Sports

Super Eagles to Face Venezuela in Houston Friendly Ahead of AFCON 2025

Published

2 months ago

September 12, 2025

By Njoku Chijioke

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday, November 14, at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas. The encounter is part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), in Morocco.

The two sides last met on November 14, 2012, in Miami, where Nigeria secured a 3-1 victory with goals from Brown Ideye, Nosa Igiebor, and Ogenyi Onazi, while Frank Feltscher scored for Venezuela.

Nigeria has been drawn in Group C of AFCON 2025, alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to use the Houston friendly to fine-tune his squad, test tactical variations, and gauge player readiness ahead of the continental tournament.

The match will mark the first appearance of the Nigerian national team at Shell Energy Stadium, offering the Super Eagles an opportunity to engage with their large diaspora fan base in the United States.

Venezuela, meanwhile, recently played out a goalless draw against Guatemala at the same venue earlier this year.

News

CAF, Morocco Announce Free E-Visas for AFCON 2025 Fans

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Huldah Shado

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), and the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee have approved free electronic visas for fans travelling to the tournament.

The policy applies to citizens of all countries that normally require a visa to enter Morocco. CAF said in a statement on Friday that the e-visas, processed via the YALLA mobile app, will be issued at no cost to supporters attending the competition, scheduled for 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.

Fans will need both a Fan ID and an e-visa to enter Morocco and access match venues. Both can be applied for within the YALLA app, streamlining travel and stadium entry.

CAF said the measure is meant to ease travel amid growing global interest in the tournament.

Approved applicants can then purchase match tickets through the CAF ticketing platform.

AFCON 2025 will be held across nine stadiums in six Moroccan cities, with 24 teams competing. Morocco last hosted the event in 1988.

News

Tinubu Celebrates Super Eagles’ 4-1 Win Over Gabon

Published

1 day ago

November 14, 2025

By Huldah Shado

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their emphatic 4-1 victory over Gabon in the FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs in Morocco, a win that sends Nigeria into the final round of qualifiers for the 2026 tournament.

Reacting on his official X handle on Thursday, Tinubu praised the team’s resilience, urging them to maintain their momentum.

“This is the true Nigerian spirit of resilience against all odds. Do not stop until you secure qualification. Super Eagles, keep soaring… The nation stands with you,” he wrote.

Nigeria’s goals came through Akor Adams, Chidera Ejuke and a brace from Victor Osimhen, while Gabon netted a late consolation.

With the victory, the Super Eagles advance to the final phase of the African qualifiers as they continue their push for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

News

Super Eagles Crush Gabon 4-1

Published

2 days ago

November 13, 2025

By Olokuta Rofiat

The Super Eagles have advanced to the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-offs after defeating Gabon 4-1 in extra time on Thursday in Rabat.

Akor Adams opened scoring in the 78th minute after Nigeria had missed several chances, but Mario Lemina equalised for Gabon in the 89th minute, forcing extra time.

Nigeria dominated the additional period, with Chidera Ejuke restoring the lead in the 97th minute before Victor Osimhen netted twice in the 103rd and 110th minutes to seal the win.

The victory follows the squad’s recent resolution of a bonus dispute with the Nigeria Football Federation.

The Super Eagles will now face the winner of the Cameroon vs. DR Congo match for a place in the inter-continental play-offs in March.