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NFF, CAF Mourn Yekini

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The Nigeria Football Federation at the weekend expressed sadness and sorrow at the death of Nigeria’s record goalscorer Rashidi Yekini.

Yekini, who scored 37 goals in 58 appearances for the Super Eagles between 1983 and 1998, died after a brief illness in Oshogbo, Osun State on Friday.

In London, United Kingdom for the launching of a foundation by another former international, John Chukwudi Utaka, which took place yesterday, NFF President Aminu Maigari said that Yekini’s death was “very, very sad”.

By a mile the most outstanding striker Nigeria has ever produced, Yekini loomed large in 15 years of meritorious and unconditional service his to country, during which he won the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze and played at two World Cups.

The country’s football family was thrown into tremendous shock as news filtered in on Friday evening about Yekini’s death, as the man kept completely away from the spotlight and would only relate to only a few people, and therefore details of his sickness were shrouded in secrecy.

Nicknamed ‘Goalsfather’, the lanky striker’s first major tournament for Nigeria was at the 1984 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire. He then played at the 1988, 1990, 1992 and 1994 finals, his five goals in the 1994 tournament in Tunisia earning Nigeria the gold medal and trophy for only the second time.

His sterling all-round performance in 1993, which ensured Nigeria qualified for the World Cup for the first time, earned Yekini the African Footballer of the Year award in 1993. He was awarded the trophy inside the Hotel Abou Nawas, Tunis, on the margin of the Cup of Nations finals; the first to be organised by CAF.

In 1994, Yekini became the first Nigerian to score at the World Cup, when he connected a pass from Finidi George to put Nigeria in front against Bulgaria inside the Cotton Bowl, Dallas, United States of America.

Yekini also played for Nigeria at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea, during which he scored Nigeria’s only goal in the tournament – in the 1-3 loss to Yugoslavia.

The Nigeria Football Federation was represented at his burial in Ira, Kwara State on Saturday by member of the Executive Committee, Barrister Olaleye Adepoju, Chairman of the Kwara State Football Association, Alhaji Busari Ishola, the Chairman of NFF Match Commissioners’ Appointment Committee and former Kwara FA Chairman, Chief Kunle Adesiyun, and the Executive Secretary of Nigeria National League Ayo Rahaman.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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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

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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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.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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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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