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.
Record holders, the Pharaohs of Egypt, have drawn first blood at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, becoming the first team to qualify for the Round of 16.
Egypt edged Bafana Bafana of South Africa 1–0 in a tense Group B clash, with Mohammed Salah keeping his nerve to convert a decisive penalty just before halftime in the 45th minute.
The narrow victory sealed Egypt’s place in the knockout stage and reaffirmed their status as tournament heavyweights.
Meanwhile, hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco missed the chance to secure back-to-back wins after the Eagles of Mali forced a 1–1 draw, slowing the hosts’ early momentum.
Elsewhere on Friday, Angola and Zimbabwe settled for a 1–1 draw, while Zambia and Comoros produced the tournament’s first goalless encounter.
Attention now shifts to Saturday, as the Super Eagles of Nigeria chase back-to-back victories when they face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia at 9:00 p.m.
Other fixtures will see Benin Republic battle Botswana, Senegal clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda square off against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria launched their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, campaign in style with a hard-fought victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in Morocco.
Defender Semi Ajayi broke the deadlock in the 36th minute, rising confidently to power home a precise cross delivered by Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria pushed for more after the break, and Victor Osimhen appeared to double the lead, only for VAR to rule the effort offside.
Tanzania struck back through Charles M’Mombwa in the 50th minute, briefly silencing the Nigerian supporters.
The Super Eagles responded almost immediately, as Ademola Lookman unleashed a stunning strike two minutes later to restore Nigeria’s advantage and secure the win.
Elsewhere in Tuesday’s AFCON fixtures, the Democratic Republic of Congo edged Benin Republic 1–0, Senegal overwhelmed Botswana 3–0, while Tunisia recorded a convincing 3–1 victory over Uganda.
Super Eagles of Nigeria will today begin their campaign in the ongoing 2025 African Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Morocco when they take on Tanzania in the opening Group C fixture.
The match will kick off at half past six in the evening at the Fez Stadium.
Other matches slated for today are DR Congo against Benin Republic, Senegal versus Botswana and Tunisia taking on Uganda.
Meanwhile, record champions Egypt began their campaign yesterday with a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe, while South Africa defeated Angola 2-1 as Mali and Zambia settled for a 1-1 draw
Polo players and enthusiasts in Ogun State have renewed commitment to strengthening the game as stakeholders stage the maiden Polo Festival in Abeokuta, the state capital.
A massive turnout greeted the birth of the sport popularly called the “game of kings” in Abeokuta, as affirmed by the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo who encouraged people of the state to embrace Polo game.
Oba Gbadebo described Polo as a game of skills, passion and love for the benefit of all age groups, urging the host communities to support the stakeholders in the interest of social development and economic growth.
Also, the Olowu of Owu Abeokuta, Professor Saka Matemilola, said the Polo festival was not only about sports expansion but also serving as a platform to promote culture, preserve tradition and foster unity among communities.
In a remark, Former Governor of Ogun state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun expressed the conviction that Abeokuta Polo Club was a catalyst for development across the state and pledged his commitment to assisting the club in every way necessary.
Earlier, the President of the Abeokuta Polo Club, Dr. Sheriff Abdulrahman, had explained that the maiden festival, tagged “The Bold Step,” was the beginning of a new dawn for polo in Abeokuta, promising that the initiative would be sustained and enhanced to further stimulate economic activities in the area.
Host Nation, Atlas Lions of Morocco got to a flying start with a 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening game of the 2025 African Cup of Nations.
Morocco, who will be hoping to win the tournament on home soil, had to wait till the second half to take the lead against Comoros, who are just making their second ever appearance at the AFCON.
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute before substitute El Kaabi made it 2-0 to give the Host a comfortable victory.
Three matches will be decided later today as Mali play Zambia at three o’clock in the afternoon, South Africa take on Angola at six o’clock in the evening, while Egypt tackle Zimbabwe at nine o’clock in the evening.
Super Eagles opening fixture will be against Tanzania tomorrow.
A three-day basketball camp ended in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, with a call on the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) to establish sustainable grassroots development programmes.
Former Nigeria international basketball player Onome Akinbode-James made the call at the grand finale of a three-day basketball skills programme for girls held at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta.
Akinbode-James, who played collegiate basketball at Duke University in the United States, said the initiative formed part of the Ready Leaders programme, which focuses on leadership development through sports and digital literacy.
She said the 40 participants, drawn from multiple states across the country, displayed strong leadership qualities that would support their personal and professional growth.
The FIBA Africa Under-16 Women’s Championship silver medalist in Madagascar also announced plans to develop a structured curriculum to help young female athletes sustain their development beyond the camp.
Veteran basketball player Chief Alabi Adelanwa described the camp as a vital step toward strengthening grassroots basketball in Nigeria.He praised the organiser for investing in the leadership and personal development of young girls through sport.
Several participants said the programme gave them a platform to showcase their talents while gaining valuable leadership skills.A total of 40 players from Ogun, Lagos, Delta, Edo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Osun and Oyo states took part in the three-day camp.
Nigeria edged Liberia 1–0 to win gold in the Amputee Football final at the 1st West Africa Para Games Zone A and B held in Abeokuta.
Usman Ahmed Tijani scored the decisive goal in the first half of the tense showdown at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.
Speaking after the match, Coach Gbenga Dosunmu said he was thrilled to secure the gold medal for the country.
He credited the team’s triumph to hard work, dedication, and passion for Nigerian football.
The coach urged government, individuals, and corporate organizations to support the team’s ambition of winning gold at the 2026 World Cup in Costa Rica and the Nations Cup in Morocco.
Cameroon claimed the bronze medal after defeating Benin Republic 2–0.
Nigeria continued its strong showing in other events. The country beat Ghana 13–6 to win gold in the men’s wheelchair basketball final at the Alake Sports Centre, Ijeja.
Benin Republic secured bronze with an 11–2 victory over Niger Republic.
In the women’s category, Nigeria also defeated Ghana to clinch the gold medal, while Niger Republic finished with bronze.
Nigeria ultimately emerged overall champion of the Games, topping the medals table with 130 medals—60 gold, 39 silver, and 31 bronze.
Benin Republic placed second with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 14 bronze, while Ghana finished third with 3 gold, 15 silver, and 21 bronze.
Nigeria leads the Para Badminton event at the ongoing West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta with 15 medals—five gold, seven silver and three bronze.
Benin Republic follows with two gold and five silver, while Ghana has one gold and three bronze.
Head Coach of Nigeria’s Para Badminton team, Adewale Olasunkanmi, praised the athletes’ performance, linking their success to the country’s strong record, including a standout outing at the All-African Para Badminton Championship.
In football, Nigeria advanced to the final after a 1–0 win over Cameroon, following an earlier 11–0 victory against Benin Republic.
Michael Joel scored the lone goal at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.
Amputee Football Head Coach Gbenga Dosunmu expressed confidence in winning gold but appealed for increased government support.
Liberia, meanwhile, defeated Benin Republic 7–0 to sit second on the table with four points.
Nigeria dominated the Para-Powerlifting event at the maiden West Africa Para Games, winning 10 of the 15 available medals — four gold, four silver and two bronze.
According to results released by the Secretary-General of the Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Federation, Afolabi-Oluwayemisi Olabisi, Ibrahim Dauda (59kg), Kayode Blessing (65kg), Esther Oyema (female lightweight) and Mark Onyinyechi (female heavyweight) all claimed gold for Nigeria.
Côte d’Ivoire secured one gold medal through Ado Adouherve in the male heavyweight class, while Ghana earned one silver and two bronze.
The Nigeria Amputee football team defeated Benin Republic by 11-nil in the first game of the ongoing 1st West Africa Para Games in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian team who dominated the match recorded five goals in the first half while six goals were scored in the second half of the game played at the main bowl of the MKO Abiola sports arena in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian team showed class from the kick off, dominating possession till the end of the match, making the Benin Republic amputee football team to look ordinary.
The fans at the stadium were thrilled by the performance of the Nigerian team, cheering them throughout the duration of the game
In a post match news conference, the coach of the Nigerian team, Gbenga Dosunmu, appreciated the team for the brilliant performance adding that the boys had been motivated before the competition.
He said that his boys would approach their next game against Cameroon with all seriousness.
Meanwhile, about 700 para-athletes from 16 countries are already in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital to contest for medals in 11 sporting events at the ongoing first West Africa Para Games.
The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Mr Victor Achakpo, stated this while speaking with sports journalists in Abeokuta.
Mr Achakpo who announced that the host nation would parade 190 athletes noted that arrangements had been concluded towards the success of the competition, which began on Friday, 28th November, 2025 and ends on Thursday, December 4.
The LOC chairman assured the athletes of their safety through out the games adding that two countries outside the West African regoin ; Democratic Republic of Congo and Cameroon would be participating with other fourteen West African nations in the games, assuring participants of a free and fair games.
The Secretary-General, Africa Paralympic Committee , Mr Ignatius Elletey, commended the Federal Government and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for hosting the maiden edition of the West Africa Para Games.
He described the gesture as historic and impactful contribution to the development of Para sports in the continent.
Also, the President, Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Mr Sunday Odebode commended the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Sheu Dikko , Director General, Bukola Olopade and African Paralympic committee for making sure Nigeria host the maiden West Africa Para Games.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Super Eagles for what he described as a determined effort in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Sunday’s playoff loss to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the president urged the team to put the disappointment behind them and immediately begin preparations for the 2026 African Cup of Nations, scheduled for January to February in Morocco.
Nigeria’s World Cup hopes ended on Sunday after the Super Eagles lost 4–3 on penalties to DR Congo in Morocco, following a 1–1 draw after extra time.
The defeat marked the second consecutive time Nigeria failed to reach the Mundial.
President Tinubu acknowledged the pain of missing out but said the players deserved praise for pushing deep into the qualifiers, especially after winning their first playoff match.
“Notwithstanding the unfortunate loss, we must commend the players for their efforts and continue to support them,” he said.
He called on football authorities and stakeholders to address lapses exposed during the qualifiers.
“We must now plug all the loopholes. Our football administrators, players, and indeed all stakeholders must go back to the drawing board,” he said.
President Tinubu added that national attention should now shift to the upcoming AFCON.
“Now is the time to focus all efforts on the Cup of Nations. Our Super Eagles must recover the lost glory,” he said.
Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has unveiled a 24-man squad including captain, William Troost-Ekong, striker, Victor Osimhen, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali ahead of next week’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup African Play-off Tournament in Rabat, Morocco.
Three matches will be played by knock-out system in the format of semi-finals and final.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday 13 November and the final on Sunday 16 November.
Also making the list are full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, and 89-cap midfielder Alex Iwobi, alongside rising defensive sensation Benjamin Fredericks.
Midfielders Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidí also joined Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman in a squad brimming with pace, power, and technical quality.
Nigeria faces Gabon in the first semi-final at the 22,000-capacity Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay Al Hassan, while Cameroon lock horns with DR Congo at the 18,000-seat El-Barid Stadium, both in Rabat.
Chelle has also recalled goalkeeper Maduka Okoye and winger Chidera Ejuke, while midfield Raphael Onyedika, plus forwards Tolu Arokodare, Jerome Akor Adams, and Olusegun Olakunle, strengthen the attacking options.
Defender Semi Ajayi is suspended for the semi-final after accumulating two yellow cards during the qualifiers.
The players are expected to arrive in Morocco from their respective bases across Europe and beyond, converging on Rabat on Monday, November 10 as the Eagles begin their push for World Cup qualification.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appointed Afrobeats megastar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as the Chairman of the newly established Osun State Sports Trust Fund.
Governor Adeleke announced the appointment in Osogbo, stating the initiative aims to rejuvenate the state’s sports sector through sustainable financing, improved athlete welfare, and upgraded infrastructure.
The governor explained that the creation of the Trust Fund and a corresponding Sports Commission marks a strategic shift from ad-hoc support to a structured, long-term development framework.
He added that the appointment of Davido, transcends sports, focusing also on youth development, empowerment, and rebranding Osun State globally.
The appointee, Davido, who hails from Ede in Osun State, is expected to leverage his international influence to attract private investments, sponsorships, and partnerships into the state’s sports ecosystem.
The Trust Fund will focus on rehabilitating stadiums and training facilities, supporting grassroots sports, and implementing welfare programs for athletes.
It also aims to promote transparency in managing sports funds, a sector historically plagued by underfunding and neglect.
The Osun State Sports Trust Fund and Sports Commission are scheduled to begin operations before the year’s end, following their respective boards’ inaugurations.
