Sports
AFN’s Audit Committee Deserves Commendation – Gadzama
Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s (AFN) First Vice President, Tafida Gadzama, has said that the audit committee set up by the federation to investigate its finances should be commended for doing a thorough job, despite all odds.
In a memo to Tidesports source, Gadzama refuted claims that AFN board members were on a warpath over the audit report.
He explained that the AFN’s audit committee was set up by the federation’s executive board to investigate the finances of the federation in line with article 14.3.3 of its 2023 constitution as amended, which gives the board the power to oversee all its administrative, technical and financial matters.
He said that the boards set up the five-man committee, which he headed, with Victor Okorie, Samuel Onikeku, Oludare Esan and Mrs Maria Worphil as members.
According to Gadzama: “The committee requested from the secretary general of the federation, Mrs Rita Moshindi, who is also the federation’s administrative and accounting officer, to furnish it with all relevant financial documents, including the income and expenditure sheets of the
federation since she was appointed secretary general in 2022 by the Federal Ministry of Sports Development pursuant to article 14.2(c) of the 2023 AFN Constitution as amended.
“The Secretary General availed the committee of the following expenditure sheets: 1. AFN Kaduna U18 and U20 trials, 2. AFN Golden Leagues in Abuja, Benin and Uyo and, 3. The World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary.”
Gadzama said the committee also requested the secretary general to furnish it with a copy of the three-year contract signed with Premium Trust Bank in June.
“The Secretary General responded to the questions from committee members but refused to submit approvals received from the president and evidence of payments for some of the expenditures. She also failed to submit to the committee a copy of the agreement signed with Premium Trust Bank.”
“The committee reported, via the AFN executive board’s Whatsapp platform, the Secretary General’s apparent disregard for a decision reached at the executive board meeting of the federation and backed by the constitution of the AFN.
“The committee considered the secretary general’s action an affront on the executive board and the constitution of the AFN.
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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