Grandview

Category: Sports

  • Yewa Unity Cup 2025 Kicks Off with Flair

    Yewa Unity Cup 2025 Kicks Off with Flair

    Yewa North Executive Chairman, Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Alaye of Ayetoro, Onijoun of Ijoun, Onigboko of Igboko, Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, YPDC Locochap Chairmen, and Community Representatives Flag Off Matches at Different Centres.

    The highly anticipated Yewa Unity Football Competition (Youth Championship) 2025 officially commenced on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, marked by colorful ceremonies across three venues: Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro; Alamuwa Grammar School, Ado-Odo; and YNLG Primary School, Ijoun.

    The event attracted prominent figures, including the Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, and esteemed traditional rulers such as Kabiyesi Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olushola Idris Lamidi Osolo; Kabiyesi Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdul-Azeez Ishola Adelakun; Kabiyesi Onijoun of Ijoun, Oba Gabriel Ogunji; Kabiyesi Onigboko of Igboko, Oba Itu Olasunkanmi Yusuf Oladehinde; and Kabiyesi Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, Oba B. B. Oyero.

    Other key attendees included local government officials, security chiefs, community leaders, and football enthusiasts.

    Delivering a speech on behalf of the President of Yewa Youth Association (YYA), the Deputy President, Com. Isikalu Olanrewaju, alongside other YYA executives, emphasized the competition’s goal of fostering unity and development in Yewaland through sports. “This is more than a tournament; it’s a celebration of our heritage and a platform to showcase our talented youth to the world,” the President’s message stated. He extended gratitude to the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Alayeluwa Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, and other key supporters, while calling for further sponsorships to enhance future stages of the competition.

    The Executive Chairman of Yewa North Local Government, Dr. Olusola Akinbode, praised the Yewa Youth Association for their dedication to unity and peace. “This initiative complements the Ogun State government’s efforts to promote peace and development, and I am proud to see our youth leading this movement,” he said.

    Traditional leaders, including Kabiyesi Olofin Adimula of Ado-Odo, Oba Olushola Idris Osolo, commended the organizers for uniting diverse communities. “The Yewa River runs through various cultural groups—Awori, Ketu, Anago, Eyo, Ogu, and more. Programs like this foster unity and celebrate our shared heritage,” Oba Osolo remarked.

    Other dignitaries, including Kabiyesi Alaye of Ayetoro, Kabiyesi Onijoun of Ijoun, Kabiyesi Onijale of Ijale-Ketu, and the DPO of Ado-Odo, praised the sportsmanship and professionalism displayed by match officials and participating teams, expressing optimism for the tournament’s continued success. The competition features **25 town teams** and will run for **seven weeks**, with scouts from both local and international football academies in attendance. The final match is slated for **March 2025**, promising an exciting culmination to this unifying sporting event.

  • Champions League: Arteta receives double injury boost ahead Atlanta vs Arsenal

    Champions League: Arteta receives double injury boost ahead Atlanta vs Arsenal

    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is set to have Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori available for their Champions League match against Atalanta on Thursday.

    The Gunners will kick off their European campaign against the reigning Europa League champions.

    Arteta’s side is in excellent form this season, recently securing a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby.

    They managed to clinch all three points without captain Martin Ødegaard and midfielder Declan Rice.

    Ødegaard will be sidelined again due to an ankle injury, while Rice is set to return after serving a one-match domestic suspension.

    Calafiori looks ready to play after being seen in training on Tuesday morning, and Saka has recovered from the minor issue that caused him to be substituted in the closing minutes against Tottenham.

  • NIMC Denies Allegations of Data Breach

    NIMC Denies Allegations of Data Breach

    The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has denied allegations of a data breach.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, Kayode Adegoke, the Head of Corporate Communications at NIMC, addressed recent reports claiming that some websites were offering to sell Nigerians’ data.

    The Commission reassured the public that their data had not been compromised and warned against sharing personal information with unauthorized phishing sites.

    “The Commission assures the public that the data of Nigerians have not been compromised. NIMC has not authorized any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or any other identities mentioned in the reports.

    “The websites idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng/signin, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com are data harvesters not authorized by NIMC to access or manage sensitive data. NIMC urges the public to disregard any claims or services these websites offer and to avoid sharing their data, as these sites are potentially fraudulent.

    “The Commission has implemented robust measures to safeguard the nation’s database from cyber threats, maintaining a secure, world-class, full-proof database. Our infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard, with annual recertification and strict compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Law.

    “NIMC advises Nigerians to avoid providing their data to unauthorized and phishing sites, which pose the danger of data harvesting and compromising individual data.

    “The Commission reaffirms its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection, in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations. Licensed partners or vendors are not authorized to scan or store NIN slips but only to verify NINs through approved channels.

    “NIMC is working closely with security operatives to apprehend those masquerading as online vendors, and they will face the full wrath of the law.

    “NIMC urges the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains committed to providing secure and reliable identity management and upholding the highest level of security for systems and databases, which are critical national assets,” the statement read.

  • Chelsea Maintains Interest in Osimhen

    Chelsea Maintains Interest in Osimhen

    Chelsea continues to pursue a deal for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite reports suggesting they had shifted focus to other attacking options.

    Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed that Osimhen, who signed a new contract until 2026 last year, is set to leave the club. The striker’s contract reportedly includes a £113 million release clause, which, if triggered, would force Napoli to let him go.

    Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal are the main contenders for the Nigerian international, though Arsenal is unlikely to meet the nine-figure price tag.

    Recent reports suggested new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca may prefer a striker who can drop deep and link play rather than an out-and-out target man like Osimhen. Additionally, concerns over breaching Profit and Sustainability rules could complicate Chelsea’s efforts to sign him. Osimhen has also been speculated to replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG.

    Despite these challenges, CaughtOffside reports that Chelsea is making ‘slow progress’ in their bid to secure the 25-year-old striker. PSG’s interest is well-known, but they have yet to make a formal offer, leaving Napoli’s £113 million demands unmet.

    Chelsea might have a bargaining chip in Romelu Lukaku, whom Napoli, now managed by Antonio Conte, is interested in as a potential replacement for Osimhen. Lukaku thrived under Conte at Inter Milan but has struggled in his second stint at Chelsea. The Blues are eager to offload him, even at a cut-price £37 million, despite initially re-signing him for £97.5 million.

    If the Lukaku deal falls through, Napoli is also considering Girona’s Artem Dovbyk and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez as alternative replacements for Osimhen.

  • Euro 2024: Conceicao steals Portugal’s victory over the Czech Republic in a comeback

    Euro 2024: Conceicao steals Portugal’s victory over the Czech Republic in a comeback

    Just minutes after coming off the bench in Portugal’s Euro 2024 Group F opening against the Czech Republic, young striker Francisco Conceicao stole the victory with a last-gasp 2-1 victory.

    The 21-year-old Porto winger completed his team’s comeback by scoring from close range after the Czechs failed to clear a cross.

    After the hour, Lukas Provod’s excellent strike from the edge of the box gave the Czechs the lead against the run of play.

    Despite not playing well, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal managed to win with a late goal from Robin Hranac to tie the score before Conceicao’s thrilling winner.

    Playing in a record-tying sixth European Championship, Ronaldo, 39, was denied three times by Stanek as Portugal searched for the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

    When the score was tied, the striker struck the post. Diogo Jota then tapped in the rebound, but the goal was called back for offside against Ronaldo.

  • Fixture Release Day: Oddball Statistics for the First Round in 2024–2025

    Fixture Release Day: Oddball Statistics for the First Round in 2024–2025

    Once again, the 2024–2025 Premier League schedule offers amazing opening-day games along with exceptional statistics.

    Before the tournament gets underway this season on Friday, August 16, let’s take a look at some of the most notable figures.

  • Super Eagles Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Benin in World Cup Qualifiers

    Super Eagles Suffer 2-1 Defeat to Benin in World Cup Qualifiers

    In the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, the Super Eagles of Nigeria faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Benin Republic on Monday.

    Nigeria initially took the lead in the 29th minute when Raphael Onyedika scored with a well-placed shot to the right corner of the post. However, Benin quickly equalized after a defensive error by the Super Eagles, with Jodel Dossou finding the net with a precise strike.

    Before halftime, Benin seized the lead with a right-footed goal from Steve Mounie following a corner.

    Despite substitutions in the second half, including Victor Boniface, Paul Onuachu, and Ibrahim Olawoyin, Nigeria failed to level the score.

    Head coach Finidi George opted for Terem Moffi and Ademola Lookman to lead the attack, with Boniface starting from the bench. Stanley Nwabali guarded the goal, supported by Bassey, Tanimu, Ajayi, and Osayi-Samuel in defense. Ndidi, Onyeka, and Iwobi formed the midfield trio, while Chukwueze, Lookman, and Moffi spearheaded the attack.

    On the bench, substitutes included Iheanacho, Boniface, Onuachu, Abdullahi, Dele-Bashiru, Onyeka Awaziem, Olawoyin, Igboke, Ismaila, Okoye (GK), and Ojo (GK).

    The defeat against Benin Republic has pushed Nigeria down to fifth place in the six-team table, while Benin now occupies the top spot.

    This result adds to Nigeria’s struggles in the qualifiers, with the team having drawn three matches and suffered one defeat in four games.

    In the previous match, the Super Eagles faced pressure after a 1-1 draw against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana. Themba Zwane opened the scoring for South Africa in the 29th minute, but Nigeria’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru equalized with a low shot in the 46th minute, leading to a stalemate at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

  • Eagles’ World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy After Draw with Bafana

    Eagles’ World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy After Draw with Bafana

    Super Eagles held to 1-1 draw by South Africa in crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

    Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s first goal for Nigeria in the 46th minute salvaged a draw after Themba Zwane put Bafana Bafana ahead in the 31st minute. The result leaves the Eagles winless in three games, now fifth in Group C with three points and seven matches remaining.

    Nigeria started strong, but Ademola Lookman missed an early chance in the 8th minute. South Africa responded with pressure, nearly scoring multiple times. Themba Zwane broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a skillful goal, stunning the home crowd. Bafana Bafana almost doubled their lead, but Nigeria’s defense held firm.

    After a halftime tribute to late Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi, Nigeria equalized immediately through Dele-Bashiru, assisted by Alex Iwobi. Despite appeals for a penalty and multiple chances to score, both teams settled for a draw.

    Alhassan Yusuf, replacing the injured Dele-Bashiru, set up Samuel Chukwueze in the 76th minute, but the effort hit the post. Late substitutions and desperate attempts couldn’t secure a win for Nigeria, as South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made crucial saves, including stopping a Lookman effort in added time.

  • Serie A: Osimhen Still Absent from Napoli Training

    Serie A: Osimhen Still Absent from Napoli Training

    Victor Osimhen was absent from training on Monday as Napoli began their preparations for the upcoming match against Lecce. Osimhen has not participated in team training since suffering an injury during Napoli’s home defeat to Bologna two weeks ago.

    The forward also missed Napoli’s clash with Fiorentina last weekend.

    According to Napoli’s official website, the Nigerian international only engaged in gym work at the club’s Konami Training Centre on Monday.

    The 25-year-old is doubtful for the match against Lecce.

    Osimhen might also miss Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. The Super Eagles are set to face Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7. Finidi George’s team will then play against Benin Republic at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan three days later.

  • Pochettino: “I don’t know nothing” about Gallagher’s future.

    Pochettino: “I don’t know nothing” about Gallagher’s future.

    Chelsea: Following Thursday’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham, manager Mauricio Pochettino was unable to offer any assurances on Conor Gallagher’s future. The midfield player, who was wearing the captain’s armband, was outstanding, setting up Trevor Chalobah’s goal in the 24th minute with a free kick. Before the match at Stamford Bridge began, supporters of academy graduate Gallagher raised a banner bearing the words “Chelsea since birth” and a picture of the midfield player.

    With six goals and nine assists in 46 games this season, Gallagher has solidified his role as a crucial player under Pochettino, but there is still a lot of uncertainty over his future. Gallagher’s contract will expire in July, and Spurs had been mentioned as a possible destination when they pushed last summer to sign the 24-year-old.

    “I am not involved. I don’t know nothing,” Pochettino admitted. “I think you can see in my starting XI that the whole season he was always there. With all the circumstances, he was always there. Yes, he is an important player, of course, but I am not involved in the decision. It is the club and Conor. That is a situation they need to fix between the club and the player.” Gallagher and Chalobah, another former club youth teamer, played a crucial role in the club being able to complete a league double over Tottenham. Still, both players may have to be sold in the summer to help ensure Chelsea stay on the right side of their old friends, the Premier League profit and sustainability regulations.