Category: Sport News

Tensions mount as FIFA drawn into SLFA elections dispute
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

FIFA, CAF Direct Suspension of NFF Election Procedure

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have asked to pause the Nigeria Football Federation’s electoral process while they investigate the leadership crisis in Nigeria’s football governing body.

They will send a team to Abuja to meet with football officials, electoral bodies, and government representatives before deciding on next steps.

This request follows the resignations of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi, and other Executive Committee members amid criticism of the national teams’ performances, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Gusau stepped down on 27 August to allow for reforms in Nigerian football.

An elective congress was set for 27 September in Lafia, but plans were halted. The NFF stated a new process will start after discussing reforms with FIFA and CAF, but FIFA has not approved any specific reform plan yet.

This follows a meeting on 1 September involving FIFA, CAF, NFF officials, and Nigeria’s federal government. FIFA and CAF plan to visit Abuja soon to gather information for their assessment of the situation.

Ikpeme will serve as the main contact between the NFF, FIFA, and CAF during this review. The assessment is crucial as FIFA requires national associations to operate independently without outside influence.

FIFA has intervened in Nigerian football governance before, lifting a suspension threat in 2018 after the NFF regained control. For now, FIFA has not threatened sanctions or specified how to resolve the crisis and states that no assumptions should be made about possible actions.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone to Host Zimbabwe in Morocco for AFCON 2027 Opener

Sierra Leone begins its journey to qualify for AFCON 2027 under new head coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa. His goal is to lead the team to qualify for the biggest football tournament in East Africa.

The match between Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe will take place at El Jadida Stadium in Morocco on September 24 in the PAMOJA 2027 Cup of Nations.

The new Leone Stars coach was appointed in June this year ahead of the 2027 qualifiers for this tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Didier Gomes Da Rosa holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has extensive experience in African football, having managed teams in Cameroon, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Egypt, Sudan, and Mauritania.

He has worked with clubs such as Horoya AC in Guinea, Al Merrikh in Sudan, Ismaily SC in Egypt, Coton Sport in Cameroon, and Rayon Sport in Rwanda.

Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will automatically qualify for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, regardless of their match results. The highest-ranked team in the same group as the hosts will also qualify for the finals.

The tournament will take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. This event will bring Africa’s major football competition back to East Africa for the first time in over fifty years.

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have missed the last two AFCON tournaments since they participated in Cameroon 2021.

  • Group E: DR Congo v E Guinea (24/09, 16h00)
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  • Sierra Leone v Zimbabwe (24/09, 19h00)
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bertrand Traore on joining Wolverhampton Wanderers

Bertrand Traore says a conversation with Cesar Peixoto convinced him that joining Wolves was the right choice.

After a tough time with injuries at Sunderland last season, he believes this transfer fits well, especially since Wolves were also disappointed with their last season.

At 31, Traore is ready to help Wolves push for promotion. He has played at Molineux before with Aston Villa and is excited to entertain the fans as a Wolves player.

Regarding Peixoto, he said, “I spoke with him before deciding, and I wanted to join. He is straightforward. After our talk, I confirmed he’s a top manager.

In football, action is what matters, and I aim to deliver.” On playing at Molineux, Traore said, “I like this stadium. The atmosphere at my previous clubs was great.

Playing here for Villa was tough, but now I’m on the right side, and that feels great. I want to create chances and help others score. I can’t wait for my first game.”

Regarding his move, he shared, “Everything happened quickly. I was training in Dubai, and my brother told me about Wolves’ interest. I wanted to stay in Europe, and I believe Wolves belong in the Premier League, making this a perfect match.

“I’ve missed playing after my injury from AFCON. I tried to come back too soon but am eager to enjoy football again.”

On the Championship challenge, he added, “This is a big challenge for me. My goal is to help the team return to the Premier League. I believe you can have a tough season but bounce back, and that’s my aim.”

Hosts Senegal and Gambia Record wins in U17 WAFU Openers
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Senegal and Gambia Record wins in U17 WAFU Openers

Senegal and The Gambia both won their opening matches in the WAFU U17 tournament. The Gambia defeated Sierra Leone U-17, 4-1, in Dakar on Monday.

Sierra Leone took the lead with a goal from Osman Bangura in the 3rd minute. However, The Gambia quickly equalised when Alieu Saine scored two penalties in the 9th and 13th minutes, making the score 2-1.

Sharif Touray then increased The Gambia’s lead to 3-1 in the 20th minute, and Muhammed Jatta scored in the 75th minute to secure the 4-1 victory for The Gambia.

Both The Gambia and Senegal have three points in Group A, but Senegal is at the top of the group due to goal difference after beating Mauritania 4-0 earlier on Monday.

In Group B, there are now only three teams: Guinea, Liberia, and Cape Verde. Guinea-Bissau was disqualified after failing MRI tests. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations.

by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Alie Conteh nets winner in Cup final for Inter Turku

Sierra Leonean forward Alie Conteh became the hero of the day as he scored the decisive goal in Inter Turku’s thrilling 1-0 victory over HJK in the 2026 Suomen Cup final.

The Finnish Cup final was played on Saturday, September 5th at Tammela Stadium. The match ended with Turku’s championship celebrations, with a 1–0 victory.

His precise header not only clinched the trophy for Inter Turku but also secured a spot in European football for the 2027 season.

At just 21 years old, Conteh showcased his exceptional skill and composure throughout the match, navigating through defenders and seizing the moment to deliver a game-winning goal.

With over 10 goals and assists this season, he has established himself as a key player for the team.

This victory marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, promising an exciting future in European football and cementing his legacy in the club’s history.