Sports Archives | Page 49 of 111

Amuwo Spikers Claims Victory at LVC Thunder Games 2025

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

After five exhilarating days of elite-level volleyball, Amuwo Spikers emerged champions of the 2025 LVC Thunder Games Championship, outplaying a fiercely competitive field to clinch the coveted trophy on Saturday night. The annual competition, hosted by Lekki Volleyball Club, brought together top regional teams from across the country in a festival of athleticism, spirit, and community. The tournament, which took place from April 15th to 19th at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, saw Amuwo Spikers dominate the competition, winning first place in both the male and female categories. In the male category, Amuwo Spikers took the top spot, followed by Lekki Cruisers in second place and Legacy VB in third place. In the female category, Amuwo Spikers again took the top spot, with Lekki Cruisers in second place and Oluyole Spikers in third place. In the thrilling final match, Team Amuwo defeated the defending champions, Lekki Cruisers, with a score of 3-2, showcasing grit, precision, and resilience that cemented their position as a powerhouse in Nigerian volleyball. The tournament featured 25 teams, including 15 male and 8 female teams, making it the largest volleyball tournament ever held in Lagos. The Most Valuable Player awards went to Ebuka Anachuna in the male category and Albertina Francis in the female category, both recognized for their exceptional performances throughout the tournament. Commenting on the victory, the Amuwo Spikers coach, Aare Oluwaseun, said, “This is one of the best tournaments in Nigeria currently, with most of the national players represented. From the spikes to the sets and defense, it has been a thunderous affair.” The Head coach of Lekki Cruisers, Iwerima John, also praised the tournament, saying, “The competition has exposed a lot of talents in the country, playing good volleyball. It is important to continue to support tournaments like this, contributing to the development of this sport.” The LVC Thunder Games 2025 was a resounding success, showcasing the best of Nigerian volleyball talent and setting the stage for future competitions.

aster: Senator Natasha distributes 600 bags of rice to constituents

Leeds United, Burnley Seal Promotion to Premier League

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

Leeds United and Burnley have earned promotion to the Premier League next season after crucial wins on Easter Monday. The Clarets overcame promotion rivals Sheffield United in the late kick-off. Leeds are back in the top flight for the first time in two years, while Burnley have returned at the first time of asking. Daniel Farke’s side were at their brilliant best earlier in the day, securing an emphatic 6-0 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road. Burnley also clinched their spot in England’s top-flight for the 2025/2026 campaign with a tight 2-1 win over fellow promotion rivals Sheffield United in the late kick-off. Both teams have earned promotion with two matches remaining, with Sheffield United forced to settle for a play-off spot.

U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Arrive in Cairo, to play Young Pharaohs in Friendly on Tuesday

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s U20 boys, Flying Eagles have arrived in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo as the seven-time African champions get set for 17th Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals starting in the North African country on Sunday. A delegation of 24 players and nine officials led by Head Coach, Aliyu Zubairu touched down at the Cairo International Airport aboard Egypt Air flight on Sunday evening. The team is lodged at Jewel Sports City and Aqua Resort, and are expected to have their first training session on Monday evening. Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles will square up to host nation, the Young Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday evening as part of their build-up to the Africa U20 Cup of Nations billed to take place 27th April – 18th May. The match is slated for 5pm local time (4pm Nigeria time) at the Cairo International Stadium. Nigeria get their campaign underway against Tunisia at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo on Thursday 1st May. The Africa U20 Cup of Nations serves as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA U20 World Cup finals scheduled for 27th September – 19th October in Chile. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals.

President Federation Cup: NFF Clears Air on Bayelsa United Protest Against Nasarawa United

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has debunked insinuations that it is unjustly protecting Nasarawa United FC in a petition filed by Bayelsa United FC over the two teams’ Round of 16 clash in the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. The encounter, which was played in Anyigba, Kogi State on Wednesday, 16th April, saw the Prosperity Boys lose 4-5 on penalties to the Solid Miners after regulation time ended 1-1. Bayelsa United promptly sent a protest letter to the NFF, dated the same day, contesting the eligibility of five players of Nasarawa United FC. In its response, the NFF said the five players listed by Bayelsa United FC, viz Detan Ogundare, Emeka Onyema, Ogochukwu Leonard, Solomon Chigozie and Benjamin Jack, were duly registered by Nasarawa United FC for the 2025 President Federation Cup competition. “After thorough examination of your claims, it is our findings that: 1) The listed five (5) players above are in the submitted list of Nasarawa United Football Club for registration for the 2025 President Federation Cup (find as contained and highlighted in the attached list. 2) The said five (5) players were duly registered and issued players licenses by the Nigeria Football Federation to participate in the 2025 President Federation Cup for Nasarawa United Football Club. “Thus, your protest lacks substance and merit, and therefore did not succeed.”

Easter: SWAN Felicitates With Christians, Seeks Sacrifice, United Front In Nigeria’s Sports Devt

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has felicitated with Christians on the celebration of Easter, signifying the resurrection of Jesus Christ from death after he was crucified. In a message, the SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, on Sunday, noted that the significance of the day represents love, dedication and passion for God’s reconciliation of mankind to his original place. President Benjamin then spoke of the need for stakeholders in the sports sector to always re-dedicate themselves, and in sacrificial leaning, make indelible impact using instruments of kindness to uplift the people. While further reflecting on the essence of Easter, the President of SWAN said, “As we commemorate the crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, I extend his warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. “Today, we reflect on the sacrifice and selflessness of Jesus Christ, who gave his life for our redemption. May His example inspire us to emulate the values of love, compassion, and kindness in our daily lives. “As we observe this sacred day, I pray that the blessings of God Almighty abound among the sporting media and the entire sports fraternity, bringing peace, prosperity, and joy to every home. “May this season also remind us that from every shadow, light can rise, every sorrow, joy can bloom, and every ending, a new beginning can be triggered in Nigeria’s sports human and capital infrastructure. “May Jesus love and sacrifice of Christ inspire us to live in harmony, unity, and devotion to one another.” The number one sports writer in Nigeria enjoined all, especially Christians to remain focused in the eternal course for which Jesus Christ represents.

Liverpool: Arne Slot on Virgil van Dijk agreeing a new contract

Liverpool: Arne Slot Thumbs Up Van Dijk On New Contract

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Virgil van Dijk’s decision to extend his contract with the club, highlighting it as a testament to Liverpool’s ambition and a significant boost as the team nears the Premier League title. Van Dijk, who has been a central figure in Liverpool’s defense since his arrival in 2018, recently signed a two-year contract extension, committing to the club until 2027. This move ends speculation about his future and ensures that the Dutch captain remains a cornerstone of Slot’s squad.talkSPORT Slot expressed his satisfaction with the extension, stating that securing Van Dijk’s services reflects the club’s determination to maintain a high level of performance and competitiveness. He emphasized that retaining key players like Van Dijk is crucial for the team’s continued success. The contract renewal comes at a pivotal time, with Liverpool leading the Premier League by 13 points and on the cusp of securing their second title since Van Dijk’s arrival. Slot believes that Van Dijk’s leadership and experience will be invaluable as the team navigates the final stages of the season. In addition to Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah has also extended his contract with Liverpool, further solidifying the team’s core. These renewals signal the club’s commitment to building a squad capable of sustained success under Slot’s guidance.

Morocco 2025: Flamingos Trash Algeria 4-0 Confident of Victory in Algiers After Naira Rain

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Nigeria inched closer to an eighth appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals on Saturday after a brace by Queen Joseph and one each by Zainab Raji and substitute Aishat Animashaun left Algeria’s U17 girls bedraggled in Ikenne-Remo. There were bold hints of a massacre early in the day as the Flamingos attained the scoreboard only one minute into the match, after Philomena Isaiah cut the ball back into the box from a corner for the lurking Queen Joseph to smash into the roof of the net. Joseph, Zainab Raji, Muinat Rotimi, Kaosarat Olanrewaju and Shakirat Moshood swarmed on the Algerians time and again, and it was no surprise when in the 13th minute, Raji received a sweet pass from Moshood, accounted for two defenders with a drop of the shoulder, and unleashed a rocket into the top corner. The bold, audacious and vivacious approach of the Flamingos greatly unsettled the visitors, who apparently came to soak the pressure, and things got worse for them in the 17th minute when Joseph, left to dance into the box, struck a belter that left goalkeeper Amelia Yahiaoui with no chance. Layana Belgacem, captain Zaza Rebbahi, Mehdi Assia, Thania Ammar Parmentier and Melissa Benchikh all tried to take the game to the Flamingos in a busy second period, but they were checkmated each time by the rearguard of Azeezat Oduntan, Christianah Sunday, Hannah Ibrahim and Jumai Adebayo. Just as the crowd that included President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF Executive Committee members Sharif Rabiu Inuwa and Aisha Falode, General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi and Remo Stars FC proprietor Hon. Kunle Soname were certain it had ended 3-0, substitute Aishat Animashaun pulled out a sublime one from outside the box, placing the ball in the far corner with goalkeeper Yahiaoui stranded. President of NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau announced a cash gift of the sum of N6,000,0000 (Six Million Naira) for the girls after the match, explaining that the sum of two million naira is from the NFF while the sum of four million naira is a gift from billionaire businessman Hon. Kunle Soname. Gusau charged the girls to go to Algiers and play their hearts out to win the World Cup ticket for Nigeria. Both teams will make it a date in the return at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algiers) on Friday, with the winner on aggregate to qualify as one of Africa’s five flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals in Morocco.

Badoo: The Law Student Billed to Fight at GOtv Boxing Night 33

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Raheem Animashaun, popularly known as “Badoo”, has gained admission to study Law at the University of Lagos, just months after becoming the youngest-ever West African Boxing Union (WABU) champion at age 17. Animashaun won the WABU Super Flyweight title at GOtv Boxing Night 32 and also walked away with ₦1 million cash prize attached to the Mojisola Ogunsanya Memorial Trophy, awarded to the best boxer. He is scheduled to face Beninois opponent, Jean Coffi, in the headline bout of GOtv Boxing Night 33, which takes place in Lagos on 26 April at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Indoor Sports Hall of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. While his boxing career continues to rise, Animashaun is also making moves outside the ring. He recently shared that studying Law is part of his long-term plan to build a stable future beyond sports, and to better understand how systems work. For the teenager, education is not an afterthought — it’s an active part of the journey. Born and raised in a modest Lagos household, Raheem was introduced to boxing by his father, Jamiu Animashaun. who saw it as a potential path out of their financial challenges. Jamiu Animashaun, who also serves as his trainer, was also a boxer who fought in two editions of GOtv Boxing Night. That effort is beginning to pay off, not just in belts but in broader opportunities. His 12-year-old sister has also taken up boxing, inspired by his success. Animashaun’s story has quickly become a symbol of hope and ambition for many Nigerian youths, especially those who feel forced to choose between school and sport. His ability to pursue both, even under tough conditions, highlights a discipline and determination beyond his years. As GOtv Boxing Night 33 approaches, all eyes will be on “Badoo” both for what he does in the ring against Coffi, and what he represents outside it: a new generation of Nigerian athletes who are just as focused on their future as they are on the fight. GOtv Boxing Night 33 is organised by Flykite Productions and sponsored by GOtv Nigeria.