Sport

Nigeria’s Super Falcons will face Senegal Women’s National Football Team in a double-header international friendly during the June FIFA women’s international window as preparations intensify for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ogun State. The fixtures are expected to form a key part of the team’s preparations ahead of the continental tournament scheduled to hold in Morocco next year. Details of the encounters were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show. Read Also: Ranchers Bees Return to NPFL After 16-Year Absence The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned friendly match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. Reports indicated that the timing of the proposed tour would not have compelled clubs to release players for the fixtures. With the UK training tour shelved, the Senegal friendlies are expected to provide coach Justine Madugu and his technical crew an opportunity to assess players, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign. The matches are also expected to support Nigeria’s long-term preparations toward qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Senegal are considered a strong regional opponent, with observers expecting their physical and organised style of play to provide Nigeria with a competitive tactical test across both fixtures. The Super Falcons, widely regarded as the most successful women’s football team in Africa, will be aiming to fine-tune their squad as they pursue another continental title.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano The Kano State Government has described sports as an emerging instrument for national unity, youth engagement and economic growth, saying the sector is gradually becoming a major contributor to Nigeria’s economy. The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Murtala Sule Garo, stated this on Friday during the closing ceremony of the North-West Veterans All-Star Renewed Hope Tournament held at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium. Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, Garo said the tournament successfully brought together former footballers, sports stakeholders and supporters from across the North-West region in an atmosphere of unity, discipline and mutual respect. He noted that the competition served as a platform for reconnecting veteran athletes with younger generations while preserving sporting heritage and promoting positive values among youths. Read Also: APC Screens Shehu Isa Driver for Kano Central Senatorial Contest Kano Central Race: Groups Appeal to Shekarau to Decline Ticket INEC Attendance at NDC Convention Ends Registration Speculation “The event has brought together former players, stakeholders and supporters in an atmosphere defined by unity, discipline and mutual respect,” he said. Garo commended the organisers for sustaining the initiative, stressing that sports remained one of the strongest platforms for peaceful coexistence and constructive youth engagement. According to him, the Kano State Government is ready to deepen collaboration with the National Sports Commission and other relevant stakeholders to expand sports development and create wider opportunities for youths across the region. Earlier during a courtesy visit to the deputy governor’s office, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, said the commission was repositioning sports as a structured national asset capable of creating jobs, attracting investment and strengthening internal security through youth engagement. He explained that ongoing reforms in the sector were aimed at reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensuring that professionals drive sports administration in the country. “Sports is now being driven as both an economic and developmental instrument,” Dikko stated. He disclosed that Nigerian athletes won more than 373 international medals within two quarters of 2025, while the sports sector generated about 140,000 jobs in the third quarter alone. According to him, the figure later increased to over 240,000 jobs in the last quarter, alongside more than $50 billion in private sector investments within the sports ecosystem. Dikko also urged North-West states to strengthen grassroots sports development and improve participation in national competitions, lamenting that many talented athletes from the region now represent other states due to weak local support systems. Highlights of the event included the presentation of sporting items such as tracksuits and football jerseys to the deputy governor in recognition of Kano State’s support for sports development. Garo also presented gifts to members of the delegation in what organisers described as a symbolic gesture aimed at strengthening collaboration between federal and state institutions in sports development. The tournament attracted participants and sports stakeholders from across the North-West as part of ongoing efforts to reposition sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and economic advancement.

Ahmad Hamisu Gwale Ranchers Bees FC have officially secured their place in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2026/2027 season. The Kaduna State based club sealed promotion despite a 2–0 loss to Gombe United on Wednesday in their Nigeria National League (NNL) Matchday 12 fixture. Ranchers Bees finished top of the NNL Conference D table with 20 points in the 2025/2026 season. Read Also: Ganduje Pushes Sports as Tool for Youth Empowerment They joined Inter Lagos, Sporting Lagos, and Doma United as the four clubs promoted to the NPFL for next season. Their last appearance in the top-flight league was during the 2009/2010 season. Meanwhile, all four promoted clubs are privately owned, highlighting the growing role of private investment in Nigerian football. Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar and a member of the House of Representatives representing Kaduna North, Bello El-Rufai, have recently acquired ownership of Ranchers Bees FC. Founded in the 1970s, Ranchers Bees FC was once a dominant force in northern Nigerian football, reaching the 1988 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup final and winning the 1989 WAFU Cup.

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano 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.