Vol. I · Issue 12
Chelle names 23-man squad — Osimhen & Nwabali left out as Eagles face Iran & Jordan
Coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man squad for Nigeria’s March international window, with two high-profile absentees dominating the headlines. Victor Osimhen — who suffered a fractured right arm at Anfield on March 18 against Liverpool — is unavailable, as is clubless goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. Three fresh faces earn their first senior call-ups: Scotland-based Emmanuel Fernandez (Glasgow Rangers), Germany-based Philip Otele (Hamburger SV), and Belgian-league winger Collins Yira Sor (KRC Genk). Both friendlies were relocated from Amman to Antalya, Turkey, due to ongoing military tensions in the Middle East.
The matches serve a dual purpose: Chelle will use these games to assess squad depth and trial new combinations ahead of the 2030 World Cup qualifying cycle — Nigeria’s next major objective after missing out on USA 2026.
Osimhen plays with broken arm at Anfield — surgery looms, season in doubt
In one of the week’s most dramatic sporting moments, Osimhen fractured his right forearm in a collision with Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konaté just seven minutes into Galatasaray’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg at Anfield on March 18. In a remarkable show of heart, Osimhen continued playing the entire first half with his arm strapped — only to be taken off at half-time when medical checks confirmed fracture risk. Galatasaray were then beaten 4-0 on the night, losing 4-1 on aggregate.
A club statement confirmed the fracture after post-match hospital examinations: a cast has been applied to his right forearm, and a final surgery decision is pending further assessment. Osimhen had been in the form of his life this season — 18 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray, including 7 goals and 3 assists in 10 Champions League appearances. His status for the rest of the club season is now uncertain.
The injury explains his absence from Chelle’s March squad. It also casts a shadow over Nigeria’s early 2030 World Cup qualifying preparations, with the country’s most potent striker now sidelined at a critical juncture.
Fractured right forearm at Anfield. Surgery decision pending. Season potentially over. Was in career-best form before injury.
Scored on debut v Real Betis (Copa del Rey) — his 100th career goal. Already a fan favourite at the Metropolitano under Simeone.
Serie A’s most improved Nigerian midfielder. Strong case for starting role in the March friendlies after consistent club displays.
Born in Scotland to Nigerian parents, qualifies through his father. First player from the Scottish Premiership in the Eagles squad in over a decade.
Germany-based forward impressing with Hamburg as they push for Bundesliga promotion. Chelle evidently monitoring second-tier European talent closely.
Follows the Ndidi-to-Leicester pipeline from Genk. The Belgian club has long been a factory for Nigerian talent feeding into European football.
CAF strips Senegal of AFCON 2025 title — Morocco crowned champions in unprecedented ruling
African football is in chaos. CAF’s Appeal Board this week overturned the result of the January 18 AFCON final, stripping Senegal of the title they won on the pitch 1-0 in extra time and awarding Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory — citing Article 84 of CAF regulations. The trigger: Senegalese players walked off the pitch for approximately 15 minutes in protest after a VAR-awarded penalty was given to Morocco in the closing stages of normal time. Morocco missed the penalty. Senegal came back and won through Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal. Two months later, they lost the title at a boardroom table.
Senegal’s response was defiant. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) called the ruling “unjust and without precedent” and confirmed it will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye backed the appeal publicly. Meanwhile, in a surreal development, Senegal has moved the AFCON trophy to a military facility for safekeeping while the legal process plays out.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the controversy had dented confidence in African football, admitting that concerns over officiating and governance remain a “legacy issue.” For Nigeria — who finished third at the 2025 AFCON — the ruling adds to a turbulent continental picture that also includes FIFA’s confirmation that the Super Eagles will miss the 2026 World Cup.
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Form | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rivers United | 30 | 17 | 5 | 8 | 42 | 24 | +18 | W W D W L | 56 |
| 2 | Enyimba | 30 | 16 | 6 | 8 | 38 | 26 | +12 | W W L W W | 54 |
| 3 | Remo Stars ⭐ | 30 | 15 | 5 | 10 | 36 | 28 | +8 | L W D W W | 50 |
| 4 | Bendel Insurance | 29 | 14 | 6 | 9 | 35 | 30 | +5 | W D W L W | 48 |
| 5 | Plateau United | 29 | 13 | 7 | 9 | 33 | 27 | +6 | D W L W D | 46 |
| 6 | Shooting Stars 3SC | 30 | 13 | 5 | 12 | 31 | 34 | -3 | W L W L W | 44 |
| 7 | Enugu Rangers | 29 | 12 | 6 | 11 | 30 | 32 | -2 | D W D L W | 42 |
| 8 | Ikorodu City | 30 | 11 | 8 | 11 | 28 | 30 | -2 | W D L W W | 41 |
| 9 | Kano Pillars | 29 | 11 | 7 | 11 | 26 | 28 | -2 | D D W L D | 40 |
| 10 | Bayelsa United | 29 | 11 | 6 | 12 | 27 | 31 | -4 | L W W D L | 39 |
| 17 | Kwara United ‑3pts | 29 | 7 | 7 | 15 | 20 | 38 | -18 | L L D L D | 28 |
| 18 | Warri Wolves | 30 | 6 | 7 | 17 | 18 | 40 | -22 | L L L D L | 25 |
Ikorodu City stun table-topping Rivers United 1-0
In what was arguably the biggest shock of the NPFL weekend, Ikorodu City defeated league leaders Rivers United 1-0 at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Temitope scored the only goal, dealing a significant blow to Rivers United’s title hopes. Their assistant coach Olanrewaju attributed the slip to the squad being spread thin across the CAF Champions League campaign.
Remo Stars, Enyimba & Shooting Stars all win — table tightens
Defending champions Remo Stars survived a scare to beat Nasarawa United 2-1 with a late Michael Ibe winner. Enyimba dispatched Plateau United 2-0. Shooting Stars edged Wikki Tourists 3-2 in Ibadan. With Rivers United stumbling, the title race is now a genuine three-team contest heading into the final stretch of the season.
This weekend: 10 matches — key clash is Rivers United vs Nasarawa United
Matchday 31 runs on Sunday March 23 with all 10 fixtures kicking off simultaneously. The standout game is Rivers United’s home clash against Nasarawa United — a must-win for the league leaders after their midweek stumble. Enyimba host Kano Pillars in another top-of-table six-pointer.
Iran to boycott US matches — World Cup participation uncertain
Iran confirmed it will boycott any matches against the United States at the 2026 World Cup, held in the USA, Mexico and Canada. FIFA risks imposing a $320,000 fine. FIFA president Infantino has assured the tournament will go ahead, but the political dimension continues to complicate logistics.
FIFA mandates female coaches in women’s competitions globally
In a landmark policy shift, FIFA has mandated the inclusion of more female coaches in women’s competitions worldwide. The ruling is expected to transform coaching pathways across African football, including in Nigeria’s women’s league structure.
Premier League clubs circle Nigerian-born goalkeeper
Multiple Premier League clubs have registered interest in a Nigerian-born goalkeeper currently operating in Europe. Complete Sports and Daily Post both confirmed the story this week, though no name has yet been officially disclosed. One to watch as the summer window approaches.
- Sun 23 MarNPFL MD31Rivers United vs Nasarawa United🇳🇬 Must-Watch
- Sun 23 MarNPFL MD31Enyimba vs Kano Pillars🇳🇬 Top 3 Clash
- Sun 23 MarNPFL MD31Kwara United vs Remo Stars🇳🇬 Relegation vs Champs
- Thu 27 MarInt’l Friendly🇮🇷 Iran vs 🇳🇬 Nigeria⚡ Eagles in Action
- Mon 31 MarInt’l Friendly🇯🇴 Jordan vs 🇳🇬 Nigeria⚡ Eagles in Action
- Sat–SunUCL QF DrawChampions League — Quarter-Final DrawLiverpool vs PSG awaits
- Thu 26–31FIFA Intercont.World Cup Intercontinental PlayoffsDR Congo involved
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal FC 🔴 | 31 | 21 | 7 | 3 | 70 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 30 | 18 | 7 | 5 | 61 |
| 3 | Manchester United | 30 | 15 | 9 | 6 | 54 |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 30 | 15 | 6 | 9 | 51 |
| 5 | Liverpool FC | 30 | 14 | 7 | 9 | 49 |
| 6 | Chelsea FC | 30 | 13 | 9 | 8 | 48 |
| 7 | Brentford FC | 30 | 13 | 6 | 11 | 45 |
| 8 | Everton FC | 30 | 12 | 7 | 11 | 43 |
| 9 | Newcastle United | 30 | 12 | 6 | 12 | 42 |
| 10 | AFC Bournemouth | 30 | 9 | 14 | 7 | 41 |
| 11 | Fulham FC ▲ Bassey/Iwobi | 30 | 12 | 5 | 13 | 41 |
| 16 | Tottenham Hotspur | 30 | 7 | 9 | 14 | 30 |
| 17 | Nottingham Forest | 30 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 29 |
| 18 | West Ham United | 30 | 7 | 8 | 15 | 29 |
| 19 | Burnley FC | 30 | 4 | 8 | 18 | 20 |
| 20 | Wolverhampton W. | 30 | 3 | 8 | 20 | 17 |
Arsenal lead by 9 points with 8 games remaining. City would need to win all their remaining games and Arsenal lose 3+ to change the outcome. Barring a complete collapse, the Gunners are on course for their first Premier League title since 2004. Watch Arsenal vs Bournemouth (April 11) as the potential coronation date.
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FC Barcelona | 28 | 23 | 1 | 4 | 70 |
| 2 | Real Madrid | 28 | 21 | 3 | 4 | 66 |
| 3 | Atlético Madrid ▲ Lookman | 28 | 17 | 6 | 5 | 57 |
| 4 | Villarreal CF | 28 | 17 | 4 | 7 | 55 |
| 5 | Real Betis | 28 | 11 | 11 | 6 | 44 |
| 6 | RC Celta Vigo | 28 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 41 |
| 18 | Elche CF | 28 | 5 | 11 | 12 | 26 |
| 19 | Levante UD | 28 | 5 | 8 | 15 | 23 |
| 20 | Real Oviedo | 28 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 21 |
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inter Milan | 29 | 22 | 2 | 5 | 68 |
| 2 | AC Milan ▲ Chukwueze | 29 | 17 | 9 | 3 | 60 |
| 3 | SSC Napoli | 29 | 18 | 5 | 6 | 59 |
| 4 | Como 1907 | 29 | 15 | 9 | 5 | 54 |
| 5 | Juventus | 29 | 15 | 8 | 6 | 53 |
| 9 | Lazio ▲ Dele-Bashiru | 29 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 40 |
| 11 | Udinese ▲ Okoye (GK) | 29 | 10 | 6 | 13 | 36 |
| 18 | US Cremonese | 29 | 5 | 9 | 15 | 24 |
| 19 | Pisa SC | 29 | 2 | 12 | 15 | 18 |
| 20 | Hellas Verona | 29 | 3 | 9 | 17 | 18 |
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bayern Munich | 26 | 21 | 4 | 1 | 67 |
| 2 | Borussia Dortmund | 26 | 17 | 7 | 2 | 58 |
| 3 | TSG Hoffenheim | 26 | 15 | 5 | 6 | 50 |
| 4 | VfB Stuttgart | 26 | 15 | 5 | 6 | 50 |
| 5 | RB Leipzig | 26 | 14 | 5 | 7 | 47 |
| 6 | Bayer Leverkusen | 26 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 45 |
| 11 | Hamburger SV ▲ Otele | 26 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 30 |
| 16 | FC St. Pauli | 26 | 6 | 6 | 14 | 24 |
| 17 | VFL Wolfsburg | 26 | 5 | 6 | 15 | 21 |
| 18 | FC Heidenheim | 26 | 3 | 5 | 18 | 14 |
| # | Club | P | W | D | L | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paris Saint-Germain | 25 | 18 | 3 | 4 | 57 |
| 2 | RC Lens | 26 | 18 | 2 | 6 | 56 |
| 3 | Olympique Marseille | 26 | 15 | 4 | 7 | 49 |
| 4 | Olympique Lyon | 26 | 14 | 5 | 7 | 47 |
| 5 | Lille OSC | 26 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 44 |
| 6 | AS Monaco | 26 | 13 | 4 | 9 | 43 |
| 17 | FC Nantes ▲ Moses Simon | 25 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 17 |
| 18 | FC Metz | 26 | 3 | 4 | 19 | 13 |