Category Archives: Sports

We’ve not received $100,000 promised by Tinubu – Ajibade

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Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has disclosed that the team is yet to receive the $100,000 reward and other incentives promised by the Federal Government after winning the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Ajibade expressed disappointment over the delay in fulfilling the pledges made by President Bola Tinubu.

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

When asked if the money had been paid, she responded, “We have not received our money, but hopefully, it will be paid. All the promises, we have not received anything.”

Ajibade captained the Super Falcons to a historic victory in Morocco, securing their record-extending WAFCON title. Following the triumph, President Tinubu honoured the players and technical crew with national awards of Officer of the Order of Niger (OON), as well as the promise of $100,000 and a three-bedroom apartment for each team member.

Receiving the squad at the Presidential Villa, Tinubu hailed their resilience, determination, and courage, describing their win as a landmark achievement for Nigeria.

West Ham sign Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in £20m deal

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West Ham United have completed the signing of Mads Hermansen from Leicester City in a deal worth around £20 million.

The 25-year-old Denmark international has signed a five-year contract with the Hammers, which includes an option for a further year. The agreement was finalised on Thursday after several weeks of negotiations between the two clubs.

Hermansen was a standout performer for Leicester last season despite their relegation from the Premier League. He made 72 appearances for the Foxes, helping them win the Championship title in 2024.

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

West Ham were in the market for a new goalkeeper following the departure of Poland’s Lukasz Fabianski at the end of last season. Hermansen will now compete with Alphonse Areola, 32, who made 26 league appearances in the 2024/25 campaign.

West Ham sign Leicester goalkeeper Mads Hermansen in £20m deal

The shot-stopper will also reunite with Casper Ankergren, West Ham’s goalkeeping coach, who previously worked with him at Danish side Brøndby.

Hermansen becomes the second Leicester player to leave this summer, following Wilfred Ndidi’s move to Turkish club Besiktas on Friday, after eight-and-a-half years at the King Power Stadium. Ndidi’s transfer was triggered by a £9 million relegation release clause.

Detroit Lions’ Morice Norris gives positive health update after scary injury

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Detroit Lions defensive back Morice Norris has provided a reassuring update after suffering a frightening injury during Friday night’s preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Norris sustained what appeared to be a serious head and neck injury in the fourth quarter, prompting immediate medical attention.

The game was suspended as he was taken off the field in an ambulance and transported to Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta.

Read Also: BREAKING: Former Agric Minister Audu Ogbeh dies at 78

Late Friday night, the Lions announced that Norris was in stable condition and had movement in all his extremities, ruling out the most severe outcomes.

He remained at the hospital overnight for observation.

On Saturday morning, Norris took to Instagram to thank fans for their support, writing that he was “all good” and appreciative of the outpouring of concern.

The incident was one of the more alarming moments in recent NFL preseason memory, but the update brought relief to teammates, fans, and the wider football community.

While it’s not yet clear how long Norris will be sidelined, his recovery appears to be moving in a positive direction.

AC Milan eye loan move for Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund

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AC Milan are interested in signing Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund, despite the Danish forward recently reaffirming his desire to remain at Old Trafford.

Just over a week ago, the 23-year-old told reporters after scoring in a 4-1 pre-season win over Bournemouth in Chicago that he intended to stay and fight for his place, even with increased competition in Ruben Amorim’s squad.

However, United have since agreed terms with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenia international expected to be unveiled to fans ahead of Saturday’s friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford.

Read Also: Benjamin Sesko joins Manchester United in £74m deal

The arrival of Sesko has sparked transfer interest in Hojlund, with several clubs reportedly exploring the possibility of a deal. Milan are understood to be keen, but would prefer an initial loan move due to financial constraints caused by their absence from European competition this season.

Sources suggest the Serie A giants are willing to pay a €4 million (£3.47m) loan fee, with an option to buy next summer for €40 million (£34.7m).

It remains uncertain whether United will accept such terms, and more clarity on the situation is expected in the coming week.

Milan will begin their Serie A campaign against Cremonese on 23 August 2025.

Benjamin Sesko joins Manchester United in £74m deal

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Manchester United have confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in a deal worth £73.7 million.

The Slovenia international has signed a five-year contract at Old Trafford, with the agreement including a guaranteed £66.3 million payment and the rest in performance-related add-ons.

Sesko, 22, becomes United’s third major attacking addition this summer, following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Bryan Mbeumo (£65m, including £6m in add-ons).

The highly-rated forward was also a transfer target for Newcastle United but opted to join Ruben Amorim’s project at United.

Manchester United endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing 15th in the Premier League, while Newcastle secured fifth place, qualified for the Champions League, and lifted the EFL Cup.

Read Also: Bryan Mbeumo set for Manchester United debut against Everton

Speaking after his unveiling, Sesko expressed his excitement about the move: “The history of Manchester United is obviously very special but what really excites me is the future. When we discussed the project, it was clear that everything is in place for this team to continue to grow and compete for the biggest trophies again soon.

Benjamin Sesko joins Manchester United in £74m deal

From the moment that I arrived, I could feel the positive energy and family environment that the club has created. It is clearly the perfect place to reach my maximum level and fulfil all of my ambitions.

I cannot wait to start learning from Ruben and connecting with my team-mates to achieve the success that we all know we are capable of together.”

Sesko’s arrival is expected to strengthen United’s attacking options significantly as the club aims to rebuild and challenge for silverware in the coming seasons.

Premier League ends partnership with LGBTQ+ Charity Stonewall

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The Premier League has officially ended its partnership with LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall, bringing an end to the long-running Rainbow Laces campaign, which aimed to promote LGBTQ+ inclusion in football.

The decision marks a strategic shift in the league’s approach to diversity and inclusion, as it prepares to launch a new initiative to coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month in February.

Launched in 2017 by the Premier League and first introduced by Stonewall in 2013, Rainbow Laces saw players wear rainbow-coloured laces and captains don rainbow armbands as a visible show of support for the LGBTQ+ community.

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

According to the Daily Telegraph, the move reflects a change in strategy, though sources told the BBC that the Premier League remains committed to tackling discrimination through educational programmes and continued support for clubs.

“Rainbow Laces has benefited from a wide range of partners with a natural ebb and flow reflecting cultural and sporting changes. The campaign has reached more diverse audiences, especially through the growing women’s game,” a Stonewall spokesperson said.

While the campaign once had unanimous backing from Premier League clubs, support has waned in recent years. Ipswich Town captain Sam Morsy declined to wear the rainbow armband last season, citing religious beliefs, while Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi wrote “I ❤ Jesus” on his instead. Manchester United also reportedly abandoned plans for an LGBTQ+ support jacket after a player refused to wear it.

In a related development, Premier League players have agreed to continue taking the knee

Thomas Partey arrives court over alleged rape charges

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Former Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, has arrived in London court, where he is due to appear on rape and sexual assault charges.

The Ghana international, 32, has been charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for Arsenal.

Read Also: Court of Appeal affirms Aiyedatiwa’s election

Partey was wearing a black zip-neck jumper and held a navy blazer as he entered Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning, walking quickly past members of the press.

He was charged four days after leaving Arsenal when his contract expired at the end of June.

The Metropolitan Police said it first received reports of an allegation of rape in February 2022.

Partey’s lawyer, Jenny Wiltshire, previously said he had denied all the charges against him, adding that “he welcomed the opportunity to finally clear his name”.

(dpa/NAN)

Tinubu gifts D’Tigress $100,000 each, flats, OON honours for AfroBasket victory

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has rewarded Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, with $100,000 each, a housing flat, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national honour for their historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The announcement was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday evening during a special reception at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, held in the team’s honour.

In addition to the players, members of the coaching and technical crew each received $50,000, a three-bedroom flat, and the OON national honour.

The reception was attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, Wife of the Vice President Hajiya Nana Shettima, and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Read Also: First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

Praising the team’s exceptional performance, Vice President Shettima said:

“You have brought great pride to Nigeria. Your excellence on the court has once again put our nation on the global map for sporting greatness.”

D’Tigress clinched their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title — and seventh overall — after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The win extended their unbeaten streak since 2017, cementing their dominance in African women’s basketball.

Monday’s event also drew top government officials, including Senator Garba Maidoki, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Youths and Sports Development, and Hon. Kabiru Amadou, Chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

This honour comes just a week after President Tinubu hosted a state reception for the Super Falcons following their record-extending tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) victory in Rabat, Morocco.

First Lady congratulates D’Tigress on Afrobasket victory

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The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their victory in the 2025 FIBA Afrobasket Tournament in Côte d’Ivoire.

Mrs Tinubu in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, expressed gladness for the historic winning at the tournament.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that the first lady alongside her husband, President Bola Tinubu, while welcoming the Super Falcons on 10th WAFCON title recently, expressed optimism seeing D’Tigress bringing home the trophy as well.

Mrs Tinubu described the victory by the team as an inspiration to every young girl to dream of breaking barriers and making history through hard work and dedication.

Read Also: First Lady pushes for more women in legislature

“I congratulate D’Tigress for this historic victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Tournament.

“To God be the Glory for yet another victory for Nigeria as you bring home the second trophy won by the nation in two weeks.

“Today, you have written another golden chapter in our dear Nation’s sporting history by defeating Mali to win your fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title.

“With this win, you have showcased once again, the unwavering commitment and determination of Nigerian women on the global stage.

“I celebrate you, your discipline, and team spirit. Thank you for making Nigeria proud once again.

Congratulations, my wonderful D’Tigress,” she said.

(NAN)

French prosecutors push for rape trial against PSG’s Hakimi

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French prosecutors have called for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over the alleged rape of a 24-year-old woman in 2023, an accusation the Moroccan international firmly denies.

The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that it had asked the investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court.

“It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the framework of his order,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement to AFP.

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

Hakimi, 26, was charged in March 2023 after allegedly inviting the woman to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, on February 25, 2023, while his wife and children were away on holiday. Prosecutors claim he paid for her travel to the residence.

The Moroccan star, who denies the allegations, played a pivotal role in PSG’s run to their historic first UEFA Champions League title, scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the May 2024 final.

Hakimi also made headlines at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was a key figure in Morocco’s sensational run to the semi-finals — making them the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage in tournament history.

The investigating magistrate will now decide whether the case proceeds to trial.