Sports News Today, 7 November 2026: Flamingos v Japan Final, Osimhen Out for Tanzania, Iheanacho Scores Again
Last updated: 7 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Saturday 7 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
It is final day for the Flamingos. Nigeria’s U-17 girls meet Japan in Rabat this evening with a world title on the line, while the Super Eagles must now plan for Tanzania without Victor Osimhen. Here is what you need to know this Saturday morning.
Today at a glance
- Flamingos face Japan in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup final at 6.30pm Nigerian time.
- Osimhen has knee surgery today and is expected to be out for about three weeks.
- Iheanacho scores again in Turkey as the race to lead Nigeria’s attack opens up.
- NPFL: Kano Pillars climb to second; Rangers back on top.
- Oshoala on target in Saudi Arabia; Everton, Hamburg and Toulouse win on Friday night.
1. Flamingos one game from history against Japan
What happened
Nigeria’s Flamingos play Japan in the final of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup today, Saturday 7 November, on Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Kick-off is 18:30 local time, which is 6.30pm in Nigeria and 5.30pm in the UK. Captains Chidera Harmony Chidi and Honoka Yotsumoto posed with the trophy on Friday. Coach Akeem Busari’s side reached the final by beating Brazil 3-1, after earlier wins over Puerto Rico, Mexico and Venezuela. Japan, champions in 2014 and runners-up in 2010 and 2016, beat defending champions DPR Korea on penalties after a late own goal forced a 1-1 draw. Brazil and DPR Korea play for third place at 15:00 local time.
National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade urged the girls to seize the moment, and acting NFF General Secretary Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme, who will attend, said the federation has full confidence in the squad.
Why it matters
Nigeria are already the first African side to reach this final, beating their previous best of bronze in 2022. A win would make Nigeria the first African country to hold U-17 world titles in both the men’s and women’s game, joining the five crowns won by the Golden Eaglets.
Source: Leadership; The Guardian Nigeria; The Sun.
2. Osimhen surgery today, set to miss both Tanzania games
What happened
Galatasaray confirmed on Friday that Victor Osimhen strained his left knee in Tuesday’s Champions League game against VfB Stuttgart and that an MRI found a loose fragment in the joint. The 27-year-old has arthroscopic surgery today at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul, carried out by club doctor Yener İnce, and was left out of the squad for today’s league game against Amed. The club has not given an official return date, but Turkish reports put his recovery at about three weeks, with the club aiming to have him back for the Champions League game against Aston Villa on 24 November.
Why it matters
That timeline rules him out of Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania in Uyo on 13 November and in Dar es Salaam on 17 November. Osimhen has nine goals and three assists in eight league games this season, and Nigeria, on three points from two Group L games behind Guinea-Bissau on six, cannot afford slip-ups.
Source: Soccerway; Punch; Haberler.
3. Who leads the line? Iheanacho and Arokodare keep scoring
What happened
Kelechi Iheanacho put Bursaspor ahead in the 26th minute of Friday’s 1-1 draw at Antalyaspor in Turkey’s second tier, a tap-in from Amine Boutrah’s cut-back. It takes him to 17 goals in 14 appearances this season, and he had a second effort ruled out for offside. In the Netherlands, Tolu Arokodare is on 12 goals in 16 games for Ajax after his double in Thursday’s 6-1 Conference League win over Midtjylland. Head coach Eric Chelle has not yet named his squad for the Tanzania double-header.
Why it matters
With Osimhen out, the number nine role is open. Iheanacho brings international experience, Arokodare brings form and height, and names such as Gift Orban, Terem Moffi and George Ilenikhena are also in the conversation. Our guide to where every Super Eagles player plays shows who is getting minutes at club level.
Source: Daily Post; All Nigeria Soccer; Soccernet.
4. NPFL: Kano Pillars go second, Rangers back on top
What happened
Kano Pillars opened Matchday 12 with a 1-1 draw against Kun Khalifat at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri on Friday. Pillars were heading for the win until Ebuka Okoro equalised in the 90th minute. The point lifts Pillars to second with 19 points from 12 games, while Kun Khalifat moved up to 15th. Earlier in the week, Enugu Rangers returned to the top of the table with a 1-0 win over Bendel Insurance in a rescheduled game at the Awka City Stadium, defender Chidozie Iwundu scoring with a header.
Why it matters
Four clubs were level on 18 points after Matchday 11, so every result this weekend can reshape the top of the table. Keep up with the full standings on our NPFL table page.
Source: Football in Nigeria; Daily Post; Soccernet.
5. Oshoala scores and thanks her first coach
What happened
Asisat Oshoala scored in the 65th minute as Al Hilal beat NEOM 4-0 in the Saudi Women’s Premier League on Thursday, with fellow Super Falcon Christy Ucheibe also playing. The win lifts Al Hilal to third with 13 points from seven games. Off the pitch, FC Robo International confirmed that Oshoala has given her long-time grassroots coach, Emmanuel Osahon Orobosa, a new Toyota Highlander as a thank-you for guiding her since 2009.
Why it matters
The six-time African Women’s Player of the Year is still producing goals as the Super Falcons rebuild under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen, and the gesture puts the spotlight on the grassroots coaches who rarely get credit.
Source: Football in Nigeria; The Trumpet.
6. Friday night in Europe: Everton, Hamburg and Toulouse win
What happened
Thierno Barry scored twice in five minutes as Everton came from behind to beat Coventry 3-1, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall adding a late third. David Moyes’ side moved above Liverpool into fifth on 16 points, while Coventry manager Frank Lampard complained about three VAR decisions. In Germany, Hamburg beat Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-1. Toulouse beat Strasbourg 3-1 in Ligue 1, Venezia beat Udinese 2-1 to climb off the bottom of Serie A, and Sevilla and Alavés drew 0-0 in La Liga.
Why it matters
It sets up a full weekend. Today’s Premier League games include Leeds v Tottenham, Arsenal v Hull and Nottingham Forest v Manchester City, and Formula 1 qualifies for the São Paulo Grand Prix at 6pm UK time before Sunday’s race. Our guide to watching the Premier League in Nigeria covers your viewing options.
Source: SuperSport; AP via Lethbridge Herald; Ahram Online.
What to watch next
- Today, 6.30pm WAT: Flamingos v Japan, U-17 Women’s World Cup final in Rabat.
- Today: Galatasaray’s update on how Osimhen’s surgery went.
- Coming days: Eric Chelle’s squad list for the Tanzania games.
- Weekend: rest of NPFL Matchday 12; F1 São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday at 5pm UK time.
- 13 and 17 November: Nigeria v Tanzania in Uyo, then Tanzania v Nigeria in Dar es Salaam.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Flamingos v Japan final?
Kick-off is 18:30 in Rabat on Saturday 7 November, which is 6.30pm in Nigeria and 5.30pm in the UK.
Will Osimhen play against Tanzania?
It is very unlikely. He has knee surgery today and reports put his recovery at about three weeks, which runs past both qualifiers on 13 and 17 November.
Where is Nigeria v Tanzania being played?
The first leg is at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday 13 November. The return leg is in Dar es Salaam on 17 November.
This roundup summarises reporting by the outlets credited under each story, in our own words. Follow Naijatipsland Updates on WhatsApp for the next edition. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it under our editorial policy.
