Category: ⚽Supers Sport

The number of players in the Super Eagles’ camp has increased to 13, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa.

This follows the arrival of nine more players at the team’s camp in Ikot Ikpene on Tuesday, according to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer.

The new arrivals include Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks.

They joined the quartet of William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika, who checked into camp on Monday.

Efoghe confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria that out of the 23 players who were invited for the double-header fixtures, only 13 had arrived, with 10 more players still being expected.

“A total of 13 players are currently in camp, and we are expecting the rest of the squad to arrive later today and early tomorrow,” Efoghe said.

He also shared details of the team’s upcoming media engagements.

“There will be a press conference with the coaching staff and selected players on Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” Efoghe stated.

“For Friday, the pre-match press conference will holbe held the same venue, and the first 15 minutes of the team’s training session will be open to media coverage.”

Players still beiexpected to be included arealkeeper Stanley Nwabali; defender Bruno Onyemaechi; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka; and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare.

Nigeria will host Rwanda on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture. They will then travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Monday, in a Matchday 8 encounter.

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the African qualifiers with two points from two matches, behind leaders South Africa (four points) and Rwanda (also four points but with an inferior goal difference).

Only the top team in the group will qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Full 23-Man Squad:

Goalkeepers:

Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa);

Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania);

Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece).

Defenders:

William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia);

Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England);

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England);

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England);

Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece);

Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France);

Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany);

Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium).

Midfielders:

Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England);

Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England);

Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey);

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy);

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium);

Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain).

Forwards:

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy);

Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy);

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey);

Moses Simon (Paris FC, France);

Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland);

Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium).

(NAN)

 

 

Famous Brooke Hogan, daughter of wrestling legend, Hulk Hogan, requests removal from her father’s will, with details emerging online.

The request occurred in 2023, stemming from concerns about the people surrounding him and potential financial disputes after his passing.

However, she will receive a modest sum from a life insurance trust, which she plans to use for her children’s college education.

Recall that Hulk Hogan passed away on July 24, 2025.

The announcement was made by his family through a statement on his Instagram page, sharing the news of his passing with deep sadness.

The news of his death sparked an outpouring of condolences and tributes from fans, and industry colleagues.

Amy Luciani, wife of NBA star, Dwight Howard, has filed for divorce after six months of marriage, citing no prospects for reconciliation.

Revall that the couple tied the knot married on January 11, 2025 following their surprise engagement announcement in December 2024.

According to a recent report from TMZ,  the divorce filed on July 1, 2025, in Georgia cites that the marriage is “irretrievably broken” with “no prospects for reconciliation.”

Furthermore, Amy Luciani is seeking alimony and an equal division of marital assets.

Recently, Luciani  defended Howard against allegations of being an absent father, showcasing her support for him during challenging times.

This demonstrates her commitment to their relationship and her willingness to address criticism head-on.

Brazilian footballer Neymar and his wife, Bruna Biancardi, have welcomed the arrival of their baby daughter, Mel, born in the early hours of July 5, 2025.

The couple shared the joyous news with fans through heartwarming photos, showing the proud parents cradling their newborn.

Bruna took to Instagram to express her excitement, writing, “Our Mel has arrived, to complete and sweeten our lives even more! Welcome, daughter! May God bless your life and free you from all evil! We are looking forward to living this new chapter with you. We love you!”

Mel is Neymar’s fourth child. The 33-year-old football star first became a father in 2011 when his son, Davi Lucca, was born to his former partner, Carolina Dantas.

He also shares a daughter, Mavie, with Amanda Kimberly, and another daughter—also named Mavie—with Biancardi.

The birth of Mel adds another special chapter to Neymar’s growing family, with fans and well-wishers flooding social media with congratulatory messages.

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Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai has passed away at the age of 61 after a prolonged illness.

Popularly known as Dodomayana, Rufai was celebrated as one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers.

His professional career spanned 20 years, with stints in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain.

He represented Nigeria in two FIFA World Cups and participated in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.

Rufai’s death comes on the same day the football community is grieving the loss of Liverpool star Diogo Jota, who died in a car accident in Spain alongside his brother.

British-Nigerian boxing icon Anthony Joshua has sparked conversation around the longstanding Nigeria-Ghana rivalry after describing his recent visit to Accra as a revelation, suggesting that Nigerians had downplayed the West African neighbour’s charm, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The two-time unified world heavyweight champion was in Ghana for the Legacy RISE Sports: Battle of the Beasts boxing event, where he engaged in several activities, including a courtesy call on President John Mahama at the Jubilee House.

Speaking during the visit, Joshua admitted that he had not initially planned to visit Ghana, largely because of opinions he had heard in Nigeria.

He noted that his time in Accra had changed his perception completely.

“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” Joshua said.

“Because, for some reason, everyone in Nigeria puts Nigeria above Ghana. But I’m now here and I’m looking around like, they’ve been lying to me.”

His candid remark was met with laughter and applause from those present, highlighting the good-natured rivalry that often exists between citizens of both countries.

Since his arrival in Ghana on Friday, June 13, Joshua has taken part in several high-profile engagements as part of the sporting event spearheaded by Sharaf Mahama.

These included interactions with young athletes, public appearances, and meetings with dignitaries.

Visibly impressed by what he encountered, Joshua commended the country’s infrastructure, culture and hospitality. He said the experience had shifted his views significantly.

“I’m impressed with your beautiful country, amazing culture, hospitality, the airport, the organisation, and I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone across the world how beautiful this place is,” he added.

 

 

 

Rivers Hoopers kicked off their campaign in the fifth season of the Basketball Africa League Finals at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, with an 89-81 defeat against Tunisian outfit US Monastir in a seeding fixture on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The KingsMen, who were ranked as the fourth-best team heading into the competition, went up against the third-seeded Monastir in what was the fifth meeting between both franchises in BAL history, with the previous four clashes evenly split at two wins apiece.

The Port Harcourt-based outfit narrowly edged the opening quarter 16-14, having made 14 field goal attempts and shooting 35.7 per cent field goals, but their turnovers stood at four compared to the three made by the Tunisian outfit.

The second quarter saw the coach Ogah Odaudu-led side also nick it via a 20-18 scoreline. This time, the Hoopers made 28 field goal attempts but could only manage to shoot 28.6 per cent field goals and made just one turnover compared to a whopping eight committed by US Monastir. Both teams went into the half-time break with the Hoopers holding a 36-32 lead.

Upon resumption of the third quarter, things took a downward turn for the Nigerian champions, as Monastir came out firing on all cylinders. The nine-time Tunisian champions shot a whopping 60 per cent field goals from 15 field goal attempts made to turn the tide. By the end of the third quarter, the scores stood at 66-62 in Monastir’s favour. The fourth quarter also went the same way as the third, with Monastir edging it 23-19 to finish the game with an 89-81 scoreline win.

Despite the defeat, Hoopers forward Raphiael Putney finished with a game-high 28 points and seven rebounds. The 35-year-old American also registered one assist and made one steal, while teammate Madut Akec put up 15 points, two rebounds, one assist and two steals. Peter Olisemeka, 33, completed the trio of Hoopers players who ended up delivering double-figure hauls as regards points scored when he ended the game with 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and one steal.

Monastir, on the other hand, had five players who registered double digits in points, with Senegalese forward Babacar Sane putting up 22 points and four rebounds, 27-year-old American Patrick Hardy scored 17 points and recorded nine assists. Tarekeyi Edogi added 11 points and eight rebounds while Firas Lahyani and Osiris Eldridge put up 11 and 10 points respectively to seal the victory.

The victory sees Monastir pick up the seeding placement ahead of the BAL quarter-finals, which starts on Monday. The Hoopers will be looking to respond when next they take to the court.

 

 

WBC title holder and 2022 Commonwealth medallist Elizabeth Oshoba talks about winning a world title, beating the odds to win a medal in Birmingham, her boxing journey and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

How did you start boxing?

It was actually my brother who introduced me to it; he came to me when I was 12 and said he wanted me to start boxing, he said, ‘I saw one video of a girl boxing and she is just like you, you guys look alike so I would like you to try boxing too’ but I told him I don’t want to box. So, actually, I do sports, I like sports, then I played football, I played table tennis then too, all these street sports, but I said I couldn’t do boxing, I didn’t want them to spoil my fine face, I can’t do it. My parents like sports as well, so they encouraged me, and one particular day, my Dad lied to me that we should go out to get fuel and he drove me to coach Smart of Smart Boxing, and when we got there was when I realised it was a boxing gym. The coach was now encouraging me too, and I saw a lot of ladies like me boxing so I now decided I could do this if these ones were doing it because I had the mind that if they saw me outside, they could just beat me and go, and I can’t let that happen and that is when I started.

When you first started boxing, did guys in the neighbourhood try to fight you?

Actually, when I started boxing, I was going to a public school so some of my schoolmates stayed in the area of the boxing gym, and when they saw me there, the next day they came to school and told everyone I was fighting boxing, and the guys then in the school did not want to accept that a lady could be doing this so they started bullying me, and it got to the point that I had to fight back, although it is not professional and we shouldn’t fight back, I had to just fight back but then I fought with a guy in my class and he started bleeding and that was when they all knew that I was a good boxer and they started leaving me alone.

Since you started your career till now, what will you define as the highlight of your career?

When I won the WBC world title and when I went for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, I couldn’t believe it, God did it so those are the best ones so far from me. I couldn’t believe I could make it to the Games and even win a silver medal, it was a very tough journey for me before I got to the Games dealing with a COVID-19 positive test before it later showed negative after three tests and I made the trip.

How did you and the family feel when you won the silver medal?

I was the happiest person in the world when I won the silver medal. I thanked God a lot because after all that I went through, I did not expect this at all, I was even happier than the person who won gold, I was so glad, that was my happiest moment. Initially, while I was training, I believed I would win the gold medal but after what happened, being weak, losing weight, and not training enough gave me second thoughts so I really value the silver medal. My family were watching the fight live with me and after I got my medal, they were so excited and happy for me.

Where is your medal now?

It is with me in the UK, I carry it everywhere I go, I don’t leave it in Nigeria, and the National honours I got from President Muhammadu Buhari after coming back from the Games. That is what I worked for so I cannot just treat it anyhow, I need to take care of it very well.

You are fighting now in the United Kingdom professionally in the super-featherweight, how is it going?

It is going very well, and very soon, I will fight for more titles. I have won all of my fights now, seven fights in the UK and two in Nigeria.

How did you feel when you won the WBC silver title?

I was on top of the world. I am very happy with this title, it is my first (world) title but I am still focused and I can’t wait to fight more world title fights, win more and claim the main WBC belt. The IBO belt too is very important to me and I am happy to have achieved this success. It wasn’t easy though, but I am fully prepared for any kind of opponent. I knew I was going to be announced the winner once the fights ended.

Do you think your training in Nigeria prepared you for your fights abroad?

I had tough training, sparred with male boxers and had to improvise a lot back home in Nigeria. I had to motivate myself a lot. So, I think that prepared me for the opportunities I am seeing now, all those challenges made me stronger. Whenever I remember those moments, it really motivates me to give more than 100 per cent.

What will you call the lowest point of your career?

That was when I lost in the semi-final at the All African Games in 2019 in Morocco; that was my first time representing Nigeria and I won the bronze medal then.

Any advice for young female boxers in Nigeria?

I would like to tell them not to give up on whatever they are doing. No matter how difficult it is, no matter the struggle, hard work is going to pay off, they should not give up and keep working towards their goals.

 

 

Russia will welcome Nigeria to the iconic Luzhniki Stadium on Friday evening in what marks the first-ever senior-level meeting between the two nations. The international friendly promises intrigue, with both sides looking to test their mettle under vastly different circumstances.

For the hosts, this match represents another step in their effort to remain competitive on the international stage, having been sidelined from official tournaments since their suspension in early 2022 due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In the absence of competitive fixtures, the Russian national team has turned to a steady stream of exhibition matches, mostly against non-European opponents, to maintain form and cohesion.

Their most recent outing in March saw them dismantle Zambia 5-0 in a commanding display, extending their unbeaten streak to eight games. Even more impressively, Russia have scored 45 goals and conceded none over that span, dominating what have largely been one-sided affairs. However, with Nigeria now on the schedule, the Sbornaya may finally face a sterner examination of their current prowess.

Nigeria arrive in Moscow in buoyant mood, riding a six-match unbeaten run across all competitions. The Super Eagles recently claimed the Unity Cup title after edging out Jamaica in a dramatic penalty shootout, following a 2-2 draw in regulation time. That result came on the heels of a 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Ghana, as Eric Chelle’s side continued to build momentum heading into a crucial phase of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

Friday’s friendly offers the Nigerians a vital opportunity to fine-tune their tactics and test squad depth ahead of September’s decisive qualifiers. With just seven points from their opening six games, the Super Eagles currently sit fourth in their group, trailing leaders South Africa by six points. Upcoming doubleheaders against Rwanda and South Africa, followed by clashes with Lesotho and Benin Republic, leave little margin for error if Nigeria are to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

The Russian squad remains largely unchanged from the side that overwhelmed Zambia. Key figures include Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov, fresh off a UEFA Champions League triumph, and striker Nikolay Komlichenko, who is again expected to spearhead the attack.

Nigeria, meanwhile, have had to reshuffle significantly due to a series of withdrawals. First-choice goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was excused due to family matters, paving the way for Udinese shot-stopper Maduka Okoye to return to the fold. The defensive line has also taken a hit, with right-back Ola Aina ruled out, while influential midfielder Wilfred Ndidi remains unavailable for selection.

The Super Eagles’ attacking options have been further depleted by the absence of Kelechi Iheanacho and Samuel Chukwueze, both of whom pulled out due to family commitments. Nevertheless, the squad received a morale boost with the arrivals of captain William Troost-Ekong and Fenerbahçe full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, who both linked up with the team earlier this week in Moscow.

As the Super Eagles prepare to lock horns with a resurgent Russian side, fans can expect an engaging contest that goes beyond mere exhibition—a genuine test of tactical evolution, squad depth, and national pride for both teams

 

 

The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry (OPM), Apostle Dr. Chibuzor Gift Chinyere, has announced the acquisition of a church building previously used by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Marine Base branch, with plans to convert it into a free school for underprivileged children.

In a Facebook post shared on Friday, May 16, the Port Harcourt-based clergyman and philanthropist revealed that the purchase was funded through church tithes and offerings.

However, rather than establishing another OPM branch as advised by one of his pastors, Chinyere chose to redirect the building’s purpose toward education, citing the dire need in the community.

“By the Grace of GOD ALMIGHTY… I just used tithes and offerings from the church to buy a church building that will be converted to another OPM free school. My Pastor advised me to use the Church building for a branch of OPM church… but I refused” he wrote.

The decision was inspired by his recent visit to the area, which he described as “densely populated by very poor people,” where he witnessed children roaming the streets instead of attending school.

“Lack of education is one of the major causes of poverty, crime and lack of salvation of souls. One of the weapons the early missionaries used to win many souls to Christ is free schools, free hospitals… then they introduced Jesus,” he explained.

The apostle, who is also a traditional ruler, criticised the trend of saturating communities with multiple church branches.

“What is the essence of opening church branches very close to each other while it is the same Gospel of Christ that is being preached? There are many widows in that same church that their children are not going to school because they cannot afford their school fees,” he queried.