Sports

2,056 Athletes To Participate In MTN Champs Season 3 In Benin

Published

10 months ago

March 13, 2025

Editor

No fewer than 2,056 athletes are expected to participate in the MTN Champs Season 3 in Benin.

The founder and Chief Executive Officer, Making of Champions, Bambo Akani, disclosed this in Benin at a press conference for the event.

He said that Season 1 of the competition also took place in Benin and talents were discovered.

Akani added that some of the talented athletes discovered from the competitions are currently enjoying full scholarships in different schools in the United States.

He said that he had the confidence that those talented athletes that have been discovered would do the country proud at international competitions.

Speaking also, the Senior Manager Sponsorship and Go To Market (GTM), Osaze Ebueku, said MTN could spot rough diamonds and refine them to become world champions.

He said that they were on the journey for a long haul with the view of working with their partners to elevate the standard of athletics in the country.

On his part, Edo State governor, Monday Okpebholo, expressed his administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through grassroots sports development.

Represented by Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, the state Sports Commission Chairman, the governor stated that his administration, alongside his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, shares the vision of MTN CHAMPS in identifying and nurturing young athletic talents.

He further emphasized the championship’s significance as a crucial platform for young athletes.

He said: “By providing opportunities for secondary school students to compete at the highest level, this championship not only promotes sports excellence but also instills discipline, teamwork, and resilience among our youth.”

Acknowledging, MTN’s commitment to sports development in Nigeria, he noted that the company’s investment demonstrates a clear understanding of the role sports play in youth empowerment and economic growth.

“This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors in shaping the future of our young athletes.

“Edo State will continue to position itself as a hub for sports development, as the government dedicates itself to fostering an environment that encourages talent discovery and nurtures future champions”, the governor added.

He, then, urged participating athletes in the forthcoming event to seize the opportunity, give their best, and represent their schools and states with pride.

Related Topics:Bendel Insurance Edo MTN Champs Season

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AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

3 days ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

3 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.