Sports - Abia ThinkTank News

Oct

11

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

2026 World Cup: How Nigeria Can Qualify After Lesotho Win

Football, Sports

How Nigeria Can Qualify For 2026 World Cup After Lesotho Win Nigeria’s slim 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday has kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive; but qualification is still delicately poised heading into the final round of Group C fixtures. The Super Eagles were made to sweat against Lesotho, with captain William Troost-Ekong and debutant Akor Adams finding the net to secure a much-needed three points. Despite the win, Nigeria remain in third place in the group, trailing Benin Republic with three points and South Africa with one point as the race for automatic qualification for the…

Oct

03

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

US Bars Iran From Attending World Cup Draw

Football, Sports, World News

US Bars Iran From Attending World Cup Draw The U.S. denied an Iranian delegation entry to attend the World Cup draw in the country, according to the spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), Amir-Mehdi Alawi. Among those affected were FFI President Mehdi Taj, Head Coach Amir Ghalenoei, and seven other FFI officials, the spokesperson said, according to the daily newspaper Shargh. The FFI is now hoping to persuade FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision. The spokesperson thinks Infantino will lift the prohibition within the next two weeks. The World Cup draw will take place on December 5…

Sep

16

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

The Miracle Window: How Eagles Found A Path To 2026 World Cup

Football, News Flash, Sports

The Miracle Window: How Eagles Found A Path Back To 2026 World Cup The Super Eagles have been handed an unexpected lifeline in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Eritrea withdrew from the CAF qualifiers. Nigeria, currently third in Group C with 11 points from eight matches, had been staring down the barrel of missing another World Cup after failing to capitalize on draws against Zimbabwe and South Africa. Bafana Bafana lead the group with 17 points, while Benin Republic are second on 14 points. The Eritrea Football Association pulled their men’s team from the…

Sep

07

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Victor Osimhen To Miss Nigeria/South Africa FIFA World Cup Clash

FGN, Football, Sports

Victor Osimhen To Miss Nigeria/ South Africa Clash Due To Injury Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa. Osimhen, who was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, had initially been feared to be struggling with an ankle problem. However, the team doctor later confirmed the injury as a bruise on his shin. According to journalist Sulaimon Adebayor, popularly known as Pooja, quoting official NFF sources, Osimhen woke up with discomfort on Sunday morning and will not be traveling…

Jul

29

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

WAFCON: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcon’s Victory

Football, FGN, News Flash, Sports

WAFCON: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Super Falcons’ Victory Morocco’s Football Federation (FRMF) has officially submitted a petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging “refereeing injustices” during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Nigeria’s Super Falcons. As reported by Morocco World News, the FRMF claimed that the Centre Referee failed to award a “clear” penalty in the 82nd minute, with the score level at 2-2 during the finals. Video evidence suggested a potential handball by Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin, but following a video assistant referee (VAR) review, the referee overturned her initial decision. Following the…

Jul

22

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Alozie’s Late Strike Sinks South Africa, Sends Super Falcons To WAFCON Final

Africa, Football, News Flash, Sports

Alozie’s Late Strike Sinks South Africa, Sends Super Falcons To WAFCON Final The Super Falcons of Nigeria booked their place in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa, sealed by a late goal from defender Mitchel Alozie. With the match seemingly heading for extra time, Alozie launched a long ball into the South African box, which evaded everyone, including the goalkeeper and nestled into the net, stunning the Banyana Banyana defence. The goal secured Nigeria’s spot in the final and marked a thrilling end to a closely…

Jun

29

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Ikenna And Jeen Ukwa Foundation Congratulates Miss Dominion Chisom Kalu On Her Successful Completion Of FIFA Referee Course

Abia North, Abia State, Football, Sports

HEARTY CONGRATULATIONS TO MISS DOMINION CHISOM KALU ON HER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF FIFA MA COURSE It is with immense joy that I express my heartfelt congratulations to Ohafia born, young Nigerian athletes and referee, Isabelle Karl , (Dominion Chisom Kalu), for her successful completion of the 2025 FIFA MA COURSE, which has equipped her with the requisite and advanced knowledge and skills to excel in her sporting career. I truly commend her zeal and enthusiasm in advancing her expertise in football management and her kinds serves as an inspiration and role model to the young generations. As we celebrate her…

Jun

17

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Gov. Otti Encourages Innovation, Urges Champions Of The State Hackathon To Work With The Government Team

Abia State, Good Governance, News Flash, Sports

GOV. OTTI ENCOURAGES INNOVATION, URGES CHAMPIONS OF THE STATE HACKATHON TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT TEAM. On Monday, June 16th, Gov. Alex Otti received in audience, at the Executive Council Chamber, the State Champions of the 2025 Civic Connect Hackathon organised by the State Ministry of Science and Technology and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Digital Economy. Gov. Otti praised Abia Youths for brimming with potentials and urged the Government team to continue creating such platforms where innovation is not only encouraged but celebrated. He directed the Honourable Commissioner for Science and Technology and the Chief Information Officer…

Jun

09

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Portugal Beat Spain In Tense Penalty Showdown To Clinch UEFA Nations League Trophy

Football, Foreign Affairs, News Flash, Sports, World News

Portugal Beat Spain In Tense Penalty Showdown To Clinch Nations League Trophy Portugal have lifted the UEFA Nations League trophy for the second time after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over Spain. This follows a 2-2 draw at full-time and extra-time in a thrilling final held in Germany. The match, fiercely contested from start to finish, saw both teams create significant chances before settling matters from the spot. Portugal were flawless in the shootout, converting all five of their penalties, while Spain faltered, missing one of their four attempts. Spain struck first in the 21st minute through Martin Zubimendi,…

May

31

2025

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By Abia ThinkTank

Cameroon’s Late Arrival Forces Cancellation Of Super Falcon’s Friendly

Football, News Flash, Sports

Cameroon’s Late Arrival Forces Cancellation Of Super Falcons’ Friendly The friendly match between Nigeria women’s national team and Cameroon at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne has been called off, our correspondent understands. The first of the two-legged international friendly, initially scheduled for Saturday, was expected to mark the Super Falcons’ return to action for the first time since their narrow defeat to France in November 2023. However, logistical issues involving the visiting Cameroonian team have forced a change of plans. According to PUNCH Online, the Cameroonian delegation arrived in the host town very late on Friday, making it infeasible…