Sports

The Federal Government has paid the naira equivalent of $100,000 to each player of Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, following their victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket. The National Sports Commission also confirmed the payment of the naira equivalent of $50,000 to each team official. The payments were made on September 9, 2026, with all players and officials confirming receipt. D’Tigress won the Afrobasket title for a record […]

Elena Rybakina has reached the US Open semi-finals and secured the world No. 1 ranking after defeating Zheng Qinwen in the quarter-finals. The Kazakh star recovered from losing the opening set to beat Zheng 3-6, 6-1, 6-4. The victory guarantees Rybakina the top spot in the rankings, ending Aryna Sabalenka’s reign even if the defending champion wins a third consecutive US Open title. Rybakina will face Coco Gauff in the […]

Barcelona midfielder Rodri has apologised to Valencia captain José Gayà and the club’s squad after being criticised over a comment made during Barcelona’s 5-0 La Liga win over Valencia. Rodri was reportedly caught on camera describing Valencia as “very weak” while speaking with teammates on the Barcelona bench. The remark sparked criticism from Valencia supporters and sections of the Spanish media, who accused him of disrespecting the club. Rodri, however, […]

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has announced that he will put his Belgium international career on hold until September 2027. The 34-year-old, who has 115 international appearances, will miss Belgium’s upcoming Nations League campaign under new head coach Mark Van Bommel. Courtois said his decision followed Van Bommel’s inability to guarantee him the starting goalkeeper position. “I have made the choice not to play the entire Nations League campaign with […]

Five major supporters’ clubs in Nigeria have called for formal recognition as key stakeholders in the administration and development of Nigerian football. The groups — Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Super Eagles Supporters Club, Football Fans Club of Nigeria, All Sports Supporters Club and Nigeria Eagles Supporters Club — made the demand after a meeting at the National Stadium in Lagos. In a joint statement, the clubs expressed support for ongoing […]

Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal has reacted to Ousmane Dembélé leaving him out of his top three picks for the Ballon d’Or. Yamal jokingly suggested that Dembélé’s friendship with Kylian Mbappé may have influenced his decision. “He’s Kylian Mbappé’s friend, right?” Yamal said with a smile, according to Fabrizio Romano. The Spanish youngster, however, stressed that he has no issue with Dembélé and respects his decision. “My relationship with Ousmane is […]

Eight-time winner Lionel Messi and Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal have been included among the 30 nominees for the 2026 men’s Ballon d’Or. France Football announced the nominees on Tuesday, with Messi receiving his 17th career nomination. The 39-year-old Inter Miami and Argentina forward has previously won the prestigious award eight times, in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021 and 2023. Yamal, 19, earned his third nomination after a standout […]

FIFA is facing fresh legal pressure after European Leagues expanded its complaint to the European Commission over what it described as the governing body’s “abusive conduct” towards women’s football. The organisation, which represents 53 professional divisions and more than 1,300 clubs across Europe, has raised concerns over FIFA’s women’s international match calendar and related regulatory decisions. European Leagues said FIFA’s approach could threaten the growth and financial sustainability of women’s […]

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique and Spain boss Luis de la Fuente are among the five nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or Men’s Coach of the Year award. The nominees were announced on Tuesday in recognition of outstanding coaching performances during the 2025/26 season. The full shortlist is: Mikel Arteta — Arsenal Luis Enrique — Paris Saint-Germain Luis de la Fuente — Spain Unai Emery — […]