Mamelodi Sundowns moved closer to the semifinals of the CAF Champions League after defeating Stade Malien 3–0 in the first leg of their quarterfinal clash at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in South Africa on Friday.
Goals from Khuliso Mudau, Brayan Leon and Iqraam Rayners sealed a dominant victory for the South African champions.
Sundowns took the lead in the 34th minute when Mudau finished low across goalkeeper N’Golo Traore after a through pass from Arthur Sales, although the goal was initially ruled offside it was later confirmed following a VAR review.
The hosts doubled their advantage in the 54th minute as Nuno Santos delivered a precise cross for Leon to control and fire past Traore.
Substitute Rayners added the third in the 74th minute, converting another cross from Santos.
The effort was first flagged offside but was also awarded after a VAR check confirmed he was onside.
The second leg will be played on 22 March at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali.
The aggregate winners will face either Esperance de Tunis of Tunisia or Egypt’s Al Ahly in the semifinals.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sympathy to the family, associates, and admirers of renowned football administrator and former Super Eagles head coach, Chief Festus Onigbinde, following his passing.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu extended condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation, the National Sports Commission, professional colleagues, and football fans nationwide.
He commended the Modakeke High Chief for his immense contributions to grassroots football development and the strengthening of football administration in Nigeria.
The President also acknowledged Chief Onigbinde’s historic leadership, which saw Nigeria reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and later guided the Super Eagles to the FIFA World Cup in 2002, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Similarly, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports, Mr Philips Shuaibu, described Chief Onigbinde as a symbol of discipline, insight, and football intelligence.
Reacting to his death, Mr Shuaibu noted that the late coach left a lasting legacy in Nigerian sports.
Chief Festus Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles, passed away on Monday at his residence in Modakeke, Osun State, following a brief illness.
Among his notable achievements, he led Nigeria to a silver medal at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team narrowly lost to Cameroon in the final, and became the first Nigerian coach to guide the team to the FIFA World Cup.
President Bola Tinubu congratulates the winners of Saturday’s elections in the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Kano and Rivers.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, conducted elections in the six area councils of the FCT and by-elections in the Ahoada East II and Khana II state constituencies of Rivers State, as well as in the Kano Municipal and Ungogo constituencies in Kano State.
The President urges the winners to serve with humility, patriotism, and dedication, viewing their mandate as a sacred trust from the people.
He commends the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his remarkable achievements in the territory, which have yielded political dividends to the governing All Progressives Congress, APC.
President Tinubu also congratulates the APC national leadership, the Kano and Rivers state leaderships, and all party members on their victories at the polls.
He lauds INEC, security agencies, and voters for the peaceful and successful conduct of the elections, and commends the courage and discipline displayed by all contestants, noting that democracy thrives on vibrant participation and competition.
The President affirms that the successful conduct of these elections further strengthens democratic culture and institutions, and calls on INEC to continue improving its efforts to deliver even more exemplary electoral processes.
The Ondo State will field over 300 athletes and coaches at the second edition of the Niger Delta Sports Games, as Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa urged the contingent to remain disciplined and focused on medal targets.
The state received the symbolic Torch of Unity at the Akure Sports Complex ahead of departure for the Games.
The Ondo State team comprises 270 athletes and 46 coaches.
Officials charged them to serve as worthy ambassadors through sportsmanship and competitive discipline.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Henry Omoyofunmi, representing the governor, assured the delegation of full government support throughout the competition.
The Secretary, Niger Delta Sports Games Ondo Liaison Office, Mr. Henry Babatunde, commended the athletes’ preparations and urged them to surpass their previous outing in Uyo.
A Director at the Edo State Sports Commission, Mr. Frank Ilaboya, said organisers would award scholarships to outstanding athletes to reward excellence.
Swimmer Mojisola Giwa expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, citing improved fitness and teamwork after camping.
The Games will hold in Edo State from February 20 to 27, 2026.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has rewarded medal-winning athletes who represented the state at the 22nd National Sports Festival hosted in the state.
At a colourful cash award ceremony held in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun announced over four hundred and fifty million naira in cash prizes for athletes who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the prestigious national competition.
The Governor who was represented by the head of service, Mr Kehinde Onasanya described the reward as the fulfilment of promises made to the athletes during the games.
He added that all statutory obligations, including training allowances, participation allowances and contract fees, had been fully paid.
He commended the athletes for their discipline, resilience and determination, noting that their performance had further positioned Ogun State as a leading force in sports development in Nigeria.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka had described the festival as a symbol of unity and healthy competition.
According to him, the state did not only host successfully but also excelled in performance.
Ninety-three gold medalists received two point five million naira each, sixty-one silver medalists were awarded with one point five million naira each while Eighty-one bronze medalists went home with one million naira each.
The Head Coach of Nigeria’s Women’s Under-20 team, Falconets, Moses Aduku, has expressed confidence ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Senegal. The first-leg encounter will hold at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Coach Aduku spoke with journalists at the Abeokuta office of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). He said his players are focused and ready to deliver a strong performance against the Lionesses of Senegal. He explained that the team’s strategy is centred on scoring goals and improving on lessons from their previous match against Robo Queens. Coach Aduku expressed optimism about securing victory in the first leg and gaining an advantage ahead of the return leg in Senegal. He urged Ogun State residents to turn out in large numbers to support the team. Also speaking, the team captain, Joy Igbokwe, said the players are determined to make Nigerian football fans proud, especially supporters in Ogun State.
Meanwhile, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has declared free entry for football fans at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
The gesture is to enable residents come out in large numbers to support Nigeria’s Falconets as they face Senegal in the first leg of the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.
Announcing the development, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, urged football lovers to troop out early and cheer the Falconets to victory.
Mr Isiaka reaffirmed the commitment of Ogun State Government to supporting female football and ensuring national teams playing in the state get the needed backing to excel on the international stage.
He noted that fans’ presence would boost the morale of the players and further demonstrate Ogun State’s dedication to sports development.
The encounter is a crucial one, as both Nigeria and Senegal battle for a place at the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold in Poland.
The second leg of the qualifier will take place in Dakar, Senegal, on February 14.
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has parted ways with South African club Chippa United after four years, the club confirmed on Thursday.
In a statement, Chippa United said Nwabali requested to leave the club despite signing a three-year contract extension in 2024, adding that it had agreed to grant his release.
It partly reads: “Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to grant his release.
“We would like to sincerely thank Stanley Nwabali for the years of service, commitment, and professionalism he has shown during his time at Chippa United Football Club. His contribution to the club will always be appreciated,” the club said.
Reacting to his exit, Nwabali took to Instagram on Thursday, sharing a video alongside an emotional farewell message in which he thanked his teammates, coaches, fans and the club’s leadership.
He wrote: “It was more than a family❤️. To my lovely teammates, dear coaches, amazing fans and best chairman in the world. As I stand here to say farewell, but more than a goodbye, I want to say thank you. The memories we’ve shared, the hard fought victories, the setbacks we turned into lessons, the laughs and the tears are moments I will carry with me forever.”
“I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a lifetime of cherished memories. This isn’t just a farewell, it’s an appreciation for every moment you’ve given me. The lessons I’ve learned here will stay with me forever, and even though I may not wear the shirt anymore, a part of me will always remain with this club.
“To the club chairman, thank you for being such a father figure to me ❤️. Thank you for the honor of letting me be part of this story. I wish you all success and happiness in the seasons ahead.
“Thank you — and farewell. Until we meet again”
The 29-year-old joined Chippa United from Katsina United in the NPFL in 2022 and made about 70 appearances for the club.
Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze has lost his mother, Mrs Sarah Chukwueze.
Although Samuel himself did not initially confirm the development, his brother, David Chukwueze, shared the news in a series of emotional posts on Instagram, paying tribute to their late mother.
According to the posts, the family is struggling to come to terms with the loss.
In one post, David wrote, “Can’t even post your picture to say RIP mum.”
In another, he said, “My forever love just left me without saying goodbye.”
He also noted, “You didn’t even carry your grandchild.”
The National Sports Commission later confirmed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, saying Mrs Chukwueze died after a brief illness.
“The National Sports Commission is deeply saddened by the confirmed passing of Mrs Sarah Chukwueze, mother of Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze,” the statement read.
It noted that the death had been publicly announced by members of the Chukwueze family.
“The Commission has been informed that Mrs Chukwueze passed away following a brief illness, a loss that has been publicly shared by members of the Chukwueze family,” it added.
The NSC extended its condolences to the footballer and his family, describing the late Mrs Chukwueze as a strong support figure in her son’s career.
“Across the landscape of Nigerian sport, the role of family remains central to the character and resilience shown by many of our elite athletes. Mrs Chukwueze’s influence on the personal journey of her son and her support for his professional pursuit are acknowledged and respected by the sports community,” the Commission stated.
It added that it stood in solidarity with the Super Eagles winger during the period of mourning.
“The National Sports Commission stands in solidarity with Samuel Chukwueze and offers support to him and his family at this difficult time,” the statement said.
Details surrounding her illness were not disclosed.
Chukwueze, who featured for the Super Eagles at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third, has yet to issue a public statement on the loss.
The development comes just two days after Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi lost his father, Sunday Ndidi, in a road accident in Delta State.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has suspended Head Coach of Senegal’s Teranga Lions, Pape Thiaw, following chaotic scenes during Sunday’s final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
Senegal emerged champions of Africa after defeating the host nation, the Atlas Lions of Morocco, in a tense and controversial final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat.
The match ended goalless in regulation time before Pape Gueye struck four minutes into extra time to give Senegal a decisive 1–0 lead.
However, drama erupted deep into second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty.
The decision triggered heated protests, culminating in Coach Pape Thiaw ordering Senegalese players to walk off the pitch in protest.
The situation threatened to derail the final before Senegal captain and star forward, Sadio Mané, intervened and persuaded his teammates to return from the dressing room, allowing the match to be concluded.
CAF’s decision to suspend Coach Thiaw followed a review of the incident, citing breaches of conduct and failure to uphold the integrity of the game during a high-profile continental final.
Despite the controversy, Senegal held on to secure their AFCON crown, sealing a historic triumph marked by both footballing excellence and dramatic confrontation.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal are champions of Africa, defeating host nation Morocco 1–0 in a dramatic 2025 AFCON final in Rabat.
Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal in the 94th minute of extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to seal Senegal’s second title in four years.
Senegal had a goal in regulation time disallowed after Ismaila Sarr’s effort was ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
Drama deepened in the 97th minute when Morocco were awarded a penalty, sparking chaotic scenes as Senegalese players briefly walked off in protest before being recalled by Sadio Mane.
Brahim Diaz’s spot kick was, however, brilliantly saved by Edouard Mendy, forcing extra time.
Gueye’s thunderous strike later proved decisive, extending Morocco’s AFCON title drought to 49 years.
The Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has commended the Super Eagles of Nigeria for their performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where the team won the bronze medal.
Governor Abiodun described the team’s outing as a display of courage, resilience, and national pride, noting that the Super Eagles played some of the most dominant football at the tournament.
In a statement, the governor said the team remained unbeaten in regulation time throughout the competition, winning all their matches except the semi-final, which was decided on penalties.
He noted that Nigeria recorded the highest number of goals in the group stage and conceded no goals in the knockout rounds before the semi-final, describing the achievement as a reflection of discipline and quality.
The governor also praised the team’s mental strength, particularly their victory over Egypt in the third-place match, despite what he described as unfavourable officiating and a hostile atmosphere during the semi-final clash against Morocco.
According to him, the performance of the Super Eagles rekindled national pride and reaffirmed Nigeria’s rich football heritage on the continental stage.
Governor Abiodun said members of the Southern Governors’ Forum and Nigerians across the country were proud of the team’s determination and fighting spirit.
He added that although the Super Eagles fell short of reaching the final, their elimination on penalties underscored the fine margins in football.
The Ogun State governor expressed optimism about the future of the national team, saying the Super Eagles and their head coach, Mr Eric Chelle, had renewed hope among Nigerians and laid a solid foundation for future successes.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Pharaohs of Egypt 4–2 on penalties to win bronze at the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON in Casablanca after a goalless, VAR-marred playoff.
Super Eagles Coach, Eric Chelle, rotated his squad, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench, while Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu led the line.
Nigeria twice thought they had scored: Adams’ 36th-minute header was ruled out after VAR showed Onuachu fouled in the build-up, while Lookman later saw his strike chalked off for offside.
With chances limited and defences on top, the game went to penalties.
Super Eagles’ Stanley Nwabali then took centre stage, saving efforts from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush before Lookman fired the winning kick.
The victory secured Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish and maintained their perfect record in bronze-medal playoffs.
The final of the 2025 AFCON will be decided on Sunday as the Teranga Lions of Senagal take on hosts, Atlas Lions of Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat by 8:00pm.
Super Eagles of Nigeria failed to make it back to back appearance at the African Cup of Nations, AFCON final, after losing 4-2 on penalties to the 2025 Host Nation, Morocco in the semi finals.
The Super Eagles, who were hoping to continue their perfect record in the ongoing tournament, were second best all through the game as they battled to a goalless draw in regulation time.
The game stretched to penalty shootout after both teams could not still find the back of the net after extra time.
Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemeachi both missed their spot kicks as Nigeria fell to a 4-2 defeat to Morocco.
The Super Eagles will now settle for a third place battle on Saturday with Egypt, who had earlier lost 1-0 to Senegal in the first semi final game.
The final will be between the Host Nation Atlas Lions of Morocco and the Terenga Lions of Senegal on Sunday.
In a stunning end to a celebrated chapter, Real Madrid announced the immediate departure of head coach Xabi Alonso.
The club confirmed the split was by mutual agreement, abruptly concluding the legend’s tenure.
In a statement on the club’s website, the club expressed its enduring affection and admiration for Alonso, hailing him as a permanent legend who embodies Madrid’s values and will always consider the Bernabéu his home.
Real Madrid thanked him and his staff for their dedication, wishing them well in future endeavors.
Despite swirling media reports pinning the decision solely on Alonso, sources suggest the reality is more nuanced, lying somewhere between club and coach.
In a swift move, Castilla coach and former teammate Álvaro Arbeloa has been elevated to fill the vacant leadership role, marking a dramatic new turn for the club.
It was another dominant performance from the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they thrashed the Desert Warriors of Algeria 2-0 in their quarter final clash of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco.
The Super Eagles were in total control of the game from kick off and it was a surprise that the game was still 0-0 at half time following missed opportunities and a goal line clearance to deny Calvin Bassey.
However, Nigeria did not waste time to take the lead in the second half as Star Striker Victor Osimhen headed in from close range in what was his fourth goal of the tournament.
Nigeria continued to dominate proceedings as Osimhen turned provider to unselfishly set up Akor Adams, who dribbled past the Algerian goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net.
Despite a late charge by the Desert Warriors after series of substitutions, the Super Eagles held on to win 2-0 and set up a mouthwatering clash with the Host Nation Morocco in the semi finals next week Wednesday.
In the last quarter final fixture, Egypt beat Cote D’Ivoire 3-2 to set up a semi final battle with Senegal.
At the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), the Super Eagles of Nigeria step into a high-stakes showdown on Saturday, clashing with the Desert Warriors of Algeria at 5:00 p.m.
The winner of this decisive encounter will confront host nation Morocco in the semi-finals.
Morocco secured their place with a commanding 2–0 victory over the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Friday night’s quarter-final clash.
In the final quarter-final fixture, the Pharaohs of Egypt lock horns with the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire, with the victor earning a semi-final date against Senegal.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal already sealed their semi-final berth after edging the Eagles of Mali 1–0 in a tense encounter.
The quarter final stage of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON in Morocco begins Friday.
The first fixture of the quarter finals will see neighbouring countries Mali and Senegal lock horns together at five o’clock in the evening.
In the second quarter final fixture, Host Nation Morocco will battle Cameroon at eight o’clock tonight.
The quarter finals will round off Saturday as the Super Eagles of Nigeria tackle the Desert Warriors of Algeria, while the Pharaohs of Egypt take on the Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire.
The newly appointed General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council, Mrs Evelyn Lebi, has appealed to aggrieved staff and athletes to embrace peace in the interest of sports development in the state.
Mrs Lebi made the appeal while speaking with our sports correspondent in Akure, reacting to a protest by sports stakeholders which paralysed activities at the sports complex following her appointment.
She said her primary objective is to ensure that athletes and coaches are well motivated, while sporting activities in the state are improved through inclusive and purposeful leadership.
The new General Manager who is yet to assume office urged all stakeholders to work together to restore the lost glory of the Ondo State Sports Council, which was once a hub for the discovery and nurturing of sporting talents.
Earlier, coaches, athletes and other union stakeholders had shut down activities at the sports complex to protest the appointment of Mrs Lebi as General Manager of the Ondo State Sports Council.
British-Nigerian boxing star Mr. Anthony Joshuais reportedly considering quitting professional boxing following a tragic car accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close friends and team members.
Joshua’s uncle, Mr. Adedamola Joshua, explained that the former world heavyweight champion privately informed his family of the decision after the fatal crash last week.
“The major thing there is that he has retired from boxing,” Adedamola said.
That is one thing that makes us glad because each time he’s fighting in the ring, we are always carried away emotionally.
“Each time he’s knocked down, it is just like the heart is coming out of our chest.
“All these emotional feelings whenever he’s fighting, it’s too much trauma for us, also. Now that he has said that he’s leaving while the ovation is highest, we are happy.”
The Super Eagles of Nigeria delivered a commanding performance on Sunday, crushing the Mambas of Mozambique 4–0 to storm into the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON in Morocco.
Nigeria took the lead in the 20th minute thanks to a clinical finish from Ademola Lookman, who then turned provider to set up Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s second in the 25th minute.
The Eagles maintained their dominance after the break, with Osimhen striking again in the 47th minute to stretch the lead to 3–0 and effectively seal the contest.
Akor Adams made it 4-0 in the 75th minute with his first goal of the tournament as Nigeria emphatically cruised into the quarter finals.
Earlier in the day, Egypt defeated Benin Republic 3-1 to also book their place in the quarter finals of the tournament.
The round of 16 fixtures ends today with Algeria taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Burkina Faso tackles Cote d’Ivoire.
The Terenga Lions of Senegal became the first country to secure a place in the quarter finals of the 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco with a comeback win over the Jediane Falcons of Sudan last Saturday.
Sudan had taken a shock lead in the first Round of 16 fixtures thanks to a Abdallah Yunis strike.
However, Pape Gueye equalised for Senegal in the 29th minute before scoring his second in first half stoppage time to give his country a 2-1 lead at the break.
Ibrahim Mbaye made it 3-1 in the 77th minute to complete the turn around for Senegal and send them to the quarter finals.
In the second round of 16 fixtures yesterday, 10-man Mali sent Tunisia packing after winning 3-2 on penalties to join Senegal in the quarter finals.
Firas Chaouat thought he had sent Tunisia to the quarter finals when he scored in the 88th minute, only for Lassine Sinayoko to convert from the spot in the 96th minute to make it 1-1 and drag the game to extra time.
After 120 minutes of play with nothing to separate both teams, it went to penalty shoot out and Mali came out on top to set up a quarter final clash with Senegal.
The Chairman of Remo Stars Football Club, Mr Kunle Soname has proposed a structured, performance-based weekly reward system for referees as a way to restore credibility and improve standards in the domestic league.
Speaking with Journalists in Ikenne, Mr Soname expressed concern over the persistent officiating failures that had continue to undermine the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL,
He noted that the referees operated under enormous pressure with little motivation, inadequate welfare, and limited recognition for good performances which he said had contributed to inconsistent and controversial officiating.
He explained that in the proposed performance-based assessment system, referees would be independently evaluated after every match adding that Officials who demonstrate consistency, sound judgment, and strict adherence to the Laws of the Game would be rewarded, while repeated poor performances would attract corrective measures, including retraining.
Mr Soname also expressed concern over Nigeria’s declining presence on the continental refereeing stage, noting that the last time a Nigerian referee officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations was in Ghana in 2008.
He argued that poor welfare and irregular payment of match allowances make referees vulnerable to external influence, a long-standing concern in Nigerian football.
According to him, consistent incentives and prompt payments would allow officials to focus fully on professionalism and career development.
The Deputy Head of Mission at the British High Commission, Simon Field, recently visited world heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua in the hospital following a deadly road accident on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.
A statement issued by Kayode Akinmade, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the Governor of Ogun State, on Monday, revealed that Field met with Joshua during his hospital visit.
He also engaged in discussions with Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. British officials are closely monitoring the ongoing situation surrounding the tragic incident.
“The British High Commission was formally notified of the accident. Officials of the Mission are monitoring developments and remain in contact with the hospital and the Ogun State Government.
“The Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Simon Field, visited the hospital and met with Anthony Joshua and the two governors. The families of the deceased have also been contacted through the High Commission,” the statement read.
The accident, which took place around midday on Monday, involved a Toyota Lexus SUV carrying Anthony Joshua and three other passengers.
The statement confirmed that two of the vehicle’s occupants lost their lives in the crash. They were identified as Ayodele Kelvin Olu, a 36-year-old Nigerian-British citizen, and Gami Sina, a 36-year-old British citizen.
In the aftermath of the crash, Governor Dapo Abiodun visited the Lagos hospital where Joshua was receiving treatment and was later joined by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Both governors are said to have stayed at the hospital for several hours to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the boxer received the necessary medical care.
Commenting on the incident, Governor Abiodun stated that he rushed to the hospital as soon as he was informed about the accident and personally oversaw Joshua’s treatment, alongside Governor Sanwo-Olu.
“As soon as I was informed, I headed straight to the hospital and was later joined by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. We both took charge of the situation, oversaw Anthony Joshua’s care, and remained at the hospital for over seven hours,” the governor said.
Other senior officials who visited the hospital included the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade.
The Ogun State Government reassured the public that Joshua was in stable condition and receiving the necessary medical care. It also expressed satisfaction with the quality of care provided by the medical team.
“We are comfortable with the doctors and the quality of care at the hospital, and we appreciate the medical team for their professionalism,” Abiodun said.
President Bola Tinubu was also informed about the accident.
According to the state government, the President held separate conversations with Anthony Joshua, his mother, and Governor Abiodun, during which he expressed his heartfelt sympathies and condolences.
Governor Abiodun shared the President’s words, saying, “This immense tragedy has cast a deep shadow over this season. These are very difficult moments, and we must stand firm, united, and support one another as brothers and sisters with a shared destiny.”
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, with the Ogun State Government assuring the public that details will be released once the probe is completed.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Radio Nigeria Ibadan Zonal Station
The government also assured that updates regarding Joshua’s condition and other developments related to the incident will be communicated to the public as necessary.
