Football

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has dismissed speculation that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could be tempted away by other African nations following Nigeria's outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Chelle led the Super Eagles to a third-place finish at the continental tournament, earning the backing of his players to continue in the role despite falling short of delivering a fourth AFCON title for Nigeria. In the aftermath of the competition, reports linked the Franco-Malian tactician with coaching vacancies in Tunisia, Guinea, Angola and his former national team, Mali. Tunisian football authorities are said to have made enquiries and reportedly tabled a potential offer worth about $100,000 per month.

Ademola Lookman has completed his move to Atletico Madrid after signing a long-term deal with the club to play for them until 30 June 2030.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) has announced an extension of the mid-season transfer phase and the registration period of new players for the second half of the season, shifting from Saturday, 31 January, to Friday, 6 February 6, 2026.

The Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has expressed his deep sympathies to the Super Eagles captain and Turkish Super Lig side Besiktas player, Wilfred Ndidi, following the death of his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a tragic road accident that occurred on Tuesday in Umunede, close to Agbor, Delta State.

FIFA released its current world rankings on Monday, showing a significant improvement for Nigeria as the Super Eagles climbed to 26th place on FIFA’s official website, up from their previous 38th position.

Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike sealed a dramatic 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a chaotic final that saw tempers flare and controversy dominate the closing stages. Morocco appeared to have been handed a golden chance to decide the match deep into stoppage time when Brahim Diaz stepped up to take a penalty in the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal play. The award, which followed a lengthy VAR review, sparked immediate dispute on the pitch and in the stands.