Sports Archives | Page 14 of 111

PSG Defender Achraf Hakimi Faces Preliminary Rape Charges in France

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

By Kamal Yalwa: August 1, 2025 Paris Saint-Germain and Morocco international defender Achraf Hakimi has been handed preliminary charges of rape by French authorities, following allegations made by a 23-year-old woman. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that an investigation was opened after the woman approached police with her accusation. Although she declined to formally press charges, the seriousness of her account prompted prosecutors to launch an inquiry. Hakimi, 24, was questioned by investigators on Thursday before being indicted by an examining magistrate and placed under judicial supervision, a status that allows for continued investigation under French law. He is currently barred from contact with the alleged victim but is not restricted from leaving France, according to prosecutors. Under France’s legal system, preliminary charges indicate sufficient grounds to suspect a crime may have occurred, but further evidence is required before any trial can proceed. Hakimi has denied all allegations, and his lawyer, Fanny Colin, released a statement suggesting that the player is the victim of an attempted “racketeering” scheme. “The alleged victim refused to press charges, refused medical or psychological examination, and refused to confront Mr. Hakimi directly. The accusations are solely based on her account,” Colin said. “Being charged gives Mr. Hakimi the opportunity to access the full case file and defend himself fully,” she added. Paris Saint-Germain and the player have yet to issue official public statements, though sources told ESPN that Hakimi will be available for PSG’s Ligue 1 clash against Nantes on Saturday, despite recovering from a recent leg injury. The development comes just days before PSG’s crucial Champions League round-of-16 second leg against Bayern Munich and shortly after Hakimi was named in the 2022 FIFPRO World XI during the FIFA Best awards held in Paris. Hakimi joined PSG in 2021, playing a key role in the club’s Ligue 1 title win and Morocco’s historic run to the World Cup semifinals in Qatar.

Osimhen Completes Galatasaray Move

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on Thursday completed his permanent move to Turkish champions Galatasaray in a 75 million euro ($87.5 million) four-year deal. A key figure in Napoli’s 2023 title triumph, Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, scoring 26 goals in 30 league games as the Istanbul club claimed their 25th Super Lig crown. He was absent as Napoli, the freshly crowned Serie A champions, resumed training at the start of the week as the finer details of the deal were concluded. Napoli coach Antonio Conte seemingly did not have the 26-year-old in his plans for his side’s Scudetto defence next term. Negotiations with Galatasaray had been ongoing for several weeks but up to Thursday had stalled over the terms of payment for the transfer. Napoli recently recruited Kevin De Bruyne from Premier League club Manchester City. Osimhen becomes Galatasaray’s most expensive ever player.

8th African Nations Championship: Eagles B Seek Win against Zanzibar in Second Friendly Match

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s home-based senior men’s team will seek victory over hosts Zanzibar on Thursday in the second of a two-match programme arranged to put the Super Eagles B in competition mood ahead of the 8th African Nations Championship kicking off on Saturday. The 2018 silver medallists were held to a scoreless draw in the two teams’ first game played at the Mau Stadium – located in the centre of Zanzibar – on Monday. Nigeria, also bronze medal winners in 2014, dominated Monday’s game all-round, with superior ball possession and attempts on goal. They created a plethora of chances but the Zanzibar rearguard worked overtime to keep the scoreline barren. Adedayo Olamilekan, Hadi Haruna, Sikiru Alimi and Harrison Tochukwu were impressive in a game in which goalkeeper Ozoemena Ani, captain Nduka Junior, Leonard Ngenge, Abdulrafiu Taiwo, Sodiq Ismaila, Ijoma Anthony, Harrison Ozondu, Akanni Qudus, Taofeek Otaniyi, Godwin Obaje, Jabbar Malik and Shola Adelani also featured. Thursday’s encounter, also scheduled for the Mau Stadium, comes five days before Nigeria’s first match of the competition – a clash with Cup holders Senegal – at Zanzibar’s 15,000 -capacity Amaan Stadium. The Eagles will then confront Sudan in their second match of the group phase (also at the Amaan Stadium) on Tuesday, 12th August before concluding their group D campaign against Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday, 19th August. The four-week, 19-nation finals have encamped five teams in groups A, B and C, with only Nigeria’s group D having only four teams. Other venues for the competition are the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani and the Nyayo National Stadium (both in Nairobi, Kenya), and the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.

WAFCON 2025: Morocco Petitions CAF Over Officiating After Nigeria’s Comeback Win

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Tension continues to rise following Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has officially lodged a protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over alleged officiating errors that they claim influenced the outcome. The FRMF’s petition centers on a pivotal moment in the 82nd minute when Nigerian defender Tosin Demehin was flagged for a handball in the penalty box. The referee initially awarded a penalty to Morocco, but after a VAR review, the decision was overturned — a move that Moroccan officials and fans have strongly condemned. “It was a small detail that cost us the game,” lamented Morocco’s head coach Jorge Vilda, who previously led Spain to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup title. While acknowledging that his players were physically drained in the second half, Vilda insisted that the reversal of the penalty was a major turning point. Morocco had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half, stunning fans at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat. But the Super Falcons launched a spirited second-half comeback with goals from Esther Okoronkwo, Folashade Ijamilusi, and Jennifer Echegini, who came off the bench to score the winner. Nigeria’s head coach Justine Madugu praised his players’ determination and credited tactical changes at halftime for the turnaround. “The substitutions made all the difference,” Madugu said. “But full credit to Morocco — they played an excellent first half.” The defeat marks a bitter moment for Morocco, making them the first host nation to lose back-to-back WAFCON finals. The FRMF insists CAF must review the officiating and has called for stronger accountability to preserve the tournament’s integrity. In the third-place match, Ghana’s Black Queens edged past South Africa’s Banyana Banyana in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time, claiming the bronze medal in a fiercely contested fixture.

Estate Developer Gifts Nnadozie, Lookman Plots of Land in Abuja

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

A well-known estate developing company, Jedo Investment Company Ltd has donated plots of land worth 400 square metres each, within the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja to Super Falcons’ goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and reigning Africa Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman. The land is situated inside the Jedo Mega Estate in Ushafa, Abuja. In a letter signed by its General Manager (Human and Business Relations), Anthony Onwuma, Jedo Investment said it was “particularly inspired” by Nnadozie’s performance as Super Falcons’ goalkeeper at the recently-concluded 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. “Your efforts not only helped secure the championship but also served as a shining example of dedication and excellence for millions of Nigerians and football lovers around the world.” With regards to Lookman, the reigning Africa Player of the Year, the company noted: “Your outstanding performance, resilience, and excellence on the pitch have not only brought immense pride to Nigeria but have also cemented your position as one of the finest in the world today. Your achievement is a testament to hard work, discipline, and an unyielding commitment to excellence values that resonate deeply with our brand.” Nnadozie, who is also the reigning Africa Goalkeeper of the Year (retaining the title she won in 2023), was selected as the Best Goalkeeper of the 13th Women AFCON, and has had a fabulous past three years at club level in Europe. Both star players have been offered the position of Brand Ambassador for Jedo Investment company.

Breaking: Tinubu Splashes $100,000 Each, 3-bed Flats on Super Falcons

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Members of the victorious Super Falcons have been rewarded with the sum of $100,000 ,00 each, 3-bed room flats and National award for emerging winners of the just concluded Women Africa Nations Cup in Morocco. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made this announcement at the reception held at the banquet hall at the Presidential Villa on Monday. According to the President, each of the players and technical crew will pocket an naira equivalent of $100,000,00 and $50,000,00 respectively. In addition, the President awarded the players with Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), just as they were gifted 3-bed room apartment each the Renewed Hope Agenda Estate at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. In similar vein, the Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who doubles as the Chairman of the Progressive Governor Forum showered the team with the sum of N10million each.

Super Falcons Set for Trophy Parade in Abuja on Monday

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja and environs will have a rare view of the Women Africa Cup of Nations trophy – the most coveted diadem in African women football – when the Super Falcons arrive in Nigeria on Monday. The victorious contingent is scheduled to touch down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by noon on Monday and the Nigeria Football Federation is making arrangements to have the team move to the Presidential Villa in an open-roof bus along populated districts, with the iconic trophy in view for onlookers. “We are making arrangements to have a trophy parade with the players and their coaches in an open-roof bus, and plying through Airport Road, Berger junction, Maitama and Wuse Market areas all the way to the Presidential Villa. This will afford a good number of people in those areas to have a rare sight of the Women AFCON trophy,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said on Sunday. The Super Falcons accomplished a record-extending 10th Women AFCON title triumph on Saturday night, with a come-from-behind 3-2 defeat of hosts Morocco at Rabat’s Stade Olympique. His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) is scheduled to host the team at the Presidential Villa on Monday afternoon.

World Cup Qualifier: South Africa to Host Nigeria in Bloemfontein on Sept 9

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will play host to three-time African champions Nigeria in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 9th September 2025. According to information from Gordon Savic, FIFA’s Head of Qualifiers and International Matches, the highly-anticipated game will commence at 4pm GMT (which is 5pm Nigeria time and 6pm in South Africa). Formerly known as the Vodacom Park and later as Free State Stadium, the Toyota Stadium in South Africa’s judicial capital, was opened in 1995 and has capacity for 46,000 spectators. The potentially-explosive Matchday 8 encounter is expected to have enormous implications for which team will eventually win the only ticket from Africa’s qualifying group C to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and comes three days after the Super Eagles would have hosted Rwanda’s Amavubi on Saturday, 6th September.