Sports News Today, 11 November 2026: Tanzania Land in Uyo, N100m for Flamingos, Osimhen Return Date
Last updated: 11 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Wednesday, 11 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
The international break is taking shape. Tanzania are already in Uyo, the Super Eagles camp is filling up, the Senate has put money behind the world-champion Flamingos, and Nigeria’s two biggest forwards abroad are both making headlines for the wrong reasons. Here is what you need to know this morning.
Today at a glance
- Tanzania land in Uyo three days early for Friday’s AFCON 2027 qualifier; 10 Super Eagles are in camp and Semi Ajayi is fit.
- Senate announces a ₦100 million reward for the Flamingos after their U-17 Women’s World Cup win.
- Olympic Eagles squad changes: Chibby Nwoko cleared, Prince Bawa Oche replaces injured Sulaiman Sani.
- Osimhen targets a 24 November return; Lookman left unused in Atletico’s loss to Barcelona.
- NPFL: Enyimba’s slide deepens as matchday 13 approaches.
- Around the world: Bayern win in Paris, Celtics rout the 76ers, and the ATP Finals line-up is set.
1. Tanzania arrive early as Super Eagles camp fills up
What happened
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars landed at Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo on Tuesday morning, three days before Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium (kick-off 5pm WAT). Their football federation said the early trip was about acclimatisation and treating the game as serious preparation for a tournament they will co-host with Kenya and Uganda. The full delegation is expected to number 24 players and 17 officials.
On the Nigerian side, ten of Eric Chelle’s invited players had checked in by Tuesday, including Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Stanley Nwabali and goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, with about 14 more expected. There was good news on Semi Ajayi: his early substitution in Hull City’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was caused by cramp, and he reported to camp. The return leg is in Zanzibar next Tuesday, 17 November.
Why it matters
Nigeria are second in Group L with three points from two games after their defeat to Guinea-Bissau. Because Tanzania qualify automatically as hosts, only one other team in the group goes to the finals, so the Eagles are really chasing Guinea-Bissau. Two wins, ideally by comfortable margins to repair goal difference, are close to essential. You can see where every squad member plays in our Super Eagles players and clubs guide.
Source: The Sun; Legit.ng; Soccernet.
2. Senate pledges ₦100 million to the world-champion Flamingos
What happened
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced a ₦100 million reward for the Flamingos during plenary on Tuesday, after a congratulatory motion moved by Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central). Senators praised the U-17 women for beating Brazil in the semi-final and Japan 2-1 in the Rabat final. The chamber urged the Nigeria Football Federation to keep the squad together and asked wealthy Nigerians to support the players.
At a media session in Abuja the same day, coach Hakeem Busari said his players won because they stuck to a game plan for every match. Golden Ball winner Oluebube Umejiaku explained that her winning goal in the final came from half-time advice to chip the goalkeeper rather than try to dribble round her.
Why it matters
This is Nigeria’s first FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title and a rare bright spot after the senior teams’ recent qualifying disappointments. The bigger question raised by senators and coaches alike is whether the NFF has a clear pathway to move these players up to the Falconets and Super Falcons. Read our full report on the final.
Source: ThisDay; Punch; Daily Trust.
3. Olympic Eagles: two late changes before Lubumbashi
What happened
Nasarawa United forward Prince Bawa Oche has been called into the Nigeria U-23 squad after Saudi club Al-Qadsiah told the NFF that Sulaiman Sani is not fit. Fulham midfielder Chibby Nwoko, who recently switched allegiance from England, is now cleared to play after a passport problem was sorted out in London last week. The home-based players left for DR Congo on Tuesday, with the overseas group joining them ahead of Friday’s first leg at the TP Mazembe Stadium.
Why it matters
The winner over two legs (return leg in Ikenne on 17 November) moves to a final round against Sierra Leone or Burkina Faso, with a place at the U-23 AFCON, the route to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, at stake. Nigeria have not played Olympic football since 2016.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria; Daily Post.
4. Nigerians abroad: Osimhen eyes Villa return, Lookman frozen out
What happened
Galatasaray say Victor Osimhen, who had arthroscopic knee surgery to remove a loose bone fragment, should miss this weekend’s league game against Samsunspor but could return for the Champions League match against Aston Villa on 24 November. He misses the Tanzania double-header and has not played for Nigeria since the AFCON semi-final in January. In Spain, Ademola Lookman stayed on the bench for all of Atletico Madrid’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona even though Diego Simeone had a substitution left. Lookman has one league goal this season; Spanish paper Marca reports the club has not given up on him.
Why it matters
With Osimhen out, Chelle’s attack rests on Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi. A low-confidence Lookman joining camp adds to the pressure on Nigeria’s front line in a window where goals could decide qualification.
Source: Daily Post; Legit.ng; Daybreak.
5. NPFL: Enyimba in trouble as matchday 13 nears
What happened
After 12 rounds, Rangers lead the table and Nasarawa United are third on 20 points, with Barau FC and Kano Pillars on 19. Barau climbed with a 1-0 home win over Shooting Stars, settled by a ninth-minute own goal, while Bendel Insurance came from behind to beat Niger Tornadoes 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner. Nine-time champions Enyimba lost 1-0 at Ranchers Bees and have just 11 points from 12 games, with seven defeats. Matchday 13 runs from 13 to 15 November, with Enyimba hosting Ikorodu City and Rangers at home to Niger Tornadoes.
Why it matters
Enyimba are Nigeria’s most decorated club and their slump is now a relegation worry rather than a blip. Follow the full standings on our NPFL table page.
Source: Football In Nigeria; Realnews; BeSoccer.
6. Around the world: Bayern win in Paris, Celtics cruise
What happened
In the Women’s Champions League on Tuesday, Bayern Munich won 2-1 at Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City beat Inter Milan 4-1 with two goals from Fujino, and Real Madrid beat Paris FC 3-0. In the NBA, Paul George hit six threes and scored 36 as the Boston Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101, and the New York Knicks thrashed Milwaukee 117-85. In tennis, the ATP Finals line-up for Turin (15 to 22 November) is confirmed without defending champion Jannik Sinner, who is injured, and without Novak Djokovic, who failed to qualify.
Why it matters
Big European and American sport fills Nigerian screens during the club break. Our guide on how to watch football legally online covers the options.
Source: AFP via NAMPA; AP via Times Union; Vietnam.vn.
What to watch next
- Friday 13 November: Nigeria vs Tanzania, Uyo, 5pm WAT; DR Congo vs Nigeria U-23, Lubumbashi.
- 13 to 15 November: NPFL matchday 13.
- 15 November: ATP Finals begin in Turin.
- Tuesday 17 November: Tanzania vs Nigeria in Zanzibar; Nigeria U-23 vs DR Congo in Ikenne.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Super Eagles play Tanzania?
Friday 13 November at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo (5pm WAT), then the return leg in Zanzibar on Tuesday 17 November.
Why are the Tanzania games so important if Tanzania have already qualified?
Tanzania qualify as co-hosts, so only one other team from Group L reaches AFCON 2027. Nigeria need wins to overtake Guinea-Bissau.
How much did the Senate give the Flamingos?
The Senate announced ₦100 million in recognition of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup title.
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.
