November 2025 African and Global Sports News: Premier League, World Cup Playoffs, and Salary Protests

When you think of November 2025, a month packed with high-stakes sports drama, political unrest, and major football milestones across Africa and beyond. Also known as late 2025 football season, it was a turning point for teams fighting for survival, qualification, and pride. This wasn’t just another month on the calendar—it was when the 2026 World Cup stopped being a distant dream and became a daily reality for national teams across the continent.

The Super Eagles, Nigeria’s national football team. Also known as Nigeria national team, it went from nearly out of the race to one win away from a playoff spot after Éric Chelle’s tactical overhaul. Their do-or-die clash against Gabon in Rabat wasn’t just a match—it was a test of national spirit. Meanwhile, in South Africa, the Betway Premiership, the top-tier professional football league in South Africa. Also known as South African Premier Division, it turned into a two-horse race as Orlando Pirates stretched their lead while Kaizer Chiefs roared back with a 5-1 thrashing. This wasn’t just about points; it was about legacy.

Across the Atlantic, the Premier League, England’s top professional football league, known globally for its intensity and unpredictability. Also known as English Premier League, it delivered mid-table chaos with Sunderland and AFC Bournemouth tied at 19 points, both eyeing European spots. In Italy, Pisa’s return to Serie A, Italy’s premier football league, where history and modern tactics collide. Also known as Italian Serie A, it after 34 years felt like a fairytale—until Juventus scraped past Cremonese in a last-minute win that reminded everyone why this league never sleeps.

When football meets real life

But football wasn’t the only story. In Nigeria, public workers took to the streets, not for a goal, but for their pay. The Accountant General of the Federation, the federal official responsible for managing government payroll and financial disbursements in Nigeria. Also known as AGF, it became the target of a picket by JNPSNC, after workers claimed January and February salaries were slashed. This wasn’t just about money—it was about trust in institutions. While fans cheered goals, others were fighting just to feed their families.

November 2025 didn’t just give us scores and standings. It gave us stories of resilience, desperation, and triumph—on the pitch and off it. Whether you followed the Super Eagles’ playoff push, watched Pisa’s historic return, or wondered why a striker in the USMNT suddenly had four rivals for three spots, this month reminded you that sports don’t happen in a vacuum. They mirror the struggles, hopes, and tensions of the people behind them.

Below, you’ll find the full reports from this unforgettable month—each article a snapshot of what mattered when it mattered most.