Category: Sports

SPORTS (NPA) — Arsenal have been crowned Premier League Champions after defeating Crystal Palace 2–1 at Selhurst Park on Sunday, sealing their 26th win of the campaign. Goals from Gabriel Jesus and Noni Madueke secured the victory, while Jean‑Philippe Mateta’s strike for Palace was not enough to spoil the celebrations.

The Gunners were mathematically confirmed champions earlier in the week when Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth, leaving Arsenal four points clear before the final round of fixtures. The triumph delivered Arsenal’s 14th English League title, ending a 22‑year wait since their last crown in the 2003/04 “Invincibles” season, when Arsène Wenger’s side went unbeaten throughout the league campaign.

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have undergone a remarkable transformation. Since taking charge in 2019, Arteta has rebuilt the squad with a blend of youth and experience, instilled tactical discipline, and fostered resilience in high‑pressure matches.

His emphasis on pressing, positional play, and squad depth proved decisive in overcoming rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Arteta’s leadership has been widely credited with restoring Arsenal’s winning mentality and guiding them back to the summit of English football.

Arsenal now turn their attention to the UEFA Champions League Final on May 30 in Budapest, where they face defending champions Paris Saint‑Germain. With momentum from their Premier League triumph, Arteta’s men will be aiming to secure a historic first Champions League trophy.

Analysts note that Arsenal’s attacking depth, defensive solidity, and Arteta’s tactical acumen give them a strong chance, though PSG’s experience and star power present a formidable challenge.

For Arsenal fans, the double dream — Premier League and Champions League — is alive, and Budapest could mark the crowning moment of Arteta’s project.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah has congratulated Rangers International F.C. on winning the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title following a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City F.C. on the final day of the season at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo scored both goals to secure the victory and hand the Flying Antelopes their ninth league crown.

Mbah, in a statement, described the triumph as a product of hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and resilience, noting that Enugu State was proud of the club’s achievement.

“Champions are not built in a single match. They are built through hard work, sacrifice, discipline, and the courage to keep fighting until the very end,” the governor said.

He stated that Rangers International had always represented more than football for the people of Enugu, describing the club as a symbol of pride, identity, resilience, and hope.

According to him, the club’s historic ninth NPFL title reflected the dedication and commitment of the players, coaching crew, management, backroom staff, and everyone who contributed behind the scenes to the success.

“This victory also belongs to every supporter who never stopped believing, every former player who wore the badge with pride, and every young child in Enugu dreaming of one day stepping onto that pitch in Rangers colours,” he added.

Rangers International, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs, have now won nine NPFL titles, with their latest triumph coming after the decisive win against Ikorodu City in Lagos.

The Flying Antelopes previously won the league title in the 2023/24 season after defeating Bendel Insurance F.C. 2-0 to clinch the crown.

Before Rangers’ latest triumph, Rivers United F.C. won the NPFL title in the 2024/25 season, finishing ahead of Enyimba F.C. and Remo Stars F.C. in the final standings.

DAKAR, Senegal (NPA) — Senegal have announced their official squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw naming a balanced 26‑man list combining experience, youth, and attacking flair.

The list, released by the Senegalese Football Federation, features star names such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy, alongside emerging talents like Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, and Assane Diao.

Édouard Mendy, Mory Diaw, and Yehvann Diouf will handle goalkeeping duties, while the defence is anchored by Krépin Diatta, Antoine Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhaté, Moustapha Mbow, Abdoulaye Seck, Ismaïl Jakobs, and Ilay Camara.

In midfield, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Pape Gueye, Lamine Camara, Habib Diarra, Pathé Ciss, Pape Matar Sarr, and Bara Sapoko Ndiaye provide depth and creativity.

The attack line boasts Sadio Mané, Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye, Assane Diao, Ibrahim Mbaye, Nicolas Jackson, Bamba Dieng, and Chérif Ndiaye — a mix of pace, power, and precision.

Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw emphasized balance and versatility in his selection, blending seasoned internationals with promising newcomers. The squad reflects Senegal’s tactical evolution since their 2022 campaign, with a focus on dynamic midfield play and pace‑driven attack.

The inclusion of young prospects such as Bara Sapoko Ndiaye and Ilay Camara signals Thiaw’s intent to refresh the team while maintaining the core that delivered continental success.

Senegal, drawn in a competitive group for the tournament, will rely on its defensive solidity led by Koulibaly and Mendy, and the attacking brilliance of Mané and Jackson to push for another deep World Cup run.

The announcement has sparked excitement across Senegal, with fans eager to see the Lions of Teranga roar again on football’s biggest stage.

SPORTS (NPA) — Aston Villa have confirmed plans for a victory parade through Birmingham city centre tomorrow, Thursday, May 21, following their emphatic 3‑0 win over SC Freiburg in the UEFA Europa League final at Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul. The triumph marks Villa’s first European success in 44 years, since their famous night in Rotterdam, and cements manager Unai Emery’s record fifth Europa League title.

The claret and blue side swept past Feyenoord, Fenerbahçe, Bologna, Lille and Nottingham Forest en route to the final, scoring 31 goals and delivering unforgettable moments for supporters. With many unable to travel to Türkiye, the club said the parade will serve as a communal celebration, bringing fans and players together in Birmingham.

The parade will begin at Branston Street in the Jewellery Quarter at approximately 4.30 pm, covering a 4.5km route through Sand Pits, Broad Street and Centenary Square. It is expected to last between 60 and 90 minutes. Three open‑top buses will feature in the convoy: a lead blue bus carrying media, a claret bus carrying the players, and a final blue bus for staff. The centrepiece will be a trophy lift, promising a moment of pride for both the club and the city.

While the club explored recreating the iconic 1982 European Cup celebrations at Victoria Square and staging fan engagement at Centenary Square, both proposals were ruled out due to ongoing works and safety concerns. FAAN emphasised that public safety remains paramount.

Villa acknowledged that some supporters who travelled to Istanbul may not return in time for the parade, but assured them that the event will be broadcast live on VillaTV, YouTube, and the club’s social media channels. Screens will also be positioned at intervals along the route to ensure fans can enjoy the spectacle without overcrowding.

The timing of the parade was shaped by several factors: the squad’s training schedule ahead of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City, Birmingham Pride celebrations on May 25, and players’ commitments to international squads for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The club said Thursday was the only viable option.

“A sea of claret and blue along the banks of the Bosphorus was a sight to behold, but we know it will be incomparable to the scenes in our home city of Birmingham,” the club said in its statement. “This will be an opportunity for those who missed out on being in Istanbul to be part of the team’s homecoming — and we cannot wait to bring the trophy home to you.”

Tomorrow’s celebrations are expected to draw thousands of fans, uniting Birmingham in a moment of history as Villa bring European silverware home once again.

WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of State has URGED football fans planning to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 to begin their visa application processes immediately, warning that early preparation is essential ahead of the global tournament.

The US government said the tournament represents “a once in a lifetime opportunity” to showcase America to millions of visitors from across the world.

In a statement by the Department of State, President Donald Trump said the United States was eager to welcome football supporters from around the globe.

“This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to showcase the beauty and the greatness of America. And we can’t wait to welcome soccer fans from all over the globe,” Trump stated.

The State Department noted that the US remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of national security and public safety throughout the visa issuance process for fans, teams, and visitors participating in World Cup activities.

According to the advisory, foreign visitors travelling to the United States for the tournament must possess passports valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, unless they are citizens of exempt countries.

The department clarified that citizens of Canada and Bermuda would not require additional travel authorisation to enter the United States as tourists.

It further explained that nationals from 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program may apply through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

However, fans from countries outside the visa waiver arrangement will be required to obtain valid B1/B2 visitor visas before travelling to the United States for the World Cup.

The US government also announced the introduction of the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (PASS), designed to help supporters who purchase official World Cup tickets directly from FIFA secure visa interview appointments ahead of the tournament.

According to the State Department, only fans who opt into the FIFA PASS programme will qualify for the priority visa scheduling arrangement.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Squash Federation has intensified preparations ahead of the 2026 WSF World Junior Team Squash Championship, scheduled to be held in Ontario, Canada, from July 20 to July 31.

President of the federation, Sunday Egberipou, disclosed this during a press conference in Abuja, stating that Nigeria would present four male and four female players at the prestigious global tournament.

Egberipou described the championship, organised by the World Squash Federation, as one of the biggest events in junior squash, noting that it would provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the athletes.

“We believe our players will not only gain exposure but also achieve impressive results at the championship,” he said.

According to him, 12 players are currently in camp in Abuja, while only eight players, alongside three coaches, will eventually make the final trip to Canada.

The male team is captained by 16-year-old Daniel Akpan, while 19-year-old Delight Allison will lead the female team.

Egberipou revealed that the second phase of camping commenced on April 30 and will end on May 15 in Abuja.

“The third phase of camping will commence on June 28, before the team’s departure for Canada on July 18,” he added.

The federation president appealed to corporate organisations, stakeholders and sports enthusiasts to support the national team ahead of the competition.

“We need the support of everyone to ensure that our youth remain productive and continue to excel in sports,” he stated.

Also speaking, General Manager of Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Martyn Zarybnicky, urged the players to remain disciplined and focused as they prepare for the tournament.

“You represent yourselves, Nigeria and the sport of squash. Practice well, sleep well, eat well and make the country proud,” he advised.

Vice President of the federation, Haniel Hadison, also expressed confidence in the ability of the players to perform strongly at the championship.

He assured the athletes of the continuous support of the federation and relevant stakeholders throughout their preparations.

The 2026 WSF World Junior Team Squash Championship is expected to feature more than 200 top under-19 players from several countries across the world.

MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Spanish giants Real Madrid have confirmed that French left-back Ferland Mendy successfully underwent surgery for an injury to the right femoral muscle in his right leg.

In a medical statement released by the club on May 11, 2026, Real Madrid said the procedure was carried out under the supervision of the club’s medical services and that the player would begin rehabilitation in the coming days.

Mendy was absent during the latest El Clásico clash over the weekend, which ended in victory for FC Barcelona. Barcelona have since been officially crowned La Liga champions for the 2025/26 season.

The 30-year-old defender has remained a key figure in Madrid’s backline, providing stability and defensive balance during what has been a difficult campaign for the club.

Real Madrid have struggled to meet expectations this season, underperforming both in domestic competitions and in the UEFA Champions League.

The club has also faced managerial instability following the departure of former coach Xabi Alonso earlier this year. Alonso was replaced by former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Arbeloa as head coach.

ISTANBUL, Turkey (Agency Report) — Victor Osimhen scored a brace as Galatasaray defeated Antalyaspor 4-2 to clinch the Turkish Super Lig title.

Galatasaray needed a victory to secure the championship, but Antalyaspor stunned the home crowd by taking the lead just before half-time through Dikmen.

The league leaders responded after the restart when Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina equalised in the 56th minute.

Antalyaspor restored their advantage in the 62nd minute as Dikmen grabbed his second goal of the match.

However, Osimhen turned the game around for Galatasaray with goals in the 66th and 88th minutes to hand his side the lead.

Kaan Ayhan added a fourth goal in stoppage time to put the game beyond Antalyaspor and seal the title triumph.

The victory secured Galatasaray’s fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title, with Osimhen playing a key role in the club’s recent dominance.

The Nigerian striker has now scored 61 goals in 75 appearances for the Turkish giants since joining from SSC Napoli.