Sports News Today, 13 November 2026: Eagles Get Lifeline Before Tanzania, Olympic Eagles in Lubumbashi, Best-Ever Youth Olympics
Last updated: 13 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Friday 13 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
It is match day for two of Nigeria’s national teams. The Super Eagles host Tanzania in Uyo this evening, and a draw elsewhere on Thursday has made their task a little less daunting. The Olympic Eagles open their Los Angeles 2028 push in Lubumbashi, Team Nigeria is counting its best-ever Youth Olympics haul, and Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has been handed a global platform off the pitch.
Today at a glance
- Madagascar’s 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau gives the Super Eagles a lifeline before tonight’s AFCON 2027 qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo.
- The Olympic Eagles play DR Congo in Lubumbashi in the first leg of their U-23 qualifier.
- DR Congo stay perfect, Senegal win big on Patrick Vieira’s home debut and Ivory Coast top Group C.
- Nigeria leave Dakar with three gold medals, its best Youth Olympic Games ever.
- Rasheedat Ajibade joins Alexia Putellas in FIFA’s 13-player Player Impact Programme.
- Harry Kane becomes England’s most-capped player; Italy beat France at San Siro.
1. Super Eagles v Tanzania: a lifeline before kick-off in Uyo
What happened
Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau were held 1-1 by Madagascar on Thursday in a match played in Morocco. Guinea-Bissau now have seven points from three games, while Nigeria sit second on three points after a 2-1 home win over Madagascar in September and a 3-0 defeat in Bissau. Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, today at 5pm WAT, then travel to the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar for the return on Tuesday 17 November.
At Thursday’s press conference, coach Eric Chelle took the pressure on himself, saying a win would be his credit and a defeat his responsibility. Captain Wilfred Ndidi and the coach both called for six points from the double-header. Victor Osimhen remains out injured. Tanzania coach Miguel Angel Gamondi said his side would attack rather than sit back.
Why it matters
Tanzania have already qualified as co-hosts with Kenya and Uganda, so only one more ticket is available from this group, and the race is really between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau. A win tonight cuts the gap to one point. Because the group could be settled on goal difference, the margin of victory matters too. If you are abroad and want to follow the game, our guide on how to watch Nigerian football online legally covers the options.
Source: ThisDay; Soccernet.ng; Football in Nigeria.
2. Olympic Eagles open the LA 2028 road in Lubumbashi
What happened
Nigeria’s U-23 side face DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium today in the first leg of their qualifier for the 2027 U-23 AFCON, which doubles as the route to the 2028 Olympic football tournament. The squad travelled with 23 players. Coach Bright Ozebagbe, who also handles Ikorodu City, said his team would let their football do the talking and that consistency over both legs would decide the tie. DR Congo coach Guy Bukasa said his side want a convincing home win, after they came from behind to knock out Mauritania in the previous round. The return leg is at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
Why it matters
Nigeria last won Olympic football medals in 2008 and 2016,, and the U-23 team is a key pathway to the Super Eagles. An away goal or a draw in Lubumbashi would put Nigeria in a strong position for the second leg at home.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria; Punch.
3. AFCON qualifying: DR Congo perfect, Senegal win on Vieira’s home debut
What happened
Matchday three of AFCON 2027 qualifying produced several statement results on Thursday. DR Congo beat Sierra Leone 3-1 in Kinshasa to make it three wins from three in Group E, with Newcastle forward Yoane Wissa scoring after four minutes. Senegal, the reigning African champions, came from 1-1 at half-time to beat Sudan 4-1 in Patrick Vieira’s first home game as coach, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring. Cameroon beat Namibia 2-0, Guinea edged Eritrea 2-1, and Benin thrashed the Central African Republic 4-1, with Aiyegun Tosin scoring twice. In Group C, Ivory Coast beat Gambia 2-1 to lead with nine points.
Why it matters
These are the teams Nigeria would meet at the finals in East Africa if the Eagles qualify. DR Congo and Senegal both reached the second round of this year’s World Cup, and their form is a reminder of how strong the continent’s top tier has become.
Source: SuperSport; Soccer Laduma; AAP.
4. Dakar 2026: Nigeria’s best Youth Olympics ever
What happened
The fourth Youth Olympic Games, the first Olympic event held on African soil, has ended in Senegal, and Nigeria leaves with three gold medals, all in athletics. That beats the two golds won at the first edition in Singapore in 2010. Bright Gift won the boys’ 100m in a Games record 10.28 seconds, Rosemary Nwankwo took the girls’ 100m in 11.16 seconds, making Nigeria the first country to win both 100m titles at the same edition, and Praise Ugoh won the girls’ 400m in a personal best of 52.76 seconds. Nigeria finished fourth in the athletics medal table behind Ethiopia, China and Kenya. Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Tonobok Okowa credited grassroots development, and a former sports official has asked President Tinubu to reward the medallists.
Why it matters
Coming days after the Flamingos won the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, the results suggest Nigeria’s youth pipeline is producing champions. The challenge now is keeping these teenagers in structured training so they grow into senior athletes.
Source: Punch; P.M. News; The Guardian Nigeria.
5. Ajibade picked for FIFA’s Player Impact Programme
What happened
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade is one of 13 players in the second edition of FIFA’s Player Impact Programme, a nine-month scheme that helps footballers turn social projects into working initiatives. The group includes Spain’s Alexia Putellas, Canada’s Jessie Fleming and former India captain Sunil Chhetri, the programme’s first male participant. Ajibade and Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji are the only Africans. Her foundation’s Rash Hygiene Hub provides health and hygiene education to grassroots female footballers in Nigeria. Participants present their projects in London in December.
Why it matters
Many girls at grassroots clubs in Nigeria struggle to get basic hygiene supplies and health information. A FIFA-backed boost for a Nigerian-led project could reach young players who rarely benefit from big football programmes.
Source: FIFA; Soccernet.ng.
6. Around the world: Kane’s record night and Italy stun France
What happened
Harry Kane won his 126th England cap at Wembley, passing Peter Shilton as the country’s most-capped player, and scored a second-half penalty, his 92nd international goal, in a 2-1 Nations League win over Croatia. The win sends England into the quarter-finals. In Group A1, Italy came from behind to beat France 3-1 at San Siro, with Pio Esposito scoring twice, their first home win over France since 1962. Spain beat the Czech Republic 2-0 to stretch their unbeaten run to 43 games and will play England in Madrid on Sunday to decide Group A3.
Why it matters
Many Nigerians follow these stars every weekend in the Premier League and Bundesliga, and Spain v England on Sunday is the standout fixture of the European window.
Source: ESPN; India Today; SABC Sport.
What to watch next
- Today, 5pm WAT: Nigeria v Tanzania in Uyo; South Africa v Kenya and Egypt v Malawi are also on the AFCON qualifying card.
- Today: DR Congo v Nigeria (U-23) in Lubumbashi.
- NPFL matchday 13: second-placed Bendel Insurance visit Shooting Stars in Ibadan. Check the latest NPFL table after the weekend.
- Sunday: Spain v England in Madrid; the ATP Finals begin in Turin.
- Tuesday 17 November: Tanzania v Nigeria in Zanzibar.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Nigeria v Tanzania today?
Kick-off at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo is 5pm WAT, which is 4pm in the UK.
Can Nigeria still qualify for AFCON 2027?
Yes. Nigeria are four points behind Guinea-Bissau after the Madagascar draw, with a game in hand and four matches left to play. Wins against Tanzania home and away would keep the Eagles firmly in the race, with goal difference possibly deciding the group.
Who won Nigeria’s gold medals at the Youth Olympics?
Bright Gift (boys’ 100m), Rosemary Nwankwo (girls’ 100m) and Praise Ugoh (girls’ 400m), all in athletics.
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.
