FIFA has confirmed that referee, Omar Artan from Somalia, will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States. In a statement on Monday, the world football governing body explained that Artan will be unable to train or officiate, following the decision by US authorities. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” it read in part. The statement added that it is the host government that ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country. Artan, who has been on FIFA’s refereeing list since 2018, was denied entry into America despite holding a valid visa. He has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and has received CAF award recognition as one of Africa’s top referees in recent years.

Carter Efe, popular Nigerian streamer and champion of the recent celebrity boxing match, has lamented delayed payment of his N50 million prize. THENEWSCREDIT reports that Carter Efe defeated singer Portable in a celebrity boxing fight on Friday to win the N50 million prize. Reacting to his defeat, Portable alleged that the match judges crowned Carter Efe was scripted by the organizers to avoid paying the N23 billion stakes by fans who placed bets on his winning. However, speaking in a new video on social media, Carter called out the organizers over delay in payment of the N50 million prize money. “Dem never give me my money oo. I never see N50 million ooo. I nearly die for that fight, I never see the N50 million. Make dem pay me the N50 oo,” he lamented.

The Confederation of African Football has awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco after its appeal board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the tournament following a successful protest by the Moroccan football federation. The decision, announced on Tuesday, overturned an earlier disciplinary ruling after an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, with the board finding that Senegal breached competition regulations. The CAF Appeal Board stated in its ruling, “The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.” The ruling was made in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, under which the appeal board set aside the earlier decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board and upheld Morocco’s protest. On Senegal’s conduct, the board ruled, “The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football, through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations,” adding that “the appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld.” The appeal board also addressed a series of related disciplinary matters involving both federations. On Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari, the board confirmed a finding of misconduct in violation of Articles 82 and 83(1) of the CAF Disciplinary Code but amended his sanction. The board ruled that “the sanction imposed on Mr Ismaël Saibari is amended to a suspension of two official CAF matches, of which one match is suspended,” while the $100,000 fine previously imposed on the player was set aside. Regarding incidents involving ball boys during the match, the board found the FRMF responsible for their conduct, ruling that “the fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football in respect of the ball boys incident is reduced to USD 50,000.” On the laser incident, the board ruled that “the fine imposed on the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football in respect of the laser incident is reduced to USD 10,000.” However, the appeal concerning interference around the VAR review area was dismissed, with the board confirming the $100,000 fine imposed on the FRMF in that respect. Morocco, who hosted the tournament, are therefore crowned AFCON 2025 champions by ruling of the appeal board rather than on the final whistle, in one of the most extraordinary conclusions to an Africa Cup of Nations in the competition’s history. Senegal had originally been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 in the final played in Rabat, with the match decided in extra time after a tense and controversial encounter. The final was overshadowed by several incidents, including protests by Senegal’s players and technical crew after a late refereeing decision, as well as confrontations involving players, officials, and match personnel during the closing stages of the game. Following the match, the Confederation of African Football disciplinary board sanctioned both the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football over misconduct during the final, issuing fines and suspensions to players and officials from both teams. CAF had initially upheld the result of the match despite Morocco lodging a protest, ruling at the time that the final scoreline would stand while disciplinary penalties were imposed separately. Tuesday’s appeal decision, however, overturned that earlier position after the Moroccan federation challenged the disciplinary ruling, leading to the forfeiture decision that awarded the title to the host nation.

The Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Ogbomoso Marathon Race, Prince Oyebamiji Aderemi Joy, officially kicked off the 2026 edition today, February 3, with the unveiling of the registration links for the upcoming 10km road race. During the unveiling ceremony for the 5th Edition (5.0), Prince Oyebamiji welcomed athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and officials, noting that the launch of the registration portal specifically targets participants outside the Ogbomoso Zone. He described the event as a "significant milestone" in ongoing efforts to promote sports and regional unity across Oyo State and Nigeria. Highlighting the broader goals of the event, the Chairman emphasized that the marathon serves as more than just a competition. "This year`s marathon is a celebration of unity, sportsmanship, and community spirit," Prince Oyebamiji stated. "We are bringing together athletes to promote healthy lifestyles and showcase the vibrant culture of Ogbomoso." The organizers also announced a commitment to increase cash prizes across all categories for the 2026 edition. This follows the 2025 event, where organizers similarly "jacked up" prize money to encourage participation. The committee urged runners and professional athletes to register early to secure their place in the historic race. Registration Link: https://bit.ly/OgbomosoMarathonRace2026 Official Social Media: WhatsApp Channel: Ogbomosoland Marathon Race Facebook Page: OgbomosoLand Marathon Race Prince Oyebamiji Oyebamiji concluded by expressing deep appreciation to the sponsors and partners whose financial contributions led to the success of the previous 2025 edition. He invited the public to join in making the 2026 race a memorable chapter in the city`s growing sports history.

The Nigerian government has sent a message to the Super Eagles ahead of Wednesday’s semifinal clash with Morocco at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations tournament. Nigeria will face the host nation, Morocco, for a place in the final. The message was sent on behalf of the Nigerian government by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris. The government urged the players to give their best from the first whistle to the last. The message read, “As you prepare to face Morocco in the AFCON semifinals, I want you to know that the whole of Nigeria stands firmly with you. “Your journey so far has been inspiring. Match after match, you have shown discipline, courage, and belief, reminding us why the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most respected teams. “You have been here before. You know what it takes to win at this level. From past AFCON triumphs to victories against tough opponents, you have always carried Nigeria’s flag with pride. “Those victories were not accidents. They came from teamwork, confidence, and a fighting spirit. You have shown that same spirit in this tournament. “As you step onto the pitch, remember that you are not alone. You carry the hopes of millions of Nigerians. They believe in you and draw strength from your performances. “Play with the confidence of champions, the unity of brothers, and hunger. Know your history and your worth. “Stay focused, trust one another, and give your best from the first whistle to the last. Win every ball and fight for every chance. Never doubt what you can achieve together. You have earned your place at this stage. You possess the qualities to take it even further. “Tonight, go out there and write another proud chapter in our football story. “Play with heart. Play with pride. Play for Nigeria. God bless you, Super Eagles.”

Super Eagles Striker, Victor Osimhen has thanked Nigerian fans across the world for their unwavering support following the team’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In a video message shared on social media on Saturday, the Galatasaray forward expressed gratitude to supporters and pledged that the team would build on the momentum to reach the final and lift the continental trophy. “Hello to the Super Eagles fans. Thank you so much for your support worldwide. This victory was not easy and I’m happy that the team got the win against Algeria,” Osimhen said. The 26-year-old striker acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter against one of Africa’s top-ranked teams. “Thank you for your support and we continue to build on this momentum and hopefully we get to the final and win it. Thank you very much,” he added. He also emphasised the importance of taking the competition one match at a time while expressing confidence in his teammates’ abilities. “Hopefully, one game at a time. It’s not going to be easy, but of course, I believe in this team, I believe in the players. One game at a time,” he stated. The victory sets up a semi-final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. Nigeria last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 in South Africa, defeating Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.

Super Eagles players and coaches have refused to travel to Marrakech due to unpaid bonuses. This was revealed by BBC Africa journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, who is in Morocco. Nigeria are billed to take on Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening. But it is understood they have not paid their bonuses for the four matches they have played. Eric Chelle’s men beat Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group fixtures, before they thrashed Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16. They have taken the decision not to travel or train anymore until the bonuses issue is resolved.

The Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, has advocated a ₦1 million minimum monthly salary for players . The league body stated that the move is part of broader reforms aimed at professionalising the league. The NPFL chairman, Hon Gbenga Elegbeleye, stated this on Saturday in Abuja. Elegbeleye said his long-term goal is to transform the NPFL into a more competitive, credible, and commercially viable league. He noted that improved remuneration would significantly enhance players’ welfare and quality of life, while also reducing the growing trend of Nigerian footballers leaving the country for lower-tier foreign leagues in search of better financial rewards. “Better pay will not only improve player welfare but also strengthen the credibility, competitiveness, and marketability of the NPFL,” Elegbeleye told NPF media.

South African based goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has revealed why he was pained despite Nigeria’s 3-2 win over Tunisia on Saturday. The goalkeeper said that conceding two goals against the North Africans was not what he wished for, but something he could not control. Nigeria was outstanding in the first period of the game, scoring late to go into the break 1-0. After Osimhen’s first half goal, Wilfred Ndidi and Ademola Lookman scored in the second half to make it 3-0 for the Super Eagles only for Tunisia to fire two late goals to make it 3-2. He told journalists after the game, “First game, second game…, we really don’t wish to concede. We really wish to keep a clean sheet. It pains me a lot when I concede but we keep going as a team.” The goalkeeper has now conceded three goals in two games at the tournament going on in Morocco. Nwabali said he would not want to let in another goal in the competition and if this happens, it would Brighten his chances of completing for the best goalkeeper of the tournament.

Two-time heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has hailed YouTuber-turned boxer, Jake Paul, for his performance during their Miami fight on Friday. Recall that Paul started the fight in survival mode, keeping well out of Joshua’s way. The 28-year-old also refused to engage before the Briton finally closed the distance and inflicted some pain on him. The American suffered a fractured jaw while enduring six rounds against Joshua, who acknowledged that he wasn’t at his best during the fight. “It wasn’t the best performance,”Joshua admitted after the fight (via Metro UK). “The end goal was to get Jake Paul, pin him down and hurt him. That has been the request leading up. That was on my mind. “It took a bit longer than expected, but the right hand finally found the destination. Jake Paul – he’s done really well tonight. I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again. It takes a real man to do that.”