The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos intensify build up with New Zealand’s friendly today

    FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos intensify build up with New Zealand’s friendly today

    Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, intensified their preparations in Morocco ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, which kicks off on October 17.

    According to the team’s Media Officer, Erenayo Doki, the girls had an intense training session on Thursday, focusing on corner kicks, free kicks, positioning, and finishing drills as part of their tactical refinement before the global showpiece.

    The Flamingos are set to test their readiness in an international friendly against New Zealand scheduled for today at the Lanuria Mohammedia Stadium, with kick-off at 8 p.m. local time, same as in Nigeria. The encounter will be followed by a second warm-up match against Paraguay four days later — their final test before the team moves to Rabat, venue of their group-stage matches.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

    Doki noted that the camp atmosphere remains vibrant and positive, with high energy, sharp focus, and smiles all around as the players work hard to perfect set-piece routines and team cohesion.

    Nigeria have been drawn in Group D of the World Cup alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, a tough pool that promises thrilling contests as the Flamingos aim to surpass their previous performances on the world stage.

    The friendly duels in Morocco will provide the coaching crew with an opportunity to assess combinations and tactical adjustments before the curtain rises on the tournament.

  • FIFA U-20World Cup: Zubairu admits responsibility in Flying Eagles’  loss to Argentina

    FIFA U-20World Cup: Zubairu admits responsibility in Flying Eagles’  loss to Argentina

    Head coach Aliyu Zubairu has taken full responsibility for Flying Eagles  heavy 4–0 defeat to Argentina in the round of 16 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 World Cup, admitting that an early goal destabilized his players and affected their approach to the match.

    Speaking after the team’s massacre  in Santiago, Zubairu said the team struggled to recover after conceding twice in quick succession, which allowed the South Americans to dictate the pace of the game.

     “I think the early goal is part of what destabilized us. We conceded at the early stage of the game, and even the second goal came not too far from the first,” he said. “That was what brought about instability in our approach. I believe the boys didn’t display positive character, and the level of our fight wasn’t enough when we didn’t have the ball, which gave Argentina a lot of opportunities and spaces.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles stars vow to pick  World Cup ticket

    The coach, however, refused to lay blame on his players, insisting he bears full responsibility for the team’s elimination.

    “I take responsibility for that and not the boys. When they win, I take responsibility, and when they lose, I do the same,” Zubairu stated.

    Nigeria’s defeat to Argentina ended their campaign at the U-20 World Cup, dashing hopes of a deep run in the tournament. The Flying Eagles had earlier impressed in the group stage with spirited performances, but their defensive lapses and lack of composure in front of goal proved costly against the Albiceleste.

    The 49-year-old Zubairu, who previously worked as an assistant coach with the national U-17 setup, was appointed head coach of the Flying Eagles in 2024 and led the team through the qualifying stages to the U-20 World Cup. Despite the early exit, he remains optimistic that the experience will strengthen the young players for future international duties.

     “I’m proud of the boys,” he added. “They’ve shown potential, but this level requires more mental strength and consistency. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”

    The defeat marks another disappointing end for Nigeria at the U-20 level as the team continues its search for a first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup title despite six previous appearances in the tournament’s quarterfinals.

  • Oshodi predicts fierce competition at ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis

    Oshodi predicts fierce competition at ITTF-Africa Championships in Tunis

    President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), Wahid Enitan Oshodi, has expressed high expectations for this year’s ITTF-Africa Championships, citing the impressive form and quality of players set to compete.

    Oshodi commended the Tunisian Table Tennis Federation (FTTT) for stepping in to host the tournament following Rwanda’s late withdrawal, praising their dedication to the sport and their experience in organizing top-tier events.

    He also expressed excitement over the strong presence of young talent at the tournament, which will take place in Tunis between October 12  and 19. The event serves as a qualifying competition for the 2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

     “There’s no doubt this year’s tournament will be fiercely contested, especially given the current form of our players and the emergence of talented youth athletes,” Oshodi said. “We’re particularly thrilled that many junior players who featured at the recent Youth Tournaments in Lagos have earned spots on their national teams for Tunis. This shows they’re maturing and ready to challenge the veterans. This will give us a chance to see the levels of improvement in their play over the last year. I expect upsets in Tunis and look forward to seeing some of these young stars rise to the top.”

    He added: “We must also acknowledge the experience of our established players, which will make the tournament even more exciting. The atmosphere in Tunis will rival any global event. Tunisia is a seasoned host with a strong track record, and we’re eager for the tournament to kick off on October 12. The highlight for many teams will be the team event, which doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships in London.”

    The 2026 edition will celebrate the centenary of the sport, returning to the city where both the International Table Tennis Federation and the first World Championships were founded in 1926.

    This year’s continental showcase promises high-stakes action as Africa’s finest athletes compete across seven categories: men’s team, women’s team, men’s singles, women’s singles, men’s doubles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. The Rades’ Multisports Hall will host eight thrilling days of elite competition.

  • 2025 Beach Volleyball World Championship: Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique lead Africa’s charge to Adelaide

    2025 Beach Volleyball World Championship: Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique lead Africa’s charge to Adelaide

    The stage is set for the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championship, with Africa’s finest duos — including Nigeria, Egypt, Mozambique, Togo, Benin, and Morocco — learning their group-stage opponents for the highly anticipated global competition taking place in Adelaide, Australia, between November 14  and 23.

    The draw, held yesterday, brought together 48 men’s and 48 women’s teams, marking the largest-ever edition of the tournament and the first to be hosted in the Southern Hemisphere. Each gender’s competition features 12 groups of four teams, with the top two and four best third-placed duos advancing directly to the round of 32. The remaining third-placed pairs will contest a “lucky losers” round for the last qualification spots — ensuring ten days of thrilling action across 216 matches.

    Nigeria’s women’s pair, Esther Mbah and Pamela Bawa have been drawn into a tough Pool C, where they will battle some of the sport’s elite — Nuss/Brasher (USA), Van Driel/Bekhuis (Netherlands), and Vitoria/Hegele (Germany).

    The Nigerians face a stern test against the Americans’ trademark power play and the disciplined European sides. However, their recent progress on the African circuit, coupled with growing confidence and experience, gives them a fighting chance to make an impression on the world stage.

    Egypt, the most represented African nation with two women’s teams, face a tough draw.

    Marwa/Nada (Group B) will take on Carol/Rebecca (Brazil), Davidova/Khmil (Ukraine), and Konnik/Poiesz (Netherlands).

    Mahassine/Dina (Group J) are up against Melissa/Brandie (Canada), Vieira/Chamereau (France), and Stam/Schoon (Netherlands).

    Mozambique’s duo Vanessa/Mucheza in Group D will clash with Cannon/Kraft (USA), Ittlinger/Grüne (Germany), and Placette/Richard (France) in what promises to be one of the tournament’s most challenging pools. Their qualification alone marks a milestone for women’s beach volleyball in Southern Africa.

    In the men’s category, three African nations — Togo, Benin, and Morocco — will take on the world’s elite.

    Togo’s Kotoka/Samani (Group H) face Perusic/Schweiner (Czech Republic), Plavins/Fokerots (Latvia), and Partain/Benesh (USA) — a baptism of fire for the Togolese, who are making their first-ever World Championship appearance.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

    Benin’s Yacoubou/Tohouenon (Group F) square off against Diaz/Alayo (Cuba), Pedrosa/Campos (Portugal), and Fuller/O’Dea (Australia) — a balanced group where teamwork could be Benin’s strongest asset.

    Morocco’s Ilyas/El Gharouti (Group L) meet Nicolaidis/Carracher (Australia), Bassereau/Aye (France), and Grimalt/Grimalt (Chile) — a pool featuring regional favorites and experienced international campaigners.

    Africa’s six-nation representation underlines the continent’s steady growth in beach volleyball, fuelled by increased zonal tournaments, training programs, and grassroots initiatives championed by the Confederation of African Volleyball (CAVB).

    While the traditional powerhouses from Brazil, the United States, and Germany remain the favourites, Africa’s duos are eager to show that the gap is narrowing. The World Championship offers them not only exposure but also invaluable experience ahead of upcoming Olympic qualifiers.

    As the countdown to November 14 begins, Adelaide is set to host a festival of sand, sun, and spikes — and Africa’s teams, led by Nigeria, will be out to prove that their place among the world’s elite is no accident.

  • Sesan Olowa  heads  LOC for APC Chairman’s Cup

    Sesan Olowa  heads  LOC for APC Chairman’s Cup

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Lagos State Chairman’s Cup recorded another milestone yesterday as the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the highly anticipated football tournament was officially inaugurated at the party’s State Secretariat in Ikeja.

    The event formally set the stage for the maiden edition of the state-wide youth football competition, designed to promote unity, discover emerging talents, and deepen grassroots engagement across Lagos’ 57 Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    The inauguration ceremony, attended by party leaders, youth representatives, and sports enthusiasts, was hailed as a visionary initiative of Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, the APC Lagos State Chairman, for uniting the party’s youth base under the theme “One Party, One Spirit, One State.”

    Read Also: Super Eagles stars vow to pick  World Cup ticket

    Dr. Bamigbade emphasized that the Chairman’s Cup goes beyond football, describing it as a strategic tool for unity and inclusivity at the grassroots level.

    He said, “This tournament will give every local government and LCDA a sense of belonging. We are using football as a bridge for peace, unity, and youth empowerment.”

    In his remarks, the LOC Chairman, Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the committee and pledged to deliver a transparent and impactful tournament.

    “We are ready to make history with this event. Our goal is to unite the 57 councils under one APC spirit while discovering new football talents that will make Lagos and Nigeria proud,” Olowa stated.

    The APC Lagos State Chairman’s Cup will feature Under-18 and Under-20 categories, with cash prizes, awards, and special football development opportunities for outstanding players and teams.

    From Epe to Badagry, Ikorodu to Surulere, and across the mainland and island, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a historic tournament in Lagos grassroots football.

    Convener of the tournament, Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, while addressing journalists after the inauguration, announced Hon. Abdullahi Sesan Olowa as Chairman of the LOC.

    Other notable committee members include Hon. Sam Egube, Hon. Yemi Alli, Hon. Bolaji Kayode Robert, Hon. Adedeji Temitope, Hon. Mrs. Kemi Ogunyemi, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Prince Usman Akanbi Hamzat, Hon. Bamidele Yusuf Sulaimon, Hon. Mrs. Bada Abolanle Samiat, Hon. Olufemi Akanbi Okeowo, Hon. Muibi Alade Folawuyo, Hon. Motunrayo Gbadebo Alogba, Hon. Moyosore Ogunlewe, Hon. Akeem Dauda, Hon. Adebayo Olasoju, Hon. Adeola Adetoro, Hon. Babatunde Hunpe, Hon. Oluwafemi Daniel Odunayo, Prince Bolarinwa Alade, Mr. Abayomi Adelakun, Hon. Idris Balogun, Hon. Lanre Sanusi, Hon. Abiodun Jimoh Isola, Hon. Yisa Abiola Jubril, Hon. Abdulganiy Obasa, Hon. Hammed Olalekan Aroyewun, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, Hon. Bukola Adedeji, Hon. Wale Raji.

  • 160 Secondary Schools begin hostilities for Agbeyewa Cup in Ekiti

    160 Secondary Schools begin hostilities for Agbeyewa Cup in Ekiti

    The 3rd edition  of the Agbeyewa Cup Football Tournament for Secondary Schools in Ekiti State goy underway  Monday , October 6th, with over 160 secondary schools across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.

    Sponsored by Agbeyewa Farms, the competition is designed to promote youth development through sports thereby fostering healthy rivalry, discipline and sportsmanship among students.

    Winners of this year’s edition stand to receive substantial rewards, with the champions taking home N1 million, the first runner-up N750,000, the second runner-up N500,000, and the third runner-up N250,000. In addition, each local government winner will be awarded N30,000, while the best player will also receive N30,000.

    Read Also: Super Eagles stars vow to pick  World Cup ticket

    Speaking on the competition, Dauda Lawal, Director of Community Engagement at Agbeyewa, expressed enthusiasm about the tournament.

    “We are delighted to host the 3rd  edition of the Agbeyewa Cup. Nigerians, particularly those in Ekiti, can look forward to a vibrant showcase of talent and excitement at every stage of the tournament,” he said.“ Beyond football, the Agbeyewa Cup is about building character, resilience and community spirit among young people.

    “This reflects our Chairman, Niyi John Olajide’s vision of empowering the next generation to thrive both on and off the field,” he added.

    According to the fixtures from the Directorate of School Sports at the Ekiti State Ministry of Education, the  tournament kicked  off with preliminary rounds across local government areas between  October 6 and 14. Victorious teams will then progress to the knockout stages, with the Round of 16 scheduled for Thursday, October 16, followed by the Quarterfinals on Tuesday, October 21, and the Semifinals on Thursday, October 23.

    The competition will culminate in a thrilling grand finale at the Kayode Oluyemi Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, where the third-place match and the final will be played on Tuesday, October 28—a fitting climax to what promises to be an exciting showcase of grassroots football talent.

    The tournament has steadily grown in prestige since its inception, with Christ School, Ado-Ekiti emerging champions in the inaugural edition in 2023, and Omuo-Ore High School lifting the trophy in 2024.

    As part of its corporate social responsibility, Agbeyewa Farms through its directorate of community engagement, remains committed to championing initiatives that strengthening communities and transforming lives across Ekiti State. One of its flagship initiatives is the Agbeyewa Cup, a prestigious annual football tournament for secondary schools, organized in partnership with the Ekiti State Ministry of Education.

    The tournament serves as a platform to nurture young football talent while strengthening community engagement, with participation from secondary schools across all 16 local government areas of the state. Over the years, it has grown into one of the most anticipated youth sporting events in Ekiti, reflecting Agbeyewa’s dedication to empowering the next generation.

  • TNFF  underlines  global economic power of football

    TNFF  underlines  global economic power of football

    The global economic power of football (soccer) is truly immense, standing as one of the world’s most influential and profitable industries. The beautiful game generates billions of dollars annually through revenue, employment, and global commerce.

    Recent estimates, according to a new report from consultancy firm Kearney, revealed that the global sports market, encompassing professional leagues, broadcasting rights, sponsorships, betting, and merchandising will be worth US$602 billion by 2030.

    According to FIFA:  “The global football market is witnessing a dynamic evolution, characterized by increasing participation rates and a growing emphasis on youth development programs, which collectively enhance the sport’s accessibility and popularity across diverse demographics.”

    Major leagues such as the English Premier League (EPL) generate between $6–7 billion annually, while the UEFA Champions League brings in billions of dollars through TV rights and commercial deals. The FIFA World Cup 2022 alone generated more than $7.5 billion in revenue according to the world football governing body.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

    Beyond revenues, the football industry has demonstrated an exceptional capacity to create jobs directly — through players, coaches, referees, and administrators — and indirectly across media, tourism, logistics, and security. Every major football club today drives local economies through matchday activities, merchandise sales, and hospitality services.

    Television and digital broadcasting rights remain football’s biggest money spinners. The EPL’s broadcasting rights, for instance, are valued at over £10 billion per cycle, with networks such as SuperSport (Africa), Sky Sports (Europe), DAZN, Amazon, and ESPN paying premium sums for coverage.

    Moreover, digital platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Meta are revolutionizing the way football content is monetized, expanding access and engagement for millions of fans globally.

    Football’s commercial appeal continues to attract massive sponsorship deals. Global brands such as Nike, Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Emirates invest billions in the sport annually.

    For example, Real Madrid’s sponsorship deal with Emirates exceeds $70 million per year, while Manchester United’s record-breaking Adidas kit deal — valued at $900 million (2024–2035) — underscores the immense commercial potential of football branding.

    Football’s influence extends well beyond the pitch. The sport drives massive investments in stadium construction, transportation upgrades, and urban development.

    Mega-events such as the World Cup, AFCON, and UEFA Euro attract millions of tourists, boosting host nations’ GDP through hospitality, retail, and tourism spending. For instance, Qatar 2022 contributed billions of dollars to its national GDP through infrastructure projects and global exposure.

    In Nigeria, football continues to stimulate both national and local economies — creating opportunities in youth engagements (through academies and grassroots programs), media growth (sports journalism and broadcasting), and corporate investments (banks, Telcos, and private sponsors of clubs and leagues).

    The economic power of football is nearly unquantifiable. Football clubs today have evolved into major financial assets — some football clubs are publicly traded or backed by institutional investors.

    Examples include Manchester United, listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Juventus, listed on the Borsa Italiana (BIT).

    Similarly, in Nigeria, The Nigeria Football Fund (TNFF) — managed by GTI Group and regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — exemplifies how football can be harnessed as an investment vehicle to drive sports development, financial inclusion, and national growth.

    Football is not just a game — it’s a global economic powerhouse shaping industries, nations, and generations.

    In light of the above, it is evident that the private corporate organizations have a significant role to play in the development and sustenance of the Nigeria football ecosystem for mutual benefits.

  • Argentina gives Boca Juniors manager Russo emotional stadium send-off

    Argentina gives Boca Juniors manager Russo emotional stadium send-off

    Argentine football fans queued up Thursday to pay their respects to one of the national game’s greats, Boca Juniors deceased manager Miguel Angel Russo, at an emotional stadium send-off in Buenos Aires.

    From the early hours of Thursday, long lines of supporters began filing past the coffin of the award-winning coach in the chapel of the club’s legendary Bombonera stadium.

    The former international, who coached Boca Juniors three times and also had successful stints at Rosario Central and Estudiantes de la Plata, died Wednesday at the age of 69.

    The club never gave details of his health, but Argentine media reported that Russo, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and whose health had deteriorated in recent weeks, had contracted an infection.

    In June, he had agreed to coach Boca Juniors for a third time but had been absent from the sidelines since September 21.

    His coffin was draped Thursday in the flags of both Boca and Estudiantes, the club where he spent his entire playing career.

     “Miguel gave his all for Boca, just like me,” said 34-year-old Pasallo, who had the Boca crest tattooed on his right arm, alongside the phrase “from the cradle to the grave.”

     “We’re going to say goodbye like Boca fans do: with a party!” said the street vendor, who was dressed from head to toe in the club’s blue and yellow. The mood at the stadium was more reflective than festive, however.

     “Forever in our hearts,” read a Boca Juniors banner featuring Russo’s image, which hung in the stadium.

    Read Also: Super Eagles stars vow to pick  World Cup ticket

    Russo was a coach for more than half his life and was talked up at one point as a potential manager for the national side after long stints with Boca Juniors, Rosario Central and Estudiantes de la Plata.

    His trophy cabinet was not extensive, but he had a knack for reviving the fortunes of top teams.

    Luis Conrado, a 67-year-old bricklayer, came to pay his respects from the town of Lanus, on the southern outskirts of Buenos Aires, where Russo made his coaching debut.

    At Lanus, “he found us in the B division, rescued us, and returned us to glory. I’m here to thank him for that joy,” Conrado said.

    Russo’s first first-division title came with Velez Sarsfield in 2005.

    Later, at Diego Maradona’s request, he was called on to manage Maradona’s boyhood club Boca Juniors, which he led to victory in the 2007 Copa Libertadores, his greatest achievement as a manager.

    He also twice saved Rosario Central, with whom he won the League Cup in December 2023, from relegation and in 2017 led Colombian side Millonarios to a championship title one day after undergoing chemotherapy for cancer.

    At Estudiantes, where he played from 1975 to 1988, he formed part of one of the most memorable midfields in Argentine football, along with Alejandro Sabella, Marcelo Trobbiani, and Jose Daniel “Bocha” Ponce.

    He made the national team but, much to his disappointment, was not selected for the 1986 World Cup, which Argentina won.

  • Amoura’s brace take Algeria to  2026 World Cup

    Amoura’s brace take Algeria to  2026 World Cup

    Mohamed Amoura scored twice as Algeria beat Somalia 3-0  yesterday to become the fourth qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup from Africa after Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt.

    The Wolfsburg striker volleyed a Riyad Mahrez cross into the net on six minutes, then the former Manchester City winger slammed a loose ball into the net midway through the opening half.

    Mahrez turned creator again on 57 minutes, setting up Amoura to stretch the lead to three goals. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, convinced that qualification was assured, then substituted both scorers.

    It was a predictable outcome in western port city Oran as the Desert Foxes are 163 places above the Ocean Stars in the world rankings.

    Algeria have 22 points in Group G with one round remaining, four more than second-placed Uganda. Mozambique lie third, followed by Guinea, Botswana and Somalia.

    Read Also: 2026 FIFA WCQ: Red-hot Akor, Sanusi  swell Eagles as 20 train for Lesotho

    Luca Zidane, a son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, had dominated the pre-match build-up having changed his senior international allegiance to Algeria.

    A goalkeeper with Spanish second-tier club Granada, Luca Zidane represented France at youth levels, but was able to make the switch because his paternal grandparents were Algerian.

    He was named among the substitutes by Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic with goalkeeper Alexis Guendouz from reigning Algerian champions Mouloudia Alger in the starting line-up.

    Algeria will be making a fifth World Cup appearance when they travel to the 2026 tournament, which the United States, Canada and Mexico are co-hosting.

    After first round exits in the 1982, 1986 and 2010 tournaments, they reached the second round at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, losing 2-1 to eventual champions Germany.

    Elsewhere, Ryan Ogam scored after 73 minutes to give Kenya a 1-0 win over Burundi in a fiery east African derby in Bujumbura, where the home side had to play with 10 men for all but six minutes.

    Forward Bonfils-Caleb Bimenyimana was shown a straight red card after fouling Kenya goalkeeper Brian Okoth, whose injury forced him off to be replaced by Bryne Odhiambo.

    The incident set the scene for a tense first half. When Kenyan Manzur Suleiman committed a studs-up foul, furious Burundians surrounded the referee, appealing for the yellow card to be changed to red.

    Despite their numerical advantage, Kenya did not threaten to score until first-half added time when Jonathan Nahimana made a brilliant one-hand save from a long-range shot.

    But the brave resistance of the Burundian Swallows finally broke when Ogam netted to lift the Kenyan Harambee Stars to third, eight points behind leaders and reigning African champions the Ivory Coast.

    Cote d’Ivoire  and Gabon have dominated the six-nation Group F with one point dividing them going into their penultimate matches on Friday.

    The Ivorians are away to the Seychelles in Mauritius because their Indian Ocean opponents do not have a FIFA-approved stadium.

    Gabon have what is likely to be a much tougher task away in Nairobi to Gambia, another country lacking an international-standard venue.

    Cote d’Ivoire  will secure a fourth World Cup appearance, and first since 2014, if they win and Gabon lose.

    There are nine qualifiers scheduled for today, including three in Group C, where leaders Benin, South Africa, Nigeria, Rwanda and Lesotho all have a mathematical chance of finishing first.

    Benin lead South Africa on goal difference, and both have three more points than Nigeria and Rwanda. Lesotho are five points behind the pacesetters.

    Lesotho benefitted from having a 2-0 loss to South Africa last March changed to a 3-0 victory by FIFA because their opponents fielded the ineligible Teboho Mokoena.

  • Blessing Okagbare marks 37th birthday with baby’s arrival

    Blessing Okagbare marks 37th birthday with baby’s arrival

    Nigerian track and field star Blessing Okagbare had double reasons to celebrate as she turned 37.

    The former Olympic medalist welcomed the arrival of her baby on her birthday, October 9, 2025.

    Taking to her official X (formerly Twitter) page, Okagbare expressed her joy, describing it as her best birthday yet.

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    “Best birthday ever. I get to celebrate it with my Oreofe. A very blessed 37th birthday indeed. Lord, you have always done it for me,” she wrote.

    Okagbare, who has long been celebrated for her achievements in athletics, now adds motherhood to her milestones, with fans and fellow athletes flooding her page with congratulatory messages.