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Sports

Ronaldo’s Goal Secures Nations League Final Spot Amidst Record-Breaking Run

by Nelson Ugwuagbo June 5, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second-half strike was enough to hand Portugal a narrow victory over Germany in the first UEFA Nations League semi-final at the Munich Football Arena on Wednesday.

The 40-year-old forward once again demonstrated his enduring class, showing no signs of slowing down as he continues to set remarkable records both for his country and club side, Al Nassr.

Below are some of the milestones the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has achieved in recent months:

All-Time Highest Scorer in a Saudi Pro League Season
Ronaldo set a new record in the 2023–24 Saudi Pro League season by scoring 35 goals, surpassing the previous record of 34 set by Abderrazak Hamdallah in the 2018–19 campaign. His tally was achieved in 31 matches, averaging a goal every 75.6 minutes.

First Player to Score Against 200 Different Opponents
In November 2024, Ronaldo became the first footballer in history to score against 200 different opponents—comprising 152 club sides and 48 national teams—after netting against Al Qadisiyah. The feat further underscores his consistent scoring record over a two-decade career across various leagues and international tournaments.

Most Hat-Tricks for Al Nassr
Since joining the Saudi Arabian side in 2023, Ronaldo has scored six hat-tricks in 111 appearances for Al Nassr, bringing his career total to 66—the most among active players.

First Player to Win Golden Boot in Four Top-Flight Leagues
Ronaldo capped off the 2023–24 season by emerging as the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League, becoming the first player to win the golden boot in four different top-tier leagues: England (Premier League), Spain (La Liga), Italy (Serie A), and Saudi Arabia (Saudi Pro League).

Ronaldo’s recent performances continue to defy age, reinforcing his legacy as one of football’s most prolific and enduring goal scorers.

June 5, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Stanley Nwabali Announces Burial Arrangements for Late Parents

by Nelson Ugwuagbo May 30, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, has announced the burial arrangements for his late parents, Chief Nwabali Godspower Onyekamu and Mrs. Grace Nwabali (née Mmai), describing their passing as a period of profound grief.

In a message shared on his Instagram page on Friday alongside the burial poster, Nwabali expressed his heartbreak over the loss.

“About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again,” he wrote. “It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything.”

According to the family’s announcement, the funeral rites will begin on Thursday, June 5, 2025, with a Service of Songs at 5:00 p.m. at the late Chief’s residence on Osafu Lane, Okwuzi Egbema, Rivers State.

On Friday, June 6, the body of Mrs. Grace Nwabali will be moved from Gbegbe Hospital Mortuary in Omoku to her father’s compound, and subsequently to her husband’s residence, where she will lie in state from 11:00 a.m.

The final burial rites are scheduled for Saturday, June 7.

May 30, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Real Madrid Appoint Xabi Alonso as Head Coach

by Nelson Ugwuagbo May 26, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Real Madrid have confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the club’s new head coach, with the former midfielder set to take charge from June 1, 2025. Alonso will replace outgoing manager Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to take over the Brazilian national team.

In an official statement released on Sunday, the Spanish giants announced that Alonso has signed a three-year contract running until June 30, 2028. He is also expected to lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup.

“Xabi Alonso will be the Real Madrid coach for the next three seasons, from June 1, 2025, until June 30, 2028,” the statement read.

The 43-year-old departs German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the Bundesliga season, having guided them to a second-place finish. Alonso’s managerial success in Germany had drawn attention from several top European clubs, with Madrid maintaining strong interest for months.

“Alonso is one of the biggest legends at Real Madrid and in world football,” the club added. “He wore our shirt in 236 games between 2009 and 2014. During that time, he won six trophies.”

Alonso will be officially unveiled at a press conference scheduled for Monday at 10:30 GMT.

May 26, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Ballon d’Or Ceremony Set for September 22 with Expanded Women’s Categories

by Nelson Ugwuagbo May 19, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The 2025 Ballon d’Or award ceremony will take place on September 22 at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with organisers announcing equal awards for male and female footballers for the first time in the event’s history.

According to France Football and UEFA, six categories each will be awarded to men and women, including the newly introduced prizes for Best Women’s Goalkeeper, Best Young Women’s Player, and Top Women’s Scorer in a club or national team.

This brings the total number of player-specific awards to twelve, alongside the Socrates Award, which recognises outstanding social initiatives by players of any gender.

Nominees across all categories will be announced in early August.

Last year’s edition was marked by controversy after Real Madrid boycotted the event following the omission of Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior from the Best Men’s Player award, which was awarded to Manchester City’s Rodri.

May 19, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Pep Guardiola and Wife Working on Reconciliation After Separation

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 25, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife, Cristina Serra, are reportedly making efforts to reconcile following their separation earlier this year.

The couple, who married in 2014 and share three children, spent Easter weekend together in Barcelona, sparking speculation of a possible reunion. According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, the pair are now “prepared to give each other another chance.”

Guardiola and Serra began dating in 1994. Serra, a fashion entrepreneur, relocated to Barcelona in 2019 with their youngest child. Reports suggest that Guardiola’s decision to extend his contract with Manchester City may have contributed to the split, with divorce proceedings initiated in February following their separation in January.

In a bid to bridge the gap, Guardiola is reportedly planning to make regular visits to Catalunya.

Off the pitch, Guardiola remains focused on Manchester City’s push for a top-four Premier League finish and a potential FA Cup triumph. However, a full summer break may be limited due to the Club World Cup commitments.

April 25, 2025 0 comments

Sports

NFF Denies Owing Late Coach Christian Chukwu

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 14, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has refuted reports circulating on social media that it owed late former Super Eagles captain and coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death on Saturday.

In a statement released by the NFF on Sunday, the Federation’s General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the claim as false and lacking any factual basis.

“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said, referring to the late coach by his popular nickname. “During the first term of the Board headed by Mr. Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the papers of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”

Sanusi explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle any outstanding debts owed to coaches. He confirmed that Chukwu served as a coach under the NFF from 2002 until 2005, when he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw against Angola in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano.

“There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF,” he added.

The NFF General Secretary also challenged anyone with verifiable documents proving any outstanding debts to Chukwu—or any coach who has worked with the national teams in the last two decades—to present such documents.

“As a credible organization that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” Sanusi said.

April 14, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Joeboy Loses N3 Million Champions League Bet as Arsenal Crush Real Madrid

by Folarin Kehinde April 9, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Nigerian singer, Joeboy, lost a N3million bet after Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.

Seven hours before kick-off, Joeboy posted a betting slip with the caption, “Cashing out on Arsenal tears tonight!”

The Controller crooner could have won N10,345,000 if Madrid has won at the Emirates.

But Declan Rice curled in two beautiful free-kicks to give the Gunners the lead, before Mikel Merino added a third.

The result left Joeboy short of words, as he could only tweet “Goodnight” at full time.

Arsenal will be looking to book their place in the semi-final when they travel to the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg next Wednesday.

Before that game, Mikel Arteta’s men host Brentford in the Premier League.

April 9, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Omisore to Launch 20th KOLAtoons Soccer Tournament on April 18, Pledges 750 Food Palliatives for Constituents

by Folarin Kehinde April 8, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

Desirous of fostering local talent development through grassroots football, the Secretary to the Local Council Development Area of Ojokoro, Community. Kola Omisore has concluded plans to host the 20th edition of the Kolatoons 5-aside Football tournament.

Scheduled to hold on Friday, 18th of April 2025 at Gbeleyi Primary School, Amje, Ojokoro, Lagos State, the tournament will bring together young football talents to compete in the beautiful game, nurture budding talents, and instill values of teamwork and discipline.

Highlighting the importance of the KOLAtoons Soccer Initiatives to the Ojokoro community, Omisore noted that “the tournament has evolved into a cornerstone event that celebrates not just the beautiful game, but also resilience, community spirit, and purposeful leadership.

“As we kick off the 20th edition of this tournament, we are also kicking off a new era of service, support, and shared progress in Ojokoro. For me, this day represents more than just football, it’s about care and commitment to a brighter future for the next generation.

“This landmark edition marks years of empowering the youth and empowering communities through sport. We are providing palliatives to 750 constituents that will be distributed to families in our dedication to inclusive development. I am proud to stand with my people in all aspects of life, and for the future we envision together,” He stated.

Omisore further noted that he will officially roll out his agenda aimed at delivering ‘’S.E.R.V.I.C.E to Y.O.U’’ nothing that the acronym “S.E.R.V.I.C.E” encapsulates his commitment to SECURITY & SOCIAL INCLUSION to a supportive community.

His words “Our goal is to ensure every individual feels safe and be a part of a supportive community. Our EMPOWERMENT scheme took centre stage as we strive to enable citizens reach their full potential. We uphold RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY & RETENTION and respect all beliefs, while maintaining a sense of unity. Our VALUES guide our actions and decisions, hence, promoting ethical governance and INNOVATION that fuels progress, and encourage creative solutions for societal challenges.

“We are focused on CARE & COMMITMENT which are demonstrated in our dedication to the well-being of all. We embrace EQUALITY for the YOUTH while ensuring that they have a voice and OPPORTUNITIES to thrive. Finally, we create opportunities for all, fostering an environment where everyone can succeed and drive UNCOMMON TRANSFORMATION.

“By implementing these strategic pillars, our vision is to make Ojokoro LCDA a role model for effective governance and sustainable development. He added.

April 8, 2025 0 comments

Sports

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu Flags Off Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja

by Nelson Ugwuagbo April 4, 2025

written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has officially flagged off the 2025 Africa Women’s Volleyball Club Championship in Abuja, urging participants to compete fairly and make their mark in the sport.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Oluremi emphasized the significance of the tournament in promoting women’s participation in sports. In a statement issued by her media aide, Busola Kukoyi, on Friday, she commended the athletes for showcasing excellence and resilience.

“The athletes before us today perfectly embody what we advocate for – women boldly claiming their space and demonstrating that gender is never a limitation to excellence,” she stated.

She encouraged the players to see themselves as ambassadors of sports and role models for young girls across Africa.

“As you compete in this tournament, I encourage you to see yourselves as ambassadors of sports and of the limitless potential that lies within every African woman,” she said. “The discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience you cultivate as athletes are invaluable life skills that will serve you well beyond the volleyball court.”

Oluremi further urged the players to embrace both victory and defeat with grace, stressing that true sportsmanship is reflected in how athletes handle both success and challenges.

April 4, 2025 0 comments

Sports

Tragedy as Nigerian boxer collapses, dies during fight

by Folarin Kehinde March 30, 2025

written by Folarin Kehinde

The boxing world is in mourning following the tragic passing of former National and West African light-heavyweight champion, Segun ‘Success’ Olanrewaju, who died after collapsing during a fight in Ghana on Saturday.

Olanrewaju was competing against Ghanaian boxer Jon Mbanugu at Fight Night 15 of the Ghana Professional Boxing League at Bukom Boxing Arena when he suddenly lost consciousness.

Reports indicate that he was ahead on points before the unfortunate incident occurred.

A widely circulated video on social media captures the moment he collapsed in the ring, further shocking fans and the boxing community.

Olanrewaju, a highly respected figure in Nigerian boxing, held both National and West African light-heavyweight title.

His contributions to the sport have been widely recognized, with tributes pouring in from colleagues, fans, and sports officials who remember him for his dedication and impact on boxing in Nigeria and across West Africa.

March 30, 2025 0 comments

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