Sports

Edo SWAN Gets New Executives

Published

12 months ago

September 26, 2024

Editor

L-R: Kehinde Osagede, Chairman; Moses Idahosa, Secretary; Adeleke Ayoola, Assistant Secretary and Nosa Igunma, Treasurer, during the inauguration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, on Thursday, September 26, 2024.

The Edo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), on Thursday, inaugurated a new executive board to drive the affairs of the Association for the next three years.

The elective congress which took place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium’s media centre, was supervised by the SWAN South-East Zonal Vice President, Mr. Asika Ikemefuna.

Elected into the executive board, Kehinde Osagede of the Observer Newspaper as Chairman; Moses Idahosa of the Nigerian Tribune as Secretary; Adeleke Ayoola of Silverbird’s Rhythm FM as the Assistant Secretary and Nosa Igunma of Vibes FM as the Treasurer.

They all emerged unopposed.

The SWAN South-East Vice President who represented the the SWAN president and consequently delivered his message stated: “The president sent his greetings to you all and asked me to wish you well in your journey.”

While praying for the success of the newly sworn-in executives, the Vice President advised the new executive members to be active and responsible in their jobs.

He also advised the members to push their support behind the Exco for them to excel and move the association forward.

The SWAN President advises members to get their AIPS membership card which is very important to to help them achieve a lot in the profession.

Earlier in his handing-over speech, the caretaker committee chairman, Aliu Ozorovia, appreciated key individuals who have been part of the journey so far.

“I see today as my freedom day because in the last 10 months, I have seen a lot, but you all have been there for me.”

He thanked the national leaders, the state’s leaders, and other individuals who have been able to comport themselves.”

He specifically appreciated the General Manager of KU FM, Saliu Ibrahim, for his sportsmanship and professionalism.

The newly inaugurated chairman, Kehinde Osagede, in his acceptance speech, thanked every stakeholder and the members present, especially the caretaker committee led by Aliu Ozioruva

He thanked the members for their endurance, understanding and the trust placed in the new executive to have them come to a place of service.

The chairman promised to operate an open tenure where members would be allowed to make suggestions to contribute to the development of the Association.

Also present at the Congress were the South-South Zonal Secretary, Mr Joseph Isokpehi; the NUJ chairman, Mr Festus Alenkhe, who was represented by the Secretary of Edo NUJ, Mr Andy Egbon.

Sports

Ballon d’Or 2025: Full List Of Winners

Published

2 days ago

September 23, 2025

Editor

In a night of celebration and surprises at the Théâtre du Châtelet, the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony crowned new champions in men’s and women’s football. PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé emerged as the men’s winner, capping off a stellar season that saw him lead his club to Champions League triumph.

Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí made history by securing the women’s award for the third consecutive year. Here’s the complete rundown of all the major awards from football’s most prestigious gala.

Men’s Ballon d’Or
• Winner: Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

The 28-year-old French star beat out fierce competition from Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. Dembélé’s pivotal role in PSG’s European success, including key goals and assists, propelled him to the top. This marks his first Ballon d’Or and continues a trend where winners since 2013 have been 28 or older.

Top 5 Rankings:
1 Ousmane Dembélé (PSG)

2 Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)

3 Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Women’s Ballon d’Or
• Winner: Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)
Bonmatí became the first player to win three in a row, despite Barcelona’s loss in the UEFA Women’s Champions League final to Arsenal and Spain’s defeat to England in the Euro 2025 final. Her standout performances as the best player in both the Euros and Champions League sealed the deal, edging out Arsenal’s Alessia Russo and Barcelona’s Mariona Caldentey.

Other Major Awards
• Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player, Under 21): Lamine Yamal (Barcelona)
The 18-year-old wunderkind took home this award without contest, with speculation swirling about his potential for the senior Ballon d’Or in future years. Yamal’s speech humbly acknowledged the bigger prize ahead.

• Yashin Trophy (Donnaruma): Now in Manchester City, however the Italian shotstopper was pivotal during PSG’s quest for its first European glory.

• Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
Honoring their dominant 2024-25 campaign, including Champions League victory. The Paris crowd erupted as DJ Snake presented the award amid chants.

• Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal
Recognized for their undefeated run in the Champions League and overall excellence.

• Coach of the Year: Luis Enrique

Highlights and reactions
The evening was a mix of glamour and minor gaffes—think awkward dance breaks and a quirky DJ presentation—but the focus remained on the stars. Dembélé’s win has sparked debates on X and beyond, with fans crediting his team’s support while others lament Salah’s perennial near-miss. “What does Mo Salah have to do?” one BBC commenter quipped.

Bonmatí’s third win cements her as a legend at just 27, though some voices argued for Russo’s dual Euros and Champions League heroics. Real Madrid’s boycott drama from 2024 was absent this year, with their stars like Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior attending gracefully despite missing the podium.

Sports

Ballon d’Or: 2025 Women’s Club Of The Year Emerge

Published

2 days ago

September 23, 2025

Editor

Arsenal Women have been named the 2025 Women’s Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris on Monday night.

The award comes after a historic season for the Gunners, who lifted the UEFA Women’s Champions League, defeating Barcelona 1-0 in the final in Lisbon. Stina Blackstenius scored the decisive goal to hand Arsenal their second European crown.

Beyond their European success, the North London side also impressed domestically, finishin second in the Women’s Super League and reaching the semi-finals of the League Cup..

The Women’s Club of the Year award recognises not only on-field success but also the club’s wider contribution to the growth of the women’s game.

Arsenal’s strong development structure, international recognition, and fan engagement were also factors behind their recognition.

Sports

Ballon d’Or: PSG Win Best Team Of The Year

Published

2 days ago

September 23, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain have been crowned the Best Team of 2025 at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris on Monday night.

The French champions, who enjoyed a remarkable season both domestically and in Europe, were recognised for their consistency and dominance across competitions.

The French giants enjoyed an extraordinary 2024-25 season, capturing four major trophies: the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, the UEFA Champions League, and the Trophée des Champions.

They also reached the final of the FIFA Club World Cup, underlining their quality and ability to compete with the very best across continents.

The Best Team award at the Ballon d’Or gala highlights the Parisians’ evolution from domestic dominance to genuine European and global contenders.