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Category: Sports

Poland 2026: Senegal’s Lionesses de Téranga Train in Abeokuta for Falconets

Fola Badmus06 mins

The opponents of Nigeria’s U20 Women National Team, Falconets, in Saturday’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup third round, first leg qualifying match, Senegal’s U20 girls, have arrived in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.   A delegation of the Lionesses de Téranga flew into Lagos on Tuesday night and were immediately driven by bus to the Ogun State capital, with the team scheduled to have their first training session on Wednesday evening.   The Confederation of African Football has appointed officials from Uganda and Burundi to take charge of Saturday’s encounter, which is the first leg of the penultimate round of the qualifiers, with the winner on aggregate to confront the winner of the Guinea Bissau/Malawi fixture for a place at the final tournament in Poland later this year.   Ugandan Diana Murungi will be the referee, with her compatriots Immaculate Ongiera and Elizabeth Nassolo as assistant referees 1 and 2. Suavis Iratunga from Burundi will be the fourth official.   In the role of commissioner is Ghanaian Christine Ziga, while Berthe Minka from Gabon will be the referee assessor. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX   Records at stake as Assar, Goda headline 2026 ITTF Africa Cup Egyptian table tennis stars Omar Assar and Hana Goda will be putting their records on the line when the 2026 ITTF Africa Cup serves off in Benghazi, Libya, from February 7 to 9. The annual continental championship, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Cup, is organised by the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa) in collaboration with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), and hosted by the Libyan Table Tennis Federation (LTTF) at the iconic Al Nasr Sports Club. Assar, who is men’s No. 1 seed, enters the tournament as the most successful player in the men’s singles, with six titles to his name—Yaoundé 2015, Nairobi 2018, Lagos 2019, Lagos 2022, Nairobi 2023, and Tunis 2025. His closest rival, Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna, has won five editions, including the most recent in Kigali 2024. Since his semifinal loss to Aruna at the 2020 Africa Cup in Tunis, Assar has remained unbeaten at the Africa Cup, cementing his dominance with back to back victories in Lagos, Nairobi, and Tunis. In Benghazi, he will once again face the challenge of Aruna, as well as rising compatriot Youssef Abdelaziz, who is steadily establishing himself among Africa’s elite. For Hana Goda, the women’s No. 1 seed, the journey began at just 14 when she stunned the continent by winning her first Africa Cup women’s title in Lagos 2022, becoming the youngest champion in the tournament’s history. She faltered in Kigali 2024, losing 4–0 in the semifinals to compatriot Mariam Alhodaby, but bounced back in Tunis 2025 to reclaim her crown by defeating Africa’s most decorated player, Dina Meshref, who holds a record nine titles. Now 18, Goda is determined to follow in Meshref’s footsteps and add to her growing collection of titles. In Libya, she will face stiff competition from Meshref and Alhodaby, as well as Nigeria’s Fatimo Bello, a finalist in Lagos 2022. Tunisia’s Ela Saidi, who impressed in 2025, is also expected to be a strong contender. With Africa’s finest players converging on Benghazi, the 2026 Africa Cup promises high drama and fierce battles. For Assar and Goda, it is not just about defending records—it is about cementing their legacies as the faces of African table tennis.

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CAF African Schools Football Championship: CAF Officials Conclude Inspection of Facilities

Fola Badmus04 mins

A seven-person team of inspectors from the Confederation of African Football on Wednesday concluded the assessment of facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host the Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Schools Football Championship.   The delegation, led by Omar Amr (Safeguarding), evaluated available facilities and equipment at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, the FC Ebedei Stadium and facilities and equipment within, the Babcock University Teaching Hospital and the Babcock University Guest House.   The CAF African Schools Football Championship, launched four years ago, is an annual U15 tournament with the objective of developing youth football and promoting education across the African continent. It is supported by a $10 million investment from the Foundation owned by CAF President, Dr Patrice Motsepe, and features zonal qualifiers leading to the continental final tournament.   Amr told NFF officials and the management of Remo Stars Sports Institute that a total of 24 teams are expected at what will be the biggest CAF African Football Championship Final Phase since the competition started in 2022. There will be eight boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams from across the continent, with eight other teams to be invited from another confederation of FIFA.   CAF officials Omar Amr (Safeguarding), Fatima Elmissaoui (ASFC officer), Herve Dassoundo (Marketing & Branding), Mahmoud Amer ((Travel/Logistics), Diabate Zakarhiya (Safety & Security), Hend Thabet (Travel & Accommodation), and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere conducted the inspection that took place on Tuesday and Wednesday. NFF officials led by Dr Ademola Olajire and Coach Abdulrafiu Yusuf were joined by Mrs Oyinkansola Ajibola (GM, Beyond Limits Football Academy) and Mr. Michael Onikute to conduct the inspectors round the facilities.   The 2024 finals were held in Accra, Ghana where Tanzania’s boys and Ghana’s girls emerged victorious. Winners receive up to $300,000 in infrastructural development, and the tournament involves partnerships with organizations like United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Health Organization (WHO), for health education.   The Final Phase of the 2025/26 CAF African Football Championship is slated for the month of April.   At the end of their assessment, the inspectors minced no words in stating how impressed they were with the facilities, with a member telling the President of Remo Stars FC and proprietor of the Institute, Hon. Kunle Soname that the facility remains the best he has ever seen in the whole of West Africa.

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Attractive Football Matters More Than Trophies to Me – Liverpool Boss Arne Slot

Wale busari03 mins

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said that playing exciting, entertaining football is more important to him than simply winning trophies at Anfield. Speaking during The Reds Roundtable, the Dutch coach reflected on last season’s Premier League title triumph, noting that the team’s style of play brought him as much fulfilment as lifting the trophy itself. Slot explained that while managers are often judged by silverware, his greatest satisfaction comes from producing football that fans genuinely enjoy watching. “You can win the league, the Champions League, the FA Cup or the League Cup, but the biggest thing you can win is playing the nicest football to watch,” he said. He acknowledged that some supporters may disagree with his viewpoint but insisted that his philosophy remains unchanged, stressing his desire for possession-based, high-intensity football that excites the crowd. “I always want to have the ball, I want intensity, and I want the fans to like what they see,” Slot added. The Liverpool boss admitted that failing to entertain supporters during matches frustrates him more than poor results or league standings. “That bothers me the most — even more than results or the league table — when not all our fans feel we are a joy to watch throughout the game,” he said. Slot also showed empathy toward fan criticism, admitting he often shares their frustrations. “I understand them, because I agree with them,” he noted. While he recognises the importance of trophies, Slot believes a club’s identity and philosophy ultimately matter more in the long run. “Trophies are important, but being a team or a club that stands for something — especially good football — is, in the long term, worth even more,” he concluded.

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Super Eagles would have qualified for 2026 World Cup if i were still NFF President — Amaju Pinnick

Tammy Abraham Once Agreed to Play for Super Eagles But Changed His Mind – Pinnick

Wale busari04 mins

Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick has revealed that Tammy Abraham had initially agreed to represent the Super Eagles before ultimately choosing to play international football for England. Abraham, who recently returned to the Premier League after completing a four-and-a-half-year move to Aston Villa in the January transfer window, was eligible to play for Nigeria through his father despite being born in London. According to Pinnick, extensive efforts were made by the NFF to convince the striker to switch allegiance to Nigeria before he was capped by England. Speaking on The Playzone and Dangolo Way podcast, Pinnick disclosed that discussions with Abraham had reached an advanced stage before the forward changed his mind at the last minute. “Tammy Abraham, we sat like this. We had agreed that he would come to play, but at the last moment he changed his decision,” Pinnick said. The former NFF boss noted that he believed his personal relationship with Abraham’s father would help influence the decision, but the plan did not materialise as expected. Pinnick used the situation to highlight the long-term benefits of committing to one’s national team, stressing that international football can sustain a player’s career even when club opportunities decline. “Iwobi is playing for the Super Eagles today. I know the role we played. If Iwobi had played for England, he would have stopped playing for England five or six years ago,” he explained. “If your football club doesn’t support you, your national team will. The display at the last Africa Cup of Nations was notable.” Expressing regret over Abraham’s decision, Pinnick suggested the striker’s career trajectory might have been different had he chosen Nigeria. “Now he’s 28 and has returned to Aston Villa, but I can tell you that I regret it. I spoke to his father, we grew up together.He would have played for Nigeria. Agbonlahor played three games and that was it.” Abraham eventually committed to England and has earned 11 caps, scoring three goals for the Three Lions. However, he has not featured for England since a UEFA Nations League match against Italy in June 2022. The revelation adds to ongoing conversations around Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign-born talents and the difficult decisions players face when choosing between heritage and birthplace on the international stage.

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Marcus Rashford Rejects Manchester United Return

Wale busari03 mins

Marcus Rashford has reportedly ruled out a return to Manchester United, choosing instead to continue his career with Barcelona despite renewed interest from his former club. According to The Touchline, the England international is unconvinced by United’s current sporting direction and believes his personal ambitions align more closely with Barcelona’s long-term vision. The presence of head coach Hansi Flick is said to have played a key role in strengthening Rashford’s confidence in the project at Camp Nou. Manchester United’s interest is understood to have resurfaced following recent changes within the club’s technical setup. Interim manager Michael Carrick reportedly made direct contact with Rashford, identifying him as a central figure in plans to rebuild the club’s attacking structure ahead of the new season. However, sources suggest Rashford remains reluctant about a return, citing ongoing uncertainty around United’s long-term plans. The forward is believed to feel the club is still searching for stability and clarity, making a comeback unattractive at this stage of his career. By contrast, Rashford is said to be fully settled in Spain and committed to his future with Barcelona. Since arriving last summer, he has adapted smoothly to life at the club, forging strong relationships within the squad and embracing the environment. Speaking recently to SPORT, Rashford made his intentions clear: “What I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge club, built to win titles.” He added that his experience at the club has been overwhelmingly positive, praising the atmosphere and reaffirming his determination to help Barcelona compete for major honours.

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Benzema

Karim Benzema Completes Shock Free Transfer From Al Ittihad to Al Hilal

Wale busari04 mins

Former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has completed a deadline-day free transfer from Al Ittihad to Al Hilal, a move that has sent shockwaves through the Saudi Pro League. Benzema, 38, joined Al Ittihad in 2023 but was entering the final six months of his contract and was reportedly unhappy with the renewal terms offered by the club. Confirming the move in a statement, Al Hilal said: “Al Hilal signed French star Karim Benzema on a free transfer to represent the football team for one and a half years.” The Ballon d’Or winner, who led Al Ittihad to a league and cup double in 2025, also took to X to bid farewell to the club. “This journey gave me a lot, both personally and professionally. I leave with my head held high, proud to have worn these colors and of everything we shared,” Benzema wrote. Meanwhile, the transfer is said to have sparked tension elsewhere in the league. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly reacted angrily to Benzema’s switch and subsequently sat out Al Nassr’s 1–0 victory over Al Riyadh. The club has not explained his absence, and Ronaldo has made no public comment. Portuguese reports claim the 40-year-old feels Al Nassr has not received sufficient backing from Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns Al Nassr alongside rivals Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli. According to A Bola, Ronaldo believes the other PIF-owned clubs have benefited from stronger financial support. Al Nassr manager Jorge Jesus also admitted dissatisfaction with the club’s activity in the January transfer window, despite adding Iraqi prospect Hayder Abdulkareem to his squad. “The financial situation at Al Nassr is not good and doesn’t allow it,” Jesus said. “I hope that one or two, maybe three players can join us.” Al Nassr boast several high-profile stars including Sadio Mané, João Félix, and Kingsley Coman, while Jhon Durán, signed for $75 million last January, remains on loan at Fenerbahçe. Benzema’s move to Al Hilal further intensifies rivalry at the top of Saudi football as the season reaches a critical stage.

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Infantino

FIFA President Infantino Apologises Over British Fans Comment

Wale busari03 mins

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologised for remarks he made about British football supporters while speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month. Infantino previously said that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was special because it was “the first time in history no Brit was arrested,” a comment that drew sharp criticism from fan groups and police leaders in the UK, who described it as a “cheap joke” and “neither helpful nor accurate.” In an interview with Sky News, Infantino said he regretted offending fans and clarified that his comment was intended to highlight how peacefully the Qatar tournament unfolded. “I need first to apologise,” he said, explaining that the remark was meant to show that the World Cup was a celebration where “everyone came together in a peaceful way.” He also spoke warmly about English supporters who travel to matches and cheer on their teams. The apology came alongside Infantino’s defence of other controversial decisions, including awarding U.S. President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA peace prize — a move he said was justified because of Trump’s role in facilitating high-level peace talks — and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Infantino also reiterated his view that football can help unite people across political divides, and discussed the possibility of lifting Russia’s ban from international competition, a topic that has drawn criticism from officials in Ukraine and elsewhere. Overall, the apology reflects an attempt by FIFA’s president to smooth relations with fans ahead of the next World Cup, even as debates continue over the organisation’s broader political and sporting decisions.

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FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

FIFA President, Infantino Defends Awarding FIFA Peace Prize to Trump, Dismisses World Cup Boycott Calls

Wale busari04 mins

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his decision to award United States President Donald Trump a FIFA peace prize, dismissing criticism over the move and rejecting calls for a boycott of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. Infantino came under heavy scrutiny after presenting Trump with the honour during the 2026 World Cup draw held in Washington, DC, in December. The award sparked backlash amid renewed controversy surrounding US foreign policy decisions and Trump’s comments on global security. However, speaking to Sky News on Monday, February 2, Infantino stood by the decision, insisting the US president deserved FIFA’s inaugural peace prize. “Objectively, he deserves it,” Infantino said. “Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it. For some time, we have been thinking about rewarding people who contribute in this direction.” The FIFA president also dismissed suggestions that the 2026 World Cup—scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19—could be boycotted over policies linked to the Trump administration. He argued that political disagreements have never led to widespread commercial boycotts of countries and questioned why football should be treated differently. “In our divided and aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come together and meet around a shared passion,” Infantino said. Responding to concerns over unrest in parts of the United States related to immigration enforcement, Infantino maintained that football should serve as a unifying force rather than a platform for political division. He also revealed that FIFA would need to hold discussions on the possible return of Russia to international football competitions. Russia has been suspended since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, although recent guidance from the International Olympic Committee has encouraged sports federations to allow Russian teams to participate at youth level. “We have to look at readmitting Russia. Definitely,” Infantino said. “This ban has not achieved anything. It has only created more frustration and hatred. Allowing girls and boys from Russia to play football in other parts of Europe would help.” The comments add to ongoing debates over the intersection of politics and global sport ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

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