Storytimes Newspapers

  The Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for an international friendly against Jordan in Amman during the March 23–31 FIFA international window. This match would mark the first-ever senior-level encounter between the two nations. Jordan, who have qualified for their debut appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, are using the fixture as part of their preparations for the global tournament. They are drawn in a challenging group that includes powerhouses like Argentina, alongside African side Algeria and Austria. For Nigeria, the friendly is being arranged amid ongoing uncertainty over the Super Eagles' qualification status for the 2026 World Cup. The team was eliminated in the African playoff final after a 4-3 penalty shootout loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) following a 1-1 aggregate draw. However, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) lodged a protest with FIFA alleging irregularities, including the possible use of ineligible players by DR Congo. FIFA is expec...

  The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has firmly dismissed speculation about Eric Chelle potentially leaving his role as head coach of the Super Eagles, confirming he will remain in charge. This comes amid recent rumors linking the Franco-Malian tactician to other national teams (such as Tunisia and Angola) and even club interest (e.g., from Olympique de Marseille), following his successful stint that saw Nigeria secure a third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Gusau downplayed financial incentives from other suitors, questioning whether rival teams offer the same talent pool or platform for success: "It's not just about interest in him because he has gotten results with the Super Eagles. Even if they offer him more money, do they have the necessary materials for him to work with?" The NFF wants to avoid distractions for the coach, who has brought discipline, attacking flair, and unbeaten form (11 wins, 7 draws in 18 games under his tenu...

  Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi has disclosed what he told Egypt goalkeeper Oufa Shobeir before he scored his penalty against him during both sides’ AFCON semi-final third-place playoff. The Super Eagles defeated the Pharaohs 4-2 via penalty shoot-out after the encounter ended in a barren draw. Iwobi was among the Super Eagles players who converted their penalty kick. Shobeir approached the Fulham star and said something to him. Iwobi then responded to Shobeir and smiled before he converted his penalty kick. However, when asked by fellow Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman what the Egyptian goalkeeper told him, Iwobi simply said, “He said to me, ‘Iwobi, I know where you are going to go and if I save your penalty, you are going to give me your shirt’, and I said no problem.”

  Nigeria’s Super Eagles have risen 12 places to 26th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, according to the updated list released on Monday, January 19, 2026. The rise,  from 38th to 26th follows Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where the Eagles secured a third-place finish and claimed the bronze medal. The impressive showing included six wins in seven matches, with the only defeat coming against hosts Morocco in a tight semifinal decided by penalties. Nigeria is now the third-best team in Africa, behind AFCON finalists Senegal, ranked 12th globally, and Morocco, placed eighth in the world. Algeria and Egypt, both eliminated by Nigeria at the tournament, occupy fourth and fifth positions respectively on the African ranking. Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany and Croatia make up the world’s top 10 teams.

  Ademola Lookman has said the Super Eagles can be proud of their display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Storytimes  reports. Eric Chelle’s side finished third in the competition, following their 4-2 penalty shootout win over the Pharaohs of Egypt on Saturday night. Lookman insisted that the Super Eagles did so many things right in Morocco. “It was a good competition from us. We scored a lot of goals, we created a lot of chances. We played some good football.We can be proud of what we have done,” Lookman said after the game with Egypt. The Atalanta winger also praised the unity in the team. “There’s unity in the team. We fought for each other, long may it continue,” he added.

  Ghana football icon Asamoah Gyan has disclosed that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen remains his favourite striker. The former Sunderland star made this known after his impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored four goals for the Super Eagles. In a chat with  Footy Africa,  Gyan stated that the Galatasaray striker loves scoring goals, and he would love to see him play for Manchester United. “My favourite striker now, Victor Osimhen. He loves scoring goals,” he told Rio Ferdinand on Rio Presents. “Victor Osimhen plays with the heart. He gives everything. I like those kind of strikers. I’m surprised the big clubs didn’t come for him this transfer window. “I am appealing to Manchester United to if only he wants to come.”

  Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has expressed disappointment that he and his team could not bring the 2025 AFCON trophy to Nigeria. The Super Eagles ended their campaign at this year’s AFCON in a high after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the third-place playoff. The game was decided via penalties after 90 minutes ended goalless. Super Eagles first choice Stanley Nwabali was the star of the match was he saved the spot kicks of Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. Ademola Lookman converted the winning spot kick as he sent the Egyptian keeper the wrong way. Speaking at his post-match press conference, Chelle praised his players for giving their all. “I was so disappointed for my players because they gave everything during this AFCON and this moment I’m very proud of them,” Chelle said. “I’m very proud to be the coach of Nigeria, we gave everything for one month and it’s so good right now because it wasn’t easy but I’m very proud of them, they’ve earned my respect. “I’m disappoi...

  Stanley Nwabali won the Man of the Match award in Super Eagles’ 2025 Africa Cup of Nations third-place encounter against the Pharaohs of Egypt. Éric Chelle’s side won the keenly contested encounter 4-2 on penalities. Both teams battled to a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes. Nwabali was the hero for the Super Eagles in the shootout. The Chippa United saved twice, from Mohamed Salah, and Omar Marmoush to help the Super Eagles win the game. It would be recalled that five Super Eagles players previously won the award at the AFCON 2025 finals. Semi Ajayi, Ademola Lookman, and Raphael Onyedika won the Individual accolade in the group stage. Lookman won the award in the Round of 16 encounter against Mozambique, while Victor Osimhen picked up the prize in the quarter-final against Algeria.

  The Super Eagles won their ninth Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze medal after defeating Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout in Saturday’s third-place game at the Casablanca’s Mohammed V Stadium. The Egyptian had the first taste of the Super Eagles goalpost in the 2nd minute after a quick pass from the North African caught the Nigerian defense napping, but Stanley Nwabali was quick to save the ball. The three-time AFCON champions had their first shot on target in the 13th minute thanks to Akor Adams’ low drive shot that was calmly saved by Egypt goalkeeper Khaled Sobhi. In the 26th minute, a quick interchange of passes between two Egyptian players found Mohamed Salah in Nigeria’s 18-yard box, but he couldn’t beat the Chippa United goalkeeper. The Super Eagles broke the deadlock in the 35th minute through Adams’ header, for his third goal of the competition. However, the goal was cancelled by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) due to Paul Onuachu’s elbow on an Egyptian defender. He ...

  Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss from the 2025 AFCON after losing 4-2 on penalties to host Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat. The encounter, widely billed as a “final before the final”, ended goalless after regulation time and extra time, with both sides locked in a fierce tactical battle. The semi-final itself was an absorbing, finely balanced affair. Both teams showed intent from the outset, trading early opportunities in an open first half. Nigeria’s key attacking players, including Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman, struggled to impose themselves on the game, as chances were few and far between. Nigeria’s talisman Victor Osimhen was tightly marshalled throughout, with Morocco’s defence acutely aware of the danger any lapse in concentration could pose. As fatigue set in during extra time and the stakes rose, caution prevailed, with both sides opting for a safety-first approach. With no breakthrough forthcoming after 120 min...

  The Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, has commended Nigeria’s Super Eagles for their gallant display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He said that the monetary pledged by made him still stands in spite of the semifinal defeat by host Morocco. Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking loss from the 2025 AFCON after losing 4-2 on penalties to host Morocco in a tense semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat on Wednesday. Rabiu praised the players’ courage, unity and determination, describing their performance as worthy of national pride and celebration. The disclosed this in his official X handle, where he congratulated the Super Eagles for their impressive performance and national pride. “You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage on the pitch. Every Nigerian is proud of you,” Rabiu said. He noted that results do not always reflect effort, stressing that the team’s fighting spirit and passion resonated strongly with Nige...

  The Super Eagles are in action TONIGHT in the AFCON semi-final against Morocco (hosts). Kick-off is around 8pm GMT – that's prime time in Naija! Nigeria is gunning for revenge after Morocco knocked us out in 2019, and with stars like Osimhen and Lookman leading the charge (both recent African Player of the Year winners), the energy is electric. People on X are going wild with predictions – scores like 2-0 Nigeria, 2-1, even some bold ones calling it 1-1 draw. Massive giveaways for correct score predictions too (₦200k pots and more)! Who's your money on? Super Eagles all the way? 🦅⚽