Nigeria’s Super Eagles have experienced a significant drop in the latest Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) rankings, falling eight places from 30th to 38th.

The FIFA made the announcement on Thursday.

The decline follows the team’s recent underwhelming performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles managed only a 1-1 draw at home against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana and suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Benin Republic’s Cheetahs.

Despite this setback, the Super Eagles remain among Africa’s top five teams.

Morocco retains the highest ranking on the continent, followed by Senegal in second place, with Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire occupying third and fourth positions, respectively.

The grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup men and women competitions have been billed for the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 29th June.

General Secretary, Nigerian Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said that the date has been agreed by both the NFF and GTI.

It was gathered that the two finals holding same was in view of the fact that Nigeria have until midnight of Sunday, 30 June to submit to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the names of her representative clubs in next season’s continental club competitions.

Dr Sanusi said, “Having looked closely at our programmes, the stage the men and women competitions are at the moment and the need to submit the names of all our representative clubs to CAF for African Club Competitions next season, ourselves and GTI have reached a consensus for the grand finale of the men and women finals of the President Federation Cup to take place on Saturday, 29th June.

“The venue is the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. The women’s final will begin at 1pm while the men’s final will commence at 4pm, as has been the tradition for so many years now. NFF and GTI are committed to putting up a great show of this year’s grand finale.”

Meanwhile, the quarter-finals of the women’s competition will take place on Wednesday, 19th June, with Benin City, Asaba and Enugu as host centres.

The semi-finals of the men’s competition will take place on Thursday, 20th June, with Abuja and Lafia as host centres.

Tough Duels in Women’s Final Eight

Nasarawa Amazons go up against Remo Stars Ladies at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, in what is undoubtedly one of the potentially-explosive encounters of the quarter-finals of the women’s competition.

The girls from Ikenne have been following in the footsteps of their men’s team (Remo Stars FC) in chasing for honours this season, with the men’s team also firmly in the hunt for a CAF Champions League spot as the NPFL season rounds off next Sunday.

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is also the venue for the clash between Delta Queens and Sunshine Queens, while FC Robo Queens of Lagos and Naija Ratels of Abuja clash in another tantalizing match-up in Asaba.

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu – where Enugu Rangers emerged champions of this year’s NPFL season on Sunday – is venue for the clash between Osun Babes and Rivers Angels.

Women’s Quarter-Final Fixtures

Nasarawa Amazons (Nasarawa) Vs Remo Stars Ladies (Ogun) – Benin City – 19/06/24 – 4pm

Naija Ratels (FCT) Vs FC Robo Queens (Lagos) – Asaba – 19/06/24 – 4pm

Delta Queens (Delta) Vs Sunshine Queens (Ondo) – Benin City – 19/06/24 – 1pm

Osun Babes (Osun) Vs Rivers Angels (Rivers) – Enugu – 19/06/24 – 4pm

Will Pillars stay strong as Warriors attack?

Inspired Abia Warriors will go all out for glory when they take on traditional powerhouse team and former winners Kano Pillars in one of the semi-final matches of this year’s President Federation Cup, at the Lafia City Stadium on Thursday.

The Aba giants struggled for several weeks in the relegation waters, but finally secured their Premiership status when they defeated Akwa United 2-0 in a Matchday 37 game on Sunday. They will approach the match in Lafia with very high impetus.

In the other semi-final, El-Kanemi Warriors are also highly inspired after securing promotion to the NPFL following the conclusion of the NNL Super 8 Tournament. The team has been promoted alongside Nasarawa United, Beyond Limits and Ikorodu City.

Their opponents are Kebbi United, who fear no foe, and have reached this stage by defeating higher-rated ABS FC of Ilorin, NPFL side Akwa United and EFCC FC of Abuja. It promises an interesting evening at the NFF/FIFA Goal Project on Thursday.

Two luxurious mansions owned by former Chelsea and Ghanaian football star, Michael Essien are slated for auction in Accra.

This decision follows a ruling from the Accra High Court’s Commercial Division, issued on June 12, 2024, due to legal proceedings against Essien.

The properties in question are located at Stephen Quarshie Crescent in East Legon, as well as House Number 9 and House Number 204/205 in Trassaco (Phase 2), Adjiringano, Accra.

Essien’s financial woes reportedly stem from substantial debts owed to various banks and financial institutions in Ghana.

An anonymous auctioneer hinted that bids for one of the mansions could range between $20 million to $30 million.

Essien’s illustrious football career began in France with clubs like Bastia and Olympique Lyonnais before achieving fame at Chelsea.

During his tenure with the English club, Essien earned multiple Premier League titles and the coveted UEFA Champions League trophy.

Essien, renowned for his illustrious career with clubs including Chelsea, Real Madrid, and AC Milan, is grappling with financial difficulties following his retirement from professional football.

At 41 years old, Essien has encountered significant financial challenges, highlighted by the court-ordered auction of his properties in Accra.