Patrick Kluivert’s stint as Indonesia coach is over after they “mutually” agreed to part ways Thursday following a failed bid to reach the World Cup.
Indonesia’s hopes of qualifying for the tournament in North America next year ended with defeats to Iraq and Saudi Arabia in the past week.
The 49-year-old Netherlands and Barcelona great, who was only appointed in January, was in charge for just eight matches.
He won three of his games in charge, losing four and drawing one.
Writing on Instagram, Kluivert called it “an unforgettable journey”.
He added: “Even though I’m deeply disappointed and sorry for the fact that we didn’t make it to the World Cup, I’ll always be proud of what we built together.”
The Dutchman took over following the controversial sacking of South Korean Shin Tae-yong.
The former striker signed a two-year contract at the start of the year, tasked with taking Indonesia to their first World Cup since gaining independence in 1945.
The Football Association of Indonesia, PSSI, said Kluivert’s departure was “through mutual termination”.
“This step was taken as part of a comprehensive evaluation of the national football coaching and development programme,” it added.
The statement did not name Kluivert’s successor.
Amsterdam-born Kluivert retired as a player in 2008 after a stellar career that started at Ajax, where he won the Champions League, before moves to AC Milan and Barcelona.
Kluivert’s managerial career has not been nearly as spectacular.
His previous coaching role was in charge of Adana Demirspor in Turkey for five months in 2023.
Before that he was caretaker manager of Curacao in 2021.
He was also number two to Louis van Gaal with the Dutch national side in 2012-2014.
Portugal and Al Nassr striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, is on the verge of achieving a milestone no male footballer has ever reached: 1,000 career goals.
According to Sky Sports on Wednesday, following his recent brace against Hungary in the World Cup qualifiers, the Portuguese legend has now scored a staggering 948 goals across club and international competitions, 805 at club level and 143 for Portugal.
He also became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifying history, surpassing Carlos Ruiz on 39, with Lionel Messi third in the list on 36.
Ronaldo turned 40 in February, but he continues to rack up impressive numbers at club level as well as internationally, albeit against weaker opposition in Saudi Arabia, where he has scored 104 goals in 117 appearances across four seasons with Al-Nassr.
With 32 goals already for club and country in 2025, he is maintaining a remarkably consistent level of productivity in front of goal. Ronaldo has averaged more than 50 goals per calendar year since 2010.
His highest scoring year came in 2013, when he smashed 69 goals and won the Ballon d’Or.
Amazingly, his total has only dipped below 39 goals once in a calendar year in the last decade and a half.
With Portugal set to qualify for next summer’s World Cup, and with two years to go on his Al-Nassr contract, Ronaldo is projected to become the first player in recorded history to reach the 1,000-goal mark in October 2026 based on his current scoring rate.
Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has condemned the violent conduct of Kano Pillars supporters who invaded the pitch and attacked players, match officials, and staff of Shooting Stars Sports Club following Sunday’s Nigeria Premier Football League clash at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano State.
PUNCH Online earlier reported that chaos erupted after Shooting Stars forward, Adams Mustapha, netted a dramatic 94th-minute equaliser to secure a 1–1 draw, cancelling out Mustapha Jibrin’s early goal for the hosts.
Footage from the live broadcast by Propel Sports showed angry fans storming the pitch moments after the final whistle, confronting referee Mohammed Tuta and his assistants—Bem Japhet, Shehu Isah, and Alfa Sadiq—who were forced to flee for safety.
Security operatives struggled to contain the situation and eventually fired tear gas to disperse the enraged crowd.
Several Shooting Stars players, including Ismail Ayodele and Adams Agba’a, were reportedly assaulted during the melee.
Reacting to the incident in a post via his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, Sani described the attack as “unacceptable and condemnable.”
Sani also bemoaned the safety of fans at stadia, lamenting that insecurity and poor crowd control discourage genuine supporters from attending local league games.
He wrote, “The unruly behaviour of the Kano Pillars fans against the players of the Shooting Stars is unacceptable and condemnable.
“One of the problems I found out when one goes to our stadiums to watch the local league matches is the problem of thugs loitering around. Half of your attention is on the match and half on your safety and that of your vehicle.”
The Nigerian Premier Football League is yet to issue an official statement on the violence as of the time of filing this report.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles have arrived safely in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, following an unexpected delay to their flight from South Africa caused by a technical fault, PUNCH Online reports.
The team, who are preparing for their decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic on Tuesday, touched down at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, at 8:05 am on Sunday, according to team media officer Promise Efoghe.
“Finally, Super Eagles arrive in Uyo, Akwa Ibom. The team touched down at 8.05 a.m. Sunday morning,” Efoghe confirmed in a statement issued to the media.
A video later released by the team’s media department showed players and officials disembarking from the ValueJet aircraft, signalling the end of a tense and delayed journey that had begun in Polokwane, South Africa.
The Super Eagles had departed Polokwane late on Saturday, shortly after their match preparations in South Africa. However, what was meant to be a routine journey turned anxious when the ValueJet aircraft, which had earlier stopped in Luanda, Angola, for refuelling, developed a technical fault mid-air.
About 25 minutes after take-off, the pilot made an emergency U-turn back to Luanda after a loud crack appeared on the aircraft’s windscreen.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed in an official statement that the cracked windscreen forced the flight to return to Luanda, where all players, officials, and accompanying government delegates safely disembarked.
The federation noted that the incident occurred after a routine refuelling stop, with the pilot “guiding the airplane safely back to the airport in Luanda”.
Following the incident, the NFF disclosed that ValueJet Airline worked closely with relevant Nigerian government authorities, including the Ministers of Aviation and Foreign Affairs, and the Chief of Staff to the President, to secure flight permits for a replacement aircraft to continue the journey to Nigeria.
“The ValueJet Airline and the relevant Federal Government of Nigeria authorities are working assiduously to get the necessary overflying and landing permits for another aircraft to fly from Lagos, pick the delegation in Luanda, and fly them to Uyo,” the statement read.
The replacement aircraft eventually completed the journey on Sunday morning, ending nearly 12 hours of travel disruption for the team.
Eric Chelle’s men will now turn their attention to the all-important World Cup qualifier against the Benin Republic.
The match, scheduled for Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, is a crucial one for Nigeria, who are aiming to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a challenging qualifying campaign.
Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup remain alive after a narrow 2-1 victory over Lesotho on Friday, but the Super Eagles face a challenging path to qualification.
Nigeria sit third in Group C with 14 points despite their win. South Africa are second with 15 points after drawing with Zimbabwe, while Benin Republic lead the group with 17 points.
The race for automatic qualification now goes down to the last group matches.
To keep their 2026 World Cup dream alive, Nigeria must beat Benin Republic by at least two goals when they meet in their final group game on 14 October. This is because Benin Republic leads on goal difference with five goals, while Nigeria and South Africa are both on three goals.
A strong win is essential, as goal difference could decide the group winner.
The Super Eagles will also need some help. South Africa must either lose or draw against Rwanda in their last match. If South Africa wins, Nigeria’s chances of qualifying automatically would be very slim.
Only the group winners secure direct qualification to the World Cup, while the four best runners-up go to the play-offs. This means every goal and point is now crucial.
The Super Eagles moved a step closer to 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification after edging Lesotho 2-1 on Friday in a match that could prove decisive for Nigeria’s campaign.
Troost Ekong gave Nigeria the perfect start in the 55th minute by converting a penalty following a handball in the Lesotho box, sending the home fans into jubilation.
Akor Adams later doubled the advantage with a clinical finish in the 80th minute, seemingly putting Nigeria in control. Lesotho responded in the 83rd minute with a goal from Kalake, but the Eagles held firm to secure the crucial three points.
However, Benin Republic scored in their own match, meaning Nigeria remain behind on points and goal difference in Group C. With only one game remaining in the group, the Eagles’ fate is not entirely in their hands.
With Nigeria on 14 points and Benin now leading the group with 17 points, the Eagles still have several pathways to automatic qualification:
The first pathway is to win the final match against Benin Republic. A victory is essential for the team to stay in contention.
The second pathway is for the Super Eagles to hope for a slip-up. Benin Republic and South Africa must drop points in their last fixtures.
The third pathway is to improve the goal difference. Nigeria trail Benin and South Africa, so scoring more goals and keeping a clean sheet could be decisive if teams finish level on points.
A final-day showdown could also be crucial. A strong performance in the last round could see Nigeria overtake the leaders, Benin Republic and secure the top spot.
For Lesotho, the defeat is a harsh blow, effectively ending their hopes of qualifying from the group. With nine points from five matches, they now need an almost impossible combination of results to stay in contention.
All eyes are on the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, South Africa, on Friday as the Super Eagles lock horns with the Crocodiles of Lesotho in what promises to be a last-chance match for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles were almost certain to miss out on consecutive World Cup finals after their September 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.
However, they were handed a lifeline when South Africa were docked points for fielding an ineligible player, narrowing the gap at the top of Group C.
The ruling left Nigeria three points adrift of Benin and South Africa with two games remaining, reshaping the qualification race and keeping Nigeria’s hopes alive.
Decisive game for the Super Eagles
Nigeria cannot afford to lose either of their remaining two matches, starting with Friday’s fixture against Lesotho.
They must also hope South Africa slip up in their remaining games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda.
With several teams still mathematically capable of topping the group, a win in Polokwane is essential if the Super Eagles are to keep their campaign alive.
Group standings
Benin top the group with 14 points and a +4 goal difference, while South Africa are second on 14 points with a +2 goal difference. Nigeria sit third on 11 points and a +2 goal difference, followed by Rwanda on 11 points and a neutral goal difference.
Head-to-head
Since 2019, the sides have met three times: they have drawn once and Nigeria have won twice.
Lesotho held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on November 16, 2023, and will be looking to cause another upset in Polokwane.
Record so far
The Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying campaign has been patchy. To date, they have recorded two wins, five draws and one defeat, while Lesotho have two wins, three draws and three losses.
Optimism, ready
Ahead of the crucial tie, head coach Éric Chelle and some Super Eagles stars have expressed optimism about their chances.
Speaking at a press conference in Polokwane on Thursday, Chelle said the team must begin the game aggressively and with full focus.
Chelle warned that football is unpredictable, considering factors such as weather, refereeing errors, and individual mistakes can influence outcomes.
But he insisted the squad’s attention must remain on securing three points.
Match details
Matchday nine will take place on Friday (today), October 10, at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane, with kick-off at 6:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. Nigeria time).
Fans can watch on DStv’s SuperSport, SportyBet TV and AfroSport.
The Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Teams Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, has described his appointment as a recognition of Nigeria’s growing influence in global sports governance.
In an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Pinnick, a former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, expressed humility and pride at the opportunity to serve in one of FIFA’s most strategic committees.
“The importance of this is a recognition of Nigeria, as well as global sports. First, I’m saying that I’m humbled by the opportunity for me. The Committee for Competitions is the most important committee, because FIFA is all about competitions, organising competitions, which also includes the World Cup, the U-20 and the U-17, even up to the Club World Cup,” he said.
Explaining the committee’s mandate, Pinnick noted that it plays a central role in managing and supervising FIFA’s global tournaments and the participation of national teams.
“It’s a committee that has a responsibility. It has to be seen with national teams, with national team players, to be allowed to play in any of those competitions,” he stated.
Pinnick also highlighted the calibre of individuals serving alongside him, noting that the committee reflects the international breadth of football administration.
“A lot of people in the committee, even Danny Jordaan from South Africa, is a member of the committee. Danny Jordaan was chairman of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. So, we are very, very happy,” he said.
He emphasised that FIFA appointments are based on merit, professionalism, and integrity rather than regional considerations.
“FIFA does not just select people. They don’t select based on nationality or regionalism, but also on standards, organisation, and administration,” Pinnick explained.
Expressing his sense of national pride, he added: “I’m humbled, and I’m glad to be here because once again, I’m in the Green White Flag in FIFA’s books.”
The former NFF boss further noted that other Nigerians are also serving in key FIFA committees, reflecting the country’s growing representation within global football structures.
“It’s not just about me. The incumbent president of the Nigeria Football Federation is also a member of the Interclub Committee. There’s a very seasoned journalist and former chairperson of the Women’s League, who is a member of the Communications Committee.
“Then, because I am a member of the Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, I was just declared to be a feminist. I returned to Congress. I was very proud to be a member of the Feminist Committee. So, we are happy that Nigeria is a global leader.”
On Nigeria’s domestic football development, Pinnick assured that he and relevant authorities were working closely to strengthen sports administration and performance.
“We are working. We are working with the National Sports Commission. We are working with the Federation. The National Sports Commission is like having sleepless nights on it. They are in alignment with me. You know, it’s not that we can do any magic, but whenever it’s possible, we definitely do,” he said.
PUNCH Online reports that Pinnick’s appointment, confirmed during the 74th FIFA Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in international football administration.
The committee is responsible for overseeing FIFA’s national team competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, U-20 and U-17 tournaments, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Pinnick’s elevation marks another milestone in his long-running involvement with global football governance.
At least 17 Super Eagles players, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have arrived in Polokwane, South Africa, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for Friday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Lesotho.
The players joined camp on Tuesday, a day after the technical crew and backroom staff arrived to officially open the team’s base.
Among those already in camp are William Troost-Ekong, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Frank Onyeka, and Tolu Arokodare.
Also present are returnee defender Semi Ajayi and goalkeepers Stanley Nwabali, Adebayo Adeleye, and Amas Obasogie, who have all linked up with the coaching staff ahead of full team training sessions.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C of the CAF World Cup qualifying series with 11 points from eight matches. The Super Eagles must win their remaining two fixtures and hope for favourable results from South Africa and Benin Republic to keep their qualification hopes alive.
The three-time African champions will face Lesotho on Friday in Polokwane in what is expected to be a decisive, must-win encounter.
Nigeria’s motorsport industry recorded a major milestone as Jamus Bashar Muhammad, popularly known as Jaybash, emerged victorious at the East Africa Drift Championship held in Kenya.
Representing Nigeria at the continental event, Jaybash delivered a remarkable performance that earned him First Position in the Pro Masters category, First Position overall in the East Africa Drift Championship, and recognition as the Nigerian Drift King.
According to a Monday statement from the National Sports Commission, his triumph marks “a giant leap forward” for motorsport in Nigeria and reflects the growing influence of Nigerian athletes in diverse sporting disciplines.
“The National Sports Commission congratulates Jaybash and celebrates this milestone that inspires the next generation of Nigerian drivers.
“This achievement strengthens our commitment to support diverse sports disciplines under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy,” the statement read.
Jaybash’s success has been hailed by sports enthusiasts and industry stakeholders as a defining moment for Nigeria’s growing motorsport community, signalling new opportunities for recognition and investment in the sector.
![[ICYMI] WCQ: Super Eagles revive World Cup hopes with 2-1 win over Lesotho](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/SUPER-EAGLES-1024x585-1.jpg)
![ICYMI] 2026 World Cup qualifier: Osimhen, Lookman, others arrive South Africa](https://www.societygazetteng.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/IMG_8666-1024x768-1.jpeg)
