Comrade Philip Shaibu, Director General and CEO of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), has praised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its leadership for securing Nigeria’s hosting rights for the 48th Extraordinary CAF Congress and Awards Ceremony, scheduled for October 2026.
- NIS hails NFF as Nigeria lands major CAF event
- Meeting with Austin Eguavoen highlights role of coaching and partnerships
- Collaboration framed as key to sports progress
- Eguavoen stresses deepening institutional links
- Falconets coach Aduku set for U20 Women’s World Cup draw in Łódź
- Africa’s representatives and group formation
- Pot details: Falconets in Pot 2 as Germany misses out
- Continents represented
- Falconets draw and remaining pots
NIS hails NFF as Nigeria lands major CAF event
Shaibu said the development is an important step for Nigeria’s standing on the global sporting scene, arguing that it underscores the country’s increasing influence within international football administration.
Speaking as he congratulated the NFF President and top officials for the achievement, the NIS boss called it both a significant accomplishment and a boost to Nigeria’s image abroad.
“I must congratulate the NFF President and officials for this achievement. It is a great feat and a positive image boost for Nigeria. This is the way to go — Nigeria must be seen and heard on the global stage,” Shaibu said.
Meeting with Austin Eguavoen highlights role of coaching and partnerships
Shaibu delivered the remarks when he received former Super Eagles head coach and Technical Adviser Austin Eguavoen at a strategic meeting between the NIS and the NFF at the Institute’s boardroom.
He described Eguavoen as “a moving encyclopedia in sports,” citing his extensive experience and the impact of his contributions to football development across Nigeria.
Collaboration framed as key to sports progress
The NIS chief also underlined the strategic function of his organisation, describing the NIS as the driving force behind sports development and coaching excellence in the country. He stressed that real advancement in Nigerian sport depends on continued cooperation with the Institute.
- Shaibu described the NIS as the “engine room” for sports development and coaching quality in Nigeria.
- He argued that sustained partnership with the NIS is necessary for meaningful progress in Nigerian sport.
- He praised Eguavoen’s experience and contributions, calling him a “moving encyclopedia in sports.”
Eguavoen stresses deepening institutional links
For his part, Eguavoen emphasised the need to strengthen institutional ties, explaining that his visit formed part of broader efforts to deepen the NFF’s collaboration with the NIS.
Eguavoen also reflected on his own career path, expressing appreciation for the Institute’s role in shaping his professional journey. He commended Shaibu’s leadership and characterised ongoing reforms at the NIS as forward-looking and capable of delivering lasting impact.
“What is being done here is not just for today, but for the future of Nigerian sports,” Eguavoen said, while congratulating the DG on his achievements.
Falconets coach Aduku set for U20 Women’s World Cup draw in Łódź
Nigeria U20 women’s Head Coach Moses Aduku and Team Administrator Kelechi Omeke are among those set to attend Friday’s draw ceremony for the 12th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals.
The ceremony will take place at the EC1 Cultural Centre in Łódź, Poland, as the tournament continues to build momentum ahead of the competition’s scheduled run from 5th to 27th September.
Africa’s representatives and group formation
At the weekend, Nigeria joined Benin Republic, Ghana and Tanzania as Africa’s four representatives at the 24-team tournament.
All 24 qualified teams will be placed into four pots of six, with the draw determining six groups of four teams each as the championship captures global attention.
- Nigeria, Benin Republic, Ghana and Tanzania represent Africa at the finals.
- The draw will shape six groups of four from four pots of six.
- The tournament is scheduled for 5th–27th September in Łódź, Katowice, Sosnowiec and Bielsko-Biała.
Pot details: Falconets in Pot 2 as Germany misses out
Poland 2026 will feature a number of first-timers, with up to six debutants joining the competition: hosts Poland, Portugal, New Caledonia, Ecuador, Tanzania and Benin Republic.
Germany, which had narrowly beaten Nigeria in the final matches of the 2010 and 2014 tournaments, will not be present at the event for the first time ever.
- Debutants include Poland, Portugal, New Caledonia, Ecuador, Tanzania and Benin Republic.
- Germany will be absent for the first time after finishing Nigeria’s final-match encounters in 2010 and 2014.
Continents represented
The participant list includes hosts Poland alongside European teams Poland will be joined by France, Italy, England, Portugal and Spain. Asia is represented by China, South Korea, Japan and North Korea, while North and Central America will feature Mexico, the USA and Costa Rica. South America’s representation comes through Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina and Colombia, with New Zealand and New Caledonia representing Oceania.
Falconets draw and remaining pots
The Falconets, who have been ever-present at the competition, have been placed in Pot 2 with the USA, Canada, Colombia, Mexico and New Zealand. Ghana, making their eighth appearance, are in Pot 3 alongside South Korea, England, Argentina, China and Italy.
- Pot 1: Poland, Japan, Spain, North Korea, Brazil, France
- Pot 2: USA, Nigeria, Colombia, Mexico, Canada, New Zealand
- Pot 3: South Korea, England, Ghana, Argentina, China, Italy
- Pot 4: Portugal, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Benin Republic, Tanzania, New Caledonia
