Sport

Christian Chukwu, Star among Legends – Shehu Sani

By Web News 82

A former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed sadness over the death of the ex-head coach of the Super Eagles, Christian Chukwu.

According to reports the former Enugu Rangers coach died at the age of 74 in the early hours of Saturday in his home state of Enugu.

However, the exact circumstances surrounding the death of the former Super Eagles captain remain unclear as of the time of filing this report.

His longtime teammate and friend, Dr. Olusegun Odegbami, confirmed the development in a post via his official X handle on Saturday.

Reacting to the sad news in a post via his X page on Saturday, Sani described Chukwu’s demise as shocking, adding that the nation has lost the best football captain in the nation’s history”

Sani wrote, “Christian Chukwu: The news of the death of ex-Super Eagles Captain and coach is shocking. The nation has lost the best football captain in the nation’s history.

“He belongs to the generation of players who never played in Europe but won trophies for Nigeria. Chukwu was a star among the legends. Chukwu made football a meal for Nigerians in the 80s. In his interview last year, he revealed that his salary had been unpaid for 19 years. Adieu, the Chairman.”

Punch/Adebukola Aluko

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Sport

Taraba Wins Wheelchair Basketball Championship

By Web News 89

By Olusegun Folarin 

Taraba State has emerged champion in the male and female categories of the 3×3 Wheelchair Basketball National Open Championship in Abeokuta after an intense 3 – day test of the paralympians speed, agility, and durability.

Sports lovers witnessed series of electrifying encounters as players surmount the challenges of dilapidated wheelchairs to showcase their determination, skills and competitiveness. 

Taraba male team defeated Oyo state by 12 points to six while the female team edged out Delta State by 5 points to 4 in the finals of the championship played at the Alake Sports Centre Ijeja.

In the mixed doubles, Lagos State beat Taraba State by four points to 3 to win the gold medal while Oyo state defeated Delta State by 7 points to six to win the bronze medal.

Speaking with sports Journalists after the competition, President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Mr Seyi Johnson, said he was impressed with the participating teams’ zeal, commitment and spirit of sportsmanship during the competition.

Mr Johnson who affirmed the Federation’s readiness to address the lapses noticed during the championship applauded the leadership of the National Sports Commission and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for ensuring the competition’s success. 

Governor Abiodun had earlier during an inspection visit to the sports Centre commended the Wheelchair basketball players for their dedication and resilience, while encouraging them to focus on excelling. 

President of Paralympic Committee, Mr Sunday Odebode who said the championship was part of preparations for next year’s Commonwealth games also acknowledged an improvement in the games’ organization and players performance. 

Some of the athletes who spoke with sportswriters after the thrilling display their expertise on cambered, appreciated the organizers for making the competition worthwhile as they filed out for the presentation of medals, certificates and trophies to winning teams.

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Sport

Boxing Legend George Foreman Dies at 76

By Web News 91

Boxing heavyweight legend, George Foreman has died, aged 76.

Known as Big George in the ring, the American built one of the most remarkable and enduring careers in the sport, winning Olympic gold in 1968 and claiming the world heavyweight title twice, 21 years apart – the second making him the oldest champion in history aged 45.

He lost his first title to Muhammad Ali in their famous Rumble in the Jungle fight in 1974.

But overall, he boasted an astonishing total of 76 wins including 68 knockouts, almost double that of Ali.

Foreman retired in 1997 but not before he agreed to put his name to a best-selling grill – a decision that went on to bring him fortunes that dwarfed his boxing earnings.

His family said in a post on Instagram on Friday night: “Our hearts are broken. A devout preacher, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grand and great grandfather, he lived a life marked by unwavering faith, humility, and purpose.”

The statement added: “A humanitarian, an Olympian, and two time heavyweight champion of the world, He was deeply respected – a force for good, a man of discipline, conviction, and a protector of his legacy, fighting tirelessly to preserve his good name – for his family.

“Tributes poured in from others across the sport, with former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson saying Foreman’s “contribution to boxing and beyond will never be forgotten”.

The Ring magazine, often dubbed the Bible of Boxing, described him as “one of the greatest heavyweights of all time”.

“[He] will be remembered as an icon of the sport forever.”

Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas, on 10 January 1949, and raised along with six siblings by a single mother in the segregated American South.

He dropped out of school and turned to street robberies before eventually finding his outlet in the ring.

BBC/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

AFFAN Marks International Women’s Day with 1km Walk in Ibadan

By Web News 117

By Ojeakhe Ozoya

The Former Female Athletes Association of Nigeria, AFFAN, took to the streets of Ibadan to celebrate International Women’s Day, IWD with a symbolic 1-kilometer walk from Mokola Roundabout to the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.

The event themed, “Together We Forge Women’s Participation in Sports”, brought together former female athletes, sports enthusiasts, and advocates for women’s rights.

Dressed in vibrant light green and black sportswear, the AFFAN members, alongside supporters, set off from Mokola at about 8:00 a.m., carrying a banner with inscription, “Accelerate Action: The Walk”, was led by Vice President, AFFAN, Oyo Chapter, Ms. Emilia Oyase, was a testament to the enduring spirit of female athletes and their role in advocating for gender equality.

According to Ms. Oyase the purpose of the walk was to create awareness about International Women’s Day and to showcase the AFFAN. 

She added that the walk was also to drive home the need for more investment in female sports development.

“We must create more opportunities for young girls to thrive in athletics. Sports taught us discipline, resilience, and teamwork qualities that are essential in life,” she emphasized.

The event was concluded with a pledge from AFFAN to continue advocating for women’s inclusion in sports leadership, better funding for female athletics, and stronger policies against gender discrimination in Nigerian sports.

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Sport

NSF: House Committee Inspects Stadia

By Web News 299

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly Committee on Youth and Sports has acknowledged the State Government’s level of preparedness for the upcoming National Sports Festival through the procurement and upgrade of facilities in MKO Abiola and Ijeja Stadia.

The House Committee members led by the Chairman, Mr Lukmon Atobatele, gave the commendation, while being conducted round facilities at the stadia by the management of the Sports Development Ministry, led by the State Commissioner, Mr. Wasiu Isiaka. 

The lawmakers made an on-the-spot assessment to the facilities to examine the level of preparation towards the forthcoming National Sports Festival scheduled for May, 2025.

Other members, including Mr Folawewo Salami, Mr Wasiu Ayodele, Mr Oyedele Adebisi and Mr Adegoke Adeyanju said the measures put in place by the state government was a reflection of its commitment to maximizing the gains of the festival, particularly in compliance with international standards in sporting infrastructure.

The lawmakers charged contractors to ensure timely completion of all ongoing projects at the stadia without compromising standard and safety for the athletes.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Sports said the state would leverage on the festival to further improve the sporting ecosystem of the state, adding that efforts were in top gear towards ensuring the speedy completion of the projects across the facilities scheduled to be used during the festival.

The lawmakers inspected the Tartan Track of eight lanes, football pitch, swimming pool, handball and tennis courts at the MKO Abiola Stadium as well as the squash and handball courts, indoor hall and weight and Power lifting Arena at Ijeja Stadium.

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Sport

Adeleke Promises Best Sporting Facilities in Nigeria

By Web News 580

By Funmi Ojo

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says he is set to make the state have the best sporting facilities among its counterparts in Nigeria.

The Governor stated this in Osogbo, the state capital during the groundbreaking/ flag-off of the development and remodelling of the Osogbo Stadium sports complex.

The Governor, who decried the terrible condition of the stadium when he came on board, said this spurred him to make remarkable changes that can boost sports development in Osun.

He said that the project is not mere renovation but re-development and remodeling of the State Sports Stadium to attain global standards, emphasizing that when the project is complete, it will have the capacity to host various sporting events such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and more importantly to host some of the national teams including Super Eagles in their various continental and International matches.

“The remodelling of the stadium will include pitches for other games such as Volleyball, Swimming, Handball, Hockey, Basketball and a host of others. It will also have a befitting indoor sports hall, hostels for the athletes and a state-of-art 4-star hotel, to generate revenue into the entire project to ensure sustainability and short and long-term viability.”

Governor Adeleke stressed that to have a fully articulated sports development agenda, his administration is putting up institutional structures like the creation of the Osun Sports Commission, creating a Sport Trust Fund which according to him has reached the final stage. 

He assured that the welfare of sportsmen and women is paramount in his agenda as the Government has decided to reward all athletes who made the state proud at various championships. 

While advising the two state teams, Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs to do well in their various sports to encourage the government to do more for them.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the Deputy Governor who also doubles as the Commissioner for Sports, Prince Kola Adewusi commended the Governor for giving the sports promotion a priority. 

He explained that the reason for remodeling the stadium is to develop sports and talented young minds in the state, adding that when the work is completed, it will put sports into proper shape in Osun, just as he said Governor Adeleke has ordered that no political or religious activities should be allowed to take place on the main pitch.

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Sport

Govt.Tackles Doping Among Athletes in Ogun

By Web News 639

By Olusegun Folarin

Ogun State Government is seeking to  eradicate the use of drugs and its abuse among athletes to have a drug free festival as the state prepares for the multi sport event.

Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, stated this in Abeokuta while receiving the team from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA  led by the State Commandant, Mr Tijani Rabe.

Mr Isiaka pointed out that the National Sports Festival was not just a national event, but also a tournament of unity and togetherness,.

He expressed the readiness of the state to collaborate with the NDLEA to achieve a common goal of having a drug-free festival.

The commissioner emphasized the need for sporting activities to be void of drugs and other banned or illegal substances.

Earlier, the State Commandant, Commander of Narcotics, Mr Tijani Rabe had submitted that though the Agency and the Ministry of Sports Development had been walls apart, the courtesy visit would help in bringing the two institution together for growth.

He stated that the collaboration with the Ministry would be a game-changer to dissuade athletes, coaches and officials from the use and abuse of drugs, adding that his agency was ready to train and re-train the state athletes so as to have a fair tournament.

Sport

VIDEO: Eto’o Meets Former Teammate Turned Security Guard

By Web News 1174

By Olaolu Fawole

Samuel Eto’o, the legendary Cameroonian footballer, once reunited with an old friend from his youth whom he had played football with.

In a video shared online, Eto’o was heard saying “he was my friend, I played with him”.

The friend, despite sharing the same passion and talent for the game during their younger days, had taken a different path in life and working as a security guard.

The encounter served as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of life and the varying outcomes individuals face despite similar beginnings.

Eto’o’s success contrasted sharply with his friend’s reality, highlighting themes of destiny, opportunity, and perseverance in their respective journeys.

Sport

Reactions as Super Eagles New Gaffer Set to Arrive

By Web News 589

By Oluwakayode Banjo/Olusegun Folarin 

Newly-appointed Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle is expected to arrive in Nigeria with three of his trusted assistants.

Chelle is expected in Abuja on Sunday to finalise the details of his contract.

The 47-year-old was named the new Super Eagles head coach by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, yesterday.

Meanwhile, mixed reactions have trailed the appointment of Eric Chelle as the Super Eagles Head Coach.

Reacting, Former sub-committee member of the NFF, Christopher Green, has called on the NFF to provide a suitable environment for the new Super Eagles coach to succeed.

However, a former chairman of Gombe FA, Gara Gombe has tagged the newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, as a baby coach.

Mr Gombe noted that the NFF had taken Nigerian football backwards with Chelle’s appointment.

An Abeokuta-based Sports journalist, Mr Hakeem Adegbenro said the Super Eagles, as a brand, was bigger than just ordinary coach to handle.

Mr Adegbenro described the appointment of the Malian as Super Eagles’ handler as a slap on the faces of Nigerian coaches whom he submitted were better than Éric Sékou Chelle.

Also, a grassroots coach, Mr Femi Bamigboye said Nigerian coaches should have been considered if they applied for the job instead of the Malian.

Mr Bamigboye who is the founder of Remo Football Academy said he could only wish the new coach well since NFF had  confirmed his appointment

Éric Sékou Chelle is a professional football manager and a former player who played as a centre-back. 

Born in Ivory Coast to a French father and a Malian mother, he made five appearances for the Mali national team.

In 2022, Chelle was appointed manager of Mali and guided the Eagles of Mali to the Quarter-Finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in 2024, losing to hosts Cote D’Ivoire in Extra Time. 

He was dismissed on 13 June 2024.

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Sport

2025: CAF Promises Thrilling Actions

By Web News 555

By Olaolu Fawole

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has a packed 12 months ahead with continental finals across club and national team football that will make 2025 one of the busiest years ever for the governing body.

CAF’s investment in youth and women’s football has added significantly to the calendar and a packed schedule awaits fans, with the start of both the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 and TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 this year.

Interclub competitions, junior tournaments and schools football are all also on the agenda as CAF schedules a diverse range of events to enhance the growth of the game on the continent.

Here is a reminder of the key CAF events in 2025:

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 1-28 FEBRUARY 2025

The eighth edition of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the first time multiple countries have staged the prestigious event.Senegal are the defending champions and have qualified again to take their place in the 19-team field. The competition is open only to players plying their trade in their home domestic league.

14TH CAF EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL ASSEMBLY 12 MARCH 2025

The 14TH CAF Extraordinary General Assembly will bring together the 54 Member Associations in Egypt, Cairo.The CAF Extraordinary General Assembly will elect the CAF President, some CAF Executive Committee members (those due for elections) and also Members of the FIFA Council from Africa.

TOTALENERGIES CAF U-17 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025, 30 MARCH – 19 APRIL 2025

For the first time, 10 African Nations will qualify for the expanded 48-team 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Africa will have one of the largest representative (quota) thanks to the merit allocation by FIFA.Morocco will host the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 and Senegal are the defending champions after they beat Morocco 2-1 in the 2023 final.

TOTALENERGIES CAF U-20 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS COTE D’IVOIRE 2025, 26 APRIL – 18 MAY 2025

The best young players from the continent will gather for the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2025 in another celebration of youth football that serves as a qualifier for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup.The four semi-finalists at the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire will advance to the global finals. Senegal are the defending African champions after they lifted the trophy for the first time in 2023.

TOTALENERGIES CAF CONFEDERATION CUP 2024-202516 AUGUST 2024 – 25 MAY 2025

The TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup season will culminate with the two-legged final that will be staged on 17 and 25 May, 2025.It will be the end of a campaign that started in August 2024 and will have seen the finalists criss-cross the continent in search of glory. Egyptian side Zamalek are the defending champions.

TOTALENERGIES CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 2024-202516 AUGUST 2024 – 1 JUNE 2025

Africa’s elite club cup competition will draw to a close for the 2024-25 season with the two-legged final to be played on 24 May and 1 June, 2025. Egyptian side Al Ahly have lifted the trophy in four of the previous five years, but there are plenty of contenders looking to win the silverware this season. Teams will be vying for a USD 4-million first prize as well as the honour of being named African champions.

CAF AFRICAN SCHOOLS FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS 2025

DATE TO BE CONFIRMED

The third edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship continental finals will be staged as the best Boys and Girls players to have advanced through their national and zonal qualifiers meet to determine the African champions.

Tanzania are the current Boys holders and South Africa won the last Girls finals played in 2024.   

TOTALENERGIES CAF WOMEN’S AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2024

5 – 26 JULY 2025

South Africa defend their title at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024, returning to the scene of their maiden triumph in 2022.

They are one of 12 top teams in the finals field, including the hosts, Nigeria and Zambia. It is a star-studded line-up that will showcase the rapid development of the women’s game.   

CAF WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS LEAGUE 20258 – 23 NOVEMBER 2025

The fifth edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League is to be staged in November, when TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo will hope to defend their title.

CAF announced increased prize-money for the 2024 edition that sees the winner take home USD 600,000, with each of the eight finalists earning a minimum USD 150,000 for taking part.

TOTALENERGIES CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS MOROCCO 2025, 21 DECEMBER 2025 – 18 JANUARY 2026

Africa’s greatest show returns as 24 teams from the across the continent battle to be crowned African champions.

The last tournament in Cote d’Ivoire broke several records, including for TV audiences, with 1.4 billion cumulative viewers globally, and the 2025 edition is set to be even bigger and better.

It will be the perfect way to end an incredible year.

CAF

Sport

National Sports Festival Rescheduled to May 2025

By Web News 631

By Olusegun Folarin 

The National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games” earlier slated for between 12th and 26th January, 2025 has been rescheduled for 16th to 30th May of the same year.

The rescheduling of the festival was  contained in a communique jointly signed by the Director General National Sports Commission, Chief Bukola Olopade and the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka.

Presenting the Communique to Journalists after the 1st Joint Technical meeting of the festival held in Abeokuta, the Secretary, Main Organising Committee, M.O.C, Mrs Thecla Opara said the shift in date for the festival was to allow the state government to effect the necessary recommendations noticed during the inspection of facilities at the proposed venues for the games.

Mrs Opara noted that the meeting also stressed the need for more synergy between members of the MOC Sub-committees/Liaison Officers and relevant Local Organising Committee, LOC Sub-Committees.

She announced that the meeting agreed that athletes discovered from the National Youth Games in some selected sports would be invited to participate in the National Sports Festival as Invited Junior Athletes which is part of the grand plan to nurture them to excel in their sport and develop as well-rounded individuals.

Speaking with Journalists, the Director-General, National Sports Commission, NSC, Chief Olopade explained that the shift in date of the National Sports was to allow the newly created National Sports Commission to settle down and create a sustainable sports economy.

He maintained said the rescheduling was strategically done to create an ecosystem of economic sustainability as mandated by President Bola Tinubu.

In a remark, the Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Mr Isiaka expressed satisfaction with the decision of the Technical Committee.

Mr Isiaka maintained that the shift in date would allow the state government to further expand the ecosystem of organizing the best National Sports Festival that would be a reference point in the near future.

The 1st Joint Technical Meeting for the National Sports Festival has the 37 Directors of Sports, 37 Technical Directors, all Secretaries of Sports federations, and Main Organizing Committee and Local Organizing Committee in attendance.

Sport

National Sports Festival MOC Arrives Ogun

By Web News 491

By Olusegun Folarin

The delegation of the Main Organizing Committee for the National Sports Festival tagged “Gateway Games” has arrived in Abeokuta, the Ogun State to inspect the facilities to be used for the biennial event.

The delegates which comprise the directors of sports from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as well as other stakeholders were in Abeokuta to confirm the readiness of Ogun state for the festival slated for January 2025.

The team which has the Secretary of the Main Organising Committee, MOC, of the 22nd NSF, Mrs Thecla Opara, on the ground inspected the ongoing construction of the swimming pool, Handball and Tennis courts, cricket Oval, and the main bowl of MKO Stadium Kuto Abeokuta.

Other facilities included, the Ikenne stadium, Babcock University, Sports Centre, Ijeja, Abeokuta, and Abeokuta Sports Club among others.

The team is expected to address Sports Journalists to clear the air on the possible rescheduling of the festival.

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Sport

NYG: Ogun Honours Athletes with over 7Million Naira

By Web News 345

By Olusegun Folarin 

Ogun state government has rewarded exceptional athletes who represented the state at the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State with over Seven Million naira as motivation.

Governor Dapo Abiodun while presenting the cheques to the athletes in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital, pointed out the government would institutionalised reward for hard work and outstanding performances, especially in sports.     

Represented by Commissioner of Sports, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, Governor Abiodun attributed the successes recorded during the games and other competitions, to his administration’s resolve to take sports back to the grassroots.

The Governor revealed that his administration would use the National Sports Festival to lay a solid foundation for sports in the state, especially the school and grassroots sports, saying these are parts of the reasons the government was revamping stadia across the state.

Earlier, the Acting Director of Sports, Mr. Oluseyi Sonde had appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for his commitment to sports development in the state, urging the medalists to continue to strive for excellence, as their success was not just a testament of individual accomplishments, but a reflection of the potential within them.

Responding on behalf of the medalists, Ayomide Heritage, who emerged as the best wrestler in the 42kg category at the Youth Games, expressed gratitude to the governor for the kind gesture, noting that the financial reward would go a long way in boosting their career, promising to work hard and make the state proud in subsequent National and International competitions.

The gold medalists were presented with a cheque of N300,000, the silver medalists with N200,00O and the bronze medalists N 100,000.

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Sport

Allen Promises Gateway FC’s Comeback

By Web News 392

By Segun Folarin

The Head Coach of Gateway United Football Club Festus Allen has assured fans that the team will be back stronger after a goalless draw against visiting Godswill Akpabio United FC in a second tier Nigeria National League NNL 2024/2025 opener played at Gateway International Stadium, Ilaro.

Coach Allen in a post-match interview, promised to correct lapses noticed in the match that saw the inability of the home- side to convert several scoring chances created during the encounter.

Gateway United will look to build on their performance as they prepare for the next fixture away against Osun United on Saturday 14th December, 2024.
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Sport

Real Madrid Claim 15th Champions League Crown

By Web News 542

*For Ancelotti, it is fifth win as coach

Real Madrid rode their luck and overcame an outstanding challenge from Borussia Dortmund to win the Champions League at Wembley.

Carlo Ancelotti wrote more history with his fifth win as coach in the competition, while Real claimed the crown for the 15th time in trademark fashion as they survived a torrid first half and several missed opportunities from Dortmund before coming out on top.

Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi missed two first-half chances and striker Niclas Fullkrug hit the post, with recalled Real keeper Thibaut Courtois also providing a formidable barrier.

Real, inevitably, raised the stakes, with Dani Carvajal glancing home a header from a corner 16 minutes from time before Vinicius Jr raced clear on to Jude Bellingham’s pass to add a second nine minutes later.

It crowned a glorious first season at Real for England’s Bellingham, but it was a night of disappointment for compatriot Jadon Sancho, who is on loan to Dortmund from Manchester United.

Real Madrid’s late surge to claim another victory in Europe’s elite tournament carried an air of inevitability as they proved they are a ruthless winning machine when it comes to the Champions League.

As they have done previously in the competition this season, and in seasons before, Real stumbled along in the first half as they were pinned back by the intensity of Borussia Dortmund’s approach.

Real barely put together an attack worthy of the name while hanging on by the skin of their teeth at the other end, with Dortmund creating chances but crucially wasting them.

When that happens, as Liverpool and others have found before them in Champions League finals, there is normally only one outcome.

Match-winner Vinicius Jr was surrounded after the victory

And so it proved as Real, with keeper Courtois fully justifying Ancelotti’s decision to pick him ahead of Andriy Lunin, picked up a head of steam to strike those two late blows to the heart of brave Borussia.

Many will wonder quite how Real Madrid do it when they seem out of sorts so often. But muscle memory kicks in with these great players, as the departing Toni Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho and late substitute Luka Modric claimed Champions League winners’ medals for the sixth time.

As for the peerless Ancelotti, as impassive as ever, he continued his incredible record at the helm of this great club.

It was a quiet night for Bellingam, who missed a big chance before setting up Vinicius Jr for the second. But what a campaign he has had since joining Real from Dortmund.

England will hope this sets up their young superstar perfectly for Euro 2024.

BBC/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Sport

W’Cup Qualifiers: Olawoyin Replaces Tella in Super Eagles’ Squad

By Web News 792

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder, Nathan Tella, has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad ahead of the Nigerian national team’s World Cup qualifiers.

The national team will be playing against South Africa and Benin in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

With the withdrawal of Tella, Caykur Rizespor of Turkey star, Ibrahim Olawoyin, would join the Super Eagles’ squad.

“WCQ Camp Update: Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey,” the national team said on its X account.

The Super Eagles camp for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic will open on Monday June 3, Nigeria will face South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast to face Benin Republic on Monday, June 10.

Punch/Olaolu Fawole

Sport

U-14 Basket Ball : Team Ogun Emerges Winner of Male Category

By Web News 1369

By Oluwakayode Banjo

Team Ogun State have emerged winner of the male category of the Southwest under 14 basketball tournament organized by Hoop Dreams Nigeria to mark this year’s children’s day.

Team Ogun defeated Team Osun State 24-19 in a pulsating final that trilled the spectators who watched the game at the Basketball court of Lekan Salami sports complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

In the female category, Team Ekiti state was declared winner by the organisers after back to back victories over Team Osun state and Team Oyo state.

Our correspondent reports that Ikechukwu Igor of Team Ogun clinched the Most valuable player of the tournament in the male category, while Damilola Bakare emerged the Most valuable player in the female category.

Speaking after the tournament, Coaches of Team Ogun and Osun States, Martins Akindele and Taiwo Ajibola appreciated the organisers of the tournament, noting that it would help develop basketball game in Nigeria.

Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Hoop Dreams Nigeria Basketball academy, Mr Damola Awosika said the tournament was aimed at identifying young talents and grooming them to becoming future stars.

Mr Awosika, who said this year’s tournament was the ninth edition, noted that the academy also organizes a weekly basketball tournament to discover new talents.

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Sport

Students in Ibadan Express Excitement Over Sporting Activities

By Web News 455

By Dayo Adu

As part of activities marking the Children’s Day celebration, school children in Ibadan were treated to sporting activity at the Olubadan stadium .

The football novelty match which had in attendance school children from private schools and their parents experienced the frills and thrills of the round leather game as the participating teams displayed their talents and skills on the pitch.

Bukunmi Faniran displayed exceptional skills by scoring two goals to give his FC challenge team a lead over their counterpart from The Concord School.

The match which was played in junior ended in three goals to one with a braze from Jomiloju Babalola while Aanu Emmanuel scored the only goal for The Concord School.

In other matches played, Lead city secondary school team won the concord school team won both the intermediate and senior categories with one goal to Nill and five goals to one respectively.

Some of the children who spoke with radio Nigeria expressed excitement at the activity, saying it would boost their aspirations in life.

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Sport

Ogun Holds National Cyclists Parent Forum Competition

By Web News 634

By Olusegun Folarin

Over fifty cyclists from three states in the southwest region of the country have converged on Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital to participate in the maiden edition of National Cyclists Parent Forum Competition.

Speaking at the flag-off of the competition in Abeokuta, the Cycling Head Coach in Ogun State, Mr Kamoli Amao explained that the competition was organised with support of the parents to celebrate the 2024 Children’s day.

Coach Amao noted the cycling competition was also put together to prepare the young athletes ahead of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State later in the year.

The Ogun State Cycling Head Coach, who noted that the development of sports at the grassroots level should not be shoulder on government alone, commended the efforts of the parents and other stakeholders towards making the competition a huge success.

Some of the parents including, Messers Gafar Odebiyi, Marcus Ugboduma and Michael Adeniyi said the competition was needed to discover talented young athletes that would replacing the ageing ones.

A four-year-old Olanma Ugboduma who emerged overall best in the kids’ category said her desire was to bring laurels to the country at international competitions.

Other athletes who took part in the cycling competition including Amao Malik, Shindara Adeleke, Ibidun Odebiyi and Azeezat Amirah thanked their parents for encouraging them to participate in maiden of the cycling competition.

Highpoint of the competition was the presentation of medals, books and certificates to the athletes.

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Sport

FA Cup Final: Manchester United Shock Manchester City 2-1

By Web News 1509

By Maxwell Oyekunle

Manchester United ended a poor season on a huge high as the team secure a shock FA Cup final win against rivals Manchester City.

Manchester United upset Manchester City 2-1 in the final of the FA Cup, held at Wembley Stadium, London, England on Saturday.

In a match which most people expected to be a foregone conclusion, United showed their mettle by beating favourites and ending City’s hopes of becoming the first team in history to repeat as Premier League and the FA Cup winners in consecutive years.

By winning the FA Cup, United have received passage into next season’s Europa League.

Alejandro Garnacho put United ahead following a mix-up between City’s Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega.

Fellow teenager, Kobbie Mainoo slotted in the second following a slick team move and an exquisite pass from United captain Bruno Fernandez.

Jeremy Doku scored for Manchester City in the later stages to set up a nervy ending to the match.

City looked the more threatening side in the manner in which they commanded possession and dominated the United end.

However, United were clinical with the precious few chances they were afforded to finish as victors.

With this victory United are now 13-time winners of the FA Cup, just one behind Arsenal with the most FA Cup titles by a single club.

The English season officially comes to a close with City just missing out on becoming the first English side to achieve consecutive doubles.

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Sport

NSF: FG Confirms Kick-off Date

By Web News 562

By Olusegun Folarin

The Federal Government has approved January, 2025, as the official month for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, tagged, “Gateway Games, Ogun 2024”.

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Enoh announced the date in a communique issued at the end of the first National Council on Sports, held in Abakaliki, Enugu State

Senator Enoh noted that the National Sports Festival played a vital role in national unity, while also increasing socio-economic growth for the sustainable development of the state and the country in general.

He called on the Federal and state governments to bid and host national and international sports competitions, to fast-track the development of sports in the country.

While urging all key stakeholders to play active roles towards the successful hosting of the Gateway Games, the Sports Minister informed that the Council of Sports was in support of the establishment of Sports Development and Investment Fund, NSIDF, for its attendant benefits in driving sports development in Nigeria.

Fielding questions from journalists shortly after meeting, Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka, expressed the state government’s readiness to host the successful Festival.

Mr Isiaka noted that the NSF embodied capacity to bring people together, foster teamwork, cooperation, instil values of discipline and perseverance, encouraging youths to embrace sports for socio-economic development of the state, adding that targeted funding and incentives were crucial for driving grassroots sports engagements and ensuring the sustainability of sports programmes.

Sport

Brazil Wins Hosting Rights for 2027 Women’s World Cup

By Web News 433

The Women’s World Cup will take place in South America for the first time after Brazil was chosen to host the 2027 edition at a FIFA congress Friday marked by debate about the war in Gaza.

After the success of Australia and New Zealand last year, FIFA members picked Brazil over a European bid in a push to expand women’s football to new continents.

Delegates while meeting in Bangkok voted 119 votes to 78 to send the 10th Women’s World Cup to the land of Samba Football, beating a joint bid from Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.

The decision sparked celebrations from the Brazilian bid team.

Brazilian Football Confederation President, Ednaldo Rodrigues, hailed it as a “victory for Latin American football and for women’s football in Latin America”.

Brazil, home of women’s football great Marta, scored higher than its European rival in FIFA’s evaluation report.

FIFA inspectors had noted that South America hosting the Women’s World Cup would have “tremendous impact on women’s football in the region”.

Brazil’s bid includes 10 stadiums used for the men’s World Cup in 2014, with Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana lined up for the opening match and final.

But work needs to be done, in particular to the Amazonia stadium in Manaus which has stood almost unused for a decade.

Unlike their male counterparts, who have won five World Cups, Brazil’s women have never lifted the trophy and made a group-stage exit in 2023.

The 74th FIFA Congress, which was making its debut in Thailand, made its choice by open vote for the first time as the organisation seeks to move on from the corruption and shady dealing that dogged it in the past.

Delegates had their choice simplified last month when the United States and Mexico withdrew their joint bid, deciding instead to focus on trying to win the right to stage the 2031 edition.

As the Brazil tournament approaches, the focus will be on the huge financial disparity between men’s and women’s football.

Prize money for the 2023 Women’s World Cup was a record $110 million, but that was still far short of the $440 million on offer to teams at the 2022 men’s finals in Qatar.

The congress also heard a call from the Palestinian FA (PFA) to suspend Israel from the world body and ban Israeli teams from FIFA events.

PFA head Jibril Rajoub said the Israeli FA (IFA) had broken FIFA rules, adding: “FIFA cannot afford to remain indifferent to these violations or to the ongoing genocide in Palestine.”

His Israeli counterpart Shino Moshe Zuares rejected the call as “cynical, political and hostile”, insisting the IFA had not broken any FIFA rules.

FIFA supremo Gianni Infantino said the body would take independent legal advice on the matter and decide by July 20 what action to take, if any.

2023 Women’s World Cup Showed Improved Standards

Last year’s tournament set records, including earning $570 million in commercial revenue.

On the pitch it defied fears that increasing the size from 24 to 32 teams would dilute the spectacle, with over 1.4 million fans streaming through the turnstiles to witness a host of shocks.

Gone were the lopsided scorelines that were a feature of previous World Cups, reflecting a growth in the standard of women’s football.

Seven teams notched their first World Cup wins and the United States and Germany, who between them had won six of the previous eight tournaments, were both dumped out early.

AFP/Punch/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Sport

Ogun Urges Parents to Nurture Talented Children

By Web News 416

By Olusegun Folarin 

Towards ensuring the growth and development of budding talents in their formative years, Ogun State government has reiterated its commitment to sports development, especially for the youth in the state.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, made this known at the 2nd Edition of the Prince Dapo Abiodun Closed Table Tennis Championship for secondary schools in Ogun State, at Ijeja Stadium, Abeokuta.

Mr. Talabi, who noted that the game of Table Tennis promotes mental alertness, smartness and improving reflexes, encouraged parents of talented children in secondary schools to nurture and support their wards with the right incentives, to help them to stardom.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Mr Wasiu Isiaka had appreciated Governor Dapo Abiodun for the various initiatives in the sector which he noted would ultimately reposition sports and sporting activities in the State.

Mr Isiaka pointed out that school sports would continue to play a pivotal role in the nurturing of genuine budding talents, thereby curbing social vices in secondary schools, advising participants not to relent, but strive harder on their way to the global stage.

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Sport

Duke, Duchess of Sussex Arrive Nigeria

By Web News 560

… To Engage the Nation’s Wounded and Injured soldiers

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex have arrived at the Nigerian Armed Forces’ Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The Duke and Duchess arrived the DHQ at about 12:45 pm on Friday.

The military high command had on Thursday revealed that their visit to Nigeria will focus on engaging with the nation’s wounded and injured soldiers and their families.

Prince Harry’s decision to visit Nigeria followed an invite by the military high command following the nation’s debut appearance at the 2023 Invictus Games, held in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The Invictus Games, founded by Prince Harry In 2014 is an international multi-sport event for Wounded, Injured and Sick military personnel that offers support, recovery pathways and rehabilitation for the personnel, post-injury.

According to the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal, Abidemi Marquis, “80 per cent” of the nation’s soldiers have been involved in the recovery programme and “are doing better”.

“The focal point of the visit is for the wounded and injured soldiers as a result of our engagement in counterterrorism operations,” Marquis said, noting that part of his visit would entail interacting with the WIS military personnel which will in turn boost their mental health and self-esteem.

The military high command also hopes to host the Invictus Games in Nigeria and believes that Prince Harry’s visit will facilitate the establishment of the proposed Invictus Games Centre in Abuja, and a collaborative effort with the Foundation to gain knowledge of the recovery programme.

This centre according to Marquis, will be built and equipped to provide a holistic service for the management of the WIS military personnel.

The proposed centre, according to him would also accommodate a medical centre and a mini hotel for their families during the recovery programme. It is also designed to accommodate a sporting centre.

Speaking to journalists earlier, Prince Harry’s friend and Director at the Invictus Games Foundation, David Wiseman commented on the significance of the trip.

Wiseman said, “We’re going over to Nigeria over the next few days and we’re going over to see the progress that’s being made with regards to establishing and developing sports recovery in that nation and celebrating that incredible progress that they have been made.”

The DHQ expressed its delight to host the Duke, and his wife, Meghan who in 2022, told listeners to her Archetype podcast that she was “43 per cent Nigerian” after doing a genealogy test.

Interestingly, at the opening ceremony of the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, Prince Harry referred to the podcast as he hailed Nigeria along with Colombia and Israel for sending its first delegation to the games for WIS military personnel.

Meghan was seen seated near the Nigeria team whom she previously revealed she was supporting. The Sussexes later met the members of the team, and both were presented with a plaque from the nation’s military high command.

Meghan was given a Nigerian title name — Amira Ngozi Lolo — Amira meaning a warrior princess — Ngozi meaning Blessed and Lolo, a royal wife.

Punch/Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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