We won't stop Favour Ofili from dumping Nigeria for Turkey – AFN - Newstrends
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We won’t stop Favour Ofili from dumping Nigeria for Turkey – AFN

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Favour Ofili

We won’t stop Favour Ofili from dumping Nigeria for Turkey – AFN

President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, says the federation won’t stop women’s 150m world record holder, Favour Ofili, from switching her nationality to Turkey.

Okowa expressed surprise at the 22-year-old’s apparent allegiance transfer, as the federation awaits a reply from World Athletics.

Ofili is alleged to have shifted allegiance to the European country just three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

The 22-year-old’s transfer was initially revealed by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor, who stated that Ofili had informed the Athletics Integrity Unit of her dissatisfaction with the Nigerian Athletics Federation.

In reacting to the development, Okowa, who admitted that the AFN had let the athlete down on different occasions, said he was surprised, as the athlete has also been paid a training grant this year.

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“If this is true, it is sad, disheartening and painful, but we are yet to get any official statement from her or any correspondence from World Athletics on her request. She is a promising athlete with huge potential,” Okowa said in a statement.

“From the moves we have been making to get her fully prepared and back to the big athletics family and her response, it’s also clear that she had been preparing and working on her newfound Turkish love. She is old enough to decide what’s best for her, but it is painful and hard to take for us; however, we will not stop her. She is still our child, sister and daughter.

“We want to apologise to Nigerians, the National Sports Commission and the millions of people around the world who hold the sport and country in high esteem for this sad development.”

Meanwhile, the World Athletics Federation still identifies Ofili as a Nigerian athlete on its profile.

The 22-year-old is one among several Nigerian athletes who have qualified for the World Championships, which will take place in Tokyo from September 13 to 21.

This year, the Turkish athletics association has been looking for athletes, especially Jamaicans, and is reportedly offering up to $500,000 to foreign athletes who transfer allegiance to the European country.

Following administrative lapses, Nigeria has a long list of athletes who left the country for other countries and went on to excel in their careers, including Francis Obikwelu (Portugal), Gloria Alozie (Spain), Florence Ekpo-Umoh (Germany), Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), and Femi Ogunode (Qatar), among others.

We won’t stop Favour Ofili from dumping Nigeria for Turkey – AFN

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Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

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Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

Bayern Munich have secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid, sealing a 6-4 aggregate win in one of the most electrifying ties of the season.

The Champions League quarter-final second leg delivered fireworks from the outset, with five goals scored in a chaotic first half. Real Madrid took the lead three different times, but Bayern responded on each occasion, showcasing resilience and attacking depth.

England captain Harry Kane was once again central to Bayern’s success, scoring his 50th goal of the season, a remarkable milestone that underlines his impact since joining the German giants. Madrid, however, refused to back down, pushing Bayern to the limit in a pulsating encounter.

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After the break, the tempo slowed as both teams adopted a more cautious, tactical approach. With the tie delicately poised and extra time looming, the decisive moment came late in the game. Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga received a second yellow card for a foul on Kane, leaving the Spanish side with 10 men at a crucial stage.

Bayern took full advantage. In the closing moments, Luis Díaz combined with Jamal Musiala before curling a deflected strike into the top corner, scoring his 24th goal of the season and effectively deciding the tie.

Any hopes of a late Madrid comeback were extinguished in extra time when Michael Olise added Bayern’s fourth goal of the night, sealing a famous win and sending the Bundesliga side through.

With this victory, Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid becomes one of the standout fixtures of this season’s UEFA Champions League, highlighting Bayern’s attacking power and determination.

The German champions will now face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster Champions League semi-final, setting up a high-stakes clash between two of Europe’s most dangerous attacking teams.

Bayern Survive Real Madrid Comeback to Reach UCL Semi-Finals Against PSG

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Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

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Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

Paris Saint-Germain have eliminated Liverpool FC from the UEFA Champions League after a tense second leg at Anfield, with Ousmane Dembélé scoring twice to secure a 2–0 win on the night and progression to the semi-finals.

PSG entered the return leg with a two-goal advantage from the first meeting in Paris and were forced to withstand heavy pressure in a noisy Anfield atmosphere. Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, pushed aggressively from the start but were repeatedly frustrated by PSG’s defensive structure and goalkeeping resilience.

The first half saw chances at both ends, with PSG creating early openings through Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Dembélé, both denied by key saves from Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. At the other end, Liverpool struggled to convert possession into clear scoring opportunities despite moments of attacking intent.

Liverpool’s night took a further hit with injury concerns to Hugo Ekitike, forcing an early tactical reshuffle that saw Mohamed Salah introduced earlier than planned, after Alexander Isak had been handed a surprise starting role.

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PSG came closest before the break but failed to capitalise on several openings, including a missed chance by Dembélé from a promising position. Liverpool also had appeals overturned after a VAR review denied a penalty following a challenge involving Willian Pacho and Alexis Mac Allister.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute when Dembélé latched onto a pass from Kvaratskhelia and finished clinically to give PSG control of the tie. As Liverpool pushed forward in search of a comeback, gaps opened in their defence, which PSG exploited in transition.

Late in the game, substitute Bradley Barcola set up Dembélé for a simple close-range finish, sealing the victory and confirming Liverpool’s elimination from the competition.

The result marks another disappointing European exit for Liverpool, who fail to progress beyond the knockout stages despite expectations of a deep run. PSG, meanwhile, continue their pursuit of a first UEFA Champions League title and will now face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

Dembélé Brace Sends PSG Past Liverpool Into UCL Semi-Finals

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Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

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Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano
Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Inter Miami CF have entered a period of uncertainty after head coach Javier Mascherano resigned with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The club, co-owned by former England international David Beckham, confirmed the Argentine’s departure, stating that Mascherano stepped down for “personal reasons” after discussions with the club’s leadership.

The resignation comes during a shaky run of form for Inter Miami, despite having global superstar Lionel Messi in the squad. The team suffered a 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on the opening day of the season and was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

In the MLS campaign, Inter Miami have drawn three of their last four matches and currently sit in the lower half of the 30-team league table, raising early concerns about consistency and competitiveness in the 2026 MLS season.

Despite the difficult start, Mascherano departs with a strong legacy after a highly successful first season in charge. Appointed in January 2025 with no prior senior managerial experience, he guided Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, along with an Eastern Conference championship.

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Under his leadership, the club also enjoyed a record-breaking offensive season, scoring over 100 goals across all competitions and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant attacking sides in MLS history.

Inter Miami also made global headlines during the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first MLS side to reach the knockout stages, marking a major milestone for the league.

In his farewell statement, Mascherano thanked the club, players, staff, and fans, describing the MLS Cup triumph as a historic achievement he would “always carry” with him.

Managing owner Jorge Mas praised Mascherano’s impact, calling him a key figure in the club’s history and commending his leadership in delivering silverware and raising the club’s global profile.

Inter Miami have not yet announced a permanent replacement, but the club is expected to appoint an interim coach as they begin the search for a long-term successor.

Despite the sudden managerial exit, the club insists its long-term project remains unchanged, although Mascherano’s departure adds fresh pressure on a squad built around ageing stars and high expectations.

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

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