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FIFPro Steps into Super Falcons, NFF Allowances Dispute

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Super Falcons

By Adedapo Adesanya

The professional football players union, FIFPro, has said it would assist Super Falcons of Nigeria in a disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) concerning bonus payments, camp allowances and expenses, some of which date back to 2021.

This followed the exit of the Nigerian women’s football team from the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup on Monday after losing 4-2 on penalties to European champions, England.

Prior to the tournament, the players threatened to boycott the games in Australia and New Zealand over unpaid arrears.

The NFF made it clear it would not adhere to an agreement to give the players 30 per cent of the tournament revenue it gets from FIFA. The NFF said it would no longer pay since FIFA is paying each World Cup player a minimum of $30,000 for participating in the group stages, up to a maximum of $270,000 per World Cup winner.

On his part, Coach Randy Waldrum hit out at the local football governing body, telling the On the Whistle podcast that he was owed over 14 months of salary, with only 50 per cent paid.

“What keeps me going are the players. Otherwise, I would have quit this job long ago.

“Up until about three weeks ago, I had been owed about 14 months’ salary. And then they paid seven months’ salary. We still have players that haven’t been paid since two years ago when we played the summer series in the USA. It’s a travesty,” he lamented.

In a statement on Tuesday, FIFPro said it had moved to mediate the issue but noted that during the World Cup, the players expressed the desire to remain focused on their performance without making public statements or facing other distractions.

However, following Monday’s exit, “the Super Falcons believe that it is now time for the Nigeria Football Federation to honour their commitments and pay the outstanding amounts.”

“The team is extremely frustrated that they have had to pursue the Nigeria Football Federation for these payments before and during the tournament and may have to continue doing so afterwards. It is regrettable that players needed to challenge their own federation at such an important time in their careers,” the statement read in parts.

FIFPro said it would continue to work with the players to ensure their contractual rights are honoured, and the outstanding payments are settled.

On the part of the NFF, Mr Ademola Olajire, the body’s communications director, called Mr Waldrum the “worst Super Falcons coach in history”.

Mr Olajire said, “Everyone knows FIFA pays preparation money for every team going to the Women’s World Cup. The team travelled to Japan to play matches, travelled to Mexico for a tournament and travelled to Turkey to play matches.”

Nigeria beat the co‑hosts Australia 3-2 in a memorable game and drew goalless with Canada and the Republic of Ireland to set up the game against England.

In another interview after the game, Nigerian forward Ifeoma Onumonu told the Guardian UK, “I’ve seen what [resources] England have access to.”

“In Nigeria, we don’t have access to much. Our training fields aren’t great. Where we sleep isn’t great. Sometimes we share beds,” the player, who plies her trade in the United States for NJ/NY Gotham FC, said.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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SuperSport to Broadcast Midweek Football Action in the Premier League and La Liga

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supersport Midweek Football Action

Midweek football returns with crucial fixtures across the Premier League and La Liga, as title contenders look to maintain momentum and struggling sides fight to steady their campaigns. Fans can watch all the action live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Key Battles Across the Table

On Tuesday, Fulham host Man City at 8:30 p.m. City edged Leeds 3–2 at the weekend, with Phil Foden scoring twice to keep them five points behind leaders Arsenal. They now face a revitalised Fulham side who have won back-to-back matches, including a gritty 2–1 victory away at Tottenham, and are steadily pulling clear of the relegation zone.  The match will air live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

Also at 9:15 p.m., Newcastle welcome Tottenham to St James’ Park. Spurs remain winless in their last seven games across all competitions and have dropped to fifth after their 2–1 home defeat to Fulham. Newcastle, meanwhile, arrive with renewed confidence after a commanding 4–1 win at Everton and continue to be one of the league’s toughest home sides. The match will air live on SS Action (GOtv Ch. 66, DStv Ch. 206)

On Wednesday, league leaders Arsenal return at 8:30 p.m. when they face Brentford at the Emirates. Arsenal were held to a 1–1 draw by Chelsea but remain firmly in control at the top. Brentford, who beat Burnley 3–1 last time out, continue to show strong form at home but have struggled to replicate those performances on the road. Watch live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203)

At 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Leeds United take on Chelsea at Elland Road live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61). Chelsea battled to a 1–1 draw against Arsenal despite going a man down, and a win here could push them into second place depending on other results. Leeds, however, have lost four straight and sit in the relegation zone, needing a turnaround to avoid deeper trouble.

Also at 9:15 p.m., Liverpool face Sunderland at Anfield. Liverpool stopped their run of defeats with a controlled 2–0 win away at West Ham and now aim to re-establish rhythm against a Sunderland side sitting near the top of the table. Sunderland edged Bournemouth 3–2 in their last outing, ending a three-game winless stretch. The match will be live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204)

On Thursday, Man United host West Ham at 9:00 p.m., airing live on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). United came from behind to beat Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park, recording their first victory in four matches. West Ham, meanwhile, remain close to the relegation zone after a 2–0 loss to Liverpool and need a stabilising result.

La Liga: Top Contenders Face Crucial Tests

On Tuesday, Barcelona face Atlético Madrid at 9:00 p.m. Barcelona’s 3–1 win over Alavés moved them top of the table, but they now confront an Atlético side in exceptional form. Atlético have won six straight league matches and remain unbeaten in more than ten across all competitions, making them one of the most dangerous teams in Spain at the moment.

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On Wednesday at 7:00 p.m., Athletic Club host Real Madrid at San Mamés. Real Madrid have drawn their last three league matches, including a 1–1 result against Girona, a run that has cost them top spot. Athletic, meanwhile, arrive after a confident 2–0 win away at Levante and continue to show strong defensive discipline. With Barcelona, Real Madrid, Villarreal and Atlético all tightly packed at the top, every point now carries significant weight. Both games air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Midweek Highlights

Premier League

  • Fulham vs Man City — Tue, 8:30 p.m.

  • Newcastle vs Tottenham — Tue, 9:15 p.m.

  • Arsenal vs Brentford — Wed, 8:30 p.m.

  • Leeds United vs Chelsea — Wed, 9:15 p.m.

  • Liverpool vs Sunderland — Wed, 9:15 p.m.

  • Man United vs West Ham — Thu, 9:00 p.m.

La Liga

  • Barcelona vs Atlético Madrid — Tue, 9:00 p.m.

  • Athletic Club vs Real Madrid — Wed, 7:00 p.m.

Catch Every Game

Stream every match live on select SuperSport channels or on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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Don’t Miss These EPL Games as DStv Opens EPL Channels to All Customers from Yanga Up

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DStv Opens EPL Channels

The Premier League enters another decisive weekend, and the title picture could look very different by Sunday night. Arsenal’s trip to Stamford Bridge headlines a fixture list loaded with jeopardy, while Manchester United face a resurgent Crystal Palace side with top-six ambitions of their own. Manchester City have a chance to apply early pressure, and Liverpool are fighting simply to keep their season from unravelling further.

Across the board, the margins are tightening, and for several contenders, this is a weekend they cannot afford to get wrong.

  • Crystal Palace vs. Manchester United (13:00 WAT, Sunday)

Crystal Palace enter the weekend knowing a win could pull them into the league’s top six — and depending on other results, even edge them into the top-three conversation. Their football has been coherent, aggressive, and structurally sound, despite losing talisman Eberechi Eze in the summer.

United’s defeat at home to 10-man Everton raised familiar concerns: inconsistency in midfield, disjointed pressing, and an attack that drifts in and out of games. The lack of midweek football can be their biggest advantage. Palace, by contrast, are coming off a Thursday European fixture, a schedule squeeze that could affect their intensity in the closing stages.

But based on current form, Palace look to be the more complete team. Their starting XI has been one of the most stable and coordinated in the league, while United arrive trying to prove they remain credible top-four contenders. For Palace, this is a chance to protect their position or announce themselves as part of the season’s emerging elite.

  • Liverpool vs West Ham (15:05 WAT, Sunday)

Liverpool’s fall from defending champions to 12th in the table has been one of the season’s sharpest regressions, and the pressure around Anfield is starting to tighten. A squad rebuilt around high-profile summer arrivals – Wirtz, Isak and Frimpong – has yet to find rhythm, raising uncomfortable questions about recruitment and adaptation. Liverpool have taken just one win from their last five matches, and anything short of victory here risks deepening the crisis.

Morale hasn’t been helped by the long-term loss of Diogo Jota, whose absence has forced a tactical reshuffle and exposed the team’s diminishing depth in the final third. A win could lift Liverpool back toward the fringes of the top six, restoring some sense of trajectory in a title-defence campaign that has never quite ignited.

West Ham, meanwhile, come into the weekend with quiet momentum. Two wins from their last three have pulled them clear of immediate relegation danger, and David Moyes’ side have shown a sharper edge in midfield and transition. They are still unpredictable, capable of resilience but equally prone to lapses, yet against this version of Liverpool, they will feel there is something to take.

Form points in West Ham’s direction. Expectation leans heavily on Liverpool. And somewhere in between lies a match that could decide how long the pressure around Anfield remains manageable.

  • Chelsea vs Arsenal (17:30 WAT, Sunday)

Chelsea enter the London derby with an opportunity that has become increasingly rare in recent seasons: a chance to gain ground on Arsenal in the title race. But the task is formidable. Arsenal remain one of the league’s most balanced sides – defensively disciplined, structurally tight, and consistently incisive in the final third – and they arrive at Stamford Bridge with form and confidence on their side.

Recent history does not favour Chelsea. They haven’t beaten Arsenal in the league since 2021, a run that has shaped the psychological edge between the teams. Yet this Chelsea side has shown enough volatility, both good and bad, to make the derby feel closer than the table suggests. With the top of the league in reach, the stakes sharpen.

For Arsenal, Eze’s form provides an additional spark. Fresh off a hat-trick in the North London derby, he comes into this fixture with a swagger that could tilt the attacking equation. Chelsea, meanwhile, face uncertainty around Cole Palmer’s availability, a variable that could shape their entire attacking approach.

It’s a derby that feels finely balanced, even if Arsenal hold the statistical and historical advantages. For Chelsea, this is less about rivalry and more about rewriting a narrative that has belonged to Arsenal for the better part of four years.

  • Manchester City vs. Leeds United (15:00 WAT, Saturday)

Manchester City arrive at the weekend on the back of two frustrating results, but even in a stuttering moment, they remain overwhelming favourites. The quality gap is obvious – Haaland, Foden and the rest of City’s core operate at a level Leeds are still adjusting to after their return to the Premier League.

Leeds, meanwhile, remain locked in a relegation fight, with just one win from their last five matches. Their effort and energy are rarely in question, but the margins at this level are unforgiving, and their squad is still catching up to the demands of the division. Against City, any hesitation, in possession or in transition, is usually punished.

For Pep Guardiola’s side, the stakes are sharper than they appear. A win would take City up to second place, at least temporarily, applying immediate pressure ahead of the Arsenal–Chelsea clash later in the day. And if Chelsea falters, City could reclaim the spot they have long treated as familiar territory.

For fans who want to follow every twist and turn, DStv Yanga customers will have full access to SuperSport EPL and SuperSport Action from 12AM on Sunday, 30 November through to 11:59PM same day. Whether it’s the high-stakes London derby, City’s push to reclaim second place, or Liverpool’s fight to steady the ship, every match is available live, uninterrupted. The channels will return to their regular Compact packages on Monday morning, giving viewers a chance to digest what promises to be a defining weekend in the Premier League.

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SuperSport to Air Mega Football Weekend with PL Sunday Offer

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supersport Mega Football Weekend

Club football continues with a heavyweight slate of fixtures across Europe’s top leagues, headlined by the Premier League’s London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal supported this weekend by SuperSport’s Sunday Special open window, which gives GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga customers access to Premier League action all day on Sunday. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport, exclusively on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Chelsea and Arsenal Takes Centre Stage

Saturday opens at 4:00 p.m. with Man City hosting Leeds United. City have suffered consecutive defeats in the league and Europe, while Leeds remain deep in relegation trouble after three straight losses.

At 6:30 p.m., Everton face Newcastle. The Toffees are chasing a third straight win, while Newcastle arrive on the back of a Champions League setback against Marseille. The day ends at 9:00 p.m. as Tottenham meet Fulham. Spurs are searching for their first win in four matches across all competitions.

Sunday’s action begins at 1:00 p.m. with Crystal Palace facing Man United. Palace sit fifth and continue to push the pack above them; United, winless in three, need a response.At 3:05 p.m., West Ham take on Liverpool. Liverpool have hit a rough patch, losing to both Nottingham Forest and PSV in the past week.

The weekend’s headline fixture kicks off at 5:30 p.m. as Chelsea welcome Arsenal. The league leaders have won six of their last seven and impressed in Europe with their victory over Bayern Munich. Chelsea, buoyed by wins against Burnley and Barcelona, aim to close the six-point gap separating them from top spot.

All Premier League matches are live on SuperSport Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).

La Liga: Barcelona Push, Atlético Surge, Madrid Defend Top Spot

Barcelona face Alavés on Saturday at 4:15 p.m. Barça come in from a 3-0 loss to Chelsea in the Champions League and remain one point behind Real Madrid. Alavés, with three wins in their last four, will seek an upset.

At 9:00 p.m., Atlético Madrid host Real Oviedo. Atlético are La Liga’s form side with five straight wins and 10 unbeaten, yet still sit fourth. Oviedo remain bottom with only one win this season.

Sunday at 2:00 p.m. sees Real Sociedad face Villarreal. Villarreal enter with four consecutive victories and sit third; Sociedad are unbeaten in five and remain dangerous.

The Seville Derby follows at 4:15 p.m. as Sevilla meet Real Betis. Betis sit fifth but have only one win in five; Sevilla, 11th, can climb significantly with a victory and favourable results elsewhere.

The weekend closes with Real Madrid traveling to Girona at 9:00 p.m. Madrid, coming off back-to-back league draws but buoyed by a Champions League win over Olympiakos, must win to protect their lead.

All La Liga matches air live on SuperSport La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Top Four Separated by Just Three Points

 Juventus take on Cagliari at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday. Juve have drawn their last two league fixtures but picked up a Champions League win in midweek. Cagliari remain winless in eight.

At 8:45 p.m., AC Milan take on Lazio. Milan, fresh from a derby victory over Inter, sit second and remain firmly in the title hunt. Lazio have won three of their last five.

On Sunday at 3:00 p.m., Pisa host Inter Milan. Inter need a response after league and European defeats.

The round concludes with Roma against Napoli at 8:45 p.m., a top-of-the-table meeting between first and third. Both teams earned big midweek European victories and enter in strong form.

All Serie A matches are live on SuperSport Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: PSG Defend a Narrow Lead in a Tight Title Race

Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Monaco host PSG. PSG remain top with 30 points and arrive after a decisive win over Le Havre. Monaco, eighth, need a major response following their 4-1 defeat to Rennes. This match will air on SuperSport Africa 1 (GOtv Ch. 63, DStv Ch. 207).

At 9:05 p.m., Marseille face Toulouse. Marseille are in strong scoring form after a 5-1 win over Nice, while Toulouse seek consistency after a narrow loss to Angers.

Sunday features Strasbourg facing Brest at 3:00 p.m., followed by Angers against Lens and Le Havre squaring up Lille, both at 5:15 p.m.  Lens remain firmly in the title chase, while Lille continue to push for European places.

Catch all Ligue 1 matches will air live on SuperSport Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61).

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

  • Man City vs Leeds — Sat, 4:00 p.m.

  • Everton vs Newcastle — Sat, 6:30 p.m.

  • Tottenham vs Fulham — Sat, 9:00 p.m.

  • Crystal Palace vs Man United — Sun, 1:00 p.m.

  • West Ham vs Liverpool — Sun, 3:05 p.m.

  • Chelsea vs Arsenal — Sun, 5:30 p.m.

La Liga

  • Barcelona vs Alavés — Sat, 4:15 p.m.

  • Atlético Madrid vs Real Oviedo — Sat, 9:00 p.m.

  • Real Sociedad vs Villarreal — Sun, 2:00 p.m.

  • Sevilla vs Real Betis — Sun, 4:15 p.m.

  • Girona vs Real Madrid — Sun, 9:00 p.m.

Serie A

  • Juventus vs Cagliari — Sat, 6:00 p.m.

  • AC Milan vs Lazio — Sat, 8:45 p.m.

  • Pisa vs Inter Milan — Sun, 3:00 p.m.

  • Roma vs Napoli — Sun, 8:45 p.m.

Ligue 1

  • Monaco vs PSG — Sat, 5:00 p.m. (on SS Africa 1)

  • Marseille vs Toulouse — Sat, 9:05 p.m.

  • Strasbourg vs Brest — Sun, 3:00 p.m.

  • Angers vs Lens — Sun, 5:15 p.m.

  • Le Havre vs Lille — Sun, 5:15 p.m.

Free Access this Football Weekend

All Premier League matches are on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203), with Sunday Special open access available to all GOtv Jolli and DStv Yanga customers.

All La Liga matches are on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). Ligue 1 is on SS Africa 1 (PSG match) and SS Football for all other fixtures. Serie A is live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208).

Stream every match live on DStv Stream or GOtv Stream. Upgrade or stay connected via the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, dial *288#, or visit the official websites.

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