Moses Simon Joins Paris FC from Nantes

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.

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

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.

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

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.”

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Mission X: Super Falcons Land in Casablanca

The delegation of Nigeria’s title aspirants, Super Falcons, will arrive in Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca on Wednesday night from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. The delegation will comprise 22 players and team officials. China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and USA-based Asisat Oshoala are already in Morocco’s economic capital. The nine-time African champions played a gutsy game to hold their Portuguese counterparts to a scoreless draw in a friendly at Lisbon’s Estádio José Gomes on Monday evening. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo and veteran forward Francisca Ordega each had a game to remember. Nigeria’s first match of the 13th Africa Cup of Nations finals will be against Tunisia’s senior women national team at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, 6th July, before other games against Botswana and Algeria in the group phase. The Super Falcons have never failed to reach the last four at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, since it was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998. Winners in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, the Falcons made the last four in 2008, 2012 and 2022.

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Uzodimma Appoints Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Devt.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has appointed Olympic Gold Medallist, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Development in the State. The State Governor announced the appointment while presenting his State of the State address to Ndi Imo State at the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Chamber. Governor Uzodimma explained that the 1994 African Footballer of the Year Player has inspired sports development in the state, especially in the establishment of the Imo Dream Team. He said: “His experience and leadership has inspired the Imo Dream Team. Our support has not stopped at appearances, we have committed resources to sports infrastructure, coaching programs and grassroots scouting, creating a pipeline for future champions.”

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Tottenham Lines Up £68m Move for Eberechi Eze

Tottenham are turning their attention to Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze as Thomas Frank looks to make a statement signing this summer. Eze, who is believed to have a £68m release clause, guided Crystal Palace to the first piece of major silverware in the club’s history last season, scoring in the FA Cup final as Oliver Glasner’s side upset Manchester City at Wembley in May. Eze’s release clause has attracted a number of potential suitors, including long-term admirers Tottenham, to the 26-year-old’s availability, and the lure of Champions League football at Spurs could be enough to convince Eze to join, with Palace still unsure whether they’ll be granted access to the Europa League following their FA Cup win. Tottenham looked at Eze last summer but never submitted a firm bid according to Palace chairman Steve Parish. They now, however, look set to return for the England international, with Frank keen to make a statement of intent after arriving from Brentford.

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Maduka Okoye Bags Enugu State Sports Ambassadorial Role

Super Eagles and Udinese of Italy goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has been appointed as Enugu State Sports Ambassador. The State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah made the announcement via his official Twitter now X handle on Wednesday. According to him, “Today, I had the pleasure of receiving the Super Eagles and Udinese star goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, at the Lion Building. “A true son of Enugu, Maduka is not just making us proud on the national and global stage, he is also poised to give back. He shared his vision to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy right here in Enugu, to inspire young talents, nurture future stars, and touch lives. “In recognition of his achievements and commitment, I’m proud to appoint him as an Ambassador of Enugu State. He will serve as a role model to our children, especially those in our Smart Green Schools, and inspire a new generation of dreamers and achievers. “To support his football academy, I have committed to providing land for the project. I also invited him to participate in the next edition of Enugu International Marathon, which will feature elite runners from around the world. “At the heart of our vision is the youth – their talent, passion, and future. And with proud sons like Maduka Okoye, Enugu is truly rising.”

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World Fencing Bigwigs Set to Attend 23rd African Championships in Lagos

Top officials from the International Fencing Federation (FIE) are set to grace the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 25 to 29, 2025. Leading the FIE delegation are Vice President Novak Perovic and Secretary General Gulnora Saidova, alongside other global dignitaries. The five-day, 12-event tournament will be hosted at Charterhouse Lagos in Lekki, with Olympic and World Champions expected to compete. The event underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in the international fencing community. Among the high-ranking officials already in Lagos are Ndaiye Mbagnick, President of the African Fencing Confederation, and Patricia Aiyenuro, President of the British Fencing Federation They will be joined by key figures from the Nigeria Fencing Federation, including Adeyinka Samuel, President; Babatunde Soyoye, Chairman of the Board; Obinna Anyanwu, Vice Chairman; and Rachael Samuel, Vice President. According to the organisers, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will officially open the tournament on Wednesday, June 25. Over 150 athletes from across the continent will compete for glory, with host nation Nigeria aiming to end its medal drought on home soil. The management of Charterhouse Lagos has assured participants of a world-class experience in a welcoming and professional environment. “A professional, welcoming, international facility with high-level organisation, efficiency, and a world-class experience. We aim for visiting fencers to be impressed, possibly surprised, and to take away a lasting impression of just what can be achieved here in Lagos, Nigeria,” said Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer, Charterhouse Lagos.

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