World football governing body, FIFA has handed out punishments to eight African nations for various offences committed during September’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Gabon fielded an ineligible player – Merlin Tandjigora, who should have been suspended in the 3-0 home defeat by Ivory Coast on 2 September.

Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi and on-loan Hull City defender Ola Aina beat the October 3 deadline for them to report to the Super Eagles training camp ahead of their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Uyo on Saturday.

Chelsea FC have been dealt a major blow after it was confirmed that striker, Alvaro Morata, has suffered a grade two hamstring injury which could keep him sidelined for over a month. The Spain international asked to be substituted midway through first half of Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City on Saturday.