Sports

We’ll Invest In Sports In Edo, Discover More Osimhen, Imasuangbon Vows

Published

3 years ago

May 9, 2023

An educationist cum philanthropist, Barrister Kenneth Imasuangbon, says the right attention and priority would be given to sports and sports development in Edo State if given the mandate to serve the good people of the state as their governor.

Imasuangbon, popularly referred to as the ‘Riceman’ made his intention known in a congratulatory message he signed and sent to Victor Osimhen over the emergence of his club as the champions of Seria A League, a copy of which was made available to INFO DAILY in Benin on late Tuesday.

The educationist noted that with the right investment in sports hundreds of Osimhen would not only be discovered but groomed to stardom.

While promising to prioritise sports development, he pointed out that he would churn out policies that would engender sport development in the state, if given the opportunity to serve as governor.

He promised that the foremost Principal Cup and Inter House Sports in public schools would be revatilised for talent discovery, while grassroots sports development would be encouraged by creating the enabling environment.

The statement read: “Yes, Osimhen has done exceedingly well for himself; he has not only made his family proud, he has been a good ambassador of our dear state and Nigeria in general.

“Let’s not forget that he achieved this feat through consistency and a dint of hardwork which is the hallmark of every Edolites.

“We are indeed proud of him as he has been an inspiration to many of our youths.

“This is why when I become the governor, we will ensure that sports development is accorded the rightful place in our overall developmental agenda.

“Sports is no longer a leisure, it’s now a money spinning business, in addition to the fact that sports can curb youths restiveness.

“We will work assiduously to attract the right investment into sports and thus discover more Osimhen in no distant time.

“On behalf of my family and team, I heartily rejoice and congratulate Victor Osimhen for the successes he has recorded with the Italian clubside. He has not only won the league, but he is in run for the highest goal scorer in Seria A.”

Sports

AFCON 2025: Lookman Scores Winner As Super Eagles Start Campaign With 2–1 Victory Over Tanzania

Published

14 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Editor

Ademola Lookman scored what proved to be the decisive goal as Nigeria beat Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles came into the match as heavy favourites to win and dominated the opening exchanges.

After coming close a few times, the three-time champions took the lead through Semi Ajayi.

The ball was recycled following a corner-kick, before Alex Iwobi crossed it into the area for Ajayi to head home.

Tanzania equalized after Charles M’Mombwa found himself unmarked inside the area.

But two minutes later, Nigeria struck the winner through Lookman, who took a few touches and finished with his left foot.

Sports

JUST IN: Dembélé Named FIFA Best Men’s Player, Bonmatí Wins Women’s Award

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2025

Editor

Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has been awarded the FIFA Best Men’s Player for 2025, following a season in which he contributed significantly to both his club and the France national team.

Dembélé, known for his pace, creativity, and goal-scoring ability, played a central role in Paris Saint-Germain’s campaigns across domestic and European competitions. His performances for the national team also helped France secure notable results in international fixtures.

Speaking on the recognition, Dembélé said, “It is a great honour to receive this award. I could not have achieved this without my teammates at PSG and in the national team, whose support has been invaluable.”

In the women’s category, Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí was named FIFA Best Women’s Player for 2025. Bonmatí was influential in Barcelona’s domestic and European campaigns, providing leadership, vision, and creativity in midfield. She also played a key role in Spain’s international successes.

“This award reflects the hard work of my teammates and coaches,” Bonmatí said. “I am grateful for their guidance and support throughout the season.”

The announcements reaffirm FIFA’s recognition of individual excellence in football while highlighting the contributions of players to both club and country.

Sports

Court Fixes Date To Hear Sala Compensation Dispute

Published

2 weeks ago

December 9, 2025

Editor

A commercial court examining the long-running dispute between Cardiff City and French club Nantes over compensation for the death of Emiliano Sala in a plane crash said Monday it would give its decision on March 30 next year.

Sala, a 28-year-old Argentine striker, died when the light aircraft taking him to the Welsh capital came down in the English Channel on January 21, 2019, two days after he had signed for the then-Premier League side. He and pilot David Ibbotson were killed.

The Welsh club took the case to the Nantes commercial court in 2023 to claim compensation for loss of income and other damages suffered by the club as a result of the player’s death.

Following an analysis conducted by an expert appointed by Cardiff City, the club estimated their losses at over 120 million euros ($139.5 million). Lawyers for both clubs made their cases at Monday’s hearing.

The Welsh club argue that Nantes, through their intermediary, agent Willie McKay, were the organisers of the private flight on which the footballer was travelling and that, if the transfer was effective at the time of the accident according to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it is the organisation of this flight that is at issue.

Cardiff City’s lawyer, Olivier Loizon, told the court Monday, Willie McKay “could not have been unaware of the illegality of the flight”, and argued that the agent had acted with “negligence”.

“Whatever the ultimate cause of the accident, (Sala) should not have been on the flight,” he added.

Nantes’ lawyer, Jerome Marsaudon, insisted Monday the only agent authorised by the club in connection with the transfer was Mark McKay, the son of Willie McKay.

The elder McKay “was simply helping his son, given his extensive experience”, the lawyer said.

“It is sad to see that Cardiff have exploited this tragedy and turned it into a genuine legal farce,” he added. “Nothing in this case justifies holding FC Nantes liable.”

Prior to the start of the hearing, a Nantes representative said the club “have no doubt that Cardiff’s claims will be rejected outright, just like all the others”.

In another case related to the dispute between the two clubs, CAS ruled in 2022 that Sala’s transfer had definitely been finalised at the time of his death.

In 2023, world football’s governing body FIFA ordered Cardiff to pay Nantes the balance of Sala’s transfer fee, which at the time amounted to just over 11 million euros out of a total of 17 million euros.