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Category: Sports

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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Ademola Lookman Joins Atletico Madrid

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria international Ademola Lookman has officially joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta.   Lookman has joined Atletico Madrid from Atalanta, as the two clubs confirmed with official statements on Monday.   Lookman had travelled to the Spanish capital to undergo medical tests on Sunday and has now completed a permanent transfer to the Wanda Metropolitano.   Atletico Madrid said Lookman had signed a contract until June 2030.   Lookman scored 55 goals in 137 games with Atalanta, including a historic hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League Final, which allowed La Dea to beat Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 and claim their first UEFA trophy.   Lookman spent the last three and a half years at Atalanta.   “The Percassi family, the Pagliuca family, and the entire Club bid farewell to Ademola, thanking him and wishing him every success in the future,” said the Serie A side.   Lookman had recently returned to Atalanta from Nigeria international duty for AFCON.   He scored three goals and provided two assists in 19 appearances with La Dea this season.   According to several sources, Atalanta have earned €35m plus potential €5m add-ons from Lookman’s transfer, while the striker will earn €7m per season at his new club.   Atalanta and Atletico Madrid practically swapped strikers in the January window as La Dea had previously signed Giacomo Raspadori from the Colchoneros.  

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Tochukwu Nnadi Joins Olympique Marseille

Fola Badmus03 mins

Olympique de Marseille has announced the arrival of Nigerian international Tochukwu Nnadi from SV Zulte Waregem.   At 22, Tochukwu Nnadi is establishing himself as one of Africa’s rising stars in midfield. Born on 30 June 2003 in Ihiagwa, Imo State, Nigeria, he began his local training at Campos FC before honing his skills at the Madenat Alamal Football Academy in Dubai, a move that opened the doors to European football.   In August 2021, after a successful trial, Tochukwu Nnadi signed his first professional contract with Botev Plovdiv in Bulgaria. He made his league debut on 3 April 2022 against champions Ludogorets and is gradually establishing himself as a reliable midfielder, combining creativity with defensive rigour.   His rise continued at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. A starter in every game, he played a key role for Nigeria in notable victories against Italy and Argentina, revealing his maturity at the highest level of junior football.   In January 2024, Tochukwu Nnadi took another step forward by joining SV Zulte Waregem in Belgium. His consistent performances in the more demanding Pro League attracted attention, making him one of his team’s most prominent midfielders.   On the international stage, his progress was rapid. After his performances for the U20s, he was selected for Nigeria’s senior team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he celebrated his first cap with the Super Eagles, symbolising his transition to the highest level in Africa.   Tochukwu Nnadi thus embodies a new face of Nigerian football: versatile, technically skilled and already capable of making an impact in competitive environments. His career is still in its early stages, but he is already showing signs of a promising future, both at club level and with the Super Eagles.

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Ugo Ugochukwu wins Formula Regional after split with his F1 team

Ugo Ugochukwu Wins Formula Regional After Split With His F1 team

Wale busari04 mins

Nigerian-born American driver Ugo Ugochukwu has won the Formula Regional Oceania Trophy, capping a season defined by consistency and composure under pressure. The 18-year-old sealed the championship with four victories from 15 races, finishing 15 points clear of Audi-backed rival Freddie Slater. His title push was built on a strong early statement, highlighted by back-to-back wins at Hampton Downs, which provided the foundation for his successful campaign. Ugochukwu reached the podium at every round of the season and finished outside the top 10 just twice, underlining his remarkable reliability across the championship. “Amazing feeling honestly to cross the line,” he said after the New Zealand Grand Prix. “The race felt way longer than usual. I’m just happy to get it done and get the championship. “It’s been a really good campaign, really good season. I can’t thank the whole team enough. They did a mega job all year and I’m happier for them than even for me.” He credited his early-season momentum for shaping the rest of the title run. “Hampton Downs was the perfect start. It gave me a nice advantage to build into the rest of the season. Today was just about getting the points we needed and bringing it home,” he added. The championship finale was not without drama. A suspension failure late in qualifying for the New Zealand Grand Prix forced Ugochukwu into the pits, and although his M2 Competition team repaired the car in time, a technical breach saw him relegated to 13th on the grid for the feature race. “It hasn’t been easy,” he admitted. “We got a little unlucky in Q1, which was a shame. I would have loved to fight for the New Zealand Grand Prix as well. But I had to focus on the bigger picture and get the championship, and that’s what we did.” The Oceania title marks his first major success since parting ways with McLaren following changes to its junior programme. With the trophy secured, Ugochukwu now turns his attention to the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he will begin his second season with Campos Racing. After finishing 16th overall last year with Prema, including two podium finishes, his 2026 F3 campaign will get underway at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, scheduled for March 6–8.

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Breaking: Nigerian Female Player Kidnapped!

Wale busari01 mins

A Nigerian female footballer, Ihotu John Rebecca, has reportedly been kidnapped along the Benin Expressway while returning home. Rebecca, who plays for Oyo state-based, Pacesetter Queens in the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership, was allegedly abducted by unknown gunmen, with her captors demanding a ransom of ₦20,000,000. Family sources say the incident occurred during her journey along the busy Benin corridor, an area that has witnessed security concerns in recent times. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official statement from security agencies confirming details of the abduction, but efforts are said to be underway. The family is appealing to relevant authorities and security agencies to act swiftly. They are also calling on football stakeholders, administrators, and well-meaning Nigerians to assist by escalating the matter to the appropriate law enforcement bodies.

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Coventry City Close to Frank Onyeka Move

Fola Badmus02 mins

Coventry City are closing in on the signing of Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka in the final days of transfer window. According to Sky Sports, Coventry are ‘close’ to finalising a deal to sign the Nigeria international following weeks of speculation. The report claimed the final decision regarding the move rests with Onyeka. And the report added the deal will likely be an initial loan with an obligation to buy if Coventry achieve promotion to the Premier League. Other clubs including Birmingham City, Sheffield United and Valencia have reportedly shown an interest in the midfielder. The 28-year-old helped Nigeria reach the semi-finals of this year’s AFCON where they lost to hosts Morocco on penalties. Onyeka has made just six appearances for the Bees in all competitions this season.   He spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga.   The central midfielder has made 75 appearances for Brentford in the Premier League across five seasons. He started his career in Denmark at Midtjylland where he scored 14 goals in 95 appearances.

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CAF African Schools Football Championship: CAF Officials to Inspect Ikenne, Sagamu Facilities

Fola Badmus02 mins

Officials from the Confederation of African Football will arrive in Nigeria on Monday to inspect facilities that Nigeria is putting up to host this year’s CAF African Schools Football Championship Final Phase.   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.   The competition is for both boys and girls. 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.   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), Joshua Knipp (ASFC Competition) and the Executive Director of WAFU B, Philippe Tchere will inspect proposed competition and ancillary venues in Ikenne-Remo and Sagamu on Tuesday, 3rd February and Wednesday, 4th February 2026.   Focus will be on the Remo Stars Stadium and training pitches in Ikenne-Remo, the FC Ebedei Stadium and training pitches in Sagamu, as well as hospitals and hotel facilities within these two towns.

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Poland 2026: Falconets Show Fighting Spirit in Win over FC Robo

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria’s U-20 Women National Team, the Falconets, continued their build-up to the first-leg encounter against Senegal with a 2–1 victory over Nigeria Women Premier League top team, FC Robo in a friendly match played in Ibadan.   As earlier reported, the Falconets arrived in Ibadan on Monday, 27 January 2026, to intensify preparations for the crucial fixture scheduled for Saturday, 7 February 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan. The friendly match against FC Robo formed part of the technical crew’s assessment programme aimed at testing the team’s performance, tactical execution, and match fitness ahead of the upcoming tie.   Reacting after the encounter, Head Coach Moses Aduku expressed satisfaction with the outcome while noting areas for improvement. “So far, so good. We won the game, but there are still little adjustments to be made in the team ahead of Saturday’s game against the Senegalese.   “However, there were positives, especially the fighting spirit. The way the girls responded to score the winning goal was very encouraging. It showed character, resilience, and the determination not to relent in our quest to qualify.”

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