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AFCON 2025: Mali Captain Bissouma Doubtful For Morocco Clash
Mali captain Yves Bissouma is doubtful for the Group A clash with the Atlas Lions of Morocco, reports Completesports.com.
The midfielder has been dealing with recovery of a recent injury.
Bissouma missed Les Aigles opening fixture against Zambia on Monday.
The 29-year-old’s presence at Thursday’s pre-match press conference offered assurance, but no clear answers.
Head coach Tom Saintfiet was keen to manage expectations, striking a calm and pragmatic tone as he addressed the situation.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: I Want To Help My Team Progress To The Next Stage –Uganda’s 40-Year-Old Goalkeeper, Onyango>
“The reason Yves is here today is not because he will necessarily play tomorrow,” Saintfiet was quoted by CAFonline.
“There is no link between who sits next to me and who starts the match. Maybe he plays, maybe he doesn’t.”
For his part, the Tottenham Hotspur star appeared unfazed by the speculation.
Bissouma made it clear that personal concerns take a back seat when the national colours are at stake.
“What matters to me today is Mali,” he said.
“I am here and fully focused on tomorrow’s match. The rest doesn’t concern me.”
By Adeboye Amosu
Former Nigeria international Godfrey Oboabona has advised the Super Eagles to work as a team if they are to overcome Tunisia in Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A victory for Nigeria or Tunisia will guarantee qualification to the knockout stages of the tournament after the Super Eagles defeated Tanzania 2-1 in their opening game while Tunisia edged Uganda 3-1.
Speaking with Footy Africa, Oboabona stated that individual stars don’t win a game without team efforts. He recommended that the Super Eagles unite to defeat the Carthage Eagles.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Tickets For Nigeria Vs Tunisia Sold Out
“Football today is no longer about individual stars. The Super Eagles have stars—in fact, they have quality in all departments—but modern football is about collective play, teamwork, and commitment on the pitch.
“If you believe you are Messi and you are not putting in the work, someone else will take the ball from you and hurt your team. So, I believe that if they play as a team, they will definitely go far in the competition.
“This is African football. It is not about names or stars. It is very physical and demanding, and I believe we have the players, but we must play as a team.”
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England’s Barmy Army has overrun the MCG’s most infamous supporters bay – and Aussies are not happy about it
- Boxing Day Ashes Test has attracted a record crowd to the MCG
Australia’s most vocal home supporter bays have been infiltrated by England’s Barmy Army, and local cricket fans furious.
A record crowd of 93,442 crammed into the MCG for the first day of the annual Boxing Day Test, a huge achievement considering Australia has already wrapped the Ashes series up 3-0.
The travelling English contingent arrived early in Melbourne, determined to cheer their side to a consolation victory.
And they got under the skin of Aussie cricket fans early, by filing up Bay 13 with England supporters and their flags.
Bay 13 at the MCG is significant in cricket because it has long been the ground’s most famous – and infamous – supporter section, particularly during Ashes and Boxing Day Test matches.
Traditionally located in the Great Southern Stand, Bay 13 became known from the 1970s and 1980s onward as the home of the loudest, most partisan Australian fans, many of whom attended every day of the Test.
England supporter group the Barmy Army took over the MCG for the Boxing Day Test, including Bay 13
Bay 13 is the iconic part of the MCG where Aussie fans have gathered over the years, including sharing this iconic moment with Merv Hughes
The bay built a reputation for constant chanting, humour, heckling and coordinated crowd behaviour that often set the tone for the entire stadium, especially when England were fielding or batting.
‘Cricket australia selling bay 13 to the barmy army has really dampened any atmosphere at the Boxing Day test, massively disappointing,’ one commented.
Another added: ”Australians getting jousted from Bay 13 is beyond disgraceful.
‘Allocating Bay 13 to the Barmy Army is the reason the Aussies can’t bat today,’ another said with seveal laughing emojis.
Bay 13 at the MCG has been at the centre of several controversial moments that shaped its reputation in Australian cricket folklore.
Merv Hughes’ famous Bay 13 moment came when fans repeatedly yelled ‘stretch it, Merv’ as he warmed up near the boundary at the MCG.
Hughes leaned into the heckling, exaggerating his stretches directly in front of the crowd and turning the exchange into a running joke.
The moment became part of Boxing Day Test folklore, symbolising the close relationship between Australian players and Bay 13.
While Bay 13 has a history of strong, parochial supporters, there have also been a series of alcohol fueled unsavoury incidents as well
Aussies were not happy to learn the English Barmy Army had taken over the iconic supporters bay
However, known for its loud, partisan support, the bay often pushed the boundary between witty banter and outright hostility.
Over the years, visiting teams, particularly England, became regular targets of relentless heckling that sometimes unsettled players and drew complaints from officials.
Alcohol-fuelled behaviour amplified the atmosphere, with chanting and taunts often dominating televised broadcasts during Boxing Day Tests.
One of the most serious incidents occurred during the 2018 Boxing Day Test, when racially charged chants aimed at Indian supporters led to multiple evictions and widespread backlash.
That episode marked a turning point, forcing cricket authorities to confront where crowd ‘tradition’ crossed into unacceptable conduct.
Bay 13 was also infamous for coordinated booing of opposition players, especially during tense Ashes moments, which divided opinion between fans who saw it as theatre and those who viewed it as poor sportsmanship.
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England’s Barmy Army has overrun the MCG’s most infamous supporters bay – and Aussies are not happy about it
Tickets for Nigeria’s Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations Group C clash with Tunisia at the Fez Stadium on Saturday have been sold out.
According to ticket information on the CAF’s official platform, all three categories for the match were fully booked.
Category 1 is priced at 300 Moroccan dirhams (N47,734), Category 2 at 200 (N31,822) and Category 3 at 100 (N15,911) with current exchange rate.
The Super Eagles will take on the Carthage Eagles in what promises to be a thrilling and tough contest.
Both African heavyweights opened their campaigns at this year’s AFCON with victories.
Also Read: HEAD-TO-HEAD: Nigeria 4-2 Tunisia – Super Eagles Edge Out Carthage Eagles In Previous AFCON Meetings
While the Super Eagles claimed a 2–1 win over Tanzania, Tunisia clinched a 3–1 victory over Uganda.
With both teams now on three points, the winner in Fez will all but seal qualification for the round of 16 phase.
The Super Eagles would hope to avenge their defeat to Tunisia in round of 16 stage at the 2021 tournament in Cameroon.
Despite going into the match as favourites, Tunisia stunned the Super Eagles 1-0 and progressed into the quarter-finals.
By James Agberebi in Fes, Morocco
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Travis Kelce addresses retirement decision in emotional pregame interview ahead of potential last dance at Arrowhead
Travis Kelce refused to rule out the possibility of retiring at the end of this NFL season ahead of what could be his final ever Kansas City Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kelce and his teammates look to spread the Christmas cheer to Chiefs Kingdom when they suit up against the Denver Broncos in a festive divisional matchup on the holiday.
The Chiefs have nothing to play for, having already been eliminated from playoff contention two weeks ago against the Los Angeles Chargers.
But the AFC West showdown still carries great significance amid heavy speculation that the legendary tight end could be gearing up to bring the curtain down on his glittering career.
The festive fixture marks Kansas City’s final regular season game of the 2025 campaign at Arrowhead Stadium and, should Kelce ultimately decide to hang his cleats up, the last of his career.
Ahead of the Christmas Day game, Kelce sat down with fellow Chiefs legend Tony Gonzalez as he finally addresses the elephant in the room in an emotionally-charged interview.
Travis Kelce may have played his final game at Arrowhead Stadium on Christmas Day
The legendary tight end sat down with Tony Gonzalez in an emotional pregame interview
‘I think I’m still searching for those answers,’ Kelce said when pressed on his looming decision. ‘Obviously the way this one ended with a sour taste in my mouth. I feel motivated but I’ve got to make the right decision for myself.’
However, the three-time Super Bowl winner didn’t fully close the door on the possibility of returning for one more season.
‘Just the fact that when I know it’s over, it’s over,’ he added when Gonzalez questioned what he would be returning for.
‘I still have a lot of love for this game. If I came back it would be just to answer that flame in my heart for this thing.’
Kelce continued: ‘If it was just Sundays, I think I could play until I’m 50 but obviously there is so much that goes into it.’
Led by third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun, Kelce and co will still look to deliver a gift to the fans spending their Christmas at Arrowhead, including his megastar fiancee Taylor Swift.
Shunning his usual flair for fashion, the tight end kept it simple as he strutted into Arrowhead in black jeans and grey duster.
He added a pop of festivity with a red Chiefs hoodie, pulling back the lapels of his long coat to show off the team’s name emblazoned across the front.
Kelce is pictured arriving at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ final home game of the season
The Chiefs star, pictured with fiancee Taylor Swift at Arrowhead back in January, has refused to deny retirement rumors amid the Chiefs’ struggling form during the 2025 season
The Kansas City icon topped off the look with a pair of black sunglasses.
Kelce’s festive football duties come as a blow to his pop sensation partner, who will have to delay their celebrations until after the game, which kicks off at 8:15pm ET.
Yet, unlike on Thanksgiving when the loved-up pair were forced to spend the holiday apart due to the Chiefs’ hectic schedule, they are expected to celebrate their first Christmas as an engaged couple together.
Swift, who announced her engagement to the tight end in August, is expected to be in the stands for the matchup, according to reports.
The songstress has only attended Chiefs home games this season, and even then, she has made reserved, secretive appearances in comparison to the past two years.
The Fate of Ophelia hitmaker has made discreet entrances into the Chiefs’ home amid security concerns, often entering the stadium behind a screen.
If she is in attendance, Swift will watch on as her NFL beau makes potentially one of his most emotional on-field appearances of his career.
The clash with the Broncos, who have already clinched their spot in the playoffs and sit atop of the AFC West, marks the final regular season game of the 2025 campaign at Arrowhead Stadium.
Kelce interacts with fans ahead of the clash against the Denver Broncos on Thursday
‘Great for the community. Has been great for the community. He’s everything you want from a player representing an organization.’
And it could be his last home game ever, as rumors about his potential retirement following the Chiefs’ elimination from the playoff contention.
Head coach Andy Reid admitted that he was unsure whether it would be Kelce’s final game at Arrowhead but still took time to heap praise on the ‘phenomenal’ tight end.
Speaking to reporters, Reid said: ‘I don’t know if it is or not. I haven’t talked to him, but his numbers and personality speak for themselves. Phenomenal person.
Meanwhile, a despondent Chris Jones, the Chiefs defensive tackle, said: ‘Ah, man, it’s sad… I hope it isn’t his last ride, but if it is, I tip my hat off to him. Hell of a career.’
Kelce’s coaches and teammates joined Coach Reid in paying emotional tributes to the Chiefs tight end earlier this week.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy echoed those sentiments when speaking to the media, reflecting on Kelce’s arrival in Kansas City over a decade ago.
‘Well, I go back to 2013 when he first got here and I just think back,’ Nagy said. ‘What Travis has done to his organization, his teammates, coaches, to this city – it’s special’.
Head coach Andy Reid labelled Kelce a ‘phenomenal person’ when reflecting on his career
‘I know personally I don’t ever want to take it for granted,’ Nagy continued. ‘I hope that’s not true. I’d like to see him play more’.
Nagy emphasized that even with the season lost, Kelce’s dedication to the team has not wavered.
‘We’re out of the playoffs mathematically,’ Nagy said . ‘We’re out and he’s here every day at practice leading, helping people out, fighting his ass off on game day’.
The coach noted that Kelce’s ‘savvy’ and mental toughness have been vital during one of the franchise’s most difficult stretches.
‘They’re handling it like true pros and I’ll always remember that,’ he added.
The three-time Super Bowl winner recently refused to deny retirement rumors and admitted to ignoring the media following a string of recent defeats.
Last week, he said: ‘I think I would rather just keep the focus of the media and everything on this team right now and all the conversations I have with the team and everything moving forward will be with them.
‘I think it’s a unique time in my life and unfortunately I got three games left and I know when the season ends this year, typically we go into it and we don’t know when it’s gonna end and that’s the beauty of it.’
Across 15 games this season, Kelce has hauled in 803 yards and five touchdowns
Kelce added that he’s: ‘Just trying to make sure that everyone here knows I’m focused on trying to win football games these last three games.’
Though the Christmas fixture against the Broncos could be his final at Arrowhead, he will still be set for a final outing against the Raiders, in Las Vegas, on January 4.
Across 15 games this season, Kelce has hauled in 803 yards and five touchdowns.
Kelce will be looking to surpass his career-low mark of 823 yards from last season but may struggle given the current quarterback injury crisis the Chiefs are enduring.
While he should pass those 823 yards, Kelce could finish with fewer than 90 catches on the season for the first time since 2017 – his fifth season in the league.
As it stands, the tight end has 68 receptions. He would need to average 7.6 catches per game in his final two contests to pass 90 catches on the year.
However, he’s only hauled in at least seven receptions in three games this season.
If January 4 does prove to be his final rodeo, Kelce will hang up his cleats and turn his attention to planning his blockbuster nuptials to Swift with the wedding expected to take place next summer.
Legendary former Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan has praised the organisation and rising standards of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, describing the tournament as “top-notch”.
Hassan, a four-time AFCON champion, is in Morocco as one of CAF’s official Ambassadors, lending his voice and experience to a competition he once dominated with the Pharaohs
“The organisation has been excellent,” Hassan told CAFOnline in an exclusive interview.
“Our Moroccan brothers have done a fantastic job. From a technical perspective, the level of play is increasing with every match, and you can see teams growing stronger on the pitch. Overall, everything has been going very well.”
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in African football history, Hassan was a central figure in Egypt’s unprecedented AFCON hat-trick in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Reflecting on that golden era, the African football icon highlighted the importance of unity, mentality and pride in the national jersey — qualities he believes remain essential for success today.
“We had an immense passion for the Egyptian jersey and a deep understanding of what it meant to represent the national team. That made a huge difference. Winning also gives you a psychological advantage — once you start lifting trophies, you want more. Our group was constantly motivated to compete and to win.”
Hassan acknowledged the quality within the current Egyptian squad, noting their recent AFCON final appearances in 2017 and 2021, while stressing that collective strength remains the key to reclaiming continental glory.
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Ashes LIVE: England win the toss and will BOWL on MCG green top with both sides making a host of changes for Boxing Day Test
A recent World Series winner was seen teeing it up with a former Commander-in-Chief in California.
In the fall, Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts clinched his fourth World Series title – his third with his current team.
But Betts recently went from one stick-and-ball game to something of another, playing a round of golf with the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama.
Betts and Obama played a full round of 18 holes together at the Lakeside Golf Club – a members only course in Burbank, according to TMZ.
The exclusive club was covered with Secret Service agents while local police were stationed nearby on motorcycles.
While the outlet didn’t have any information on who came out victorious in the round, they reported that Betts went to the nearby Disney Studios to film an episode of a comedy show for ABC.
Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts played a round of golf with President Barack Obama
Betts and Obama played a full 18 holes together at the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank
Just over a month ago, Betts won his fourth World Series title – his third with the Dodgers
This postseason, Betts helped the Dodgers clinch their ninth World Series title in a seven-game thriller of a series with the Toronto Blue Jays.
Betts tossed the final out to win Game 7 in eleven innings to secure back-to-back titles.
The Dodgers became the first team to win consecutive titles since the 1999 and 2000 New York Yankees.
Betts batted .229 for the playoffs – only managing 16 hits and eight RBI with no home runs.
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MLB star Mookie Betts enjoys pre-Christmas round of golf with ex-president Barack Obama
Former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh has expressed his admiration for Akor Adams following his display during Nigeria’s 2–1 victory over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, this week.
Oliseh noted that the Sevilla striker displayed an exceptional presence throughout the match against Tanzania.
Speaking as a commentator during AfroSports’ coverage of AFCON 2025, Oliseh said, “I’m Impressed with Akor Adams’ performance against Tanzania. He was all over the pitch trying to make things happen for the Super Eagles.”
Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman, one in each half, secured the Super Eagles’ victory over Tanzania in Morocco.
Deji Ayeni will officially take charge of nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions next week, reports Completesports.com.
Lawrence Ukaegbu has been in temporary charge of the People’s Elephant since last month following the suspension of former technical adviser, Stanley Eguma.
Eguma was suspended due to the team’s poor run of form.
Read Also:NPFL: Olanrewaju Thumbs Up Rivers United’s Performance In Draw With Katsina United
Ayeni will take charge of Enyimba from the second stanza of the 2025/26 season.
The 53-year-old previously managed Sunshine Stars and Akwa United.
He last managed Nigeria National League, NNL, outfit, Crown FC of Ogbomosho.
Enyimba will be up against Shooting Stars in their final game of the first stanza.
By Adeboye Amosu
Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has opened up on a defining period in his career as Nigeria kicked off their AFCON 2025 campaign against Tanzania, revealing how close he came to walking away from professional football before his breakthrough.
Calvin Bassey, 25, who now plays for Fulham, cut a confident figure as Nigeria made a winning start in Group C. Bassey’s surging run helped spark the opening goal, before Ademola Lookman added a second. Both strikes were created by his club and national teammate, Alex Iwobi.
Ahead of kick-off at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, Bassey and Iwobi took a moment to reflect on their journeys and the privilege of featuring on Africa’s biggest football stage.
Bassey was born in Italy to Nigerian parents before moving to England as a child. He grew up in Newham, East London, with strong family ties to Nigeria. His father, Kingsley, is from Umunnamehi Ihiala in Anambra State, while his mother, Ebere, hails from Oron in Akwa Ibom State.
His early education came at Rokeby School in London, while his football development began at CrownPro Elite Football Academy and later CM Futsal Academy. Despite his commitment, opportunities were slow to arrive, and as he approached his mid-teens, the absence of professional interest pushed him to a difficult crossroads.
“I remember being 15 and going into my final year, and I told myself that if I didn’t get a professional club, I would quit football. It was that simple,” the former Rangers defender said.
“I would just stop pursuing it seriously and only play for fun. Thank God I eventually got a club, because I honestly don’t know where I would be otherwise.
“I would have played casually with my friends, but I wouldn’t have chased a career in it anymore.”
That turning point came when Bassey earned a place at the academy of Leicester City, setting him on a path that would later take him across Europe.
“Looking back, that moment was good for me. It felt like a make-or-break point, so I had to give everything I had. That’s the positive side of it,” he explained.
“I would have been at peace with myself either way, because at least I promised myself that I would give it everything, and if it didn’t work out, then so be it.”
For Iwobi, the Africa Cup of Nations remains a stage every African player longs to reach.
“You know, many people dream of being here, I actually thank God,” Iwobi said.
“I thank God, bro,” Bassey responded.
“I don’t understand what God has done in my life. Moments like this, I just sit and look, and I just appreciate God because 10,11 years ago, I had no club.”
“Now, I’m representing my National team, it’s crazy. It’s the biggest stage in Africa.”
Calvin Bassey has since gone on to build a solid career, making over 220 appearances for club and country across the SPFL, the Eredivisie and the English Premier League.
…hands over facilities to govt
A US-based entrepreneur and philanthropist, Chief Afolami Awosika, has officially handed over three modern games courts built within the Ondo Township Stadium to the Ondo state government.
Speaking at the handover ceremony held in Ondo on Tuesday, Chief Awosika explained that the basketball, volleyball and lawn tennis courts were conceived as a deliberate intervention to engage young people positively and to support the Osemawe of Ondo’s drive to promote grassroots sports development.
According to him, “the facilities are designed to harness youthful energy productively, nurture talents and align with the Osemawe’s vision of using sports as a tool to curb cultism, youth restiveness and other social vices, while also creating opportunities to discover athletes with global potential”
Chief Awosika, who is currently holds the chieftaincy title of Lomafe of Ondo Kingdom, reaffirmed his belief that meaningful youth development begins with the deliberate provision of safe and functional spaces where young people can channel their energy positively.
He explained that sports not only promote physical fitness but also instill values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance, which are essential for building responsible future leaders.
He further stated that the establishment of the courts and the accompanying tournament was his modest way of giving back to the Ondo community that nurtured him.
In his remarks, the governor of Ondo state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Omoyofunmi Henry, expressed the state government’s appreciation to Chief Awosika for the laudable gesture.
He described the donation as a clear demonstration of effective public-private partnership in sports development.
The governor assured that the state government would ensure the proper management, maintenance and optimal use of the facilities to serve the intended purpose of youth engagement and talent development.
He added that the initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to empowering young people, expanding sports infrastructure and creating pathways for youths to excel constructively.
A former governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, who was present at the event, applauded Chief Afolami Awosika for his enduring commitment to community development and youth empowerment.
He described the donation of the sports courts as a timely and impactful contribution that reflects a deep understanding of the role sports play in shaping healthy, disciplined and productive youths.
Mimiko noted that investments of this nature strengthen social development efforts and complement government initiatives aimed at nurturing talents from the grassroots.
He encouraged other well-meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture, stressing that collaborative efforts remain vital to building sustainable platforms that will empower young people and secure a brighter future for Ondo state.
The Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, who graced the occasion, commended Chief Awosika for his foresight and commitment to youth empowerment through sports.
The monarch described the donation as a strategic investment in the future of Ondo youths, noting that sports remain one of the most effective platforms for character building, discipline and social cohesion.
Oba Kiladejo further emphasized that the facilities would complement traditional and governmental efforts aimed at redirecting the energies of young people towards productive ventures.
He reiterated his belief that sustained engagement through sports would help reduce crime, foster unity and position Ondo as a breeding ground for outstanding athletes at national and international levels.
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Chief Afolami Victor Awosika (CAVA) tournaments, which featured competitive games across different sports, with winners emerging in each category.
In the lawn tennis event, the Senior Staff Tennis Club, Akure, defeated the Ondo Tennis Club to claim the gold medal in the doubles category, while Olakunle Gbologe of UNIMED triumphed over Olanrewaju Akinnagbe of Ondo Tennis Club to emerge winner in the singles category.
In basketball, the UNIMED team outplayed the Don Bosco Youths with a scoreline of 73–55 to win the gold medal, while the Ondo City Spikers Club defeated Akure Dynamite Spikers Club in two straight sets to clinch the gold medal in the volleyball category.
Pamodzi Sports Marketing, a leading force in sports marketing, sponsorship, hospitality, and rights acquisition in Nigeria, has strongly condemned a recent media article that questioned the Nigeria Basketball Federation’s (NBBF) engagement with a major national institution.
The company described the report as ‘myopic, self-serving, and blind to the bigger picture of basketball development.
Pamodzi Rejects Claims Of Political Motives Behind NBBF Deal
The article had suggested that the partnership initiative was political theatre designed to elongate the current board’s tenure. Pamodzi rejected this claim, stressing that the timing of such deals is irrelevant compared to their long-term impact on the sport.
Also Read: D’Tigress To Face Germany, France, Others At 2026 Basketball World Cup Qualifiers
“The writer’s obsession with timing shows how myopic his thinking is. There is no best time to pursue a partnership that will benefit basketball. What matters is the deal itself, and the biggest beneficiary is the sport, not individuals or boards,” Pamodzi said in a statement.
Firm Accuses Writer Of Undermining Basketball Development
Pamodzi further accused the writer of acting as an agent for those intent on undermining basketball’s growth.
“Instead of reporting the sport, the writer is busy acting as an agent for those hell-bent on killing the sport. Why is he not seeing beyond politics? Why is he blind to the fact that basketball needs institutional support to grow? His narrative is not journalism, it is a hatchet job,” the statement continued.
Partnership Described As Structured, Long-Term Initiative
Highlighting the structured nature of the partnership, Pamodzi noted that the institution involved will only revert in the first quarter of next year, underscoring that this is not a unilateral promise but a carefully planned process.
Pamodzi Cites Track Record Of Transformational Sports Deals
Pamodzi has a proven track record of negotiating landmark deals that have transformed Nigerian sports, including sponsorship agreements for the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) that have outlived successive boards.
The company emphasized that basketball has long struggled to attract the kind of sponsorship needed to elevate players, coaches, and officials, and that dragging politics into every initiative only holds the game back.
Beyond Basketball — Pamodzi’s Expanding Sports Portfolio
Beyond basketball, Pamodzi’s diverse activities and aggressive initiatives have made it a central player in the sports industry. The company operates across media sports events, athlete and player marketing, relationship marketing with sports associations, sports management and promotion, multimedia campaigns, and strategic licensing.
Also Read: I Almost Quit Football To Play Basketball –Gvardiol
Pamodzi is also the organizer of the prestigious Okpekpe International 10km Road Race, the first road race in West Africa to have its course measured by a World Athletics-accredited course measurer. It was also the first in the region to be granted a World Athletics label, designating it among the leading road races worldwide.
‘Celebrate Partnerships, Don’t Politicise Them’ — Pamodzi
For Pamodzi, the message is clear: partnerships that strengthen Nigerian sports should be celebrated, not politicized.
“This is about basketball, pure and simple. Those who insist on dragging politics into every initiative are the ones holding the game back,” the company concluded.
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Man United outcast Andre Onana drops major transfer hint as he gives honest verdict about life on loan in Turkey
Andre Onana has given a glowing review of his new life on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey – in a hint he may want to leave Manchester United permanently.
The Red Devils outcast called his new circumstances as ‘perfect’, ‘amazing’, and ‘incredible’ as he reached for any adjective to describe the ‘best period of his life’.
Onana doubled his salary when he joined Trabzonspor on loan in September, just two years after arriving at Old Trafford for £47million.
And he has made a decent start to life in Turkey, nailing down the starting goalkeeper spot while Trabzonspor sit third in the top flight.
He said: ‘I’m very happy, trust me. I’m living the best period of my life. I can’t complain, I’m very happy to be here.
‘Sometimes I’m driving and a car cuts in front of me. “Onana, stop, I want a photo.” I think to myself, “Yes, but we can do this in another way.”
Andre Onana says he is living the ‘best period of his life’ on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey
The Manchester United outcast has called his new situation ‘perfect’ in a hint he may want a long-term move
‘But when they see me, they’re happy, and so am I. It was difficult at first, but now I understand.
‘They are my men, I love them, and I love this feeling. Because they are very passionate. It’s a wonderful thing. It’s something you can’t describe if you’re not here.
‘But the time I’ve spent here has been perfect for me. I’m happy to be here. It’s a different lifestyle, but it’s great. Truly incredible, amazing.’
Onana went in search of first-team football after United bought Senne Lammens for £21.7million.
His loan at Trabzonspor runs until the end of the season and while there is no buy clause inserted in the deal, his contract at Old Trafford is up in June 2027, so he would be available for a cut price in the summer.
The 29-year-old was controversially left out of Cameroon’s squad for the African Cup of Nations. He had been expected to feature.
United forward Bryan Mbeumo and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, who has been linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford, are the Premier League stars selected by Cameroon.
The squad announcement came on the same day the Cameroon Football Federation, led by former Barcelona and Chelsea striker Samuel Eto’o, sacked manager Marc Brys with just three weeks until their AFCON opener against Gabon.
Cameroon controversially left him out of their African Cup of Nations squad
He was replaced by David Pagou and Cameroon have gone on to win their opening game 1-0 against Gabon.
Onana has been capped 53 times by Cameroon and played the full 90 minutes in their 1-0 defeat by DR Congo in a World Cup qualifying semi-final in November, which ended their chance of securing a place at next year’s tournament.
Andre OnanaManchester United
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Man United outcast Andre Onana drops major transfer hint as he gives honest verdict about life on loan in Turkey
Tunisia midfielder Mejbri Hannibal insists the Carthage Eagles are brimming with confidence ahead of their crucial Group C clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Tunisia announced their intentions in style on Tuesday, defeating Uganda 3-1 in their opening match at the Annexe Olympic Stadium of the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat.
Elyes Skhiri opened the scoring in the 10th minute before Elias Achouri doubled the lead in the 40th minute and later completed his brace in the 64th minute. Uganda pulled one back through Denis Omedi in stoppage time, but the result never looked in doubt.
“It was important for us to start with victory. Obviously, it gives us momentum going into the next games,” Hannibal said ahead of Saturday’s encounter with Nigeria at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Tunisia head into the match on three points, sharing the top of Group C with Nigeria, but lead on goal difference. The two sides are set for a high-stakes showdown as they aim to strengthen their position in the group.
Coach Sami Trabelsi praised the Moroccan supporters for their enthusiastic backing. He said, “I am sure the whole team is very effective, and I am hoping to have the entire squad fit for all our matches. For us, the city is very welcoming.
“We are very happy to have the warm welcome of Moroccan fans. For us, we consider all matches to be difficult, and we give them the respect required. Our goal is to improve with each match as we gain momentum.”
He also highlighted the professionalism of the tournament organisers.
“I must also commend the organisers because even while we played under heavy rains, the pitch remained in very good and playable conditions,” the coach added.
Nine-time Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, champions Enyimba will officially announce Deji Ayeni as their new technical adviser next week.
The People’s Elephant suspended their erstwhile technical adviser, Stanley Eguma, in November due to poor results.
Lawrence Ukaegbu has managed the Aba giants in interim capacity since Eguma’s suspension.
Ayeni will now step in into the role for the second stanza of the 2025/26 season.
The 53-year-old last managed Nigeria National League, NNL, outfit, Crown FC of Ogbomosho.
He has also worked with other top clubs including Sunshine Stars and Akwa United.