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Category: Sports

World Cup Qualifier: FIFA Picks Chadian Referee for Lesotho, Nigeria Showdown

Fola Badmus02 mins

By BUNMI OGUNYALE World football-governing body, FIFA, has selected Chadian official Alhadi Allaou Mahamat as the referee for next week’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Crocodiles of Lesotho.   The Matchday 9 encounter is billed for the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Friday, 10th October 2025 and will kick off at 6pm South Africa time (5pm Nigeria time).   Allaou, who was also in charge for Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on 6th September (Matchday 7), will work with compatriots Bogola Issa (assistant 1), Moussa Hafiz (assistant 2) and Abdelkerim Ousmane (fourth official).   FIFA also appointed Kenyan official Alice Damaris Kimani as referee assessor, while William Makinati Shongwe from eSwatini will be in the role of commissioner.   Nigeria, presently three points off first-placed Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, will go for an outright win to enhance their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, to be jointly-hosted by the United States of America, Canada and Mexico next summer.  

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Onuachu Wins Goal of the Month Award in Turkey

Fola Badmus01 mins

Nigeria and Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu has won the Turkish Super Lig Goal of the Month award. Onuachu superb header in the Black Sea Storm’s 1-1 draw with Samsunspor was named the best for the month. The Nigeria international was the first recipient of the award in the 2025/26 season. The 31-year-old has been in blistering form since joining Trabzonspor from Southampton on a permanent transfer in the summer. Onuachu registered a goal , and an assist in the club’s 4-0 win over Kayserispor on Friday. He is currently the leading scorer in the Turkish top-flight with six goals, and one assist from eight outings.  

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Super Falcons Forward Ifeoma Onumonu Announces Retirement After Glittering Career

Wale busari04 mins

Super Falcons forward Ifeoma Onumonu has officially retired from football, ending a career that spanned more than ten years across the United States, France, and Nigeria. The 31-year-old announced her decision in a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, describing her retirement as the “natural conclusion” of a journey that began when she was just eight years old. “It is with a heart full of gratitude that I bid farewell to my playing career on the pitch,” Onumonu wrote. She recalled her first football experiences with a youth side called Magic in the U.S., saying she simply loved running and scoring goals without caring about winning or losing. That passion eventually grew into a professional career filled with memorable achievements. Onumonu lifted the NWSL championship trophy in the U.S., represented Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, and was part of the Super Falcons squad that secured their record 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco earlier this year. Born in California to a Nigerian father, Onumonu played collegiate football with the California Golden Bears before starting her professional career with the Boston Breakers in the NWSL. She went on to feature for Portland Thorns, Reign FC, Utah Royals, and NJ/NY Gotham FC, before moving to France to play for Montpellier HSC. She switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2021 and made her debut for the Super Falcons the same year. She went on to feature in major tournaments, including the 2023 Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning a reputation for her intelligent movement, composure, and work rate. Onumonu made it clear that retirement would not end her connection with football. “This is not a goodbye to football, but a new beginning. I am excited to explore opportunities off the pitch, using the skills and lessons learned from my time on it,” she wrote. She also expressed deep appreciation to those who supported her throughout her career. “Thank you to all the staff, teammates, coaches, doctors, fans, and my incredible friends and family for your unwavering support. Although my time as a player has come to an end, my love and devotion for this game will never waver.”  

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NTA, Global TV Partner SWAN @60

Fola Badmus07 mins

The Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Global Television have pledged strong support to the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) ahead of its 60th/Diamond Jubilee Anniversary scheduled for October 30 to 31, 2025. While receiving both the SWAN National Leadership and Local Organising Committee (LOC) ahead of SWAN @60/Diamond Jubilee Anniversary on behalf of the Director-General (DG) of NTA, the General Manager of NTA Sports, Mr. Kayode Adeniyi, described the forthcoming epoch event as a milestone not just for the association, but for Nigerian sports journalism. “The importance of SWAN to this association cannot be overemphasised,” he said. “Our DG has always maintained that anytime SWAN requires our support, we will gladly render it. As we prepare for the diamond jubilee, we are happy to be part of this journey. Everything you have said today will be reported back to him, and he is waiting to hear your plans and areas where we can collaborate.” He commended the LOC chairman, Ben Ogbemudia, for accepting the responsibility of leading the committee, noting that his experience and commitment to the growth of sports journalism would ensure a memorable event. “We trust your capacity to deliver, and we look forward to seeing a celebration that will make history,” he added. Earlier, SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, who led the delegation, expressed appreciation to the NTA management for its consistent support. He recalled the assurances given by the DG when he assumed office. “From the very beginning, he told us his doors would always remain open to us, and I can tell you for free, he has kept that promi. That is why anytime I’m in Abuja, I make it a point of duty to come here — not just as a professional visit but to also learn from a senior colleague who has been there before us,” he said. The SWAN President outlined activities lined up for the 60th anniversary, scheduled to hold in Abuja from October 29 to 31, 2026. “We have already kick-started with thanksgiving services. By October this year, members from across the country will converge in Abuja. There will be symposium, paper presentations, a novelty football match, our full council meeting, the launch of the SWAN House project, as well as awards and gala night,” he explained. He also appealed for continued collaboration with NTA to give national visibility to the celebration, adding, “We are here to seek necessary partnership and assistance. We cannot do this alone. Corporate organisations like NTA can be a tremendous help, particularly in media coverage and promotion. We sincerely commend what NTA has been doing in sports development, and we are hopeful of your partnership in making SWAN@60 a grand success.” Benjamin further revealed that the Diamond jubilee event would serve as a moment of reflection for SWAN. “Sixty years of existence is not a small feat. This celebration gives us the opportunity to look back at our achievements, acknowledge areas where we need improvement, and re-commit to sports as a gateway to development in Nigeria,” he said. Also, the SWAN delegation were at the Abuja Headquarters of Global TV to intimate its management team of the upcoming SWAN 60th celebration. Speaking, the acting Managing Director of the rising broadcast outfit, Aisha Musa Larai, congratulated SWAN for its exploits and assured of support. While highlighting the crucial role Sports Writers play in Nigeria’s development, Aisha Larai said the media are pacesetters in any society in need of meaningful impact. Secretary-General of SWAN, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, who stood for the President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, commended the management of Global TV for amazing footprints within the brief time the media organisation has existed. While highlighting SWAN 60th Anniversary timelines, he added it would also feature interfaith (Muslim and Christian) special prayers/services nationwide to underscore the role of God in the journey of the association since its establishment in 1964. The visit ended on a cordial note, with assurances from both sides that the partnerships would be strengthened as the countdown to the anniversary begins.  

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SWAN Suspends Impostor Lagos SWAN Chairman, Secretary

Fola Badmus04 mins

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has suspended the Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Ms. Olatutu Oladunni, and Secretary, Mr. Bello Omotunde Muritala, from all Association’s activities with immediate effect. The decision announced in a letter to them, with copies to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, dated Thursday October 2, 2025, followed findings of gross misconduct, as the decision was taken in line with Article 21, Section (1) A and C of the SWAN Statute. The National Leadership directed both Olatutu and Bello to hand over all Association’s property and documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter’s leadership, with the Vice Chairman, Mr. Aaron Akerejola, now on the saddle to see off the current State Executive Committee tenure. Part of the letter to IGP and other top law enforcement officials in the country, reads, “We write to formally notify you that the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has ratified the suspension of Olatutu Oladunni and Bello Omotunde Muritala from all activities of the association. “The decision of NEC is in line with SWAN statutory provision Article 21, number (1) A and C, following their various acts of misconduct. “By this notification, both persons have been directed to stay away from all issues, events, meetings, forum etc concerning SWAN immediately. “They are also instructed to submit all SWAN property/documents in their possession to the SWAN Lagos State Chapter Leadership now led by Aaron Akerejola, the acting Chairman in line with SWAN statutory provision, being that the Vice Chairman takes over in the absence of the Chairman. “They are not also meant to be seen in or around SWAN Secretariat located inside the National Stadium Lagos, Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja or any other SWAN office or Secretariat in any part of Nigeria. “Also, members of the public are by this notice advised not to transact any business or have any relationship regarding SWAN with any of the suspended persons as listed in this correspondence.” The SWAN NEC also suspended all electoral activities by the SWAN Electoral Committee (SWANECO) in the Chapter and revealed that further directive will be public in due course.

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FIFA Unveils Official Match Ball of World Cup ’26: TRIONDA

Fola Badmus05 mins

The countdown to the game-changing FIFA World Cup 26 has reached its latest significant milestone with the launch of the adidas TRIONDA, the Official Match Ball of the competition. The name TRIONDA can be translated from Spanish as “three waves”, and, alongside other unique and innovative design features, celebrates the fact that, for the first time, three host countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States – are uniting to host the FIFA World Cup. This reveal builds upon other recent landmark tournament events, including the unveiling of the Official Mascots , the news that FIFA will donate USD 1 to the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund for every FIFA World Cup 26 ticket sold and the announcement that more than 4.5 million fans from 216 countries and territories entered the Visa Presale Draw – the first of several ticket sales phases for the eagerly anticipated event. “The Official Match Ball for the FIFA World Cup 26 is here and it’s a beauty!” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino. “I am happy and proud to present TRIONDA. adidas have created another iconic FIFA World Cup ball, with the design embodying the unity and passion of next year’s host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States.” “I can’t wait to see this beautiful ball hitting the back of the net. The countdown to the greatest FIFA World Cup ever is on – and the ball is rolling!” The ball’s vibrant design features a red, green and blue colour scheme that pays homage to the three host countries, while a brand-new four-panel construction with fluid geometry replicates the waves referenced in the ball’s name. These panels connect to form a triangle in the centre of the ball in a nod to the historic union of the three host nations. Iconography that represents each host country adorns the ball, with the maple leaf for Canada, an eagle for Mexico and a star for the United States, while gold embellishments pay tribute to the FIFA World Cup Trophy, underlining the significance of the stage provided by FIFA’s flagship tournament. TRIONDA boasts several key performance innovations. The four-panel construction incorporates intentionally deep seams, creating a surface that produces optimal in-flight stability by ensuring sufficient and evenly distributed drag as the ball travels through the air. Additionally, embossed icons that are only visible up-close elevate grip when striking or dribbling the ball in wet or humid conditions. Connected ball technology again features in the Official Match Ball of the FIFA World Cup, with a state-of-the-art 500Hz motion sensor chip delivering insight into every element of the ball’s movement. This technology sends precise data to the video assistant referee system in real time, enhancing match officials’ decision-making, including in relation to offside incidents. TRIONDA’s arrival continues the momentum leading up to the 23rd edition of the global extravaganza and comes ahead of important international match windows in October and November, during which more nations are set to seal their berths at the tournament, and the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 26 in Washington DC on Friday, 5 December 2025.

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U20 World Cup: Flying Eagles Edge Saudi Arabia 3-2 to Brighten Round of 16 Chances

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria defeated Saudi Arabia 3-2 in an eventful group F encounter in Talca on Friday morning to earn three points and brighten their chances of reaching the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile.   Midfielder Nasiru Salihu scored Nigeria’s first goal of the tournament by converting in the 10th minute, but the Asians were back on level terms in the 21st minute through Amar Alyuhaybi.   Undaunted, the seven-time African champions went in front again as Amos Ochoche scored with seven minutes left in the first period. The first half ended with Nigeria leading 2-1.   Six minutes into the second half, Saudi Arabia were again back on level terms, thanks to Talal Haji.   Nigeria secured victory with four minutes into added time when captain Daniel Bameyi converted from the penalty spot.   Victory means the two-time World Cup finalists will reach the Round of 16 if they get a result against Colombia on Monday.  

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Rivers Hoopers Show Character to Outclass Lagos Legends

Fola Badmus06 mins

Reigning Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL) champions Rivers Hoopers put up a performance underlined by resilience and character, as they overturned a 4-point deficit at halftime to beat Lagos Legends 89-70 in the final game of the Atlantic Conference Phase Two. In what was essentially a battle for pride and supremacy, it was Lagos Legends who scored the game’s first points as they opened up an early lead that stretched to nine points at 26-17 by the end of the first quarter, which was characterised by near misses for the KingsMen. The KingsMen improved in their shot accuracy during the second quarter, as vice-captain Buchi Nwaiwu and Victor Sunday combined for fourteen points to cut the deficit to four points with the halftime score at 47-43. The halftime break offered Rivers Hoopers Head Coach Ogoh Odaudu the opportunity to make tactical tweaks, reinforcing how the team contained their opponents. “The first thing that I spoke about in the huddle today was transition defense, the need to get back on time quickly. We didn’t do that well. When we corrected it later on, the game changed [in our favour], but in the first half they killed us on the transition offense. “It’s something that we’re definitely going to work on going forward,” he revealed. The KingsMen responded positively to Odaudu’s halftime instructions and, buoyed by the vociferous crowd, came out with much verve in the third. Samuel Sani showed outstanding industry, scoring big points along with vital rebounds. But it was John Idoga who got the crowd rocking with a game-tying shot from deep to level the score at 61-61, before Abdul Malik sent the arena into a frenzy with the last sequence of the third quarter, sinking one free throw followed by a brilliant layup to hand the hosts the lead for the first time with the score at 64-61. From that moment on, it was one-way traffic as Malik’s energy inspired the team to an outstanding performance in the fourth quarter, during which they restricted their opponents to just nine (9) points while scoring twenty-five (25) to close out the game at 89-70. Speaking after the game, Odaudu could not hide his admiration for his standout performers. “I am very proud of both of them, Malik and especially Favour [Komene]. They changed the tempo and the dynamic of the game. They are my two MVPs for today’s game. These are people who hadn’t seen major minutes in all the games, but they stepped up when it mattered most and helped us out. He further said such mentality shown by Malik and Favour is what makes Rivers Hoopers formidable. “That’s how it’s supposed to be. There’s no specific day, and there’s no particular person who is a hero on this team. Anybody can wake up any day and bail us out, and that’s what Milk did today,” he pointed out. Buchi Nwaiwu alongside John Idoga, top-scored for the KingsMen with fifteen points, while Sani (14) and Victor Sunday (12) also hit double figures. The result meant Rivers Hoopers completed Phase Two of the Atlantic Conference with a perfect record, much to the delight of the team’s gaffer, who also pointed out some areas for improvement. “I’m happy that it was a clean sweep, but I’m also not happy with the way we played. It wasn’t entirely convincing. I don’t think the scoreline reflected the true situation of the game. We started off really badly with too many mistakes; we missed too many open baskets, so it’s something that we have to go back to the drawing board and work on. In all, I’m happy that we won, and we’ll move on from there.” Attention now shifts to Phase Three of the NBPL 2025 season which will see the top four teams from both Conferences gather for the Playoffs at a yet to be named venue.

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