Sports News Today, 12 November 2026: Ndidi Completes Eagles Camp, Orban Move Made Permanent, Olympic Eagles Behind Closed Doors
Last updated: 12 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Thursday 12 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Less than 48 hours before the Super Eagles face Tanzania in Uyo, the camp is finally complete and the Group L picture could shift again this afternoon. Elsewhere, Gift Orban has sealed a permanent move in Turkey, the Olympic Eagles prepare for a closed-doors first leg in Lubumbashi, and the NPFL braces for a busy weekend. Here is what you need to know this morning.
Today at a glance
- All 24 Super Eagles are in Uyo after captain Wilfred Ndidi beat flight cancellations to arrive; Tanzania say they are not afraid.
- Group L rivals Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar meet this afternoon, a result that shapes Nigeria’s task.
- Olympic Eagles’ first leg against DR Congo on Friday will be played behind closed doors.
- Gift Orban’s 10th Turkish league goal triggers a €3 million permanent transfer to Amedspor.
- NPFL matchday 13 runs 13 to 15 November, with Plateau United v Kun Khalifat moved to Tuesday.
- Around the world: Lyon hit Juventus for six; Celtics stretch winning run to five.
1. Super Eagles camp complete as Tanzania insist they are not scared
What happened
Captain Wilfred Ndidi reached Uyo on Wednesday after cancelled flights held him up at his Besiktas base in Turkey, completing coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad. The team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed every invited player is now in camp. Training sessions are open to the press for only the first 15 minutes before the gates close. The squad was due to move from the practice pitch to the main bowl of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Thursday evening.
Nigeria host Tanzania on Friday, 13 November at 5pm Nigerian time, before the return match in Zanzibar on Tuesday, 17 November. A Tanzania Football Federation official, Almasi Kasongo, said the Taifa Stars respect Nigeria’s quality but are well prepared and “not scared”. Historically, Nigeria have won seven of their 11 meetings with Tanzania, with the other four drawn, according to ThisDay.
The Group L maths
Guinea-Bissau lead the group on six points, Nigeria have three, and Madagascar and Tanzania have one each. Because Tanzania already have a place at AFCON 2027 as co-hosts, only one other ticket is available from this group. Guinea-Bissau play Madagascar this afternoon (4pm UK, 5pm Nigeria), so the Eagles may kick off on Friday knowing exactly how big the gap is. Former internationals Sylvanus Okpala and Abiodun Obafemi told Punch the Eagles must treat both Tanzania games as must-wins. Our AFCON 2027 qualifiers table guide explains every scenario.
Why it matters
After missing the World Cup, a second failure to reach a major tournament would be a heavy blow for Nigerian football. Six points from this double-header would keep the Eagles in control of their own fate.
Source: Daily Post; ThisDay; Punch; L’Express de Madagascar.
2. Olympic Eagles to play DR Congo behind closed doors
What happened
Nigeria’s under-23 side are in Lubumbashi for Friday’s first leg of their Africa U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium. Punch reports the match will be played without fans on security grounds. With Chelle on Super Eagles duty, assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe are in charge, and the team’s media officer says they will switch to a 4-3-3 rather than Chelle’s usual diamond. Nasarawa United winger Prince Bawa Oche replaced the injured Sulaiman Sani, taking the number of home-based players to eight in a 23-man squad. The return leg is at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, 17 November.
Why it matters
This tie is the first step towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The winner faces Burkina Faso or Sierra Leone in the next round, with the finals in Egypt deciding Africa’s Olympic places.
Source: Punch; The Guardian Nigeria; The Nation; ACLSports.
3. Orban’s goals make his Amedspor move permanent
What happened
Gift Orban’s goal in Amedspor’s 4-3 defeat to Galatasaray at the weekend was his 10th in the Turkish Super Lig, the target written into his loan from Hoffenheim. That triggers a compulsory permanent transfer worth €3 million, which club president Nahit Eren previously said would be paid in instalments, on top of the €500,000 loan fee. Naija News reports Orban has 10 goals and five assists in 11 league games, putting him top of the Turkish scoring chart ahead of Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah, who have nine each. The same outlet notes that questions over his international eligibility have not been formally resolved.
Also abroad
Punch reports that Roma and Fenerbahçe are interested in Ademola Lookman, whose future at Atlético Madrid is unclear; these are transfer reports, not confirmed bids. Udinese goalkeeper Daniele Padelli has publicly defended Maduka Okoye, saying the Nigerian is not to blame for the club’s poor run in Serie A. See where every Super Eagles player plays for the full list.
Why it matters
A striker leading one of Europe’s busier leagues is good news for Nigeria’s attacking depth, but his international status needs settling before he can be considered.
Source: Punch; Naija News.
4. NPFL matchday 13: one fixture moved, pressure building
What happened
The league has shifted Plateau United’s home game against Kun Khalifat from Sunday, 15 November to Tuesday, 17 November. Plateau are winless in four after a 3-1 loss at Nasarawa United, while Kun Khalifat drew 1-1 with Kano Pillars last time out. On Friday, Shooting Stars host Bendel Insurance at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan; Bendel beat Niger Tornadoes 2-1 last weekend, while 3SC lost 1-0 at Barau FC. Enyimba, beaten 1-0 by Ranchers Bees in Minna last weekend, host Ikorodu City in Aba, and Abia Warriors have apologised to supporters after six league games without a win.
Why it matters
Traditional giants Enyimba and Abia Warriors are under real pressure, and a poor weekend could leave them looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone. Check the latest NPFL table after the weekend.
Source: Daily Post; Punch; Football In Nigeria.
5. Around the world: Lyon rout Juventus, Celtics fight back
Women’s Champions League
OL Lyonnes won 6-0 in Turin to go top of the Women’s Champions League league phase on 10 points and seal a knockout place. Marie-Antoinette Katoto scored twice within four minutes after the half-hour, taking her competition tally to seven. Lyon have now scored 20 and conceded none in four games. Holders Barcelona host Arsenal on Thursday.
NBA
Boston came back from 22 points down to beat Toronto 98-93, with Jayson Tatum’s late free throws extending the Celtics’ winning run to five. James Harden scored a season-high 32 as Cleveland won 115-107 at the Knicks, the Lakers beat Milwaukee 123-112 for a seventh straight win, and Portland beat Oklahoma City 118-108 to sweep their two-game series.
Why it matters
Lyon’s form makes them early favourites in Europe, while the NBA’s early-season standings are already taking shape for fans who follow the league from Nigeria and the diaspora.
Source: UEFA; AFP; AP; ESPN.
What to watch next
- Thursday: Madagascar v Guinea-Bissau (Group L), 4pm UK / 5pm Nigeria.
- Thursday: Barcelona v Arsenal in the Women’s Champions League.
- Friday 13 Nov: Nigeria v Tanzania in Uyo, 5pm; DR Congo v Nigeria U-23 in Lubumbashi.
- 13 to 15 Nov: NPFL matchday 13, including Shooting Stars v Bendel Insurance on Friday.
- Tuesday 17 Nov: Tanzania v Nigeria in Zanzibar; Olympic Eagles’ return leg in Ikenne.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Nigeria vs Tanzania on Friday?
The AFCON 2027 qualifier kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time (4pm UK) on Friday, 13 November, at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Our guide to watching the Super Eagles lists viewing options.
How many teams qualify from Group L?
Tanzania are already qualified as co-hosts, so only one more team goes through from Group L. Guinea-Bissau currently lead Nigeria by three points.
Who is coaching the Olympic Eagles in DR Congo?
Eric Chelle remains head coach, but because he is with the Super Eagles, assistants Deniran Ortega and Bright Ozebagbe will lead the team for both legs.
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.
