New Post Africa

Category: Sports

  • 3 Iranian female footballers opt to return home after humanitarian visa offer

    3 Iranian female footballers opt to return home after humanitarian visa offer

    SPORTS— (NPA) March 15, 2026—Three members of Iran’s women’s national football team have chosen to return to their country despite being granted humanitarian visas in Australia.

    According to ABC News, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision, noting that the players were given multiple opportunities to explore their options but ultimately decided to rejoin their team in Iran.

    The move comes after seven players and staff sought asylum following the Women’s Asian Cup tournament in Australia. Four of those individuals have now reversed course and left the country.

    Burke emphasised that while the government ensured the women had access to safe alternatives, the broader circumstances influencing their choices could not be removed.

    “The Australian government has done everything it could to make sure these women were provided with the chance for a safe future in Australia,” he said. “Australians should be proud that it was here they experienced genuine choices and support.”

    The Iranian squad arrived in Australia on March 1, just one day after U.S. and Israeli air strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tensions were evident during the tournament, with some players refusing to sing the national anthem before their opening match against South Korea. Iranian state television later branded the team “traitors.”

    Under Iran’s penal code, charges of treason or corruption can carry severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment or even execution.

    Initially, five players fled their team hotel on the Gold Coast, fearing persecution if they returned home. They were granted humanitarian visas, followed shortly by another player and a staff member. However, within days, one of the seven asylum seekers had already decided to return to Iran—a choice now echoed by three more teammates.

  • Peter Obi mourns Super Eagles legend Henry Nwosu

    Peter Obi mourns Super Eagles legend Henry Nwosu

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — Opposition leader Peter Obi has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Nigerian football icon Henry Nwosu, describing him as a patriot who lifted the nation’s spirit through sport.

    In a statement issued Saturday, Obi recalled watching Nwosu as a child and praised his brilliance on the pitch. He noted that at just 18 years old, Nwosu was a key member of the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, a triumph that united Nigerians across divides and proved the power of sport to inspire hope and national pride.

    Obi, a former presidential candidate, said Nwosu devoted his talent and energy to the service of the nation, leaving behind memories that continue to shape Nigeria’s football history. He extended condolences to Nwosu’s family, friends, and the wider football community.

    “I pray that God grants his loved ones the strength to bear this painful loss and grants his soul eternal rest,” Obi said. “May his legacy continue to inspire young Nigerians to serve our nation with excellence and humility.”

  • Tinubu condoles as Super Eagles icon Henry Nwosu dies at 62

    Tinubu condoles as Super Eagles icon Henry Nwosu dies at 62

    ABUJA, NIGERIA — (NPA) March 15 — President Bola Tinubu has condoled with the family of legendary Super Eagles midfielder Henry Onyemanze Nwosu, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 62.

    In a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), Tinubu joined the Nigerian football community in mourning Nwosu, describing him as an exceptionally skilled player whose artistry on the pitch remains the stuff of legends.

    The president recalled Nwosu’s brilliance as a 17-year-old in the Green Eagles squad that won the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, his decade-long service to the national team, and his role in subsequent AFCON tournaments in 1982, 1984, and 1988. He also acknowledged Nwosu’s contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

    “The President states that Nigerians will always remember the late playmaker for the pride and joy he brought to the nation and for inspiring many compatriots to greater accomplishments,” the statement read.

    Tinubu prayed for the repose of Nwosu’s soul and comfort for his family.

  • Onigbinde, first Super Eagles indigenous coach, dies at 88

    Onigbinde, first Super Eagles indigenous coach, dies at 88

    SPORTS (NPA) —March 10, 2026—Nigeria has lost one of its greatest football icons, Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles. He passed away on Monday at the age of 88, just days after celebrating his birthday on March 5. His death was confirmed in a family statement issued by Mrs. Bolade Adesuyi, who described him as a devoted father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, as well as a towering figure in Nigerian and global football.

    Onigbinde’s coaching career spanned decades, marked by discipline, tactical brilliance, and a commitment to youth development. He first managed the then Green Eagles between 1982 and 1984, guiding Nigeria to the final of the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations, where they finished runners-up after losing 3–1 to Cameroon. That same year, he also led Shooting Stars Sports Club (IICC) of Ibadan to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs, narrowly losing to Egypt’s Zamalek.

    Nearly two decades later, Onigbinde returned to the national team in 2002, replacing the late Shuaibu Amodu. He became the first indigenous coach to lead Nigeria to the FIFA World Cup, taking charge of the Super Eagles at the tournament in South Korea and Japan. Despite Nigeria’s early exit after defeats to Argentina and Sweden and a draw with England, his appointment marked a historic milestone in Nigerian football.

    Beyond his national team duties, Onigbinde served as Special Adviser on Football to the Osun State Government and remained an influential voice in football administration. Known for his forthright views, he often criticized maladministration in Nigerian sports, urging reforms to strengthen the country’s footballing structures.

    Tributes have poured in for the Modakeke High Chief, with many hailing his contributions to the game and his role in shaping Nigerian football. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in due course.

    Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde leaves behind a legacy of excellence, resilience, and dedication to the sport he loved. His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on Nigerian football will endure for generations. 

  • Trump urges Australia to grant asylum to Iranian women’s soccer team or send them to US

    Trump urges Australia to grant asylum to Iranian women’s soccer team or send them to US

    Washington, D.C., US — March 9, 2026 — U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Australian authorities not to force the Iranian women’s national soccer team to return to Tehran after the players refused to sing the national anthem during a recent match, as war rages back home.

    In a statement on his Truth Social account, Trump warned that sending the team back would be a grave mistake. “Australia is making a terrible humanitarian mistake by allowing the Iran National Woman’s Soccer team to be forced back to Iran, where they will most likely be killed. Don’t do it, Mr Prime Minister, give ASYLUM. The U.S. will take them if you won’t,” he wrote.

    Trump urged Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to grant the players asylum, while declaring America’s readiness to accept them if Australia declines.

    The Iranian women’s team faces serious risks in Tehran after their silent protest. State media has branded them “wartime traitors,” raising fears of persecution, imprisonment, or worse. Several players have already sought asylum in Australia, while international voices continue to press for their protection.

    Iranian state television and conservative commentators have accused the players of treason, intensifying concerns about their safety should they be forced to return.

  • Injured Ronaldo sends good wishes to Al-Nassr ahead of Neom SC clash

    Injured Ronaldo sends good wishes to Al-Nassr ahead of Neom SC clash

    SPORTS (NPA) — March 7, 2026 — Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, forward for Al-Nassr Football Club, has extended his best wishes to his teammates as they face Neom SC in the Saudi Pro League today. The match kicks off at 20:00 local time at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh.

    Ronaldo, who sustained a hamstring injury on March 2 during Al-Nassr’s 3–1 win over Al-Fayha, was substituted in the 80th minute after signalling discomfort. On his official X account, he posted: “Recovering and ready to watch the game today. Let’s go, Al Nassr! 🟡🔵.” The message was accompanied by a photo of him undergoing treatment.

    Following medical assessments, the injury was confirmed to be more serious than initially thought, requiring rehabilitation in Madrid. However, reports indicate his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Portugal remains unaffected.

    As of the time of publication, it is still uncertain when Ronaldo will return to action for Al-Nassr.

  • Arsenal Eye Crucial Win Against Chelsea to Keep Title Hopes Alive

    Arsenal Eye Crucial Win Against Chelsea to Keep Title Hopes Alive

    NEWPOST AFRICA SPORTS: Arsenal head into Sunday’s London derby knowing victory over Chelsea is vital to maintain their lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race.

    The Gunners, who last beat Chelsea three times in a single season during their 2003–04 title-winning campaign, have shown both resilience and vulnerability this term. After dropping points in consecutive draws against Brentford and Wolves, Mikel Arteta’s side bounced back with a commanding 4–1 win over Tottenham last weekend.

    City remain five points behind with a game in hand and face Leeds, a side that nearly held them earlier in the season. Anything less than three points for Arsenal could tighten the race at the top.

    Chelsea, unbeaten under new manager Liam Rosenior except against Arsenal, will be eager to avoid a third defeat to their rivals this season. Despite losing twice in the League Cup semifinals, they managed a league draw in November despite playing with ten men.

    Arteta insists past results mean little: “Every game is different. We know the importance of this match and we must prepare to earn the right to win,” he said. 

    He praised Chelsea’s adaptability under Rosenior, noting Arsenal must be ready for tactical shifts.

    With Arsenal’s recent struggles against top-six opponents at home, Sunday’s clash promises to be a defining moment in the title race.

  • Cristiano Ronaldo Acquires 25% Stake in a Spanish Club

    Cristiano Ronaldo Acquires 25% Stake in a Spanish Club

    MADRID, Spain (NPA) — Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has purchased a 25 percent ownership stake in Spanish second-division side UD Almería, marking a significant step into football investment as he nears the twilight of his playing career.

    Ronaldo, captain of Portugal and currently playing for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, made the acquisition through his company, CR7 Sports Investments. The deal was announced Thursday morning.

    “It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement. “UD Almería is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of development.”

    The 41-year-old forward, named a billionaire by Forbes last year, has long hinted at expanding his influence in football management and ownership. Analysts see the move as a prelude to his post-playing years, positioning him for a future role in shaping the sport off the field.

  • Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    Newpost Africa Relaunches, Reaffirms Commitment to World-Class Journalism

    LAGOS, NIGERIA (NPA): Nigerian media organisation Newpost Africa Media Publishing® (Newpost Africa) has announced its return following a successful restructuring process. The relaunch underscores the company’s renewed commitment to delivering journalism of the highest standards—anchored in integrity, balance, and diversity.

    Positioning itself as “Nigeria’s independent, world-class media organisation”, Newpost Africa emphasized its founding principles of strict editorial neutrality, an uncompromising stance against propaganda, and reporting that informs without bias or distortion. The organisation stressed that credible journalism is indispensable to democratic societies and informed citizenship.

    In a statement issued on February 22, 2026, Newpost Africa encouraged stakeholders and readers to actively engage with its mission. “By sharing perspectives and experiences, you contribute to a platform that values truth, dialogue, and collective responsibility in shaping the public record,” the statement read.

    Driven by a team of seasoned professionals and supported by a global network of journalists and writers, Newpost Africa said it is well-positioned to deliver timely coverage of rapidly evolving stories with speed, clarity, and analytical depth—while maintaining accuracy and editorial discipline.

    Its editorial focus remains firmly on Nigeria and the African continent, ensuring accountability from policymakers, institutions, and power brokers. At the same time, the organisation pledged to continue reporting on international developments that shape Africa’s place in the global context.

    The relaunch, according to the statement, is not merely a return but a reaffirmation of purpose and a strategic commitment to excellence in journalism. “This relaunch is a reaffirmation of our mission to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to serve as a trusted voice in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond,” the organisation noted.

  • Ebonyi Sports Council Partners SWAN on Sports Development

    Ebonyi Sports Council Partners SWAN on Sports Development

    EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA (Agency Report): The Ebonyi sports council has pledged to collaborate with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi chapter on development in the state.

    The Ebonyi sports council has pledged to collaborate with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi chapter on development in the state.

    The acting director of sports, Alep David made the pledge on Thursday when the state leadership of SWAN paid him a visit in Abakaliki.

    Mr David said that the sporting successes recorded by the state cannot be mentioned without SWAN’s contribution as his leadership would leverage on their contributions.

    “Your contributions in promoting sporting policies and activities in Ebonyi cannot be overlooked and this attests to the attention you are presently receiving from the state government.

    “You played critical roles in the resurgence of football in Ebonyi through the Abakaliki Football Club. This club shocked the soccer world by winning silver in the President Federation Cup in its year of formation,” he said.

    He commended the association for its commitment to promote cricket which has become the sport the state has its highest comparative advantage.

    “Cricket is firmly rooted in the state, being the sport which guarantees medals during regional and national sports events.

    “Such was the guarantee hockey gave the state in the past but cricket has duly taken over. The sports council will collaborate with you to ensure a successful zonal cricket championship which you are planning to organise.,” he said.

    The chairman of SWAN in Ebonyi, Ndubuisi Nwogha, thanked the director for the warm reception, affirming that the association would collaborate with his leadership to achieve overall sporting successes.

    “We have been duly motivated to work with the sports council in effective reportage of sports in the state.

    “We appeal that you expedite action in ensuring that the office allotted to SWAN is given to us immediately,” said Mr Nwogha.

    A former chairman of SWAN, Chukwuemeka Opara, who heads the local organising committee for the zonal cricket championship, said it would commence in April.

    “We are determined to host the best cricket championship in the state and call for the collaboration of all to ensure its success,” he said.