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John Terry Says Super Eagles’ World Cup Miss Is a Blow as DR Congo Edge Nigeria in Dramatic Qualifier

Ex-England captain believes Nigeria’s absence leaves a gap, with DR Congo advancing after tense penalty shootout

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Ex-England captain believes Nigeria’s absence leaves a gap, with DR Congo advancing after tense penalty shootout

Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry has described Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a major loss for the global tournament, following the Super Eagles’ painful defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the CAF playoff final. The match, which was decided by penalties after Nigeria’s earlier win over Gabon, ended Super Eagles’ hopes of returning to football’s biggest stage.

The decisive playoff saw Eric Chelle’s men keep their World Cup dream alive by beating Gabon in the semi-finals, but they could not overcome DR Congo when it mattered most. The clash finished level after regulation time before Nigeria lost out in the penalty shootout. Specific score details and names of goalscorers or penalty takers were not reported at press time. As a result, South Africa secured automatic qualification from Group C, while DR Congo took Africa’s final spot at the expense of the Super Eagles.

For Nigerian fans, this marks a second consecutive World Cup absence after also failing to qualify for Qatar 2022. Hopes of a late reprieve were dashed when the Nigeria Football Federation’s appeal against DR Congo—over alleged use of ineligible players—was dismissed by tournament organisers. This result prolongs frustration for supporters and raises tough questions about the team’s future direction under Chelle.

Terry, speaking during a virtual roundtable organised by SuperSport, told The PUNCH that Nigeria deserved to be at the tournament given their pedigree and talent: “Nigeria will be a big miss. I would have loved to see a top team like Nigeria there because they’ve got some great individuals… They’re a great nation.” He added that former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi was “very upset” about missing out on both the pitch and commentary opportunities. No statement had been issued by the Super Eagles coaching staff or the Nigerian Football Federation at press time regarding next steps.

The 2026 World Cup kicks off today with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City—a rematch of their famous 1–1 opener from 2010. For Nigerian football, attention now turns to upcoming AFCON qualifiers and rebuilding confidence ahead of future international campaigns.

Source: https://punchng.com/nigerias-world-cup-absence-a-big-miss-terry/

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Barcelona Star Drops El Clasico Rivalry, Tips Vinicius Junior to Lead Brazil’s World Cup Dreams

A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.

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June 11, 2026

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A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.

A Barcelona star has set aside the fierce El Clasico rivalry to show support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, tipping him to be the key man for Brazil in their next FIFA World Cup campaign. The exact identity of the Barcelona player and his comments were not detailed in available reports.

With both Barcelona and Real Madrid known for their intense battles on the pitch, it is rare to see a player from either side openly back a rival. The gesture highlights the respect Vinicius Junior commands across Europe following his strong performances for both club and country. However, the specific achievements or statistics behind this endorsement were not provided at press time.

For Nigerian football fans, the story underlines how club rivalries can take a back seat when it comes to national pride on the global stage. As Brazil look ahead to their next World Cup journey, all eyes will be on whether Vinicius can carry the weight of expectation and lead his team to glory.

Neither the Barcelona camp nor Vinicius Junior had issued official statements regarding this show of support at press time.

Brazil’s next fixtures and details about how this endorsement might impact squad selection or team dynamics were not confirmed in available reports.

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Source: https://www.pulsesports.ng/story/barcelona-star-abandons-el-clasico-rivalry-backs-vinicius-to-champion-brazils-world-cup-charge-2026061102394903394

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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)

Jessica Bieni Leads Female Yellow Greens to 52-Run Victory as Nigeria Outclass Malawi in Kwibuka 2026 Opener

Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell

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June 11, 2026

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Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell

Nigeria’s Female Yellow Greens kicked off their 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament campaign with a convincing 52-run win over Malawi at the Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval in Kigali on Wednesday. The Nigerians set a target of 98/8 in their allotted 20 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 25-run knock from Jessica Bieni, before dismissing Malawi for just 46 runs in only 10.3 overs to secure a dominant opening victory.

After being sent in to bat, the Yellow Greens overcame early setbacks through key contributions from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11). Malawi’s Lucky Malino caused problems with four wickets, but Nigeria’s lower order held firm to post a competitive total.

Defending their score, coach Theophilus Ibodeme’s side delivered a ruthless bowling display. Player of the Match Shola Adekunle led the charge with three wickets for 15 runs, while Henrietta Mbam picked up two wickets for 16 runs. Captain Favour Eseigbe, returning after nearly a year out, wrapped up proceedings by claiming two wickets in three balls without conceding a run.

Eseigbe praised her team’s resilience after the match: “Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they bowled really well and troubled our batters. However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over.” She added that patience and strike rotation were key in keeping the scoreboard moving despite challenging conditions. No statement was available from the Malawi camp at press time.

The victory gives Nigeria an early boost as they continue their tournament run. Next up for the Female Yellow Greens is a clash against Brazil at Gahanga A Oval on Thursday, where they will look to build on this impressive start.

Source: https://punchng.com/cricket-nigeria-beat-malawi-in-kwibuka-2026-opener/

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Alex Iwobi Joins Super Eagles Centurions as He Hits 100 Caps in Portugal Friendly

Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa

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June 11, 2026

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Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi marked a major career milestone on Wednesday night in Leiria, Portugal, as he made his 100th appearance for Nigeria during an international friendly against the Portuguese national team. The final score and goalscorers from the match were not reported at press time, but the night belonged to Iwobi, who was recognised before kick-off with a commemorative plaque from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko.

Iwobi’s landmark appearance sees him become only the fourth player to reach a century of caps for the Super Eagles, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in this rarefied group. Since making his debut against DR Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015, after switching allegiance from England’s youth teams, Iwobi has been a regular fixture for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder has scored ten goals for the national side so far.

For Nigerian fans, Iwobi’s achievement stands out at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking new momentum ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The playmaker himself highlighted his famous goal against Zambia in Uyo back in October 2017 — a strike that sealed Nigeria’s spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — as his most memorable moment in green and white. “I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards,” Iwobi told NFF Media. He added that he has no regrets choosing Nigeria over England: “I am proud to be where I am today and proud to wear the green and white.”

Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued further statements regarding Iwobi’s centenary at press time.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture has not yet been confirmed in available reports. Fans will now look ahead to see if Iwobi can inspire another big moment as AFCON qualification resumes.

Source: https://punchng.com/iwobi-makes-100th-eagles-appearance-in-portugal-friendly/

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