Author: Favour Olatunbosun

Nigerian-American boxer Emeka Nwokolo has moved up three places to 12th in the latest World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight rankings, becoming the only Nigerian currently ranked in the division’s top 15. The 32-year-old Los Angeles-based fighter, who holds the WBA-NABA super welterweight title, described the rise as both an honour and a responsibility. “Moving up to number 12 in the WBA rankings is a huge honour for me and for Nigeria,” Nwokolo said. “I’m not just fighting for myself; I’m fighting for my country, for my family’s legacy, and for every young Nigerian who dreams of making it on…

Marseille spoiled Paris Saint-Germain’s celebrations with a 1-0 win in Monday’s delayed Le Classique. Nayef Aguerd scored early, heading in after goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier misjudged Mason Greenwood’s cross. This was Marseille’s first home league win against PSG since 2011. The match was postponed from Sunday due to heavy rain and storms. Despite PSG pressing hard, goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli made several key saves. Achraf Hakimi’s shot was one of them. PSG striker Gonçalo Ramos missed a golden chance to equalize in the second half. This loss marked PSG’s first league defeat this season. Ousmane Dembélé, sidelined with a thigh injury, attended…

Arsenal winger Noni Madueke faces approximately two months on the sidelines after sustaining a knee injury during Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City. The 23-year-old started the match but was substituted at half-time for the returning Bukayo Saka. Head coach Mikel Arteta revealed, “He had an issue very early in the match and he wasn’t well enough to continue,”according to The Standard. Madueke becomes the latest forward to suffer injury setbacks at Arsenal. Kai Havertz remains sidelined after knee surgery in late August, while Gabriel Jesus tore his ACL in January. This leaves summer signing Victor Gyokeres as the club’s…

Aitana Bonmatí claimed her third consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or at the 2025 ceremony held in Paris. The Barcelona midfielder played a key role in her club’s incredible domestic treble, which included winning the league, Copa, and Supercopa titles. She also helped Barcelona reach the Women’s Champions League final, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Arsenal. Bonmatí also had a standout tournament with Spain at the Women’s EURO 2025. She scored a crucial extra-time goal in the semi-final, helping her country reach the final. After receiving the award, Bonmatí said, “I never thought I could achieve this. I’m proud to be…

In 2017, Ousmane Dembélé made a high-profile move from Borussia Dortmund to FC Barcelona for an initial fee of €105 million, potentially rising to €147 million with add-ons. The young winger arrived at Camp Nou as one of Europe’s most promising talents, wearing Neymar’s iconic No.11 shirt and hailed as a future star. However, his time in Spain was hampered by frequent injuries, starting with a hamstring tear in his first La Liga start that sidelined him for four months. Over six seasons, Dembélé battled at least 14 muscle injuries, spending more than two years on the sidelines. Despite these…

Lamine Yamal has made football history by becoming the first player ever to retain the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the world’s best footballer under the age of 21. The 18-year-old FC Barcelona star won the prestigious prize for the second consecutive year at the 69th Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. On receiving the award, Yamal expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you very much to France Football for the prize. I’m proud to be back here. I want to thank FC Barcelona and the Spain team — I wouldn’t be here today without them.”He also…

On-loan Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana thrilled fans with a superb assist for Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu during Trabzonspor’s 1-1 draw against Gaziantep in the Turkish Super Lig on Saturday. Onuachu, who has now scored three goals this season, finished confidently after Onana split the defence with a precise pass. The former Southampton striker held off defenders before slotting past the goalkeeper to secure a point for Trabzonspor. It was Onana’s second appearance for the Turkish side after his debut last week against Fenerbahce, where he impressed with eight saves despite a 1-0 defeat. Fans praised the Cameroonian shot-stopper on…

The 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo brought excitement and historic moments for Nigerian athletes. From medals to record-breaking runs, here are the standout performers: Ezekiel Nathaniel (400m Hurdles) Nathaniel enjoyed a breakout season, smashing Nigerian and African indoor records, winning the NCAA title, and taking bronze at the Diamond League Final. In Tokyo, he clocked 47.11s to finish fourth in the men’s 400m hurdles final – the best result by a Nigerian man in the event in 38 years. Tobi Amusan (100m Hurdles) Nigeria’s biggest highlight came from Amusan, who won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles. She ran…

Kwara United began their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4-3 defeat away to Ghanaian giants Asante Kotoko at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi on Sunday. The Harmony Boys, chasing a place in the group stage, fell behind in the 18th minute to an Emmanuel Antwi strike before John Atule equalised in the 34th. Kotoko regained the lead on the stroke of halftime through Albert Amoah, but Atule struck again in stoppage time to make it 2-2 at the break. In the second half, Joseph Ablorh put Kotoko ahead in the 47th minute, before Amoah added a…

The anniversary will celebrate golf’s impact not just on the course, but also in promoting environmental sustainability, biodiversity, discipline, and positive lifestyles. Speaking at the unveiling, pioneer member and past ladies’ captain, Mrs. Iyabo Attah, shared her journey in the sport and the growth of the tournament over five decades. “It is my desire to see more women take up the game of golf and encourage their children and wards to learn the sport,” she said. The 2025 Ladies’ Captain, Mrs. Peggy Onwu, described the unveiling as a milestone: “This represents 50 years of commitment, skill development, and building connections…