LAGOS, Nigeria — It is a day of sharp contrasts for Nigerian football. The nation is reeling from a historic humiliation on the continental stage, while simultaneously celebrating a groundbreaking milestone achieved by its resilient youth women’s national team.
In a shocking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the continent, no Nigerian player, coach, goalkeeper, or club made the final shortlist for the 2026 CAF Awards in any of the seven men’s categories. Even more devastatingly, the Super Falcons were entirely excluded from the Women’s Player of the Year shortlists, leaving reigning African football royalty like Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen completely out in the cold. Football pundits across the country have labeled the total omission as an unprecedented wake-up call for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
However, just as dark clouds settled over the nation’s football house, the Under-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, provided a golden lining by thrashing giants Brazil 3-1 in Morocco to qualify for their first-ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Final. Under the tactical guidance of Coach Akeem Busari, the teenage sensations completely dismantled the South Americans with a masterclass in attacking football. The historic victory has ignited widespread celebration across Nigeria, earning immediate national praise from Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who urged the girls to bring the trophy home.
Meanwhile, on the domestic front, Enugu Rangers International have climbed to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) following a gritty 1-0 victory over Bendel Insurance. Their rise to the top comes amidst brewing controversy, as rivals Rivers United were slapped with a hefty ₦15 million suspended fine by the league board for staging a stadium lockout against official broadcast partners during last Sunday’s Matchday 11 clash.
Rounding up today’s action, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle faces a major selection headache ahead of next week’s crucial 2027 AFCON double-header qualifiers against Tanzania. AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze is officially ruled out after undergoing hip surgery in London, though the camp received a minor boost with Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez returning to full training following an ankle recovery.