Sports
Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74
Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74
Former president of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, has died at the age of 74.
Galadima, one of Nigeria’s most respected football administrators, passed away on Saturday, leaving behind a legacy that significantly shaped the country’s domestic football structure and sports governance.
He led the then Nigeria Football Association (now NFF) between 2002 and 2006, a period widely regarded as influential in the development of football administration in the country.
His death has triggered widespread tributes from across the Nigerian football community, with current NFF President Ibrahim Gusau describing him as a mentor and father figure to many sports administrators.
Gusau said Galadima’s leadership was marked by integrity, discipline, and commitment to the growth of Nigerian football.
“Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us in various leadership positions in Nigerian sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence, and integrity,” Gusau said.
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He added that Galadima’s guidance and fatherly counsel would be deeply missed by the Nigerian football family.
Galadima, born on June 14, 1951, in Kano State, had a long career in sports administration and public service. He previously served as chairman of the Kano State Football Association and executive chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, and also held the position of first vice president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
He also served in various political roles in Kano State, including Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, as well as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport.
Former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager Ahmed Musa also paid tribute, describing Galadima as a father figure and key architect in the development of Kano Pillars Football Club.
“Alhaji Galadima was more than just a football administrator; he was a father figure, a mentor, and a pillar of the game in Nigeria,” Musa wrote on X.
Musa added that Galadima’s vision played a key role in shaping Kano Pillars FC and nurturing young talents who went on to represent Nigeria at various levels.
Across the football community, Galadima is remembered for his contributions to sports development, talent discovery, and institutional growth within Nigerian football.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.
Former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 74
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Sports
Rashford Fires Barcelona to 29th LaLiga Title Against Real Madrid
Rashford Fires Barcelona to 29th LaLiga Title Against Real Madrid
FC Barcelona have been crowned champions of the La Liga for the second consecutive season after defeating arch-rivals Real Madrid 2-0 in a decisive El Clásico clash at the Spotify Camp Nou.
The victory confirmed Barcelona’s 29th LaLiga title, handing the Catalan club an unassailable 14-point lead at the top of the table with only three matches remaining in the season.
Goals from Marcus Rashford and Ferran Torres inside the opening 20 minutes sealed the title-winning victory in front of a jubilant home crowd.
Rashford opened the scoring with a superb free-kick after a foul on Torres, while Torres later doubled Barcelona’s advantage following a clever assist from Dani Olmo.
The latest El Clásico triumph further highlighted Barcelona’s dominance in Spanish football under manager Hansi Flick, who has now won the Spanish league title in each of his first two seasons in charge of the club.
Barcelona’s latest success also marked another major milestone in Flick’s rebuilding project since replacing Xavi Hernández in 2024.
Under the German coach, Barcelona have now secured five domestic trophies, including back-to-back Spanish Supercopa titles and last season’s Copa del Rey crown.
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The title-winning match carried emotional significance for Flick after reports emerged before kickoff that his father had passed away earlier in the day. Despite the personal tragedy, the Barcelona manager remained on the touchline as his players delivered a commanding performance against their fiercest rivals.
The victory was later dedicated to Flick by several Barcelona players, while the squad reportedly wore black armbands in solidarity with their coach.
The result also entered the history books as only the second El Clásico ever to directly decide the LaLiga title race. The first such occasion occurred in 1932 when a draw between Barcelona and Real Madrid confirmed Madrid as champions.
Barcelona’s road to the title was far from straightforward.
The Catalan giants trailed Real Madrid earlier in the season after suffering defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu in October. At one stage, Madrid held a five-point advantage following a strong run of results.
However, momentum gradually shifted as Barcelona rediscovered consistency while Madrid struggled with poor form and dropped valuable points against teams including Osasuna, Mallorca, Girona, and Getafe.
Barcelona capitalised fully on their rivals’ inconsistency, embarking on a remarkable 10-match winning streak in the league to reclaim control of the title race.
Their attacking form proved particularly impressive throughout the campaign.
Barcelona scored in 55 consecutive matches across competitions, a streak surpassed only by the club’s legendary 2012-13 side, which found the net in 64 straight games.
Key players such as Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, and Raphinha played crucial roles during the campaign despite injuries affecting parts of the squad at different stages of the season.
Barcelona’s domestic dominance comes despite continued frustration in Europe.
The club suffered elimination in the UEFA Champions League semifinal against Inter Milan last season before enduring another disappointing quarterfinal exit this campaign.
Nevertheless, their performances in Spain have firmly re-established Barcelona as the dominant force in domestic football.
For Real Madrid, the defeat confirmed a disappointing season without a major trophy and increased pressure surrounding the future of manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The loss has also intensified speculation over possible squad changes at the Santiago Bernabéu ahead of next season.
Barcelona will now look to build on their domestic success and translate their consistency into European glory in future campaigns.
Rashford Fires Barcelona to 29th LaLiga Title Against Real Madrid
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Sports
Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Historic Turkish Super Lig Triumph
Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Historic Turkish Super Lig Triumph
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive second-half performance on Saturday as he scored twice to inspire Galatasaray to a dramatic 4–2 comeback victory over Antalyaspor, sealing the club’s fourth consecutive Turkish Super Lig title.
The win in Istanbul confirmed Galatasaray as champions with a game to spare, extending their domestic dominance and moving them further clear in Turkish football history with a record-extending league triumph.
The visitors shocked the home crowd by taking an early lead, but Galatasaray responded strongly after the break with Osimhen at the centre of the comeback.
The Nigerian forward equalised from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark to make it 2–2, before producing a decisive late contribution in the 88th minute when his flicked effort deflected into the net to put Galatasaray ahead for the first time.
Kaan Ayhan sealed the victory moments later with a fourth goal in the 90th minute, triggering celebrations among fans at Rams Park as the club clinched yet another league crown.
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The result also ensured Galatasaray finished ahead of fierce rivals Fenerbahçe in the title race, completing a season-long battle for supremacy in the Turkish top flight.
Osimhen, who recently returned from injury, played a crucial role in the final stretch of the campaign, providing the goals and attacking presence that pushed Galatasaray over the line in a tight title race.
The Nigerian striker has now scored 15 league goals this season, despite injury setbacks, further strengthening his reputation as a big-game performer.
The former Lille and Napoli forward has also attracted attention from top European clubs, with reports suggesting scouts, including representatives linked to Arsenal, have been monitoring his performances closely.
The title marks Galatasaray’s 26th Turkish league championship, while Osimhen adds another major honour to his career, securing what is believed to be his second league title in Turkey and third overall in professional football.
His impact has further elevated his status among Galatasaray supporters, who now regard him as a key figure in the club’s continued domestic dominance.
Osimhen Fires Galatasaray to Historic Turkish Super Lig Triumph
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Sports
Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League
Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League
Cristiano Ronaldo has reached another historic milestone after scoring his 100th Saudi Pro League goal in Al Nassr’s 4–2 victory over Al Shabab on Thursday night, further cementing his impact on football in Saudi Arabia.
The Portuguese forward struck in the 75th minute, finishing a precise cross from Sadio Mané to put Al Nassr 3–1 ahead in a crucial league encounter that strengthened their position at the top of the Saudi Pro League table.
The goal also marked Ronaldo’s 26th league goal of the current season, maintaining his impressive scoring form as Al Nassr continue their push for the league title.
His teammate, João Félix, delivered a standout performance, scoring a hat-trick to inspire the team’s victory and help them extend their lead at the top of the standings to five points.
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Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in 2022, has now reached the 100-goal milestone in less than four seasons, highlighting his remarkable consistency despite being in the later stages of his career.
The 41-year-old forward continues to play a central role in Al Nassr’s attacking system, combining experience and finishing ability to remain one of the most influential players in the league.
Since moving to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo has become a global figurehead for the Saudi Pro League, significantly boosting its international visibility while continuing to break individual scoring records.
With this latest achievement, he moves even closer to another career landmark as he continues to chase the 1,000 career goals target, further extending his legacy as one of football’s greatest goalscorers.
Al Nassr’s victory over Al Shabab also reinforces their title ambitions, with Ronaldo’s milestone goal adding momentum to their ongoing championship campaign.
Ronaldo Hits Historic 100-Goal Mark in Saudi Pro League
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