Sports

Apologise or face legal action, Enoh warns Bash Alli

Published

2 years ago

April 29, 2024

Minister of Sports Development, Sen John Enoh

Apologise or face legal action, Enoh warns Bash Alli

Sports Minister, John Enoh, has told former World Boxing Champion, Bash Alli, to make a public apology within a week for making false claims against his person or face legal action.

Enoh’s statement came in the wake of allegations by Alli in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu that the minister demanded $1m from him in order to endorse his plan to stage what he calls the oldest boxers’ fight in Nigeria.

The video, which went viral after chess master, Tunde Onakoya, recently broke the Guinness World Record for chess marathon, has the 68-year-old boxer said he could have equally put the name of the country on the world map but for certain individuals thwarting his efforts.

In response to the claim, Enoh in a statement titled ‘Bash Alli and his serial blackmail must be confronted and defeated,” warmed the boxer to tender an apology or face legal action.

He said, “I am constrained to speak to the trending video and open petition to the President wherein Bash Alli, a former World Boxing Champion, threw caution and decency to the wind to allege that I demanded the sum of ‘another ‘ $1m from him in order to endorse his plan to stage what he calls the oldest boxers fight in Nigeria.

“When Bash Alli released his video and open letter to the President, with the sole aim to defame and destroy my reputation and integrity, some friends and associates advised that I totally ignore him and his blackmail gambit. They believe that I will validate and bring him to the limelight by responding to Bash Alli and his vile campaign of calumny.

READ ALSO:

“After a deep reflection, I have come to the inevitable conclusion that to ignore him will be a profound mistake. My reason for this is twofold. First, the perception in the public domain is that those in the public service are either thieves or kleptomaniacs who mindlessly pillage our Commonwealth. This assumption, no matter how widely held, is not true.

“Despite our challenges as a nation, there are men and women who continue to serve our country with honesty, integrity, and patriotism. I am one of such.”

The minister added that ignoring Alli will further embolden and enable him to continue in his usual trajectory without consequences.

He said, “Bash Alli’s allegation that I demanded ‘another $1m’ as if I had received a first tranche of $1m from him, or perhaps any of my predecessors had done so, is a manufactured lie from the pit of hell. At no point in time did I demand any form of gratification from Bash Alli.”

The minister added that Alli was desperate to meet him upon his resumption in office but he was cautioned by his staff.

He said, “Let me be clear. Bash Alli desperately wanted to meet me in my very early days as Minister of Sports Development when I had hardly settled down on the job.

” In the deluge of his desperate attempts, I decided to meet him against the advice of the ministry staff, who were familiar with his character and antics. Against their advice, I decided to meet him out of respect for his age and based on the open-door policy with which I am currently leading the ministry.

“Bash Alli’s plan to stage his boxing fight in Nigeria has a long history spanning almost two decades. To achieve this personal aspiration, he has deployed all manner of strategies, including naked blackmail and underhand tactics in his desperate effort to arm-twist the Federal Government to spend upwards of $50m to stage his fight.

“Successive Ministers of Sports have rightly told him that his plan to stage this fight is not the responsibility of the government but a business that the private sector should execute.

“In concluding this statement, I sincerely believe that, in spite of our numerous challenges, our country still has a soul. Our humanity will be irretrievably destroyed the day we lose our soul. Bash Alli’s desperate and unprovoked withering attack on me is an attack on decency, honesty, and integrity. The move to clear my name has just started, and there will be no let up until I achieve this sacred mission.

Apologise or face legal action, Enoh warns Bash Alli

Sports

FIFA to Rule Monday on DR Congo vs Nigeria Controversy

Published

40 minutes ago

February 14, 2026

Trends Admin

FIFA to Rule Monday on DR Congo vs Nigeria Controversy

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will finally learn their fate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification on Monday, as FIFA prepares to rule on Nigeria’s appeal concerning DR Congo’s player eligibility in the African qualifiers.

The drama stems from the playoff match held in Rabat, Morocco, last November, where DR Congo eliminated Nigeria. After a 1‑1 draw in extra time, DR Congo won 4‑3 on penalties, securing a place in the next stage of the tournament. Nigeria, however, lodged a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that several Congolese players did not meet nationality requirements, which, if upheld, could reopen Nigeria’s path to the World Cup 2026.

READ ALSO:

Speaking about the appeal, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials emphasized that the complaint focuses on the proper application of player eligibility and nationality laws, asserting that DR Congo fielded ineligible players in the crucial qualifier. Congolese authorities have dismissed the claims as an attempt to overturn results “through the back door” rather than on the field.

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi expressed cautious optimism about the ruling, saying the team continues to hope for a favourable outcome that could see Nigeria return to contention for the World Cup 2026.

FIFA’s upcoming decision is expected to have a major impact on Nigeria’s World Cup dreams. Should the complaint be upheld, DR Congo’s result could be overturned, or sanctions could be applied, potentially allowing the Super Eagles to reclaim their place in the tournament. If FIFA upholds DR Congo’s qualification, Nigeria’s hopes will remain dashed, pending any further legal action.

Fans across Nigeria and Africa are closely monitoring the case, which has become one of the most talked-about controversies in the lead-up to World Cup 2026.

FIFA to Rule Monday on DR Congo vs Nigeria Controversy

Sports

Lookman Shines as Atlético Madrid Hammer Barcelona 4-0

Published

1 day ago

February 13, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman

Lookman Shines as Atlético Madrid Hammer Barcelona 4-0

Atlético Madrid delivered a blistering first-half performance to thrash FC Barcelona 4–0 in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at the Metropolitano on Thursday night.

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman continued his fine scoring form, netting in the 33rd minute as Diego Simeone’s side ran riot in a devastating opening 45 minutes.

Atlético took the lead as early as the sixth minute when Barcelona defender Eric García inadvertently turned the ball into his own net under pressure, setting the tone for a difficult evening for the visitors.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 14th minute through Antoine Griezmann, who capitalised on Barcelona’s shaky defensive start to slot home confidently. Lookman then extended the lead in the 33rd minute with a composed finish after a swift attacking move exposed gaps in the Blaugrana backline.

READ ALSO:

Argentine forward Julián Álvarez completed the rout before halftime, adding Atlético’s fourth goal to crown a ruthless first-half display that left Barcelona shell-shocked.

Despite naming a strong line-up that included teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, Barcelona struggled to cope with Atlético’s intensity, pressing, and clinical finishing. At several stages in the first half, Xavi’s men were forced onto the back foot as the home side dictated the tempo.

Barcelona’s night went from bad to worse in the 85th minute when Eric García received a second yellow card and was sent off for a professional foul as the last defender.

The emphatic result gives Atlético a commanding advantage heading into the return leg at Camp Nou on March 4. Barcelona will need a remarkable turnaround in front of their home fans to keep their hopes of reaching the Copa del Rey final alive.

Before the decisive second leg, Barcelona will shift focus back to La Liga action with an away fixture against Girona FC on Monday.

Lookman Shines as Atlético Madrid Hammer Barcelona 4-0

Sports

Manchester City Defeat Fulham 3‑0 to Narrow Gap on Arsenal

Published

2 days ago

February 12, 2026

Trends Admin

Manchester City Stun Liverpool at Anfield with 93rd-Minute Winner

Manchester City Defeat Fulham 3‑0 to Narrow Gap on Arsenal

Manchester City delivered a commanding performance on Wednesday, defeating Fulham 3‑0 at the Etihad Stadium to reduce Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League to just three points. The victory strengthens City’s bid for the 2025‑26 title and underscores their growing momentum as the season approaches its critical stages.

City dominated from the outset, taking control of the match through quick, precise passing and relentless pressure in Fulham’s defensive third. The opener came in the 24th minute when Antoine Semenyo finished clinically after a sustained City attack, giving the home side an early advantage. Six minutes later, Nico O’Reilly doubled City’s lead with a composed finish following a slick team move, leaving Fulham struggling to respond.

The contest was effectively sealed in the 39th minute as Erling Haaland struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner, marking his 153rd goal for Manchester City and moving him joint-fourth on the club’s all-time scoring list. Haaland’s goal also ended his open-play league goal drought, boosting City’s confidence heading into the run-in.

READ ALSO:

Fulham offered little resistance, with their best early chance denied by Gianluigi Donnarumma, City’s goalkeeper. Despite sporadic pressure late in the game, the visitors failed to breach City’s well-organized defence, leaving the home team in complete control throughout the 90 minutes.

With the win, Manchester City climb to 53 points from 26 matches, sitting just behind Arsenal, who retain a game in hand. Fulham remain mid-table on 34 points, struggling to find consistency in recent fixtures.

City’s performance showcased attacking cohesion, defensive solidity, and tactical discipline, giving manager Pep Guardiola a strong platform as his side intensifies their Premier League title challenge. With over a dozen matches remaining, the narrowing gap sets up an intense battle for the top spot between the two Manchester rivals’ challengers.