Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, has rallied Asante Kotoko ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup clash with Nigeria’s Kwara United, urging the players to carry the hopes of the nation with pride.

The Porcupine Warriors, who return to the continental stage after a five-year absence, will face Kwara United in the preliminary round first leg at the Accra Sports Stadium at 4 p.m. today, September 21.

Kotoko players and officials visited the Jubilee House on Friday, where President Mahama assured them of the nation’s support.

“Asante Kotoko is not just a football club; it is a symbol of Ghanaian pride. I encourage you to go into this game with determination and represent the nation well,” Mahama said during the meeting.

Kotoko last made a strong impact in the competition in 1995 when they reached the quarter-finals. Their return leg against Kwara United will take place next Sunday at the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

In Nigeria, Remo Stars are also preparing for their own continental test. Technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted that his side is under immense pressure to finally make progress after faltering in previous outings.

The Sky Blue Stars will face US Zilimadjou of Comoros in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, at 4 p.m. today, September 2.

“I used to tell people that my name is pressure, Daniel Ogunmodede pressure. I know there is pressure to progress, but we will fight hard,” Ogunmodede said in a pre-match interview.

Recall that Remo Stars were knocked out of the competition by a Ghanaian side, Medeama last season. This time, Ogunmodede is determined to push his team beyond the first round and give their supporters something to cheer about.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

For decades, the Ballon d’Or has stood as football’s most prestigious individual prize, a global recognition reserved for the very best players in the game.

It was reports that while European and South American stars have traditionally dominated the award, several Nigerians have forced their way into the conversation, from the golden generation of the 1990s to the new wave led by Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala.

This year, Nigeria’s presence on the Ballon d’Or stage continues, with two fresh nominees ahead of the 69th ceremony scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025, at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris.

Two Nigerians made history when the Ballon d’Or shortlist was unveiled on August 7, 2025:

Chiamaka Nnadozie –

shortlisted for the Women’s Yashin Trophy (best goalkeeper), making her the first African goalkeeper ever to earn a nomination in this category.

Justine Madugu

– nominated for the Women’s Best Coach (Johan Cruyff Trophy) after leading the Super Falcons to WAFCON glory and being named Best Coach of the Tournament.
Nigeria’s Historic Nominees

Nigeria’s Ballon d’Or story stretches back to the mid-1990s when the award was first opened to non-Europeans. Some of the highlights include:

Finidi George (1995, 21st place)

– His Champions League triumph with Ajax earned him six votes.

Daniel Amokachi (1995, nominated)

– Recognised for his FA Cup heroics with Everton.

Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha (1995, nominated)

– Celebrated for his flair with Eintracht Frankfurt and Nigeria.

Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 11th; 1999, 23rd)

– Nigeria’s Olympic hero finished 11th in 1996, one of the country’s best-ever showings at the time.

Victor Ikpeba (1997, 32nd)

– Nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco,” Ikpeba earned two votes after a stellar Ligue 1 season.

Sunday Oliseh (1998, nominated)

– Shortlisted after strong displays for Ajax and at the World Cup.

Asisat Oshoala (2022, 16th; 2023, 20th)

– The first Nigerian woman to break into the Ballon d’Or Féminin shortlist with Barcelona Femeni.

Victor Osimhen (2023, 8th)

– Made history by finishing 8th overall, the highest-ever placement for a Nigerian male, after leading Napoli to a Serie A title.

Ademola Lookman (2024, shortlisted)

– Earned recognition after a Europa League final hat-trick for Atalanta and an impressive AFCON run.

For years, Kanu’s 11th-place finish in 1996 stood as the benchmark for Nigerian footballers until Osimhen shattered the record in 2023.

His top-eight finish ignited fresh belief that a Nigerian could one day win the coveted prize.

On the women’s side, Oshoala’s back-to-back nominations cemented Nigeria’s presence among the elite, though she has yet to break into the top 10.

Now, with Nnadozie’s historic nomination and Madugu’s coaching recognition, Nigeria’s footprint on football’s biggest individual stage continues to expand.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM

Uyi Akpata has secured a second term as President of the Nigeria Cricket Federation after emerging unopposed at the body’s annual general meeting and elections held in Abuja on Saturday.

Thirty-seven delegates cast their votes to elect Akpata alongside 12 other board members who will oversee the federation’s activities for the next four years. Former Kwara State stalwart, Wale Obalola, was voted in as vice president, while Tayo Atoloye, representing the South-West, returned for another term.

The South-South will now be represented by Femi John, team manager of the Junior Female Yellow Greens. Other zonal representatives include Chika Okoro (South-East), Ladan Usman (North-West), Dare Aimola (North-Central), and Zainab Adamu (North-East).

In a keenly contested players’ representative election, ex-national team captain Endurance Ofem won with 30 votes, beating fellow former international Chimezie Onwuzulike.

Olumide Akinkokun emerged as the technical representative, while Prof Mariam Suleiman will speak for the National Association of Women in Sports. Sponsors will be represented by Chuma Anosike, and Major Monica Wabulla will represent the military and paramilitary.

Akpata, who first came into office in 2021, is credited with changing the face of Nigerian cricket over the past four years. His tenure has seen major investments in infrastructure and high-performance facilities, grassroots development programmes rolled out nationwide, and the introduction of professional contracts for Nigerian players.

Reflecting on his re-election, Akpata said the federation would not rest on its recent successes. “We have shown that Nigerian cricket can compete on the global stage, but this is just the beginning. The next four years will focus on deepening development at all levels and ensuring our teams make even greater impact internationally,” he said.

Under his watch, Nigeria’s cricket teams have made history. Earlier this year, the women’s U-19 side finished sixth at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, while the senior women’s team won a bronze medal at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. Nigeria has also earned multiple ICC awards, particularly in recognition of its efforts to promote women’s cricket.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

TUMBLR

INSTAGRAM