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Category: Sports

  • Nigeria intensifies preparations for 2026 World Junior Squash Championship in Canada

    Nigeria intensifies preparations for 2026 World Junior Squash Championship in Canada

    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.

  • Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy undergoes surgery

    Real Madrid defender Ferland Mendy undergoes surgery

    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.

  • Osimhen brace seals Turkish Super Lig title for Galatasaray

    Osimhen brace seals Turkish Super Lig title for Galatasaray

    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.

  • 20 academies set for maiden Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament

    20 academies set for maiden Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN)— Efforts to strengthen grassroots basketball development received a boost on Friday with the unveiling of the maiden Abuja Amateur Basketball Tournament in the Federal Capital Territory.

    Stakeholders, former players and sports administrators at the unveiling described the initiative as a strategic platform for discovering and nurturing young basketball talents through structured grassroots competitions.

    Founder of the initiative, Lucky Abubakar, disclosed that no fewer than 20 basketball academies would participate in the inaugural tournament scheduled for July in Abuja.

    Abubakar, a Deputy Comptroller of the Nigeria Customs Service, said the competition would feature male and female players drawn from basketball academies across the FCT.

    According to him, the tournament is aimed at reviving community basketball and creating opportunities for young athletes to develop their talents and gain wider exposure.

    He explained that the Amateur Basketball Academies (ABA) initiative was established to identify and nurture untapped talents from communities, schools and local basketball courts.

    “Today marks the beginning of a journey that will transform lives, reshape communities and elevate young talents to the global stage.

    “There is enormous basketball talent in our communities, but many young athletes lack the structure, exposure and opportunities needed to reach their full potential,” Abubakar said.

    He noted that the organisation would focus on talent discovery, development and mentorship through structured grassroots programmes and regional academies.

    “We are building a pathway from raw potential to refined excellence while preparing young athletes for international basketball opportunities,” he added.

    Abubakar also stated that the initiative would promote discipline, leadership, teamwork and character development among participating youths.

    “We are not only raising basketball players, but also responsible citizens, role models and future leaders of society,” he said.

    The pilot edition of the tournament is expected to commence in the FCT, with plans already underway to expand the initiative to other states in future editions.

    Chairman of the FCT Basketball Caretaker Committee, Ifeanyi Eke, stressed the importance of sustained investment and partnerships in grassroots basketball development.

    Eke reaffirmed his support for the initiative, describing it as a well-structured intervention capable of revitalising grassroots basketball in Nigeria.

    “Basketball development has been on a slow trajectory in the country, but the ABA initiative represents a well-thought-out plan for grassroots growth,” he said.

    “This has always been our aspiration as stakeholders — to take children off the streets and away from drugs through basketball and education,” Eke added.

    He further noted that the initiative would help nurture a new generation of youths grounded in academics, sportsmanship, discipline and moral values.

    “The initiative by Lucky Abubakar and his team is highly commendable and has our full support in the FCT and beyond,” he said.

    Eke also emphasised the critical role of coaches and academies in player development and the long-term growth of basketball in Nigeria.

    “Grassroots basketball development requires collective commitment from stakeholders, academies, coaches and the private sector.

    “We must continue supporting coaches and young players because they are laying the foundation for the future of Nigerian basketball,” he stated.

    A major highlight of the unveiling ceremony was the presentation of trophies for winners in both the male and female categories of the tournament.

    The event attracted basketball stakeholders, academy owners and sports enthusiasts committed to promoting grassroots sports development in Nigeria.

  • AU positions sport as engine of jobs, unity and growth under Agenda 2063

    AU positions sport as engine of jobs, unity and growth under Agenda 2063

    YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon (NPA) — The African Union says sport is increasingly becoming a strategic driver of economic growth, job creation, and continental unity as Africa seeks to redefine its global influence under Agenda 2063.

    This position was highlighted in an engagement with the Head of the African Union Sports Council, Chipande, who outlined how the AU is repositioning sport as a central pillar of development policy across member states.

    The African Union Sports Council (AUSC), a specialised technical office of the African Union, was established following the endorsement of its statute by African Heads of State and Government in 2016. It is headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and serves as the coordinating body for the African sports movement.

    Its mandate includes coordinating sports policy development across member states, promoting sport as a fundamental human right, and advancing “sport-for-development” initiatives aimed at youth empowerment, skills development, and social integration.

    The council is also responsible for facilitating the alignment of national sports policies with the African Union framework for sustainable sports development, as well as overseeing the organisation of the African Games and improving their global profile.

    In addition, the AUSC promotes good governance, democratic values, human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion within the sports sector, while strengthening cooperation among member states.

    Sport governance in Africa has evolved through decades of institutional reform. The structure traces its roots to the 1966 establishment of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA), which was later recognised by the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) as the coordinating body for continental sports development.

    Following the formation of the African Union in 2002, member states pushed for a renewed sports architecture aligned with continental development goals. This led to the dissolution of the SCSA in 2012 and the creation of a new framework approved in 2016, culminating in the establishment of the current AUSC.

    The AUSC Secretariat, based in Yaoundé, serves as the administrative hub of the institution, coordinating programmes, research, conferences, and implementation of policy decisions under the guidance of a Sports Advisory Board. It is staffed by professionals under the African Union Commission and oversees day-to-day operations of continental sports initiatives.

    Officials say the integration of sport into Africa’s development agenda reflects a broader shift toward leveraging the sports and creative economy as tools for employment generation, regional integration, and global competitiveness.

  • Cultural and sports week in Southern and Northern Eritrea showcases talent, unity

    Cultural and sports week in Southern and Northern Eritrea showcases talent, unity

    ASMARA, Eritrea (NPA) — Students across Eritrea gathered in Mendefera, Southern Region, from 1 to 3 May for a cultural and sports week themed “Students’ Cultural and Sports Festival for National Cohesion.”

    The program brought together junior and high school students from the region’s 12 sub‑zones, featuring football, basketball, volleyball, drama, painting, music, poetry, debate, innovation, and creativity competitions.

    Coordinator Mr Belay Nurhusein said the event went beyond talent discovery. “It enables students to identify their talents, exchange experiences, and reflect their national unity and harmony,” he noted.

    Mr Gebregergis Gebredingil, head of administration and finance in Mendefera sub‑zone, added that the annual festival, held in connection with Independence Day, helps students build ties with neighboring areas.

    In the Northern Red Sea Region, the students’ cultural and sports week opened on 2 May at Twalet Martyrs Cemetery in Massawa, with cultural and artistic performances. Regional Assembly chairman Mr Ibrahim Ali Sheikh lit a torch to mark the start of the event.

    Mr Mohammed Abdella, head of culture, sports and health at the Ministry of Education branch in the region, said more than 500 students are participating. “The program will have a significant contribution in inculcating national values among students and adding color to the Independence Day anniversary festivities,” he said.

    The weeklong event, running until 6 May, includes dancing, poetry, drama, songs, and educational competitions. Mr Haile Asfaha, administrator of Massawa city, urged reinforced participation, stressing the importance of students exchanging experiences and strengthening cohesion.

  • U.S. Mission congratulates Nigerian‑born athletes Max Iheanachor and Uar Bernard on NFL Draft selections

    U.S. Mission congratulates Nigerian‑born athletes Max Iheanachor and Uar Bernard on NFL Draft selections

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The United States Mission in Nigeria has congratulated two Nigerian‑born athletes, Uar Bernard and Max Iheanachor, on their selections in the 2026 National Football League (NFL) draft, the premier professional league for American football in the United States.

    In a statement today, the Mission noted that Bernard has joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a defensive tackle, while Iheanachor heads to the Pittsburgh Steelers as an offensive tackle. “Both athletes, now pursuing excellence in American professional sports, represent the strong connections between the United States and Nigeria through sports and cultural exchange,” the Mission said.

    The NFL, widely regarded as the highest level of American football globally, consists of 32 teams divided into the American Football Conference (AFC) and National Football Conference (NFC). It is also known for organizing the annual Super Bowl, one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

    The U.S. Mission expressed its excitement about the athletes’ future careers, adding: “Looking forward to seeing you on the field.”

  • Peter Obi urges investment in youth sports after Portable-Carter Efe boxing clash

    Peter Obi urges investment in youth sports after Portable-Carter Efe boxing clash

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for greater investment in sports and youth-driven entertainment initiatives following the celebrity boxing match between Nigerian entertainers Portable and Carter Efe.

    Obi congratulated Carter Efe, who emerged victorious in the bout against Portable, while commending both entertainers for demonstrating sportsmanship and healthy competition.

    In a statement titled “Harnessing Youth Potential Through Sport,” Obi said the contest reflected the creativity, resilience and energy of Nigerian youths, adding that such initiatives could become important platforms for talent discovery and national development if properly supported.

    “I followed the recent celebrity boxing match where Carter Efe emerged victorious over the reigning champion, Portable. I congratulate the winner on his determination and commend both participants for embracing the spirit of sportsmanship,” Obi said.

    “Such healthy competition, grounded in respect and fairness, is a culture we must consciously imbibe as a nation, especially in a time when unity and mutual respect are greatly needed.”

    According to Obi, what began as light-hearted entertainment is rapidly evolving into a major platform attracting widespread attention among young Nigerians.

    He said the growing popularity of celebrity boxing and related sporting entertainment could help discover and nurture future world-class athletes capable of placing Nigeria on the global sporting map.

    “More importantly, it has the capacity to discover and nurture talents who, with the right support and structure, could become the Anthony Joshuas of the future,” he added.

    Obi stressed the need for deliberate investment, proper regulation and institutional support for the emerging sector, noting that it could become a viable industry capable of creating employment opportunities, promoting discipline and channeling youthful energy into productive ventures.

    According to him, strengthening the sports and entertainment industry would not only provide recreation, but also empower young people and contribute to sustainable national development.

  • CAF announces qualifier-match dates and final for historic three-nation AFCON 2027 in East Africa

    CAF announces qualifier-match dates and final for historic three-nation AFCON 2027 in East Africa

    CAIRO, Egypt (NPA) — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced June 19, 2027, as the kick-off date for the historic TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

    CAF disclosed in a statement on Saturday that the final of the tournament will be played on July 17, 2027, while the host countries for the opening match and final will be announced later.

    The continental football body said the 2027 edition would be the first AFCON tournament to be hosted by three countries, describing it as a landmark event expected to reach more than 400 million people across the East African region.

    CAF also confirmed that the draw for the qualifiers will take place on May 19, 2026, following the completion of the preliminary round.

    A total of 48 national teams, including co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will participate in the qualification series.

    According to CAF, the teams will be drawn into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group qualifying for the final tournament.

    The qualifiers will be played during three FIFA international windows.

    Matchdays one and two are scheduled for September 21 to October 6, 2026, while matchdays three and four will hold from November 9 to 17, 2026.

    The final qualification fixtures, comprising matchdays five and six, are billed for March 22 to 30, 2027.

    CAF noted that AFCON PAMOJA 2027 would mark the return of the tournament to the East African region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.

    The football governing body added that the tournament would build on the success recorded by recent editions, including AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and the upcoming AFCON Morocco 2025, which it said achieved record commercial revenue, sponsorship growth and global television audiences.

    CAF said the achievements underscored the rising global competitiveness and popularity of African football.

  • Manchester City overtakes Arsenal with 1–0 Burnley win, holds psychological edge in title race

    Manchester City overtakes Arsenal with 1–0 Burnley win, holds psychological edge in title race

    SPORTS (NPA) — Manchester City moved top of the Premier League table on Wednesday after edging Burnley 1–0, a result that deepens Arsenal’s woes after prodigiously dropping points in recent weeks.

    An early strike from Erling Haaland at Turf Moor proved decisive, as City collected all three points despite failing to convert further chances. Pep Guardiola’s side dominated possession and controlled the tempo, while Burnley fought hard but ultimately succumbed, a defeat that effectively sealed their relegation.

    The victory lifts City level with Arsenal on 70 points but ahead on goals scored, ending the Gunners’ long hold at the summit. For Arsenal, the setback is more than mathematical; it represents a psychological blow after leading the league for months only to falter under pressure.

    City, by contrast, appear better placed mentally to clinch the title. Their history of relentless end‑of‑season runs and superior attacking depth give them a psychological advantage as the campaign enters its final stretch.

    Yet the race is far from over. The remaining fixtures are expected to decide the trajectory of the season, with both sides separated by the slimmest of margins. Arsenal still have a chance to reclaim top spot if they respond with consistency, but any slip could prove fatal against a City side that thrives in high‑pressure moments.

    With only weeks left, the battle between City and Arsenal is shaping into one of the closest finishes in Premier League history, where resilience, composure, and the ability to seize narrow opportunities will determine the champion.