put her name, and truly I was sure that her name was there.

"The list that I saw last that we signed off, her name was there. So I don't know where down the line that the name got missing in transit."

However, he argued that the athlete may not have performed well in the event anyway: "The other two athletes that were registered for the 100m, Tima Godbless and Rosemary Chukwuma, had better qualifying times. Ofili barely managed to qualify during our trials.

"Technically, she may not have been able to handle both of them. In the final race for the 200m, she was already tired, and was shutting down. It is possible that the technical department decided to give her just the 200m because it was decided that she would not be able to do both, but I doubt if that is what it was."

For now, World Athletics' website still lists Ofili as representing Nigeria. The governing body have previously confirmed receipt of four transfer applications from the Turkish federation -- including presumably Ofili's, but there has yet to be any official confirmation of approval from the Nationality Review Panel (NRP).

Under current rules, athletes must wait three years after their last competition for a country before competing for another nation, unless a waiver is granted for "exceptional circumstances" such as administrative negligence, the kind Ofili is citing.

Ofili confirmed that she will sit out this year's world championships in Tokyo while awaiting clearance.

She said: "While that means sitting out this year's championships in Tokyo, I'm truly grateful to have discovered a new home in Turkey."

By Colin Udoh, ESPN

Why Nigeria promised its women’s basketball team new apartments

Players on Nigeria’s female basketball team will receive a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment following their win at the Fiba Women’s AfroBasket Championship. That comes just weeks after Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, were promised a similar award after winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

President Bola Tinubu says the women are deserving of the recognition because they have inspired Nigerians to dream big and brought honour to the West African country. But reaction to the cash prize has been mixed, with some saying such rewards are unsustainable given the country’s economic difficulties.

Mansur Abubakar, a BBC reporter in Abuja, tells us about the government’s promises and describes the apartments in more detail. We also get reactions from Nigerian basketball fans. And William from the What in the World team tells us about the various incentives — from cash to cows — that other countries have offered athletes.

BBC

Video - Nigeria’s Super Falcons aim for historic World Cup win

Nigeria’s Super Falcons, fresh off their 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in July 2025, are targeting a historic FIFA Women’s World Cup victory.

CGTN Africa

Nigeria's champion women basketballers promised $100,000 each

 

Members of Nigeria's national female basketball team are to receive a cash reward of $100,000 (£75,000) each following their victory at the Fiba Women's AfroBasket Championship over the weekend in Ivory Coast.

At a special reception held in honour of the team, known as D'Tigress, Vice-President Kashim Shettima also promised each player a three-bedroom flat.

Nigeria defeated Mali 78-64 on Sunday to win their seventh AfroBasket title, which also secured them a spot at next year's Fiba Women's World Cup.

A similar bonus was promised to the national female football team, the Super Falcons, last month after they won the recent Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).

Members of D'Tigress's coaching and technical crew were also promised $50,000 each and a flat during the reception at State House in the capital, Abuja.

"Nigerian women have never failed this nation in sports. From the Super Falcons standing tall on the world stage, to our athletes breaking records on the track, and D'Tigress building a basketball dynasty, our women have consistently made us proud," President Bola Tinubu said in a statement.

"To all our young people watching today, let the story of D'Tigress remind you that greatness is a product of hard work, discipline, and belief. Nigeria belongs to those who dare to dream and are willing to give their best to make those dreams a reality."

There have been been mixed reactions to the promises of cash prizes - with some feeling it is unsustainable considering the country's troubled economy.

Though the question on the lips of most Nigerians is: how long will it take for them all to get their rewards?

Previous promises like this have taken years to come to fruition.

Two months ago, the government finally fulfilled its 31-year-old pledge to give houses to the 1994 Super Eagles football squad after they won the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.

Some members of that team, including Nigeria's all-time highest goal scorer Rashidi Yekini and then-captain Stephen Keshi, died before receiving the promised reward.

By Mansur Abubakar, BBC

Video - Nigeria women’s team win 10th Africa football crown

The Super Falcons rallied from a 2-0 halftime deficit to beat Morocco 3-2. The win gave Nigeria its 10th CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title. Head coach Justin Madugu was named Coach of the Tournament.

CGTN Africa

Nigeria win 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after thrilling comeback against Morocco

Nigeria staged a remarkable fightback from two goals down to beat hosts Morocco 3-2 and win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

It was a record-extending 10th triumph for Nigeria, confirming their status as the most successful women’s team in Africa. Esther Okoronkwo and Folashade Ijamilusi led the fightback at Rabat’s Stade Olympique before the substitute Jennifer Echegini swept home an 88th-minute winner.

The Morocco captain, Ghizlane Chebbak, and the winger Sanaâ Mssoudy scored in the first half hour to see the home team take a surprise lead as they sought to become only the fourth country to take the continental title after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.

In Friday’s third-place playoff, Ghana defeated South Africa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Casablanca. Nonhlanhla Mthandi’s fine strike from outside the penalty area put Banyana Banyana in front just before the break, but Ghana levelled in the 68th minute when a header from South Africa defender Alice Kusi deflected in off the goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Linda Motlhalo was denied by the Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan late on, before Evelyn Badu hit the crossbar for the Black Queens in stoppage time. It was Konlan who made the difference in the shootout, saving two South Africa penalties as Ghana won 4-3. Victory over the defending champions earned Ghana their first top-three finish at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since 2016.

Reuters

Nigeria in talks about holding Formula 1 race in Africa

Nigeria are in talks with Formula 1 about the prospect of holding a grand prix in Africa.

Lewis Hamilton has said the sport cannot continue to “ignore” Africa as it explores new locations for future calendars, and Nigeria want to stage a race at a circuit in the capital Abuja.

F1 has not raced in Africa since the 1993 South African Grand Prix in Kyalami.

But a proposal by Opus Race Promotions has “early support” from the Nigerian government, according to a report by the Times.

Opus Race Promotions in April presented the concept of an F1 race in Nigeria and held talks with Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commission.

They were then officially appointed to negotiate with F1 and the FIA, the sport’s governing body, on behalf of the Nigerian government.

“We are exploring all possibilities to bring Formula 1 to Nigeria as soon as practicable - not just as a sporting event, but as a catalytic driver of tourism, infrastructure development, youth engagement, economy and indeed soft power for Nigeria,” said Dikko said. “This vision aligns with vision of our president, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

F1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali has been invited by the promoter to visit Abuja to review the project.

Rwanda and South Africa have previously expressed interest in hold a grand prix in Africa, but neither bid has progressed in recent months.

Seven-time world champion Hamilton has said F1 should race in Africa.

Hamilton said last year: “We can't be adding races in other locations and continuing to ignore Africa, which the rest of the world just takes from. No one gives anything to Africa.”

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By Tashan Deniran-Alleyne, Evening Standard

Tributes paid after Nigeria keeper Rufai dies aged 61

 

Peter Rufai has been hailed as a "giant of football" after the former Nigeria goalkeeper died aged 61 on Thursday following a prolonged illness.

Affectionately known as Dodo Mayana, he helped the Super Eagles win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 and also represented his nation at the Fifa World Cup in 1994 and 1998.

Born in Lagos, Rufai enjoyed a stellar international career, earning 65 caps between 1983 and 1998.

His safe hands, commanding presence and calm demeanour made him a stand-out performer for Nigeria's golden generation of the 1990s.

"We mourn the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai - a giant of Nigerian football and a 1994 Afcon champion," the Nigeria Football Federation posted on X.

"Your legacy lives on between the sticks and beyond."

Rufai's death marks yet another loss from Nigeria's celebrated 1994 squad, the team that not only conquered Africa but also announced the country's arrival on the global stage by reaching the last 16 on their World Cup debut in the United States.

He becomes the sixth member of the that side to pass away, following the late Stephen Keshi, Rashidi Yekini, Wilfred Agbonavbare, Thompson Oliha and Uche Okafor.

After starting his playing career locally with Stationery Stores and Femo Scorpions in Nigeria, Rufai went on to play professionally in Benin, Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal.

Known not just for his reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, Rufai's dedication and professionalism inspired a generation of goalkeepers who followed in his footsteps.

"We lost an African legend Peter Rufai. May his soul rest well," former Nigeria team-mate Kanu posted on social media.

"May your spirit continue to inspire all of us and future generations."

Super Eagles forward Ahmed Musa said that the "nation mourns a hero" following Rufai's death.

"Your heroic reflexes and unwavering presence between the posts brought us moments of pride on the world stage," Musa said.

"Though you've left us, your legacy soars higher than any trophy. Fly high, Dodo Mayana."

By Isaiah Akinremi, BBC

Eric Chelle Determined To Win More Trophies for Nigeria After Unity Cup Victory

 

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has expressed his desire to win more trophies for Nigeria after winning the Unity Cup at the GTech Community Stadium in Brentford, London.

Chelle led the Super Eagles to victory over Jamaica in the final of the second edition of the tournament, 21 years after winning the first-ever organised Unity Cup.

In 2004, Nigeria beat the Reggae Boyz 2-0 to win the maiden edition in Charlton, but they went through a penalty shootout to claim a 5-4 victory on Saturday, after 2-2.draw in regulation time


Chelle, who had begun his reign with a win and a draw in the troubled 2026 World Cup qualifiers, was delighted to lift his first piece of silverware as a coach and hopes to add more as Nigeria go into the 2025 AFCON in Morocco by December.

“This is my first trophy as a coach. When I was a football player, I won lots of trophies. I hope with this trophy I can bring Nigeria another trophy,” Chelle said.

At the Unity Cup, the Franco-Malian coach had a blend of home-based and foreign stars, as they remain hopeful of picking a ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico before the AFCON.

“We have an important goal in September. So I saw this as an opportunity to give many players a chance to show what they can do. And I’m really happy and proud of them because, in just two or three training sessions, they worked really hard. That’s the reality.

“During this tournament, we scored goals, we created chances, and we showed some very good things in our game. But of course, we still need to work. We have weaknesses. In today’s game, for instance, we made 22 mistakes — that’s a lot.

“We need to improve, to step up as a group and as a team, especially if we want to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles will face Russia in another international friendly on Friday before resuming their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in September.

With four games left in the series, Chelle’s men will face Rwanda at home and South Africa away in September, while their last two games are against Lesotho away and the Benin Republic at home in October.

They need to win their remaining matches to stand a chance of qualifying as they are currently fourth in Group C with just seven points, six points behind leaders South Africa.

By Paul Akhagbemhe, AIT

Awoniyi out of coma as Osimhen and Iwobi lead support for Nigeria star

According to BBC Sport, Nigeria and Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi has woken from an induced coma after having surgery for a serious abdominal injury.

Awoniyi was taken to hospital on Monday, having collided with a goalpost in the closing stages of the 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Sunday. He had collided with the post in the 88th minute at the City Ground, as he attempted to reach a cross from Anthony Elanga.

He came back on and completed the match despite appearing to be in discomfort, and was subsequently taken to hospital after complications were discovered by club medical staff.

The news spread like bushfire, with his Super Eagles team-mate Victor Osimhen, who plays for Turkish side Galatasaray, posting a heartfelt message on his social media pages, quoting a scripture and saying: “Prayers up for you brother. God will never leave you.”

Nigerian legend John Obi Mikel also took to social media, writing: “Praying for Taiwo.”

Awoniyi, who moved to the Premier League outfit from Bundesliga side Union Berlin in June 2022, was on the pitch for only five minutes, having come on as a late substitute for Ibrahim Sangare.

By Dennis Kegengo, Pan-Africa Football

AZN secures exclusive rights to stream Nigeria’s Dambe sport

African Warriors Fighting Championship (AWFC) has secured an exclusive partnership with DAZN, the London-based sports streaming service, to bring Dambe, Nigeria’s centuries-old form of boxing, to a global audience. Through this collaboration, DAZN becomes the official global streaming partner for the Dambe World Series, a five-event tournament where Nigeria’s top fighters take on international contenders.

It marks a major step in the globalisation of Dambe, a combat sport with roots in West African warrior traditions. While Dambe has already gained traction online—attracting over 15 million YouTube views via AWFC’s broadcasts—DAZN’s global reach could elevate its profile much like UFC did for mixed martial arts. In 2023, AWFC teamed up with Stake, the online casino known for sponsoring global sports like football and Formula One, marking Dambe’s first international partnership.

“Dambe is a sport with deep cultural roots and immense athletic appeal,” said Maxwell Kalu, founder of AWFC. “Partnering with DAZN allows us to introduce it to a global fanbase. We are confident that 2025 will be the year Dambe captures the attention of fans worldwide.”

Founded in 2018, AWFC promotes and organises professional Dambe events to develop the sport’s global presence. Its 2024 “King of Dambe” tournament featured the sport’s first European competitor. The upcoming Dambe World Series, which kicks off in June 2025, will build on this momentum.

This partnership could also be a turning point for Dambe’s commercial viability. Beyond streaming, AWFC aims to attract sponsorship deals, merchandising opportunities, and a broader international fanbase. If successful, Dambe could follow in the footsteps of other combat sports, evolving from a regional tradition into a globally recognised competition with mainstream appeal.

“Audience attention for global combat sports has seen a huge rise,” said Kalu. “It speaks to consumer trends where people prefer to watch bite-sized content. In terms of challenges for Dambe, it’s just raising awareness. Dambe is a sport that had a vibrant ecosystem before anybody discovered it, but it was very much a quiet sport. We are raising the production standards where necessary.”

AWFC stages fights across Nigeria through a network of partner arenas, drawing paying spectators from various parts of the country. The matches are also streamed online, attracting viewers from the US and Brazil—two regions with dedicated Dambe followings, according to Kalu.

DAZN, often referred to as the “Netflix of Sport,” boasts 20 million paying subscribers across 200+ countries and holds streaming rights to major sports, including boxing, football, and the NFL. It flows well, but it could be slightly smoother. In 2023, the company reported $2.8 billion in revenue, with backing from investors, including billionaire Sir Len Blavatnik’s Access Industries.

By securing exclusive broadcasting rights to Dambe’s biggest events, DAZN is betting on the sport’s crossover appeal. For AWFC, the deal provides a crucial platform to showcase the best of Nigerian combat sports on the world stage.

By Emmanuel Nwosu, techcabal

40-Year-Old Nigerian Boxer Dies After Collapsing Mid-Fight

Nigerian boxer Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, who collapsed during a fight in Ghana, has died. He was 40.

Olanrewaju was facing off against Jonathan Mbanugu of Ghana on Saturday, March 29, in a light-heavyweight match at the Bukom Boxing Arena when he fell over backward into the ropes and appeared to lose consciousness. The referee immediately called for the ringside doctor and paramedics to assist the boxer and revive him.

Olanrewaju was then taken to the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, according to the Ghana Boxing Authority, and despite efforts to resuscitate him, he was pronounced dead soon after.

"We are really devastated," said Nigeria Boxing Board of Control, Remi Aboderin, in an interview with BBC Sport Africa. "[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family."

Aboderin added that Olanrewaju was a "ring warrior" and a "fearless" fighter.

The GBA announced its intention to investigate Olanrewaju's death, as well as the safety measures in place during the fight.

Known as "Success" in the boxing community, Olanrewaju kicked off his career in 2019, later gaining national and West African championship titles. Before the bout on March 29, Olanrewaju had 13 wins — all but one by knockout, according to NilePost — as well as 8 losses.

By Rachel Raposas, People

Super Eagles bid for World Cup 2026 falters - Nigeria 1-1 Zimbabwe

Nigeria's hopes of a place at the 2026 Fifa World Cup are back in the balance after Zimbabwe netted a last-minute equaliser to leave the West Africans off the pace in Group C.

A diving header from Victor Osimhen had put the Super Eagles on the brink of a second successive victory, but on-loan Huddersfield forward Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd in Uyo when he poked past Stanley Nwabali in the 90th minute.

After six rounds of the 10-match group campaign Nigeria have slipped to six points behind leaders South Africa, who secured a 2-0 away win against Benin through efforts from Burnley striker Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams.

Nigeria, who missed out on the 2022 finals in Qatar, are fourth in the group, a point behind Rwanda and Benin.

Only the nine group winners will qualify for the expanded 48-team tournament next year.

The four best second-placed sides will play off for a spot at an intercontinental tournament which will decide the final spots in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

After failing to win their first four games in Group C, pressure had been on Nigeria and their new coach Eric Chelle to take maximum points from their two fixtures this month.

Nigeria started with purpose against Zimbabwe, forcing visiting goalkeeper Washington Arubi into six saves in the opening 10 minutes.

Osimhen, who struck both goals in the 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday, saw a volley from an acute angle tipped behind and his header from the resulting corner brilliantly clawed away.

After Alex Iwobi and substitute Tolu Arokodare had gone close it looked like Osimhen had given the Super Eagles another vital three points when he converted Ola Aina's cross in the 74th minute.

Zimbabwe almost levelled straight away when Nwabali failed to claim a cross from the left and Knowledge Musona stabbed against the crossbar.

And, after the Warriors silenced the Uyo crowd when Chirewa placed a calm finish under Nwabali at the death, Nigeria now need other results to go their way to force themselves back into contention.

BBC

Video - Nigerian basketball veterans out to inspire the growth of the game among youth

According to the veterans, the sport exposes youth to opportunities and plays a big role in keeping them away from social vices.

CGTN

Nigeria make history, beat New Zealand in Women's U-19 Cricket World Cup

Nigeria’s women’s U-19 cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, stunned test-playing nation New Zealand by two runs in their debut match at the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.

The historic game took place on Monday at the Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.

After their opening match against Samoa was washed out on Saturday, Nigeria’s eager stars finally took to the field. However, the game against New Zealand faced a two-hour delay due to a wet pitch.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field first in the reduced 13-over match. Despite an early setback, Nigeria’s captain, Lucky Piety, led the fightback, hitting the team’s first-ever World Cup six. New Zealand responded by taking two quick wickets, leaving Nigeria at 28 for three after the powerplay.

Lilian Ude contributed 19 crucial runs, while Omosigho Eguakun struck a four off the final ball, setting New Zealand a target of 66 runs for the loss of six wickets in 13 overs.

In the second innings, the Junior Yellow Greens showed their mettle with the ball. Peace Usen claimed Nigeria’s first World Cup wicket on the opening ball, running out Kate Irwin before Emma McLeod was dismissed for three.

Eve Wolland and Anika Todd steadied New Zealand’s innings, but their dismissals by Piety and Shola Adekunle reignited Nigeria’s hopes. Ude delivered a near-perfect final over, conceding just six runs and securing a run-out on the last ball, sealing a memorable victory for Nigeria.

Captain Lucky Piety was named Player of the Match for her game-changing performance, scoring 18 runs off 22 balls and taking one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.

The victory places Nigeria second in Group C with three points, trailing leaders South Africa, who defeated Samoa by 10 wickets to claim their second win of the tournament.

Nigeria and South Africa are well-positioned to advance to the Super 6 stage. They will face each other on Wednesday to determine the group’s top spot.

By Abiodun Adewale, Punch

New Nigeria coach Éric Sékou Chelle promises attacking football

Éric Sékou Chelle has begun his tenure as coach of Nigeria's men's national team with a promise to play an attacking style of football as he works towards pulling the Super Eagles' World Cup chestnuts from the fire.

The Franco-Malian, who was officially presented by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday, says he is aware of the expectations of Nigerians -- and is prepared for them.

"Football is about scoring goals, I love attacking football, this is my philosophy," Sékou Chelle said at Monday's ceremony. "I know the expectations of Nigerians, and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup."

"I want to thank my agent, the NFF, and indeed all Nigerians, for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted.

"To coach the most populous Black nation in the world is an honour. For me, it is the best nation in Africa. I am elated and will do my utmost best. I believe Nigeria can qualify for the World Cup."

Sékou Chelle, who has a French father but played for Mali at international level, making five appearances, said that he had always had a soft spot for the Super Eagles, whose chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup are teetering after poor early qualifying results.

The Super Eagles need to win all six of their remaining games to guarantee qualification, and hope other teams in the group stumble. Sékou Chelle says they need to play high-pressure football.

"When I was growing up, this was my favourite team," he said. "I want to be the best. I need to talk to the players. We need to work harder and play high-pressure football. Time is not the best friend of every coach, but if you accept the risk you need to take responsibility."

NFF president Ibrahim Musa Gusau said the coach had signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year if he qualified the Super Eagles for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals

"I see in the new head coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level," Gusau said. "He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself.

"Coach [Sékou Chelle] recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way."

Despite the vote of confidence from the NFF, Sékou Chelle's appointment has been met with a rash of criticism from some former Nigeria internationals, including high-profile names such as two-time African Player of the Year Nwankwo Kanu and Austin Okocha.

The major arguments are that if the NFF could not hire a high-profile foreign coach they should have left Austin Eguavoen in the role or hired a Nigerian.

In response, 1997 African Player of the Year Victor Ikpeba, a member of the NFF's technical committee that recommended Sékou Chelle, said that no process would have been perfect.

"The appointment of a coach for the Super Eagles will always generate a lot of interest," Ikpeba said. "This is one of the biggest countries in Africa, and that's the passion that comes with the national team.

"Even if we had appointed Pep Guardiola, there would still be complaints. If there are no arguments, there won't be success."

Ikpeba also had some broadsides for his former teammates over their criticism of the appointment

"When Finidi George had his issues in the Super Eagles, how many ex-internationals came out to support him? Eguavoen did a remarkable job to qualify us for the [Africa Cup of Nations] but now a decision has been made and we have to support the new man.

"Eric Chelle is a young coach who will succeed with our support. We're in a tight corner in the World Cup qualifying campaign, and we must back him to get the best out of the players, who are the main actors in this situation."

Sékou Chelle, who becomes the 36th man to coach the Super Eagles, and the first non-Nigerian African, has already begun work, taking a supervisory role in the Super Eagles' African Nations Championship team preparing for the 2016 tournament in Rwanda.

By Colin Udoh, ESPN

Related story: Nigeria make historic hire of Sékou Chelle to manage Super Eagles

Video - Nigerians react to appointment of new Super Eagles head coach

The appointment of former Malian coach, Eric Chelle, took football fans by surprise. Chelle has his job cut out, as Nigerian football officials want the Super Eagles qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

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Video - Nigerian archers call for increased awareness about the sport

Archery was introduced in Nigeria in the 1990s, but the sport is not popular in many parts of the country, largely due to lack of facilities. The Nigeria Archery Federation said it was campaigning for more awareness about the sport, which presents an opportunity for the country to win medals.

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