Sports Archives | Page 16 of 63

CAF to conduct live draws for four competitions in Cairo

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) will today (Thursday), 13 February, 2025 conduct Live Draws for four of its upcoming competitions that will take place this year. The Live Draws will be held at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt and will be streamed on CAF’s Official YouTube channel, CAF TV from 13h00 Cairo Time (11h00 GMT). The Final Draw for the nine teams taking part in the inaugural CAF Women’s Futsal Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will be conducted first at 13h00. The draw for the CAF African Nations Championship, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 Second Stage Qualifiers will follow at 13h25 Cairo time (11h25 GMT). The Final Draw for the expanded 16-team CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025 will take place at 13h45 Cairo Time (11h45 GMT). That will be followed by the Final Draw for the 13-team TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2025 at 14h25 Cairo Time (12h25 GMT). LIVE DRAW SCHEDULE: 13h00 Cairo Time (11h00 GMT) | CAF Women’s Futsal AFCON, Morocco 2025 13h25 Cairo Time (11h25 GMT) CAF CHAN 2024 2nd Stage Qualifiers 13h45 Cairo Time (11h45 GMT) CAF U-17 AFCON, Morocco 2025 14h25 Cairo Time (12h25 GMT) | TotalEnergies CAF U-20 AFCON, Cote d’Ivoire 2025

Tyson Fury takes up ‘new job’ weeks after quitting boxing

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago06 mins

Tyson Fury appears to be enjoying the retirement life by training his wife Paris at a local gym in Lancashire. Last month, the 36-year-old announced his decision to walk away from the sport of boxing following back-to-back defeats to Oleksandr Usyk. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” he said to the camera. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing. It’s been a blast, I’ve loved every single minute of it. I’m going to end with this. Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side. Get up!” Fury was recently seen taking his family to Disneyland Paris. Tyson, his wife Paris, and their seven kids spent the day at the park, enjoying the rides and attractions. Paris shared photos from their trip on social media, showing the family having a great time. Tyson was seen pushing his youngest child in a stroller, smiling as they explored the park together. Paris captioned the wholesome post: “If you can dream it, you can do it” Walt Disney.” For now, it seems as if the ‘Gypsy King’ is happy with his decision and it looks as if he has taken up a new job, being Paris’ personal trainer. In a story uploaded to his official Instagram page, Fury, along with wife Paris, were working out at the Salt Ayre Leisure Centre in Lancaster, Lancashire. The pair were seemingly warming up on the treadmills before Fury asked his wife: “How’re you feeling, babe?,” to which she immediately replied: “Tired.” Fury continued: “Tired, on your warm up?! Training her right up I am. What a sort she’s going to be when I train her right up! How’re you feeling?” Paris jokingly replied back: “You’re as daft as a brush.” The ‘Gypsy King’ concluded: “Daft as a brush? Please, that’s a compliment, daft as a brush. Of course I am!” It’s fair to say that the British heavyweight star was looking rather lean in the video amid talks of a potential showdown with rival Anthony Joshua despite being fulled retired. Derek Chisora, a former foe of the ‘Gypsy King’ believes the 36-year-old will make yet another return to the ring to take on ‘AJ.’ His comments came after ‘Del Boy’ sensationally toppled Otto Wallin in his penultimate fight on Saturday night. Fury’s long-time promoter Frank Warren recently revealed that the former heavyweight star is set to make some ‘serious announcements’ soon. Speaking on the Seconds Out YouTube channel, he said: “Didn’t even discuss it with him,” the 72-year-old said of the Brit returning to the ring. He later added: “He’s enjoying himself. He’s had a hard, hard year last year. Tough fights, three training camps… tough times. Missed his family, missed his kids.” Warren revealed he wouldn’t encourage Fury to fight again before adding that the former world champion is set to reveal a big announcement. “I wouldn’t encourage him to fight again,” he continued. “But if he does fight again, who knows, he may do it again. If he does that’s up to him. What I know he’s going to be doing is making some serious announcements about things he is doing outside of the ring that are exciting. I’m not going to say what they are, but they are bloody exciting. Everybody’s going to love it.”

Grammy Award winner, Tems joins MLS Club as partner

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

San Diego FC (SDFC) has announced that two-time Grammy award winner, Oscar nominated, songwriter, and producer, Tems as the latest addition to the Club’s ownership group. Known for her effortless, one-of-a-kind, warm, vibrational sound, Tems brings her creative spirit and passion for community to the world of soccer as SDFC’s Club Partner. “We are delighted that Tems has joined San Diego FC as a Club Partner,” said SDFC Chairman, Sir Mohamed Mansour. “Tems is a globally significant artist who will help us to reach new audiences and spread the word about our unique project, which of course has its foundations in sub-Saharan Africa through the unique Right to Dream organization. “Tems is an extraordinary artist and cultural force worldwide,” said SDFC CEO Tom Penn. “We are honored to have her join our Club and bring her visionary perspective to San Diego FC. Her passion for empowering the next generation aligns perfectly with our mission, and her commitment to creating opportunities for young talent domestically and globally reflects the core values of Right to Dream. We also look forward to creating meaningful connections between the music world and San Diego FC, uniting communities through the shared power of culture and sport.” Tems has captivated audiences worldwide with her music, earning accolades such as a GRAMMY Award for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” from her acclaimed debut album Born In The Wild, as well as a GRAMMY award for her work on Future’s chart-topping, triple platinum single “Wait for U,” and Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations for her work on “Lift Me Up,” the lead single off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her artistry and authenticity have made her an icon of empowerment and cultural connection – values that align seamlessly with San Diego FC’s vision to unite communities through the global game. “I am thrilled to join San Diego FC’s ownership group and to be part of a Club that celebrates creativity, culture, and the power of community,” said SDFC Club Partner Tems. “Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and I am excited to help build something special in San Diego, a city that thrives on diversity and innovation.” The Lagos, Nigeria native joins a distinguished group of Club Partners who share a commitment to excellence and community engagement, including trailblazing actress Issa Rae, World Cup-winning footballer Juan Mata, retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, and founding partner and San Diego Padres’ perennial MLB All-Star Manny Machado. Tems is joining San Diego FC is in partnership with Pave Investments, an African private investment firm that was recently involved in leading an investment group to invest in NBA Africa’s entity in 2021.Tems joins a group of influential global figures whose personal journeys and achievements deeply align with the values and vision of both Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC. As part of this commitment, Tunde Folawiyo, Chairman of Pave Investments, and Kwamena Afful, Founding Director of Pave Investments, will also join the San Diego FC ownership group. Together, this diverse group brings their individual global platforms, influence, and personal commitment to amplify the mission of Right to Dream Academy and San Diego FC – to inspire and empower communities meaningfully on and off the pitch.

Osogbo Stadium to host Super Eagles, others -Gov Adeleke

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has assured that the Osogbo Township Stadium will be remodelled and upgraded to host Super Eagles and other international football matches in no distant future. The state’s helmsman gave this assurance after flagging off the remodelling plans for the sporting edifice alongised his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi and the Speaker of the Osun State Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun on Tuesday in Osogbo. “I officially flagged off the remodeling and upgrading of the Osogbo Stadium to a world class status. This marks the commencement of our administration’s comprehensive Sports Agenda in Osun State. “In my address, I disclosed that our government has a big vision for Osun State, with plans to provide the best sporting facilities in the country, while assuring that by the time we finish the remodeling, the stadium will be a beautiful edifice to behold. “I affirmed that our plan is to build a stadium with capacity to host various sporting events, such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and more importantly, to host some of our national teams, including the Super Eagles in their various continental and International matches. “I highlighted the different stages of the remodeling, including three (3) major football pitches of international standard; pitches for other games, such as volleyball, swimming, handball, hockey, basketball and a host of others. “The remodeling will also include a befitting indoor sports hall, hostels for the athletes and a state-of-the-art 4-star hotel. This project has been designed with revenue generation mindset to ensure sustainability with short and long term viability. We envisaged a self-sustaining and holistic sporting infrastructure. “I reiterated that the two (2) state owned teams namely; Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs would continue to receive greater attention and support from our government,” Governor Adeleke assured on his official X handle.

Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles return to camp for Egypt friendlies

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has called to camp 30 players as Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles, prepare for a two-match tour of Egypt later this month. Team Administrator, Aliyu Lawal Ibrahim informed thenff.com that the seven-time African champions will clash with their Egyptian counterparts in Cairo, capital of Egypt in friendly matches that have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February. This year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations will be staged in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May, with the four top-placed finishers qualifying to represent the continent at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. The Flying Eagles, champions of Africa in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015, won the WAFU-B U20 Championship held in Lome, Togo in October last year to be eligible for the finals in Cote d’Ivoire. They defeated Ghana’s Black Satellites 3-1 in the final match. The two-time FIFA World Cup runners-up, in 1989 and 2005, came within breathing distance of the semi-finals at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Argentina, before losing narrowly to Korea Republic after extra time. FLYING EAGLES FOR CAMPING IN ABUJA FOR EGYPT FRIENDLIES: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Light Emerenonye (Diamond Academy); Abubakar Rufai (Mavlon FC) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Kenneth Igbokwe (Enugu Rangers); Haruna Aliyu (Wikki Tourists); Musa Ademu (Wireless FC); Shamsudeen Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Ibrahim Abdullahi; Shamsudeen Ishaq (Grassrunner FC); Steven Jolomi (Mavlon FC) Midfielders: Raphael Oyebanji (Shuffle Select FC); Mohammed Ibrahim (Niger Tornadoes); Kizito Opara (Campus Academy); Alabi Sulaiman Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sulaiman Abubakar (Diamond Academy); Shafiu Adamu (Wikki Tourists); Cletus Simon (Mavlon FC) Forwards: Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire Academy); Clinton Japhet (Enyimba FC); Matthew Chukwusa (Morack Academy); Nasiru Salihu (El-Kanemi Warriors); Divine Olisha (Fostar Academy); Jerry Salami (Aspire Academy); Oluwaseyi Akinfenwa (Real Sapphire Academy); Shola Adelami (Ikorodu City); Abdulrahaman Ishaq (Sport Supply Academy); Ezekiel Anthony (Aspire Academy); Sodiq Olalekan Adewunmi (Jaguar Sports FC)

Tiger Woods announces mother’s death

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Tiger Woods has paid an emotional tribute to his late mother, Kultida Woods. The 49-year-old golf legend has revealed mother Kultida Woods passed away on Tuesday, and hailed her “a force of nature all her own”. He wrote in a statement shared on X and Instagram: “It is with heartfelt sadness that I want to share that my dear mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning. “My Mom was a force of nature all her own, her spirit was simply undeniable. She was quick with the needle and a laugh.” A cause of death has not been revealed. Woods insisted his own “personal achievements” were only atainable with Kultida’s support, while he thanked everyone for their “prayers and privacy”. He added: “She was my biggest fan, greatest supporter, without her none of my personal achievements would have been possible. “She was loved by so many, but especially by her two grandchildren, Sam and Charlie. “Thank you all for your support, prayers and privacy at this difficult time for me and my family. “Love you Mom.” She was seen in the crowd just last week when Woods played against Rory McIlroy in the TGL. Kultida reportedly met Earl Woods while he was in Thailand with the US Army in the late 1960s, and they were married until his death in 2006. In June last year, Woods was given the prestigious Bob Jones award, and used his acceptance speech to pay an emotional tribute to his mother. He said at the time: “My mom doesn’t get enough credit. “Everyone thought that it was my dad when I went on the road, which it was, but Mom was at home. If you don’t know, Mom has been there my entire life. “This award, I accept it in humbleness and just unbelievable regard for the past recipients, but I also accept it for my mommy, too. “She allowed me to get here. She allowed me to do these things, chase my dreams, and the support and love – I didn’t do this alone. I had the greatest rock that any child could possibly have: my mom. Thank you, Mommy.”

Dikko, Gusau inspect proposed NFF hotel, training pitch site in Abuja

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, on Wednesday conducted the Chairman of National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko round the proposed site for the NFF Hotel and new training pitch, which is adjacent the NFF Headquarters inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. This ambitious project is designed to establish a state-of-the-art accommodation facility intended specifically for the national football teams. The vision behind the proposed hotel, which has been a project close to the heart of the Ibrahim Gusau administration since it took office 28 months ago, is to free the NFF of the humongous expenses incurred regularly in accommodating the different National Teams. In drastically reducing expenses on accommodation, the football-governing body intends to redirect such funds towards more critical areas, such as nurturing local football talent and bolstering the overall infrastructure of Nigeria football. During the site inspection, Mallam Dikko and NFF President Gusau evaluated multiple aspects of the location under consideration. Key factors included the ease of accessibility for both players and support staff, the level of security provided by the surrounding area, and the proximity of the site to essential training facilities. Their discussions extended beyond site assessment, as they also strategized about the project’s overall timeline, budget considerations, and the potential for partnerships with private investors or corporate entities that might be interested in supporting the laudable initiative. They were in company with top NFF officials including the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi and Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, as well as principal aides of the NSC supremo, including Barr. Musa Amadu (former NFF General Secretary) and Mallam Salihu Abubakar. The NFF National Teams Hotel project is in alignment with the overarching mission of the NSC, which is to promote and enhance the development of sports across Nigeria. As the principal authority entrusted with regulating sports in the nation, the NSC is dedicated to endorsing programs and initiatives that bolster Nigeria’s sporting framework.

Rio Ferdinand urges Man United to pursue Osimhen deal

Our Reporters2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged the club to consider a loan move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Frustrated by United’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, which saw them field Kobbie Mainoo as a makeshift striker, Ferdinand believes the club needs a proven goalscorer. “I 100 per cent agree with you. I completely agree. A natural number nine. Victor Osimhen, I would have gone with Osimhen on loan. Get him on loan now!” Ferdinand said on his YouTube show. Ferdinand believes Osimhen, who has scored 17 goals in 21 appearances for Galatasaray this season, would provide a much-needed goalscoring threat. “He guarantees you someone who can get on the end of things, scores goals, experienced, done it at the top level,” he added. Ferdinand expressed disappointment with the impact of Rasmus Hojlund, stating, “I’ve watched Hojlund closely the last two games… it just doesn’t add up. I’d be going to get Osimhen now if we can do it from a financial standpoint. Get him on loan now!” Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, meaning any potential move would require negotiations with both clubs. Galatasaray do not want to let Osimhen leave and want to sign him on a permanent deal. The final call would come down to Napoli who hold all the cards in transfer negotiations fr the Nigeria international. Despite the challenges, Ferdinand believes a loan move for Osimhen could be a game-changer for United, who are currently struggling to maintain their position in the Premier League.