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ABIOLA AND THE ANCIENT JOURNEY OF JUNE 12 – By Dare Babarinsa, CON Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, Group Chairman of Oodua Investment Company Limited, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. A proud moment for Yoruba land as he addresses the gathering on regional unity and progress. Representative from the DAWN Commission speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference, addressing the gathering on regional integration, collaboration with Think Yoruba First, and the future of Yoruba land in a multipolar world. The event was held in partnership with the DAWN Commission. Otunba Deji Osibogun, Convener of Yoruba Koya Leadership and Training Foundation, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. He addressed the gathering on leadership development, grassroots mobilisation, and the urgent need to build the next generation of Yoruba leaders. Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. The royal father spoke on the critical role of traditional institutions in securing the nation and praised Think Yoruba First for their tireless work in advancing the cause of Yoruba land, declaring that the movement is the future of Yoruba progress and unity. “No One Is More Qualified Than Me” – Senator Dickson Declares Obi Not Doing NDC Any Favour Caribbean Nation Opens Doors: Grenada Grants Nigerians Visa-Free Access, Seeks Direct Flights and Investment Economic Invasion, Physical and Psychological Warfare on Yoruba Land Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon Kingdom, speaks at the Think Yoruba First 4th Global Conference. The royal father spoke on the critical role of traditional institutions in securing the nation and praised Think Yoruba First for their tireless work in advancing the cause of Yoruba land, declaring that the movement is the future of Yoruba progress and unity.

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Nigeria Crash Out of 2026 World Cup Race After Penalty Shootout Loss to DR Congo

November 17, 2025 • 2 min read

November 17, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke

Nigeria’s bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico ended on Sunday following a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African play-off final in Rabat, Morocco.

Both teams had entered the decisive fixture after emerging as the best second-placed sides from the African qualifying series, with the winner expected to advance to the inter-continental play-off.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle made two changes to the squad that defeated Gabon in the last qualifying match, opting to drop Akor Adams and Bright Osayi-Samuel. Semi Ajayi and Frank Onyeka were drafted into the starting lineup, with Onyeka joining Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi in a three-man midfield.

Ajayi’s return to central defence pushed the impressive Benjamin Fredrick to right-back in a reshuffled backline aimed at containing the Congolese attack.

Despite periods of dominance and goal-scoring opportunities for both sides, regulation time and extra time ended goalless, sending the match into a tense penalty shootout. Nigeria missed two of their spot kicks, allowing DR Congo to seal the victory and secure passage to the inter-continental playoffs.

The defeat means the three-time African champions will miss the World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, extending a disappointing run that began with their failure to qualify for Qatar 2022.