Sport

The immediate past Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has called on public and private sector operators to invest massively in grassroots sports development as a strategy to empower youths and diversify Nigeria’s economy. Ganduje, who serves as the grand patron of Gandujiyya Babes FC, made the call while receiving players and officials of the Nationwide League One (NLO) side during a courtesy visit. He emphasized that nurturing young athletes, providing modern sports infrastructure, and sponsoring grassroots competitions remain critical pathways to advancing Nigeria’s human capital development. The former governor commended the club’s management for sustaining its operations over the past decade, describing their commitment as vital to youth development in the state. He, however, expressed concern over the decline in financial support to amateur football clubs in Kano, noting that NLO teams have faced challenges since the cessation of intervention funds previously disbursed during his administration. Related: Ganduje Applauds Dan’amu, Cites Tinubu’s Impact Ganduje Commissions Mosque, Islamiyya School in Kano Ganduje, Kuku Lead Nigeria’s Airports Into a New Era Ganduje stated that recent political realignments would usher in renewed support for clubs affiliated with the NLO Kano Forum, assuring stakeholders of improved funding and encouragement. He further disclosed his readiness to intervene, in collaboration with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, to resuscitate grassroots football activities and restore stability within the sector. According to him, the global sports industry remains one of the fastest-growing sectors, stressing that Kano and Nigeria at large must leverage grassroots sports for both economic and social development, in line with global development frameworks. Reflecting on his tenure, Ganduje noted that significant investments were made in sports to enable youths realize their potential, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would be sustained. In his remarks, Chairman of Gandujiyya Babes FC, Ibrahim Usman Arzai, appreciated Ganduje’s longstanding support, highlighting the role of key stakeholders in sustaining the club. He revealed plans to embark on a statewide awareness tour across the 44 local government areas to engage youths on new sports initiatives under the current administration. Arzai added that the club has empowered hundreds of youths through its programmes and remains committed to talent development. The event also featured the presentation of the club’s newly appointed head coach, Muhammad Inuwa Baba, to the grand patron.

Barau Football Club defeated Kun Khalifat FC 1-0 in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 26 on Saturday, completing a home-and-away double over the newly promoted side this season. The match, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, saw the Maliya Boys keep their hopes alive in the league. New signing Joseph Atule scored in the 75th minute from Sugau Aliyu’s precise crossing, marking his first goal for Barau FC this season. The first half ended goalless, reflecting the competitive nature of the encounter, with both sides showing determination and skill. Following the vital three points, Barau FC moved up to 11th position on the NPFL table with 33 points from 25 matches, with one outstanding fixture against Rivers United. Read Also: Barau FC Strengthens Partnership with Ex-Kano Players to Boost Sports Development In a post-match interview, Barau FC coach Eugene Agagbe thanked Almighty God for the victory and expressed optimism about the club’s performance and prospects for the remainder of the season. Meanwhile, striker Joseph Atule was voted Man of the Match by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter, for his decisive goal. Barau FC XI vs Kun Khalifat FC, Chisom Chiaha (GK), Orji Kalu, Bismark Duah, Sugau Aliyu, Jimmy Ambrose, Hillary Ekawu, Usman Maidubji (C), Sunday Antony, Uche Moses, Henry Ezeonye, Muhammad Umar. Substitutes: Emeka Nwabulu (GK), Nura Ibrahim, Moses Tsehuan, Joseph Atule, Nana Abraham, Ibrahim Yunusa, Emmanuel Okoko, Amah Chibundu. Substitutions: 39’ – Joseph Atule replaces Uche Moses; 73’ – Kabir Abdullahi and Amah Chibundu replace Hillary Ekawu and Henry Ezeonye; 86’ – Nura Ibrahim replaces Usman Maidubji. Unused Substitutes: Emeka Nwabulu (GK), Moses Tsehuan, Emmanuel Okoko, Nana Abraham, Ibrahim Yunusa Sulaiman. Barau FC will now focus on Matchday 27, traveling to face Warri Wolves in Ozoro, and also to face the rescheduled Matchday 25 fixture against Rivers United in Port Harcourt. Signed: Ahmad Hamisu Gwale Director of Media, Barau Football Club 14/02/2026

Victor Osimhen reached a major career milestone on Sunday night after scoring his 200th professional goal as Galatasaray thrashed Kayserispor 4-0 in a Turkish Super Lig encounter. The Nigeria international was instrumental in the dominant victory, scoring once and providing an assist as the Yellow and Reds maintained their impressive league form. Osimhen netted Galatasaray’s second goal from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, calmly converting to mark his 200th career strike. He later turned provider, teeing up Gabriel Sara for his side’s third goal on the hour mark in a commanding display. The 27-year-old has now registered 165 goals at club level and 35 for Nigeria, underlining his status as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards. Read Also: Senegal Clinch Dramatic AFCON Title After Extra-Time Win Over Morocco Osimhen has scored 14 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray this season, continuing to play a key role in the club’s title push. With the victory, Galatasaray consolidated their position at the top of the Super Lig table, moving to 49 points.

Senegal secured a dramatic 1–0 victory over Morocco after extra time on Sunday to claim the Africa Cup of Nations title at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, ending the hosts’ long unbeaten home record in a final marred by controversy. The pulsating encounter was decided by a moment of individual brilliance in extra time, but the match will be remembered largely for an unprecedented protest that temporarily brought proceedings to a halt. With the scoreline still goalless deep into second-half stoppage time, Senegal appeared to have taken the lead through Ismaila Sarr, only for the effort to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Moments later, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a shirt pull on Brahim Díaz inside the box. In a dramatic turn, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch in protest against the officiating decisions. The standoff lasted over 15 minutes before senior players, led by captain Sadio Mané, persuaded the team to return to the field. Read Also: 1994 AFCON Champion and Super Eagles Legend Peter Rufai Dies at 61 The tension intensified when Díaz stepped up to take the penalty, attempting an audacious panenka. Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, however, stood firm and saved the spot kick, sending the final into extra time. Senegal eventually broke the deadlock through midfielder Pape Gueye, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike that curled into the far corner, leaving Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou rooted to the spot. The Teranga Lions professionally managed the closing stages of the game to seal their second AFCON title and shatter Morocco’s 16-year unbeaten run on home soil, which dated back to 2009. Both sides had chances during regulation time. Bounou had earlier denied Iliman Ndiaye with a fine save in the first half, while Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi missed a clear opportunity late in the game, firing wide when clean through on goal. In the end, Senegal’s resilience, composure under pressure and ability to navigate a night of chaos proved decisive, sealing a historic and turbulent AFCON triumph.

Former England striker Wayne Rooney has named his top three standout performers in the Premier League so far this season. Rooney made the selection while speaking on Amazon Prime, highlighting Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, and Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres as his top choices. “Top three, probably Semenyo. I think he’s been brilliant for Bournemouth, carrying on his form from last season,” Rooney said. Read Also: Barcelona Asked Lewandowski to Stop Scoring to Avoid €2.5m Payment – Biography Claims “I’d also put Bryan Mbeumo in there. I think he’s been really good for Manchester United, even after a difficult start to the season for the club.” He added that his third pick would be Arsenal’s Gyokeres, noting the striker’s consistent impact for the Gunners.

Barcelona reportedly asked star striker Robert Lewandowski to stop scoring goals towards the end of his first season with the club to avoid triggering a financial clause in his transfer deal. The revelation is contained in a newly published biography titled “Lewandowski. Prawdziwy” (“Lewandowski. The Real One”) authored by Sebastian Staszewski, which details behind-the-scenes events from the 2022–23 season. According to the book, the conversation took place after Barcelona secured the LaLiga title under former manager Xavi Hernandez, with two fixtures remaining in the campaign. Read Also: Barau FC Leadership Holds First-Ever Meeting At the time, Lewandowski led the scoring charts with 23 goals—two short of a milestone that would have activated a performance-related add-on. Staszewski claims the Polish striker was summoned for a meeting with top club executives, where he was reportedly told: “Robert, we need you to stop scoring goals in the last two matches.” The reason, the biography states, was purely financial. Scoring 25 league goals would have obliged Barcelona to pay Bayern Munich an additional €2.5 million as part of the agreement that brought Lewandowski to Camp Nou. (Sports)  

The Super Eagles have booked their place in the final of the African playoffs for the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 4-1 victory over Gabon in Rabat on Thursday. Victor Osimhen led the charge with a brilliant brace, while Chidera Ejuke and Akor Adams added a goal each as Nigeria found their rhythm late into extra time at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. The win moves Osimhen closer to Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing record as Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, with the Napoli forward now on 31 goals—just six behind Yekini’s 37. Read Also: Super Eagles Resume Training After Boycott Over Unpaid Allowances Despite a disrupted buildup marked by players’ protests over unpaid allowances, the Eagles maintained focus once the whistle blew. Osimhen had several chances early in the game but was denied by Gabon’s impressive goalkeeper, Loyce Mbaba. Nigeria finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Akor Adams capitalized on a defensive error to slot home his second goal for the national team. However, Gabon equalized through Mario Lemina in the 89th minute, forcing the game into extra time. In the extra period, Nigeria’s attacking prowess came alive. Ejuke netted his first goal for the Eagles, before Osimhen’s double sealed a comfortable victory for the three-time African champions. The Super Eagles will now face either Congo DR or Cameroon in Sunday’s final of the African playoffs. The winner will claim Africa’s sole ticket to the intercontinental playoff for the 2026 World Cup.