Latest News
The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has granted Egypt the right to host the 2027 African Games.
The Egyptian National Olympic Committee (ENOC) had sent a request to ANOCA, voicing interest in hosting the games.
Egypt’s successful bid highlights the nation’s established presence in hosting prestigious tournaments, having previously organised events like the 2021 World Handball Cup, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2006 and 2019 as well as the U20 African Nations Cup in 2022, among others.
This is Egypt’s second time hosting the African Games, having hosted the continent in Cairo in 1991.
President of ANOCA, Mustafa Braff, formally notified the President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, Engineer Hisham Hatab, acknowledging Egypt’s dedication and leadership through a formal letter, conveying the esteemed hosting right.
ANOCA expressed gratitude to Egypt and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for their contributions during important meetings.
With the spotlight on Egypt, the nation will prepare to host the 2027 African Games, showcasing its commitment to organising a successful event on the continental stage and contributing to the legacy of the African Games.
[Leadership]
SPORTS minister John Enoh has insisted that the federal government is as interested as ‘thirsty’ Nigerians in how the Super Eagles fare in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament will be held in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, with Nigeria and 23 other teams participating.
The Super Eagles have won the AFCON title three times but their last triumph was in 2013, and they were eliminated in the round of 16 the last time out in Cameroon in 2022.
Enoh, who succeeded Sunday Dare as sports minister months ago after being appointed by President Bola Tinubu, has warned the Super Eagles not to fail this time and promised the full support of Aso Rock.
“Our country is so passionate about football, such that amidst all other sports, football is about the only sport that has an entry in the nation’s national budget,” Enoh said while meeting with Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau and Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro in Abuja.
“That is how important football is because whatever happens to it, happens to us as a country.
“After 10 years, the country is thirsty to win the AFCON. It will matter a great deal to the Nigerian people, and the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
“It is important to not just leave the task to the NFF alone, but the Government is also interested in being able to tell the Nigerian people what is being done in that regard.”
The Super Eagles are drawn in Group A for the tournament and will battle Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea and hosts Cote d’Ivoire for round of 16 tickets.
Since the 2013 success, the Super Eagles have struggled at AFCON, failing to qualify for the 2015 and 2017 editions and the only medal they have won since then was bronze in 2019 under Gernot Rohr.
[NaijaTimes]
In an extraordinary announcement, the National Women’s Hall of Fame will induct Serena Williams and Ruby Bridges in March 2024, during Women’s History Month. This induction is not merely a nod to their individual legacies but a profound recognition of their significant impact on sports, civil rights, and beyond in the United States.
Williams, renowned for her remarkable achievements in tennis with a record 23 Grand Slam titles, has evolved into a formidable figure in the realms of finance and business. Her ventures, extending beyond the tennis courts, include fashion and entrepreneurship, demonstrating her substantial financial influence. This transition from a sports legend to a business icon marks a new era in the intersection of finance and feminism.
Bridges, who emerged as a civil rights icon at six years old, continues to inspire through her foundation, advocating for educational equity and social change. Her courageous act of integrating an all-white school in Louisiana in 1960 has been foundational in the fight for educational equality and racial justice.
The induction of Williams and Bridges symbolizes a powerful message about resilience and determination in reshaping societal norms and influencing fields like finance and social justice. They stand as icons of their time and architects of a future where finance and feminism are seamlessly integrated.
Serena Williams: A Global Icon Beyond Tennis
Williams’ impact extends far beyond the tennis court. After her retirement, she transitioned into a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and fashion enthusiasts, evidenced by her recent recognition as a Fashion Icon by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Her business ventures, including Serena Ventures, reflect her acumen in venture capitalism and brand partnerships. This journey from tennis superstar to business mogul and fashion icon is a story of resilience and adaptability, serving as an inspiration for a new generation of women to pursue diverse career paths.
Ruby Bridges: Championing Equality and Education
Bridges’ historic act of bravery in 1960, immortalized in Norman Rockwell’s painting “The Problem We All Live With,” symbolizes the fight against segregation and injustice. Through the Ruby Bridges Foundation, she promotes tolerance and respect, focusing on creating a more inclusive society. Her continued advocacy in racial equality and educational reform is a testament to the enduring impact of dedication to a cause.
Legacy of Change: Celebrating Williams and Bridges
The induction of Williams and Bridges into the National Women’s Hall of Fame transcends individual achievements, symbolizing their roles as pioneers who reshaped societal norms. They serve as powerful reminders of the impact of challenging the status quo and breaking barriers. Their stories inspire future generations to continue fighting for equality and justice, showcasing their ongoing influence in creating a more inclusive world.
2024 Inductees: Diverse Pioneers and Innovators
The 2024 induction class reflects the diverse impact women have made in various fields. This group of trailblazers includes figures like Peggy McIntosh, known for her work on white privilege, and Kimberlé Crenshaw, who contributed significantly to critical race theory. Judith Plaskow’s critiques in Jewish feminism, Loretta Ross’s human rights activism, and Sandy Stone’s pioneering work in transgender studies highlight the Hall of Fame’s commitment to recognizing a wide spectrum of contributions.
Posthumous Tributes: Visionaries Who Shaped the World
The Hall of Fame will posthumously honor Dr. Patricia Bath, Dr. Anna Wessels Williams, and Elouise Pepion Cobell. These visionary women have left indelible marks in medical innovation, disease research, and financial empowerment, continuing to inspire and influence today. Their legacies serve as powerful reminders of the enduring impact of visionary work.
A Historic Ceremony: Broadcasting Women’s Achievements
For the first time, the induction ceremony will be nationally broadcast from New York City, highlighting the increasing recognition of women’s contributions. This historic event, symbolically connected to the women’s rights movement’s roots in Seneca Falls, will bring the stories of these remarkable women to a nationwide audience.
Embracing Women’s Power and Diversity
The 2024 induction celebrates the diverse and impactful contributions of women in various sectors. This event highlights the resilience, intelligence, and creativity women bring to every endeavor, encouraging a continued commitment to recognizing and supporting the roles women play in advancing the world. The induction serves as an affirmation of the invaluable contributions of women, past and present, to our society.
[hbillionaires.africa]
Nine-time African champions, the Super Falcons have qualified for the 2024 Africa Women Cup of Nations 7-1 on aggregate after a hard fought 2-1 victory over Cape Verde in the return leg of the final round qualifying fixture played yesterday in Praia, Cape Verde.
After a 5-0 whitewash of Cape Verde in the first leg of the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifying fixture last Thursday in Abuja, the Super had to fight back from a goal down to snatch victory from their opponents who needed to score six goals without conceding any to stand a chance of qualifying for the next AWCON.
Uchenna Kanu, with a first-half brace, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo, with a second-half brace, in the first leg had swept the nine-time African champions into a comfortable lead going into the return leg.
However, in yesterday contest, the more endowed Super Falcons suffered an early set back as the host went in front as early as the 8th minute of the match when Ivania Moreia put her team ahead with the opening goal of the match.
The Super Falcons sought for an instant response but the host stood firm to ensure that they went into the break with the slim advantage.
On resumption, the Super falcons continued to pile pressure and would have been on level terms with their host had the referee not ruled out Esther Okoronkwo’ 55th goal for offside.
But the substitute drew Nigeria level with a solo finish in the 62nd minute which literally took the tie out of the reach of Cape Verde.
To ensure they qualified for the 2024 AWCON in style, the Super Falcons refused to take their feet off the pedal and were rewarded with the winning goal in the third minute of second half added time.
Athletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade scored the winning goal for the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2024 AWCON in style.
The most successful team in the Africa Women Cup of Nation, the Super Falcons have been to every edition of the tournament beginning from 1991 when Nigeria hosted the inaugural edition.
The Super Falcons last won the AWCON in 2018 in Ghana.
[DailyTrust]
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has hit out at Sky Sports pundits, insisting that his players are not complacent.
City travel to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Wednesday on the back of conceding eight goals in three straight draws.
It is their worst run in the league since 2017.
Ahead of the Villa game, Guardiola hit out at former City defender, Micah Richards, Jamie Carragher and particularly Gary Neville, who suggested that the champions are suffering from complacency winning the Treble last season.
“Gary Neville knows how difficult it is, otherwise he would’ve won four Premier Leagues in the best period of Manchester United.
“But he didn’t do it. Maybe they accuse us of complacency because they felt complacency (at United). Maybe they felt it. This team so far, no chance.
“Jamie Carragher didn’t win one (title). Micah Richards didn’t win four Premier Leagues in a row. Never, ever. It’s never happened,” Guardiola said.
[DailyPost]
Super Eagles Star, Victor Osimhen has been named Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) 2023 player of the year following his superb year in the Serie A.
The Napoli forward played a pivotal role in leading the club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
Osimhen and his teammates were honoured for the historic triumph.
Napoli’s title-winning coach, Luciano Spalletti was named the coach of the year, while winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia won the goal of the year award.
He has now joined the league of players to win the prestigious award, which includes Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Andrea Pirlo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Gianluigi Buffon and Rafael Leao.
The 24-year-old scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances for Napoli in the title-winning campaign last season.
He also had five goals in the Champions League as Napoli crashed out in the quarter final against AC Milan.
Osimhen has struggled with injury this season missing majority of Napoli’s matches.
He has scored six goals in 10 Serie A matches this season.
Osimhen and his Napoli teammates will resume Serie A action against Juventus on Friday.
Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola has insisted that they will still win the Premier League title this season.
The reigning champions have won the trophy for three consecutive years.
City however find themselves two points behind leaders Arsenal after 14 fixtures, ahead of a testy trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Guardiola’s men will be looking to end a run of three successive draws at Villa Park. But the Spaniard remains confident they are on track to become the first team to win the title four times in a row.
“If you ask me today, my feeling is that we’re going to win the Premier League.
“If we play at the levels that we showed against Liverpool and Tottenham, we’re going to do it again – knowing that it is not easy of course,” Guardiola told reporters.
[DailyPost]
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly wants the Red Devils to sign Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona.
According to a report by Fichajes, Man United are also keen to sign the 16-year-old winger, who currently plays for Palmeiras.
Man United’s recent additions to the wings, Antony and Jadon Sancho, have failed to leave an impact on the Premier League club.
However, Ten Hag’s side will also have to compete with the likes of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Barcelona for Willian’s signature.
Willian scored three goals and provided the same number of assists in five appearances in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup before Selecao were eliminated by Argentina in the quarterfinals on November 24.
[DailyPost]
A retired fighter who knows what it takes to become a three-time world champion doubts whether Anthony Joshua has the ability to repeat his feat.
Joshua is about to fight for the third time in a year for the first time since 2016. The contest is out in Saudi Arabia on December 23 against Swede Otto Wallin and, following wins over Jermaine Franklin and Robert Helenius already, represents AJ’s toughest fight of the year.
Southpaw Wallin pushed Tyson Fury hard and inflicted a huge cut above his eye in their 2019 contest and has since had solid wins over the likes of Murat Gassier and Dominic Breazeale.
Should two-time world champion Joshua come through that test, many are hoping that all roads will then lead to a fight with Deontay Wilder in 2024. A former champion himself, Wilder fights on the same bill against Joseph Parker.
One man who has already secured his legacy by becoming a three-weight world champion is James Toney, who held multiple world championships including the middleweight, super middleweight and cruiserweight titles.
Speaking to ESNEWS, Toney was asked who would win should Joshua and Wilder come to blows.
“Wilder because right now, Joshua, he’s totally shot man. Joshua showed his true stature.”
Toney is likely subscribing to the theory that the Brit’s mindset has change since his loss to Andy Ruiz Jr in 2019, with many fans saying he is now a tentative fighter. The man himself disagrees, claiming he is just a better, smarter boxer.
Should he and Wilder win this month in Riyadh, the a match-up with the hard-hitting American will be the ultimate test of ‘AJ’s fortitude.
[Punch]
The Nigerian Military Wrestlers at the ongoing 36th World Military Wrestling Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan, have clinched gold and silver medals, respectively.
This information was conveyed in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja over the weekend by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
The statement explained that female wrestler Corporal Hannah Reuben achieved the feat on Friday, defeating her Italian contender in the 68-weight category of women’s freestyle wrestling to secure the gold medal.
According to the statement, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wrestling team made an indelible mark on the global stage, setting a record and garnering widespread acclaim. The medal was presented to Cpl Reuben by the Vice President of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Mr. Dirk Shwede.”
Recall that this is the first time the Armed Forces of Nigeria have secured a gold medal since participating in the CISM World Wrestling Championship. Another commendable performance was by Lance Corporal Ojolaide Esther, who earned a silver medal in the 72-weight category earlier at the event.
According to the statement, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations, Major General Emmanuel Onumajuru, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Director of Sports, Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshal Abidemi Timothy Marquis, were present to witness the glory.
Report Ad
It added that the senior officers respectively maintained that the historic victory wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa, acknowledging his crucial role in the team’s success.
More...
Super Eagles Captain, Ahmed Musa has hinted on a return to the Nigeria Professional Football League at a point in his career.
Musa started his professional career in the NPFL with Kano Pillars, winning the top scorer award in the 2009-10 season before moving to VVV Venlo the following season.
The 31-year-old returned for a brief stint with Kano Pillars in 2021.
He has now expressed his desire to play in the NPFL once again at some point in his career.
“I will always talk about the Nigerian league because I was once their product. And that placed me where I am today and till tomorrow, anytime I am going to stop football, I am going to come to Nigeria again, and play in the Nigerian League,” Musa revealed on X space.
He added, “But this time, I am going to stay for a long time and play. To show you the love I have for the Nigerian League.”
He also revealed that he will give the fans the opportunity to choose his next club in the NPFL.
Ahmed Musa currently plays for Sivasspor in the Turkish league.
He made his Super Eagles debut in 2012 against Madagascar and he has gone on to make 108 appearances, scoring 16 goals.
The former Leicester City star was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2013 Nations Cup in 2013 under the tutelage of the late Stephen Keshi.
Former AC Milan technical director, Paolo Maldini, has labeled the €30m the Rossoneri spent on Samuel Chukwueze as a waste of fund, Saturday PUNCH reports.
Chukwueze joined Milan from Villarreal in a five year deal that saw the Nigerian become the club’s most expensive signing in the summer.
Maldini who opened up about his dismissal from Milan on June 5, reflected on his time as a director at the club in an interview with Italian daily, La Repubblica on Friday said the 24-year-old has failed to justify his huge transfer fee.
The Nigeria international scored 13 times last season for Villarreal and made 11 assists in all competitions last season but has only one goal and an assist to his name in 12 games for AC Milan.
The Rossoneri legend who brought in various key players during his time in the role, including Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, Mike Maignan and Fikayo Tomori. He and his collaborator Frederic Massara won the Sporting Director of the Year award at the 2022 Globe Soccer Awards.
“There was no need to sign Loftus-Cheek, Pulisic and Chukwueze,” Maldini said.
“You cannot compare the previous four transfer windows to the last one. Milan had different quality options unlike this summer.
“I would like to point out that all the players who arrived were approved by me, nothing or no-one was ever imposed on me, also because I would’ve left the next day.
The signing of Zlatan, in his time, required several meetings.”
Chukwueze is expected to keep his place in Milan’s starting line up when they face Frosinone on Saturday (today).
[Punch]
….Adeboye ordered the security operatives not to allow anyone who dressed indecently into the Redemption Camp to preserve its sanctity.
….. No more Skimpy dresses from ladies
Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God, has disclosed that strict measures would be implemented to tackle indecent dressing at Redemption camp.
The latest development was contained in a memo issued by an assistant to the General Overseer, Oladele Balogun.
Adeboye ordered the security operatives not to allow anyone who dressed indecently into the Redemption Camp to preserve its sanctity.
The memo read, “We wish to formally inform all residents of Redemption City that, in our commitment to preserving the city’s sanctity and upholding its esteemed ‘Holy City’ status, the mission authority is implementing stricter measures against indecent dressing throughout the city.
“The security operatives and Kingsford Security are hereby further directed not to allow anyone who dresses indecently to enter the Redemption City forthwith. Thank you for your continued cooperation and support.”
[Newspot]
When you drive past the National Stadium in Lagos, you don’t know what to make of it.
Has it been completely abandoned? Is it now home for destitutes? Or is it a meeting point for promising athletes making use of what is left to achieve their dreams?
The stadium has not functioned effectively for over 15 years due to poor maintenance of the facilities.
In April this year, Sunday Dare, who served as Minister of Sports under Muhammadu Buhari, ordered the temporary closure of the stadium.
This came after the collapse of one of the giant floodlights at the facility.
The floodlights pillar caved in from the middle, following a windstorm.
More worryingly perhaps, Dare also revealed that a large percentage of the stands were in a precarious state and could crumble as well.
The current Sports Development Minister, John Owan-Enoh, has also indicated that the Federal Government might pull it down to rebuild and bring it to a functional state.
Owan-Enoh, who had earlier said he would go ahead with the planned concession of the facility, noted that the government would only take the path that would breathe life into the nearly moribund edifice.
Would it be a wise decision amid the current economic crunch?
“Oh sure. It’s an old structure, with archaic architecture, best to build a modern stadium that will serve generations,” Latifat Adebayo-Ohio, a reporter at Making of Champions, tells DAILY POST.
“Also the last cost of remodelling the structure was unrealistic.
“No (other) options as far as I’m concerned. Build a modern stadium.”
What about the proximity of Lagos National Stadium to the Teslim Balogun Stadium, which has in fact hosted recent matches?
“National Stadium Lagos is historical,” Adebayo-Ohio insists.
“(The Lagos) State government will maintain Teslim Balogun Stadium, as it is a state-owned stadium.”
Wale Agbede, the Head of Sports at Plus TV, had earlier disagreed with rebuilding the Lagos National Stadium.
He told DAILY POST: “It is clear that from every action that has been taken from successive governments and everyone that has been in charge of sports in Nigeria, that they will not pay the kind of attention needed to that stadium.
“Neither will they put in the investment that is required for the stadium to be brought back to life.
“And quite frankly, if you look at the amount of work that the Lagos State government has put into the stadium that is just opposite- the Teslim Balogun Stadium, I don’t think the National Stadium is anymore necessary.
“I understand the emotional attachment. A lot of people grew up watching the Green Eagles.
“But I think that place with its location in the heart of Lagos, that place is a prized asset and it is wasting away.
“If there’s a private investor that has a solid plan that could bring profit to the government and will help the immediate community in Surulere, I am absolutely in favour of it.
“I think the stadium should be pulled down if possible. Look at what Arsenal did with Highbury. A large section of it was converted into a very big shopping plaza with offices and businesses and they are still making money even though they moved to the Emirates.
“I think that asset should be converted. Because if you give to a private institution, what do they stand to benefit? Any team that wants to play there, maybe the Super Eagles, could as well use the Teslim Balogun Stadium.
“If the Lagos State government continues to maintain the Teslim Balogun Stadium, there is no need for duplicity.
“If the Super Eagles have to absolutely adopt a national stadium, it should be the one in Abuja. Revamp it. If it has to be Lagos, then there’s a stadium around the corner. Use that one.”
[DFailyPost]