Sports

Obaseki Hosts Victorious Edo Queens, Champions Of WAFU Zone B

Published

10 months ago

August 28, 2024

…fetes team with cash gifts

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, received the victorious Edo Queen, winners of the CAF Women’s League WAFU B Qualifiers, rewarding the team with N100m cash.

Obaseki received the players and management team of the State’s female football club, at the Government House, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

He was joined by his wife, Betsy; the Deputy Governor, Marvellous Godwins Omobayo and his wife, Sandra; the Governorship Candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Asue Ighodalo and his wife; Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries, among others.

The governor noted that the State is in a celebration mood as Edo will be celebrating its 33 years anniversary as a State tomorrow, adding that the trophy was a great way to celebrate with the people of the State.

According to him, “I am so glad and thank God that the works we have done in the last eight years are beginning to pay. When we came into office in 2016, nobody respected Edo women, nobody wanted to stay here in Edo State and the government didn’t care about the people.

“They failed to know that sports is the lifeline of Edo youths. I thank God we have changed the narrative and now Edo women are now African icons, and Edo Queens is West African Champions and will become African Champions.”

He added, “I am here to say thank you and congratulate you for the achievement. I will not tell you what I will do if you bring the cup to Edo before I leave. But for this that you have done, the players, coaching crew, supporters club, I give you N100 million.”

On her part, the Edo First Lady congratulated the team for the victory and for conquering the West African region, noting, “In less than a year, you people made the top six in Nigeria, thanks to the Betsy Obaseki Women Football Tournament. You won the national cup to represent Nigeria. You went and now you have conquered West Africa and have become West African champions.

“You have done Nigeria proud and we expect you to conquer Africa.”

Commending the governor for his government’s sustained investment in sports development, the Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli noted, “We played five matches and never lost anyone and didn’t draw anyone. We scored 14 goals and conceded just one goal. The girls have done well.

Also, the team’s coach, Moses Aduku thanked the governor and his wife for the support they gave the team, adding, “This has translated to victory in West Africa.”

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Sports

Pogba Signs For Monaco, Hoping To Revive Career

Published

7 hours ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco to return to football after a near two-year absence, the club announced on Saturday.

The 2018 World Cup winner has made only 12 appearances across the last three seasons due to injuries, an 18-month doping ban and an extortion case in which he was the victim.

Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a match for Juventus and has been free to return to football since March, although his contract at the Italian giants had been terminated last year.

The midfielder will now play club football in Ligue 1 for the first time in his professional career.

“I am determined to get back on the pitch, mentally ready, physically ready, it’s just a matter of time,” the 32-year-old told French television last weekend.

Pogba played in the Le Havre youth team before signing for Manchester United in 2009.

He made only a handful of first-team appearances for the three-time European champions before signing for Juventus in 2012.

Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles in Turin before rejoining United for a then-world record 105 million euros ($123 million).

He moved back to Juventus three years ago but struggled with a series of injuries.

In 2024, his brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in a plot to extort 13 million euros from Pogba in 2022.

Pogba has scored 11 goals in 91 appearances for the France national team, playing a starring role and scoring in their World Cup final victory over Croatia seven years ago.

His new club Monaco will play in the Champions League next season after finishing third in Ligue 1 last term.

Sports

Chelsea Set To Offload Jackson, Madueke, 8 Others [See list]

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are reportedly planning a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 10 players facing the exit door, according to The Athletic.

Among those who could be sold are Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku, as the club aims to raise funds for new signings and streamline their squad ahead of the new season.

Also on the list of potential departures are Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and newly signed Renato Veiga.

Many of these Chelsea players spent last season out on loan and may now be moved on permanently.

The club’s transfer strategy is geared towards meeting key summer objectives, with player sales expected to provide the financial muscle needed to reinforce specific areas of the squad.

Chelsea have already made moves in the transfer market, including the €35.5 million acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

His arrival could push Jackson further down the pecking order, with the striker now being considered for a potential sale.

One of the top targets for the Blues is Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who is seen as a potential replacement for Madueke on the wing.

While Chelsea are keen to trim their squad and raise funds, the departures of Jackson, Madueke, and Nkunku will largely depend on the calibre of offers they receive from interested clubs.

As the Blues prepare for a demanding new season, the coming weeks could see a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.

Sports

Brighton Sign Super Falcons Goalkeeper Nnadozie From Paris FC

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on a free transfer from Paris FC.

The 24-year-old will officially join the club on 1 July, following the expiration of her contract with the French side.

Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience to the Seagulls, having earned 55 caps for Nigeria since making her senior debut in 2018.

She also boasts significant European pedigree, having featured in 16 UEFA Women’s Champions League matches for Paris FC between 2022 and 2025.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic praised the new arrival, saying: “She’s a talented and commanding goalkeeper who will bring consistency and confidence to our defensive line.”

He added: “We’re confident she’ll add both depth and drive to a squad already full of ambition as we continue to build for next season.”