Sports
Continental challenges: Do Nigeria proud, NFF charges Edo Queens, Rangers, others
Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Emmauel Ikpeme, MON, on Thursday expressed confidence in the capacities of WAFU-B Women’s Champions League finalists Edo Queens and the four Clubs flying Nigeria’s flag in continental competitions this weekend to fight hard for the badge and make the nation proud.
Edo Queens, 2024 winners of the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League, will take on Ampem Darkoa of Ghana in the competition’s final in Ouagadougou (capital of Burkina Faso), with the winner guaranteed a spot in this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
In CAF Club competitions, Enugu Rangers and Rivers United FC will begin their campaigns in this year’s Champions League competition with United away to FC San Pedro of Cote d’Ivoire in Abidjan, while Enugu Rangers lock horns with SOBEMAP FC of Benin Republic at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta. Both are first preliminary round, first leg matches.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars Sports Club are up against CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in another first preliminary round, first leg match at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, while El-Kanemi Warriors confront Deportio Nationale of Guinea at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
“I have no doubt in the capacity of each of the teams flying the country’s flag this weekend to make Nigeria proud. However, it is not going to be picnic-time against their equally well-prepared and ambitious opponents. Edo Queens have done very well to get to the final, and I believe they have enough left in their tank to deliver the goods against their Ghanaian opponents and bring the trophy to Nigeria.
“Rangers and Rivers United have the responsibility to start a new song for Nigeria in the CAF Champions League, which we have not won in the past 22 years. Shooting Stars and El-Kanemi Warriors should also take to the pitch at their different venues with gusto, focus, and positive energy. It is time that we begin the journey for a gradual return to the forefront of African club football competitions.”
Edo Queens hammered AS Garde Nationale of Niger Republic 7-0 and defeated ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire 3-1 before losing 1-2 to Ampem Darkoa in their final group phase game.
On Wednesday, they routed USFA of Burkina Faso 5-1 in their first semi-final, and will again face Ampem Darkoa in Saturday’s final at the Stade August 4.
Sports
FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup: Flamingos record 2-0 win over Puerto Rico
Nigeria’s U-17 Women National Team, the Flamingos, kept their campaign at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco on track with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Puerto Rico in their Group B encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The 2022 World Cup bronze-medallists started the game with real intent, pressing high and creating early problems for the Puerto Rican defence. It was a lively opening from both sides, but the Flamingos soon took control with their quick movement and direct play going forward.
The breakthrough came in the 25th minute when in-form striker Oluwakemi Adegbuyi finished brilliantly from Queen Joseph’s assist to put Nigeria 1-0 up. That goal settled the Nigerian girls and gave them the confidence to dominate possession for most of the first half.
In the second period, the Flamingos continued to push for another goal. Queen Joseph, Tosin Rafiu and Favour Nkwocha all came close, while Puerto Rico also tried to find a way back into the game with a couple of changes. Coach Hakeem Busari responded by introducing Awawu Bashiru and Oluebube Umejiaku in the 67th minute to add more energy and bite in attack.
The pressure finally paid off in the 90th minute when Nigeria got the second goal as substitute Precious Oscar nodded home a cross from Kemi Adegbuyi to seal the contest at 2-0. The team showed great maturity to see out six minutes of added time and secure all three points. The victory is a big boost for the Flamingos as North Korea defeated Poland 6-1 in the other match of Group B. The high-score deficit against the Poles is an advantage to the Flamingos ahead of Friday’s Group B encounter against the Koreans.
Sports
NPFL hammers Doma Utd with N5.25m fine, orders 3 home matches behind closed doors
Gombe based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side, Doma United has been fined N5.25 million and ordered to play its next three home matches behind closed doors following security breaches and supporters’ misconduct during its 1-1 draw with Kun Khalifat FC.
The sanctions followed the club’s supporters alleged attack on Kun Khalifat of Owerri during the Matchday 9 fixture played at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe on Saturday, October 17.
In a disciplinary notice issued on Monday, the NPFL said Doma United failed to provide adequate and effective security, allowing unauthorised persons to access restricted areas.
The club was also fined 1 million for hostile conduct towards match officials and another 1 million for gross misconduct involving an official of the visiting team.
The club was further tasked to pa additional N250,000 as compensation for the medical treatment of Kun Khalifat head coach, Obinna Uzoho, who sustained an injury during the incident.
The total financial penalty amounts to 5.25 million, alongside the restriction barring spectators from the club’s next three home fixtures.
The disciplinary action also affects the match commissioner, who has been recommended for demotion to a lower league over alleged dereliction of duty, inadequate supervision and insufficient reporting of the match.
The club has 48 hours from the date of the notice to appeal the decision.
Sports
FIBA congratulates new NBBF president, recognizes election
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has congratulated Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha on his election as President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), acknowledging the successful conduct of the federation’s elective congress held on October 15, 2026.
A statement from the NBBF Media office said FIBA, in an official letter signed by FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis congratulated Mustapha and all elected board members who will serve the federation for the 2026-2030 term.
FIBA’s letter acknowledged receipt of the NBBF’s communication confirming the outcome of the election and commended the federation’s commitment to good governance and compliance with its constitution and applicable FIBA regulations.
The recognition represents a significant endorsement of the electoral process and Mustapha’s emergence as NBBF president, reinforcing the international body’s acknowledgement of the new leadership.
FIBA also recognized the support provided by relevant Nigerian authorities and stakeholders throughout the electoral process, highlighting the importance of institutional cooperation in advancing basketball administration in the country.
The international federation also expressed appreciation to the outgoing NBBF board, led by Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida, for its work and contributions to Nigerian basketball.
Zagklis further recalled his recent meeting with Mustapha in Berlin and expressed his expectation of meeting him again in person, wishing the new president and his colleagues success throughout their tenure.
The new leadership is expected to build on the recognition and institutional support to strengthen basketball development, improve governance and advance Nigeria’s competitiveness on the continental and international stages.
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