April 9, 2026

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High Stakes in Mexico: FIFA Confirms Match Schedule for 2026 World Cup Play-Off Tournament

  FIFA has officially confirmed the match schedule for the FIFA World Cup 2026™️ Play-Off Tournament, set to take place in Mexico from 26 to 31 March 2026. This high-stakes event will determine the final two teams to qualify for the historic 48-team World Cup, the largest in the tournament’s history. Six nations — Bolivia,

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Ian Wright Criticizes Media’s Treatment of Jude Bellingham: “England Not Ready for a Black Superstar”

Former England striker Ian Wright has publicly defended Jude Bellingham, asserting that some critics are unsettled by the emergence of a confident Black football superstar in England. Wright’s remarks come amid scrutiny of Bellingham’s on-field demeanor and media portrayal. “Certain people are NOT ready for a Black superstar in England,” Wright stated, highlighting a perceived

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Canada Outlines Entry Requirements for 2026 FIFA World Cup Attendees

By Yomi Kuku, Toronto, Canada  As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, Canada has detailed its entry requirements for Canada Outlines Entry Requirements for 2026 FIFA World Cup Attendees fans, players, media personnel, and volunteers planning to attend matches within its borders. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, is set to

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Chiamaka Nnadozie Clinches Third Consecutive CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been voted the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award winner for the third consecutive year, solidifying her position as one of Africa’s premier shot-stoppers. Nnadozie’s exceptional performances were pivotal in Nigeria’s triumphant campaign at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Her leadership and resilience were on full

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Achraf Hakimi Makes History as CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025

In a landmark achievement for Moroccan football, Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year, becoming the first defender in over five decades to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual football honor. The award was presented during a glittering ceremony in Rabat, Morocco, on November 19, 2025. Hakimi’s recognition follows a

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CAF Awards 2025: Salah, Hakimi, Osimhen Compete for African Player of the Year Tonight in Rabat

Angélique Kidjo and Oualas to Host Star-Studded Ceremony Featuring Performances by Douaa Lahyaoui, Awilo Longomba, and Fuse ODG The 2025 CAF Awards are set to take place tonight, November 19, at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Rabat, Morocco, commencing at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). This prestigious event will honor the outstanding achievements in

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“Your ticket is not a visa,” – Marco Rubio

Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes that while the new system expedites visa interviews for ticket holders, it does not guarantee U.S. entry. By Rasheed Adewuyi, New York   In anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the U.S. government has introduced the “FIFA Prioritized Appointment Scheduling

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“The Guy from DR Congo Did Some Voodoo”: Nigeria Coach Chelle Blames Rituals for World Cup Exit

Nigeria’s head coach, Éric Chelle, has attributed the Super Eagles’ elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers to alleged ritualistic practices by a member of the DR Congo technical staff during the decisive penalty shootout. The match, held in Rabat, Morocco, ended 1-1 after extra time, with DR Congo prevailing 4-3 in the shootout

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Bolarinwa Olajide, Tayo Salaam Join JerseyNumber12 Editorial Team

JerseyNumber12 is proud to announce the expansion of its editorial team with the appointment of two accomplished media professionals, Bolarinwa Olajide (Canada) as Columnist, and Tayo Salaam as Senior Correspondent, United Kingdom. According to Managing Editor Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo, both journalists bring a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to research-driven journalism, and a passion

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Leopards Maul Super Eagles: DR Congo Ends Nigeria’s World Cup Dreams in Penalty Drama

In a stunning upset, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) eliminated Nigeria from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, clinching a 4-3 victory in a tense penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Rabat. This defeat marks Nigeria’s second consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, following their absence in 2022. Nigeria took

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