Football

Gelson Fernandez proud of Cape Verde’s FIFA World Cup Cinderella story

Published

3 months ago

July 1, 2026

Cape Verde has been one of the successful stories of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in so many aspects and the team has won so many hearts given their performances on pitch.

On their debut at the grand stage, the Island nation has not grown feet of clay and rubbed shoulders with the World’s best.

In their first game, they frustrated Spain, holding them to a goalless draw and played two further draws against Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to secure a berth into the round of 32 where they face reigning Champions Argentina.

Gelson Fernandes, the FIFA Deputy Director Members Associations, Regional Director Africa, who was born in Cape Verde is proud of the journey the team has had so far. He believes the support that FIFA extends to Member Associations has helped in bringing the gap.

“FIFA’s support has been, and continues to be, essential for Cabo Verde; for its federation and for the broader development of football in the country. The federation is truly a role model, given the difficulties it has faced in the past and the natural challenges of organizing football across an archipelago, from logistics to infrastructure,” he stated.

Fernandes further added that “FIFA works closely with Cabo Verde to find the best solutions: ensuring players have opportunities to compete, that championships can take place, and that knowledge is transferred; whether to referees or to those managing teams at every level.”

Cape Verde has made strategic use of FIFA Forward resources to expand football infrastructure, strengthen competitive structures, and support national team development across the archipelago.

“In total, so far, we are talking about 17 different projects from the construction of artificial pitches in the Santa Cruz municipality on Santiago Island, which have benefited multiple teams in the region and created more opportunities for young people to play, to the renovation of the Adérito Sena Stadium on the island of São Vicente, and continued support for the national teams, including the Under-17s. These are concrete examples of the impact FIFA Forward can have on a federation. Cabo Verde also benefited from FIFA’s Friendlies series, and the national team’s participation in those matches helped raise the level of the team naturally.”

Beyond Cape Verde, Fernandez is also proud of the other African teams for the performance exhibited at the World Cup.

“This World Cup cycle is already historic for so many African nations Cabo Verde, but also DR Congo, South Africa, and others reaching the knockout stages. It is creating lifetime memories for people, and on a personal level, I found it deeply emotional, because these successes reinforce the bond between those born outside their country of origin and the land of their parents. It strengthens that connection and makes it a source of even greater pride it’s beautiful to witness. For me, each time I witness the team playing at this World Cup is a new achievement. I am incredibly proud of everyone who worked alongside us to build this. This qualification brings real happiness, and naturally some pride, because of the work we put in and the impact FIFA has been able to have in a country like Cabo Verde.”

Cape Verde plays against Argentina on Saturday, 4th July 2026 with the winner taking on either Australia or Egypt at the round of 16.

The post Gelson Fernandez proud of Cape Verde’s FIFA World Cup Cinderella story appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

Nigerian football has reached its “worst time” in history, according to former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, who has called for fundamental changes across the country’s football system.

Odegbami made the remarks in an interview with BBC Sport Africa, where he highlighted concerns ranging from the national teams and domestic league to grassroots development, administration and football infrastructure.

His assessment comes as the Super Eagles prepare to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo.

Nigerian football crisis

Odegbami believes the challenges facing Nigerian football extend beyond the recent struggles of the Super Eagles and reflect wider problems within the country’s football structure.

Nigeria missed out on the 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, while the country’s women’s and age-grade national teams, as well as clubs competing in continental competitions, have also experienced setbacks in recent years.

“It has never been this bad in our entire history,” Odegbami told BBC Sport Africa.

The former striker, who was part of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, also expressed concern about the financial health of the domestic game.

“Our local league is not bringing in money. Something is definitely wrong,” he said.

Nigerian football and leadership

Odegbami also questioned the leadership and administration of Nigerian football, arguing that the problems cannot be addressed simply by changing individuals in positions of authority.

His comments come amid significant developments within the Nigeria Football Federation, with the federation facing discussions over governance and proposed reforms involving the National Sports Commission, FIFA and CAF.

The NFF election scheduled for September 27 has also been suspended as the reform process continues.

For Odegbami, the country needs a football structure capable of addressing problems across every level of the game.

“The pilots are not guiding us well,” he said.

Nigerian football needs a clear pathway

Another major concern raised by Odegbami is the lack of a consistent long-term philosophy for developing Nigerian football.

He questioned the country’s approach to coaching, talent identification and player development, while also pointing to the weakening link between grassroots football, academies, clubs and the national teams.

According to the former international, Nigeria must rebuild the pathway through which young players are identified, developed and eventually integrated into professional football.

That pathway has historically played a major role in producing players who have gone on to make significant contributions to Nigerian and international football.

Nigerian football and fading infrastructure

Odegbami also drew attention to the deterioration of football infrastructure across the country.

He referenced the National Stadium in Lagos, the former Liberty Stadium in Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna and UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar as venues that once played important roles in Nigerian football.

He described the damage to the country’s football heritage as “irreparable”.

While the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo has become a regular home venue for the Super Eagles, Odegbami argued that Nigeria once had a wider network of facilities that played a more significant role in the development and promotion of the game.

Nigerian football at a crossroads

The former Super Eagles captain’s comments come at a significant period for Nigerian football, with the national team beginning another AFCON qualifying campaign while discussions over reforms to the administration and development of the sport continue.

Odegbami believes the challenge extends beyond whether the Super Eagles qualify for another major tournament.

He believes Nigeria needs to rebuild the entire football ecosystem, from grassroots development and academies to professional clubs, national teams, administration and infrastructure.

The post Odegbami: Nigerian football has hit rock bottom appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.

Football

AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Chancel Mbemba and Yoane Wissa were on target as Democratic Repubic of Congo made a comfortable start to the 2027 AFCON qualification journey.

The Leopards cruised to a 2-0 win against Equatorial Guinea in the game played on Thursday at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa.

Captain Mbemba fired DR Congo into an early lead, jumping highest to node home Arthur Masuaku’s delivery from a corner kick.

The visitors looked for a response and had opportunities as the first half progressed, but DR Congo maintained their advantage into the break.

In the 72nd minute, Wan Bissaka made a dashing move inside before finding Wissa who finished from close range to double the hosts advantage.

DR Congo now lead Group E and will face Zimbabwe on Monday next week. Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will seek redemption against Sierra Leone at home.

The post AFCON 2027 PAMOJA QUALIFIERS: Wissa, Mbemba on target as DR Congo see off Equatorial Guinea appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Football

Sudan beat Tanzania to lift 2026 CECAFA U-20 trophy

Published

7 hours ago

September 25, 2026

Kenny Malone

2026 CECAFA U-20 (AFCON U-20 Qualifiers)

Gold medal match: Sudan 1 (4) – 1 (3) Tanzania
Bronze medal match: Uganda 2-0 Burundi

Sudan are the champions of the 2026 CECAFA U-20 championship.

A tense 4-3 post match penalty victory over hosts Tanzania spurred Sudan to their first triumph in this age group competition.

Normal time of the final played at the Uhuru stadium in Dar-es-salaam had ended goal-less before the extra 30 minutes were played.

Omer Hamd headed home Sudan ahead in the 93rd minute.

Abdulnassir Abdallah equalized after 112 minutes to send the game into shoot-outs.

Sudan held their nerves to win the dramatic shoot-out 4-3 and lift the trophy with gold medals.

Sudan’s captain Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr in action against Tanzania’s Shomvi Rajabu (Left)

Tanzania, before their home fans settled for silver. Both countries will represent the CECAFA zone at next year’s AFCON U-20 finals in Ghana.

Meanwhile, Uganda Hippos finished third to take home bronze.

Uganda overcame Burundi 2-0 in the third-place play-off duel.

A goal in each half from Derrick Ssozi and super substitute Ashraf Kyakuwa spurred the Hippos who are coached by Ghanaian Laryea Kingston to the much desired victory before a handful of fans.

The Uganda delegation returns home on Friday afternoon.

Sudan U-20 and Sudan’s Obai Abdalla (shirt 23) beats Tanzania’s Juma Sagwe during the CECAFA U-20 final at Uhuru stadium, Dar-es-salaam

Team Line Ups:

Sudan XI: Mustafa Mohamed Elgadal Fahoud (G.K), Osama Ameen Abdalla Manzal, Humaida Ahmed Suliman Gumaa, Monzeer Abdo Khmies Tiya, Mutaz Elfaki Elnour Wali, Samaan Amin Alfeil Koda, Rudwan Yahya Mohamed Ishag, Nagmeldin Abdelrahim Teya Toto, Mazin Fadul Albahli Taowr (Captain), Wail Galal Omer Alnour, Obai Abdalla

Subs: Mohamed Abbas Mohamed Abdalla (G.K), Mohamed Dalmugtaba Yagoub Mahmoud Habeeb, Faiz Ahmed Elseed Elfatih, Ibrahim Samani Ibrahim Anglo, Monzer Sarer, Omer Hamd Ghanim Ahmed, Osman Abaker Ismail Alshaikh, Waheed Shandi Somi Elbadri, Mohamed Del Mojtaba Musab Elbadawee

Head coach: Salaheldin Ahmed Nuoreldin Ahmed (Sudan)

Tanzania XI: Shabani Bakari (G.K), Ismail Ally, Abdallah Mnumba, Shomvi Rajabu, Arafat Masoud (Captain), Kelvin Revokatus, Ahmad Ahmad, Jofrey Malecha, Juma Sagwe, Juma Abushiri, Suleiman Suleiman

Subs: Edison Matete (G.K), Roony Gerry, Abubakar Othman, Faraji Kayanda, Bashiri Salum Kibaila, Farid Mzalendo, Machela Machela, Joseph Jr. Joseph, Abdulnasser Abdallah

Head coach: Mario Rivera Campesino (Spain)

Match officials: