Sports

Tinubu, Govs Splash ₦4.95 Billion Cash, Houses On Falcons

Published

10 months ago

July 29, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday showered the victorious Super Falcons with ₦4.952 billion in cash rewards and conferred on them the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) following their record-breaking 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph in Morocco.

The 24 players and 11 technical crew members arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Monday before proceeding to the Presidential Villa for an elaborate reception.

Nigeria staged a thrilling comeback from 2-0 down to defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 in Saturday’s final at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, cementing their dominance in African women’s football.

During the reception, President Tinubu announced ₦4.602 billion in cash awards, a three-bedroom apartment each, and national honours for every member of the victorious squad.

Tinubu declared. “Nothing else could have represented it. Crucial time, crucial victory. On behalf of the grateful nation, I hereby confer on the players and the 11-man technical team the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

“Additionally, I direct the allocation of a three-bedroom apartment for each player and technical crew in our Renewed Hope Estate. There is a cash award of $100,000 (₦1,560/$) for each of the 24 players and $50,000 for each of the 11-man technical crew. With this, the Nigerian spirit is unyielding and will never die.”

The Nigerian Governors’ Forum also contributed ₦350 million, bringing the total cash reward to ₦4.952 billion.

The Falcons dominated the tournament:

Group Stage: Topped their group with seven points, conceding no goals.

Quarter-Finals: Thrashed Zambia 5-0.

Semi-Finals: A late Michelle Alozie strike sealed a 2-1 win over South Africa.

Final: Came from behind to stun Morocco 3-2 in Rabat, inspired by Esther Okoronkwo’s heroics.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade won the Player of the Tournament award, Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Best Goalkeeper, and coach Justine Madugu clinched the Best Coach Award.

This latest triumph adds to Nigeria’s previous WAFCON titles in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2018, reaffirming the country’s status as the undisputed queens of African football.

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Sports

Chelsea may benefit from missing Europe next season, says Rooney

Published

31 seconds ago

May 25, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Ex-England and Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes Chelsea could become a “real threat” in the Premier League next season despite missing out on European football.

Chelsea ended a disappointing campaign in 10th place after a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland on the final day of the season, missing out on qualification for both the Europa League and Conference League.

The Blues also parted ways with managers Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior during a turbulent season before appointing Xabi Alonso as their new head coach.

Speaking on the Wayne Rooney Podcast on Monday, Rooney said Chelsea’s absence from Europe could work in their favour next season.

“I think they’ll be a real threat next season.

“Obviously having one game a week, and then with Alonso coming in, I think it’s exciting for the Premier League because I think he’s got the potential to be a top manager.

“It gives him a period of time to feel his way into the club and get his ideas across. So I think it will benefit the football club,” he said.

Chelsea began the campaign as Club World Cup winners but struggled for consistency domestically and in Europe.

They reached the Champions League last 16 before suffering an 8-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain

Rooney also pointed to the advantage of having more time on the training pitch compared to clubs involved in European competitions.

“Pre-season this year for all the managers at all the top clubs will be disrupted, obviously, because of the World Cup.

“I think that’s where it will benefit Alonso, because he’ll have that time once the season starts to get his ideas across.

“The teams in Europe might struggle a little bit. It could be an extra three days a week [on the training pitch],” he added.

Chelsea previously bounced back from a 10th-place finish to win the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season, and Rooney believes a similar recovery could be possible under Alonso.

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Sports

Arsenal’s Ødegaard named Norway captain for World Cup

Published

3 days ago

May 22, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard has been named captain of Norway national football team’s 26-man squad for this summer’s FIFA World Cup.

As reported by BBC Sport on Wednesday, the midfielder, who recently guided Arsenal F.C. to the Premier League title, will lead a Norway squad packed with attacking talent including Erling Haaland, Oscar Bobb and Jørgen Strand Larsen.

Norway’s squad announcement drew attention after Harald V revealed the final list through a pre-recorded video shared on social media.

Uncapped goalkeeper Sander Tangvik earned a surprise call-up following an injury to Mathias Dyngeland.

Tangvik is the only uncapped player included in the squad after former Russia Under-21 goalkeeper Nikita Haikin was unable to complete a nationality switch in time for the tournament.

Sondre Langås admitted the unusual announcement left players uncertain until the very end.

“I didn’t trust it until the video was finished. I didn’t trust the King for a second,” the Derby County defender told NRK.

Norway will begin their World Cup campaign against Iraq national football team in Boston on June 16 before taking on Senegal national football team and France national football team in the group stage.

The expanded 48-team tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.

Norway World Cup squad
Goalkeepers: Orjan Haskjold Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburger SV).

Defenders: Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Marcus Holmgren Pedersen (Torino), David Moller Wolfe (Wolverhampton), Fredrik Bjorkan (Bodo/Glimt), Kristoffer Ajer (Brentford), Torbjorn Heggem (Bologna), Leo Skiri Ostigard (Genoa), Sondre Langas (Derby County), Henrik Falchener (Viking).

Midfielders: Martin Odegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Patrick Berg (Bodo/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremonese), Thelo Aasgaard (Rangers).

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sorloth (Atletico Madrid), Jorgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodo/Glimt).

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Sports

SEE FULL LIST: 36 major trophies Ronaldo won

Published

3 days ago

May 22, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Portugal and Al Nassr forward Cristiano Ronaldo has extended his extraordinary trophy collection across England, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and international football with Portugal, reaching a total of 36 major team honours

Ronaldo recently captured his first Saudi Pro League title with Al Nassr FC after leading the club to the 2025–26 championship.

He scored twice in a decisive 4–1 final-day victory over Damac, helping Al Nassr secure their first league crown in several years.

With the title, Ronaldo once again extended his legendary legacy, adding another major trophy to an already extraordinary collection and reaffirming his place among the greatest athletes in sporting history.

From the streets of Madeira, Portugal, to the biggest stadiums in world football, Ronaldo’s rise remains one of the most remarkable stories the game has ever seen.

Born into a modest family on the Portuguese island of Madeira, Ronaldo began his football journey with Sporting CP before moving to Manchester United as a teenager in 2003.

Under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the young winger developed into one of Europe’s brightest stars, winning multiple Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.

He later achieved further success with Real Madrid, where he won two league titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in the club’s history.

With major trophies won in England, Spain, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and with Portugal, Ronaldo’s career now spans more than two decades of sustained excellence.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Friday, these are the major trophies won by the football legend.

Sporting CP (1)

Portuguese Super Cup — 2002

Manchester United (10)

Premier League — 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09

FA Cup — 2003–04

League Cup — 2005–06, 2008–09

Community Shield — 2007

UEFA Champions League — 2007–08

FIFA Club World Cup — 2008

Real Madrid (15)

La Liga — 2011–12, 2016–17