Sports
Champions-Elect Slip In Egypt, Cameroun
The title races in both Cameroon and Egypt could have been settled at the weekend but both front runners failed to capitalise and now face a wait before being crowned champions. Tunisia’s race for the title moved into its final week with little to separate rivals Esperance and Etoile Sahel, both former African champions, while Nigeria’s league is months from being settled but the frontrunners are already showing sighs of wariness.
In Egypt, Al Ahly had a chance to wrap up the title, but they suffered a major scare against relegation-haunted Smouha and had to fight back just to gain a point. But with two rounds left the leaders need only two more points to make sure of an eighth successive title, coming from behind this season to usurp arch rivals Zamalek, who again failed to post a win and now look likely to pay a heavy price for their dip in form at the end of the campaign.
Ahly were expecting a routine assignment against Smouha, but faint hopes of avoiding relegation proved a powerful spur as the visitors took a surprise 2-0 lead in the second half through veteran Ghanaian Godwin Attram. Ahly had to fight their way back, first through Osama Hosny, and then they equalised deep in injury time through centre back Ahmed Sayed. The goal maintained Ahly’s five-point lead at the top of the table and effectively condemned Smouha to the second division.
Mahmoud Shikabala was red carded and Ahmed Gaafar missed a penalty as Zamalek’s woes continued in a 1-1 draw with Al Ittihad. Having failed to beat Ahly in the midweek derby, the former African champions may be forced to surrender their ever-receding hopes of league success on Thursday when the penultimate round of the championship is decided.
Coton Sport were hoping to celebrate their eighth championship success in the last nine years in Cameroon but instead suffered only their second defeat of the league season in going down at YOSA. It kept alive the slender hopes of second-placed Astres Douala, who beat back Union Douala in a 1-0 win to keep a mathematical chance of snatching away the title if Coton Sport lose their two remaining matches.
Coton Sport had been unbeaten for the last six months, but hopes of a coronation were stymied in Bamenda at the hands of Yong Sports Academy. A 25th-minute goal pegged back Denis Lavagne’s side and left them needing just two points from the final rounds to again take the title.
Astres Douala ended the unbeaten run that third-placed Union Douala had achieved under new coach Jules Nyongha and kept themselves in contention for a berth in next year’s CAF Champions League with a 1-0 home win. The derby success means Astres are four points clear of third placed Union and five behind leaders Coton Sport.
Two rounds of the title race are now left in the Tunisian league and two points still separate the two major contenders. Defending champions Esperance and perennial challengers Etoile Sahel kept up their tussle at the top with important 2-0 wins. Esperance moved to 58 points with a win over AS Gabes while Etoile won away at ES Zarzis, including a goal for their Brazilian import Francileudo dos Santos.
: Esperance made it seven wins in a row in Ligue 1 as Ousamma Darragi was again among the goals, getting his team off to a 24th-minute lead with his tenth tally of the season. Malian Dramane Traore settled the game midway through the second half at Rades as he lobbed the goalkeeper on the counter-attack.
Francileudo dos Santos, known as Santos, played for Tunisia at the 2006 FIFA World Cup™ after having been recruited by Etoile Sahel. He went on to play at Sochaux and Toulouse in France before returning to Etoile. His goal against Zarzis on Sunday was the second of the season for the 32-year-old.
In Nigeria Sunshine Stars kept up their narrow lead on goal difference from Dolphins FC as both the table-topping sides lost at the weekend. Stars were beaten 3-2 at Kwara United while Dolphin lost at Heartland FC in Owerri. Dolphin have a game in hand over Stars and the pair still lead the chasing pack by four points.
Stars suffered a third defeat in their last four and a second successive setback as Kwara United came from behind in Ilorin to win with a late goal from winger Anthony Okemiri. Stars had been 2-1 up with just 15 minutes to go but allowed Isiaka Olawale to equalise with his second of the game and then gave up the late winner. It was the second successive game that they conceded three goals.
Musa Musa helped Kano Pillars achieve what no other side has been able to do over the last two years: beat Enugu Rangers at home at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. Musa scored a fine solo goal just ten minutes into the second half, while Rangers’ Uwadiegwu Ugwu missed a penalty for the home side to settle things at an unlikely 1-0 for the visitors.
GiraBola leaders Kabuscorp were surprisingly beaten at home by Santos but still have a three-point lead at the top of the Angolan title race.
It was a similar story in Senegal where Ouakam were held to a goalless draw but still lead the championship by three points
The race for the runners-up spot in Algeria saw JSM Bejaia take second place from CR Belouizdad after beating them 1-0 away in the penultimate round of the season.
Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.
The state’s contingents participated in six events, securing first place in Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.
She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.
Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”
She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.
Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.
He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.
Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.
The Umuahia-based side secured their spot in the CAF second tier club competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season their highest league placing in history and first opportunity to compete at the continental level.
To make sure they are adequately prepared when the competition kicks off later this year, both players and officials have commenced the first phase of training this week, a top official of the club who wants to remain anonymous said.
CAF is yet to release the preliminary draw, and Abia Warriors’ opponent is still unknown at this time.
Similarly, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have equally began preparations for the new season, marking a significant step towards building on their impressive performance in the 2024/2025 football season.
Under the guidance of Technical Manager Finidi George, the team held its first full training session on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s main bowl, with about 25 players in attendance.
The technical crew and support staff warmly welcomed the players back, charging them to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finidi George emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead of time. Welcome back.
”Rivers United’s second-place finish in the NPFL season has secured their spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League. As they gear up for the continental competition, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Although the CAF draw is yet to be released, Rivers United is diligently preparing for their opponents, whoever they may be.
The first phase of training has commenced, involving both players and officials. With the Nigeria Premier Football League schedule set to kick off in August, Rivers United is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in both the CAF Champions League and the domestic league.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), led by its President Babajide Akeredolu, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African American football tournaments in Egypt.
The NAFA delegation also held discussions with the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during separate meetings held at the NSC office at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking during the engagements, Akeredolu outlined Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the continental event, revealing that three teams would be representing the country: the Male National Team, Female National Team, and the U-13 Team.
He noted that Nigeria would be the only nation apart from the host country fielding multiple teams, a testament to the consistent development efforts invested in the sport since 2019.
Akeredolu emphasised that the country’s expanded representation reflects years of commitment to nurturing American football in Nigeria and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in the African football landscape.
He said, “We are here to inform you about the fact that three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation. This project has led to over 17,000 kids who have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent.
“We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the World game, which is slated for next year in the United States”, he said
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body, and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at a separate event, noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said, “We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players who can give us a formidable National team
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, charged the team to make the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said, “On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women’s team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope to also start building for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message, urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.