Trendbrio.com

News and Entertainment Update

Live
Local
BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Finally Begins Defence in Terrorism Case 01
02
News
COAS Vows Sustained Offensive Against Insurgents in Northeast
03
Entertainment
Regina Daniels Breaks Down In Tears, Says She’ll Return To Ned Nwoko If It Secures Brother’s Release
04
News
Anambra Government Declares Friday Public Holiday To Enable Workers Vote In Governorship Election
05
Entertainment
Regina Daniels’ Mum Rita Cries Out Claiming Ned Nwoko Has Issued Arrest Warrant Against Her

Category: Soccer

President Federation Cup: Mathias, Alalade, Afolabi Set to Dazzle in Grand Finale

Fola Badmus06 mins

Big midfielder Josephine Mathias will be the cynosure of eyes when Rivers Angels and Nasarawa Amazons clash in the final of women’s competition of the 2025 President Federation Cup at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Saturday. Six years ago, Mathias, who had just returned from a spell in Turkey with Trabzon idmanocagi, teamed up with Rivers Angels Football Club of Port Harcourt. She was a member of the squad that lost to Nasarawa Amazons in the final of the Nigeria FA Cup competition in Kaduna in 2019. Today, Mathias is the captain of the Amazons, and much will be expected of her as the girls from Nasarawa confront Cup holders and multiple winners Rivers Angels in the final at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena. Last year, the girls from Garden City were properly stretched in their game against Naija Ratels FC of Abuja at the same venue, but won 1-0 for their 9th title. That victory somewhat made up for their painful loss to arch-rivals Bayelsa Queens in the 2023 final, when both teams needed a penalty shootout to find the difference at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba. That defeat, and the loss to Nasarawa Amazons at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna six years ago, remain one of the very few times that the Jewels of Rivers have ended the season without the Nigeria FA Cup in their kitty. Now coached by Tosan Blankson, Rivers Angels sizzled past Ilorin-based Moje Queens 7-0 and First Mahi Babes from Abakaliki 5-0 in the earlier rounds, before outlasting Remo Stars Ladies 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time in the quarter finals, and piping fit-fighting Ibom Angels 1-0 in the semi-finals. On their part, Lafia-based Amazons decisioned Kwara Ladies 6-0 in the Round of 32, edged 2023 winners Bayelsa Queens 2-1 in the Round of 16, grilled Sunshine Queens for four un-replied goals in the quarter finals and sent Edo Queens packing by two goals in the semi-finals. The Amazons will miss the services of first-choice goalkeeper Rachael Unachukwu and defender Sikiratu Isah, who are both with the Super Falcons in Morocco for the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations, but they have Mathias, defenders Jumoke Alani and Oluchi Ohaegbulem, midfielders Aminat Bello, Shola Shobowale and Yina Adoo, and forward Janet Akekoromowei who have also tasted action at different national team levels. Jewels, on their part, are bolstered by goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, midfield pearl Taiwo Afolabi and junior internationals Peace Effiong, Motunrayo Ezekiel and Chidera Okenwa. In the men’s final, Kwara United’s goal-machine Wasiu Alalade is the man ball fans will look out for when the clash between the Afonja Warriors and Abakaliki FC rolls off by 4pm. Alalade is a symbol of utmost dedication, great marksmanship and resilience at the fore. United also have seasoned goalkeeper Suraju Aiyeleso, Isa Gatta, Adamu Abubakar and Wasiu Jimoh. Abakaliki FC will pin their hopes on goalkeeper Pascal Elochukwu, Cyril Timothy, Chisom Ogbu, Ejike Nwafor, Collins Kalu and Chukwudi Okoro. MATCH OFFICIALS WOMEN’S FINAL: RIVERS ANGELS VS NASARAWA AMAZONS Match Coordinator: Professor (Mrs) M. A. Suleiman Referee Assessor: Mrs Sarah J. Adebisi Referee: Hannah Eliagwu AR1: Mfon Friday AR2: Faith Agbons RR: Ndidi Patience Madu MEN’S FINAL: ABAKALIKI FC VS KWARA UNITED FC Match Coordinator: Mr. Yakubu Sarma Referee Assessor: Mr. Peter Edibe Referee: Joseph Ogabor AR1: Mahmud Yakubu AR2: Emmanuel Omada RR: Yemisi Akintoye

Read More

Moses Simon Joins Paris FC from Nantes

Fola Badmus02 mins

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.

Read More

Mission X: Super Falcons Land in Casablanca

Fola Badmus02 mins

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.

Read More

Tottenham Lines Up £68m Move for Eberechi Eze

Fola Badmus02 mins

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.

Read More

Maduka Okoye Bags Enugu State Sports Ambassadorial Role

Fola Badmus02 mins

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.”

Read More

Mission X: Super Falcons Impressive in Scoreless Draw With Portugal

Fola Badmus04 mins

Reigning Africa’s best goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie had a game to remember forever as Nigeria’s Super Falcons provided both flair and steel in a 0-0 draw with hosts Portugal in a pre-WAFCON friendly match in Lisbon on Monday. The nine-time African champions, aspiring boldly for a 10th title, only arrived in Portugal less than 24 hours before the encounter, but advertised no signs of fatigue or lassitude as they stood up to the Portuguese in a game that indicated readiness to battle for the continental crown in Morocco. A back pass by Christy Ucheibe allowed Diana Silva sight of the Nigeria goal in the 6th minute, but her shot spurned the ball away from goal. In the 9th minute, Nnadozie plucked the ball off the air from a pull-out, and at the other end, the fabulous Francisca Ordega cut into the box and found captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose smart turn and shot nearly wrong-footed goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Nnadozie pulled off another epic save in the 24th minute, and as the home girls launched onslaught after onslaught, only Nnadozie’s heroics and stonewall defending by the Falcons kept the scoreline even. Just before half time, Nigeria could have taken the lead against the run of play, but Rinsola Babajide overhit the ball from an opportunity that presented itself after Ordega had been foiled with a last-ditch effort. In the second stanza, Africa’s number one pulled off three world-class saves within a spate of four minutes, denying the dangerous Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto and Andreia Norton. The injection of Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde rejuvenated Nigeria’s game, and as the Falcons took control, Ordega’s brilliant move and pass into the box in the 64th minute went begging. The Falcons revved the engine to dominate the final 20 minutes, during which the vibrant Ordega rattled the crossbar from distance and Onumonu just fell short of squaring past the goalkeeper from another inspired Ordega cross. At the end, the Super Falcons gave a good account of themselves, and left the Portuguese fans stunned with an elegant outing at the Estádio José Gomes. The Nigeria contingent will depart from Lisbon for Casablanca on Wednesday, where they will take on Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly match on Sunday. Their first match of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations comes up on Sunday, 6th July against Tunisia in Casablanca.

Read More

CAF CHAN 2024: Tanzania to Host Opening match, Kenya to Host Final Match

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), in consultation with the three Nations that will host this year’s CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (CHAN) 2024 have announced the venues that will host the Opening, Third and Fourth and the Final Match of the Competition. The CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (CHAN) 2024 will be held between 02 – 30 August, 2025, marking a return to East African soil following the 2016 edition in Rwanda. Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam will host the opening match of TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (CHAN) 2024 on 02 August 2024. The Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda has been designated to host the third and fourth match of the event. Kenya’s Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi will host the Final match of the Competition on 30 August 2025. The Host Nations:The Opening Match will be hosted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Saturday, 02 August. The Final Match will take place in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, 30 August. The Third-Place Match will be staged in Kampala, Uganda Additionally, Zanzibar has been designated as one of the Host Venues – a decision that underscores CAF’s commitment to expanding the reach and inclusivity of African football. Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium recently staged a successful TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2024/25 Final in May this year. The Host Cities for the Group Stages of the tournament are as follows: Group A | Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, ZambiaGroup B | Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African RepublicGroup C | Kampala, Uganda: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, AlgeriaGroup D | Zanzibar: Senegal, *Congo, Sudan, Nigeria *Following the decision of the of the CAF Appeals Board, Equatorial Guinea was replaced by Congo.

Read More

8th African Nations Championship: Super Eagles B to Play Group Phase Games in Zanzibar

Fola Badmus03 mins

2018 silver-medallists Nigeria will play their group B matches of the 8th African Nations Championship in Zanzibar – a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa. It is an island of less than two million people. Nigeria is in group B with Cup holders Senegal, Congo and Sudan. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the three East African nations that have been jointly awarded the hosting right for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals, have been mandated to host this year’s African Nations Championship as proper dress rehearsal. The tournament will be staged 2nd – 30th August. According to an announcement by the Confederation of African Football on Thursday, the tournament’s opening match will take place at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (mainland Tanzania), while the third and fourth matches will hold at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala, Uganda. The final match, on Saturday 30th August, will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. With the defenestration of Equatorial Guinea from the tournament following a ruling of the CAF Appeals Committee, Congo has been restored to Nigeria’s group B. The Super Eagles B, who were also bronze-medallists in South Africa in 2014, qualified for this year’s finals after a 3-1 aggregate defeat of Ghana in their qualifying fixture in December last year. GROUP A: Kenya, Morocco, Angola, DR Congo, Zambia (Nairobi) GROUP B: Tanzania, Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic (Dar es Salaam) GROUP C: Uganda, Niger, Guinea, South Africa, Algeria (Kampala) GROUP D: Senegal, Congo, Sudan, Nigeria (Zanzibar)

Read More