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Nigeria’s Super Eagles kept their World Cup dream alive with a commanding 4-0 win over Benin Republic but a clear, two-stage path still lies ahead. Below is a tight, easy-to-follow news-style explanation plus a step-by-step checklist showing exactly what the team must do to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The short version

Nigeria must first navigate the CAF Play-Offs (a mini knock-out among Africa’s best runners-up), then survive the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (a global, six-team series) to secure one of the final slots at the 2026 World Cup.

Step-by-step: How the Super Eagles qualify

Stage 1

CAF Play-Offs (continental)

Finish top among eligible runners-up.

Nigeria already secured second place in Group C. Only the top four second-placed teams from Africa’s nine groups progress to the CAF Play-Offs Nigeria achieved this with the 4-0 win in Uyo.

Win the CAF Play-Off semi-final.

This is a single knockout tie (home-and-away or as determined by CAF). Win the semi and you advance to the CAF Play-Off final.

Win the CAF Play-Off final

Victory in the final crowns Nigeria one of Africa’s play-off winners and earns a place in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (the global qualifier round).

Succeeding in Stage 1 means Nigeria becomes one of Africa’s representatives in the Inter-Confederation Play-Offs.

Stage 2 – Inter-Confederation Play-Offs (global)

Represent Africa in the six-team inter-confederation tournament.

The tournament includes six teams from different confederations vying for the last World Cup places.

Deal with FIFA ranking seeding.

Of the six teams, the two highest-ranked (by FIFA) may be seeded directly to the inter-confederation final; lower-ranked sides start in the semi-final round.

Nigeria’s current ranking means it may have to play the semi-final first.

Win the Inter-Confederation semi-final (if required).

Knockout match: win this and you reach the final of the mini-tournament.

Win the Inter-Confederation final.

The winner (or winners, depending on the playoff format for that cycle) clinches a World Cup ticket. For Nigeria, this match is the final hurdle to join the 48 teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

What to watch next

CAF Play-Off draw and dates – the fixtures, venues and whether ties are single-leg or two-legged will determine travel and tactical planning.

Opponent strength and FIFA rankings rankings affect seeding in the inter-confederation round, so Nigeria’s path may be easier or harder based on who qualifies alongside them.

Form and squad availability injuries, club form and team cohesion will be decisive in these knockout stages.

Bottom line

The Super Eagles’ route is simple in structure but ruthless in practice: win two knockout rounds at the African level, then win up to two more at the inter-confederation stage.

Each match is a make-or-break moment and after Uyo, the eagle’s wings are clipped no more.

The Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting dignified, inclusive, and transformative work for Nigerians in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking at the Mastercard Foundation Annual Nigeria Partner Convening held in Lagos on Wednesday, Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha announced the launch of the National Job Centre Project, a nationwide network of employability hubs designed to connect trained Nigerians to real job opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s labour market infrastructure.

‘The National Job Centres will integrate digital job matching, data tracking, and career advisory services to create a harmonised and inclusive system. They form part of a national labour framework that empowers youth to contribute meaningfully to local industries and compete confidently on the global stage,’ she said.

The Minister also unveiled the Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a flagship initiative designed to enhance the employability of young Nigerians and ensure a smoother transition between training and jobs.

‘Through LEEP, we are enhancing the employability of young Nigerians and strengthening the bridge between training and jobs. Our goal is not just to create employment but to build systems that protect workers’ rights, ensure fair wages, and strengthen labour market governance,’ she stated.

Rt. Hon. Onyejeocha commended the Mastercard Foundation for its steadfast partnership with Nigeria through the Young Africa Works strategy, which she said has empowered youth by providing skills, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship across the country.

‘Over the past six years, through the Young Africa Works strategy, your partnerships have not only provided skills but opened pathways to jobs, entrepreneurship, and hope for thousands across Nigeria,’ she said.

She noted that the Foundation’s approach aligns strongly with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, especially in driving the national vision to transform skills into sustainable jobs for Nigerian youth.

‘Your focus on evidence, collaboration, and inclusion resonates deeply with the Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly our national drive to make skills-to-jobs a reality for every Nigerian youth,’ she added.

The Minister emphasised that achieving decent and sustainable work requires collaboration among all stakeholders, including government, the private sector, development partners, and civil society.

‘Building an inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for work requires collective effort. We invite partners to collaborate with us in driving job access through these platforms and accelerating economic outcomes across Nigeria’s labour ecosystem,’ she said.

She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to partnerships that promote employment creation, social inclusion, and economic stability in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

‘The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment stands ready to continue working with the Mastercard Foundation and all stakeholders to build a future where work is dignified, inclusive, and transformative,’ she concluded.

Knorr, one of Nigeria’s most iconic food brands, celebrated Adekunle Gold’s latest album, Fuji, with a night of food, music, and art titled Fuji Reignited on October 10, 2025, at The Sphere, Lagos.

The event brought together musician Adekunle Gold and renowned visual artist Victor Ehikhamenor in a cultural collaboration that paid homage to Nigerian heritage.

The event, organized by Unilever Nigeria Plc, creators of Knorr, served as a creative fusion of taste and tradition. Guests were treated to meals inspired by Adekunle Gold’s music, capturing the flavour and emotion behind Fuji, his new album that celebrates Nigerian roots and sound.

Speaking on the partnership, Damilola Dania, Food Demand Creation Lead at Unilever Nigeria Plc, said the collaboration was aimed at celebrating what makes Nigerians unique.

‘Knorr has always been part of our everyday lives, from our kitchens to our celebrations. This collaboration with Adekunle Gold and Victor Ehikhamenor was about celebrating the things that make us who we are – our food, our art, our music, and our culture,’ she said.

Adekunle Gold, who performed songs from Fuji including Don Corleone, Coco Money, and Many Many People, described the project as deeply personal.

‘Fuji is one of the Nigerian sounds I grew up on and fell in love with. Working with Knorr made this moment even more special because it feels personal. Growing up, I was always sent to buy Knorr Chicken cubes, and that memory stuck with me,’ he said. ‘When I say ‘O dun bi Knorr chicken’ in Don Corleone, it comes from a real place. This collaboration feels like coming full circle.’

In addition to the musical performance, Victor Ehikhamenor unveiled a specially created artwork inspired by Adekunle Gold’s Fuji album and Knorr’s cultural legacy. The piece, displayed in an intimate gallery space, celebrated the enduring relationship between Nigerian sound, art, and food.

The night ended on a nostalgic note as Adekunle Gold thrilled fans with hit songs such as Ogaranya and Pick Up, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth, joy, and cultural pride.

Fuji Reignited highlighted Knorr’s longstanding presence in Nigerian homes, showing that beyond being a kitchen staple, the brand continues to be part of the nation’s cultural story connecting people through flavour, music, and art.

Nigerian businessman Cubana Chief Priest has reacted to the criticism received from billionaire businessman Cosmas Maduka.

Chief Priest on his Instagram page explained why the new generation of wealthy people flaunt their wealth online. He claimed that the older generation built their wealth through investments in land and industries while the new generation builds theirs through attention and visibility.

Chief Priest also described the digital age as the new currency, emphasising the need for people to constantly flaunt wealth online.

‘With all due respect to the motivational speaking older generation who built wealth quietly, the world you thrived in is not the one we live in today. In your time, capital was factories, fleets, and real estate. In our time, attention is the main capital. These capitals listed cannot sell in today’s market without the major capital,’ he wrote.

Chief Priest added that most wealthy people flaunt their wealth because it in turn converts to more money for them.

‘Visibility has become the new currency. In a digital economy, obscurity is bankruptcy. What you don’t show doesn’t sell. What you don’t amplify dissolves into silence. We are the noise that’s why you know us to the extent you had to use us to make references in your dry speech. Because you want to use us to trend without paying us. Na why you dey run when you see us, you no wan show us real love. Tell me, Why musta billionaire pretend to use the toilet just to run away from an event, that’s a lot of stress for a real billionaire,’ he added.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has emphasised the importance of collective responsibility in addressing the spread of fake news and misinformation, noting that false narratives have far-reaching consequences on national unity, peace, and nation’s ‘s image.

Idris said this when a delegation from the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) visited him on Tuesday.

Speaking to the NOUN delegation led by its Vice Chancellor, Prof. Olufemi Peters, Idris called on Nigerians to unite against false narratives and contrived misinformation by foreign interests to undermine the nation’s unity.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Minister’s Personal Assistant on Media, Malam Rabiu Ibrahim on Wednesday in Abuja.

‘Nigerians should join hands collectively, to stop fake narratives about our country.

‘We all have a responsibility to project the truth and Nigeria’s image.

‘Misinformation has the capacity to divide nations, and we must not allow that to happen to ours.

‘Nigeria and the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is commitment to advancing media and information literacy as a tool for promoting truth, unity, and national development,’ Idris said.

He praised the NOUN for what he described as its excellence in promoting open distance learning and commitment to hosting the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI).

He added that, the certification for the IMILI would be done in November 2025, at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

‘IMILI is not only an educational initiative, but also a strategic national investment in truth, literacy and civic enlightenment.

‘And that is why my Ministry is committed to working with NOUN, UNESCO, and the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure Nigeria’s successful ratification and recognition of IMILI at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand.

‘The IMLI objective is to promote responsible media practices and strengthen Nigeria’s global standing in information literacy as a leading voice in information integrity.

‘The establishment of IMILI not only positions Nigeria as a leading voice in media and information literacy across Africa, but the grand initiative aligns with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which promotes integrity, accountability, and public enlightenment,’ Idris said.

Peters, expressed the University’s profound gratitude to the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation for entrusting it with the responsibility of hosting IMILI.

Peters acknowledged the Minister’s support and the Federal Government’s provision of a ?250 million Naira grant to facilitate the Institute’s development.

He described the Institute as capable of strengthening Nigeria’s leadership in global media education and pledged the full commitment of the NOUN to the success and international recognition of IMILI.

‘NOUN is fully prepared for the global accreditation of IMILI as a UNESCO Category Two Institute, and this recognition will further enhance Nigeria’s reputation in education and media literacy.’

He also guaranteed NOUN’s institutional capacity, digital infrastructure, and academic expertise to sustain the Institute, with structures already in place to ensure its autonomy and international relevance.

Popular Nigerian comedian and content creator, Aloma Isaac Junior, better known as Zicsaloma, has revealed that he once lost several job opportunities because of his appearance.

The skit maker made this revelation while speaking about his decision to undergo rhinoplasty (nose surgery) to enhance his facial features.

According to him, the move boosted his confidence and helped him feel more comfortable in the entertainment industry.

Zicsaloma noted that appearance plays a huge role in show business, stressing that people should not be ashamed to improve their looks through safe medical procedures if they can afford them.

He said:

‘If you can afford cosmetic surgery, do it. Some people lost chances in life just because of how they looked. If it will make you feel better, go for it.’

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has filed a lawsuit against activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju.

Obi took Adeyanju to the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha, accusing him of making false and damaging statements about him on social media.

According to the suit, Obi said Adeyanju’s posts were reckless, malicious, and meant to harm his reputation.

He asked the court to order Adeyanju to publicly apologize and to pay ?1 billion as general damages and ?500 million as exemplary damages.

Reacting to the development, Adeyanju confirmed that Obi had indeed sued him.

In a message shared with Daily Post, he said:

‘Finally, Peter Obi has sued me. I’m actually happy and relieved that he didn’t back out after saying he would.

Interestingly, he filed the case in Anambra State, even though he’s mostly in Abuja where I live. But no problem, we move.’

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), has cautioned the National Assembly against proceeding with the proposed Central Gaming Bill, warning that the legislation is unconstitutional and in direct violation of a binding Supreme Court judgment.

Pedro, who addressed journalists on Wednesday at the Lagos Government Secretariat, ALausa, described the Bill, currently before the Senate for concurrence, as a ‘voyage of unconstitutionality’ that risks plunging the country into a constitutional crisis.

The Bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Repeal the National Lottery Act No. 7 of 2005 and the National Lottery (Amendment) Act No. 6 of 2017, and to Enact the Central Gaming Bill to Regulate the Operation and Business of All Forms of Online and Remote Gaming Across the Geographical Boundaries of the Federating Units and Beyond the Borders of Nigeria’, seeks to centralise the regulation of gaming, betting, and lotteries nationwide.

However, Pedro reminded the lawmakers that the Supreme Court had already settled the matter in Suit No. SC/1/2008 – AG Lagos and 22 Ors v. AG Fed and Ors, where it held that lotteries, betting, and gaming fall within the legislative competence of states, not the Federal Government.

Quoting the apex court’s judgment delivered on 13th October 2024, the Lagos AG stated: ‘Lotteries, betting, gaming, and any other games of chance are residual matters falling within the exclusive legislative competence of the States, except in the Federal Capital Territory.’

Pedro further cited specific portions of the judgment in which the Supreme Court ruled that the National Lottery Act of 2005 was enacted ultra vires the National Assembly, declaring it unconstitutional and nullifying it in its entirety.

He stressed that any attempt to reintroduce similar legislation under a new name, such as the proposed Central Gaming Bill, would amount to ‘legislating in defiance of a binding Supreme Court decision, the highest expression of contempt of court.’

‘Once the Supreme Court has made a decision on a subject, particularly under the Constitution, it becomes final and binding on all persons and authorities in Nigeria, including the Executive and the Legislature,’ he said.

Pedro explained that the Supreme Court’s ruling had permanently restrained the Federal Government and its agencies from regulating lotteries and gaming across the states, making the matter ‘forever settled’ unless the Constitution itself is amended.

He added: ‘Some proponents of the Bill argue that it only targets online gaming, but my question to them is, does ‘online’ mean ‘federal’? Whether a lottery ticket is sold physically or via mobile phone, the activity remains a game of chance within the state’s jurisdiction.’

The Attorney General warned that passing the Bill would carry grave consequences for Nigeria’s federal structure and the rule of law.

‘It would amount to overstepping constitutional boundaries and encroaching upon state powers, contrary to the principles of federalism. It will also force the states back to the Supreme Court over a matter already conclusively decided,’ he noted.

Pedro urged the Senate to reject concurrence with the Bill ‘in the interest of constitutionalism, federalism, and national stability.’

‘This is not about Lagos State. It is about Nigeria. It is about protecting the integrity of the Supreme Court and preserving the federation as the Constitution envisions it,’ he said.

The Attorney General reaffirmed Lagos State’s commitment, alongside the 22 other states that were co-plaintiffs in the case, to uphold the rule of law and resist any legislative encroachment on powers constitutionally reserved for the states.

‘The strength of our democracy lies not in the might of any institution, but in the rule of law,’ Pedro asserted, adding that ‘Let us not defy the Constitution we all swore to uphold.’

The National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD, has demanded immediate reinstatement of five of their colleagues sacked at Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja to prevent a breakdown of industrial harmony.

NARD said this following solidarity visit of its President Dr Mohammed Usman Suleiman to the sacked doctors on Tuesday.

the NARD President was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary General and Treasurer of the association as well as his Chief of Staff.

Addressing newsmen, Lokoja, Suleiman, said the association is saying ‘enough is enough’ as the sacked doctors have been out of work for over a year.

The sacked doctors were allegedly dismissed in October 2024, May and August 2025 by FTHL management led by former Chief Medical Director, Dr Olatunde Alabi, for their involvement in unionism activities against the hospital management.

Suleiman recalled that NARD during its recent 45th Annual General Meeting (AGM), gave the Federal Government a 30-day deadline to meet a series of outstanding welfare and policy demands affecting its members.

‘Today is the 18th day of the 30-day ultimatum that NARD gave to the Federal Government to implement our demands, among which is the reinstatement of five doctors sacked at FTH Lokoja.

‘NARD’s demands include the reinstatement of the sacked doctors, payment of unpaid promotion and salary arrears dating back to five years, unpaid 25 per cent and 35 per cent increment and entitlements,’ he said.

Nigeria, he said, is facing a crisis in the health sector, with a ratio of one doctor servicing over 9,000 Nigerians, compared to the standard ratio of one doctor to 600 people.

Suleiman stressed that the federal government must be holistic in its approach to addressing the issues in the health sector.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to take urgent action, warning that if the situation is not addressed, it might lead to a national disaster.

Suleiman expressed NARD’s readiness to engage in dialogue with the federal government to resolve the issue.

‘We need those sacked doctors back to reduce workloads in hospital. We inform Nigerians about Doctors’ plight.

‘NARD is ready to discuss with federal government to reinstate sacked doctors,’ he said.

Suleiman stressed the need for the continuation of the current ongoing collective bargain between the federal government and Nigerian doctors as well as other health workers without further delay.

‘This is the only way to curb brain drain. ‘NARD is saying enough is enough,’ he emphasised.

Suleiman commended the new Acting CMD of FTHL, Dr Ebune Ojochide, for his efforts and appealed to him to partner with NARD in their struggle for justice for the sacked doctors. (NAN)

The management of the University of Calabar (UniCal) has justified eviction of some of its staff members from the institution’s quarters despite outcries from those affected.

Some senior staff had accused Unical management of abuse of power following the forceful eviction of occupants from the Boys’ Quarters (BQs)

One of the affected senior staff, who pleaded anonymity, said that the university security personnel and staff of the Security and Technical (SAT) Services Department recently broke into some of the quarters.

He said they threw out belongings of occupants, including those away on sabbatical or official duties.

‘If I’m paying for the main house, I should have the right to use the BQ for my dependents, house-helps, or relations.

‘Some of our colleagues returned to meet their doors broken and personal items thrown outside; this is not acceptable in a university environment,’ he said.

Another senior staff of Unical, Mr Jacob Emmanuel described the eviction as high-handed and demeaning to senior members of the academic community.

‘Is the management saying our house-helps should now sleep in our bedrooms because the BQs have been seized?,’ he queried while warning that the situation could lead to a breakdown of law and order if not properly handled.

But Unical Spokesperson for Unical, Mr Eyo Effiong, said the action was taken in order to accommodate the junior staff and curb unethical practices.

Effiong who made the remark while speaking with newsmen in Calabar on Tuesday said the governing council of the school directed some staff to vacate the BQs after evidence showed that they rented them out to students and outsiders.

‘Letters were issued notifying them that the ownership of the quarters have been revoked, and occupants were asked to vacate on or before April 30, 2025,’ he explained.

The Unical Spokesperson further said investigations revealed that the staff collected between ?80,000 and ?350,000 yearly from students and outsiders while paying the university much less.

He described the practice as unethical and embarrassing to the university, adding that the institution also discovered security threats linked to some of the occupants.

According to him, the reclaimed apartments will be reallocated directly to junior staff through the university’s housing department to ensure accountability and proper rent deductions.

‘This policy affects all senior staff who misused the facility, not just professors; and those with genuine grievances can approach the Governing Council, which approved the decision,’ he stated.