As the road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, a growing number of teams have officially booked their spots for what promises to be a historic tournament. With 48 nations set to compete — a record for the men’s World Cup — the qualifying race has already delivered a mix of stalwart powerhouses and exciting debutants.Here’s a look at the nations that have clinched qualification so far, and what their inclusion means:-

Fast bowler Scott Boland has identified Joe Root as the England player Australia need to keep quiet in the Ashes series. Australia have a history of targeting a particular England player – legendary fast bowler Glenn McGrath made it a pre-series ritual to single out England batters, while captain Michael Clarke asked his pacemen to nullify Alastair Cook when Australia won 5-0 in 2013-14.

A non-league match had to be called off at half-time after the referee was targeted with alleged sexist abuse. The game featuring AFC Rushden & Diamonds and Coventry Sphinx could not continue beyond the first half after sexist abuses were hurled at a female referee officiating the game. The FA are now set to conduct the necessary investigations to get to the bottom of the incident.

Bandits reportedly killed three people and abducted at least 64 others during an attack on Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday. Residents told Daily Trust that the gunmen stormed the community in large numbers, shooting sporadically before whisking away dozens of villagers. Women and children were said to be among those taken to an unknown destination.

A devastating accident occurred near Madinah Al-Munawwarah when a bus carrying more than 40 pilgrims overturned, resulting in the tragic loss of many lives and leaving several others injured. Emergency response teams rushed to the scene, providing immediate medical assistance and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the crash. The pilgrims on board were reportedly traveling to the holy city as part of their spiritual journey when the accident occurred.

Luis Suárez acknowledged that there are “many things” in which he is “not an example” after serving multiple suspensions for Inter Miami this season. The Uruguayan opened up about his disciplinary issues and admitted MLS has been more challenging than he expected, having already missed several matches due to on-field incidents. In a wide ranging interview with Sport, Suarez addressed the numerous controversies that have followed him around this season - and throughout his career.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Rasheedat Ajibade have been named among the finalists for the 2025 CAF Player of the Year awards, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and Bayelsa Queens forward Shakirat Moshood also earned recognition in their respective categories, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The Confederation of African Football released the final shortlist for the awards on Sunday ahead of the gala ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, November 19 in Rabat, Morocco.

Nigeria’s hope of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup was finally dashed yesterday following the Super Eagles defeat to the Leopards of Democratic Republic of Congo in the final of Africa’s playoff in Rabat, Morocco. The Super Eagles who failed to pick the automatic ticket from Group C in the qualifiers managed to finish second behind South Africa which earned them a spot among the best-four losers who contested for the sole African ticket in the playoff.

Kabiru Turaki, the newly elected chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has pledged to bring an end to impunity and restore internal discipline within the party. In a statement made shortly after his election, Turaki emphasized his commitment to bringing the party back to its grassroots members, promising a more accountable and unified leadership going forward. Turaki, who previously served as Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, was elected during the party’s national convention held on Saturday at the Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

An All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Hon. Umar Sarkin Fada Moriki, has been killed by yet-to-be-identified gunmen in Zamfara State. The politician was reportedly ambushed and shot dead near Fegi village, close to Gidan Dawa in Tsafe Local Government Area, during the early hours of Saturday. Residents said the assailants opened fire on Moriki’s vehicle before fleeing the scene.

The National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Ajuji Ahmed, has expressed confidence that the party will not only retain control of Kano State in the 2027 general elections but also secure victories in at least three other northern states, despite recent defections within the party ranks. In a statement made to the press, Ahmed reassured party members and supporters that the NNPP’s momentum was unstoppable, highlighting that the defections of some key figures would not derail the party’s electoral strategy or its growing influence in the region.

Kabiru Turaki, former Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, has been elected as the new National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The election, which took place at the party's national convention, marks a significant shift in the leadership of one of Nigeria’s major political parties. Turaki’s election was confirmed after a highly anticipated and competitive race that saw him emerge victorious with overwhelming support from delegates at the convention.

According to sources, insurgents struck the convoy in Borno State, overwhelming the troops. Multiple military personnel and CJTF volunteers were said to have been killed, while the Brigade Commander, along with other soldiers, was seized. This capture — if confirmed — would signal a dramatic escalation: it would be the first publicly reported case of an extremist group in Nigeria abducting a…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has stopped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from holding its planned national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State, which was scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The party had already set up the venue before the court issued the order. Justice Peter Lifu delivered the ruling and also barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising or recognising any convention that does not follow the court’s directives.

Former Anambra State governor Willie Obiano has reportedly died in London, United Kingdom. According to family sources, he passed away after a long battle with severe heart failure and complications related to urinary cancer. They explained that his health had been declining for months, but the final collapse happened suddenly, leaving the family devastated. Medical staff in London said he received intensive treatment and continued fighting until the very end.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in collaboration with the AFCON Morocco 2025 Local Organising Committee, has announced that fans travelling to Morocco for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations will be eligible for free electronic visas. The new policy applies to citizens of countries that ordinarily require visas to enter Morocco and is aimed at easing travel as global demand for Africa’s biggest football tournament continues to rise.

Rapper Cardi B has welcomed her fourth child, which is also her first baby with NFL star Stefon Diggs. She announced the news on Instagram on November 13, 2025, sharing a short video of herself lip-syncing to “Hello,” a track from her latest album Am I The Drama? The post highlighted her journey of growth and change over the past year.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd) as Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for another five-year term. The announcement was made on Friday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. Tinubu praised Marwa’s leadership and achievements in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, describing the reappointment as a strong vote of confidence in his work.

Popular Nigerian rapper Olamide, also known as Baddo, has named Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist after the late music legend, Fela Kuti. He made the statement during a press conference in Canada while reflecting on his long history of working with Wizkid. Olamide said he feels fortunate to have collaborated with the singer multiple times, describing their partnership as natural and based on strong musical chemistry — not for fame or leverage.

Fuel prices in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) dropped on Friday after the Federal Government suspended the planned 15% import duty on petrol and diesel. Ranoil and Empire filling stations reduced their pump prices from ₦955 per litre to ₦940 and ₦949, respectively — a reduction of between ₦6 and ₦15 per litre across many stations in Abuja. Chinedu Ukadike, spokesperson for the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed that the price drop was directly linked to the suspension of the 15% tariff.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the Federal Government’s newly approved ₦1.15 trillion domestic loan, accusing him of worsening Nigeria’s debt crisis. In a statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said President Tinubu’s government has become “addicted to debts” despite repeatedly claiming that Nigeria’s revenue has improved. The party pointed out that earlier in 2025, the administration announced that the country had already met its non-oil revenue target — reportedly ₦20.59 trillion by August.

In a world where entrepreneurship is increasingly becoming the backbone of economic growth, the story of Hauwa Danjuma Yahaya stands out as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and self-determination. Hauwa’s journey from modest beginnings in catering services to developing her own online ordering and booking app reveals the multifaceted nature of modern business women in Nigeria, particularly those who choose to carve their own paths without partners or external help.

Fast-rising Nigerian sprinter and women’s 200m champion at the 2025 African Junior Athletics Championships, Success Oyibu, has joined top National Collegiate Athletic Association side, Baylor University, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Oyibu’s signing was announced on Thursday by the Baylor Track & Field team ahead of the incoming season. “Oyibu comes to Baylor with a PR of 11.42 in the 100m and 23.56 in the 200m.

Cristiano Ronaldo could miss at least the opening game of the 2026 World Cup after receiving a red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s 2-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. As reported by ESPN on Thursday, the Al Nassr forward was shown a yellow card initially in the 61st minute for elbowing Ireland defender Dara O’Shea. Still, after a review via VAR, the referee upgraded the decision to a red card.

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Eagles on their 4–1 defeat of Gabon in the FIFA World Cup qualifying Africa playoff. Tinubu said the result reflects Nigeria’s resilience and renews the push to seal a World Cup ticket. He conveyed his felicitations in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, titled ‘President Tinubu Celebrates Super Eagles’ 4-1 Victory Over Gabon, Says Nigeria’s March To The World Cup Continues.’