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Abiodun gifts Super Falcons N50m ahead of Benin clash

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Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has announced a ₦50 million support package for the Super Falcons ahead of their decisive second-leg 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic in Abeokuta, the state capital.

According to a Facebook post on Tuesday, Abiodun made the announcement when he received the female national team at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Monday.

“We were delighted to receive the Super Falcons of Nigeria in our office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, ahead of their second-leg WAFCON 2026 qualifier against the Amazons of Benin Republic.

“In recognition of their inspiring performances and to further motivate them for the task ahead, we announced a support package of ₦50 million to the team,” Abiodun wrote.

He said the Falcons’ return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, was proof that the state’s investment in sports development was paying off.

“Their return to the MKO Abiola International Stadium is a validation that we are doing something right in Ogun State,” the governor said.

Abiodun also disclosed plans to transform the stadium environment into a world-class sports hub, with facilities such as a five-star hotel, cinema, and shopping complex.

“Beyond hosting matches, we are transforming the stadium environment with plans for a world-class sports hub, complete with a five-star hotel, cinema, shopping complex, and other facilities that will make Abeokuta a true sports and tourism destination,” he added.

The governor commended the Super Falcons for winning their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco, describing the team as a symbol of leadership, teamwork, and discipline.

“What they represent goes far beyond football — they embody leadership, teamwork, and discipline.

See also  How Cape Verde Became Second Smallest Country To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

“Through their example, millions of young women are learning that excellence knows no gender, and that with hard work and unity, they too can break barriers and achieve greatness,” Abiodun said.

He assured the team of Ogun State’s continued support and expressed confidence that they would keep inspiring the next generation of Nigerian athletes.

“On behalf of the government and the good people of Ogun State, we assured the Super Falcons of our unwavering support.

“We believe that through their success, they will continue to inspire the next generation of leaders, athletes, and achievers. Ogun State stands firmly with them as they continue to make Nigeria proud,” Abiodun concluded.

The Super Falcons will face the Benin Amazons on Tuesday, at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, in the return leg of the WAFCON final qualifying round.

Nigeria holds a 2–0 aggregate advantage from the first leg played in Cotonou last Friday, with goals from Chinwendu Ihezuo and Esther Okoronkwo.

Head coach, Justin Madugu has assured all that the Falcons will not take the return leg lightly as they seek to seal qualification for the 14th WAFCON, scheduled to hold in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

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Atletico push for Lookman as Fenerbahce near deal

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Atletico Madrid have intensified efforts to sign Ademola Lookman as the Turkish club Fenerbahce edge closer to completing a deal for the Nigeria forward, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Spanish side tried to sign the 28-year-old last summer but failed to reach an agreement with Atalanta.

Their primary midfield target, Leon Goretzka, announced on Friday that he would not leave Bayern Munich until the summer, forcing Sporting Director Mateu Alemany to pursue alternative options.

Atletico are now targeting Inter Milan’s Davide Frattesi for midfield reinforcement, but Lookman remains their priority signing.

However, competition for the Nigeria international is fierce. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reports that Fenerbahce’s deal is at the final stages, with the Turkish club offering a package worth €40m including variables.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Atletico acknowledge that Fenerbahce’s bid is currently higher than theirs, though they will do all they can to bring Lookman to Spain.

The player had expressed interest in a move to Spain during the summer.

Diario AS reports that Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek is currently in Bergamo trying to finalise the deal.

Romano posted on Friday that while Atalanta and Fenerbahce have a verbal agreement on a €40m package, they are yet to agree on payment terms and conditions.

He added that Atletico Madrid have been calling in recent hours to ask about deal conditions.

Atletico could return for both Goretzka and Lookman in the summer, depending on what business Alemany completes before February 2.

See also  Morocco to host draw for 2026 CAF Futsal AFCON Qualifiers
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Bayern confirm Goretzka’s end-of-season exit

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FC Bayern Munich have confirmed that midfielder Leon Goretzka will leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.

The confirmation was given by Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund, who said the 29-year-old will complete the season with the club before moving on as a free agent in the summer.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on Friday, Freund was quoted as saying, “Leon Goretzka will leave FC Bayern in the summer as a free agent, not now. Leon’s time at FC Bayern will be over in the summer. He will go another way after 8 successful years. We’ll fight together in the coming months to achieve big things.”

The statement rules out any immediate departure, with Bayern expecting Goretzka to remain part of the squad for the rest of the campaign.

Goretzka joined Bayern in 2018 from Schalke and has been a key member of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

During his time in Munich, he won multiple Bundesliga titles, domestic cups, and the UEFA Champions League.

Despite increased competition for places in recent seasons, the Germany international has remained an experienced figure within the squad.

Bayern and Goretzka are now set to focus on their remaining objectives for the season before the midfielder begins a new chapter in his career this summer.

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West Ham sign Fulham winger Traore

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West Ham announced on Wednesday that they had signed winger Adama Traore from Fulham for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old will be reunited at the London Stadium with manager Nuno Espirito Santo, with whom he worked previously at Wolves.

The Premier League strugglers described the forward as “strong, quick and able to create and score goals”.

Traore, who has been a peripheral player for Fulham this season, came through Barcelona’s youth system before joining Aston Villa in 2015. He has also played for Middlesbrough and Wolves.

The winger, who has made 262 Premier League appearances, scoring 14 goals, said he wanted to help relegation-threatened West Ham to the “maximum”.

“I love the challenges,” he said. “I think, of course, we have to go game by game. And this is what we’re going to do, trying to do our best. I think everything comes from belief. And I believe we’re going to achieve what we’re looking for.”

Nuno is relishing the chance to link up again with Traore, who has won eight caps for Spain.

“Adama is someone who knows the Premier League very well, and his qualities, both as a player and a person, will help us between now and the end of the season,” he said.

“He will give us a different option in attacking areas. He is also motivated to fight for us and ready to bring energy, commitment and determination to our challenge.”

West Ham are third from bottom of the Premier League, five points from safety, but have won their past two matches, against Tottenham and Sunderland.

See also  How Cape Verde Became Second Smallest Country To Qualify For FIFA World Cup

The club has been active in the January transfer window as they battle for survival, signing forwards Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos earlier this month.

The January window closes on Monday.

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