2026 WCQ: Super Eagles must not qualify – South Africa Sports Minister, McKenzie

Published

4 months ago

October 18, 2025

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has admitted he does not want the Super Eagles to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

McKenzie was reacting to Nigeria’s role in his country’s complicated qualifying journey.

Bafana Bafana were deducted three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho.

Nigeria was one of the countries that protested and demanded that FIFA took necessary action.

However, Hugo Broos’ team eventually finished top of Group C, one point ahead of the Eagles.

“I heard you earlier saying that we (South Africa) will also root for Nigeria,” McKenzie said in an interview shared on X by South African journalist Robert Marawa.

“I want to make it very clear: I wish for them not to qualify. I just want to make that one clear. They tried… I knew what they did behind the scenes. I want them to lose.

“Nigeria must not go to the World Cup. Another African country must go.”

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Lookman scores on Atletico Madrid debut

Published

5 days ago

February 6, 2026

Naijacoaded

Ademola Lookman scores on his debut for Atlético Madrid Ademola Lookman scores on his debut for Atlético Madrid

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, scored on his debut for Atlético Madrid as they thrashed Real Betis 5-0 in the quarter-final of the Copa del Rey on Thursday night.

Lookman sealed his move from Atalanta to the La Liga side early this week.

The forward scored the third goal from a counter-attacking move after David Hancko and Giuliano Simeone had put Diego Simeone’s side 2 goals up.

Antoine Griezmann and Thiago Almada completed the rout after the 28-year-old’s 37th-minute goal.

Atlético and Betis will face each other again on Sunday in LaLiga.

Sadiq sets unwanted record in Copa del Rey loss

Published

5 days ago

February 6, 2026

Naijacoaded

Nigeria striker Umar Sadiq carved his name into Valencia’s history as the club stumbled to a 2-1 Copa del Rey defeat to Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday night, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

On a night of high drama at the Mestalla, Sadiq rewrote the record books after scoring at both ends of the pitch – for Bilbao in the 26th minute and for Valencia 10 minutes later.

The Super Eagles striker became the first-ever Valencia player to score both for and against the club in a single Spanish competition match.

Sadiq is also the first La Liga player to score a goal and an own goal in a Copa del Rey match since Verza for Almeria against Getafe in January 2015.

The 27-year-old’s unusual record-setting evening began in unfortunate fashion when he attempted to deal with a dangerous free-kick into the penalty area. Under pressure, the striker could only glance the ball past his own goalkeeper, handing Athletic Bilbao an early advantage.

But Sadiq responded 10 minutes later, pouncing on a costly error from Bilbao goalkeeper Alex Padilla to roll the ball into an unguarded net and restore parity for Valencia.

However, Athletic Bilbao had the final say. Six minutes into added time, Ghana international Iñaki Williams broke Valencia hearts with a decisive strike, sealing a dramatic late victory and knocking the hosts out of the Copa del Rey.

Valencia head coach Carlos Corberán refused to apportion blame to Sadiq following the defeat.

“I didn’t see Sadiq’s gesture, but I understand he was eager to score, and an own goal is always painful,” Corberán said after the match.

“He’s contributed a lot of hard work, and no player wants to suffer an own goal.”

The equaliser marked Sadiq’s second Copa del Rey goal since returning to the club during the winter transfer window, following his earlier strike in the 2-0 win over Burgos CF.