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Kwara sports commission dissolves associations

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The Kwara State Sports Commission has dissolved all sports associations in the state with immediate effect.

This was contained in a statement issued in Ilorin on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Commission, Saheed Abdullahi.

According to the statement, the decision followed the board’s resolution at its sitting on September 12, 2025, where members deliberated extensively on the activities of the associations before approving their dissolution.

The Commission explained that the move became necessary to inject new, committed, and passionate members into the associations, while also retaining some of the active former members for better service delivery.

It directed affected officials to immediately hand over documents, records, and materials belonging to the associations to their respective secretaries as part of the dissolution process.

“While appreciating the contributions of the outgoing members, the Commission urged them to continue supporting the development of sports in Kwara State and to respond promptly whenever called upon in future,” the statement added.

Recall that the Chairman of the Kwara State Sports Commission, Bola Magaji, had promised to take necessary action against the state’s athletics officials responsible for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria’s suspension of the Kwara State Athletics Association.

Magaji disclosed this at a press conference in Ilorin, while also indicating that moves were in top gear to have the AFN review their stance on Kwara.

“We have the future of young outlets to think about, and officers responsible for the lapse resulting in the sanction will face the music,” he said.

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AFN placed an indefinite ban on the Kwara association after it discovered the association was still engaging the banned coach Hammid Muritala in athletics activities.

Muritala is serving a 10-year ban from athletics after admitting to having fed a youth athlete with banned substances two years ago in Ilorin.

Rather than stay off athletics activities, the coach was part of the state’s contingent to Benin City, the Edo State capital, for the recent Golden League, to the consternation of stakeholders.

Explaining why the sports commission shouldn’t be blamed, Magaji said the banned coach had been on suspension since October 14, 2022, before they got the AFN’s ban notice February.

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Tunisia, Japan to play 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

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The countdown is officially on: just 100 days remain until one of the most anticipated moments in FIFA World Cup history, the 1,000th match of the tournament.

On June 20, Tunisia and Japan will step onto the pitch at the iconic Monterrey Stadium in Mexico to contest this historic fixture, marking a milestone that underscores the enduring legacy of the world’s most popular sporting event.

The FIFA World Cup, held every four years, has grown into a global celebration of football, bringing together nations and fans from every continent.

Since the inaugural tournament in 1930, the World Cup has been the stage for legendary goals, unforgettable upsets, and moments that have transcended sport.

Reaching the 1,000th match is a testament to decades of footballing excellence, cultural significance, and the universal love for the game.

According to a post on FIFA’s X handle on Friday, the world football governing body was quoted as saying, “100 days to go until the 1,000th @FIFAWorldCup match  Tunisia and Japan will make history when they contest this landmark fixture at the iconic Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 20.”

Monterrey Stadium, known for its passionate supporters and electric atmosphere, will provide the perfect backdrop for this landmark match.

Both Tunisia and Japan, nations with rich footballing histories, will have the opportunity to write their names into the tournament’s record books.

Tunisia, having qualified for several World Cups since their debut in 1978, will look to showcase their disciplined and tactical style of play.

Japan, a regular at the tournament since 1998, is renowned for its technical skill and organised approach, making the clash an intriguing tactical contest.

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Beyond the numerical significance, the 1,000th match represents the global growth of football. From the early tournaments in Uruguay and Italy to the modern spectacles in stadiums like Qatar’s Lusail Stadium and Mexico’s Monterrey Stadium, the World Cup has evolved into an event watched by billions around the world. This milestone is a celebration of football’s capacity to unite diverse cultures and communities, creating shared memories that span generations.

Fans and football analysts alike are eagerly speculating about the impact of this historic match. Social media and global coverage are already generating excitement, with supporters of both teams celebrating the chance to participate in such a unique moment. Players from Tunisia and Japan have spoken about the honor of being part of history, emphasizing that the milestone adds extra motivation to deliver memorable performances.

The 1,000th match is also symbolic of football’s ability to inspire. Every World Cup has stories of determination, resilience, and teamwork that have captivated audiences. This milestone game serves as a reminder of the sport’s global reach, highlighting how football has become a universal language, connecting people across borders, languages, and cultures.

As the world counts down to June 20, anticipation continues to build. Tunisia and Japan are not only playing for points in the tournament but also for the chance to be forever linked to a landmark moment in football history. For fans, this match is more than just a game it is a celebration of the FIFA World Cup’s storied past, its present vibrancy, and its bright future.

With just 100 days to go, the 1,000th FIFA World Cup match promises to be a spectacle that will be remembered long after the final whistle, cementing its place as one of the tournament’s most historic milestones.

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NDG: Okpebholo redeems N30m pledge to Edo winning athletes

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The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, on Tuesday redeemed the N30 million pledge he made to Team Edo ahead of the Niger Delta Games.

Recall that Team Edo emerged as the winners of the second edition of the Games with 52 gold, 34 silver, and 25 bronze medals, finishing ahead of eight other participating states.

The governor redeemed the pledge during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to discovering, nurturing, and investing in young sporting talents.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, with Team Edo, on Tuesday, during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City. Photo: X | Monday Okpebholo

Okpebholo congratulated the athletes, coaches, and sports administrators for their dedication and discipline, which culminated in the state finishing at the top of the medals table.

He noted that the victory reflects the enormous sporting potential within the state and the determination of his administration to reposition Edo as a powerhouse in Nigerian sports.

The governor recalled that during the opening ceremony of the competition, he had expressed confidence that the state would not only host the tournament but also win it.

He said, “Congratulations to my dear state, Edo State, for the victory at the second NDDC Games hosted here in Edo. Some of our athletes will represent Nigeria in the Olympic Games.

“At the opening ceremony of the NDDC Games Edo 2026, I said Edo State is not just hosting but hosting to win. Today, we have truly won, defeating other states.

 

“I promised you ₦30 million if you won, and today you have delivered. We are celebrating because we hosted and we won. You have dominated the medals table and made Edo very proud.

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“Your talent is something we must harness, build on, and invest in so that Edo can produce champions who will represent Nigeria in global competitions.”

The governor noted that his administration would continue to invest strategically in sports development, stressing that the talents discovered during the tournament would be carefully groomed to compete at national and international levels.

Governor Monday Okpebholo, with the trophy, on Tuesday, during a reception held for the athletes and officials at the Government House, Benin City. Photo: X | Monday Okpebholo

Okpebholo also commended the Chairman of the Sports Committee, Amadin Enabulele, and other officials for their efforts.

Earlier, Enabulele said the victory was a result of the governor’s proactive support and early preparation for the competition.

He added that the Niger Delta Games victory represents Edo State’s first major multi-sport tournament triumph in about 24 years, marking a turning point in the state’s sporting history.

“We are here today to present the champions’ trophy to the governor and thank him for giving us the opportunity to contribute our quota to the development of sports in Edo State,” Enabulele said.

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UCL preview: Osimhen, Lookman set for Champions League round of 16 tests

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Nigerian forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will face tough European challenges this week as their clubs prepare for high-profile fixtures against English opposition.

Galatasaray, led in attack by Osimhen, will host Liverpool F.C. in what promises to be a keenly contested encounter. The Turkish giants will rely on the Super Eagles striker’s pace and clinical finishing as they seek to overcome the English side in front of their home fans.

Osimhen has been in strong form this season and is expected to play a key role for Galatasaray as they aim to secure a positive result against the Premier League club.

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Kick-off: 18:45 CET / 17:45 GMT (6:45 PM WAT / 1:45 PM ET)
Venue: RAMS Park (Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi), Istanbul, Turkey

Meanwhile, Lookman’s Atlético Madrid will take on Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in another heavyweight clash. The Nigerian winger has been one of Atlético’s standout performers and will be crucial to the Spanish side’s attacking plans.

Lookman’s pace, creativity, and eye for goal have made him an important player for the Madrid club, and he will be hoping to inspire his team to victory against the London side.

The fixtures present another opportunity for the two Nigerian internationals to showcase their quality on the European stage as their clubs seek progression in continental competition.

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Kick-off: 21:00 CET / 20:00 GMT (9:00 PM WAT / 4:00 PM ET)
Venue: Riyadh Air Metropolitano (formerly Wanda Metropolitano), Madrid, Spain

Other Champions League fixtures include

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Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Atalanta and Bayern Munich. Atalanta, the only remaining Italian side in the competition after knockouts involving Napoli, Juventus, and Inter, host the Bundesliga leaders and perennial Champions League contenders Bayern Munich.

Newcastle vs Barcelona

This is the second meeting between the sides this season after Barcelona edged Newcastle 2-1 (or a similar narrow win) in the league phase opener at St. James’ Park in September 2025. Now it’s knockout time in a rematch with high stakes—Newcastle’s first-ever Champions League knockout tie, against La Liga leaders Barcelona under Hansi Flick.

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