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Category: Soccer

Kwara United, Rivers Angels Win 2025 President Federation Cup

Fola Badmus04 mins

Cup holders Rivers Angels made it 10th title accomplished as they edged Nasarawa Amazons on penalties, while Kwara United won their first-ever national trophy at the grand finale of this year’s President Federation Cup in Lagos on Saturday. The women’s final showcased a compelling match-up between the reigning champions, Rivers Angels and arch-rivals Nasarawa Amazons. Amazons began aggressively and notched the first goal in the 8th minute through former junior international Shola Shobowale. The Jewels of Rivers responded by increasing their offensive efforts so as to restore parity. However, in the 20th minute, Shobowale netted her second goal of the match, extending the Amazons’ lead to 2-0 at half time. Despite the apparent control maintained by the Amazons in the second period, Rivers Angels mounted a significant comeback effort. In the 57th minute, former Nigeria U17 team captain Taiwo Ajibade, scored to reduce the deficit. Shortly after, the Jewels found parity through a well-taken goal. In the ensuing penalty shootout, the Angles prevailed 4-2 to successfully defend their crown and collect the trophy for the 10th time. Goalkeeper Anderline Mgbechi, who won the best goalkeeper award, converted her team’s final kick for victory. In the men’s final, Kwara United stood firm against ‘giant-killers’ Abakaliki FC from Ebonyi State and eventually prevailed 4-3 after penalty shootout following a scoreless situation after regulation time. The Afonja Warriors came close to scoring in the 31st minute, advancing from midfield and executing strong play that brought them close to the Rice Boys’ goal. However, their attempt struck the woodwork, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 as both teams looked for the breakthrough. In the second half, Kwara United pushed hard to break the deadlock, with Wasiu Alalade nodding a goal in the 57th minute, which was ruled offside by Referee Joseph Ogabor. In the penalty shootout, Kwara United were triumphant in a 4-3 win. AWARDS WOMEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Rivers Angels (N25million) Runner-Up: Nasarawa Amazons (N10million) MVP: Shola Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons FC) Top Scorer: Abasi Ofon Uwa (Ibom Angels FC) Best Goalkeeper: Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels FC) MEN’S COMPETITION Winner: Kwara United FC (N50million) Runner-Up: Abakaliki FC (N20million) MVP: Victor Okoye (Kwara United FC) Top Scorer: Mercelle Akinocho (Beyond Limits FC) Best Goalkeeper: Suraj Aiyeleso (Kwara United FC)

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President Federation Cup: Four Governors, Gbajabiamila, Entertainment Icons to Grace Finale

Fola Badmus03 mins

Nigeria’s National Cup final on Saturday in Lagos will bring together the crème de la crème of the nation’s political, football and entertainment industries, with four States chief executives already confirmed to be in attendance. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos will arrive the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in company with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State and the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas. Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Mr. Seyi Tinubu, SSA to Mr. President on Grassroots Sports Development, Mr. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye, and a number of music and movie stars will also grace the grand finale. Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of NFF and President of WAFU B, will lead members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, while Alhaji Abubakar Lawal will lead the GTI team. Prominent members of the Lagos State cabinet and the Lagos State Sports Commission and Lagos State Football Association are also expected. One-time President of WAFU, Chief Jonathan Ogufere and Nigeria’s oldest practising football writer, Pa Segun Adenuga have confirmed their attendance. The Lagos State Football Association has concluded plans to honour Pa Biliaminu Thanni, the oldest living-winner of the Nigeria National Cup. The Mobolaji Johnson Arena hosted the very first edition of Nigeria’s Cup final, in its first incarnation as King George V Stadium, in 1945. It was the sole venue until it was re-christened as Lagos City Stadium in 1963. It continued to host until 1972, when the final between Bendel Insurance of Benin and Mighty Jets of Jos had to be replayed following a 2-2 draw, thanks to the heroics of Sam Garba Okoye. The replay was taken to the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. This year’s grand finale will see Cup holders Rivers Angels of Port Harcourt take on Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia in the women’s final that begins at 1pm, while the men’s final, between Abakaliki FC and Kwara United, will commence at 4pm.

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Leicester Sacks Manager Ruud van Nistelrooy

Fola Badmus01 mins

Leicester City have confirmed manager Ruud van Nistelrooy will leave the club, nine weeks after they were relegated from the Premier League. Leicester were sent down to the Championship after winning just six games last season in a campaign that saw them sack Steve Cooper in November and replace him with Van Nistelrooy. However, the Dutch coach was unable to save them from relegation and paid the price for that result on Friday. “I would like to personally thank the Leicester City players, coaches, academy and all the staff I have worked with for their professionalism and dedication during my time at the club and to thank the fans for their support, and take this opportunity to wish the club well for the future,” Van Nistelrooy said in a statement. They will begin life in the Championship at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Aug. 10.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Signs New Contract With Al Nassr

Fola Badmus02 mins

Cristiano Ronaldo has signed a new contract to remain at Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. Ronaldo, 40, was out of contract with the Saudi Pro League side who he joined in 2023 from Manchester United and it appeared he would be moving on. But both he and the club announced on Thursday that he has signed a new contract which runs until 2027. “Cristiano Ronaldo is staying at Al Nassr until 2027″ the club confirmed. The Portuguese superstar has scored 74 goals in 77 games in the Saudi Pro League, while he’s scored 99 goals in 111 games in all competitions for Al Nassr. So he’s doing pretty well. Reports stated that Ronaldo had wanted assurances that Al Nassr intend will look to improve their squad to improve on their third place finish in the Saudi Pro League last season. It appears he’s happy enough with their plans for the upcoming season. Reports state that Ronaldo will earn up to $468 million per year. So this contract is worth $936 million.

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Arsenal Holds Eberechi Eze Transfer Talks

Fola Badmus02 mins

Arsenal could scupper Tottenham’s plans with a surprise move for Eberechi Eze after ‘holding talks’ with the England star’s representatives amid their search for quality attacking signings. The Gunners are in the market for a quality No.9 and a left-sided forward to bolster their title hopes next season. And it seems as though their search for the latter could lead them into a surprise battle with their arch-rivals for Eze, who is the latest Crystal Palace star to be linked with a blockbuster summer move. Mirror Football revealed last week that Eze was on Spurs’ shortlist with a deal for Bryan Mbeumo now looking unlikely. And amid claims that the 26-year-old is also on Arsenal’s radar as they finalise their own shortlist of attacking targets, The Sun are reporting that talks between Andrea Berta and Eze’s representatives have already taking place. It’s outlined that Arsenal hold a strong interest in Eze, who has a £68million buy-out clause in his Eagles contract. Given he would be available for that price, Eze represents a cheaper alternative to Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, Rodrygo, who the Gunners have also been courting this summer.

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President Federation Cup: AFCON Winner Ifeanyi Onyedika Set to Extend Fabulous Record

Fola Badmus03 mins

For those still trying to discover the muse of Abakaliki FC, the little-known Club from Ebonyi State that has reached the men’s final of this year’s President Federation Cup, they need not look farther than Head Coach Ifeanyi Onyedika. Onyedika is an ex-Nigeria international striker of repute, and was a notable member of the squad that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. However, his gravitas does not end at international level. In 1981, Enugu Rangers were head-on against Bendel Insurance in what was a repeat of the 1978 final, in which Insurance, loaded with stars like Kadiri Ikhana, Henry Ogboe and Francis Moniedafe, incinerated the Flying Antelopes 3-0 at the National Stadium, Surulere. The setting in 1981 was also the same venue. Rangers exacted their revenge, but not without Onyedika’s handwriting. After Emmanuel Osigwe (another ex-international forward) scored for Rangers, Onyedika made it two against Insurance, and that surely foreclosed any thoughts of Insurance’s revival. Two years later, Onyedika was also part of the Rangers’ squad that won the Nigeria National Cup, defeating DIC Bees of Kaduna 5-4 after a penalty shootout following 0-0 in regulation time, also at the National Stadium, Surulere. Onyedika was not done. Twenty-three years after his second triumph as a player, with Enugu Rangers, Onyedika led Dolphin FC of Port Harcourt to victory as coach, when they defeated Bendel Insurance 5-3 after a penalty shootout following 2-2 draw in regulation time, at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta. He repeated the feat the following year, leading Dolphin FC to defeat his former club, Enugu Rangers 3-2 after a penalty shootout following 1-1 draw in regulation time, at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. His Abakaliki FC has toppled many illustrious names in this year’s competition, among them Katsina United, Enyimba FC, Nasarawa United and Ikorodu City. Will Onyedika’s Cup magic hand the trophy to Abakaliki FC on Saturday? Fans are eager to find out.

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Mission X: Mary Akinsola joins Super Falcons as Media Officer

Fola Badmus02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has appointed Mary Akinsola, a media and public relations expert, as the media officer of the Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons. Miss Akinsola brings over 10 years of experience in communications and sports management to the role, having previously worked with Warner Bros Discovery (Eurosport) as a production/commentary coordinator, with sportsgazette.uk as a sports writer, editor and digital media manager, and with ACLSports.com as a podcast host and writer. She also worked with Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State as a sportscaster, writer and producer. Akinsola, who holds a master’s degree in international sports journalism from St. Mary’s University, London has managed production communications for Eurosport during a number of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, tennis grand slams, the English Premier League and major European club competitions. She joins an ambitious squad that is targeting a record-extending 10th continental title, when the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals commences in Morocco on 5th July. She believes her passion for the game and ceaseless quest for excellence matches those of the Super Falcons, and is committed to promoting the Nigeria senior women team’s story and connecting with stakeholders and supporters globally.

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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

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