Sports News Today, 14 November 2026: Lookman Knee Worry, Salah Breaks Egypt Record, Shooting Stars Stun Bendel
Last updated: 14 November 2026 · By Naijatipsland Editorial Team · Editorial policy
Morning roundup · Saturday 14 November 2026 · By Ade Adeniyi, Founder and Editor
Good morning. The Super Eagles’ win over Tanzania has been banked, and attention now turns to fitness and to Tuesday’s return leg in Zanzibar. Overnight, the rest of Africa’s qualifiers produced a national record for Mohamed Salah and a shock for Tunisia, the NPFL’s 13th round got under way in Ibadan, and Europe served up a seven-goal rout. Here is what you need to know.
Today at a glance
- Ademola Lookman’s knee will be assessed before Zanzibar; Calvin Bassey and Benjamin Fredrick also needed attention in Uyo.
- Salah reaches 70 goals for Egypt; Morocco hit Niger for five; Tunisia lose at home to Libya.
- NPFL: Shooting Stars score twice late to beat second-placed Bendel Insurance 2-1.
- What next for the Flamingos: the NFF plans to keep 11 world champions together.
- Nations League: Netherlands 7-0 Greece, Germany win in Serbia.
- Tennis: WTA Finals semi-finals today; ATP Finals start in Turin on Sunday.
1. Lookman’s knee is the big question before Zanzibar
What happened
Coach Éric Chelle confirmed after Friday’s 3-1 win that Ademola Lookman came off in first-half stoppage time because his knee began to hurt after he took a knock. The Atlético Madrid forward, who set up Alhassan Yusuf’s early opener, will be examined before the squad flies to East Africa. No diagnosis had been announced by Saturday morning. Reports from Uyo also said defender Calvin Bassey looked uncomfortable before he was replaced, and that centre-back Benjamin Fredrick needed treatment before carrying on. Chelle told his players the win means little unless they repeat it on Tuesday.
Why it matters
Nigeria are second in Group L on six points, one behind Guinea-Bissau, and only one ticket remains because Tanzania qualify as co-hosts. With Victor Osimhen already out after knee surgery, losing Lookman would leave Moses Simon, Moses Usor and two-goal hero Tolu Arokodare to carry the attack at the Amaan Stadium. Defensive injuries would be a bigger worry, because the back line has less cover. Not sure where each player is based? See our guide to where every Super Eagles player plays in 2026/27.
Source: Soccernet NG; Nigeria Soccernet; Goal.
2. AFCON qualifying: Salah’s record, Tunisia’s crisis
What happened
Mohamed Salah scored a late header and an added-time penalty as Egypt beat Malawi 5-0 in Cairo, taking him to 70 international goals and past Hossam Hassan as his country’s all-time leading scorer. It was a winning start for new coach Ali Maher, who replaced Hassan last week; Egypt lead Group B on seven points. Achraf Hakimi scored twice as Morocco beat Niger 5-1 to keep a perfect record in Group A, and Mali edged Rwanda 3-2 to reach nine points in Group K. The biggest shock came in Sfax, where Libya won 2-0 to leave Tunisia bottom of Group H with three away games left. Kenya snatched a 2-2 draw in South Africa with a 90th-minute goal, and Cape Verde beat Liberia 4-2.
Why it matters
Tunisia have played at every AFCON since 1994, and that run is now in real danger, a reminder of how unforgiving the one-ticket groups can be. Round three finishes today with Algeria against Togo, Angola against South Sudan and co-hosts Uganda against Botswana, before the return fixtures on Monday and Tuesday.
Source: SuperSport; Soccer Laduma; BBC Sport.
3. NPFL: late double lifts Shooting Stars
What happened
Shooting Stars beat Bendel Insurance 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Friday night to open Matchday 13. Olakunle Akala broke the deadlock in the 84th minute and Qamar Adegoke added a second in stoppage time, before Alex Oweilayefa replied for the visitors with almost the last kick. Shooting Stars rose to seventh on 18 points, while Bendel Insurance stayed second on 21. Leaders Enugu Rangers (24 points from 11 games) visit Niger Tornadoes in Minna on Sunday, and Kano Pillars host Ranchers Bees today. Plateau United’s home game with Kun Khalifat has been moved from Sunday to Tuesday because the stadium is booked for a political rally.
Why it matters
The top of the table is tight, with five clubs within five points of Rangers, who also have a game in hand. Away wins have been rare this season, so Rangers’ trip to Minna could shape the title race. Follow every result on our NPFL table 2026/27 page.
Source: Nigeria Football; The Nation; Soccernet NG.
4. What next for the world champion Flamingos
What happened
A week after beating Japan 2-1 in Rabat to become the first African winners of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, attention has moved to the players’ futures. The Nigeria Football Federation says it will keep the core of the squad together, with 11 players still young enough for the next U-17 cycle, and will groom the rest for the Falconets and, eventually, the Super Falcons. Golden Ball winner Oluebube Umejiaku, who scored in the final, said she is aiming for a Super Falcons call-up and named Asisat Oshoala as her role model. The federal government has placed each player’s ₦100 million reward in five-year savings bonds.
Why it matters
Nigeria’s history is full of youth champions who faded. A clear pathway, regular competitive football and protection from sudden-wealth pressures will decide whether this group becomes the next golden generation. Relive the final in our report: Flamingos beat Japan 2-1.
Source: Daily Trust; Daily Post.
5. Nations League: Dutch run riot against Greece
What happened
Tijjani Reijnders scored a first-half hat-trick and Arsenal’s Jurriën Timber netted his first two international goals as the Netherlands thrashed previously unbeaten Greece 7-0 in Amsterdam, equalling the record margin in Nations League history. Crysencio Summerville opened the scoring and Donyell Malen added the seventh. In the same group, Jürgen Klopp’s Germany won 3-1 away to Serbia, who finished with nine men, with Florian Wirtz and debutant Brajan Gruda on target. Scotland beat North Macedonia 2-1 elsewhere.
Why it matters
The Dutch lead Group A2 on 11 points, three clear of Germany and Greece, and visit Berlin on Monday with a quarter-final place at stake. On Sunday, unbeaten Spain host England in Madrid in another group decider. For legal ways to follow these games from Nigeria, see how to watch football online legally.
Source: ESPN; BBC Sport; Rediff.
6. Tennis: WTA semi-finals today, Turin next
What happened
Jessica Pegula, who saved a match point against Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova on Thursday to reach the last four, meets group-two winner Mirra Andreeva in the WTA Finals semi-finals at Indian Wells today. Noskova faces the other group’s runner-up. Meanwhile the men’s season finale, the ATP Finals, begins in Turin on Sunday and runs until 22 November, with year-end world No. 1 Alexander Zverev chasing a third title and Carlos Alcaraz still looking for his first.
Why it matters
These two events close the tennis year and decide the last big titles of 2026, with prize money and ranking points that shape next season.
Source: Dawn (AFP); SABC Sport; ATP Tour.
What to watch next
- Saturday: Kano Pillars v Ranchers Bees and Doma United v Barau FC in the NPFL; Algeria v Togo in AFCON qualifying.
- Sunday: Spain v England in the Nations League; Niger Tornadoes v Rangers; ATP Finals begin.
- Monday: Germany v Netherlands decides Group A2.
- Tuesday 17 November: Tanzania v Nigeria in Zanzibar; Olympic Eagles v DR Congo in Ikenne.
- Any official update from the NFF or Atlético Madrid on Lookman’s scan.
Frequently asked questions
Can Nigeria still qualify for AFCON 2027?
Yes. Nigeria have six points from three games, one behind Guinea-Bissau, with three matches left. Only one place is available from Group L because Tanzania qualify automatically as co-hosts.
When is the Super Eagles’ next match?
Tuesday 17 November, away to Tanzania at the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.
Who leads the NPFL?
Enugu Rangers top the table on 24 points from 11 matches, three ahead of Bendel Insurance, who have played two more games.
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.
