Sports

Not Muhammad Ali, not Tyson’ — George Foreman reveals boxer he dreaded

By Olaolu Joseph There weren’t many fighters George Foreman avoided during his illustrious career. Foreman first became world heavyweight champion at 24 in January 1973, knocking out Joe Frazier in just two rounds in Jamaica. After defending his title against José Roman and Ken Norton, he faced Muhammad Ali in the legendary ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in October 1974. Ali…

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Afcon 2025: CAF lists Ademola Lookman among five players to watch

By Olaolu Joseph As in previous editions, the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, taking place in Morocco, will serve as a platform for the continent’s talents to showcase their skills. Here’s a look at five players expected to set the AFCON ablaze during this prestigious tournament, as listed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta Bergamo)…

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African sports ministers, stakeholders applaud Nigeria’s sports reforms

By Olaolu Joseph The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, joined other African Ministers of Sports, UNESCO Anti-Doping Convention officials, stakeholders, and global experts at the Interregional African Ministerial Meeting held in Banjul, Gambia, on Tuesday. The meeting focused on strengthening sports governance in Africa, fostering regional cooperation, promoting sports values, ethics, and integrity, advancing anti-doping…

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Nigeria willing to host 2031 All African Games

By Olaolu Joseph Twenty-two years after hosting the All African Games, Nigeria has indicated interest in staging the African version of the Olympics again. The interest to host the 2031 African Games emerged following a meeting between the National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, and African Union Commissioner, Minata Samara Cessounma, at the recently concluded Inter-Regional African Ministerial meeting…

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Ademola Lookman propels Atalanta to fourth Champions League win

Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Ademola Lookman, scored one goal and provided an assist to lead his side to a convincing Champions League triumph on Tuesday night. The Nigerian international found the back of the net as Atalanta trounced Sturm Graz 5-0. The Super Eagles striker headed home a pinpoint cross from the right to make it 4-0 for…

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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ opponents to be unveiled January 25

By Olaolu Joseph Nigeria’s Super Eagles and 23 other countries will learn their opponents for the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Thursday, January 25. According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the draw will take place in Rabat, Morocco. CAF stated that the draw will involve the 24 nations that have qualified for AFCON…

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NFF outlines steps to improve domestic league

By Olaolu Joseph The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has outlined bold measures undertaken by his administration to improve the country’s domestic league, with a particular focus on referee development. Speaking on the federation’s achievements regarding the league, Gusau said, “We tried to come up with a policy to ensure we improve our domestic league. It…

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NPFL unveils Prostar Sports as official match ball

By Olaolu Joseph Matches in the second stanza of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will now be played with official match balls produced by Prostar Sports. This development follows the delivery of the first batch of match balls from Prostar Sports to the NPFL earlier this week. Speaking on the partnership, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye noted that negotiations extended…

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NSC sets up Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board

By Olaolu Joseph The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced the composition of its Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board, with former Nigerian international Yusuf Ali serving as the board’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In a statement signed by the Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, the board has been tasked with creating a sustainable system…

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NFF rolls out schedule for 2025 President Federation Cup

By Olaolu Joseph The state preliminaries of this year’s President Federation Cup competition got underway on Monday, with the final matches in the states to be played on either 22nd February or 23rd February, according to the NFF Competitions Department. “All final matches in the states are to be played on either Saturday, 22nd February or Sunday, 23rd February 2025,…

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