Sports
JUST IN: FG Reverses Nigeria’s Ban From Basketball Competition
Published
3 years agoon
By
Editor
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate return of Nigeria to international basketball competitions.
This was announced on Thursday by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Ismaila Abubakar, at a press briefing in Abuja.
According to him, the approval was granted following a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, which was signed by Musa Kida, leader of the Nigeria Basketball Federation board, and addressed to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
Abubakar said, “The letter appealed to the Minister to use his good offices to approach President Buhari for the reversal of the 2-year withdrawal of Nigeria from international basketball competitions.
“The Appeal letter also critically gave some key undertakings: to immediately set in motion the process of status review or constitutional amendments from stakeholders as collated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to set up a high-powered team to reconcile all contending parties in the basketball family at home and abroad, and a commitment to work with the Ministry in the governance and development of basketball among other things.
“Flowing from the above and upon a review, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development approached and placed these developments before President Muhammadu Buhari being one that is committed to youth development and desirous of ensuring that they are availed of all opportunities in sports and other endeavors considered the appeal and in the overriding spirit of national interest, love for our youth, and in order to avoid sending basket development into a long period of suspension when NBBF have now committed to the resolution of the issues which precipitated the withdrawal in the first place has approved the return of Nigeria to international basketball immediately.”
READ ALSO: Nigeria Withdraws From International Basketball Competitions
Furthermore, Abubakar said despite the approval, the stakeholders were warned to ensure that the country’s law are not subjugated to any other law.
“Failure to do this, as with any constitutionally bound sovereign nation, will attract sanctions. There was first a country before any organization or federation that bears the Nigerian name, colours and flag us representing Nigeria.
“Secondly, that all those that lead government organizations and in this case our federations, hold such positions in trust for the Government and people of Nigeria under the direct supervision of the Minister of Youth and Sports,” he said.
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Sports
Full List: UEFA Fine Chelsea, Barcelona, Three Others For Breaking Financial Rules
Published
20 hours agoon
July 4, 2025By
Editor
Chelsea, Barcelona and Aston Villa were among several clubs fined by UEFA on Friday for breaching European football’s financial sustainability requirements.
UEFA said the clubs had not complied with its football earnings rule. Chelsea and Villa were also penalised for breaching the squad cost rule.
Chelsea were ordered to pay a fine of 31 million euros ($36.5 million) for the two breaches. They could have to pay an additional 60 million euros if they fail to comply by the end of a four-year period as part of a settlement agreement.
READ ALSO:Chelsea Sign Brazilian Joao Pedro From Brighton
The Blues have spent the most money of any club in Europe since a consortium led by US businessman Todd Boehly bought the Premier League giants in 2022.
Barcelona incurred a fine of 15 million euros, with a further 45 million euros conditional on a two-year settlement agreement.
Villa must pay 11 million euros and risk a further fine of 15 million euros if they breach the terms of their three-year deal.
French club Lyon have agreed to be excluded from European competition if their relegation to Ligue 2 on financial grounds is confirmed. They were also fined 12.5 million euros.
Full list of clubs hit by UEFA fine and amount
Chelsea: 20M€
Barcelona: 15M€
Lyon: 12.5M€
Aston Villa: 11M€
Roma: 3M€
Sports
Liverpool, Football World Mourn Diogo Jota As Tributes Pour In
Published
2 days agoon
July 3, 2025By
Editor
Tributes have continued to pour in following the tragic death of Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and his younger brother, André Silva, in a car accident in Spain.
Liverpool Football Club, in an official statement on Thursday, expressed profound grief at the news of the 28-year-old’s passing.
“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” the club said. “The club have been informed the 28-year-old has passed away following a road traffic accident in Spain along with his brother, Andre.”
The Merseyside club requested privacy for the grieving family, adding, “Liverpool FC will be making no further comment at this time and request the privacy of Diogo and Andre’s family, friends, teammates and club staff is respected as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. We will continue to provide them with our full support.”
READ ALSO:Liverpool ‘Devastated’ By Diogo Jota’s Death
Clubs across the English Premier League also joined in mourning the Portugal international.
Chelsea Football Club shared its condolences on social media, stating, “Everyone at Chelsea FC is devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre. Our thoughts go out to their family, friends and all at Liverpool FC at this incredibly difficult time.”
Manchester City also issued a heartfelt message, stating, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to learn about the devastating news regarding the passing of Diogo Jota. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
Newcastle United added, “We are deeply saddened to learn the heartbreaking news of Diogo Jota’s passing. Our heartfelt condolences are with Diogo’s young family, friends and everyone at Liverpool Football Club during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Diogo.”
READ ALSO:BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Dead
The Professional Footballers’ Association, said, “We are deeply shocked and saddened at the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their family, loved ones, and Diogo’s teammates and friends at Liverpool FC. He was a loving father with a young family and a remarkable talent, hugely respected across the game. This is an unimaginable loss, and both will be greatly missed.”
Former Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea also reacted to the news, writing simply on social media, adding, “Sometimes life is very cruel.”
The tragic passing of Jota and his brother has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, with tributes continuing to flow in for the two brothers remembered for their talent, humility, and dedication to the sport.
Sports
5 ‘Big’ Recent Events Diogo Jota Had Before His Death
Published
2 days agoon
July 3, 2025By
Editor
The global football community is united in grief following the devastating news of Diogo Jota’s passing.
The Liverpool and Portugal forward, 28 years old, died this morning in a car accident in Spain.
His untimely death has cast a somber shadow over the sport, coming just weeks after a period of immense personal joy and professional triumph that showcased his burgeoning talent and cherished connections.
Jota’s recent life was marked by a series of significant milestones that underscored his growing stature in both club and international football.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Is Dead
5 Major Recent Milestones for Jota
UEFA Nations League Final Win
Just weeks before his passing, in early June 2025, Jota was a pivotal member of the Portugal squad that triumphed in the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain in the final. This marked a significant international achievement for the talented forward.
Premier League Champion
In April 2025, Jota played a crucial role in Liverpool’s Premier League title victory. His contributions were vital in securing the coveted domestic league title for the Reds.
READ ALSO: Liverpool ‘Devastated’ By Diogo Jota’s Death
100th Liverpool Start Milestone
In late 2024 (specifically, October 5, 2024), Jota marked his 100th start for Liverpool across all competitions. He celebrated this milestone by scoring a goal against Crystal Palace, highlighting his consistent impact for the club.
Marriage to Rute Cardoso
On June 22, 2025, just ten days before his tragic death, Diogo Jota married his long-term partner Rute Cardoso. This publicly celebrated event was a joyful personal milestone, shared with their three children.
Continues Playing and Streaming (FIFA eSports)
Jota remained highly active both on the football pitch and in the world of competitive gaming. He was known for his elite FIFA (now EA FC) skills, even achieving a world No. 1 ranking, and ran his own esports organization, Luna Galaxy. His engagement in streaming provided a unique connection with fans and showcased his diverse talents beyond professional football.
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