Football

Following the most recent announcement from FIFA, the world's soccer governing body, regarding this month's Intercontinental Play-Off in Mexico, the Nigeria Super Eagles' hopes of competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup seemed hopeless. FIFA has once again affirmed the Democratic Republic of the Congo as Africa's sole participant and, in a final accreditation notification for the forthcoming inter-confederation play-off event, has essentially rejected Nigeria's legal appeal.

Mikel Arteta hit back at claims from Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler that Arsenal "make their own rules" after a hard-fought 1-0 win kept the Premier League leaders firmly on course for the title. Bukayo Saka scored the decisive goal in the ninth minute at the Amex
Stadium, his deflected effort proving enough to secure Arsenal's third successive league victory. The result moved the Gunners seven points clear at the top after Manchester City were held to a 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest.

The difficulty of overseeing the workload of his occupied team is keeping Liverpool manager Arne Slot up at night. Due to four long-term injuries, the Premier League winners have only been able to substitute a maximum of four senior players for the last five games.

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.