Category Archives: Sports

BREAKING: Tinubu confers National honours on Super Falcons, gifts each player $100,000

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has awarded national honours to the victorious Super Falcons of Nigeria following their historic triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

At a reception held on Monday at the State House in Abuja, the president also announced a cash reward of $100,000 (equivalent in naira) for each of the 24 players, in recognition of their outstanding performance and for clinching Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.

Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons after historic WAFCON win

In addition to the players’ rewards, members of the technical crew will each receive $50,000, further underscoring the government’s appreciation for their efforts in guiding the team to continental glory.

The Super Falcons defeated host nation Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final in Rabat, reinforcing their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

President Tinubu had earlier commended the team during a video call on Sunday, promising to receive and celebrate them in Abuja, a promise he fulfilled with fanfare.

The conferment of national honours and financial gifts is seen as a major morale booster for women’s football in Nigeria.

BREAKING: Tinubu hosts Super Falcons after historic WAFCON win

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is currently hosting the Super Falcons at the State House in Abuja, following their stunning victory in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat, Morocco.

The Nigerian team, captained by Rasheedat Ajibade and led by head coach Justin Madugu, arrived at the Presidential Villa at exactly 4:35 p.m. on Monday to a hero’s welcome.

At the forecourt of the State House, the Falcons were personally received by President Tinubu, who congratulated the squad for clinching Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, a feat that reaffirms their status as Africa’s most successful women’s football team.

Read Also: WAFCON: Tinubu to host Super Falcons in Abuja on Monday

The warm reception comes just as the President had promised during a post-match video call on Sunday.

“I am very, very proud of you. The entire nation is proud of you. You have lifted our spirits. You are a pride to your generation, and we are all very happy,” President Tinubu said during the call.

“You will be celebrated, and I look forward to receiving the trophy in Abuja.”

The Super Falcons defeated host nation Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final that has been hailed as one of the most exciting matches in WAFCON history.

More details to follow…

BREAKING: Super Falcons arrive in Abuja after winning 10th WAFCON title

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Nigeria’s women’s national football team, the Super Falcons, received a hero’s welcome on Monday afternoon as they touched down in Abuja following their historic triumph at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The team, arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport aboard a chartered flight around 2:30 p.m. to the cheers of supporters, officials, and journalists.

Read Also: WAFCON: Tinubu to host Super Falcons in Abuja on Monday

Government officials, football stakeholders, and fans trooped to the airport to receive the team, waving flags and singing victory songs to honour the champions.

The Falcons defeated South Africa 2-1 in a dramatic final, with Michelle Alozie’s last-minute goal sealing the victory and adding another golden chapter to Nigeria’s dominance in women’s football on the continent.

WAFCON: Tinubu to host Super Falcons in Abuja on Monday

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to host Nigeria’s victorious Super Falcons at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, following their triumphant performance at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

According to sources, the team is expected to arrive in Nigeria late Sunday night, after staging a dramatic comeback to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in Saturday’s thrilling final.

The win marks Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title, further cementing the Super Falcons’ status as the most successful women’s national team in Africa.

Read Also: APC will welcome Wike – Tinubu

President Tinubu, who had earlier approved the payment of the team’s outstanding bonuses and allowances ahead of the final, is expected to reward the players and officials handsomely during the reception.

The comeback victory, which saw the Falcons recover from a 2-0 deficit, has drawn widespread praise from fans and stakeholders, celebrating the team’s resilience, fighting spirit, and dominance on the continent.

The reception at the State House will serve as a formal recognition of their historic achievement and a morale booster ahead of future international competitions.

Chelsea prepare bid for Xavi Simons amid Premier League, European interest

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Chelsea are preparing an opening bid to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, talkSPORT has reported, as the Blues look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season. However, they face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal and European giants Bayern Munich.

Sources indicate that Simons, 22, is close to agreeing personal terms with Chelsea but is also in discussions with other top clubs. Although Leipzig initially agreed a £70 million deal with PSG in January — comprising £44 million in guaranteed fees and £26 million in add-ons — the German side are now reportedly willing to accept a bid under £60 million due to several performance-related bonuses not being triggered.

Simons, who has impressed with 21 goals in 76 appearances for Leipzig, is said to prefer a move to the Premier League, putting Chelsea in a favourable position. The Dutch international can operate as an attacking midfielder or on either wing — a versatility that appeals to the Stamford Bridge hierarchy.

Chelsea are particularly keen to reinforce their frontline amid growing speculation over Christopher Nkunku’s future and potential squad reshuffles. Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho remains on Chelsea’s radar, and in a possible scenario, the club could push for both Simons and Garnacho should Nicolas Jackson also leave.

Read Also: Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

Arsenal also admire Simons, though they have yet to make a formal move. The Gunners are concurrently exploring a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, having already opened talks. Palace, however, remain firm on Eze’s £68 million release clause.

Bayern Munich have also met with Simons’ representatives and are weighing up a possible bid, despite prioritising a move for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz. The Bundesliga champions are expected to make an improved offer soon and have not ruled out making a simultaneous play for Simons.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are also progressing on a deal for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato. Club-to-club talks are underway, with the Dutch club previously valuing him at £60 million during the January window. Chelsea hope to secure a deal in the £35–45 million range, especially as the club prepares for Renato Veiga’s potential move to Atletico Madrid.

The Blues see Hato as a key addition due to his ability to play both centre-back and left-back — a versatility deemed crucial with limited left-sided cover behind Marc Cucurella. Current backup options include right-backs Reece James and Malo Gusto, or shifting Levi Colwill to the left.

As Chelsea look to reshape their squad, the coming weeks are expected to be pivotal in determining whether the West London club can fend off rivals and land one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents in Simons.

Michelle Alozie’s late goal sends Super Falcons to WAFCON final

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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have secured their spot in the final of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory over defending champions South Africa, with Michelle Alozie netting a stunning stoppage-time winner on Tuesday night.

The thrilling encounter at the Stade Mohammed V saw the Falcons dominate early proceedings, nearly taking the lead after a misjudged free kick from Alozie forced a fumble from South African goalkeeper Andile Dlamini.

Nigeria’s pressure paid off just before halftime. A penalty was awarded after Bambanani Mbane handled the ball in the box while attempting to stop Folashade Ijamilusi. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade confidently stepped up and buried the spot-kick to give Nigeria a 1–0 lead going into the break.

South Africa responded strongly in the second half. In the 60th minute, Linda Motlhalo drew Banyana Banyana level from the penalty spot after Osinachi Ohale brought down Hildah Magaia inside the area. It marked the first goal Nigeria conceded in the tournament and briefly shifted momentum in the South Africans’ favor.

Chances continued to flow at both ends. Jennifer Echegini, Esther Okoronkwo, and Chinwendu Ihezuo threatened for Nigeria, while South Africa’s Jermaine Seoposenwe and substitute Noxolo Cesane kept the Nigerian defense on edge. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie produced key saves, supported by strong defending from Ohale and Ashleigh Plumptre.

Read Also: Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

A moment of concern came in the 84th minute when Gabriela Salgado suffered a serious leg injury following a set-piece challenge. The distressing scene drew emotional reactions from her teammates and fans alike, with even Nigerian supporters joining in chants of solidarity as she was stretchered off.

With extra time looming, the Super Falcons refused to settle. In the 94th minute, Michelle Alozie delivered a cross from deep into the South African box. Although Deborah Abiodun failed to get a clean touch, her presence disrupted the defense. Fikile Magama couldn’t clear the ball off the line, and it trickled in to hand Nigeria a dramatic last-gasp victory.

The win propels Nigeria into the WAFCON final as they aim to claim a record-extending 10th continental title, reasserting their status as the dominant force in African women’s football after a disappointing fourth-place finish in 2022.

South Africa, who came into the tournament as reigning champions, exit in heartbreak but with pride, though concern remains over Salgado’s injury.

The Super Falcons will now look to crown their impressive run with the trophy as they await their final opponents.

Seven things to know about Chris Gotterup, golf’s rising star

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Chris Gotterup is rapidly emerging as one of the most talked-about names on the PGA Tour in 2025.

With two professional wins under his belt and a powerful playing style, he’s proving he’s here to stay.

Here are seven key things to know about the American golf sensation:

1. He’s a Jersey-Born Talent

Chris Gotterup was born on July 20, 1999, and raised in Little Silver, New Jersey. He played high school golf at Christian Brothers Academy, where his talent quickly stood out.

2. He Was a Standout in College Golf

Gotterup began his collegiate golf career at Rutgers University (2017–2021) before transferring to the University of Oklahoma for the 2021–22 season. There, he dominated the college circuit, winning both the Haskins Award and the Jack Nicklaus Award, given to the nation’s top collegiate golfer.

Read Also: UFC 318: Max Holloway defeats Dustin Poirier as ‘The Diamond’ bids farewell in emotional homecoming

3. He Won Big as an Amateur

Even before turning pro, Gotterup showed signs of brilliance. He won both the Metropolitan Amateur and the New Jersey State Open in 2019, and earned the Jerry Courville Sr. Player of the Year Award from the Metropolitan Golf Association.

4. He Turned Pro in 2022

After the 2022 NCAA Championship, Gotterup turned professional. He gained attention with a T-4 finish at the John Deere Classic, one of his early PGA Tour events, signaling he could hang with the pros.

5. He Earned His PGA Tour Card Through Grit

Gotterup played on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2023, finishing 23rd on the points list to earn his 2024 PGA Tour card. Along the way, he posted three top-10 finishes, showing steady growth in his game.

6. He Claimed His First PGA Tour Win in 2024

On May 12, 2024, Gotterup captured his first PGA Tour victory at the Myrtle Beach Classic, a breakout moment that made fans and analysts take serious notice of his talent.

7. He Beat Rory McIlroy at the 2025 Genesis Scottish Open

Gotterup’s rise continued in July 2025, when he secured his second PGA Tour title by winning the Genesis Scottish Open, finishing two strokes ahead of Rory McIlroy and Marco Penge. It was also his first win on the DP World Tour, proving his ability to compete globally.

UFC 318: Max Holloway defeats Dustin Poirier as ‘The Diamond’ bids farewell in emotional homecoming

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Veteran UFC fighter Dustin Poirier may not have gotten the fairytale ending he dreamed of at UFC 318, but the Louisiana native walked away from the sport with pride, love, and respect as he officially announced his retirement on Saturday night in front of a roaring hometown crowd at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

In the main event of the evening, Poirier (30-10 MMA, 22-9 UFC) lost a unanimous decision to Max Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) in a five-round war for the “BMF” title. Judges scored the bout 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 in favor of Holloway, who avenged two prior losses to Poirier in his career.

Poirier Retires With Head Held High

Following the fight, Poirier, 36, laid down his gloves and delivered a heartfelt retirement speech, met with a standing ovation. The tribute included a video montage honoring his storied career and contributions both inside and outside the Octagon.

“I feel loved by the fans, Louisiana, and the company,” Poirier said. “I didn’t know I’d touch as many people as I did just by chasing my dreams.”

Poirier exits the UFC as a former interim lightweight champion, one of the most entertaining and respected fighters in the promotion’s history, and a community hero who earned the UFC’s inaugural Forrest Griffin Community Award.

Fight Recap: Holloway Wins the War

Despite the loss, Poirier didn’t go down without a fight. After being dropped early by a sharp right from Holloway, Poirier answered in Round 2 by landing a powerful shot of his own and attempting a guillotine choke—though Holloway managed to escape.

Read Also: Lakers land Marcus Smart on $11m deal: Smart signing or risky gamble?

Both men traded strikes at a high level throughout the five rounds. Round 3 was dominated by Holloway, while Rounds 4 and 5 saw tightly contested action. In the final seconds, the pair stood toe-to-toe in a slugfest, with Holloway appearing to edge out the closing exchange.

With the victory, Holloway retains the symbolic BMF title and improves to 4-1 in his last five fights, bouncing back from a KO loss to Ilia Topuria.

UFC 318 Full Results:

  • Max Holloway def. Dustin Poirier – Unanimous Decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
  • Paulo Costa def. Roman Kopylov – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Daniel Rodriguez def. Kevin Holland – Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Patricio Freire def. Dan Ige – Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Michael Johnson def. Daniel Zellhuber – Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Vinicius Oliveira def. Kyler Phillips – Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
  • Brendan Allen def. Marvin Vettori – Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Nikolay Veretennikov def. Francisco Prado – Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
  • Ateba Gautier def. Robert Valentin – TKO (strikes), Round 1, 1:10
  • Islam Dulatov def. Adam Fugitt – KO (punches), Round 1, 4:06
  • Jimmy Crute def. Marcin Prachnio – Submission (armbar), Round 1, 4:42
  • Ryan Spann def. Lukasz Brzeski – Submission (guillotine), Round 1, 2:47
  • Brunno Ferreira def. Jackson McVey – Submission (armbar), Round 1, 3:35
  • Carli Judice def. Nicolle Caliari – TKO (knee, punches), Round 3, 1:30

Lakers land Marcus Smart on $11m deal: Smart signing or risky gamble?

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The Los Angeles Lakers have made another strategic addition to their roster, agreeing to a two-year, $11 million deal with veteran guard Marcus Smart, according to NBA insider Shams Charania.

The deal follows a reported contract buyout between Smart and the Washington Wizards, where he landed following a midseason trade from the Memphis Grizzlies. With the Wizards in the midst of a full rebuild, Smart’s exit seemed inevitable.

His arrival in Los Angeles marks the Lakers’ third significant roster move this offseason, following the signings of Deandre Ayton and Jake LaRavia. With the departure of Dorian Finney-Smith, the Lakers were clearly in need of a reliable 3-and-D player—and Marcus Smart fits the bill.

A Defensive Anchor in the Backcourt

Despite his 6’4″ frame, Smart is widely respected as one of the NBA’s fiercest perimeter defenders. He made history in 2022 as the first guard to win Defensive Player of the Year since Gary Payton in 1996, and his versatility allows him to switch across multiple positions.

Read Also: Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

Smart’s intensity and leadership on the defensive end could provide exactly what the Lakers need, especially in a starting lineup that includes offensive-minded players like LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Smart could potentially start alongside Reaves, with Rui Hachimura moving to the bench to create better defensive balance.

Concerns About Durability

While Smart brings immense value on defense, his health remains a concern. He has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons, appearing in just 34 games last season and 20 the year before. However, the Lakers seem confident in his ability to stay on the court and contribute to a deep playoff run.

In his brief stint with the Wizards last season, Smart played 15 games, averaging 9.3 points, 2.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in just over 18 minutes per game. He also posted solid shooting splits—44% from the field and an impressive 39.2% from three-point range.

Lakers’ Smart Strategy

Given the Lakers’ limited financial flexibility and the thin free agent market, signing Marcus Smart without needing to make a trade is a major win. Smart brings championship-level experience, defensive grit, and veteran leadership—elements the Lakers desperately need to remain competitive in a stacked Western Conference.

The Lakers front office, often under pressure for its decision-making, deserves credit for its patient and calculated approach this offseason. While Smart’s injury history prevents this move from earning a perfect grade, it’s still a strong acquisition that could pay major dividends if he stays healthy.

Arsenal complete £48.5m signing of Madueke from Chelsea

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Arsenal have completed the signing of England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5m.

The 23-year-old was part of Chelsea’s squad at the Club World Cup in the United States but left the camp before last Sunday’s 3-0 win against Paris St-Germain in the final to finalise his move to Mikel Arteta’s side.

Madueke has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium, with his fee rising to just over £50m with add-ons.

“Humbled and blessed to be here. Thank you to everyone that made this possible,” he wrote on Instagram.

“I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start to repay the faith shown in me. It’s going to be so special.”

He made 92 appearances for Chelsea after joining from PSV Eindhoven for £30m in January 2023 and scored 20 goals, helping them win the Conference League last season.

He was part of Crystal Palace and then Tottenham’s academy before spending four-and-a-half years in the Netherlands, where he won the Dutch Cup.

Madueke made his England senior debut in August 2024 and set up Harry Kane’s winner as Thomas Tuchel’s side defeated Andorra 1-0 in World Cup qualification last month.

Arteta told Arsenal’s website, external: “Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality.

“He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

Read Also: BREAKING: Chelsea make history with 3-0 Club World Cup Triumph over PSG

“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well.

“Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us. His arrival will really improve our squad.”

News of Arsenal’s interest in the Chelsea winger had prompted a backlash from a section of the Gunners supporters earlier this month.

A petition, titled #NoToMadueke, was signed more than 5,000 times and murals outside the club’s Emirates Stadium were vandalised with ‘Arteta out’.

Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer and second from Chelsea following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Midfielders Christian Norgaard from Brentford and Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad have also joined while the club are also close to signing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.

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