Sports

23 States Arrive Ogun For National Sports Festival

Published

3 weeks ago

May 17, 2025

No fewer than 23 states have arrived in Ogun State for the National Sports Festival tagged ‘Gateway Games’ 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the biennial festival is to officially commence on Sunday.

The Director General, National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, made the disclosure in an interview with NAN on Saturday in Abeokuta.

Olopade told NAN that there were visible signs that the state would host the best festival in the history of the country.

“Twenty-three states are already in the camp; their feeding and welfare are top-notch and seamless.

“I just spoke with leaders of four states who are already praising the state.

“Globally, if you have an event of this nature, the first thing is accommodation and feeding,” he said.

NAN observed that finishing touches were ongoing at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, venue of the opening ceremony. Different cultural troops were at the main bowl of the stadium rehearsing performances for the ceremony.

Some sports fans and analysts who spoke to NAN expressed confidence that the festival would surpass the successes recorded in the last edition in Delta State.

An Abeokuta-based sports journalist, Mr Abiodun Alabi, told NAN that he believed that the sports festival would be better than the previous edition.

Alabi expressed hope that new talents would be discovered from the festival.

”The event will throw more talents that will go on to represent Nigeria at national and international events. It will also create expected economic opportunities for the people of the state.

“The game already left a legacy in terms of infrastructure; the MKO Abiola Stadium, with its new look and capacity, can now host major international events,” he said.

“Already we have three events coming after this festival, and that’s clearly one of the things that come with a national sports festival.”

A sports fan, Mr Micheal Adesanya, expressed confidence that the festival would come out as a good event in terms of the quality of athletes and talent discovery.

Adesanya noted that the festival was to promote unity among Nigerians.

He appealed to the organisers not to politicise the games, calling on authorities to ensure that proper talents were discovered to replace ageing ones.
NAN

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

3 hours ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

17 hours ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

18 hours ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.