Nigeria Archives | Page 21 of 51

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

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

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.

Chess: Tunde Onakoya Reclaims Guinness World Record

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Nigerian chess champion, Tunde Onakoya, on Sunday set a new Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest chess marathon, exceeding the previous record of 61 hours. Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, alongside United States chess master Shawn Martinez, surpassed the 62-hour mark on Sunday. Announcing this via his X handle, Onakoya said, “For all the dreamers! We’ve officially broken the record. “If you had 70 hours to change the world, what would you do? Sometimes the world won’t hand you 70 hours on a golden platter. Sometimes, you have to carve it out of your own breath, your own becoming. Not for applause. Not for records. But for the quiet dreamers who need to see someone leap so they know it’s possible to fly. “It’s been over 50 hours of chess beneath the lights of Times Square.Every move, every hour, a love letter to children who’ve never known the luxury of a second chance. If your heart has ever burned for something bigger than yourself, come find us. Stand with us. “Proceeds from my limited edition chess sets will go directly towards our fundraising goal: to build a tuition-free school for homeless children. This is a dream I’ve carried for years. Because no child should ever have their childhood sacrificed for survival. No dream should be buried beneath the weight of poverty.” The chess marathon, taking place at the iconic Times Square in New York City, kicked off on Wednesday, 17 April, and is set to conclude later on Sunday, 20 April. This marks Onakoya’s second bid to achieve the prestigious record. He emphasised that the marathon’s purpose extends beyond breaking a record, as it is also about raising awareness and garnering support for the construction of the largest free school for homeless children in Nigeria. With the same Martinez, Onakoya completed a 60-hour chess marathon in April 2024, surpassing the 56-hour record previously set in 2018 by Norwegians Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad.

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

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

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.”

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

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

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.

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

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

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.

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

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

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.

Zubairu Picks Bameyi, Jephta, Arierhi, 21 Others for U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has selected first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo and forward Kparobo Arierhi among a squad of 24 for this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt. The tournament gets underway in 10 days. Defenders Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu (based in Germany), midfielders Caleb Ochedikwu (based in Croatia) and Simon Cletus, and forwards Clinton Jephta, Divine Oliseh and Precious Benjamin (based in Germany) are also picked. The seven-time African champions and two-time World Cup runners-up will depart the shores of Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they are expected to play a couple of friendly matches before their opening match of the competition against Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday, 1st May. Three days after the clash with the Tunisians, the Flying Eagles will take the pitch against Morocco (also in Cairo) before rounding off their group phase experience against Kenya on Wednesday, 7th May. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. 24 FLYING EAGLES FOR EGYPT 2025: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

Security Crisis: Obi Urges President Tinubu to Return Home and Address Domestic Challenges

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Amid rising insecurity across Nigeria, former presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a passionate call on President Bola Tinubu to suspend his ongoing retreat in France and return home to address what he described as an “overwhelming security situation.” Obi, in a strongly worded statement on Tuesday, said the President’s absence comes at a time when the nation is grappling with mounting insecurity and loss of lives, particularly in Plateau and Zamfara states. “In the two weeks you have been away, over 150 Nigerians have lost their lives to insecurity across Nigeria,” he stated. “Pipeline explosions in the Niger Delta, resurging insurgency in the North-East, and rampant killings and abductions in the South-East all reflect a nation in distress.” The former Anambra State governor criticized the President for remaining abroad while the country faces worsening crises. “The CEO of the troubling company called Nigeria is retreating in a faraway land, while the headquarters is in chaos,” he added. Obi emphasized that the primary duty of any government is the protection of lives and property, noting that such a responsibility cannot be outsourced or handled from abroad. He called on President Tinubu to “rush home to take responsibility by addressing these disturbing issues,” stressing that the hope for a better Nigeria depends on leaders being present, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people. “A New Nigeria is POssible,” Obi concluded.