D’Tigress Thrash Colombia 70–37 In World Cup Qualifier

Victoria Macaulay was named TCL Player of the Game after a dominant showing helped Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, cruise past Colombia 70–37 in their opening match of the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifiers on Wednesday at Astroballe Arena in Lyon, France. Coming off the bench, Macaulay scored 13 points in just 14 minutes, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and converting all three free throws. She also contributed across the board with six rebounds, one assist, one steal, and two blocks, showcasing a complete performance in Nigeria’s 33-point triumph. D’Tigress imposed their defensive will, particularly in the second half, limiting Colombia to only eight points. Nigeria controlled the first quarter with an 18–12 lead, while Colombia edged the second quarter 17–16. However, the third quarter saw D’Tigress dominate 19–5, followed by a 17–3 run in the fourth to seal the decisive victory. Nicole Enabosi added a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Ifunanya Okoro chipped in 10 points as Nigeria maintained their superior form. Although the team is competing in the qualifiers, Nigeria had already secured a spot at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany after winning the 2025 AfroBasket championship. D’Tigress will continue their campaign in Lyon with matches against South Korea, France, and Germany, aiming to improve their FIBA world ranking ahead of the main tournament.

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Iran Will Not Participate in FIFA World Cup Following Killing of Supreme Leader, Says Sports Minister

Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali has declared that the country will not participate in the FIFA World Cup after the United States killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. “Considering that this corrupt regime [the US] has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali said in a statement to state television on Wednesday. All of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled in US cities, including Los Angeles and Seattle, as the World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Donyamali emphasized that the current situation makes it impossible for the national team to compete safely. “Our children are not safe, and fundamentally, the conditions required for participation do not exist,” he said. “The US and Israel have carried out actions that forced two wars over the past eight or nine months, killing and martyred thousands of our people. We certainly cannot have a presence under these circumstances.” The announcement is the first formal statement from Iran’s government regarding its World Cup plans since the US and Israel began attacks on February 28, which have so far killed 1,255 people and injured more than 12,000. Tehran has responded with multiple waves of missiles and drone strikes targeting Israel, US military bases in the region, and other infrastructure. Last week, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, had expressed uncertainty over the team’s participation but did not confirm a boycott. “After this attack, we cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope,” Taj said. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stated that Iran would be welcome to participate, noting that US President Donald Trump had assured the team’s eligibility to compete despite ongoing hostilities. Iran, the first nation to qualify for the tournament, is now officially stepping back from participation as the conflict escalates, leaving its World Cup future in doubt.

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Flying Eagles Midfielder Daniel Daga Sentenced To Six Months In Norwegian Prison Over Sexual Offence

Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent. The 19-year-old, who plays for Norwegian club Molde FK, was convicted on Tuesday and ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner in legal costs, according to TV 2 Norway. The case arose from an incident reported to Norwegian authorities in late April 2025. Daga was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which criminalizes sexual activity without consent. During the trial, prosecutors requested a six-month prison term, which the court upheld. Public reports have offered limited details about the incident. Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player is disappointed with the verdict and maintains that the encounter was consensual. She added that the ruling is not yet final and that Daga intends to appeal. “He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2. “The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised,” she added, noting that Daga has continued training normally in recent weeks. Molde FK described the situation as “difficult” and confirmed that Daga will not be included in the club’s matchday squad until further notice. “This is a very demanding matter for all involved. As an employer, Molde FK has a responsibility to look after our employees while respecting the seriousness of the case,” club chairman Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen said. “Based on the ongoing legal proceedings, the club has decided that the player will not be part of the match squad until further notice. Out of consideration for the legal process and all parties, Molde FK will not comment further at this time,” he added. Daga joined Molde ahead of the 2025 season, making 15 appearances and scoring three goals. Internationally, he has represented Nigeria’s U-20 team and was the youngest member of the squad at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

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SWAN Mourns First Indigenous Super Eagles Coach Onigbinde

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has mourned the demise of legendary Coach, Festus Adegboye Onigbinde. Aged 88, Coach Onigbinde passed on Monday evening. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through a statement by the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Tuesday described the first indigenous Coach of Super Eagles as a colossus of Nigerian football. While recalling the enormous contributions of Coach Onigbinde in the development of football both in Nigeria, Africa and beyond, said his legacies will continuously shape thoughts and action. “On behalf of the entire Sporting Media in Nigeria, I commiserate with the family of Coach Onigbinde, Super Eagles, Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Sports fraternity over the exit of a great football tactician. “Coach Onigbinde is one man that impacted so much in ensuring that the then Green Eagles made desired impact. “He was truly among those who contributed in shaping and uplifting Nigerian football. Aside the Super Eagles, his coaching prowess was felt in the country’s apex League as well as Africa,” he said. Pa Onigbinde died few days after turning 88 on March 5, 2026. He will remembered as the first Nigerian to Coach Super Eagles and took them to the 2002 World Cup. He coached Nigeria between 1982-84 winning Silver in 1984 after losing 1-3 to Cameroon in the final in 1984. He later held several managerial and administrative positions, including serving as special adviser to Osun state government on football.

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Kyle Walker Retires From International Football After England World Cup Snub

Kyle Walker has confirmed he is stepping away from international football after being left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup. The 35-year-old defender made 96 appearances for England since his debut in November 2011. During that time he represented the national team under four different managers — Fabio Capello, Roy Hodgson, Gareth Southgate and Tuchel — and currently sits 10th on the country’s all-time men’s senior appearance list. Walker’s last outing for England came in March 2025 during a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Albania. He lost his starting spot to Reece James in the next game against Latvia and has not returned to the squad since. “Playing for England has always been the greatest honour of my career. Every time I pulled on the shirt it meant a huge amount to me and my family. “After a lot of thought, this feels like the right moment to step away and allow the next generation of players to come through. “I leave incredibly proud of the journey and grateful to every manager, teammate and supporter who has been part of it. “Representing your country is the biggest thing you can do in football and those memories with England will stay with me forever.” England manager Thomas Tuchel also paid tribute to the veteran full-back. “I know all England fans will join me in congratulating Kyle on an incredible international career. “Although I only worked with him for a short period of time, I was always aware that he was one of England’s greats who fully embraced the highest honour of representing his country. “An international career spanning 14 years and five major tournaments is testament to Kyle’s dedication. He can look back on his time with the Three Lions with great pride.” Walker’s wife, Annie Kilner, also reflected on his journey with the national team. The couple recently revealed they are expecting their fourth child. “Kyle has always taken so much pride in playing for England and it has meant the world to him. “As a family we have shared so many special moments watching him represent his country, and our four boys have grown up seeing how much the England shirt means to their dad. “International football asks a lot of players and their families, but we could not be prouder of everything he has achieved and the career he has had with England.” Walker enjoyed some of his finest moments with England during the period the team reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, which came during a trophy-filled seven-and-a-half-year spell at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.

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Yamal’s Late Penalty Secures 1-1 Draw For Barcelona Against Newcastle

Newcastle United suffered a painful late setback as Barcelona struck at the death to prevent the Premier League side from taking a narrow advantage into the second leg at the Nou Camp. The opening half produced a couple of promising opportunities for William Osula, but the striker failed to convert either chance when it mattered most. Anthony Elanga also tested his luck twice, though both efforts were comfortably gathered by Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while the Spanish side slightly dominated possession with 56 percent. Despite creating several openings as the game progressed, Newcastle struggled to show composure in the final third whenever they broke forward, allowing chances to slip away. The contest moved beyond the hour mark with the score still level and Garcia largely untroubled. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe responded in the 67th minute by making significant changes, withdrawing Anthony Elanga, William Osula and Kieran Trippier. After persistent pressure late in the game, Newcastle finally found the breakthrough when Jacob Murphy delivered a well-weighted pass into the area and Harvey Barnes finished clinically to send the home crowd into celebration. However, the hosts’ joy was short-lived. In the final moments, Dani Olmo was brought down inside the box by Malick Thiaw, and Lamine Yamal calmly slotted the resulting penalty into the bottom corner to secure a draw for Barcelona.

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Anthony Joshua Relocates To Dubai From UK Following Tragic Accident

Anthony Joshua has officially moved his residency from the United Kingdom to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. The 36-year-old former heavyweight champion made the change public through official filings for his business interests, which are estimated to be worth around £150 million, declaring the UAE as his new country of residence. Joshua, born in Watford to Nigerian parents, rose to fame after winning Olympic gold for Great Britain at the 2012 London Games and went on to become a two-time unified heavyweight world champion. The move comes after a devastating car crash on December 29, 2025, on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. Joshua survived the crash, but personal trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele and strength coach Sina Ghami lost their lives. Dubai remains a favored destination for wealthy athletes and celebrities, in part because it imposes no personal income tax. This provides a major financial incentive for high-earning sports figures like Joshua, whose companies—including Sparta Promotions—have reported strong profits in recent years. By relocating, Joshua will no longer face UK taxes on the substantial dividends generated by his business ventures.

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Galatasaray Hold Liverpool 1-0 Advantage After First Leg In Champions League Round Of 16

Liverpool fell 1-0 at Galatasaray in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday in Istanbul. Mario Lemina’s early header in the seventh minute proved decisive, giving the hosts the narrow lead. The Reds now face the challenge of overturning the deficit when the tie returns to Anfield next Wednesday. Liverpool dominated the opening stages and could have taken the lead themselves. Their best early chance came when Wirtz fired wide from an open goal after Lemina lost possession, but the visitors were punished shortly after. Galatasaray capitalized on a corner as Victor Osimhen flicked a header back across goal, allowing Lemina to convert from close range. Galatasaray nearly doubled their lead five minutes later, but Osimhen headed wide from Noa Lang’s cross. Liverpool responded with chances of their own, with Wirtz forcing a save from Ugurcan Cakir and Ibrahima Konate narrowly missing with a long-range effort. Goalkeeper Mamardashvili kept the score at 1-0 before halftime, denying Lang and Davinson Sanchez. The second half saw Liverpool push for an equalizer. Dominik Szoboszlai’s powerful effort was saved, and Alexis Mac Allister dragged another opportunity wide. Galatasaray appeared to score in the 62nd minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Later, Ekitike was denied by Cakir after breaking through on goal. Liverpool thought they had equalized in the 71st minute when a chaotic corner appeared to result in an own goal by Wilfried Singo, but VAR ruled it out for handball. In the closing stages, Galatasaray survived further pressure, with Cakir making key saves, Ekitike heading over, and Cody Gakpo missing a late chance. The tie heads to Merseyside with Galatasaray holding a slim advantage.

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