Sports

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

Published

9 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.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 1,376

Sports

Fenerbahçe kick against Osimhen’s mask

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe have reportedly filed a complaint against Galatasaray over the use of protective mask by Victor Osimhen, which they say is dangerous to opposing players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen returned to action on Wednesday night after being out with an arm injury for over a month.

The 27-year-old featured for 13 minutes in Galatasaray’s cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği S.K., appearing with a bandaged arm under a long-sleeved jersey.

Galatasaray are due to face Fenerbahçe in the league on Sunday, and their rivals are said to have reported the use of Osimhen’s gear to the Turkish Football Federation.

“Fenerbahçe believes that the hard protective gear used by Victor Osimhen in matches poses a risk to opposing players. The yellow-and-navy club is preparing to formally raise this issue by applying to the Turkish Football Federation,” Turkish news outlet HT Spor reported.

“The club’s medical team is preparing a report on materials that can be used according to IFAB rules.”

Osimhen wears a protective mask after he sustained a serious facial injury in a match while playing for Napoli in 2021.

The Nigerian clashed heads with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and sustained fractures to both his cheekbone and eye socket.

Osimhen required surgery and spent three months on the sidelines, with Napoli saying in a statement, “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation”.

Medics advised Osimhen to wear a protective mask when he returned to playing.

It remains to be seen how the TFF will rule on the matter ahead of their potential title decider on Sunday.

Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig with 71 points, four ahead of Fenerbahçe with four matches remaining.

Post Views: 48

Sports

Rooney claims supporter belief key to Arsenal ending 22-year drought in EPL

Published

6 days ago

April 20, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes fan support could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Premier League title race, urging Arsenal F.C. supporters to get firmly behind their team during a difficult spell.

The Gunners’ hopes of winning a first league title in 22 years suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the defending champions within striking distance with games in hand.

The loss followed a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, after which some fans booed the players off the pitch.

Rooney questioned that reaction, insisting it could have a negative impact on the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

“I think the Arsenal fans need to be better. They’ve been brilliant all season and they’ve hit a little bad run of form,” Rooney said.

He emphasized how much players rely on backing from the stands, particularly when results dip.

“They need to understand how much the fan support means to the players and how much it can help you. When you lose a game and you get booed off, that can affect player,” he added.

Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal remain firmly in contention with five games left to play, but face intense pressure from City, who could overtake them at the top of the table.

Rooney pointed to the importance of unity between fans and players, especially given the club’s recent history of falling short in title races.

“For Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. The fans need to back the players a little bit more because that will have hurt the Arsenal players, 100%,” he stressed.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

Post Views: 68

Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Backs Joshua To Beat Fury As Talks For Mega Fight Resume

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British showdown finally happens.

Negotiations between both camps have restarted after years of failed attempts to stage the fight. Usyk, who has shared the ring with both men and beaten each of them twice, says his recent time in camp with Joshua has left him convinced the former world champion is ready to rise again.

It was reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he works his way back to full fitness following a December car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. He suffered minor injuries but has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s intensity in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian urged fans to rally behind Joshua during a challenging period in his career. Drawing a comparison with his support for Dynamo Kyiv, he stressed the value of loyalty through setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

Usyk admitted Joshua is close to a full return but urged patience as recovery continues.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua to take another fight before a potential clash with Fury. He confirmed the British star is likely to remain in Usyk’s training environment for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Usyk is also preparing for his own blockbuster event. The champion is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at stake.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

Post Views: 113