Nigeria is a place where 200 million people think they can do a better job than the national team coach. Honestly, they’re usually right. If you’ve spent any time following soccer sport news nigeria lately, you know it’s been a wild, exhausting, and somehow still hopeful ride. We just wrapped up the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, and the dust is finally settling on a third-place finish that feels like both a win and a massive "what if."
Winning bronze after beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties on January 17, 2026, in Casablanca was a bit of a rollercoaster. One minute we’re routing Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16, and the next, we’re wondering if Victor Osimhen is actually going to stay on the pitch or finish his latest Instagram rant. It’s never boring. That’s the thing about Nigerian football—it's half tactical battle, half soap opera.
The Eric Chelle Era and the AFCON Aftermath
When Eric Chelle took over the Super Eagles in early 2025, people were skeptical. You can’t blame them. The Finidi George era ended in a bit of a mess after that loss to Benin and some very public drama with Osimhen. But Chelle has managed to steady the ship. His vision seems to have finally clicked with the squad.
The 2-0 quarter-final win against Algeria was probably the peak of his tenure so far. Osimhen was a beast in that game. He scored a header that reminded everyone why he’s worth nearly €80 million, then turned around and set up Akor Adams for the second. It felt like the Super Eagles of old—resilient, fast, and actually clinical for once.
But then came the semi-final against Morocco. Playing the hosts in their own backyard is always a nightmare. We lost, and it hurt, but taking third place from Egypt shows that this team isn't as "broken" as the social media experts say.
Why We Are Still Talking About the World Cup
You’ve probably heard people saying Nigeria is out of the 2026 World Cup. That’s not quite true.
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It's complicated. We finished second in Group C behind South Africa. Because Bafana Bafana beat Rwanda 3-0 in October 2025, they took the automatic ticket. Nigeria, thanks to a hat-trick from Osimhen against Benin in that final 4-0 thrashing, grabbed the runner-up spot.
This means we’re headed for the CAF playoffs and potentially the inter-confederation playoffs. Basically, the Super Eagles are taking the longest, most stressful route possible to North America. Typical.
The NPFL: Rivers United and the Local Grind
While everyone looks at Europe, the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is having a surprisingly spicy 2025/2026 season. Rivers United are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table after Matchday 21.
They just beat Remo Stars 1-0 this past Sunday, January 18. It was a gritty game at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. Remo Stars went down to 10 men early in the second half when Chigozie Chilekwu got sent off, and Aniekeme Okon finally broke the deadlock in the 81st minute.
Here is how the top of the table looks right now:
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- Rivers United: 41 points
- Abia Warriors: 37 points
- Ikorodu City: 35 points
- Nasarawa United: 35 points
- Bendel Insurance: 32 points
Bendel Insurance is the team to watch. They were stuck in 19th place earlier in the season, but they’ve gone on a nine-match unbeaten run. They just beat El-Kanemi Warriors 3-2 in a thriller. If they keep this up, the "Benin Arsenal" might actually crash the title party.
The Osimhen Transfer Saga That Never Ends
Let’s talk about Victor. He’s the heart of soccer sport news nigeria, but he’s also the biggest headache for the NFF. Between his "small injuries" and the constant transfer talk, it’s hard to keep up.
Right now, as we sit in January 2026, the noise around Manchester United and Chelsea is deafening. There’s talk of a €50m to €60m deal being hammered out. Some reports say he’s already made a formal transfer request to leave Galatasaray. It’s clear he wants back into the Premier League.
The concern for us isn't his club, though. It’s his discipline. The way he fell out with Finidi George and the occasional outbursts on the field have some fans worried. Eric Chelle even chose Wilfred Ndidi as the new captain after William Troost-Ekong retired in December. That speaks volumes.
What Most People Get Wrong
People think Nigerian football is just about the stars in Europe. It isn't. The real story is the depth of talent finally emerging from the NPFL and the fact that we are actually building a tactical identity again.
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We used to just "play ball" and hope for the best. Chelle’s 4-3-3 formation is more structured. Having Alex Iwobi in that playmaker role with Ndidi and Frank Onyeka covering him has given the defense some actual protection. Stanley Nwabali has also solidified his spot as the number one goalkeeper, which is a relief after years of anxiety in that position.
What's Next for the Super Eagles?
If you want to keep up with the team, you need to watch the playoff draws. The road to the 2026 World Cup is still open, but it’s narrow. Nigeria needs to win their CAF playoff matches to even get a sniff of the inter-confederation tournament.
On the domestic side, keep an eye on the NPFL Matchday 22 fixtures. Rivers United looks strong, but Abia Warriors are breathing down their necks. The league is finally getting some of the broadcast attention it deserves, and the quality of play in Port Harcourt and Aba is genuinely improving.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the CAF Playoff Schedule: Don't assume the World Cup dream is dead. Check the official FIFA and CAF portals for the playoff bracket dates coming up this spring.
- Watch the NPFL Midweek Games: Teams like Ikorodu City are playing some of the most attractive football in the country. Their away win at Kwara United last week wasn't a fluke.
- Monitor the January Transfer Window: Osimhen's move will likely happen in the final days of the month. This will affect his availability and focus for the next international break.
The state of Nigerian football is, as always, "cautiously chaotic." We have the talent, we have a coach who seems to care, and we have a domestic league that is actually producing results. Now we just need to avoid the usual administrative drama and actually play.