Katsina United head coach, Abdulazeez Audu, has assured fans that the team will return stronger this weekend when they host Remo Stars, following their narrow 1-0 defeat to Rangers International FC in Enugu.
Speaking after the loss yesterday, Audu admitted that the decisive goal came as a surprise and credited Rangers’ winger for his impressive run that led to the breakthrough.
“Rangers’ goal caught us unawares, and we had to respond to the impressive run of their winger,” Audu said.
“We just have to go back home and make the needed changes before our next game.”
The Katsina United tactician also lamented logistical issues that affected his team’s performance, revealing that they struggled to manage the closing stages of the game due to a shortage of match balls.
“Our complaint was about the absence of enough balls to play. We played the last 20 minutes with just one ball,” he disclosed.
Looking ahead, Audu expressed optimism that his side will make the right adjustments to reclaim their winning form when they face Remo Stars in front of their home supporters.
“We will go back and prepare for our home game with Remo Stars. We will try to make a few changes,” he concluded.
The Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Tournament has taken a significant step in promoting sports development in Nigeria.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman, Distinguished Senator Musa Mustafa, was recently honoured with the prestigious Grassroots Sports Ambassador Award for his outstanding contributions to nurturing young athletes and promoting unity through sports.
The award was presented by Hon. John Ekpenyong, Tournament Coordinator.
The tournament, which aims to identify and nurture budding football talents, has become a platform for young Nigerians to showcase their skills. With about 20 states participating in the upcoming edition, the event promises to be an exciting display of talent, unity, and healthy competition. Both male and female teams will compete, promoting gender equality and inclusivity in sports.
The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Hon. Ali Muhammed Gombe, Chairman of the Sponsorship, Partnership, and Mobilization Committee; Hajiya Dr. Baheejah Mahmood; Hon. Suleima Zailani; Grace Kumangar; and Mr. Sunny Apes, among others. Mr. Sunny Apes, who doubles as the Accommodation Chairman, Amy Apetagher were also in attendance to witness the presentation.
Last year’s edition was a huge success, with Ebonyi State emerging as the winner after defeating Borno State in the finals. The Senate President was ably represented at the finals by Distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, who brought greetings and good wishes to the participants.
By fostering unity, promoting sportsmanship, and creating employment opportunities, the Senate President’s U-18 Unity Football Tournament is empowering the next generation of Nigerian athletes. The tournament’s impact extends beyond the playing field, promoting national unity and providing a platform for young people to develop their skills and pursue their dreams.
UEFA have reluctantly approved a Serie A and a LaLiga match to be played abroad, the European governing body has confirmed.
The LaLiga fixture between Barcelona and Villarreal will be staged in Miami in late December, while AC Milan’s Serie A encounter with Como will be held in Perth, Australia, in early February.
Milan opted for a foreign location as their San Siro stadium will be unavailable as both the city and the stadium prepare to host the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on February 6.
Spain’s LaLiga has been pursuing their transatlantic vision for almost a decade, emulating the strategy employed by the NFL and NBA to establish themselves in other markets.
UEFA said its Executive Committee had reluctantly approved the move as an exception, stressing that FIFA’s regulatory framework, still under review, lacks sufficient clarity and detail, and reiterating that it remains opposed in principle to such matches.
“League matches should be played on home soil; anything else would disenfranchise loyal match-going fans and potentially introduce distortive elements in competitions,” UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said in a statement.
“While it is regrettable to have to let these two games go ahead, this decision is exceptional and shall not be seen as setting a precedent.
“Our commitment is clear: to protect the integrity of national leagues and ensure that football remains anchored in its home environment.”
Italy’s Serie A welcomed UEFA’s decision.
“For us, a contingency due to the unavailability of San Siro Stadium has turned into an opportunity to satisfy the many fans of Italian football, who will have the chance to watch the match live in Perth,” Serie A League President Ezio Simonelli said.
“It’s also a chance for both teams and Italian football to increase international visibility and grow their fan base.”
Simonelli said that he understood the challenges for supporters, with their teams now set to play almost 13,800 km (8574.92 miles) away from Milan and six hours ahead in time.
“I’m confident that Milan and Como supporters – who in any case would not have been able to attend the match at the Meazza (San Siro) will understand the sacrifice being asked of them on this occasion, which will ultimately bring significant benefits to their teams,” he added.
Italian Fabio Cannavaro will coach Uzbekistan as they prepare for their first World Cup next year, the Central Asian nation’s soccer association said on Monday.
Cannavaro won the World Cup with Italy as a player, captaining his country to the title in 2006, but his record as a coach is more mixed.
His most recent job was with Dinamo Zagreb but that was a short-lived spell of less than four months that ended in April.
“The Uzbekistan Football Association has signed a contract with Fabio Cannavaro — a renowned specialist, one of the best defenders of his generation,” the statement said.
The 52-year-old has previously had coaching roles with clubs in China and Saudi Arabia as well as in Italy. He also had a short spell as caretaker manager of China in 2019.
He will succeed Timur Kapadze, who was in charge in June when the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time.
Africa’s group qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup conclude over the next week, providing seven more finalists for the tournament in North America.
With two rounds of group matches still to be played, Morocco and Tunisia are already guaranteed top place in their respective groups, while the identity of the seven other group winners – all of whom will earn an automatic place at the 2026 finals – will be finalised by next Tuesday.
Egypt are expected to secure their berth on Wednesday when they take on lowly Djibouti in Group A, while Ghana will win Group I on the same day if they beat the Central African Republic away from home and closest rivals Madagascar falter at the same time.
Algeria need a point from their penultimate Group G clash against Somalia on Thursday to add their name to the list.
In Group D, the tiny Cape Verde Islands have a four-point lead over second-placed Cameroon and therefore need to win one of their last two qualifiers to snatch a fairytale berth at the finals.
Cape Verde are away to Libya on Thursday and finish their campaign at home to Eswatini next Monday.
Senegal are handily placed in Group B with a two-point lead over the Democratic Republic of Congo and qualify if they win their last two matches, away against South Sudan on Friday and then home to Mauritania next Tuesday.
It is also clear what Cote d’Ivoire need to do in Group F to keep up their one-point advantage over Gabon. They will qualify if they win away to the lowly-ranked Seychelles on Friday and then at home to Kenya on October 14.
In Group C, South Africa had a three-point lead but points were stripped last week for fielding a defaulter in March, leaving them now trailing Benin on goal difference.
Benin, however, play their last two qualifiers away to Rwanda on Friday and Nigeria next Tuesday while South Africa are at home to Zimbabwe on Friday and Rwanda next Tuesday.
The clash against neighbours Zimbabwe is formally an away game but because they do not have a stadium that has been deemed suitable for use in international competition, Zimbabwe have elected to take the fixture to Durban, handing South Africa a major advantage.
At the weekend, their Belgian coach Hugo Broos took responsibility for the bungle that saw South Africa field midfielder Teboho Mokoena when he should have been suspended.
“I am responsible. I am the coach, I had to know that this guy had two yellow cards. So, stop with it,” he said of the ongoing outrage from South African fans.
“Just focus on the two games remaining now and support us. We will do everything to win these games, and for me, it’s an extra motivation.”
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has marked his daughter’s third birthday with an emotional message, describing her as “the light that brightens my world” and a precious blessing from God.
In a heartfelt post shared on Instagram, the Napoli forward expressed gratitude for the joy his daughter brings, praising her intelligence, kindness, and playful spirit.
“You are the light that brightens my world and the sweetest blessing God has given me. Every smile you share melts my heart, every laugh you make fills me with joy, and every hug reminds me how lucky I am to be your parent,” he wrote.
Reflecting on her growth, Osimhen said watching her over the past three years has been “the most magical journey” of his life. He prayed for her continued protection, happiness, and love.
“May your life always be filled with laughter, happiness, and endless love. God will continue to protect you from the eyes of the evil ones, amen! Daddy/Mummy loves you more than words can ever explain. Happy birthday, my love! (BIG 3),” he added.
Team Brazil by Claure Group claimed its maiden victory at the E1 Lagos Grand Prix presented by FirstBank. They made history as the world’s first all-electric race boat Championship staged its inaugural race in Africa.
The action-packed race ended with Team Brazil by Claure Group taking the top step of the podium, fending off fierce challenges from Virat Kohli’s Team Blue Rising in second place and Team Drogba Global Africa in third.
The team’s first win followed a delay to racing as a tropical storm moved over Lagos Lagoon.
It was Team Brazil by Claure Group’s pilots Timmy Hansen, named PIF Pilot of the Race, and Ieva Millere-Hagin, who proved most adept at weathering the storm, building on its pole position secured in Saturday’s qualifying session.
The result extends the battle for the coveted Champions of the Water title as the season approaches its climax in Miami in November. Team Brady retakes the World Championship lead and continues its tense duel with Team Rafa.
The race brought thousands of fans to the waterfront, creating a festival atmosphere as Nigeria proudly hosted one of sport’s most innovative global Championships.
Football legend Didier Drogba, who played a key role in bringing E1 to Africa, attended the event along with co-owner Gabrielle Lemaire to support his team and be part of their podium celebrations.
Lagos, Africa’s most populous city, now joins an illustrious list of iconic global cities to have hosted an E1 race that includes Monaco, Dubrovnik, and Doha.
Speaking to journalists during the final of the competition ,f Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, described the first-of-its-kind event in Africa as a demonstration of innovation and progress.
He said the event showcased Lagos’ creativity, resilience and commitment to clean energy and sustainable solutions.
“Hosting the E1 Grand Prix is not just about sport. It is about innovation, environmental responsibility, and putting Lagos on the global map for future-focused development,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
Equally, Rodi Basso, founder and Chief Executive Officer of E1, was equally excited, saying: “We made history in Lagos today. This weekend’s race is a landmark moment for our World Championship and for Africa – proving the continent’s appetite for motorsport, sustainability, and technological innovation.”
“Our vision is to build a legacy here, inspiring new generations of fans and paving the way for cleaner marine mobility. Today’s racing was electric in every sense.”
Following the historic stop in Lagos, the UIM E1 World Championship presented by PIF now turns its attention to a mouth-watering season finale in North America, where the battle for the 2026 Champions of the Water crown will reach its dramatic conclusion. With the Championship wide open, the Miami showdown promises to deliver the most thrilling racing yet as the teams fight to make history.
Ahead of his departure for the international break, striker Akor Adams, underlined his readiness for the Super Eagles’ critical assignment on the 2026 FIFA World Cup double header against Lesotho and Benin by scoring for in their 4-1 rout of defending champions Barcelona on Sunday.
It was a memorable victory for Sevilla as they inflicted on Barca their first defeat in the La Liga this season in front of their home fans at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.
Ex- Barca Alexis Sanchez opened the floodgate for Sevilla from the spot after VAR adjudged Ronald Araujo to have upended Isaac Romero inside the penalty. After that moment, Sevilla had a number of chances to score again, with most of them falling to Isaac Romero. He squandered two big ones, but it was third time lucky as he made it 2-0 to the home side on 37 minutes.
Barcelona, however, struck before half time after Pedri delivered a wonderful cross into the path of Marcus Rashford, who volleyed home for his first La Liga goal.
The Hansi Flick’s side could have equaliser on 76 minutes when Alejandro Balde was fouled inside the penalty area by Adnan Januzaj. However, the effort was sent wide by Robert Lewandowski much to the joy of the home support.
But in the 90th minute, Sevilla sealed the victory as Jose Angel Carmona fired across Wojciech Szczesny and into the far corner, and it would get even better for Los Nervionenses deep into stoppage time as Akor Adams struck to make it 4-1 thanks to the assist by fellow Nigerian, Chidera Ejuke.
The goal was Adams’ second this season after opening his account against Rayo Vallecano last week, while Ejuke’s assist marked his first goal contribution of the season after an injury-hit start to the campaign.
The 25-year-old Adams is yet to be capped at full international after representing the country at the U-20 level.
The former Montpellier player who joined Sevilla in a 5.5million Euro deal in the January transfer window, was selected in Nigeria’s initial 39-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and Zimbabwe Nigeria in March but was dropped in the final 23 by coach Eric Chelle.
Having been recalled to the national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, it’s hoped that Adams will replicate his new found form in Sevilla for Nigeria at the senior level, despite facing stiff competition for a spot in the Super Eagles’ attacking lineup.
President of Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), President Chief Tonobok Okowa, has reiterated the empower the country’s elite athletes to aspire for podium finish in next year’s Commonwealth Games.
Okowa said as much in his post-mortem of the recently concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo Japan.
He insisted that the Federation and esteemed sponsors with support from the National Sports Commission (NSC) will give enough support towards the training, welfare, logistics and other related needs of the athletes.
“We commend our athletes for giving our country positive image in Tokyo,” Okowa said in statement. “Nigeria was in Four finals in the following events, 100m men, 100mh women, 400mh men with a National Record and 200m men events, Shot put men event and crowned it all with a Silver medal and for us in AFN, it was a huge achievement.”
He stressed that concerted efforts are being put in place implement some of the promises made to the athletes ahead of next year’s the Commonwealth Games , adding that the athletes just need little push to excel judging by their spirited performances in Tokyo.
Citing the impressive showing of the likes of Tobi Amusan, Kayinsola Ajayi , Onwuzurike Udodi, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Sunday Israel Okon, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and others in Tokyo, Okowa affirmed that the AFN is poised to offer Team Nigeria athletes adequate support
Okowa stated that the Federation will expedite actions in finding lasting solution to the lingering athletes Visa and kits issues by engaging a top-of-the-range sportswear manufacture , adding the engagement of Hi-Racer at Tokyo Worlds was on ad-hoc basis.
He appealed to the media to always portray Nigeria’s athletes positively, saying give them such positivity will energize the cream of Nigerian athletes to perform better.
As the AFN calendar heads for a close, Okowa extends gratitude to his board members, sponsors, media and stakeholders for an eventful 2025.
He appealed to the media to always portray Nigeria’s athletes positively, saying give them such positivity will energize the cream of Nigerian athletes to perform better.
As the AFN calendar heads for a close, Okowa extends gratitude to his board members, sponsors, media and stakeholders for an eventful 2025.
Super Eagles Numero Uno Stanley Nwabali was on the receiving end yesterday as Richards Bay FC thrashed Chippa United 4-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carling Knockout in South Africa.
The Natal Rich Boys reportedly took only five minutes to make the presence felt as Bomelo pounced on a misplaced ball in the area and beat Nwabali from close-range.
The fine start continued two minutes later when debutant Mutizwa rose on the end of a curling delivery from a corner-kick and headed in the roof of the net.
Chippa got a lifeline in the opening-quarter as Tshobeni halved the deficit with a smart finish from a tight angle after attacking a probing cross by Nga.
However, there was no comeback as the host added a third ten minutes to halftime when a turnover in midfield saw Bomelo run forward and teed-up Mutizwa to register his brace.
The Chilli Boys made a double change at the break with Thabang Malaoa on for Seun Ndlovu before Giovanni Philander stepped aside for Bandile Dlamini.
But despite spirited efforts by Chippa after the interval, it was Richards Bay that wrapped up the victory in added time when Lundi Mahala ran in-behind a through pass and finished from close-range.
