Sports

Edo-born Ex-international, Coach, Is Dead

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Editor

Nigeria Ex-international and Coach, Sebastian Brodericks-Imasuen is dead.

The Ex-international died in Benin in early hours of Wednesday after protracted illness at the age of 85, a family source source who preferred anonymous because he was not authorised to speak to the press said.

Recall that The veteran Coach Brodericks Imaseun who won Nigeria’s first World Cup at the Under 17 level in China 1985 has been bedridden for ailments suspected to be stroke and diabetes.

The late Edo-born coach was one of the players that represented Nigeria Football Team at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games.

Coach Brodericks-Imasuen, popularly known as ‘Sabara’ in his playing days would be remembered amongst others for his famous free kick goal that won Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin the then Challenge Cup in 1972.

This biggest moment as a club player was when he scored the winning goal in the 3-2 victory for Bendel Insurance in the replay of the 1972 Challenge Cup with Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

He was known for his curving shots, especially from free kick/dead ball situations.

As a coach, he was the head of a three-man crew that included Bala Shamaki and Christian Chukwu when the Nigerian team shocked the world in China in 1985.

He led the team again in 1987 to Canada and got to the final before his team narrowly lost through penalty shootouts to the then Soviet Union.

At the third attempt in the competition, his team also lost to Saudi Arabia by penalty shootouts in the quarter finals.

He began his football career in 1956 when as a student, he featured for the Onitsha team in the Challenge Cup.

In 1962, he joined the then ECN and was part of the Challenge Cup winning side of 1965. He was invited to the national team in 1962 but only became a regular in the build-up to the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico.

He later became a coach and handled the Midwest junior side to win gold medal at the inaugural National Sports Festival in 1973.

At another time, he was the assistant to Clemens Westerhof in the Super Eagles.

Sports

FULL LIST: Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Women Nominees

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or has released the full list of nominees for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Ballon d’Or, showcasing 30 outstanding female footballers from across the globe.

Leading the nominations are established stars such as Aitana Bonmati, Alexia Putellas, Pernille Harder, and Lucy Bronze, alongside rising talents including Melchie Dumornay, Temwa Chawinga, and Frida Leonardsen-Maanum.

Also named in the prestigious list are Barbra Banda, Claudia Pina, Sandy Baltimore, Marta, Chloe Kelly, Leah Williamson, and Esther Gonzalez, among others.

The Ballon d’Or recognition celebrates the best women’s footballers for their excellence, impact, and achievements over the past season.

The final winner will be announced at the official awards ceremony later in the year.

FULL LIST
Sandy Baltimore
Barbra Banda
Aitana Bonmati
Lucy Bronze
Klara Bühl
Mariona Caldentey
Sofia Cantore
Steph Catley
Temwa Chawinga
Melchie Dumornay
Emily Fox
Cristiana Girelli
Esther Gonzalez
Caroline Graham Hansen
Hannah Hampton
Pernille Harder
Patri Guijarro
Amanda Gutierres
Lindsey Heaps
Chloe Kelly
Frida Leonardsen-Maanum
Marta
Clara Mateo
Ewa Pajor
Claudia Pina
Alexia Putellas
Alessia Russo
Johanna Rytting Kaneryd
Caroline Weir
Leah Williamson

Sports

Super Falcons Coach Madugu Nominated For 2025 Ballon d’Or Award

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

Super Falcons’ tactician, Justine Madugu, has been nominated for the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy.

The nomination, announced Thursday, places Madugu among the global elite of women’s football coaching, following his remarkable leadership with the Nigerian women’s national team.

The accolade celebrates coaches who have demonstrated outstanding strategy, motivation, and performance in guiding their teams on the international stage.

The recognition comes as Nigerian football continues to gain momentum on the global stage, with Super Falcons players and coaches increasingly drawing international attention after winning the Women’s African Cup of Nations.

Madugu’s nomination is not only a personal triumph but also a moment of pride for Nigeria, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.

Sports

Ballon d’Or Unveils 2025 Men’s Club, Coach Of The Year Nominees

Published

8 hours ago

August 7, 2025

Editor

The Ballon d’Or, on Thursday, unveiled its list of nominees for the 2025 Men’s Club of the Year and Men’s Team Coach of the Year awards.

Competing for the Men’s Club of the Year honour are football giants FC Barcelona, Botafogo, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Paris Saint-Germain. These clubs have been recognised for their outstanding performance and influence in global football over the past season.

Meanwhile, the five contenders for the Men’s Team Coach of the Year Trophy are Antonio Conte, Luis Enrique, Hansi Flick, Enzo Maresca, and Arne Slot, all celebrated for their tactical brilliance, leadership, and impressive results with their respective teams.

The announcement is part of the build-up to the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony, which annually celebrates excellence in world football.