Sports

African Nations Seek Help From FIFA’s COVID-19 Fund

Published

6 years ago

September 23, 2020

Every single country in Africa has applied to FIFA to access a grant through the world governing body’s COVID-19 Relief Plan.
Formally approved in July, the FIFA fund is making US$1.5 billion available to its 211 member associations and six confederations.
Last week, FIFA announced that it believes the coronavirus pandemic has cost the global football economy an estimated $14 billion.
“Fifty-four African member associations have applied for grants,” a FIFA spokesperson told Tidesports source.
FIFA has revealed that over 150 countries have already applied for the scheme, meaning Africa represents around a third of the countries to have made such a request.
Every member association can apply for a grant of up to $1.5m, a third of which has to be spent on women’s football, a ‘key element of the COVID-19 Relief Plan’, FIFA says.
Confederations can apply for up to $2m in funding, with four of FIFA’s six confederations having done so.
Our source understands that the Confederation of African Football is not among them, despite postponing a handful of income-generating tournaments and facing a legal bill that could amount to tens of millions after abruptly cancelling a billion-dollar broadcast deal last year.
There is no timescale on the request for loans, meaning that both member associations and confederations can apply as and when they need.
“Essentially, this is not about distributing money but achieving the right social and economic impact to support club football, players, staff, youth academies and member associations through these troubled waters,” said Olli Rehn, chairman of the FIFA fund’s steering committee.
The current Governor of the Bank of Finland, Rehn, added that comprehensive auditing and compliance checks will be carried out to ensure all funds reach their intended destination.
“This is at the heart of this COVID-19 relief fund,” the 58-year-old told reporters. “We do request and require full compliance with the best auditing standards. Corruption has no room in football.”

Sports

Nwabali Prepares To Join Saudi Club

Published

2 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

Super Eagles star Stanley Nwabali could be edging closer to his next club, with indications that a move to Saudi Arabia is gathering momentum, reports South African news outlet, soccerladuma.co.za.

The experienced goalkeeper has been without a club since parting ways with Chippa United earlier this year, though his reputation has continued to attract interest from several markets.

As previously reported by the Siya crew, clubs in Israel had been monitoring Nwabali’s situation.

However, fresh information suggests that interest from Saudi Arabia has now moved to the forefront.

Sources close to the player have indicated that a Saudi Arabian club has been impressed by Nwabali’s profile and is seriously considering a move for the Super Eagles shot-stopper.

“At the moment, Saudi Arabia looks like the most likely destination. The club involved likes his profile and believes he can add experience and quality to their squad. There could be some developments by the end of this week if everything goes according to plan,” a source told Tidesports source.

The source added that Nwabali’s standing in international football has played a significant role in attracting interest from abroad.

“Playing regularly for Nigeria has helped him a lot. Clubs look at his international experience and performances and see him as a goalkeeper who has competed at a very high level. That has made him appealing to potential suitors,” the source explained.

Sports

LSG Sets Up Sub- Committees For EKO 2026 National Intermediate Games

Published

8 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

To ensure a smooth operation of the maiden National Intermediate Games, tagged Eko 2026, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday set up 13 sub-committees, with a challenge to all members to do everything possible to deliver the best-ever Games in October this year.

Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) held at the Conference Room of the Chief of Staff, Governor’s Office, Alausa, Ikeja, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sam Egube, who is the Chairman of the LOC, charged all members of the various committees to focus on how to host a Game that will be enjoyable, just as he urged members of the LOC and chairmen of the various committees to be transparent in their dealings.

“We are one big family,” Egube said. “To host a Game of this magnitude requires wisdom, maturity and we should submit to the will of the majority.”

Egube, a former Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget in Lagos State. Added: “One of the objectives of this Games is sports development, but you can’t talk about sports development without people’s development. We must organise ourselves in a way that those coming to participate in the Games will see that Lagos is truly number one when it comes to hosting National sporting events.”

Co-chairman of Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games, Lekan Fatodu, who is the Chairman of Lagos Sports Commission, revealed that between 13,000 to 15,000 athletes are expected to participate in the Games.

“It is the first time in 14 years that Lagos is hosting another major sporting event after EKO 2024 National Sports Festival, and we must brace up to give it the best it deserves,” Fatodu stated.

Meanwhile, former Super Eagles player, Waidi Akanni, a member of the Finance and Sponsorship Sub-committee, has emphased the need for massive publicity for the Games.

Among the 13-sub committees put in place for the Games is the Media and Publicity Sub-committee headed by Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso. The committee includes Lekan Okusan,Tunde Eludini and Gowon Akpodonor of The Guardian.

Other sub-committees rolled out at the venue on Friday include Mobilization committee, Venue and Facilities, Games Village and Accommodation, Medical, Transportation and Logistics, Ceremonial and Protocol, Catering and Feeding, as well as Finance and Sponsorship.

All members of the various sub-committees were given letter of appointment signed by the Secretary-General of the LOC, Mr. Adedeji Aladegbemi, shortly after the inaugural meeting on Friday.

The maiden Lagos 2026 National Intermediate Games will run from October 1-15 across various sporting centers in the state.

Sports

NSSF Commend Nestlé’s Role In School Sports Dev.

Published

8 minutes ago

June 29, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria School Sport Federation (NSSF) has commended Nestlé Nigeria Plc. for its unwavering commitment to grassroots sports through the consistent sponsorship of the country’s longest-running school basketball competition — the MILO Secondary School Basketball Championship.

Now in its 26th edition, the annual tournament has produced numerous talents who have gone on to represent Nigeria at continental and international levels.

At a press briefing ahead of the national finals, which tip off tomorrow, NSSF President Olabisi Joseph described Nestlé’s support as “unrivalled.”

She noted: “On behalf of the Nigeria School Sport Federation, I sincerely thank Nestlé Nigeria Plc. and the MILO brand for their unwavering support and commitment to youth development through sports. Your investment over the past twenty-six years has positively impacted millions of Nigerian children and created a legacy in school sports.”

Joseph emphasised that the championship has become more than just a competition: “For twenty-six editions, the impact has been remarkable. The MILO brand has partnered with NSSF to build a foundation where passion meets purpose, serving as a breeding ground for excellence. Many young talents discovered here have gone on to represent their states, wear the national colours, and even build successful professional careers both at home and abroad.”

Beyond the basketball court, the tournament has instilled discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship among students. It has also promoted academic balance, cultural unity, and leadership development, shaping participants into responsible future leaders.

This year’s edition saw over 13,000 schools across Nigeria compete from state preliminaries to the national finals, with 12 teams – including debutants from Katsina and Ekiti – battling for glory in Lagos.

Joseph remarked: “What started as a modest initiative has grown into a national movement. The participation of over 13,000 schools this year alone demonstrates the tremendous impact and reach of this programme.”

In addition to the competition, the finals will feature clinics, mentorship sessions, and cultural exhibitions. To ensure fairness, NSSF will deploy screening, biometrics, and data capturing to confirm eligibility of school-aged participants.

Joseph said that the championship is not just about winning trophies but about nurturing confidence, leadership, and citizenship among Nigerian youth.