Sports
Toro Lauds NSC For Timely Release Of Funds
Former Secretary of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Sani Toro, has hailed the National Sports Commission (NSC) for early disbursement of funds for Nigeria’s 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign.
Toro told newsmen in Lagos, that the action was an indication of government’s seriousness toward the competition.
The former secretary said that the NFA was now in a position to embark on the AFCON assignment without let or hindrance.
“I am happy that government has decided to give them money in advance at least approving N1.4 billion; I think it’s a good development at least for a football. At least that shows the commitment that government; has shown interest at least, that they want to see the team win the cup in South Africa.
“Well if you could recall in 1994 when we were preparing for the Nations Cup, we decided to take the team to Portugal; and they are taking the same step now. They want to take the team anld train, in Portugal; I think that Portugal is a very good place is very close to the European countries; our players can easily move to that place to train.
“I am happy Keshi is doing well; he has started building a team; he should concentrate on the team he has, so that at the end of the day the team will do well.’’
Toro, who was at the helm of affairs in 1996 when the U-23 team won a gold medal at the Atlanta Olympic Games, implored the team to approach the tournament with all seriousness.
“Every team that qualifies to take part in that competition is equally qualified to be in the final and even win the cup. There are no underdogs in football anymore.
“I hope the team will not underrate any of the teams so that at least it can do well because if the team doesn’t do well, Nigerians will start clamouring for the sack of the coach.
“So, this is not the time to start criticising the team; Nigerians have to give it all the necessary support in terms of prayers and in terms of motivation; I think once that is done, it will do well.”
Nigeria is scheduled to play in Group C with the Stallions of Burkina Faso, the Chipolopolo of Zambia, and the Walya Antelopes of Ethiopia.
The matches will be played at the Mbombela stadium in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race
Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.
Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.
According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.
“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”
Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.
The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”
It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”
The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.
Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.
His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.
Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.
The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.
The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.
On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.
In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.
Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.
The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.
Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.
Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.
The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.
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