Sports Archives | Page 25 of 111

Arsenal Holds Eberechi Eze Transfer Talks

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Arsenal could scupper Tottenham’s plans with a surprise move for Eberechi Eze after ‘holding talks’ with the England star’s representatives amid their search for quality attacking signings. The Gunners are in the market for a quality No.9 and a left-sided forward to bolster their title hopes next season. And it seems as though their search for the latter could lead them into a surprise battle with their arch-rivals for Eze, who is the latest Crystal Palace star to be linked with a blockbuster summer move. Mirror Football revealed last week that Eze was on Spurs’ shortlist with a deal for Bryan Mbeumo now looking unlikely. And amid claims that the 26-year-old is also on Arsenal’s radar as they finalise their own shortlist of attacking targets, The Sun are reporting that talks between Andrea Berta and Eze’s representatives have already taking place. It’s outlined that Arsenal hold a strong interest in Eze, who has a £68million buy-out clause in his Eagles contract. Given he would be available for that price, Eze represents a cheaper alternative to Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, Rodrygo, who the Gunners have also been courting this summer.

Akinyosoye Stuns Top Seed as Brou Misses Podium Finish at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Nigeria’s Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye delivered one of the standout performances of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, pulling off a major upset in the individual men’s sabre event by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in the preliminary round. The 20-year-old, who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria after representing England at cadet and junior levels, edged Farjani 5-4 in a tense bout that sent shockwaves through the competition and sparked jubilant celebrations among Nigerian supporters. His victory over the Paris 2024 silver medallist not only marked a personal milestone but also secured his place in the knockout stages. Akinyosoye carried his momentum into the round of 16, where he dispatched Algeria’s Lotfi Ibrihen with a commanding 15-9 win. However, his impressive run came to an end in the quarterfinals, where he fell 15-8 to sixth seed Ahmed Ferjani of Tunisia. Despite the loss, Akinyosoye’s spirited display earned widespread applause and signaled a promising future for the young fencer on the continental stage. Meanwhile, fellow Nigerian Inkosi Brou, a bronze medalist at the African Junior Championships and grandson of the late NAFDAC Director-General Prof. Dora Akunyili, narrowly missed out on a podium finish. Brou showcased his skill and composure through the early rounds but was edged out 15-11 by Niger Republic’s fifth seed Evann Girault in the round of 16. In a surprising twist, defending champion Fares Ferjani also exited the competition early, losing 15-13 to Egypt’s Adham Moataz in the round of 16, further opening up the field in the men’s sabre event. In the individual women’s epee event, Nigeria’s Sarah Idongesit and Adebodunrin, two of the youngest competitors in the field, advanced from the group stage into the knockout rounds. Both fencers were eventually eliminated in the round of 32 by more experienced opponents from Morocco and Algeria, but their progression highlighted the growing depth of Nigeria’s fencing talent. The championships continue on Friday, June 27, with action in the individual men’s foil and women’s sabre events. With several young Nigerian athletes already making headlines, expectations remain high for more breakout performances as the tournament progresses.

President Federation Cup: AFCON Winner Ifeanyi Onyedika Set to Extend Fabulous Record

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

For those still trying to discover the muse of Abakaliki FC, the little-known Club from Ebonyi State that has reached the men’s final of this year’s President Federation Cup, they need not look farther than Head Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika. Onyedika is an ex-Nigeria international striker of repute, and was a notable member of the squad that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. However, his gravitas does not end at international level. In 1981, Enugu Rangers were head-on against Bendel Insurance in what was a repeat of the 1978 final, in which Insurance, loaded with stars like Kadiri Ikhana, Henry Ogboe and Francis Moniedafe, incinerated the Flying Antelopes 3-0 at the National Stadium, Surulere. The setting in 1981 was also the same venue. Rangers exacted their revenge, but not without Onyedika’s handwriting. After Emmanuel Osigwe (another ex-international forward) scored for Rangers, Onyedika made it two against Insurance, and that surely foreclosed any thoughts of Insurance’s revival. Two years later, Onyedika was also part of the Rangers’ squad that won the Nigeria National Cup, defeating DIC Bees of Kaduna 5-4 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation time, also at the National Stadium, Surulere. Onyedika was not done. Twenty-three years after his second triumph as a player, with Enugu Rangers, Onyedika led Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt to victory as coach, when they defeated Bendel Insurance 5-3 after a penalty shootout following 2-2 draw in regulation time, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. He repeated the feat the following year, leading Dolphin FC to defeat his former club, Enugu Rangers 3-2 after a penalty shootout following 1-1 draw in regulation time, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. His Abakaliki FC has toppled many illustrious names in this year’s competition, among them Katsina United, Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City. Will Onyedika’s Cup magic hand the trophy to Abakaliki FC on Saturday? Fans are eager to find out.

Mission X: Mary Akinsola joins Super Falcons as Media Officer

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mary Akinsola, a media and public relations expert, as the media officer of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons. Miss Akinsola brings over 10 years of experience in communications and sports management to the role, having previously worked with Warner Bros Discovery (Eurosport) as a production/commentary coordinator, with sportsgazette.uk as a sports writer, editor and digital media manager, and with ACLSports.com as a podcast host and writer. She also worked with Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State as a sportscaster, writer and producer. Akinsola, who holds a master’s degree in international sports journalism from St. Mary’s University, London has managed production communications for Eurosport during a number of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, tennis grand slams, the English Premier League and major European club competitions. She joins an ambitious squad that is targeting a record-extending 10th continental title, when the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals commences in Morocco on 5th July. She believes her passion for the game and ceaseless quest for excellence matches those of the Super Falcons, and is committed to promoting the Nigeria senior women team’s story and connecting with stakeholders and supporters globally.

President Federation Cup: Mathias, Alalade, Afolabi Set to Dazzle in Grand Finale

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Big midfielder Josephine Mathias will be the cynosure of eyes when Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons clash in the final of women’s competition of the 2025 President Federation Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday. Six years ago, Mathias, who had just returned from a spell in Turkey with Trabzon idmanocagi, teamed up with Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt. She was a member of the squad that lost to Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the Nigeria FA Cup competition in Kaduna in 2019. Today, Mathias is the captain of the Amazons, and much will be expected of her as the girls from Nasarawa confront Cup holders and multiple winners Rivers Angels in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Last year, the girls from Garden City were properly stretched in their game against Naija Ratels FC of Abuja at the same venue, but won 1-0 for their 9th title. That victory somewhat made up for their painful loss to arch-rivals Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 final, when both teams needed a penalty shootout to find the difference at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. That defeat, and the loss to Nasarawa Amazons at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna six years ago, remain one of the very few times that the Jewels of Rivers have ended the season without the Nigeria FA Cup in their kitty. Now coached by Tosan Blankson, Rivers Angels sizzled past Ilorin-based Moje Queens 7-0 and First Mahi Babes from Abakaliki 5-0 in the earlier rounds, before outlasting Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the quarter finals, and piping fit-fighting Ibom Angels 1-0 in the semi-finals. On their part, Lafia-based Amazons decisioned Kwara Ladies 6-0 in the Round of 32, edged 2023 winners Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in the Round of 16, grilled Sunshine Queens for four un-replied goals in the quarter finals and sent Edo Queens packing by two goals in the semi-finals. The Amazons will miss the services of first-choice goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defender Sikiratu Isah, who are both with the Super Falcons in Morocco for the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations, but they have Mathias, defenders Jumoke Alani and Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfielders Aminat Bello, Shola Shobowale and Yina Adoo, and forward Janet Akekoromowei who have also tasted action at different national team levels. Jewels, on their part, are bolstered by goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, midfield pearl Taiwo Afolabi and junior internationals Peace Effiong, Motunrayo Ezekiel and Chidera Okenwa. In the men’s final, Kwara United’s goal-machine Wasiu Alalade is the man ball fans will look out for when the clash between the Afonja Warriors and Abakaliki FC rolls off by 4pm. Alalade is a symbol of utmost dedication, great marksmanship and resilience at the fore. United also have seasoned goalkeeper Suraju Aiyeleso, Isa Gatta, Adamu Abubakar and Wasiu Jimoh. Abakaliki FC will pin their hopes on goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu, Cyril Timothy, Chisom Ogbu, Ejike Nwafor, Collins Kalu and Chukwudi Okoro. MATCH OFFICIALS WOMEN’S FINAL: RIVERS ANGELS VS NASARAWA AMAZONS Match Coordinator: Professor (Mrs) M. A. Suleiman Referee Assessor: Mrs Sarah J. Adebisi Referee: Hannah Eliagwu AR1: Mfon Friday AR2: Faith Agbons RR: Ndidi Patience Madu MEN’S FINAL: ABAKALIKI FC VS KWARA UNITED FC Match Coordinator: Mr. Yakubu Sarma Referee Assessor: Mr. Peter Edibe Referee: Joseph Ogabor AR1: Mahmud Yakubu AR2: Emmanuel Omada RR: Yemisi Akintoye

Moses Simon Joins Paris FC from Nantes

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Nigerian winger Moses Simon has officially signed for Paris FC from FC Nantes, as confirmed by both clubs in announcements made on social media. After completing a medical on Tuesday, PFC have announced the signing of the Nigerian international winger, who has played over 180 matches in Ligue 1 – and has put pen to paper on a deal which will run until 2028 with the capital club. The 29-year-old made 32 appearances in Ligue 1 last season, scoring 8 goals and registering 10 assists. His 18 goal contributions equate to 46% of the goals Nantes scored last term. With Les Canaris winger (who can also play as a striker) reached the final of the Coupe de France in 2022 and 2023, and has avoided the drop with Nantes on several occasions over the last four seasons – even featuring the Europa League after winning the Coupe de France in 2022. The speedy winger has reportedly signed in a deal worth €7m, as Paris FC gear up for a first season in the French top flight in 46 years. Les Parisiens announced the signing of Nhoa Sangui (19) from Stade de Reims yesterday evening, as PFC also look to sign former Olympique de Marseille centre-back Chancel Mbemba, who is out of contract this summer.

El-Sayed Retains Title as Amr Clinches First Continental Gold of African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Defending champion Mohamed El-Sayed successfully retained his title in the Men’s Individual Épée event at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, while compatriot Sara Amr celebrated her maiden continental triumph in the Women’s Individual Foil on Wednesday, June 25, at Charterhouse Lagos. World No. 1 El-Sayed edged fellow Egyptian Mahmoud Had Mohsen in a tightly contested final, winning 11–10 to become the first gold medallist of the tournament. El-Sayed cruised through the early rounds with dominant performances, but faced a stern test in the semifinals, where he narrowly defeated his brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, 15–14 in a thrilling bout. In the women’s foil category, second seed Sara Amr captured her first African title with a commanding 15–8 victory over Côte d’Ivoire’s Isabel Esteban in the final. Amr had earlier overcome her compatriot and 2024 bronze medallist, Noha Hany, 15–13 in the semifinals. Esteban, who caused a major upset by defeating top seed Malak Hamza of Egypt 15–8 in the other semifinal, settled for silver after falling short against Amr in the final. Speaking after her victory, a jubilant Amr said she remained composed throughout the competition despite facing tough opponents. “I focused on staying calm and managing each match one at a time. It wasn’t easy, but I’m proud of how I handled the pressure,” she said.

Egypt Claims First Medal as Nigerian Starlets Impress at 23rd African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The 23rd African Fencing Championships kicked off in grand style on Wednesday, June 25, at Charterhouse Lagos, with continental powerhouses showcasing their dominance. Egypt captured the tournament’s first gold medal, reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s fencing giants. Team Nigeria delivered a spirited performance, with rising stars Wisdom Okanlawon and the Idongesit siblings—Mahadi and Mahathir—advancing to the knockout stages of the Men’s Individual Épée event. Despite facing seasoned opponents in the preliminaries, the trio displayed remarkable skill and determination. Veteran fencer Adegbola Babade, the oldest member of Team Nigeria, also progressed to the round of 32. However, all Nigerian contenders were eventually eliminated in the knockout rounds by more experienced adversaries. Mahathir Idongesit, who was narrowly defeated by World Junior Champion Mahmoud El-Sayed in the round of 32, remained upbeat. “I’m thrilled to have fenced against one of the best in the world. It was a close contest, and I enjoyed every moment. This experience has boosted my confidence and will stay with me for a long time,” he said. In a goodwill message, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, praised the Nigeria Fencing Federation and the International Fencing Federation (FIE) for selecting Nigeria as host of the prestigious event. “This glorious competition, featuring nations such as Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, and Senegal, brings together over 26 countries and more than 200 athletes in a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship,” he said. “I welcome you all to Nigeria, the most populous Black nation in the world, and to Lagos, a city known for its vibrant aquatic beauty and dynamic spirit.” Governor Sanwo-Olu also highlighted the broader impact of the sport: “This championship opens the door to vital conversations about how fencing can serve as a powerful tool for social good. The Nigerian Fencing Federation and FIE are exploring a strategic partnership with UNICEF to use fencing for youth empowerment, child protection, and poverty alleviation, while creating economic opportunities for our athletes.”