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WCQ: Super Eagles trounce Lesotho 2-1

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Friday evening, October 9, 2025, reignited their hopes of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating hosts Lesotho 2-1.

With two games to finish in the group stages, Nigeria went into the must-win match sitting third on 11 points, three behind Benin Republic and South Africa, who both had 14 points.

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Chelle, unleashed a two-man attack in their starting line-up, with Victor Osimhen and Tolu Arokodare in the forward line, supported by creative midfielders Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

Stanley Nwabali retained his place in goal, protected by a strong line of defence featuring Calvin Bassey, Benjamin Fredrick, Ekong, and Wilfred Ndidi, who was once again deployed in a deeper defensive role.

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Ademola Lookman and Tochukwu Onyemaechi were also named in the starting XI to provide width and pace in transition as Nigeria looked to dominate possession and break down the resilient Lesotho defence.

The first half ended barren, but the Eagles went ahead on the restart when Skipper William Troost-Ekong found the mark from the penalty spot after a Lesotho player handled the ball in the vital area.

Debutant Akor Adam increased the tally in the 81st minute after an assist from Osimhen.

Two minutes later, the hosts reduced the tally when Hlompho Kalak lobbed over the defence wall after Nwabali parried the ball close to his feet, following a corner kick.

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Lesotho came close to equalising following Nwabali’s blunders, but the Eagles survived to claim victory.

They remain third behind Benin, who now have 17 points and second-placed South Africa on 15 points.

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EPL: Tottenham survive relegation scare as West Ham drop after 14-year stay

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Tottenham Hotspur secured Premier League survival on a dramatic final day of the season, while West Ham United were relegated after 14 years in the top flight.

Spurs went into their final match against Everton needing at least a draw to guarantee safety, with only goal difference separating them from West Ham.

João Paulinha gave Tottenham a crucial breakthrough just before half-time, easing tension at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and putting Spurs in control of their survival battle.

West Ham, meanwhile, were also fighting for survival in their own fixture against Leeds, knowing only a strong result combined with other outcomes could save them.

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Valentín Castellanos briefly raised hopes for the Hammers by giving them the lead, but it was not enough to overturn their situation in the table.

Late goals from Jarrod Bowen and Callum Wilson were insufficient as West Ham’s 14-year stay in the Premier League came to an end.

Tottenham held firm to secure the result they needed, completing a dramatic escape from relegation on the final day of the campaign.

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Enugu Rangers Beat Ikorodu City To Clinch Historic 9th NPFL Title

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Rangers International F.C. have etched their name deeper into Nigerian football history after defeating Ikorodu City F.C. 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title.

‎The victory at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena secured Rangers’ ninth league crown, drawing them level with Enyimba F.C. as the most successful clubs in NPFL history.


‎The encounter, widely regarded as the standout fixture of the final matchday, lived up to expectations as both sides approached the contest with everything at stake.

‎Rangers arrived in Lagos knowing that only victory would guarantee them the title, with second-placed Rivers United F.C. waiting to capitalise on any slip from the league leaders.

Ikorodu City, meanwhile, also had plenty to fight for, as a win would significantly boost their hopes of securing continental football next season.

‎The Flying Antelopes began brightly and eventually found the breakthrough in the 30th minute through captain Chidiebere Nwobodo, who finished calmly to hand the visitors a deserved lead.

‎Rangers maintained control for large spells of the opening half and carried their 1-0 advantage into the break.

‎The Enugu side resumed the second half with renewed attacking intent, repeatedly testing the Ikorodu City defence in search of a second goal.

Their pressure paid off in the 55th minute when Nwobodo struck again, completing his brace and sending Rangers supporters into wild celebrations.

‎However, the hosts responded almost immediately.

‎Ikorodu City pulled one back three minutes later through Moses Ali, setting up a nervy finish and raising the intensity inside the stadium.

‎The goal ensured a tense final stretch for Rangers, who knew that anything short of victory could hand the title to Rivers United, who were already cruising to a comfortable win over Katsina United F.C. in Port Harcourt.

‎Despite mounting pressure from the hosts, Rangers held firm to preserve their 2-1 lead until the final whistle, sparking jubilant scenes among players and fans, who broke into chants of “Holy, Holy, Holy, Enugu Rangers is another champion”.

‎The victory capped one of the most dramatic final-day title races in recent NPFL history, with Rangers ultimately finishing ahead of Rivers United, who defeated Katsina United 3-0 but fell just short in the championship race.

‎Both Rangers and Rivers United will represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League, while Shooting Stars S.C. secured a CAF Confederation Cup spot after finishing third.

‎At the other end of the table, there was a major shock as defending champions Remo Stars F.C. suffered relegation after ending the campaign in 17th position.

Elkanami Warriors, Bayelsa United F.C. and Wikki Tourists F.C. were the other teams relegated, finishing 18th, 19th and 20th respectively.

‎Rangers’ triumph marks another landmark achievement for the Coal City club and further cements their place among Nigeria’s football elite.

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EPL final day: Guardiola, Salah make history as they leave Man City, Liverpool

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Pep Guardiola and Mohamed Salah entered the history books following the conclusion of the 2025/26 Premier League season on Sunday.

Both men will leave Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively, after the Premier League campaign ended on Sunday evening.

Guardiola led Man City in his final game in charge of the club as they lost 2-1 against Aston Villa at Etihad.

However, according to OptaJoe, the match against Villa was Guardiola’s 593rd and final game at Manchester City, overtaking the Cityzens former manager Les McDowall for most games in charge of the Premier League giants in their history.

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Similarly, Salah provided teammate Curtis Jones with an assist as Liverpool drew 1-1 with Brentford at Anfield on the final day of the Premier League.

Salah’s assist was his 93rd for Liverpool in the Premier League, surpassing Steven Gerrard’s 92 assists to become the outright most for the Reds in the competition.

The Egyptian international will now leave Liverpool for a new club as the Premier League season ended today.

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