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

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.

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

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.”

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

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.

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

Liverpool: Arne Slot Thumbs Up Van Dijk On New Contract

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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Long Premier League Weekend on GOtv: Top Teams Eye Vital Wins in Tightening Race

Premier League action continues over the Easter long weekend, with clubs across the table battling for European places and survival. With five Champions League spots now available to English clubs, the race for the top five heats up.. On Saturday, all eyes will be on the late kick-off between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at 5:30 PM. Newcastle, currently third, are the league’s most in-form side with six straight wins, including a dominant 5–0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace. Their forward line, led by Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, has hit peak form, while their midfield trio continues to dictate play. Villa, just one point behind in seventh, are also on a four-game winning run. With Champions League qualification within reach for both sides, the clash could be season-defining. Earlier at 3:00 PM, Manchester City visit Everton hoping to extend their winning run after a comeback 5–2 win over Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side are closing in on a top-two finish. Simultaneously, Brentford face Brighton, Crystal Palace host Bournemouth, and West Ham play Southampton. Sunday offers another wave of key matchups. Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town at 2:00 PM, aiming to recover from two league draws despite a confidence-boosting win over Real Madrid in Europe. Ipswich, rooted deep in the relegation zone, held Chelsea last weekend and are still fighting for survival. Manchester United host Wolves, looking to halt a poor run, while Chelsea visit Fulham with a top-five spot in sight. At 4:30 PM, Liverpool travel to Leicester City in a tie that could impact the European qualification picture. The weekend concludes on Monday at 8:00 PM with Tottenham Hotspur taking on Nottingham Forest. Spurs remain in the Champions League chase and will look to take full advantage of the fixture. Catch all the Premier League matches live on SuperSport Premier League (Channel 65) with GOtv.

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Morocco 2025: Flamingos Seek high-margin win to assure World Cup ticket

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said on Friday that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will aspire to win big in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, in order to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa. “We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere told thenff.com. “I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round. We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.” Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year. Olowookere will unleash forward Harmony Chidi (now on 16 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including the 13 she scored on the way to the finals in the Dominican Republic last year), midfielder Shakirat Moshood (who scored four goals at the last FIFA World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic and also opened the floodgates against South Africa in Pretoria) and Aishat Animashaun (who was among the scorers against the Bantwana last month) on the Algerians in order to achieve his objective. The return is scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algeria) on Friday, 25th April. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will take place in Morocco, 17th October – 5th November.

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