2025 | Page 65 of 264 | Trendbrio.com

Sanusi Charges Nigerian Coaches to Keep Advancing their Knowledge

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi (MON) has called on coaches who have successfully completed their Coaching Educators’ Course to continuously enhance their knowledge, given that the laws of the game frequently evolve. The closing ceremony was held at the NFF/FIFA Technical Centre auditorium inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Thursday, with the presence of all fifteen participating coaches, their instructors, and a CAF expert, Mr. Michael Amenga. Sanusi emphasised the importance of mastery in specific subject areas related to coaching. “In coaching education, acquiring knowledge, understanding the methods of imparting that knowledge, and effectively communicating it, are vital. To achieve this, one must have a thorough understanding of the subject matter,” he stated. He also noted that feedback received from the technical officer indicated areas that require serious improvement. “I have received plenary reports and engaged in discussions with the CAF expert, who has recognised that while considerable progress has been made, certain challenges still need to be addressed.” In conclusion, Dr. Sanusi advised the coaches to remain committed to keeping themselves updated with the latest innovation, emphasising that continuous learning is essential in their profession. “This type of programme necessitates ongoing engagement. Improvement must be a constant goal. We, as educators, are dedicated to enhancing our knowledge in line with the dynamic nature of football and sports. “There are continual advancements in our field, and without staying abreast of global trends, one risks falling behind. Therefore, I encourage you to internalise, comprehend, and apply what you have learnt. If you have any doubts, always feel free to consult your peers, and when necessary, reach out to the educators for guidance,” he concluded. Also present were NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen; CAF expert Michael Amenga; NFF Director of Communications, Dr. Ademola Olajire; Head of Education, Dr. Terry Eguaoje; Consultant on Finance and Administration, Mr. Charity Kadiri and; Deputy Director, Women’s Technical Programme, Mrs Faith Omon Ben-Anuge.

WBO Orders Usyk to Face Mandatory Challenger Parker

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Undisputed heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk has been ordered by the WBO to begin negotiations with mandatory challenger Joseph Parker. The Ukrainian, 38, unified the division for a second time on 19 July with a fifth-round stoppage of Daniel Dubois at Wembley Stadium. New Zealand’s Parker beat Zhilei Zhang to win the WBO interim belt in March 2024. Both parties have 30 days to find an agreement or the WBO will order purse bid proceedings. Parker held the WBO title between 2016 and 2018, beating Andy Ruiz Jr to claim the vacant belt, but lost it to Anthony Joshua after two defences. Following defeat by Briton Joe Joyce in 2022, the 33-year-old has won six fights in a row to re-emerge among the title contenders. Parker was set to face Dubois for the IBF strap in February, but the Briton withdrew on two days’ notice due to illness. The New Zealander remained on the card in Riyadh and defended his interim title status with a stoppage victory against Martin Bakole instead. Parker was an ever-present and vocal figure during the build-up to Usyk’s latest success and he watched from ringside as the two-weight undisputed champion put on another masterclass in London. Usyk said he wanted to rest for “two or three months” after earning his second win against Dubois, but named Parker, Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora as potential opponents. He has yet to lose in 24 contests as a professional, with 15 victories by knockout.

CAF Appoints Namibian Referee for Morocco, Nigeria Final

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago07 mins

Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa has been appointed by CAF to referee the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Morocco 2024 Final. Antsino, who has been one of the standout performers among match officials during the tournament, will make history as the first Namibian to officiate a WAFCON final. Her steady leadership, consistency, and calm control of matches have earned her the ultimate honour. “I didn’t expect this at all; I’m still in shock. But with God, all things are possible,” says Antsino. “WAFCON is a major competition, and expectations are high. We have to go in with the mindset that the whole continent is watching and give our absolute best. “Personally, I believe I have the talent and the potential. They’ve seen what I can do, and now it’s my opportunity to prove it; to show it on the pitch.” She will be joined by an elite team of assistants: Alice Umutesi (Rwanda) as Assistant Referee 1, and Tabara Mbodji (Senegal) as Assistant Referee 2, both of whom have been commended for their sharp decision-making and composure throughout the tournament. In the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) booth, another iconic name leads the charge. Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga, a pioneer in global football officiating and one of the most respected figures in the women’s game, will serve as the VAR. Mukansanga made headlines as the first woman to officiate at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2022 and has brought her experience from the Olympics and FIFA Women’s World Cups to the TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 once again. Supporting her in this final are Letticia Viana (Eswatini) as AVAR 1 and Diana Chikotesha (Zambia) as AVAR 2, both rising stars in Africa’s officiating ranks. Antsino officiated several key matches, impressing CAF’s Technical and Refereeing Committee with her ability to remain poised in high-pressure moments. Her most recent performance showcased her exceptional fitness, and match control, all vital in the modern game. CAF Head of Refereeing, Desire Noumandiez Doue hailed her appointment. “Their appointment was informed by their consistent quality and performance,” said Desire. “It is the result of their hard work, both in training and in the matches they’ve officiated, as well as their overall readiness. “Their performances have shown consistency in key areas: tactical awareness, anticipation, match control, and overall game management. The two assistants, in particular, are among a group of brilliant young referees emerging on the continent, and their improvement has been nothing short of impressive. “This selection also reflects CAF’s commitment to fairness. It’s our way of saying: if you perform well, you deserve the best. And the referees selected for the final are among the best we have. “Antsino for instance, has demonstrated all the qualities we look for. We’ve been monitoring her closely for the past three years, and she has done incredibly well. At the rate she is going, she’s certainly a potential candidate for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.” “We know that a final is never just another match. That’s why we invest in preparing our referees, not just tactically, but mentally as well. We emphasize confidence, focus, and the understanding that they are carrying the hopes of all of us on that pitch. We remind them: go out there and give it your very best.” The all-women officiating team for the final reflects CAF’s continued investment in women’s football and its commitment to creating opportunities for women at every level of the game. Speaking ahead of the final, Antsino reflected not only on her personal journey but on the legacy she hopes to inspire. “I know everyone will be happy for me now, because in Namibia, support comes naturally. I believe this moment will inspire many. To the young ones out there: work hard, stay disciplined, and always pray. Stay focused, and nothing will stop you from achieving your goals.” The CAF WAFCON, Morocco 2024 Final will be contested between Nigeria and Morocco on Saturday, July 26 at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat.

Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan Dies at Age 71

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Professional Wrestling Legend Hulk Hogan has died on Thursday at the age of 71, Florida police and the WWE said Thursday. In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook. WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer has died. “One of pop culture’s most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan’s family, friends, and fans,” it said. Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had been struggling with several health issues in recent years, including a problematic, lingering back injury from his wrestling days. Hogan had not wrestled since 2012 but had been in the news recently as a founder of the new Real American Freestyle wrestling promotion and the owner of an upcoming New York City bar opposite Madison Square Garden, the site of many of his big matches. In 1985, Hogan headlined the first-ever WrestleMania, teaming up with 1980s TV star Mr. T to take on Roddy Piper and Paul Orndorff. WrestleMania I, at MSG, drew an audience of around 1 million on closed-circuit television and is credited with taking professional wrestling, specifically the then-WWF (now WWE), into the national zeitgeist. Hogan’s grudge match with Andre the Giant at WrestleMania III took the wrestling business — and Hogan’s career — to new heights. Around 80,000 people filled the Pontiac Silverdome in Michigan for the match. The rematch, several months later, on free-to-air NBC, drew 33 million viewers. Hogan was in the main event of seven of the first eight WrestleMania cards. He was the face and hero of the wrestling world, crossing over into the mainstream with tons of appearances on television talk shows, as well as starring roles in movies — including the third Rocky film, where he took on the title character played by Sylvester Stallone — and television, including the syndicated “Thunder in Paradise” in the 1990s. Hogan won the WWF World Heavyweight championship six different times, including a reign of 1,474 days. Only Bruno Sammartino and Bob Backlund had the belt for longer days consecutively. In 1996, with interest in him as a hero waning, Hogan pulled off the biggest heel turn in wrestling history as a second act. Working for WWE competitor World Championship Wrestling (WCW), Hogan became a bad guy, leading a dastardly group of invaders called the New World Order (NWO). The heel turn, 29 years ago this summer, captured the zeitgeist in a way wrestling had not since WrestleMania I. The NWO, with “Hollywood” Hogan as the vicious frontman wearing black and white rather than his trademark red and yellow, breathed new life into the wrestling industry during the counterculture 1990s when the audience demanded a darker, more adult product. Hogan was up to the challenge, helping WCW beat the WWF in television ratings for 83 straight weeks beginning in 1996. Hogan returned to WWE in 2002 to face The Rock at WrestleMania 18 in Toronto. His character was the NWO bad-guy version, but the more than 68,000 in attendance was not interested in booing Hogan. They cheered him over The Rock, then WWE’s biggest good guy, forcing Hogan to return home to Florida that weekend to pick up his old red-and-yellow shirts and wrestling trunks. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.

University Don Emerges New APC National Chairman

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and a former university don, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda has emerged as the new Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC). Yilwatda emerged as the consensus nominee at the Party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held on Thursday. The Professor replaced Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who recently resigned from the position citing health concerns. Yilwatda, 56, hails from Plateau State and was the APC’s gubernatorial candidate in the state during the 2023 general elections. His nomination aligns with the party’s zoning arrangement, which allocated the national chairmanship to the North-Central geopolitical zone comprising Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau states. Professor Yilwatda comes with a blend of academic, bureaucratic, and political experience. Before venturing into politics, he was an engineering lecturer at the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi. He also served as a Resident Electoral Commissioner for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) between 2017 and 2021, overseeing elections in Benue, Anambra, Osun, Rivers, and Cross River states.

50 Feared Dead in Russian Plane Crash

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

A Russian Antonov An-24 passenger plane carrying about 50 people crashed in the country’s far east on Thursday and everyone on board was feared to have been killed, emergency services officials said. The burning fuselage of the plane, which was made in the Soviet era and was nearly 50 years old, was spotted on the ground by a helicopter and rescue crews were rushing to the scene. Video shot from a helicopter and posted on social media, showed the plane came down in a densely forested area. Pale smoke could be seen rising from the crash site. The plane was on a flight by a privately owned Siberian-based regional airline called Angara. The aircraft’s tail number showed it was built in 1976 and was operated by Soviet flag carrier Aeroflot before the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The plane was en route from the city of Blagoveshchensk to Tynda, a remote town and important railway junction in the Amur region bordering China. It dropped off radar screens while preparing to land. There were 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members on board according to preliminary data, Vasily Orlov, the regional governor said. The federal Russian government put the number of passengers on board at 42. Debris from the plane was found on a hill around 15 km (10 miles) from Tynda, the Interfax news agency quoted emergency service officials as saying. “During the search operation, an Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire,” the emergency services ministry said on Telegram. “Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.” Angara airline is based in the Siberian city of Irkutsk and serves airports in Siberia and Russia’s far east. It operates 10 An-24s built between 1972 and 1976, according to the RussianPlanes web-portal.

Chelle Lists Nduka, Obaje, Alimi, 20 Others for CHAN 2024

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Eric Chelle has selected team captain Junior Harrison Nduka, defender Sikiru Alimi and forward Godwin Obaje among a list of 23 players that make up the final squad of Super Eagles B for the 8th African Nations Championship taking place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, 2nd – 30th August. Also listed are goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Mayo, midfielders Hadi Haruna and Alex Oyowah, and forwards Anas Yusuf, Sikiru Alimi and Ijoma Anthony. The contingent is set to travel out of the country to Zanzibar on Thursday evening, aboard an Ethiopian Airline aircraft. The team has been training for several weeks at the Remo Stars Sports Institute in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State. Already, the Nigeria Football Federation has arranged a second-phase training camp for the team in Zanzibar, from 25th – 31st July, before the 2018 silver medallists will move into official accommodation on the island. The NFF has also firmed up arrangements for two friendly matches between the Super Eagles B and the Senior National Team of Zanzibar, first on Monday, 28th July and then on Thursday, 31st July. Nigeria, also bronze medallists in 2014, are housed in group D of the 19-team tournament, alongside Cup holders Senegal, Sudan and Congo. The Super Eagles will play their first two matches of the competition, against Senegal and Sudan, at the Amman Stadium on the island of Zanzibar, before taking on Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. SUPER EAGLES B FOR 8TH AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adedayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Hadi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Akanni Qudus (Remo Stars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars); Alex Oyowah (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International); Jabbar Malik (Remo Stars)

Mission X: Falcons’ captain Ajibade Inches Towards Player of the Tournament Award

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Three years ago, Rasheedat Ajibade was a sombre figure as she left the pitch at the Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca as she was handed a red card for a professional foul against a Moroccan player in the first semi final match of the 12th Women Africa Cup of Nations. A team-mate, midfielder Halimatu Ayinde also got a red card, forcing Nigeria to prosecute large parts of the second half and the extra-time period with only nine players. As a consequence, both players were rendered ineligible for the third place, which Nigeria lost by the odd goal to Zambia. Images from that encounter are what Ajibade wants banished as the Falcons and the Lionesses clash in the final at Rabat’s Stadium on Saturday. Fast forward to July 2025, and Ajibade, captain of Nigeria, is standing tall and proud, and continues to be the cynosure as the Super Falcons march assuredly to the Championship Match and with iron determination and resoluteness to accomplish Mission X. Team-mate Esther Okoronkwo won the Woman of the Match award when Nigeria trashed Tunisia 3-0 in their opening match at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, but the one they call ‘Rash’ took over from there, winning the awards against Botswana, Zambia and South Africa, and looking in command to pluck the Player of the Tournament diadem on Saturday night. Just before the commencement of the championship, Ajibade, who ploughed through the full gamut of the Nigeria women’s teams, said at a webinar organized by the Confederation of African Football: “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves.” The lithe and self-effacing Nigeria leader is also highly motivated by the fact that the Super Falcons have never lost a final match at the Women AFCON, going back to the first competition that Nigeria hosted in 1998. “We know pedigree and past achievements mean little in a match of this nature, but records also serve to encourage and inspire people and groups to go all out when it matters most,” Ajibade said.