Sports

BUA Chairman to fulfil $500k Eagles pledge

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2026

Billionaire industrialist and Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, on Thursday announced that he will fulfil his $500,000 pledge to the Super Eagles despite the team’s failure to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title.

Rabiu disclosed this in a message shared on his official Instagram page, where he applauded the Nigerian team for their resilience, courage and fighting spirit throughout the tournament.

He praised the players for giving their all on the pitch, noting that although the desired outcome was not achieved, they had made Nigerians proud with their performance.

“You fought with your hearts, gave your all, and showed true courage and determination on the pitch. Though it wasn’t meant to be this time, you have made every Nigerian proud,” Rabiu wrote.

Reflecting further, the business mogul noted that outcomes do not always reflect effort, stressing that the spirit, passion and unity displayed by the team were what truly mattered.

“Sometimes, even our best efforts don’t bring the outcome we hope for, but the spirit, passion and unity you displayed are what truly matter.

You left everything on the field, and that is worthy of celebration,” he added.

As a token of appreciation, Rabiu confirmed that he would still honour the $500,000 reward earlier promised to the team, describing it as recognition of their hard work, dedication and the joy they brought to Nigerians during the tournament.

PUNCH Online reported earlier that Rabiu had pledged the cash reward to the Super Eagles ahead of the tournament as part of efforts to motivate the team in their quest for continental glory.

The Super Eagles impressed many Nigerians with their run to the latter stages of the competition but ultimately fell short of lifting the trophy after losing at the semi-finals to Morocco.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Wednesday lost 4–2 in a penalty shootout to host nation Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a tense 0–0 draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

Rabiu encouraged the players to keep their heads high, expressing confidence that the lessons and experience gained would fuel greater success in future competitions.

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Sports

Barca face Espanyol derby dilemma ahead of Atletico return

Published

16 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

In the wake of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat by Atletico Madrid, coach Hansi Flick faces a dilemma for Saturday’s La Liga derby clash against Espanyol.

With the champions seven points clear of second-placed Real Madrid at the top of the table, Flick may be tempted to rotate heavily ahead of Tuesday’s crucial second leg visit to face Atletico, trailing 2-0.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s Madrid hosts Girona on Friday and could cut the gap down to four points with a victory, which would make Flick’s choice harder.

Los Blancos are also in a tough spot following their 2-1 defeat by Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but have a bigger gap between the Girona game and the second leg in Bavaria next Wednesday.

“We have also a derby in three days on Saturday, our next match, it’s also important for us to win,” said Flick.

“We will see, we will analyse everything, what kind of options we have.”

The worst-case scenario would be suffering a first league defeat at Camp Nou since its reopening before being eliminated from the Champions League anyway in the Spanish capital.

With the league Clasico against Real Madrid on May 10 appearing on the horizon, Flick is keen to maintain Barca’s lead, but the Champions League may take precedence.

Several players who have been reserves for much of the season, like Ronald Araujo, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji, could come into the side to take on an Espanyol team in free-fall.

After a strong start to the season, Manolo Gonzalez’s team have failed to win in 2026, which began with a 2-0 home defeat by Barca that set off their slump.

Midfielder Pedri Gonzalez is fundamental for Barca but came off at half-time in the defeat by Atletico, with a minor physical issue.

“Pedri had some problems. No big problems but in this situation we need him (going forwards) — so we made the decision to take him off the pitch,” said Flick.

Flick will hope to have midfielder Frenkie de Jong available for the second leg at Atletico and the Dutchman returned to training this week after a hamstring injury.

The Dutchman has a chance of being included in the squad to face Espanyol, while Barca can also find encouragement in Gavi’s performance against Atletico as a substitute.

It could buy the 21-year-old more game time at the weekend as he continues to find fitness following a long injury lay-off. “Gavi had a fantastic game,” said Flick.

Atletico Madrid visit Sevilla on Saturday and Diego Simeone is certain to rest several key players.

The Argentine coach has been focused on the cup competitions in recent weeks with his team fourth in La Liga and unlikely to slip with Real Betis 12 points behind in fifth.

Player to watch: Vedat Muriqi

Mallorca’s Kosovan target man Muriqi scored a vital goal last week to help the team beat Real Madrid and boost their chances of avoiding relegation. The forward has 19 goals this season, trailing only La Liga’s top goalscorer Kylian Mbappe and will look to add to his tally against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in another important game.

Key stats

0 – shots on target for struggling Sevilla last weekend against Real Oviedo.

12 – no goalkeeper has more clean sheets than Barca’s Joan Garcia.

58 – fouls committed by Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu, the most in the top flight.

Fixtures

Friday (all times GMT)

Real Madrid v Girona (1900)

Saturday

Real Sociedad v Alaves (1200), Elche v Valencia (1415), Barcelona v Espanyol (1630), Sevilla v Atletico Madrid (1900)

Sunday

Osasuna v Real Betis (1200), Mallorca v Rayo Vallecano (1415), Celta Vigo v Real Oviedo (1630), Athletic Bilbao v Villarreal (1900)

Monday

Levante v Getafe (1900)

AFP

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Sports

Real Madrid denies plans to appoint sporting director

Published

16 hours ago

April 10, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Real Madrid has stated that rumors on considering incorporating a sports director into its structure are categorically false.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Friday, the club was quoted as saying, “Real Madrid extraordinarily values the work that the club’s sports management has been carrying out, which has allowed us to live through one of the most successful periods in our entire history with the achievement of numerous titles, including 6 European Cups in ten years.”

It strongly reaffirm confidence in its current sporting management structure.

It also praise the existing leadership, crediting it for one of the most successful eras in the club’s history.

As evidence, they point to major achievements, including six UEFA Champions League titles in the last decade.

Overall, it’s a standard club statement aimed at shutting down speculation while reinforcing trust in their current internal setup.

Madrid have long operated with a distinct organisational model, where key transfer and sporting decisions are primarily overseen by senior executives and trusted football leadership rather than a traditional sporting director structure common in many European clubs.

The club’s denial comes amid continued speculation in Spanish football media about potential internal changes, particularly as elite clubs across Europe increasingly adopt centralized sporting director systems to streamline recruitment and long-term squad planning.

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Sports

Former Arsenal star, Aaron Ramsey retires from football at 35

Published

3 days ago

April 8, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Wales captain and former Arsenal midfielder, Aaron Ramsey, has retired from professional football at the age of 35.

Ramsey made more than 250 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and played 86 times for Wales, scoring 21 goals.

He had been without a club since his contract with Mexican side UNAM was terminated my mutual consent last October, having moved to Central America following a second spell at boyhood club Cardiff, as well as a brief period as interim manager.

Making the announcement on his personal Instagram, Ramsey said, “This has not been an easy decision to make. After a lot of consideration, I have decided to retire from football.

“Firstly, I want to start with Wales. It has been my privilege to wear the Welsh shirt and experience so many incredible moments in it. It would not have been possible without the incredible input of all the managers I have played under and all the staff who have helped me in many ways.

“To the Red Wall. You have been there through thick and thin! You have been there through the highs and lows, and you have been an essential and indispensable part of our success. I can’t thank you enough. We’ve been through everything together, and it’s been an honour to represent you. Diolch.

“Secondly, thank you to all the clubs I’ve been lucky enough to play for.

“Thank you to all the managers and staff that have helped me be able to live my dream and play at the highest level.
“And a huge thank you to my wife and children and all my family. Without you by my side throughout, none of this would have been possible.”

Wales paid their own tribute in response, calling Ramsey a “world-class talent” and an “integral part of the golden generation that made international history”, having helped his country to three major tournaments and a memorable run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016 in France, where he was named in the team of the tournament.

Ramsey began his career at Cardiff City before being signed by legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

He played 369 games for the Gunners, scoring 64 goals. He was part of the team that lost out in the Europa League final to Chelsea in 2019.

Upon his departure, he signed for Juventus, where he won Serie A and made 70 appearances, scoring six goals.

Ramsey went on to play for Nice, Rangers, Cardiff, and Pumas before Tuesday’s announcement.

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