Category: Sports

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.

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.

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.”