Augustine Eguavoen, the interim coach of the Nigerian national football team, the Super Eagles, has announced his resignation from the position.

Eguavoen made the announcement after the team’s 0-0 draw against Rwanda in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Tuesday.

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The Nigerian tactician revealed that his mandate was to oversee the team’s matches against Benin Republic and Rwanda, and with that accomplished, his task has ended.

However, Eguavoen has offered to provide tactical advice to the next coach on how to overcome Libya, the team’s next opponent.

The Super Eagles’ performance under Eguavoen has been mixed, with a convincing 3-0 win against Benin Republic followed by a disappointing draw against Rwanda.

Eguavoen made a single change to the starting lineup for the Rwanda match, with Fisayo Dele-Basiru replacing Alex Iwobi.

He said, “I have been given a mandate to handle two games. I will want to say I am very pleased with the boys and again, thanks to the NFF leadership and all the boys who supported me in terms of discipline and working hard.

“It ends today, which is the two games mandate. I can’t talk about Libya, because I haven’t been told but I can talk about it a little bit in case we have another coach, we can talk about it.

“I want to be closer to the team as it should be and I can give inside story and inside information that we need to be able to overcome Libya. No team is a pushover anymore but with this spirit that these boys have exhibited and from what I have seen, we have a very bright future”

Recall that Eguavoen’s appointment asl interim coach was announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on August 30, 2024, after the federation’s inability to secure the services of German coach Bruno Labbadia due to stringent German tax laws.

Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels have secured promotion to the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following their victories in the NWFL Championship playoff matches held on Sunday at UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.

The Benue State-based Honey Badgers made history with a 1-0 win over Pelican Stars, which earned them their first-ever promotion to the country’s top-flight.

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A second-half goal from Hellen Daniel proved to be the difference for Honey Badgers, who displayed resilience and composure throughout the match. Both teams started brightly, with the Badgers missing an early chance to take the lead. Moments later, their goalkeeper Stella Okereke made a crucial save to deny Pelican Stars an opening goal.

The hosts pressed hard in search of the opener, but Honey Badgers’ defense held firm. The breakthrough came in the 67th minute when Daniel converted a chance to give the visitors the lead. Despite relentless support from the home crowd, Pelican Stars couldn’t find an equalizer as the Badgers held on for the win.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Honey Badgers, who would now be preparing to make their debut in the NWFL Premiership.

The team will join Ibom Angels, who also earned promotion earlier in the day with a 2-0 win over Osun Babes in another playoff match.

The Ibom Angels dominated their match against Osun Babes, scoring through Abasiofon Uwah and Ijeoma Onweagba. Uwah gave the Uyo-based side an early lead in the 10th minute, while Onuma doubled the advantage in the 61st minute with a long-range effort. Osun Babes earned a penalty late in the game, but Kafayat Bashiru missed the spot-kick.

The victory sees Ibom Angels return to the NWFL Premiership just a season after their relegation in 2021.

This marks the second consecutive season in which Ibom Angels have secured immediate promotion back to the topflight, showcasing their resilience and strong team spirit.

Meanwhile, Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens retained their NWFL Championship status after winning their respective relegation playoff matches.

Chosen Generation Angels narrowly edged Kaduna Queens 1-0, with Kafayat Anifowoshe scoring the only goal in the 35th minute. Kaduna Queens were relegated to the third tier despite a strong second-half showing.

Heroes Queens defeated DreamStar FC Ladies 1-0 in the Lagos derby to maintain their place in the NWFL Championship. Ebube Umejiaku scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, condemning Dreamstar to relegation.

The loss marked the end of Dreamstar Ladies’ three-year stint in the second tier after their relegation from the Premiership in 2021.

With the conclusion of the NWFL playoffs, Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels are set to compete in the 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership season, while Chosen Generation Angels and Heroes Queens will continue in the NWFL Championship. Kaduna Queens and DreamStar FC Ladies will face the challenge of rebuilding in the third tier.

Chairman, NWFL, Nkechi Obi congratulated Honey Badgers and Ibom Angels on their promotion to the elite league, noting, “Their hard work and determination have paid off.” She also commiserated with Osun Babes and Pelican Stars, acknowledging their efforts throughout the season.

Obi further expressed her gratitude to the Cross River State government for successfully hosting the 2024 NWFL Championship, emphasizing, “This event plays a vital role in promoting women’s football in Nigeria.”

Onyinyechi Mark has secured Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, dominating the women’s 61kg powerlifting event with a world-record lift of 150kg.

The 23-year-old achieved this remarkable feat on Friday, outperforming China’s Cui Jianjin, who lifted 140kg for silver, and Mexico’s Amelia Perez, who took bronze with a 130kg lift.

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Nigeria’s Minister of Sports, John Enoh, celebrated Mark’s victory in a message on social media, saying, “Congratulations Onyinyechi Mark! Today, you hoisted the flag of our great nation at the ongoing Paralympics, having won Nigeria’s first Olympics gold medal at the ongoing Paralympics. Not only did you lift 147kg to break the Paralympic record and win a gold medal, but you took a challenge given to you and lifted 150kg to set a new world record. Bravo!!

“You have brought immense pride and joy to Nigerians, you have built a momentum which makes a worthy statement of the resilient Nigerian spirit. We are so proud of you, the government and sports-loving people of Nigeria celebrate you our champ! Thank you for doing it for yourself and the country.”

Onyinyechi Mark’s recent gold medal victory in the women’s 61kg powerlifting category has brought Team Nigeria’s medal tally to three at the 2024 Paralympics.

Earlier in the Games, Eniola Bolaji made history by becoming the first African to win a medal in Para-Badminton, capturing bronze in the Women’s Singles SL3 category with a decisive 2-0 victory over Ukraine’s Oksana Kozyna (21-9, 21-9).

In addition, Esther Nworgu secured a silver medal in the women’s 41kg para-powerlifting category, adding to Nigeria’s impressive performance.

Team Nigeria’s para-powerlifters continue to shine on the global stage, breaking barriers and achieving new milestones.

Team Nigeria’s para-powerlifters have a track record of excellence, having dominated the 2021 Para-powerlifting World Cup in Manchester with an impressive haul of eight gold and three silver medals, finishing ahead of 18 other countries.

The victorious team included standout athletes like Lucy Ejike, Jonah Ben, Bose Omolayo, Tijani Latifat, Yakubu Adesokan, Ibrahim Dauda, and Thomas Kure, among others.

Onyinyechi Mark, who recently secured a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, was also part of that winning squad, claiming silver in the women’s 55kg category after a closely contested match with Ukraine’s Mariana Shevchuk.

The Nigerian powerlifting team continues to build on its success, establishing itself as a formidable force in the sport.