CodedSports

Tuesday, 6 October 2026

International Friendly: Nine Debutants Feature As Super Eagles Draw 3-3 With Russia

Despite sending out a depleted side, Nigeria put up a credible showing to finish in a 3-3 draw with Russia in an international friendly match in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday.

The three-time African champions showed great character and commitment in a strong performance.

In an electrifying display of grit and tactical resolve, a youthful Super Eagles side twice came from behind to earn a dramatic 3-3 draw against Russia on foreign soil. Head Coach Éric Chelle handed international debuts to five players in a heavily-rotated lineup designed to test the squad's competitive depth.

Only six players in the starting XI, viz Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho, Benjamin Fredricks, Emmanuel Fernandez, Abdullahi Bewene, and Aderemi Adeoye had previously featured for the three-time African champions. Nigeria drew first blood in the 11th minute through returning forward Kelechi Iheanacho.

Receiving a precise pass on the edge of the penalty area from Abdullahi Bewene, Iheanacho uncharacteristically unleashed a thunderous left-footed drive into the top corner, notching his 15th international goal in Nigerian colours. Despite controlling early possession, defensive lapses by Nigeria allowed Russia back into the match.

The hosts levelled after breaking down the Nigerian rear-guard to beat debutant goalkeeper Samuel James, before taking a 2-1 lead into the interval following a defensive let-off on the stroke of halftime. Russia extended their advantage to 3-1 nine minutes into the second period, prompting Chelle to introduce fresh legs from the bench.

The substitutions injected immediate urgency into Nigeria’s attack. Substitute Umar Abdullahi came close to pulling one back in the 73rd minute after intercepting high up the pitch following strong work from Isaac James. Five minutes later, 19-year-old debutant Peter Edokpolor made an instant impact off the bench. The youngster drove aggressively through the Russian defense before firing an unstoppable strike past the goalkeeper in the 78th minute to make it 3-2.

With momentum firmly behind the Super Eagles, Chelle introduced Vince Osuji for Chibuzo Nwoko in the 83rd minute to maintain central balance as Nigeria pushed forward. The relentless pressure paid off in the fourth minute of added time.

Emmanuel Fernandez initiated a swift counter-attack with a header from the back, finding Abdullahi, who squared intelligently for fellow substitute Akor Adams to turn home a 94th-minute equalizer.

In all, nine players made their Super Eagles debut on Tuesday night.

Monday, 5 October 2026

N5.25m Fine, Points Deduction: NPFL Sanctions Inter Lagos Over Matchday 7 Violence

Inter Lagos have been charged for breaching #NPFL27 Framework & Rules in the course of their Matchday 7 fixture vs Katsina United on Sunday, October 4, 2026.

The Lagos club failed to provide adequate & effective security during their home game, thereby allowing unauthorized persons to gain access to restricted areas leading to attacks on the match officials who were proceeding from the dressing room to their vehicle.

Inter Lagos also failed to ensure proper conduct of their officials and supporters, leading to the match officials being held hostage for more than an hour after the match.

Furthermore, Inter Lagos officials in company of some of their supporters intimidated, harassed & verbally abused the match officials, thereby engaging in acts capable of bringing the game to disrepute.

Inter Lagos team manager, alongside some of the club's supporters, assaulted the match officials, resulting in the first assistant referee sustaining an injury to the face & loss of personal items including damage to his mobile telephone.

The club are fined N2 million for failing to provide adequate & effective security & another N1 million fine for holding the match officials hostage for more than an hour.

Inter Lagos have also been fined N2 million for assault on the match officials & a further N250,000 fine as compensation to the affected assistant referee for the loss of his personal items, damage to his mobile phone & treatment to the injury he sustained following the incident.

THREE points & THREE goals shall be deducted from the accrued points & goals of Inter Lagos for assaulting & causing injury on the first assistant referee.

Inter Lagos have 48 hours from the date of notice to appeal the sanctions.

WAFU-B U17 Championship: Olopade Charges Golden Eaglets To Excel In Ouagadougou

It was a pleasant surprise for players and officials of the U17 National Team, Golden Eaglets, when the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, watched their training session at the FIFA Goal Project, MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Monday.

After watching the players in their last training before they are due to depart the country for Burkina Faso, Olopade charged the team, tutored by head coach Eboboritse Uwejamomere, to excel at the WAFU B U17 Championship, which begins this weekend in the Burkinabe capaital.

“A great opportunity has been given to you all as young footballers to represent Nigeria at the U17 national team level. It is therefore very important for you to do well and excel,” Olopade said. “This is football, which falls directly under the NFF, but as the Director General of the NSC, with football and other sports under my supervision, I am here to encourage you to take the task ahead very seriously.

“The government and people of Nigeria want you to succeed at the WAFU B U17 Championship, and I can assure you that you will be graciously rewarded at the end. The aim is to qualify for the U17 AFCON tournament and thereafter, the FIFA U17 World Cup next year.”

Nigeria last participated at the FIFA U17 World Cup finals in 2019, when the tournament was hosted by Brazil.

“I am very optimistic that this team will not disappoint Nigerians. So, play according to what you have learnt under the head coach, and I strongly believe that you will perform very well and qualify for the U17 AFCON,” Olopade added.

Good Governance: CPPN, Osun NUJ Online Journalists Forge Alliance

Good Governance: CPPN, Osun Online Journalists Forge Alliance

The Concerned Progressive Professional Network, CPPN, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the Osun State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, particularly the Online Media Chapel, to promote good governance, professional journalism and responsible information dissemination.

The position was made known during a meeting between the organization and members of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel at the CPPN office in Osogbo.

Speaking at the meeting, the National President of CPPN, who is also the Managing Director of Divine Opticals, said the body was established to mobilise professionals across different fields to take active interest in governance and deploy their expertise towards solving Nigeria's developmental challenges.

He clarified that CPPN is neither a political party nor a pressure group, but a platform for doctors, lawyers, engineers, journalists, lecturers and other professionals to engage government, ask questions and promote accountability. He noted that the name was changed from Concerned Political Professionals Network to Concerned Progressive Professional Network during registration to avoid being mistaken for a political party.

The CPPN President disclosed that the organization currently has structures in 25 states and chapters in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Netherlands, while lamenting the continued migration of professionals abroad, known as "Japa." He said many Nigerians in the diaspora are willing to return but are uncertain of the environment at home.

Earlier, Chairman of the Osun NUJ Online Media Chapel, Mr. Isa Isawade, said the Chapel was created to bring professionalism and credibility to the fast-growing online media space which had operated without sufficient structure, giving rise to misinformation and fake news. He warned that Artificial Intelligence now poses a fresh threat through deepfakes and manipulated contents.

Isawade said the Chapel will register online journalists and publishers, promote verification, and serve as a platform for complaints and disciplinary action, while also supporting credible organizations like CPPN in public communication.

In his response, Welfare Director of CPPN, Engr. Adebisi Oyenekan, said the presentation by the Chapel had changed his previous reservations about media practitioners, expressing optimism that collaboration between professionals and the media would foster national development.

Osun SWAN Celebrates Deputy Governor, Kola Adewusi, on Birthday

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Osun State Chapter, felicitates with the Deputy Governor of Osun State, Prince Kola Adewusi, on the occasion of his birthday.

Osun SWAN joins the government and people of the state, members of his family, friends and associates in celebrating the Deputy Governor, who also oversees the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs.

The association acknowledges Prince Adewusi’s involvement in the development and promotion of sports and the welfare of persons with special needs in the state, particularly in his capacity as the Commissioner for Sports and Special Needs.

Osun SWAN appreciates his accessibility and support for stakeholders in the sports sector, as well as his efforts toward creating an environment where sports can continue to contribute to youth development, talent discovery and the socio-economic development of the state.

As a key stakeholder in the state’s sports ecosystem, SWAN remains committed to constructive engagement with the government and other stakeholders in advancing sports development and improving the welfare of athletes and sports practitioners across Osun State.

On this note we urge you to please use your office in seeing to the speedy completion of Osogbo Township Stadium and actualisation of the Osun State Sports Commission Bill, which has already been passed by the State House of Assembly.

On this special occasion, SWAN wishes Prince Kola Adewusi continued wisdom, strength, good health and fulfilment as he marks another year.

The association also prays for many more years of meaningful service to the people of Osun State and humanity.