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Kwara United Explains Ultimatum To Technical Crew

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The Chairman, Kwara United FC of Ilorin, Prince Oladimeji Thompson says the three-match ultimatum to the club’s technical crew is to charge them to brace up or get axed.
Thompson told newsmen yesterday in Ilorin that the technical crew should address the club’s poor outings in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Kwara United boss said he was under pressure to sack the team’s Technical Adviser, John Obuh, when the results were bad but he stood by him.
“When people are talking negatively about the team when the results are not good, you will always have a second thought but people won’t see things from your own angle.
“The pressure you get when things are going wrong does not allow one to be focused.
“As far as I am concerned, he (Obuh) is not a failure. The problems with the players over salaries had been resolved,’’ he said.
According to him, if urgent action is not taken to address the lackluster performance of the team, it may tarnish the good image of the club and the people of the state.
Thompson assured the club’s fans that the technical crew and the players would be given the necessary support but that they should improve on their performance.
The Tidesports source reports that Kwara United lost its Match Day 10 encounter 0-1 to Rivers United on Sunday in Ilorin.
The loss was the Harmony Boys’ second home defeat in the 2017/2018 NPFL.
They will travel to Abia to lock horns with Abia Warriors for their Match Day 11 on Sunday in Umuahia.
Thompson said that the management was not insensitive to the players’ welfare, adding that negotiations with the players over salaries had been resolved.
“The system in government is different from the private sector, while we are trying to tidy up our running cost with the government, the players are impatient.
“I wasn’t happy when I heard of the players’ complaint over payment of salaries.
“They should have given us the opportunity to explain what we are doing behind the scene before they complain.
“Thank God we have resolved the issues and we are now all happy,’’ he said.
He commended Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara for approving the prompt payment of the players’ salaries.
He solicited for the support of the stakeholders, especially the fans for the team to succeed.
He appealed to the fans to bear with the management over the increment in gate takings because the reality was that the club must generate funds for its operations.

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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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