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Bayelsa Queens Crowned NWFL Premiership Champions

Our Reporters10 hours ago10 hours ago06 mins

Bayelsa Queens have emerged as champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a dominant 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Their triumph capped an extraordinary finale that saw an unprecedented four teams — Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies — in contention for the title going into the final day, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of the league. The Prosperity Girls produced a commanding display to secure their sixth league title in history. Vera Samuel starred with a brilliant hat-trick in the 28th, 61st, and 67th minutes, while Mega Cynthia added a fourth in the 47th minute. Tumininu Adeshina had momentarily brought Naija Ratels level in the 42nd minute, but Bayelsa’s quality proved decisive. In another Super Six clash, Rivers Angels defeated hosts Remo Stars Ladies 2-1 as Titilayo Aweda struck twice in the 27th and 48th minutes for the Port Harcourt side, while Aisha Animashaun scored a consolation goal for Remo Stars in the 70th minute. Remo Stars ended fifth on goal difference, tied on points with Rivers. Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens battled to a goalless draw, a result that saw Nasarawa finish as runners-up with nine points, while Edo placed third with eight points after an intense five-day contest. The final Super Six standings saw Bayelsa Queens on top with 10 points, followed by Nasarawa Amazons (9), Edo Queens (8), Rivers Angels (7), Remo Stars Ladies (7), and Naija Ratels (0), who finished without a point. For their triumph, Bayelsa Queens received a ₦10 million grand prize. Nasarawa Amazons earned ₦6 million as second-place finishers, while Edo Queens were rewarded with ₦4 million. The remaining teams—Rivers Angels, Remo Stars, and Naija Ratels—each received ₦1.5 million. The trophy presentation was conducted by Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, alongside NWFL board members, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, as well as hosts and chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname. NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi hailed the competition as the most fiercely contested Super Six yet and praised Bayelsa Queens for their championship-winning effort and consistency throughout the season. “This was arguably the most competitive Super Six we’ve witnessed. Bayelsa Queens showed experience, grit, and attacking flair. The NWFL continues to set new benchmarks, and this season proves we are moving in the right direction,” she said. Honourable Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars and host of the tournament, lauded the organisation and atmosphere of the Super Six, describing it as a milestone in the growth of women’s football in Nigeria. “Hosting the Super Six has been a landmark moment for us. The energy, organisation, and quality of play have been incredible. We’re proud to have contributed to this historic phase of women’s football in Nigeria,” he said. Bayelsa Queens will now go on to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, with aspirations of returning to the continental stage and qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club Championship. Individual honours from the tournament included Jenat Akekeromowei of Nasarawa Amazons, who was named Most Valuable Player after netting 13 goals this season, including four in the Super Six. Remo Stars Ladies’ Bolaji Olamide finished as Top Scorer with 15 goals in 19 matches, while her teammate Charlotte Adjei was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season. Adjei’s stellar performances were further rewarded with a ₦200,000 cash prize from the Judith Chime Foundation.

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

Our Reporters10 hours ago10 hours 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.

Breaking: Eberechi Eze Fires Crystal Palace to FA Cup Victory

Our Reporters13 hours ago13 hours ago01 mins

Crystal Palace won the first major trophy in their history as they beat Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Eberechi Eze gave the Eagles an early lead when he swooped home Daniel Munoz’s cross from the right hand side. City had a chance to level from the penalty spot, but Dean Henderson expertly saved Omar Marmoush’s effort. Daniel Munoz then had a second goal disallowed but Palace held firm to mark a memorable day.

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Seek Bronze Compensation against Young Pharaohs

Our Reporters15 hours ago15 hours ago07 mins

Seven-time champions Nigeria and hosts and four-time champions Egypt will both fight hard for the bronze medals when they clash in the third-place match of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on Sunday. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo. Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes. It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals. For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously. Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals. As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie to Cameroon in Kaduna, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 1-0 in Lagos to pick up the bronze medals. In 2009 in Rwanda, the team led by Haruna Lukman defeated South Africa’s Amajita 2-1 to place third in the competition. In 2013, in Algeria, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 2-1 to finish third after losing 0-2 to Egypt in their semi final clash at the Stade Omar Oucief in Aïn Témounchent. Six years ago, following a penalty-shootout defeat to Mali in the semi finals, the Flying Eagles again lost on penalty shootout to South Africa in the third-place match. Egypt’s first African U20 title was in 1981 (when the competition was played on home-and-away basis), after they defeated Cameroon 3-1 on aggregate. Both teams travelled to Australia to represent Africa at the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup). Cameroon had earlier beaten Nigeria 4-2 on aggregate in the penultimate round. The Young Pharaohs won their second title at the inaugural tournament-format finals, which Egypt hosted and which involved six countries, in 1991. Their third title came 12 years later in Burkina Faso, when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 after extra time at the Stade 4 August in Ouagadougou. Egypt won their fourth title 10 years later. Ghana, the 1999 world champions, were the victims. Regulation and extra time finished 1-1 at the Stade Ahmed Zabana in Oran, before the Young Pharaohs claimed the gong after winning the penalty shootout 5-4. Nigeria’s first participation in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations was in 1979, when the team led by Sylvanus Okpala lost 1-2 on aggregate (0-1 in Conakry and 1-1 in Lagos) to Guinea and thus failed to qualify for the second edition of the global finals staged by Japan. The Young Pharaohs, who lost by the odd goal to North African rivals Morocco in the second semi-final on Thursday, have also won the third-place match at the competition thrice previously. They defeated Ethiopia on two occasions, 3-0 in Mauritius in 1993 and 2-0 when Ethiopia hosted eight years later. Their third win came in South Africa in 2011, when they defeated Mali’s Aiglons. Nigeria and Egypt clashed in a group stage game two years ago, with the Flying Eagles victorious following Solomon Agbalaka’s powerful first-half header. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu may ring changes in the squad for Sunday’s game. The gaffer voiced his disappointment with the playing body following Thursday’s defeat to the Amajita. Injured first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is still under observation and would need a second assessment at Saturday night’s official training, to determine if he will be fit to return to the battlefield. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu are the probables for rearguard. Israel Ayuma has had an impressive tournament and should start in midfield, alongside any two among Sulyman Alabi, Simon Cletus, Divine Oliseh and Auwal Ibrahim. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Bidemi Amole, Precious Benjamin and Mendos Rickson are available for selection in the forward-line.

Newcastle and Aston Villa Surge as Spurs Nottingham Forest Tumble in Final Premier League Rankings

Our Reporters17 hours ago17 hours ago03 mins

As the curtain falls on the 2024–25 Premier League season, ESPN’s final power rankings have revealed major shifts across the table, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa emerging as the biggest winners, while Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest suffer significant drops in form and standing. Newcastle United completed a remarkable campaign, finishing 3rd in the league and securing their highest position in years. Under manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies also lifted the EFL Cup— their first major domestic silverware in seven decades. Striker Alexander Isak starred with 23 league goals, helping to power the team’s charge into the UEFA Champions League. Aston Villa also impressed, climbing steadily throughout the season to secure European qualification. Their consistent performances and tactical discipline saw them rise in ESPN’s power rankings, earning praise for squad balance and resilience. On the other end of the spectrum, Tottenham Hotspur endured a late-season collapse. Once viewed as top-four contenders, Spurs fell out of European spots altogether after a string of poor results, including a heavy 5–1 loss to Liverpool. Analysts point to squad inconsistency and depth issues as key factors behind the slump. Nottingham Forest, who had surged early in the season with eye-catching victories— including a record 7–0 win over Brighton— also faltered down the stretch. While they still managed a 7th-place finish and secured European football for the first time in nearly three decades, the steep fall from early promise raised concerns about squad durability and long-term competitiveness. The final power rankings reflect a season marked by dramatic turns in fortune. ESPN analysts noted that nearly every team experienced periods of both brilliance and struggle, underscoring the Premier League’s status as one of the most unpredictable competitions in world football. For MORE Visit:https://africa.espn.com/football/story/_/id/45167481/every-premier-league-team-reranked-man-united-spurs-forest-plummet

Real Madrid Sign Spain Defender Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth for £50mv

Our Reporters18 hours ago18 hours ago03 mins

By: Kamal Yalwa Spanish football powerhouse, Real Madrid, have officially secured the signing of Dean Huijsen from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £50 million, after activating the 20-year-old defender’s release clause. The transfer, which will be completed at the end of the ongoing 2024/2025 season, brings to a close speculation linking the Spanish international with a host of top Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Newcastle United. Huijsen, who was born in the Netherlands and raised in Spain, has been a standout performer for Bournemouth this season, following his £12.6 million move from Juventus last summer. The talented defender has featured in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals — notably against Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and Arsenal. A statement issued by Bournemouth on Saturday read: “AFC Bournemouth can confirm that defender Dean Huijsen will join Real Madrid following the conclusion of the 2024/25 season, with the Spanish side having activated a £50 million release clause.” The 20-year-old’s impressive displays also earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in March 2025, where he has since made his senior debut. According to reports, the £50 million transfer fee will be paid in three instalments over 18 months, with Juventus and Malaga CF — Huijsen’s former clubs — set to receive 10% and 5% of the fee, respectively, as part of previously agreed sell-on clauses. Real Madrid’s acquisition of Huijsen aligns with their ongoing strategy to invest in youth, adding the defender to a growing list of young talents at the Bernabéu, including Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, and Arda Güler. Bournemouth stated that they look forward to working with Huijsen for the final two matches of the Premier League season before he begins his new journey in Spain.

Premier League Rookie of the Year: Ranking the Best U19 Breakthrough Stars

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago08 mins

The PFA Young Player of the Year award, while once a fair celebration of emerging talent, no longer accurately reflects the spirit of breakthrough success. Its eligibility threshold—21 years old at the start of the season—has allowed seasoned stars like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer to dominate the honor. The Premier League’s own version pushes the limit further, permitting players up to 23, leading to Erling Haaland lifting the award in 2022-23 at age 22. And while that’s still an improvement on 2010’s winner—24-year-old James Milner—it fails to spotlight the genuine rookies: teenagers in their first full top-flight campaign, taking their first major steps in professional football. Borrowing a page from the NBA, we’ve reimagined the award as Premier League Rookie of the Year, recognizing players who started the 2024-25 season as teenagers (under 20 on Aug. 16, 2024) and are in their first full campaign in the Premier League. Let’s rank the best of this exciting class. ❌ Who Just Missed Out Some standout young players weren’t eligible: The Top 10 Premier League Rookies of 2024-25 10. Oliver Scarles – LB, West Ham United At just 18, Scarles filled a major void in West Ham’s back line as Aaron Cresswell winds down and Emerson struggles for consistency. He shone in a defensive masterclass at the Emirates, making four tackles and seven interceptions in a memorable 1-0 win over Arsenal. Closing in on 600 league minutes, he’s a player to watch. 9. Patrick Dorgu – LB, Manchester United Thrown into a turbulent Manchester United side after a £25m January switch from Lecce, the Danish left-back quickly adapted. Amid poor team performances, his athleticism and poise offered a glimmer of hope, particularly in United’s promising Europa League run. 8. Leny Yoro – CB, Manchester United A €62m summer arrival from Lille, Yoro’s season began with a broken foot but still saw him rack up nearly 2,000 minutes. His composure, passing range, and defensive anticipation mark him as a long-term anchor in United’s backline under manager Ruben Amorim. 7. Nico O’Reilly – CM/LB, Manchester City Manchester City’s £150m January splurge made headlines, but it was academy graduate O’Reilly—deployed out of position at left-back—who quietly proved invaluable. His versatility, work rate, and attacking thrust helped City reach the FA Cup final and stay in top-five contention. 6. Archie Gray – CB/RB/CM, Tottenham Hotspur Already experienced from his Leeds United stint, Gray was tested in all areas of Spurs’ struggling side—central midfield, right-back, and even centre-back. Though he endured difficult moments, the £40m teenager showed courage and adaptability that belied his age. The Top Five 5. Tyler Dibling – FW, Southampton Despite Southampton’s relegation woes, Dibling lit up the league with fearless dribbling and dynamism. He led all rookies in metres gained per carry (7.8) and ranked second in long carries (100). Though his end product (2 goals) could improve, he stood out in a weak squad—and is now on Manchester United’s radar. 4. Ethan Nwaneri – CM/FW, Arsenal At 18, Nwaneri finally broke through after debuting at age 15. Filling in for Bukayo Saka, he tallied 9 goals and 2 assists while showcasing strength, aggression, and a lethal left foot from the right wing. With more minutes in central midfield expected next season, his future looks bright. 3. Lucas Bergvall – CM, Tottenham Hotspur Following his £8.5m transfer from Djurgården, Bergvall gradually earned his place in Spurs’ XI. His engine, intelligent passing, and composure provided a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season. A key figure in the rebuild under Ange Postecoglou. 2. Myles Lewis-Skelly – LB, Arsenal Initially a central midfielder, Lewis-Skelly reinvented himself as Arsenal’s go-to left-back, displacing senior options like Zinchenko and Tierney. Logging over 2,000 minutes—including starts against Real Madrid and PSG in the Champions League—the 18-year-old thrived in a demanding hybrid role. He also scored on his England senior debut. Simply exceptional. 1. Dean Huijsen – CB, Bournemouth The clear winner. Huijsen joined Bournemouth from Juventus for just £15m and has blossomed into one of the league’s most composed ball-playing centre-backs. Ranking in the 93rd percentile for progressive carries and 87th for progressive passes among top-five league defenders, the Spain international has become a £50m-rated asset—earning interest from Real Madrid. Smartly nurtured by manager Andoni Iraola, Huijsen has made the leap from talent to transformative player. A true Rookie of the Year. This reimagined award offers a clearer lens through which to view the stars of tomorrow, today. These U19s didn’t just arrive—they adapted, excelled, and in some cases, redefined their clubs’ seasons. In a league dominated by stars, these rookies have carved out their place.

Taiwo Awoniyi in induced coma after surgery

Taiwo Awoniyi to Stay in Hospital For Another Five Days

Our Reporters2 days ago2 days ago02 mins

Taiwo Awoniyi is expected to stay in the hospital for another five days after having emergency surgery on an abdominal injury, Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo said Friday. The Nigeria striker had two operations to repair internal damage after he collided with a post during the 2-2 draw with Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday. He was placed in an induced coma to aid his recovery but is now awake and talking with his family, Britain’s Press Association reported. Espirito Santo said he hopes Awoniyi will be able to attend the final game of the season – against Chelsea on May 25. “He went to surgery – surgery went well,” Espirito Santo said. “He is under observation now, but he is recovering. We still have to wait for the doctors to allow visits. We are concerned but it is positive. It has been very difficult because of the concern of the injury, the situation he went through.” “I hope,” he added, “that next week he can join us and be around because he´s a wonderful boy.” Seventh-place Forest is one point off the top five in its bid for Champions League qualification and travels to West Ham on Sunday.