2025 | Page 24 of 136 | Trendbrio.com

Unity Cup: Super Eagles Legends Commend Chelle’s Balanced Squad for Showdown in London

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago07 mins

As Nigeria prepares for the highly anticipated Unity Cup Tournament in London, two Super Eagles greats—Garba Lawal and Mutiu Adepoju—have thrown their weight behind current head coach Eric Chelle for his commendable decision to blend homegrown talents from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with established foreign professionals. Their endorsement comes as Chelle names a 25-man squad set to face off against Ghana in the semi-finals of the Unity Cup on May 28, with the tournament finale billed for May 31 at the Gtech Community Stadium in West London. Chelle’s approach evokes memories of legendary Nigerian coaches such as Clemens Westerhof, Stephen Keshi, and Bonfrere Jo, all of whom famously integrated domestic league players into the national team fabric. That tradition, which played a crucial role in Nigeria’s golden football era of the 1990s, appears to be receiving a modern-day revival. In an interview with reporters, Mutiu Adepoju—fondly remembered as “The Headmaster” for his aerial prowess—noted that Chelle’s inclusion of nine-ten NPFL players is not only strategic but inspirational for local talents. “Yes, I think it’s a good one, a good development,” Adepoju said. “Counting the number of home-based players, I could see nine—this is great for the NPFL. It’s a way of encouraging our domestic league and showing belief in the talent available at home.” When asked whether Chelle is intentionally following in the footsteps of former coaches like Westerhof and Keshi, Adepoju affirmed: “Yes, I think it’s always good. Chelle did something similar while he was coaching in Mali. It’s best to ensure the local league is encouraged—it’s very important. Adepoju also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances at the tournament: “Why not? They are going there to compete. If they put everything they have into it, I believe they can win.” Similarly, Garba Lawal—a versatile midfielder from Nigeria’s golden generation—hailed the squad list as a refreshing nod to player development. “It’s a good one. I believe Chelle wants to give some other people a chance to play, which is good,” said Lawal. “It’s a mix of foreign and home-based players. I hope the home-based will take advantage of this opportunity.” Lawal emphasised the significance of performance for local players in such international settings: “There aren’t too many professionals in there, so the home-based players need to showcase their talents. As a player, this is the kind of opportunity you’re looking for. When you’re called upon, you have to give your best because the coach has already done his part.” He also echoed sentiments on the historical context, saying: “People like Westerhof, Keshi, Bonfrere Jo—they all did similar things. It’s not new. This is a traditional way of bringing in the local players.” Strategic squad selection The Unity Cup is more than just another friendly tournament—it carries historical significance for Nigeria. The Super Eagles won the last two editions of the competition in 2002 and 2004. Notably, the 2004 edition saw the international debut of Obafemi Martins in a clash against Ireland. Martins would go on to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated strikers, a testament to how impactful opportunities like the Unity Cup can be for emerging talents. Chelle seems keen to continue that legacy. His selection includes marquee foreign-based names like Moses Simon (FC Nantes), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City), and Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla), balanced with standout NPFL performers such as Remo Stars’ captain Junior Harrison Nduka and Sikiru Alimi. In goal, Stanley Nwabali returns alongside Maduka Okoye and Amas Obasogie. The 2025 Unity Cup, featuring Nigeria, Ghana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago, will serve as a platform for Chelle to assess squad depth ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers in September and October. The Franco-Malian himself acknowledged this in a recent statement: “We’re looking forward to taking part in the Unity Cup as it will give us the chance to try out a few new players in different roles, helping us to strengthen our squad.” This blend of youth and experience, domestic and diaspora, signals a strategic evolution under Chelle’s stewardship. Beyond just winning the Unity Cup, the bigger victory may lie in building a more inclusive and competitive Super Eagles squad.

Kicking Toward the Future: Taekwondo’s Rise at the National Sports Festival

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

The Vice President of the Taekwondo Federation of Nigeria, Ms. Tayo Popoola, has expressed great enthusiasm over the growing impact of Taekwondo at the recently concluded National Sports Festival (NSF). Speaking on the sidelines of the event, she outlined how the festival is helping uncover new talent, unite communities, and project the sport onto the global stage. Describing Taekwondo as both a combat sport and a discipline, Ms. Popoola underscored its importance in youth development. “Our vision is for Taekwondo to be in every home. It brings discipline and gives people self-confidence,” she said. According to her, the sport is helping young Nigerians find purpose and build resilience. She emphasized that the NSF has provided a platform to not only identify promising athletes but also promote social cohesion. “We’ve discovered champions. We’ve seen that our youth can be engaged positively, and that this country can become a better place.” The inclusive atmosphere of the festival stood out to Ms. Popoola, who praised its ability to bring together people from different backgrounds. “People can come together no matter who you are—your religion, tribe, or background—and these are the values we want to showcase to the public.” This year’s festival was particularly significant for Taekwondo, as it featured equipment that matches international standards. “This is one of the best festivals for Taekwondo. We are now using the same equipment as other parts of the world, giving our athletes international-level exposure.” A key highlight of the festival was the IJA initiative, where young talents were matched against experienced athletes, fostering learning and growth. “Tired legs are stepping aside and new talents are emerging. The IJA initiative is helping us identify and nurture these future champions.” Ms. Popoola believes that these athletes can be nurtured to compete in the Youth Olympics and eventually represent Nigeria at the Olympic Games. She also called on the National Sports Commission (NSC) to build on the festival’s success, pointing to the capable leadership within the commission. “The NSC has people who understand what it takes to bring athletes together and develop new talents,” she noted.“With a Chairman and Director-General who understand the game, sports in Nigeria will reach levels that will make us all proud.” Beyond her work in Taekwondo, Ms. Popoola is also the brain behind the Lagos Women Run, a unique fitness event that promotes health and inclusion. “We are prepared. It’s a competition for women, but even men take part in the spirit of fitness.” This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run will be held on November 8, 2025, and preparations are already in full swing. Ms. Popoola’s passion for sports development and youth empowerment remains clear. Through her efforts in Taekwondo and initiatives like the Lagos Women Run, she continues to drive a vision where sport becomes a unifying force and a springboard for excellence in Nigeria.

Rivers Hoopers Intensify Preparations In Abuja Ahead of Pretoria Playoffs

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago05 mins

2024 bronze-medallist Rivers Hoopers have arrived in Abuja to continue preparations for the Basketball Africa League playoffs which dunks off in Pretoria, South Africa from Friday, June 6. The KingsMen will look to better their 2024 BAL appearance as they prepare in the country’s capital before travelling to South Africa. The six-time Nigerian champions were drawn in the Kalahari Conference where they played against FUS Rabat of Morocco, Egypt’s Al Ittihad, and Stade Malien of Mali at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat, Morocco. Rivers Hoopers were runners-up at the Kalahari Conference, winning four of its six games, losing twice to eventual conference winners, AL Ittihad Alexandria. Despite clinching the BAL playoff ticket in April with a game to spare, coach of the side Ogoh Odaudu acknowledged the team needs to put in the work to reach their tournament target at the playoffs in June “We need to up the ante to compete in South Africa. I see the amount of work we have to put in for us to be better in South Africa. We have the time to do all that and hopefully, we will come out better,” Odaudu said. “We came in third last year. We are hoping that we are going to go a step further. Everybody wants that for us; they have pushed us, and we want to go a step further than what we did last year.” So far at the BAL 2025, the foreign professionals have been instrumental in the team’s success, improving the quality of the team and value of tournament numbers. Canadian-born Nigerian combo guard Kelvin Amayo as well as Peter Olisemeka, who were instrumental in the team’s historic third-place finish at the last edition have been immense in the 2025 edition. Amayo led the assists and steals’ chart with six and two per game respectively, while Olisemeka sits at the summit of rebounds made, 11 per game at the Kalahari Conference in Rabat. Dr Congo’s point guard Maxi Shamba, South Sudan forward Madut Akec and American Raphiael Putney have also been instrumental in the Rivers Hoopers success so far in 2025. Rivers Hoopers will be making their second successive playoff appearance at the BAL. They featured in last season’s edition, where they finished third. After making it to successive BAL playoffs, Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu has said the team’s ambition is to be “greedy” and go one better than last year. “It feels really good to qualify for the finals again. It is the highest basketball league in Africa and everybody in Africa wants to be there,” Odaudu said. “Right from the get go, our target was to make the playoffs. Now we have made the playoffs we are going to get greedy. We came third last year, we are hoping that we are going to go a step further.”

Chingka Garba Joins Rivers Hoopers Ahead of BAL Season 5 Playoffs

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago01 mins

Rivers Hoopers have completed the signing of Chingka Garba for the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. Garba joins the KingsMen from Orion Basketball Club in Rwanda, where he proved his mettle as one of the most efficient players in the Rwanda Basketball League (RBL). He also starred for Gboko City Chiefs during the 2024 Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) where he averaged near double-doubles, leading to his inclusion in the league’s All-star 5. At 6’8”Garba brings size, mobility, on-court intelligence, and an aggressive style of play that’s expected to give the KingsMen a new dynamic in both offense, , ahead of the BAL season 5 playoffs billed to hold between 6th-14th June, in Pretoria, South Africa.

Nigeria’s Favour Ofili Runs Fastest Women’s 150m in History

Our Reporters2 weeks ago3 weeks ago01 mins

Favour Ofili of Nigeria ran the fastest women’s 150m in history on a straight track at the Adidas Atlanta City Games on Saturday. Ofili, sixth in the 2024 Olympic 200m, clocked 15.85 seconds in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park. The previous fastest time in history was 16.23 run by Bahamian Shaunae Miller-Uibo in 2018. “Treat it like it’s a long 100m,” Ofili told Lewis Johnson on NBC Sports. “Drive more. The track is bouncy. Just let the track do the work.” Runner-up Tamari Davis ran 16.14, also going under the previous world best. The 150m is not contested at major meets like the Olympics and World Championships.

Peter Obi Denies Alleged Secret Meeting With Tinubu in Rome, Describes Claims as Blackmail – Via X

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago04 mins

LAGOS, MAY 22, 2025 — Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly refuted claims that he met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Rome to discuss a ₦225 billion debt linked to Fidelity Bank, calling the allegations baseless and malicious. In a statement released on Wednesday, Obi condemned what he described as a growing wave of blackmail targeted at tarnishing his image, particularly by those who profit from spreading disinformation. He noted that even his spiritual visit to Rome had been twisted into “yet another blackmail campaign” orchestrated by individuals allegedly paid to fabricate negativity around him. “One such individual, whose entire life revolves around blackmail, falsely claimed that I went to Rome to have a private meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Obi said. “These claims are not only baseless and malicious but entirely false.” Clarifying the circumstances of his recent trip to Rome, Obi stated that he only had a brief encounter with Tinubu during a public event. “Let me categorically state that I have never sought an audience with, nor met, President Tinubu since he assumed office, except for about a one-minute exchange of greetings at Saint Peter’s Basilica during the inauguration Mass of Pope Leo XIV,” he explained. According to Obi, he had been in Rome on May 9 to attend the lying in state of Pope Francis and departed directly from Vatican City to London, before returning to Nigeria. He also addressed long-standing rumors that he owns Fidelity Bank. “Throughout my career, I have served as Chairman or Director in three financial institutions, including Fidelity Bank, but I do not own it,” he clarified. “Fidelity has over 500,000 shareholders with no majority stakeholder. This blackmail is an attack not just on me, but on these hard-working Nigerians.” Obi concluded his statement with a message to those propagating falsehoods: “May God grant you the virtues of gratitude and understanding to know that we came here with nothing and will go with nothing—that you cannot profit from evil.” The Labour Party leader’s comments come amid increasing online attacks and allegations tied to his public and private dealings, most of which he has consistently denied.

Edo Governor Okpebholo: Cultism Costs State $1 Billion Annually in Lost Investments

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

BENIN CITY, MAY 22, 2025 — Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has raised alarm over the severe economic impact of cultism and related violence, revealing that the state loses over $1 billion in potential investments annually due to insecurity. Speaking in Benin City on Wednesday, the governor decried the spate of cult-related killings and disruptions, warning that the violence is deterring investors, hampering tourism, and damaging the state’s economy. “Cultism has not only led to tragic loss of lives and property, but it has also discouraged much-needed investments and tourism, thereby slowing down economic growth,” Governor Okpebholo stated. Citing data from the Diaspora Commission, he noted that while Edo tops the list of states receiving the highest remittances from the diaspora, “95% of the repatriated funds end up in other states due to security fears. Our people are afraid to come home to invest.” He said cult-related violence over the past five years has resulted in a loss of disposable income, business closures, and a decline in tourism — all of which have undermined the state’s business environment. According to a statement by his spokesman, Fred Itua, the governor emphasized that critical infrastructure and commercial hubs have also suffered, with some enterprises forced to suspend or cease operations altogether. Governor Okpebholo, however, expressed optimism, noting that the state’s ongoing crackdown on cultism is showing results. “We have declared total war on cult-related activities and are seeing more stakeholders step up to support this cause,” he said. “Edo State has immense economic potential. We will not allow violence and cultism to define our future. The government is restoring peace, attracting investments, and repositioning our economy for sustainable growth.” He called on Edo indigenes, both at home and abroad, to support the state’s development by investing locally and working with the government to eradicate cultism and insecurity.

Osun PDP Senators Declare Support for Tinubu, Party Defers to Governor Adeleke on 2027 Endorsement

Our Reporters3 weeks ago3 weeks ago03 mins

OSOGBO, MAY 22, 2025 — Three senators representing Osun State — Kamarudeen Oyewumi (Osun West), Olubiyi Ajagunla (Osun Central), and Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) — have jointly declared their full support for President Bola Tinubu, praising his administration’s performance in economic reforms, infrastructure, and security. In a statement released on Wednesday, the lawmakers described President Tinubu’s leadership as “visionary and progressive,” citing what they claim are visible improvements in national security and food affordability. “There is no internal dissent; we stand as one,” they stated, affirming the Osun PDP Senators’ Caucus’ united backing of the President. However, their declaration was met with caution from the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). In a swift reaction, the party clarified that any formal political stance—particularly concerning the 2027 general elections—would be determined by Governor Ademola Adeleke. Speaking to the press, Osun PDP Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, acknowledged the senators’ individual positions but emphasized that the party’s collective direction remains under the purview of Governor Adeleke. “The governor is the leader of the party in the state, and the party will defer to his guidance,” he said. Bamiji added that while the senators operate from Abuja and are entitled to personal decisions, any political alignment regarding Tinubu would ultimately reflect the consensus of the state PDP leadership and stakeholders. “Whatever decisions they have taken is subject to the general resolve of the party under whose umbrella they became Senators,” he noted. The development underscores internal political dynamics within the Osun PDP as the party navigates early maneuverings ahead of the 2027 elections.