FIFA has appointed Gabonese referee Eric Otogo-Castane to officiate the World Cup qualifier between Algeria and Nigeria. The 41-year-old will be assisted by MM. Aboubacar Doumbouya of Guinea and Seydou Tiama of Burkina Faso, while the fourth referee is Juste Ephrem Zio of Burkina Faso.
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola says Lionel Messi is the only footballer currently better than Manchester City midfielder De Bruyne in Europe. The Spaniard, however, said the Belgian must win trophies if he is to be considered one of the world's greatest players and that he has been in top form this season. Asked whether De Bruyne could become the best player in the world, Guardiola told a news conference: "The best is just one.
The army in the Democratic Republic of Congo says the bodies of 26 people killed in an ambush by rebels earlier this month have been discovered in the east of the country.
The Super Eagles have been presented with the sum of N50 million by Premier Lotto following their qualification for the Russia 2018 World Cup, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.
Indonesian football fans are mourning the death of Choirul Huda, the long-term goalkeeper and captain of top flight side Lamongan FC, usually known as Persela, following a collision with a team mate during a weekend match at their stadium in East Java.
Akwa United Football Club of Uyo on Sunday in Lagos carted home N10 million after defeating Niger Tornadoes to win the Federation Cup, in a match watched by eminent personalities.
The club beat Tornadoes FC 3-2 on penalty kicks to win the AITEO Cup competition,with the Niger team going home with N5 million.
