Sports

NFF President Gusau, Board Members Resign Amid Super Falcons World Cup Failure

Published

2 months ago

August 27, 2026

NFF President Gusau, Board Members Resign Amid Super Falcons World Cup Failure

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and several members of the executive committee have resigned amid mounting pressure over the federation’s management of Nigerian football, following a series of national team failures and investigations into the use of public funds. General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed the development on Wednesday, stating: “Yes, the news about the resignation of the president and myself is true.” The resignations mark a historic moment for Nigerian football, being the first time an NFF president has resigned in the history of the game in the country. The development comes barely a month before the federation’s elective congress, which had been scheduled for September 27 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The NFF board had come under intense pressure following the poor management of Nigerian football, with the latest debacle being the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time in the tournament’s history. Nigeria had participated in every edition of the Women’s World Cup since the tournament began in 1991, making this a significant setback for the country’s most successful women’s football side. The Super Falcons lost 1-0 to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, ending their title defence and forcing them into a playoff route for World Cup qualification. Their hopes were subsequently ended by a 2-1 defeat to South Africa’s Banyana Banyana. The women’s team’s failure follows the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups, having failed to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 editions. Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel publicly called for changes in the NFF leadership, warning that Nigeria risked missing a third consecutive World Cup if Gusau remained in office.

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The crisis has been compounded by investigations into the management of funds released by the Federal Government for Nigeria’s national teams. The Department of State Services (DSS) has been examining the use of a ₦17 billion intervention fund approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to settle outstanding wages, bonuses, and other payments owed to national team players. According to reports, security agencies have beamed their searchlight on officials of the NFF to show proof of what they did with the massive fund released to the Glass House. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) have also reportedly stepped in to check the federation’s finances. The EFCC and ICPC investigations have proceeded to the point where the NFF has cited them as a reason for not releasing financial records under a Freedom of Information request. An authoritative source told Vanguard: “It’s a normal thing for DSS to go through all documents relating to the funds released,” dismissing fears of witch hunt or hounding. However, the probe extends beyond financial matters, with reports of other intelligence agencies examining communications between NFF officials and foreign nationals.

The executive committee of the NFF headed by Ibrahim Gusau was under intense pressure to resign, following the spate of failures and also following the resignation of more than half of its members. Eight of the 13 members of the NFF board have, allegedly, quit their positions. The board had reportedly met and considered the option of resigning en-masse to pave the way for a Normalisation Committee to run the country’s football for a period, allowing for needed reforms before a new board is elected. An official of the National Sports Commission reportedly described the resignation as “the first step towards restructuring the NFF.” A National Sports Commission official told Daily Post that the resignation is part of a restructuring effort, with the aim of implementing a new governance structure. The official noted that the resignations could allow for a “normalisation committee” to be established to oversee the transition.

The reported resignations could halt the scheduled September 27 elections into the board of the NFF slated for Lafia, Nasarawa State. The election was expected to usher in a new Executive Committee for the next four years, with the electoral roadmap already released. However, the dramatic change at the top of the federation has raised fundamental questions: Will Lafia still host the congress? Will the Federal Government or the National Sports Commission intervene? The NFF Statutes provide for dissolution when at least nine of 13 members resign, further complicating the situation.

Stakeholders like Chief Segun Odegbami, Dr. Danladi Bako, Barrister Godwin Dudu-orumen and Tony Ubani are all of the opinion that Gusau and his clique have no moral right to seek reelection. Another strong voice that is singing the same song, London-based anti-corruption crusader in football, Osasu Obayiuwana has joined them. The NFF’s ability to effectively govern Nigerian football has been widely questioned, with critics pointing to the “rotten” and “filthy house” of Nigerian football governance. The federation’s handling of funds has been a central concern, with one stakeholder noting that “no NFF administration has enjoyed the kind of financial windfall that the Gusau board has enjoyed,” yet there is “little or nothing to show for it.”

NFF President Gusau, Board Members Resign Amid Super Falcons World Cup Failure

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Ronaldo Hits 980th Career Goal as Al-Nassr Win After Portugal Fallout

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Hits 980th Career Goal as Al-Nassr Win After Portugal Fallout

Cristiano Ronaldo has moved closer to the historic 1,000-goal milestone after scoring for Al-Nassr in their 3-0 victory over Al-Diriyah in the Saudi Pro League, following a controversial fallout with Portugal’s national team coach, Jorge Jesus.

The 41-year-old Portuguese forward scored his 980th career goal on Friday, October 9, 2026, as Al-Nassr returned to domestic action with a convincing victory in Riyadh.

Ronaldo’s goal came midway through the first half when Al-Diriyah goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah parried a long-range effort from Kingsley Coman. Ronaldo reacted quickly to the rebound and finished from close range to give Al-Nassr the lead.

The goal brought the five-time Ballon d’Or winner 20 goals away from his publicly stated target of scoring 1,000 goals in official matches, further extending a remarkable career spanning club and international football.

Al-Nassr doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Samu Costa headed home from a corner delivered by João Félix. Coman subsequently added the third goal with 13 minutes remaining to seal the 3-0 victory.

The result kept Al-Nassr level on points with Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Qadsiah after eight rounds, although they remained behind on goal difference. Al-Qadsiah had earlier strengthened their position with a 5-0 victory over Al-Kholood.

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Ronaldo also received support from Al-Nassr supporters, who displayed banners celebrating his achievements before the match. The Portuguese Football Federation’s acknowledgement of his goal on social media also attracted attention against the backdrop of the recent controversy surrounding his national team involvement.

The club performance offered a positive response from Ronaldo after an international break dominated by reports of a disagreement with Jesus over his role in Portugal’s squad.

The dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, during which Ronaldo was not introduced despite warming up. He was subsequently informed that he would not start against Denmark.

In a statement reported by Reuters on October 6, Ronaldo alleged that Jesus had broken his word on two occasions. According to the forward, they had initially agreed that he would miss the two matches to manage his fitness, but the coach later indicated that he would play for 30 minutes against Norway.

Ronaldo said a subsequent meeting involving Jesus and Al-Nassr sporting director Simão Coutinho produced an understanding about how the coach would explain the situation publicly. He alleged that Jesus failed to follow the agreed explanation.

Jesus disputed Ronaldo’s account, denying that such an agreement had been made.

Ronaldo later apologised for leaving Portugal’s training camp and for failing to acknowledge supporters after the Norway match. He also accepted that the Portuguese Football Federation could impose disciplinary measures over his conduct.

Despite the disagreement, Ronaldo insisted that he had not retired from international football and remained willing to represent Portugal after serving any punishment that might be imposed.

Portugal’s coach and federation president Pedro Proença have indicated that the forward remains welcome in the national team setup. The federation has also described the episode as a misunderstanding to be resolved internally.

Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leading scorer, with 146 goals in 234 international appearances. His next steps with the national team will depend on the resolution of the dispute and any disciplinary decision by the federation.

For now, his return to club action has put the focus back on his scoring record and Al-Nassr’s league campaign. With 980 career goals, Ronaldo continues his pursuit of the 1,000-goal landmark while uncertainty remains over the timing of his next Portugal appearance.

Ronaldo Hits 980th Career Goal as Al-Nassr Win After Portugal Fallout

Sports

Fury-Joshua Showdown Sells Out in 60 Minutes as 500,000 Fans Queue for Tickets

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

Trends Admin

British heavyweight stars Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury

Fury-Joshua Showdown Sells Out in 60 Minutes as 500,000 Fans Queue for Tickets

More than 80,000 tickets for the highly anticipated Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua heavyweight boxing showdown reportedly sold out within 60 minutes, as more than 500,000 fans queued online to secure seats for the long-awaited clash between the two British boxing stars.

The extraordinary demand highlights the global interest in the proposed December 2026 contest, which is expected to bring together two of Britain’s most recognisable heavyweight fighters.

The bout is scheduled to take place at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales, with the event expected to attract a global audience. The reported ticket prices range from £88.50 to £13,128, including booking fees for the most expensive seats.

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The rapid sell-out means many prospective spectators were unable to secure tickets, despite joining the online queue. The reported figures also underline the commercial appeal of a fight that boxing fans have anticipated for years.

Fury and Joshua, both former heavyweight world champions, have been linked to a potential showdown for more than a decade. However, negotiations and repeated delays have prevented the two fighters from meeting in a professional bout.

The proposed encounter is expected to draw significant international attention, with Netflix reported to be the global broadcaster. Organisers have also indicated that the timing of the event is intended to accommodate audiences in different parts of the world.

The fight is expected to be one of the major boxing attractions of 2026, provided the announced arrangements proceed as planned. Its ticket demand has already generated considerable interest, even before the fighters enter the ring.

For boxing supporters, the contest represents an opportunity to see two heavyweight rivals finally face each other in a professional bout after years of speculation and anticipation.

Fury-Joshua Showdown Sells Out in 60 Minutes as 500,000 Fans Queue for Tickets

Sports

Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Portugal Row as Pelé, Maradona Comparison Sparks Meme Frenzy

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo

Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Portugal Row as Pelé, Maradona Comparison Sparks Meme Frenzy

Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked a wave of memes and heated debate among football fans after breaking his silence on his reported disagreement with Portugal coach Jorge Jesus, with a controversial reference to legends Pelé and Diego Maradona emerging as one of the most discussed aspects of the dispute.

The Al-Nassr forward’s statement sought to explain his departure from Portugal’s national team camp ahead of the side’s fixture against Denmark, following questions over his omission from the starting line-up in a previous match.

Ronaldo said the disagreement arose from an alleged agreement with Jesus concerning his playing time and the management of his fitness. He claimed the coach initially proposed that he sit out Portugal’s matches against Norway and Denmark but later indicated that he might feature against Norway.

According to Ronaldo, he warmed up during the match but was not introduced, despite expecting to play for a short period. He said the decision marked the beginning of a dispute over what both men had previously discussed.

Ronaldo further alleged that a subsequent meeting involving the coach and other officials produced an agreement on how the circumstances surrounding his omission would be explained publicly. He claimed that an eight-point statement was prepared to clarify his position and counter speculation about his attitude and commitment to the national team.

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The reported statement included a comparison between Ronaldo’s standing in football and that of Brazilian great Pelé and Argentine icon Diego Maradona. That reference became a major talking point online, with social media users sharing jokes and memes about the comparison, the length of Ronaldo’s statement and his reaction to being left on the bench.

However, the account of the private agreement came from Ronaldo, and the reported document should not be treated as an independently verified statement from Jesus.

The Portugal coach had pushed back against suggestions of a major crisis, maintaining that selection decisions applied to all players regardless of their reputation. His position left room for Ronaldo to return to the squad if he wished to continue representing his country.

Ronaldo also addressed his conduct following the match, apologising to supporters and teammates for his actions. He acknowledged that leaving the camp could have consequences and said any disciplinary decision should be left to the relevant football authorities.

Despite the controversy, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner ruled out retiring from international football. He said he remained committed to Portugal and would be available for selection, subject to his fitness, club performances and any suspension that might be imposed.

The incident has divided football fans. Some have defended Ronaldo’s demand for clarity over the reported agreement, while others have questioned his response to a coach’s selection decision. The Pelé and Maradona reference has further fuelled the discussion, turning a dispute over team selection into a wider debate about reputation, authority and expectations in elite football.

Ronaldo remains one of Portugal’s most recognisable sporting figures, and any disagreement involving the national team captain is likely to attract considerable attention. Whether the episode affects his relationship with Jesus will depend on how the two parties handle the dispute and whether the forward returns to the squad.

For now, the controversy continues to generate online reactions, with the reported agreement, Ronaldo’s explanation and the comparison with football’s legendary figures driving much of the discussion.

Ronaldo Breaks Silence on Portugal Row as Pelé, Maradona Comparison Sparks Meme Frenzy