Sports

Family of Late Kola Omoniyi Expresses Gratitude to Lagos SWAN, Appeals for Compensation From Afro Sport

Published

8 months ago

January 9, 2025

The family of the late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi, a distinguished Nigerian cameraman, has extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Lagos Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and the wider sports community for their steadfast support following their tragic loss.

Kolawole Omoniyi, who was on official duty covering an AFCON qualifying match between Nigeria and Libya in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, tragically lost his life in an attack by a suspected IPOB group in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria.

Despite a rapid response by a Nigerian Army rescue team, triggered by a Save Our Soul (SOS) request from Lagos SWAN to the Defence Headquarters and other security agencies, Omoniyi succumbed to his injuries.

In the wake of this devastating incident, Lagos SWAN, under the leadership of Ambassador Olatutu Oladunni, provided invaluable support to the Omoniyi family during the funeral, including a generous donation to help cover funeral expenses and assistance in immortalizing the late cameraman through the construction of a befitting tomb. The family expressed profound gratitude for these acts of kindness.

In a letter signed by Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family, they stated:

“The family of Late Kolawole Aderemi Omoniyi wishes to express our deepest thanks to the entire Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, Lagos chapter, for your love, prayers, and unwavering support during this incredibly difficult time. We are deeply touched by your generosity and the care you’ve shown our family.”

“Your donation has alleviated a great burden, and we are sincerely grateful for the financial assistance that has helped us during this time of grief. Your kind words of condolence have also been a source of great comfort to us as we mourn the loss of our beloved father.”

“We also wish to extend our thanks to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, and the Chief of Defence Staff for their prompt response and active role both during and after the tragic incident.”*

The Omoniyi family also expressed their appreciation to the Lagos SWAN for honoring their late father by attending the funeral service, a gesture that provided great solace during this painful time.

Family Appeals for Compensation from Afro Sport

The family has, however, appealed to Afro Sport, the organization that contracted Kolawole Omoniyi and his team for the coverage of the AFCON match, to provide compensation, particularly to his widow. While Afro Sport offered a sum of N1 million for burial arrangements, the family believes that a more substantial compensation is deserved, given the circumstances of Omoniyi’s tragic death.

“We kindly request that Afro Sport consider our plea and provide the necessary support to help us navigate this difficult time,” said Babajide Adisa Omoniyi, on behalf of the family.

Meanwhile, Lagos SWAN has also expressed its deep appreciation to all those involved in recovering and exhuming Kolawole Omoniyi’s body from the shallow grave and returning him to his family.

According to the chairman of Lagos SWAN, Ambassador Oladunni, special appreciation goes to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, GOC 82 Division headed by Maj. Gen. H.T. Dada who authorized and supervised the rescued mission, and Col. A.K. Muhammed (Commander 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Anambra, who led the rescued mission. Brig. Gen. U.A. Lawal, Commander 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, Imo State, who also supported the operations with armoured personnel carriers and other equipment and the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State.

Sports

Liverpool Vs Arsenal: Gunners Seek 1st EPL Win At Anfield Since 2012

Published

7 hours ago

August 31, 2025

Editor

Arsenal head to Anfield this Sunday—seeking a first Premier League win there since 2012—a victory will bolster their title pursuit.

Currently unbeaten in two league matches, Arsenal boast of the division’s best defensive record; Liverpool, the defending champions, have conceded goals early this season.

Liverpool, unbeaten at home in August since 2015, have scored in 36 successive league matches—a potential new record.

Arsenal’s injury list is mounting– Saka, Havertz, Odegaard and Jesus are either out or doubtful.

New 68 million pound signing, Eberechi Eze, may debut.

Mikel Arteta praised Eze’s “special aura” at training; he is expected to spark creativity amid absentee worries.

Liverpool offer positive fitness news; Mac Allister is training again; no new concerns reported by manager Arne Slot.

Arteta says the fixture is “defining” for perception as much as league position; he urges belief through adversity.

Slot admits Arsenal pose a serious threat—particularly from set-pieces—but insists his side is fully prepared.

The Anfield record speaks volumes: League meetings have ended in draws lately.

Arsenal are winless there in 12 league trips—and have not won since 2012.

Head-to-head balance remains tight; in 244 meetings, Liverpool lead 95–83 in wins; 66 ended level.

Recent league matches at Anfield have mostly ended in stalemates, including a 2‑2 draw in May 2025 when Arsenal came from two down.

A draw may be respectable; a loss, predictable under circumstances; a win, however, will irreversibly shift the narrative in Arsenal’s favour.

As the players emerge onto that famed Anfield turf, this fixture transcends tactics; it will come down to mindset, belief—and perhaps a debut that sparks hope.

Game day may well redefine Arsenal’s season.

(NAN)

Sports

Chelsea Vs Barcelona, Arsenal Vs Bayern — UEFA Releases Fixture Date, Time

Published

1 day ago

August 30, 2025

Editor

Chelsea vs Barcelona, Arsenal vs Bayern — UEFA releases fixture date, time
UEFA has officially released the full fixtures, dates, and kick-off times for the 2025/26 Champions League league phase, setting the stage for blockbuster matches involving Europe’s biggest clubs.

The schedule follows the draw held on Thursday, 28 August 2025, which determined the opponents for all 36 participating clubs under the new league-phase format.

According to the schedule, Chelsea will host Barcelona on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, in one of the standout ties of Matchday Five, with kick-off set for 21:00 CET. Arsenal, on the other hand, will face German giants Bayern Munich on the same matchday, also on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, at 21:00 CET.

In Matchday 1, Bayern Munich will host Chelsea at the Allianz Arena in a repeat of the 2012 Champions League final, where the Blues won 4-3 on penalties. On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Barcelona will welcome PSG in the standout fixture for MatchDay 2.

Matchday 4 features another high-profile fixture as Paris Saint-Germain host Bayern Munich on Wednesday, 5 November. On the same night, Liverpool renew their fierce rivalry with Real Madrid at Anfield, with kick-off time set for 21:00 CET.

Now in its second year running, the Champions League is being played under UEFA’s new “league phase” format, which replaced the traditional group stage. Instead of eight groups of four, all 36 participating teams are placed in a single league table, each playing eight different opponents, four at home and four away.

The top eight sides qualify automatically for the round of 16, while teams finishing 9th to 24th will contest a play-off round to secure their spot in the knockouts.

Opening Champions League fixtures (1900 GMT unless stated)

Tuesday, September 16

Athletic Bilbao (ESP) v Arsenal (ENG) (1645 GMT)

PSV Eindhoven (NED) v Union Saint-Gilloise (BEL) (1645 GMT)

Juventus (ITA) v Borussia Dortmund (GER)

Real Madrid (ESP) v Marseille (FRA)

Benfica (POR) v Qarabag (AZE)

Tottenham Hotspur (ENG) v Villarreal (ESP)

Wednesday, September 17

Olympiacos (GRE) v Pafos (CYP) (1645 GMT)

Slavia Prague (CZE) v Bodo/Glimt (NOR) (1645 GMT)

Ajax (NED) v Inter Milan (ITA)

Bayern Munich (GER) v Chelsea (ENG)

Liverpool (ENG) v Atletico Madrid (ESP)

Paris Saint-Germain (FRA) v Atalanta (ITA)

Thursday, September 18

Club Brugge (BEL) v Monaco (FRA) (1645 GMT)

FC Copenhagen (DEN) v Bayer Leverkusen (GER) (1645 GMT)

Eintracht Frankfurt (GER) v Galatasaray (TUR)

Manchester City (ENG) v Napoli (ITA)

Newcastle United (ENG) v Barcelona (ESP)

Sporting (POR) v Kairat Almaty (KAZ)

Sports

West Ham Reject Chance To Sign Andre Onana On Loan

Published

2 days ago

August 30, 2025

Editor

West Ham United have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana on loan, according to The Guardian.

The Hammers are in the market for a new goalkeeper after summer signing Mads Hermansen, who joined from Leicester City, has struggled to impress. However, the club made it clear that Onana, who has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, is not seen as an upgrade on their current options.

The 29-year-old Cameroon international lost his starting spot to Altay Bayindir this season under new United manager Ruben Amorim, and he was offered to West Ham as a potential solution. But the London club rejected the deal.

Onana returned to action in midweek against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup but endured another difficult night as United crashed out to the League Two side. He was partly at fault for the Mariners’ second goal after failing to deal with a cross, and United eventually lost 12-11 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.

West Ham, meanwhile, are actively exploring other targets. Talks are reportedly ongoing with Hull City goalkeeper Ivor Pandur, while the club has also revived its interest in Botafogo’s John Victor, having reached an agreement in principle for the Brazilian during the summer.

Manager Graham Potter is under pressure to resolve the club’s goalkeeping issues, with Hermansen conceding eight goals in just two league appearances, including three from set pieces against Chelsea last weekend. Backup option Alphonse Areola also failed to impress in a 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.