Sports
Oshoala wins CAF women award for fifth time
Super Falcons and Barcelona striker Asisat Oshoala on Thursday beat Zambia’s Grace Chanda and Ajara Nchout Njoya of Cameroon to claim the CAF Women’s Player of The Year Award for a record fifth time, while Senegalese superstar Sadio (Senegal/Liverpool) retained his men’s title at the awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The award ceremony took place in Rabat, Morocco on Thursday.
Oshoala is now the sole record holder for the most award wins, thus stamping her authority on the continent.
The 27-year-old equalled countrywoman Perpetua Nkwocha’s fourth CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award at the 2019 Awards Gala.
After receiving her record-breaking award, an elated Oshola dedicated the award to her teammates.
“It’s a record-breaking night for me as an Individual and for Africa as a whole. I’ve got five, FIVE!
“I want to thank everyone who helped me out in my career. The 2021/122 season was really tough for me.
“This year made me realise if you don’t fall, you don’t know the power of comeback. Special thanks to my teammates at FC Barcelona and the national team, the best team in the world Super Falcons.
“Also, thanks to my (NFF) President, Amaju Pinnick, for always helping us and making sure we can do our stuff on the pitch. I want to dedicate this award to the Super Falcons team, who showed the world their hard work even though they were two women down.”
The Falcons striker was the only Nigerian nominee at the 2022 CAF awards after Falcons’ coach Randy Waldrum, who was originally nominated for Coach of The Year, was dropped from the final shortlist along with Monday Gift, and Super Eagles duo Moses Simon and Akinkunmi Amoo.
Despite being injury-laden for a large part of last season (three months), Oshoala finished top scorer in the Liga Iberdrola with 20 goals in 19 appearances to become the first African to win the Pichichi award in Spain.
Mane, who joined German giants this summer from Liverpool, beat his former club teammate Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and compatriot Edouard Mendy (Chelsea) to the men’s award.
Sports
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali has lost his mother to the cold hands of death barely two month after losing his father.
Nwabali took to his X handle on New Year Day to announce the death of his mother.
In a deeply emotional moment, he shared that this has been “the worst year” of his life, a heart-wrenching statement that captures the weight of his grief.
Nwabali‘s words convey the raw pain of navigating through such a devastating period, with a message that resonates deeply with anyone who has experienced profound loss.
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His final post describes the world as “crazy,” encapsulating the bewilderment and despair that often follows such an overwhelming tragedy.
This is my worst year, S’Eagles keeper Nwabali says, announcing mother’s death after father passing
Sports
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
Arsenal closed the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool to six points as Gabriel Jesus extended his hot-streak in a 3-1 win at Brentford on Wednesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were rocked by Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half goal at the Gtech Community Stadium.
But Arsenal refused to be blown away on a wet and windy evening in west London as Jesus equalised before the break.
It was the Brazilian’s sixth goal in his last four games after he scored just once in his first 20 matches this season.
Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli netted in quick succession soon after half-time to ensure Arsenal moved into second place above Nottingham Forest.
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Excluding their 5-1 rout of Crystal Palace, the Gunners had spluttered through their last four games with lacklustre draws against Fulham and Everton followed by a narrow win over lowly Ipswich.
But Arsenal’s first Premier League game of 2025 provided compelling evidence that they are ready to compete in the title race with Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the north Londoners.
Runners-up to Manchester City for the last two seasons, Arsenal are unbeaten in 12 games in all competitions, a revitalising run that includes four successive wins.
With Bukayo Saka sidelined for several months due to a hamstring injury, 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri made his first league start for Arsenal.
Kai Havertz was absent after scoring Arsenal’s winner against Ipswich but Jesus ensured the German was not missed.
Arsenal did not lose a single one of their 10 league London derbies in 2024 and they maintained their impressive record in capital clashes after surviving an early blow.
EPL: Arsenal sink Brentford 3-1 to close in on Liverpool
Sports
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua recently paid a courtesy visit to Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, during his trip to Nigeria.
In a heartfelt display of respect for Yoruba culture, Joshua took to social media to share a moment where he fully prostrated to greet the governor, embodying the Yoruba tradition of humility and reverence.
The image quickly went viral, resonating deeply with many Nigerians who admired his pride in his heritage.
Joshua, whose roots trace back to Sagamu in Ogun State, has long celebrated his Nigerian background despite achieving global recognition in the boxing world.
His connection to his heritage has remained a core part of his identity, and this visit further solidified his bond with the country.
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The meeting took place at the Governor’s Office in Abeokuta, where Governor Abiodun and his team warmly welcomed the boxing champion.
He wrote: “Today, we had the distinct honour of welcoming @anthonyjoshua, the world-acclaimed boxing champion and a proud son of Ogun State, to our office during his courtesy visit.
“Anthony Joshua’s remarkable achievements in the world of boxing continue to inspire not only the people of Ogun State but also millions across the globe. His dedication, discipline, and unwavering commitment to excellence are values we hold dear as a state.
“This visit is a testament to the bond we share as a people and our collective pride in the success stories that emerge from Ogun State. We remain committed to supporting our talents and creating an environment that nurtures greatness in all spheres of life.
“Together, we celebrate Anthony Joshua’s accomplishments and look forward to more victories as he continues to make Ogun State proud.”
Anthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
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