Sports Archives | Page 24 of 111

CAF to Launch New Trophy for Women AFCON

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Ahead of this weekend’s kick-off of the highly-anticipated CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024 on Saturday, the Confederation African of Football (CAF) will launch a new trophy for the Competition as part of the effort to elevate Women’s Football in Africa. The new CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Trophy will be launched on Wednesday, 02 July 2025 in Morocco, the host nation for this year’s event. The new trophy is part of CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe’s vision to grow and develop Women’s Football in Africa. CAF will launch the trophy on its digital pages in the afternoon followed by an activation event with sponsors, TotalEnergies on the same day in the evening. The CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morrocco 2024 will kick-off on Saturday, 05 July 2025 at Olympic Stadium in Rabat when hosts, Morocco play Zambia at 21h00 local time (20h00 GMT/ 23h00 Cairo/ 22h00 Lusaka). Details of the new trophy and its designed will be unveiled on the day.

Kwara United Wins President Federation Cup

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Kwara United FC has emerged as the champions of the 2025 President Federation Cup clinching a historic victory that ends their long wait for the prestigious Nigerian domestic trophy. The Ilorin-based club defeated El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 in a tightly contested final match at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos. The lone goal came in the second half, securing Kwara United’s first-ever Federation Cup title and guaranteeing them a spot in the 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup

Kwara United, Rivers Angels Win 2025 President Federation Cup

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Cup holders Rivers Angels made it 10th title accomplished as they edged Nasarawa Amazons on penalties, while Kwara United won their first-ever national trophy at the grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup in Lagos on Saturday. The women’s final showcased a compelling match-up between the reigning champions, Rivers Angels and arch-rivals Nasarawa Amazons. Amazons began aggressively and notched the first goal in the 8th minute through former junior international Shola Shobowale. The Jewels of Rivers responded by increasing their offensive efforts so as to restore parity. However, in the 20th minute, Shobowale netted her second goal of the match, extending the Amazons’ lead to 2-0 at half time. Despite the apparent control maintained by the Amazons in the second period, Rivers Angels mounted a significant comeback effort. In the 57th minute, former Nigeria U17 team captain Taiwo Ajibade, scored to reduce the deficit. Shortly after, the Jewels found parity through a well-taken goal. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Angles prevailed 4-2 to successfully defend their crown and collect the trophy for the 10th time. Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, who won the best goalkeeper award, converted her team’s final kick for victory. In the men’s final, Kwara United stood firm against ‘giant-killers’ Abakaliki FC from Ebonyi State and eventually prevailed 4-3 after penalty shootout following a scoreless situation after regulation time. The Afonja Warriors came close to scoring in the 31st minute, advancing from midfield and executing strong play that brought them close to the Rice Boys’ goal. However, their attempt struck the woodwork, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 as both teams looked for the breakthrough. In the second half, Kwara United pushed hard to break the deadlock, with Wasiu Alalade nodding a goal in the 57th minute, which was ruled offside by Referee Joseph Ogabor. In the penalty shootout, Kwara United were triumphant in a 4-3 win. AWARDS WOMEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Rivers Angels (N25million) Runner-Up: Nasarawa Amazons (N10million) MVP: Shola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons FC) Top Scorer: Abasi Ofon Uwa (Ibom Angels FC) Best Goalkeeper: Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels FC) MEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Kwara United FC (N50million) Runner-Up: Abakaliki FC (N20million) MVP: Victor Okoye (Kwara United FC) Top Scorer: Mercelle Akinocho (Beyond Limits FC) Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Aiyeleso (Kwara United FC)

Basketball Africa League Season Five Was ‘Bitterwsweet’ Says Odaudu

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Just over two weeks after their quarter-final exit at the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Season five, Head Coach of Nigerian champions Rivers Hoopers, Ogoh Odaudu has shed some light about what went wrong during the team’s outing in Pretoria, South Africa. Having recorded a 4-2 win-loss ratio from the Kalahari Conference phase, the six-time Nigerian Basketball League champions entered the BAL Season five Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa, as the fourth ranked team and full of optimism to better their achievements from previous appearances. However, consecutive losses to Tunisian outfit US Monastir in a seeding game (89-81), and Rwanda’s APR in the quarter-finals (104-73) meant the KingsMen exited the tournament earlier than expected. Speaking for the first time since their BAL Season five journey, Odaudu reflected on the team’s experience through the tournament, describing it as “bittersweet”. “BAL Season five was both good and bad. It was fantastic when we went to Morocco, we did everything right; Won the games we were supposed to and came second in the conference. However, in Pretoria, things fell apart. Some players fell sick, the chemistry we thought we had, we just didn’t show up. So it was kind of bittersweet at the same time. But in all, we give God all the glory.” he said. For the first time since its inaugural edition, the BAL Playoffs moved from Kigali’s BK Arena to the SunBet Arena in Pretoria. Having played at both venues, the seasoned basketball tactician commended the facility and atmosphere at the Season five Playoffs. “It doesn’t matter where you play the playoffs, whether it’s in Pretoria or in Kigali, it’s the same thing. It’s still basketball. The crowd in Pretoria was really energetic. I think they were both similar as regards their support for basketball, so it was good. And then the facilities were also top-notch,” he added. Rivers Hoopers made history by becoming the first (and only) Nigerian team to score a podium finish at Africa’s club basketball showpiece, when they finished third during BAL Season four, but fell short of matching that feat a year later. While dismissing any notion that the team was perhaps not up for the challenge in Pretoria, Odaudu shed some light on what went wrong for the KingsMen. “What went wrong? It was just one of those days. We just didn’t have a good final and I don’t think it’s anything unusual. There are teams who are bigger, who have been older and who have been there more times than us, who were sent packing the next day too.” he stated. He further explained that key members of the team had caught a bug just before the team’s quarter-final meeting with Rwanda’s APR, which limited their overall performance. “The actual fact was that most of the team fell sick in Pretoria. We were just barely managing with what we had. We were all ready for the BAL. We all arrived on time, we all practiced hard, but then the virus or something that started within the team was a major contributing factor [to our early exit],” he stressed. The veteran Nigerian coach however pointed out that his side will look to make the most of their BAL Season five experience in order to return to the podium at Africa’s premier club basketball tournament. “Like I said, we didn’t have a good [showing at the] playoffs this year but we are hoping to bounce back and learn from all the mistakes that we did [in Pretoria].”

Egypt Sweeps Individual Gold Medals at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Egypt continued its dominance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, claiming five of the six individual gold medals on offer at the event held at Charterhouse, Lagos, Nigeria. The only interruption to Egypt’s clean sweep came from Kenya’s Alexandra Ndolo, who delivered a commanding performance to defeat Egypt’s Shirwit Gaber 15-8 in the final of the women’s épée. On Friday, June 27, Egypt added two more titles to its tally, with Abdelrahman Tolba and Alanoud Hegazy capturing gold in the men’s foil and women’s sabre events, respectively. These victories followed three earlier gold medals secured by the Egyptian team on the first two days of the championships. Tolba, who had previously won bronze in 2023 and silver in 2024, completed his ascent to the top of the podium with a 15-10 win over defending champion Mohamed Hamza in the men’s foil final. He had earlier cruised past Cape Verde’s Victor Alvares 15-4 in the semifinal. Reflecting on his journey, Tolba said: “It feels great to finally win gold. This shows that hard work pays off—starting with bronze in 2023, then silver in 2024, and now gold. I’m so happy, though it wasn’t easy facing my teammate in the final.” In the women’s sabre, Hegazy claimed her first continental title with a 15-8 victory over 2024 bronze medallist Nada Hafez. Her path to the final included a 15-10 quarterfinal win over defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon and a 15-9 semifinal triumph against Algeria’s Chaima Benadouda. “I feel great and proud to win my first continental title at any level,” Hegazy said. “This is a big moment for me, and I hope to keep performing well in major competitions like this.” The team events, which begin on Saturday, June 28 to 29, with all eyes on the Egyptian side as the defending champions.

President Federation Cup: Four Governors, Gbajabiamila, Entertainment Icons to Grace Finale

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s National Cup final on Saturday in Lagos will bring together the crème de la crème of the nation’s political, football and entertainment industries, with four States chief executives already confirmed to be in attendance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos will arrive the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in company with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, SSA to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, and a number of music and movie stars will also grace the grand finale. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of NFF and President of WAFU B, will lead members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, while Alhaji Abubakar Lawal will lead the GTI team. Prominent members of the Lagos State cabinet and the Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Football Association are also expected. One-time President of WAFU, Chief Jonathan Ogufere and Nigeria’s oldest practising football writer, Pa Segun Adenuga have confirmed their attendance. The Lagos State Football Association has concluded plans to honour Pa Biliaminu Thanni, the oldest living-winner of the Nigeria National Cup. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena hosted the very first edition of Nigeria’s Cup final, in its first incarnation as King George V Stadium, in 1945. It was the sole venue until it was re-christened as Lagos City Stadium in 1963. It continued to host until 1972, when the final between Bendel Insurance of Benin and Mighty Jets of Jos had to be replayed following a 2-2 draw, thanks to the heroics of Sam Garba Okoye. The replay was taken to the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. This year’s grand finale will see Cup holders Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt take on Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in the women’s final that begins at 1pm, while the men’s final, between Abakaliki FC and Kwara United, will commence at 4pm.

Leicester Sacks Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Leicester City have confirmed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will leave the club, nine weeks after they were relegated from the Premier League. Leicester were sent down to the Championship after winning just six games last season in a campaign that saw them sack Steve Cooper in November and replace him with Van Nistelrooy. However, the Dutch coach was unable to save them from relegation and paid the price for that result on Friday. “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future,” Van Nistelrooy said in a statement. They will begin life in the Championship at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Aug. 10.

Cristiano Ronaldo Signs New Contract With Al Nassr

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new contract to remain at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Ronaldo, 40, was out of contract with the Saudi Pro League side who he joined in 2023 from Manchester United and it appeared he would be moving on. But both he and the club announced on Thursday that he has signed a new contract which runs until 2027. “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at Al Nassr until 2027″ the club confirmed. The Portuguese superstar has scored 74 goals in 77 games in the Saudi Pro League, while he’s scored 99 goals in 111 games in all competitions for Al Nassr. So he’s doing pretty well. Reports stated that Ronaldo had wanted assurances that Al Nassr intend will look to improve their squad to improve on their third place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season. It appears he’s happy enough with their plans for the upcoming season. Reports state that Ronaldo will earn up to $468 million per year. So this contract is worth $936 million.