CAS Dismisses King Faisal’s Challenge Against GFA’s Third-Term Congress Decision

 The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has officially struck out the case filed by King Faisal FC against the Ghana Football Association (GFA) over the Association’s controversial third-term congress decision. The ruling, delivered on November 17, 2025, effectively upholds all decisions made by the GFA Congress on August 12, 2025.

King Faisal lodged an appeal with CAS on September 1, challenging several resolutions from the 2025 GFA Annual Congress — including the decision permitting a third term in office for key leadership positions. The club also sought a stay of execution while the appeal was being considered.

However, CAS terminated the case after King Faisal failed to pay the required CHF 23,000 advance of costs by the deadline, despite multiple reminders. A termination order signed by Elisabeth Steiner, Deputy President of the Appeals Arbitration Division, confirmed that the appeal was deemed withdrawn.

CAS noted that although the GFA submitted its full response to the case by October 10, King Faisal provided no further communication or proof of payment after early November.

With the withdrawal now official, the GFA Congress decisions — including the third-term limit regulation remain fully in effect.

The GFA welcomed the ruling, describing it as a confirmation of due process. The Association also reiterated its commitment to maintaining transparency and stability across Ghanaian football governance.

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NFF Apologises to Tinubu and Nigerians After Super Eagles’ World Cup Collapse

 The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has issued a formal apology to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and millions of Nigerians following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the outcome as a “deep national disappointment.”

Nigeria’s turbulent qualifying campaign ended on Sunday night in Rabat, where the Super Eagles suffered a heartbreaking defeat to DR Congo in the CAF play-off final. Despite a late revival in form under coach Eric Chelle, who guided the team through the semis with a victory over Gabon, the momentum was not enough to secure a ticket to the intercontinental play-offs.

In response, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain calm and channel the frustration toward constructive rebuilding, noting that the team must now focus fully on the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The NFF, in its message, acknowledged administrative lapses and accepted responsibility for the broader failure of the qualification campaign. The federation described the defeat as “a painful moment for Nigerian football,” stressing that the Super Eagles symbolize unity and pride for over 200 million citizens.

According to the statement, the atmosphere in the dressing room after the loss was “silent and heavy,” as players and staff struggled to process the result. The NFF also highlighted the consistent support received from the Federal Government, the National Assembly, sports agencies, diplomatic missions, the media, and fans throughout the long qualifying journey.

As part of its next steps, the federation pledged to initiate a “rigorous internal review” to identify technical and structural weaknesses. It promised decisive reforms aimed at restoring confidence, strengthening the national teams, and preventing repeated failures on the global stage.

With two consecutive World Cup misses now on record, Nigeria turns its attention to AFCON 2025, where the Super Eagles will attempt to restore national pride and write a new chapter after months of frustration.

Hakimi, Osimhen and Salah Shortlisted for 2025 CAF Player of the Year

 The race for Africa’s biggest individual football honour is set for a blockbuster finish after Achraf Hakimi, Victor Osimhen, and Mohamed Salah were officially announced as the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Men’s Player of the Year award.

CAF confirmed the shortlist on Friday, setting up a high-profile showdown between three of the continent’s most accomplished stars. Morocco’s Hakimi enjoyed a standout year at Paris Saint-Germain, where his consistency, versatility and attacking impact from right-back earned widespread praise.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen also makes the final cut after another prolific season leading the line for club and country. The Super Eagles forward remained one of Africa’s most feared finishers, combining goals, movement and leadership to keep his name firmly in the conversation.

Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah completes the trio. The Liverpool forward delivered yet another season of world-class performances, contributing heavily in goals and assists while maintaining his status as one of the Premier League’s most influential players.

The winner will be crowned at the CAF Awards ceremony in Rabat on November 19, where several other categories — including Coach, Goalkeeper and Interclub Player of the Year — will also be decided.

This year’s finalists represent excellence across Europe’s elite leagues, and the battle for the crown promises one of the most closely watched CAF Awards nights in recent years.

DR Congo Knock Out Nigeria to Reach Inter-Confederation World Cup Play-Offs

 DR Congo delivered a dramatic and historic performance on Sunday, defeating Nigeria 4–3 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in the CAF play-off final to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup inter-confederation play-offs.

Nigeria struck early, stunning the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah when Frank Onyeka fired home in the third minute after a defensive lapse. But the early goal failed to rattle the Congolese, who grew in confidence and controlled large stretches of the first half. Their persistence paid off in the 32nd minute when Meschack Elia capitalised on a midfield turnover and buried the equaliser.

The match tightened after the break, with Nigeria pushing forward but lacking precision in the final third, while DR Congo maintained their defensive discipline. Extra time produced few clear chances, sending the tie to a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.

Nigeria’s troubles began immediately as Calvin Bassey missed their opening penalty. Although the Super Eagles fought back, another miss from Semi Ajayi left the door open for DR Congo. Captain Chancel Mbemba stepped up with ice-cold composure, converting the decisive kick to seal a famous victory for the Leopards.

The result ends Nigeria’s World Cup hopes for 2026, marking a second consecutive failure to reach the global showpiece. The loss is even more painful given the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen, who was forced off injured at halftime.

For DR Congo, the victory represents a major milestone. The Central African nation has not reached a World Cup since 1974, when it competed as Zaire. Under coach Sébastien Desabre, the Leopards have shown resilience, tactical discipline, and belief — qualities that now give them a chance to fight for a World Cup slot during the March 2026 inter-confederation play-off tournament.

DR Congo now moves one step closer to ending a five-decade wait for football’s biggest stage, while Nigeria returns home with questions and regrets after another campaign that promised much but delivered heartbreak.