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Category: Sports

WAFU B U20 Boys Tourney: Flying Eagles Seek to Extend Regional Domination

Fola Badmus64 mins

Nigeria’s U20 Boys, Flying Eagles have commenced training sessions in the Ghanaian capital, Accra ahead of the kick-off of this year’s WAFU B U20 Boys Tournament. Earlier scheduled to be an expanded tourney involving teams also from the 9-nation WAFU A, organizers have had to revert to the WAFU B-only arrangement, with the Ghanaian capital hosting the competition scheduled for 10th – 23rd July. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has picked captain Daniel Bameyi and 19 other players, with a scoop from the group that finished third at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in Egypt two months ago and thus qualified to represent Africa at the FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile later this year. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is a prominent figure from that mosaic, alongside defender Odinaka Okoro, and midfielders Bidemi Amole, Ezekiel Kpangu, Divine Oliseh and Tahir Maigana. A number of new birds have birthed, including Bayelsa United goalkeeper Clinton Andy, defenders Abba Sadiq and Marvelous Freedom, midfielder Abduljelil Kamaldeen, and forwards Imrana Muhammad and Qudus Olayiwola. Nigeria, winners of the last two editions of the WAFU B U20 Championships (hosted by Niger Republic and Togo respectively), will take on hosts Ghana in the opening match of Group A on Thursday, from 3pm on Thursday, 10th July. Venue is the Prampram Centre in Accra. The Flying Eagles will then clash with Benin Republic on Sunday, 13th July in a three-team Group A. Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Niger Republic and Togo make up Group B, with the Ivorians and the Burkinabes clashing in the group’s first match on Thursday. 20 FLYING EAGLES IN GHANA FOR WAFU B U20 TOURNAMENT: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Clinton Andy (Bayelsa United) Defenders: Abba Khalid Sadiq (Niger Tornadoes); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Akinniran Oluwashile (Water FC); Ahmed Akinyele (Remo Stars); Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City) Midfielders: Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Ezekiel Kpangu (Inspire Academy); Rawa Mohammed (Beyond Limits); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Abduljelil Kamaldeen (Kwara Football Academy); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Abdullahi Muhammed (Kwara United); Godday Otalyul-Imbus (Calabar Rovers); Imrana Muhammad (Mavlon FC); Qudus Olayiwola (P Sport FC)

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FIE, Nigeria Fencing Federation to Partner with UNICEF on Youth Development Initiative

Fola Badmus64 mins

In a landmark effort to promote youth empowerment and social inclusion through sport, the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF), with the support of the International Fencing Federation (FIE), is exploring a strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). The initiative aims to leverage fencing as a transformative tool for child development, education, peacebuilding, and sustainable growth across Nigeria and potentially the African continent. The high-level meeting took place at UNICEF Nigeria’s headquarters in Lagos during the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships. Attending the meeting were FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova, African Fencing Confederation President Mbagnick Ndiaye, and NFF President Adeyinka Samuel, who met with senior representatives of UNICEF Nigeria to discuss a collaborative framework for the initiative. UNICEF Nigeria was represented by Ronak Khan, Deputy Representative (Programmes); Kundra Bharat, Skill Development and Youth Empowerment Specialist; and Emmanuel Bamidele, Youth Engagement and Partnership Officer. Also present were Novak Perovic, FIE Vice President and African Confederation Vice President; Obinna Anyanwu, Vice Chairman of the Organizing Committee and Executive Committee Member; and Rachael Samuel, Vice President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation. During the meeting, NFF President Adeyinka Samuel shared the federation’s vision to use fencing as a catalyst for social change and youth development. The discussions highlighted the vast potential of the partnership to positively impact communities across Nigeria and Africa. FIE Secretary-General Gulnora Saidova remarked: “At the FIE, we are committed to developing fencing globally—not only as a sport but as a platform for social and cultural development. We are thrilled about the opportunities discussed with UNICEF Nigeria and deeply value the potential of this collaboration to enhance lives across Africa and beyond.” Samuel added, “This partnership is a major step toward using fencing to empower and uplift young people across Nigeria. We are proud to scale our grassroots efforts into a national movement for education, inclusion, and opportunity through sport.” UNICEF Nigeria expressed strong interest in the proposal, noting its alignment with their core objectives, including child protection, youth engagement, skill development, and peacebuilding through sport. The organization confirmed its capacity for nationwide implementation through existing youth programs and structures. If finalized, this would mark UNICEF Nigeria’s first sports-based development initiative. The proposed collaboration is poised to become a landmark program for youth and fencing development in Africa, with all parties committed to building a scalable, impactful model for long-term success.

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SWAN Congratulates Malikawa, Musa On Kano Pillars’ Appointments

Fola Badmus43 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has congratulated one of its National Leaders, Alhaji Idris Malikawa Garu, who was recently appointed into the management board of Kano Pillars FC. SWAN President Mr. Isaiah Benjamin in a statement on Tuesday through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb Ikenna Okonkwo, also hailed the appointment of Football Star and Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, as the club’s General Manager. President Benjamin noted that the latest decision of Kano State Government in the pilot of Kano Pillars’ leadership affairs is both apt and forward-looking. He said, “The latest announcement by the Kano State Government regarding the management board of Kano Pillars, with the inclusion of professionals, is a cheering one. “As Sports Journalists, we have keenly observed the reaction of teeming Nigerian football lovers (Kano Pillars fans and others) since the appointments were made few days ago, most persons have been saying a lot of good things. “Idris Malikawa and Ahmed Musa are among prominent sports personalities in the board and we believe that their presence will certainly make the difference for Kano Pillars desirous of returning to the peak of performance as long as domestic and continental engagements are concerned.” The Number One Sports Writer in Nigeria then urged them to redouble their efforts in realising the lofty desires of the Kano State Government, Kano Pillars and their followers. While calling for improved Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in the coming season, the President of SWAN assured that the Sporting Media will continuously play its watchdog role with a view to contributing meaningfully to growth of Nigeria Football.

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João Pedro Strike Sends Chelsea Past Fluminense Into Club World Cup Final

Fola Badmus32 mins

Chelsea edged Fluminense 1–0 on Tuesday night to advance to the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to a second-half goal from João Pedro. The semifinal, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, saw the Blues withstand early Brazilian pressure before striking decisively after the break. Fluminense started the match on the front foot, threatening Chelsea’s backline with slick passing and aggressive runs. However, the Premier League side grew into the game, with improved midfield control and tactical discipline. The decisive moment came in the 65th minute when João Pedro, introduced as a substitute, latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball, beat his marker, and calmly slotted past the Fluminense goalkeeper. His composure and sharp movement gave Chelsea the edge in a tightly contested encounter. Fluminense pushed for an equalizer in the final stages, but Chelsea’s defense held firm to secure their spot in the final. The Blues will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s championship match, as they seek to add another international trophy to their cabinet.

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Nigeria, Togo Set to Defend Titles at 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos

Fola Badmus04 mins

Defending champions Nigeria and Togo are gearing up to retain their titles at the 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, scheduled to take place from July 16 to 19 at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. Nigeria, the region’s most decorated team, will defend its women’s team title, which it retained in Lomé last year. Meanwhile, Togo will aim to secure a second consecutive men’s team title, following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria in the 2024 final. This year’s championship will feature strong competition from across the region, with Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Niger Republic, and Sierra Leone joining the fray. In the singles events, Nigeria’s top-ranked player, Matthew Kuti, will defend his men’s singles title. Kuti made history last year in Lomé by defeating Côte d’Ivoire’s Oba Oba Kizito 4-1 to claim his first regional crown. A repeat victory would make him the first male player to win back-to-back singles titles in the tournament’s history. The women’s singles title is open for the taking following the absence of reigning champion Hope Udoaka of Nigeria, setting the stage for a new champion to emerge. The tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2025 African Championships, to be held later this year in Rwanda. With the advantage of home support and the largest player contingent, Nigeria is also eyeing a return to the top in the men’s team event. Participation has reached a new high, with over 10 countries confirmed, surpassing previous editions that peaked at nine. Notably, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Niger Republic are returning to the competition after years of absence. “All eyes will be on Nigeria,” said Ferdinand Sonou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region and former President of the Benin Table Tennis Federation. “Nigeria has a proven track record of hosting international competitions, and teams always look forward to playing here. This tournament marks the beginning of a series of international events in Lagos, and I believe we’ll witness the emergence of new stars alongside the established ones.” Sonou also commended ITTF Africa President Wahid Enitan Oshodi for his continued support, noting that the increased number of participating teams reflects the growing strength of table tennis in the region. The 2025 ITTF Africa West Regional Championships promise high-stakes action, intense rivalries, and a celebration of West African table tennis excellence.

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Mission X: Super Falcons Trounce Tunisia, Look Forward to Clash with Botswana

Fola Badmus04 mins

A fourth minute strike by six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala steered the Super Falcons to a comfortable 3-0 victory over their Tunisian counterparts as the nine-time champions got their challenge for a 10th continental title smoothly off the ground in Casablanca on Sunday. Rinsola Babajide, from the left side of the field, floated the ball from a free-kick, and as defender Ashley Plumptre missed contact, the USA-based Oshoala met the ball with a glancing header to force the ball past goalkeeper Soulaima Jabrani at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Morocco’s industrial and economic capital. Oshoala came close to doubling the advantage in the 16th minute, but defender Norhene Bettoumi was alert and diverted the ball as the forward was set to pull the trigger from Toni Payne’s cross. Deborah Abiodun’s left-footed shot in the 37th minute did not have enough power behind it, but two minutes into added time of the first period, Babajide packed enough power into her shot as she stormed past Chaima Alabbassi and blasted past Jabrani for Nigeria’s second of the evening. Just before the break, Ashleigh Plumptre thought she had got Nigeria’s third off a header from Babajide’s corner kick, but her effort was disallowed. In the second half, Plumptre, forever adventurous, rattled Jabrani with a sharp shot, and four minutes later, substitute Esther Okoronkwo’s sharp delivery begged for connection. Osinachi Ohale missed from close range as Nigeria chased the ball in a melee from a free-kick in the 62nd minute. At the other end, the veteran defender was fortunate not to be penalized after bringing down the lively Salma Zemzem in Nigeria’s vital area. True to character, Okoronkwo bustled and hustled, and came pretty close with nine minutes left when she turned a defender and saw the ball hit the upfront from her shot. Three minutes later, she was jumping for joy when her knockdown, from Plumptre’s cross, found fellow substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo in the right place to slot the ball past Jabrani for Nigeria’s third. In added time, Plumptre’s clever header almost got Jabrani befuddled, but there was still time for Zemzem to rattle goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie’s crossbar. Victory handed the Super Falcons three precious points and momentary leadership of group B, ahead of the clash between Algeria and Botswana.

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CAF President Mourns Peter Rufai

Fola Badmus02 mins

The President of the Confederation African of Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, expressed his deep condolences and the condolences of the 54 CAF Member Associations to the family of the late Peter Rufai, former captain of the Nigerian National Football Team, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the entire Nigerian football community. Peter Rufai, 61, passed away on Thursday 3 July 2025. Rufai represented Nigeria at the highest level, including two FIFA World Cups in 1994 and 1998 and several CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. CAF President, Dr Motsepe said: “Peter Rufai is part of a special generation of African Football players who made the people of Nigeria and the entire African Continent very proud. He was an enormously talented footballer player and was respected in Africa and globally. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its President Ibrahim Gusau, his former teammates and the people of Nigeria. ‘Dodo Mayana’ will forever live in our hearts and minds. May his Soul Rest in Peace.”

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Ex-Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Charged With Rape

Fola Badmus03 mins

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022, the Metropolitan Police said. The charges involve three women, with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman. The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said. The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape. The 32-year-old’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020. Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk” Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August. In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. “He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. “Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.” Mr Partey joined Arsenal for £45.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances last season and scored four goals as the London club finished second in the Premier League. He also played 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain. Overall, he made 130 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring nine goals. Mr Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana’s national team, and most recently played at World Cup qualification matches in March.

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