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No Nigerian on CAF Women's Player of the Year shortlist for the first time

3 Nov 2026, 14:43 GMT

A football on a grass pitch — Stock image: Peter Glaser baraida / Wikimedia Commons, CC0

Nigeria has no player on the shortlist for the 2026 CAF Women's Player of the Year award, the first time the country has been left out since the prize was introduced in 2001, according to reports.

The nominees

The Confederation of African Football released the nominations this week. The list includes Malawian sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, Cameroon's Marie Ngah Manga, Michaely Bihina and Monique Ngock, Zambia's Barbra Banda, South Africa's Thembi Kgatlana, Morocco's Hanane Ait El Haj, Algeria's Marine Dafeur and Ghana's Portia Boakye.

Nigerians on other lists

Nigeria still features in other categories. The Super Falcons were shortlisted for Women's National Team of the Year, Janet Akekoromowei and Oluwakemi Adegbuyi were nominated for the young talent award, and Edo Queens goalkeeper Christiana Uzoma is among the contenders for Goalkeeper of the Year.

Background

Nigerian players have dominated the award over the years, with Asisat Oshoala winning it a record six times. The omission follows a disappointing 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the Super Falcons and their failure to qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time. The team only this week received the cash rewards promised for winning the previous WAFCON.

What happens next

The 2026 CAF Awards will be held on 7 December at the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts in Lagos.

It is the first time since 2001 that no Nigerian made the list.
The Super Falcons are nominated for Team of the Year.
The awards hold on 7 December.

More gist

SportReported

Super Falcons finally receive $100,000 each for 2024 WAFCON win

3 Nov 2026, 11:42 GMT

Players of the Super Falcons have reportedly started receiving the naira equivalent of $100,000 each, the reward President Tinubu promised after their record 10th WAFCON title. Members of the technical crew are getting $50,000 each.

Members of Nigeria's Super Falcons have reportedly begun receiving the cash reward promised by President Bola Tinubu after the team won the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

What happened

According to reports, two players and a member of the technical crew confirmed that their accounts were credited on Monday, 2 November 2026. Each of the 24 players is said to have received the naira equivalent of $100,000, about ₦140 million, while each of the 11 members of the technical crew received the naira equivalent of $50,000. One player reportedly said she was grateful that the promise had finally been kept.

Other rewards

Apart from the cash, the President also approved national honours and three-bedroom apartments for the players and officials after the victory.

Background

The Super Falcons won a record-extending 10th continental title in Morocco in July 2025, coming from behind to beat the hosts in the final. The tournament, originally scheduled for 2024, was held a year later but kept its 2024 name. The win was celebrated across Nigeria, and the team was received by the President at the State House, where the rewards were announced. Delays in paying promised bonuses to national teams have been a long-running complaint in Nigerian sport, and some fans had questioned whether this reward would ever be paid.

How people reacted

Fans welcomed the news, saying the players deserved the money and calling on the government to pay other national teams promptly in future. Others said the long delay showed the need for clear and timely reward systems.

SportReported

Odion Ighalo says he has paid tithe since his first ₦15,000 salary, sparks debate

3 Nov 2026, 11:42 GMT

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has reportedly said he has never missed paying tithe since his first salary in 2005, even when he earned $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia. His comments have divided opinion online.

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has started a lively online debate after speaking about his long commitment to paying tithes.

What he said

In a podcast-style interview, reportedly shared on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, Ighalo said he began paying tithe in 2005 when he received his first professional salary of ₦15,000, after his pastor introduced him to the practice, and that he has not missed it since. He admitted that the habit became harder when his income grew. When he was earning a reported $642,000 a month in Saudi Arabia, about ₦900 million at today's exchange rate, he said he thought about it for around a month before deciding to continue paying 10 per cent. He said some friends had questioned his decision, but he stood by it.

Background

Ighalo, 37, played for clubs including Watford and Manchester United before moving to Saudi Arabia, where he became one of the best-paid African players. He was top scorer at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has long spoken publicly about his Christian faith.

How people reacted

Opinion was divided. Many Christians praised his faith and discipline and said his success was a blessing. Others argued that giving such large sums to churches was unnecessary and that the money could do more good if given directly to people in need. Some said it was his personal choice and others should respect it.

Why it matters

Tithing is a frequent topic of debate in Nigeria, where churches play a large role in public life and some pastors have faced criticism over their wealth.

SportReported

Tanzania head to Uyo early for Super Eagles AFCON qualifier

3 Nov 2026, 09:42 GMT

Tanzania's national team is reportedly arriving early in Uyo to prepare for their 2027 AFCON qualifier against the Super Eagles on Friday, 13 November. The sides meet again in Dar es Salaam four days later.

Tanzania's national team, the Taifa Stars, are set to arrive early in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria's Super Eagles, according to reports.

The fixtures

Nigeria will host the matchday three game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 13 November 2026. The two teams will meet again four days later in Dar es Salaam for the matchday four fixture.

Tanzania's preparations

Head coach Miguel Gamondi reportedly wants extra time for his players to get used to conditions in Nigeria before the game. He has named a 24-man squad split evenly between 12 home-based players and 12 who play abroad.

Background

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The Super Eagles need good results in the double-header to stay on course for the tournament. Uyo has become the Super Eagles' main home ground in recent years and is known for its passionate crowds. The confederation recently confirmed Nigerian Samson Adamu as its General Secretary and voted to return the Nations Cup to a two-year cycle.

What happens next

The Super Eagles are expected to open camp in Uyo next week, with fans looking forward to two important results.

SportReported

Young Ibadan boxer KBlaq dies after being stabbed during fight, suspect arrested

3 Nov 2026, 06:42 GMT

A young boxer known as KBlaq has reportedly died after being stabbed during a fight at Olodo Garage in Ibadan on Sunday. A suspect is said to have been arrested and handed over to the police.

A fast-rising Nigerian boxer identified as Kehinde, popularly known as KBlaq, has reportedly died after being stabbed during a fight in Ibadan, Oyo State.

What happened

According to reports on social media, the incident happened on Sunday, 1 November 2026, during a confrontation at Olodo Garage in Ibadan. He was said to have died shortly after he was attacked. The cause of the fight has not been made public.

Arrest

A suspect was reportedly arrested and handed over to the police. The Oyo State Police Command had not issued a public statement on the case at the time of reporting.

How people reacted

Friends and fans mourned the young boxer on social media and called on the police to ensure justice. Many described him as a promising talent whose career was just beginning.

What happens next

Police are expected to investigate the incident and charge the suspect in court if there is enough evidence.