2026 WAFCON: Super Falcons Edge Amazons, Qualify for Morocco 2026

Champions Nigeria qualified for next year’s Women Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw with Bénin Republic in the return leg of the final round of the qualification series in Abeokuta on Tuesday, which resulted in an aggregate 3-1 win for the 10-time winners.   The Amazons turned out to be credible fighters at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, as they approached the game with vigour, passion and vibrancy, with the pacy and nimble-footed Dossi Germaine Honfo and Yenido Romaine Gandonou the lead orchestrators.   However, the Super Falcons were calm, collected and confident, and the Amazons’ rearguard had to spiritedly clear their lines after Captain Rasheedat Ajibade freed Asisat Oshoala as the Falcons surged forward in the 8th minute.   Five minutes later, it was no surprise that they got on the scoresheet, when defender Ashley Plumptre nodded firmly into the net from a corner by Esther Okoronkwo.   In the 23rd minute, Oshoala’s firm header from another Okoronkwo corner missed narrowly, and in the 34th minute, Michelle Alozie’s header was a little above the sticks from Oshoala’s cross. There was still time for Okoronkwo to side-net from a free-kick with four minutes left in the first period.   The Amazons began to pour forward in the 56th minute, when Chiamaka Nnadozie saved from Gandonou, and then had to stretch full length to push away a shot from 25 yards by Yolande Gnammi two minutes later.   The game turned into a real contest on the hour, when Yasminath Djibril struck the ball high and above Nnadozie into the net from a free-kick on the left, for the equalizer.   Nigeria had opportunities to increase the tally, with Folashade Ijamilusi missing from close range after goalkeeper Sourakatou Alassane uncharacteristically dropped the ball, and Alassane saved from Ajibade in the 77th minute. Substitute Joy Omewa and Ijamilusi combined in the 90th minute, but Alassane was up to the task.   Qualification means Nigeria have the opportunity to not only defend their title in Morocco next year, but also aim for an 11th title in 14 championships, as well as a ticket to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in Brazil.

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Governor Abiodun Dangles ₦50M At Super Falcons

By BUNMI OGUNYALE   Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to sports development and youth empowerment as he announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons.   The Governor made the announcement while playing host to the national women’s football team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic.   He described the gesture as a recognition of the team’s inspiring performances and a motivation to spur them toward greater victories.   Abiodun noted that his administration remains steadfast in transforming the sports landscape of Ogun State. From the modernization of the MKO Abiola International Stadium to plans for a world-class sports hub in Abeokuta, he said the government is investing in infrastructure and opportunities that will nurture champions and position Ogun as the true Gateway to Excellence.   “We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic. In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team.   “Their return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium is a validation that we are doing something right in Ogun State. Beyond hosting matches, we are transforming the stadium environment with plans for a world-class sports hub—complete with a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex, and other facilities that will make Abeokuta a true sports and tourism destination.   “We commended the Falcons for their historic tenth WAFCON title in Morocco, a victory that lifted the spirit of our nation. What they represent goes far beyond football—they embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline. Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can break barriers and achieve greatness.   “On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, we assured the Super Falcons of our unwavering support. We believe that through their success, they will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and achievers. Ogun State stands firmly with them as they continue to make Nigeria proud,” the Governor assured.

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2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia Unveil Plans for ‘Sky Stadium’

Saudi Arabia has revealed plans for the NEOM Sky Stadium, set to become the world’s first “sky stadium” and a key venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will be suspended an astonishing 350 meters above the desert floor within the futuristic linear city of The Line, offering spectators a truly unique perspective on the action. Designed to hold 46,000 fans, the stadium will run entirely on renewable energy, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2032, leaving ample time for final preparations ahead of the tournament. The stadium will host matches from the group stage through the quarterfinals and is planned to operate year-round, doubling as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other global gatherings.   The NEOM Sky Stadium is part of a broader vision to transform sports architecture and technology. It will integrate into NEOM’s mirrored megastructure, creating a striking visual landmark while incorporating state-of-the-art cooling, lighting, and digital fan experience systems. International architectural firms with experience in high-altitude and sustainable design are leading the project in partnership with NEOM, the Saudi Ministry of Sport, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The total investment is estimated at $1 billion, making it one of the most ambitious stadium projects in the world. As the first stadium of its kind, NEOM Sky Stadium is expected to become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s push for innovation and global sporting prominence. The stadium will be one of 15 venues for the 2034 World Cup, integrated into The Line, a city stretching 170 kilometres along the northwestern coast. Its elevated position and futuristic design offer fans an unparalleled experience while demonstrating the kingdom’s ambitions to combine sports, technology, and sustainability on a global stage.   Saudi Arabia has already outlined plans for 15 stadiums as part of its 2034 World Cup bid. The centerpiece is the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, which is expected to become the largest stadium in the kingdom, with a capacity of 92,760, by 2029, according to Arab News.   While the NEOM Sky Stadium has garnered widespread attention, it has also faced skepticism online, with some questioning the engineering feasibility of a stadium suspended at such a height. Others have praised the project as groundbreaking, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in futuristic, eco-conscious sports infrastructure. Despite broader delays in the NEOM development, initially scheduled for completion by 2039, sources indicate that the stadium’s 2034 World Cup deadline remains a priority. The project is expected to boost tourism and investment, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification goals.

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KingsMen Begin 2025 NBPL Playoffs With Statement Win Over Hoops and Read

Reigning champions Rivers Hoopers launched their 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League Final Eight Playoffs campaign with a commanding 73-50 victory over Hoops & Read, thanks to an explosive first-quarter performance which helped the KingsMen lead from start to finish. The defending champions started hot, opening up a 12-0 lead inside the first four minutes, thanks to four consecutive shots from deep courtesy of Mustapha Oyebanji and Isaiah Williams. That twelve-point lead grew to eighteen at the end of the first quarter as the score stood at 29-11. Speaking after the game, Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu said his team’s strong start was crucial in determining the outcome of the game. “We started off really strong, and I think that determined the direction that the game was going to go. Even though the guys took their foot off the pedal at some point in the game and almost let the opponents come back. It’s something I’m going to have to address going forward.” Hoops & Read tried to find a way back into the game but could only reduce the deficit by two points at halftime, as the hosts took a 41-25 lead into the break. Both teams seemed to have gone cold following the break, as they could only manage ten points apiece in a combative third quarter, before the KingsMen wrapped up the win with an improved fourth-quarter showing. Despite the twenty-three-point demolition of their opponents, for coach Odaudu, picking up a vital win to start the playoffs was what really mattered. “For us, it doesn’t matter the number of points we win by; just a win is good for us. We’ll take a one-point lead; we’ll take a half-point lead; a win is a win. “We’re happy with how it ended,” he emphasised. Overall, it was an all-round team performance from the defending champions, as ten out of the eleven KingsMen who made the matchday roster scored points, with thirty-five (35) points coming from the bench. Captain Victor Anthony Koko alongside Oyebanji led the KingsMen with eleven (11) points apiece, while the energetic Victor Sunday dropped ten (10) points along with five rebounds and five steals. Isaiah Williams scored nine (9) points on his Rivers Hoopers debut, as Peter Olisemeka recorded a game-high twelve (12) rebounds. Kelvin Amayo, who was named the Most Valuable Player at the 2024 NBPL Finals, scored nine (9) points on his return to basketball in Nigeria and relished the support of the Port Harcourt crowd, which cheered on the team to victory. “To be honest, playing in PH (Port Harcourt) is always the best to me. The fans always do a great job; they love watching us play. I’m just happy to be here and be able to showcase what we’ve been working [on] throughout the season and off-season, to come here and give them a show,” he revealed. Rivers Hoopers will next be in action by 5pm on Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, as they take on Kano Pillars in a matchday two encounter. Day 2 – Tuesday, 28th October 11:00am: Kwara Falcons vs Lagos Legends 1:00pm: Nigeria Customs vs Gboko City Chiefs 3:00pm: Nile University vs Hoops & Read 5:00pm: Kano Pillars vs Rivers Hoopers All games will be played at the Basketball Stadium, #59 Niger Street, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

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Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool in Crisis as Arne Slot’s Side Suffers Four Consecutive Premier League Defeats

Liverpool’s Premier League title defence is in tatters after a fourth straight league defeat left the reigning champions seven points adrift of leaders Arsenal and languishing in seventh place. Arne Slot’s men were beaten 3-2 by Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, in a result that has intensified scrutiny on the Dutchman’s tactics and team balance. The loss means Liverpool have now suffered as many league defeats as they did across their entire title-winning campaign. Long-ball vulnerability Slot has publicly admitted that Liverpool struggle against long-ball tactics — an admission Brentford ruthlessly exploited. The hosts launched 64 direct passes, including a 40-yard assist from Mikkel Damsgaard for Kevin Schade’s goal, as Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate were repeatedly caught out. “Too many duels were lost, too many second balls weren’t won,” Slot later conceded. Fragile defensive structure Under former manager Jürgen Klopp, Liverpool were known for their relentless pressing. Under Slot, however, the system appears fractured. The midfield trio has struggled to shield the back line, leaving the Reds vulnerable to fast breaks — they currently have the Premier League’s fourth-highest expected goals (xG) conceded from counter-attacks. Brentford registered 17 shots and created seven big chances, the most Liverpool have faced this season. Lack of physicality Injury to Ryan Gravenberch has exposed Liverpool’s physical shortcomings. Slot’s midfield, built around technicians like Florian Wirtz and Curtis Jones, often loses aerial duels and second balls. Dominik Szoboszlai, who won 11 duels against Brentford, has been forced to carry an unsustainable workload. Integration issues Liverpool’s summer overhaul — including high-profile attacking signings — has yet to gel. The departures of Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez, combined with the emotional toll of Diogo Jota’s passing, have left the team unbalanced. Defensive depth remains thin, and key signings like Wirtz have struggled to adapt to Slot’s system. Slow starts, poor finishes Liverpool have conceded first in six consecutive matches, shipping at least two goals in each of their last four league games. Their defensive frailty has turned every match into a recovery mission, and they now share an identical points tally to newly promoted Sunderland since last season’s title triumph — despite playing four games more. Title defence in jeopardy Opta’s projections now place Liverpool third by season’s end, with Arsenal predicted to lift the title. Yet, given their current form, even that outcome seems optimistic. Only Nottingham Forest and West Ham have conceded more goals from set-pieces this season. Liverpool’s immediate focus turns to the Carabao Cup, where they face Crystal Palace on Wednesday at Selhurst Park — the same venue where their losing streak began. With Aston Villa awaiting at the weekend, Slot faces a critical week to stop the slide and salvage the Reds’ season.

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Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager, O’Neill And Maloney To Lead Team Temporarily

Brendan Rodgers Resigns As Celtic Manager, O’Neill And Maloney To Lead Team Temporarily

Celtic have announced that Brendan Rodgers has stepped down as manager, bringing his second spell at the club to a close. The resignation comes after Sunday’s 3-1 Scottish Premiership defeat to Hearts, which left Celtic eight points behind the Edinburgh side. “Celtic Football Club can confirm that football manager Brendan Rodgers has today tendered his resignation,” the club said. “Brendan will leave his role with immediate effect. He leaves with our thanks for the role he has played during a period of continued success for the club, and we wish him further success in the future.” The search for a permanent manager is already underway. In the interim, former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and ex-player Shaun Maloney will oversee first-team affairs. Rodgers, 52, returned to Celtic in June 2023, adding back-to-back league titles to his previous successes in 2017 and 2018. His first spell at the club, from 2016 to 2019, saw him guide Celtic to successive league and cup trebles, including a record 106-point unbeaten season—the first in the Scottish top flight since 1899. Rodgers has also managed Swansea, Liverpool, and Leicester. During his second tenure at Celtic, he secured the Scottish Cup and League Cup alongside consecutive league triumphs. However, this season has been difficult, marked by Celtic’s shocking Champions League exit to Kazakhstan’s Kairat Almaty, raising questions about the club’s European ambitions.

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Nigeria Bankers Games 2025 Kicks Off With a Bang

Nigeria Bankers Games 2025 Kicks Off With a Bang

The University of Lagos Sports Complex was abuzz with excitement on Saturday, as the Nigeria Bankers Games (NBG) 2025 officially kicked off. The opening ceremony was a grand spectacle, featuring a colourful performance by bankers from various institutions, showcasing their team spirit and athletic prowess. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, the defending champions, retained their title in the march past event with an impressive score of 98.2%. Access Bank and Wema Bank secured the second and third positions, respectively, with outstanding performances. The ceremony featured a thrilling aerobics session, led by an energetic instructor, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance. The theme was at the forefront of the games, promoting camaraderie and friendly competition among banking professionals. Before the kickoff of the day’s football matches, the Class of 2025 Hall of Famers were unveiled. Eleven ambassadors of the Nigeria Bankers Games were inducted, recognising their exceptional commitment and achievements in the competition. The outstanding individuals include; UBA’s Peter Nwachukwu, First Bank’s Solomon Idowu, UBA’s Augustine Ihenyen, FCMB’s Vincent Egemba and Uyi Uhunmwangho of Stanbic IBTC. The list also saw First Bank’s Olayemi Okam, UBA’s Ben Ekwere, Stanbic IBTC’s Efe Omoduemuke, First Bank’s Yusuf Abiodun, Wema Bank’s Kayode Osumah and Sterling Bank’s Fredrick Rekuoya were inducted. The football event kicked off with a novelty match that saw the All-Star Team narrowly defeating Palmpay 1-0 in a closely contested game. The first match of NBG 2025 was between the 2024 edition football champion, Sterling Jets from Sterling Bank, and the overall champions of the 2024 games, Wema Bank. The match was also closely contested and came to life in the 25th minute when Ayomide Ojo of Wema Bank scored from close range following a mix-up among the Sterling Jets players. However, the defending champions equalised 10 minutes into the second half time through Tobi Mejidi’s strike, and the teams remained tied after regulation time. Opeoluwa Anjorin, Chief Executive Officer at MediaVision Limited, extended her heartfelt appreciation to all participating teams and partners for their unwavering commitment to the Nigeria Bankers Games brand. The partners include headline sponsors Whatadeal and Infinix Mobile, as well as Guinness Nigeria, Power Oil, CWAY, Pocari Sweat, and Salonpas. This platform not only promotes work-life balance but also fosters meaningful connections across the banking sector in a spirit of friendly competition, driving camaraderie and excellence among participants.

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FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Finals: Flamingos Tackle Italy for a Spot in Quarter Finals

On Tuesday, 28th October, 2025, at Pitch 2 of the Football Academy Mohamed VI, Rabat, Nigeria’s Flamingos will confront Italy in a much-anticipated Round of 16 match at the ongoing FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, with a spot in the quarter-finals up for grabs. Both countries will be meeting for the first time at this stage of the competition. Italy with three straight wins, viz a thrilling 4-3 victory over Brazil, 3-1 victory over host Morocco, and another commanding 3-0 victory over Costa Rica, led Group A with maximum points and arrive in Rabat in fine form. Nigeria, on the other hand, qualified as one of the best third-place teams, after a tough opening to the tournament with a 4-1 loss to Canada and a narrow 1-0 loss to France. They recovered well with a decisive 4-0 victory over Samoa to guarantee their spot in the Round of 16. The Flamingos will be hoping to improve on that outcome and contend for a spot in the quarter-finals with new-found confidence and vigour. But the Italians, who are yet to lose a game, spearheaded by Giulia Galli, who leads the tournament in goals with five, will be full of confidence as they try to extend their winning streak. Tuesday night’s encounter, starting at 8pm, promises to be full of fireworks as both teams contest for a spot in the World Cup’s Round of 8.

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