The Abia State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of efforts to improve sports infrastructure and facilities across the state, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The development comes ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, with Abia Warriors set to temporarily move away from their traditional home ground.

The Umuahia-based club have adopted Elephant Park in Aba as their temporary home venue for the upcoming NPFL campaign.

The stadium is expected to undergo extensive rehabilitation aimed at upgrading its facilities and creating a more suitable environment for football and other sporting activities upon completion.

Abia Warriors will therefore play their home matches at Elephant Park, Aba, while reconstruction work continues at the Umuahia Township Stadium.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Amas Obasogie has expressed his delight after returning to Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Bendel Insurance, describing the move as a homecoming, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The shot-stopper previously featured for the Benin Arsenal before leaving the club several seasons ago to pursue a new challenge. He has now returned to the Edo-based outfit with more experience and renewed determination.

Obasogie reflected on his return in a message shared on Instagram.

“Back to where part of my journey began,” the goalkeeper wrote.

“Sometimes, life takes you away so you can grow, learn, and become stronger. Today, I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to my former team not just as a player, but with more experience, hunger, and determination.

“I’m ready to give my all for the badge, the team, and the supporters. Back home, back to work. Let the journey continue.”

The return of Obasogie is expected to provide Bendel Insurance with valuable experience and strengthen their squad as the club prepares for the new NPFL season.

Nigerian referee Joseph Odey Ogabor has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take charge of the CAF Champions League preliminary round first-leg encounter between Medeama SC and TP Mazembe, with his compatriots also included in the officiating crew.

The match is scheduled for September 6, 2026, at the TNA Stadium in Tarkwa, Ghana, with kick-off set for 3:00 p.m. GMT. Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ogabor will be assisted by fellow Nigerians Tejiri Besmart Digbori and Ahmad Tijjani Mustapha, while Salisu Basheer has been appointed as the fourth official.

Gambian Bakary K. Jammeh will serve as Match Commissioner, with Ivorian Sinko Zeli appointed as Referee Assessor.

The fixture will mark Medeama's first competitive outing of the 2026/27 season, with the Ghana Premier League champions looking to secure an advantage against experienced Congolese opponents TP Mazembe.

The return leg is scheduled for September 12, 2026, in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria’s U23 team will begin their quest for a place at the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in the second qualifying round after receiving a bye in the opening stage, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Olympic Games-bound side will face either Mauritania or the Democratic Republic of Congo, who will first meet in the opening round, with Nigeria set to take on the winner over two legs.

Should Nigeria progress, they will face the winner of the tie involving Burkina Faso and the winner between Sierra Leone and Zambia in the final qualifying round.

The Nigerian U23 side must overcome that final hurdle across two legs to secure a place at the 2027 U23 AFCON, which will be hosted by Egypt.

The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the Olympic Games, making qualification particularly important for Nigeria as they continue their bid to return to the global showpiece.

Nigeria have been drawn against West African rivals Ghana in the second round of the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The two nations will battle for a place at the continental finals, with the first leg scheduled to take place between October 9 and 11, 2026.

The return leg will be played between October 16 and 18, with both sides aiming to secure qualification for the tournament.

Senegal will host the 2026 Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria will hope to overcome Ghana and secure a place among Africa’s leading beach soccer nations.

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi opened his goalscoring account for Coventry City as the Sky Blues defeated Plymouth Argyle 4-2 in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Awoniyi gave Coventry a perfect start, finding the net early in the encounter to put his side ahead.

Jack Rudoni doubled Coventry’s advantage before Plymouth pulled one back through Oliver Irow midway through the first half.

The visitors completed their comeback shortly after the restart when Amaechi scored in the 54th minute to level the contest at 2-2.

Coventry responded strongly, with Mason restoring their lead before Victor Torp added a fourth goal to seal an entertaining 4-2 victory.

The goal marks a positive start to Awoniyi’s new chapter at Coventry following his summer move from Nottingham Forest.

The Nigerian striker will now hope to build on his EFL Cup opener and establish himself as a key attacking figure for Frank Lampard’s side.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye praised his Udinese teammates and the club’s supporters after producing a standout performance in their 1-1 draw with Como in their opening Serie A fixture of the season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Okoye was named Man of the Match after making five crucial saves to help Udinese secure a point at home.

Udinese took the lead before the half-hour mark when Hassane Kamara raced onto Jürgen Ekkelenkamp’s pass before lifting the ball over Jean Butez and into an empty net.

Como drew level after the break when Okoye initially denied Trevoh Chalobah with an excellent save from his header. However, the Nigerian goalkeeper was powerless to stop Tasos Douvikas from converting the rebound.

Okoye was called into action again shortly afterwards, producing another impressive save to prevent Douvikas from completing the comeback.

Reflecting on the result, the Super Eagles goalkeeper acknowledged the quality of the opposition while expressing satisfaction with the point.

“It’s an important point; we played against a strong team, and we are happy. We entered the field to win, but in the end a point is fine,” Okoye said, according to Udinese’s official website.

The 26-year-old also played down his individual contribution, insisting the result was the product of a collective effort.

“I’m glad to help the team with my saves, but it’s the team that played a great game today. We are all happy.”

Okoye was particularly appreciative of the home support, highlighting the role played by the Udinese fans throughout the encounter.

“Starting over at home in front of our fans is beautiful; they helped us a lot. They are very important to us; we are grateful to have fans like that.”

The draw was Udinese’s second competitive match of the campaign after their 1-0 victory over Padova in the Coppa Italia first round last weekend.

Udinese will return to action next weekend away to Monza, with Okoye hoping to maintain his impressive start to the new Serie A season.

Nigerian champions Edo Queens will begin their 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League qualifying campaign on Monday when they face AS Garde Nationale of Niger in their opening Group B fixture of the WAFU B tournament in Burkina Faso, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The encounter is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Stade du 4 Août in Ouagadougou, with Edo Queens aiming to start their campaign on a winning note.

The reigning NWFL champions head into the competition with confidence, having been backed by assistant coach Gabriel Benson to deliver a strong performance.

Benson said the players are fully prepared and aware of the responsibility that comes with representing both Edo State and Nigeria on the continental stage.

“Edo Queens have all it takes to make the country proud,” he said.

“The girls are ready and good to go. They know the opportunity laid before them, and they also know that they are representing Edo State and Nigeria at large. I know they are ready to fight to the end to win our first game and the WAFU B trophy. We are here for real business.”

The coach added that the team arrived in Burkina Faso early enough to adapt to the conditions and has been working on ensuring the players are comfortable despite the hotter weather.

“We are playing our first match against AS Garde Nationale of Niger. We dream of nothing but total victory. We came here on time, and our players are acclimatising well.”

Benson acknowledged the difficulty of Edo Queens' group, noting that it contains three former champions, but insisted that his side is not intimidated by the challenge.

“We have come to play against anybody here, knowing that the group we are placed in has three former champions that we know.”

“We are not scared. It is a tough group, no doubt. AS Garde Nationale is the only team new to us in Group B. We are prepared, and it is one game at a time.”

Edo Queens will be hoping to reproduce their success from the 2024 WAFU B competition as they begin their latest quest for continental glory and a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze started the new Serie A season with an assist as AC Milan secured a 2-1 away victory over Torino on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Chukwueze was handed a starting role by new head coach Ruben Amorim and played the full 90 minutes as Milan opened their campaign with three points.

Milan took the lead through Alphadjo Cissé in the 64th minute before Chukwueze turned provider three minutes later, setting up Adrien Rabiot to double the visitors' advantage.

Torino pulled one back in stoppage time through Che Adams, but Milan held on to claim victory.

The result moved Milan into fourth position after the opening round of Serie A fixtures, while Chukwueze will hope his performance strengthens his position in Amorim's plans.

The Nigerian spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham, where he made 23 league appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists.

Meanwhile, it was a disappointing start to life in Serie A for fellow Nigerian forward Akor Adams, who featured for the full 90 minutes as Venezia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce.

Adams joined Venezia during the summer from Sevilla, where he scored 10 goals and provided three assists in 32 league appearances.

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman featured as Atlético Madrid played out an entertaining 2-2 draw against Villarreal in their La Liga encounter on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Lookman, who was making his second appearance for Atlético Madrid this season, had a relatively quiet outing before being substituted in the 79th minute for José Giménez.

Atlético took the lead shortly before the hour mark when Spain defender Pubill unleashed a powerful long-range effort into the top corner.

Villarreal quickly responded, with Moreno converting from the penalty spot after Morten Hjulmand brought down Tajon Buchanan inside the box.

Atlético's task became more difficult in the 76th minute when Robin Le Normand received a straight red card, leaving Diego Simeone's side with 10 men.

Villarreal capitalised on their numerical advantage two minutes later, with Mikautadze putting the visitors ahead in the 78th minute.

However, Atlético refused to surrender, and Giuliano Simeone restored parity in the 84th minute to secure a point for the home side.

The draw sees Atlético avoid defeat despite playing the final stages with 10 men, while Lookman continues to settle into life at the Madrid club following his summer move.

Nigeria youngster Zadok Yohanna made his Premier League debut as Brighton & Hove Albion began the 2026/27 campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Aston Villa at the Amex Stadium on Sunday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

The 19-year-old was named among Brighton’s substitutes before being introduced with 12 minutes remaining as the Seagulls completed a comfortable opening-day victory.

Despite his limited time on the pitch, Yohanna earned a 6.2 rating from DAZN. The platform described his contribution as: “Limited time but helped maintain defensive structure late on.”

Yohanna recorded 11 touches, completed all five of his passes, with all five coming in the opposition half, and completed one of his two attempted dribbles.

The victory moved Brighton to the top of the Premier League table on goal difference after the opening round of fixtures.

Yohanna began his career with Ikon Allah Football Academy in Nigeria before moving to Swedish club AIK in 2025. He subsequently featured for AIK’s first team during the 2026 season.

In June 2026, Brighton reportedly signed the teenager for €28 million, making the transfer a Swedish record.

Yohanna also received his first Super Eagles call-up in May 2026 for the Unity Cup in London, although AIK declined to release him as he continued his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

His Premier League debut now represents another significant milestone in the youngster’s rapidly developing career.

Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis has completed his move to UAE Pro League club Al Jazira from Turkish side Goztepe, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Al Jazira confirmed the signing of the 22-year-old midfielder through its official X account, announcing that Dennis had joined the club and been registered as a resident player.

Dennis joined Göztepe from HB Academy in Abuja in January 2023 and initially played for the club’s U-19 team before breaking into the senior squad. He made his professional debut in a 1-1 TFF First League draw against Corum in January 2024.

The midfielder quickly established himself as an important member of the first team and played a key role in Goztepe’s promotion to the Turkish Süper Lig ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

His performances earned him a contract extension in May 2024, keeping him at the Turkish club until 2027.

Dennis went on to make 83 appearances across all competitions for Goztepe, scoring five goals and providing two assists. He also previously received an invitation to the Super Eagles.

The Nigerian midfielder will now begin a new chapter with Al Jazira, where he will look to build on his development and establish himself in the UAE Pro League.

Nigerian international Samuel Chukwueze was named Man of the Match after helping AC Milan begin the 2026/27 Serie A campaign with a 2-1 away victory over Torino at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday, writes Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Chukwueze operated as a right wing-back and proved a constant threat on the flank, capping his impressive display with a brilliant assist for Milan’s second goal, which Adrien Rabiot converted.

The Nigerian created four chances, more than any other player in the match, while also recording impressive numbers for touches in the opposition box and possession won.

His performance offered an encouraging start to life under new Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, with the Portuguese coach deploying Chukwueze in a different role after the winger spent last season on loan at Premier League side Fulham.

The display also provided early evidence that Amorim’s tactical approach could suit the Nigerian, who will hope to maintain his form as Milan pursue a return to the Champions League.

Chukwueze will next have the opportunity to impress when Milan host Akor Adams’ Venezia at San Siro.

Adams, however, endured a difficult start to his Serie A campaign as Venezia suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Lecce, with the Nigerian striker playing the full 90 minutes. He joined Venezia from Sevilla during the summer transfer window.

Milan have undergone significant changes following a disappointing campaign last season, with the club targeting a top-four finish and a return to Europe’s elite competition. Amorim, who previously managed Sporting CP and had a difficult spell at Manchester United, has introduced his preferred 3-4-2-1 system as the Rossoneri look to rebuild.

C2E Sports Academy have been crowned champions of the 2026 Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) Nationwide after defeating Obosa Queens FA 2-1 in the final at Enyimba Stadium, Aba, on Sunday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

The victory brought the 2025/26 NWFL season to a close, completing the league’s three-tier competition structure after the Premiership and Championship divisions concluded.

C2E Sports Academy made a strong start to the final, with Agnes Ohuche opening the scoring in the 11th minute before Nina Ude doubled their advantage in the 30th minute.

Obosa Queens responded shortly after the restart, with Saidat Idowu reducing the deficit in the 47th minute. C2E, however, held firm for the remainder of the contest to secure the title.

The Nationwide Championship, held from August 16 to 23, featured 12 clubs competing for promotion and provided a platform for emerging female footballers to gain valuable competitive experience.

Both finalists earned promotion to the NWFL Championship for the 2026/27 season.

NWFL Chief Operating Officer Modupe Shabi praised the participating teams and stakeholders for contributing to the successful tournament, while also commending the Abia State Government and the Abia State Football Association for their support.

Shabi said the competition highlighted the depth of talent available in Nigerian women’s football and stressed the importance of providing young players with the right structure and opportunities to develop.

She also acknowledged the contribution of clubs, players, coaches, match officials, medical teams, volunteers, media organisations and partners throughout the 2025/26 campaign.

The NWFL congratulated C2E Sports Academy on their championship triumph and Obosa Queens FA on their promotion, with both clubs now set to compete in the Championship division next season.

The Super Falcons will begin their bid to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games when they face Comoros in the second round of the African qualifiers in October, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Nigeria received a bye into the second round alongside South Africa and Ghana after being ranked among Africa’s top teams. The two-legged tie against Comoros is scheduled for October 5–13, 2026.

Comoros booked their place in the second round in emphatic fashion, defeating Sudan 30-0 on aggregate. They won the first leg 17-0 before completing the rout with a 13-0 victory in the return fixture.

Nigeria will enter the tie as clear favourites, but the knockout format leaves little room for complacency. The Falcons must successfully navigate each round to secure one of Africa’s two available Olympic tickets.

A victory over Comoros would send Nigeria into the third round, where they could face either Morocco or Congo between February 23 and March 6, 2027. Morocco would present a particularly challenging test, having emerged as one of Africa’s leading women’s teams in recent years.

Fourth-Round Challenge

Should Nigeria progress beyond the third round, another two-legged tie awaits between October 4 and 12, 2027.

Potential opponents at that stage include Tunisia, Senegal, Benin Republic and Mali, meaning the Falcons will need consistency throughout a qualification campaign stretching over more than a year.

The final stage is scheduled for November 23 to December 4, 2027, when the remaining four teams will battle for the continent’s two Olympic berths.

A total of 35 African nations entered the qualifying competition, with the teams progressing through successive knockout rounds.

For Nigeria, four successful two-legged ties will be required to secure qualification for Los Angeles.

Falcons Target Consecutive Olympic Appearances

The Super Falcons returned to the Olympic Games at Paris 2024 after a 16-year absence and will now attempt to qualify for consecutive editions for the first time since reaching the 2004 and 2008 tournaments.

Nigeria previously competed at Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and Paris 2024, with the quarter-finals at Athens 2004 representing their best Olympic finish.

With four rounds standing between the Falcons and Los Angeles, preparation, squad depth, player fitness and adequate support will be crucial.

The journey to Los Angeles begins against Comoros in October, with Morocco or Congo potentially awaiting in the next round.

Super Eagles defender Chibuike Nwaiwu was involved in a humorous moment with Mohamed Salah after Trabzonspor began their Turkish Süper Lig campaign with a 2-1 victory over ?stanbul Basaksehir on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Salah was the standout performer at Papara Park, scoring twice to secure Trabzonspor’s first league win of the season. The Egyptian opened the scoring in the eighth minute before doubling the advantage four minutes after the restart.

Eldor Shomurodov reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, but Trabzonspor held on to claim all three points.

Television cameras later captured a playful exchange between Salah and Nwaiwu, with the Nigerian defender appearing to jokingly clean the Egyptian forward’s boots after one of his goals.

The amusing incident quickly caught the attention of fans, but Nwaiwu also made an important contribution on the pitch, producing a crucial early intervention to deny Shomurodov a clear opportunity.

The 23-year-old is part of Trabzonspor’s defensive setup alongside experienced players such as Stefan Savi? and former Manchester United goalkeeper André Onana. He is also included in the club’s UEFA Europa League squad.

Salah, meanwhile, has made an immediate impact since joining Trabzonspor on a two-year contract earlier this month following his departure from Liverpool.

With Salah already finding the net and Nwaiwu growing in importance at the back, Trabzonspor will hope the duo can help drive the club towards a successful domestic and European campaign.

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi has expressed his delight after helping Hull City secure a memorable 2-0 victory over Manchester United in their Premier League opener at the MKM Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, reacting quickest after United goalkeeper Senne Lammens had denied Oli McBurnie from a corner. His effort marked Hull City’s first Premier League goal in nine years.

The Nigeria international was delighted to play a decisive role in the Tigers’ impressive victory and praised the team’s strong start to the encounter.

“It was amazing. It kind of capped off the really good start that we had. We had a couple of chances before that which we didn’t manage to put away, but obviously that one got us into the lead, and also gave us something to protect, but also build on,” Ajayi told TNT Sports.

“I’m buzzing to get the goal to get us underway. I’m happy it left us getting three points.”

Despite the impressive victory, Ajayi has urged his teammates to remain focused and avoid getting carried away by the result.

The experienced centre-back stressed that Hull must continue to believe in themselves and concentrate on their performances rather than external expectations.

“We’re not really focusing on outside noise. We’re just worried about what goes on in the changing room. We know what we’ve got in the changing room, we believe in ourselves, and we back ourselves to do our best every single day,” he added.

“So, more performances like this, and hopefully, we’ll have a really, really positive season.”

Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi was on target as newly promoted Hull City stunned Manchester United 2-0 in a dominant opening-day display at the KC Stadium on Saturday, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com.

Ajayi opened the scoring in the 17th minute, rising highest to head home from a corner and give Hull a deserved lead.

The hosts doubled their advantage three minutes before half-time when Nobel Mendy powered a header past the United defence from Regan Slater’s free-kick delivery.

Both goals exposed Manchester United’s vulnerability from set pieces, with Michael Carrick’s side struggling to deal with Hull’s deliveries into the penalty area.

United improved after the break but failed to create enough clear-cut opportunities to mount a comeback. Marcus Rashford, who returned from a loan spell at Barcelona and was handed the No. 9 shirt, came on at half-time but could not inspire a turnaround.

The defeat gives Carrick plenty to address after his first Premier League game as United’s permanent head coach, while the club’s long wait for another league title continues following their last triumph in 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.

For Hull, the victory marked an emphatic return to the Premier League after securing promotion last season. Sergej Jakirovic’s side produced a disciplined display to claim a statement win against one of England’s biggest clubs.

Hull midfielder Slater summed up the result after the match, saying: “We picked up where we left off.”

The victory gives Hull an ideal start to their top-flight campaign, while United will look to respond when they host fellow promoted side Ipswich Town at Old Trafford next weekend.

Super Eagles winger Bright Ejuke was on target as Sevilla started their La Liga campaign with an impressive 3-1 away victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday evening, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Sevilla took control early when Oso opened the scoring in the 15th minute, giving the visitors a deserved advantage.

Ejuke then doubled Sevilla’s lead five minutes after the restart, finding the net in the 50th minute to put his side firmly in control.

Romero added Sevilla’s third goal in the 57th minute, leaving Athletic Bilbao with a difficult task.

The hosts managed to pull one back through Paredes, but Sevilla remained composed to secure all three points.

Ejuke’s goal capped a strong individual display and provided an early boost for the Nigerian winger as Sevilla began the new La Liga season on a winning note.

Nigeria international Nathan Tella opened his goalscoring account for the new season as Bayer Leverkusen cruised to a 4-0 victory over Wehen Wiesbaden in the DFB-Pokal on Saturday, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Tella came off the bench and made an immediate impact, scoring Leverkusen’s third goal just four minutes after his introduction.

The winger replaced Fernandez in the 65th minute before finding the net in the 69th minute to cap an impressive cameo and help Leverkusen secure their place in the next round.

Patrik Schick opened the scoring shortly before half-time, while Lucas Vázquez doubled Leverkusen’s advantage two minutes after the restart.

Christian Kofane completed the rout in the 79th minute as the Bundesliga side maintained control throughout the encounter.

Leverkusen dominated possession with 71 per cent compared to Wehen Wiesbaden’s 29 per cent, while the hosts struggled to create any significant threat.

Tella’s goal provides an early boost as he looks to establish himself as a more prominent figure in Leverkusen’s plans this season.

His fellow Nigerian, Victor Boniface, remained an unused substitute as he continues his return to the Leverkusen squad following his loan spell at Werder Bremen last season.