Sports Archives - Business Today NG https://businesstodayng.com/category/life-culture/sports/ The Hub of News Reporting Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:34:56 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.1 World Cup 2026: Egypt and Belgium Share Spoils in Tight 1–1 Seattle Draw https://businesstodayng.com/world-cup-2026-egypt-and-belgium-share-spoils-in-tight-1-1-seattle-draw/ Mon, 15 Jun 2026 23:34:56 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=63616 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Egypt and Belgium played out a tightly contested 1–1 draw in their 2026 World Cup group stage encounter, with both sides producing contrasting halves in a match defined by defensive discipline and moments of individual quality. The Pharaohs dominated large spells of the first half and were rewarded for their early control in […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Egypt and Belgium played out a tightly contested 1–1 draw in their 2026 World Cup group stage encounter, with both sides producing contrasting halves in a match defined by defensive discipline and moments of individual quality.

The Pharaohs dominated large spells of the first half and were rewarded for their early control in the 20th minute. Midfielder Emam Ashour broke the deadlock with a stunning, long-range strike to give Egypt a deserved lead heading into the halftime interval.

Belgium responded with greater urgency and attacking intent in the second half, gradually pinning the North Africans deeper into their own territory. Despite the sustained pressure, Egypt’s defensive line held firm for much of the period, repelling wave after wave of Belgian attacks.

The Europeans nearly equalized when Kevin De Bruyne curled a precise free-kick from the edge of the penalty area, only to see his effort denied by the woodwork.

Belgium’s breakthrough finally arrived courtesy of an immediate impact from substitute Romelu Lukaku. Barely sixty seconds after entering the pitch, the striker’s physical presence forced an error from Egyptian defender Mohamed Hany, who turned the ball into his own net in the 66th minute to draw the teams level.

The result leaves both nations sharing the points in Seattle as they continue their push to secure qualification for the knockout rounds.

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Tinubu Approves Nigeria’s Bid to Host 2026 CAF Awards and General Assembly https://businesstodayng.com/tinubu-approves-nigerias-bid-to-host-2026-caf-awards-and-general-assembly/ Tue, 12 May 2026 23:17:33 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=63078 BY JUDE MADUEKE—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s proposal to host the 2026 CAF Awards and the 48th Confederation of African Football General Assembly, a major continental football event expected to bring together key stakeholders from across Africa. The approval was announced in a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation following a meeting between […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved Nigeria’s proposal to host the 2026 CAF Awards and the 48th Confederation of African Football General Assembly, a major continental football event expected to bring together key stakeholders from across Africa.

The approval was announced in a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation following a meeting between President Tinubu and CAF President Patrice Motsepe at the Africa Forward Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya.

The meeting also included Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, former NFF boss Amaju Pinnick, and CAF Acting General Secretary Samson Adamu.

The CAF General Assembly, scheduled for October 2026, will gather presidents of member associations, zonal representatives, and senior football administrators to discuss governance and policy direction for African football.

The CAF Awards, one of the continent’s top football ceremonies, will also be part of the events, celebrating outstanding achievements in the sport, with the most recent award going to Achraf Hakimi in 2025 after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain.

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Bukayo Saka Fires Arsenal into Historic Champions League Final https://businesstodayng.com/bukayo-saka-fires-arsenal-into-historic-champions-league-final/ Tue, 05 May 2026 22:37:05 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62922 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Arsenal secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League final with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Atletico Madrid, thanks to a decisive strike from Bukayo Saka. The North London club progressed 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Spain. This victory sends Arsenal into the final of Europe’s […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Arsenal secured their spot in the UEFA Champions League final with a hard-fought 1–0 win over Atletico Madrid, thanks to a decisive strike from Bukayo Saka.

The North London club progressed 2–1 on aggregate after a 1–1 draw in the first leg in Spain. This victory sends Arsenal into the final of Europe’s most prestigious club competition for just the second time in their history.

They will now await the winner between reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.

Arsenal’s only previous Champions League final appearance came in 2005, when they were defeated by Barcelona.

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Ferguson Taken to Hospital During Manchester United vs Liverpool Clash https://businesstodayng.com/ferguson-taken-to-hospital-during-manchester-united-vs-liverpool-clash/ Mon, 04 May 2026 04:19:12 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62868 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital on Sunday after reportedly feeling unwell during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford. Reports indicate that the 84-year-old began feeling discomfort more than an hour before kick-off, shortly after arriving at the stadium to watch the […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken to hospital on Sunday after reportedly feeling unwell during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Reports indicate that the 84-year-old began feeling discomfort more than an hour before kick-off, shortly after arriving at the stadium to watch the high-profile fixture.

He received medical attention at the venue before being moved to hospital as a precaution. Sources say he is expected to recover at home.

Ferguson, who retired in 2013, previously suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018 but there is no suggestion that the current situation is connected to that incident.

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Mainoo Seals Late Winner as United Beat Liverpool 3–2 https://businesstodayng.com/mainoo-seals-late-winner-as-united-beat-liverpool-3-2/ Mon, 04 May 2026 04:11:14 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62864 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Manchester United edged Liverpool 3–2 in a fiercely contested Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday. The hosts made a blistering start, with Matheus Cunha breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute before Benjamin Šeško extended the advantage in the 14th minute, sending United into the interval two goals ahead. Liverpool regrouped […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Manchester United edged Liverpool 3–2 in a fiercely contested Premier League encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday.

The hosts made a blistering start, with Matheus Cunha breaking the deadlock in the 6th minute before Benjamin Šeško extended the advantage in the 14th minute, sending United into the interval two goals ahead.

Liverpool regrouped after the restart, reducing the deficit in the 47th minute through Dominik Szoboszlai. The visitors then drew level in the 56th minute when Cody Gakpo finished off Szoboszlai’s delivery to make it 2–2.

With the atmosphere growing tense, Kobbie Mainoo produced the decisive moment in the 77th minute, calmly slotting home past goalkeeper Woodman to restore United’s lead and ultimately secure all three points.

The result keeps Manchester United in third place on the league standings, six points clear of Liverpool, who remain fourth following their 11th league defeat of the campaign.

In a separate development, reports from UK media outlets including Manchester Evening News and Daily Mail indicated that former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was taken for medical evaluation after feeling unwell at Old Trafford ahead of the match. The 84-year-old was said to have experienced discomfort more than an hour before kickoff. Sources added that his hospital visit was precautionary, with expectations of a full recovery at home.

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Breaking: UEFA hands six-match ban to Prestianni over Discriminatory Remark https://businesstodayng.com/breaking-uefa-hands-six-match-ban-to-prestianni-over-discriminatory-remark/ Fri, 24 Apr 2026 22:19:27 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62607 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended for six matches by UEFA after finding him guilty of using a homophobic slur toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League knockout play-off match in Lisbon on 17 February. The incident occurred during a heated on-field exchange that led to Vinícius briefly leaving […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni has been suspended for six matches by UEFA after finding him guilty of using a homophobic slur toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League knockout play-off match in Lisbon on 17 February.

The incident occurred during a heated on-field exchange that led to Vinícius briefly leaving the pitch and refusing to continue, causing a short stoppage in play. While the Brazilian initially alleged racial abuse, UEFA’s investigation concluded the remark was homophobic rather than racist.

A disciplinary investigator reviewed the case and confirmed Prestianni’s conduct breached UEFA rules on discriminatory behaviour. The player reportedly told officials he used a homophobic term during the confrontation.

Of the six-game ban, three matches are suspended for two years, meaning they will only be enforced if there is another offence. One match has already been counted as served, leaving him with two immediate games to miss.

The case has also prompted discussions within football governance circles, with IFAB expected to consider possible rule changes regarding players covering their mouths during disputes. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also argued that concealed speech linked to discrimination should carry strict punishment.

UEFA reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on abuse, stressing that discriminatory language has no place in football. The decision is part of wider efforts to combat misconduct in the sport, which has repeatedly affected Vinícius Júnior in recent seasons, while Benfica and Prestianni have yet to issue a detailed response.

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Haaland Fires City to Premier League Top Spot https://businesstodayng.com/haaland-fires-city-to-premier-league-top-spot/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 23:21:48 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62538 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Manchester City continued their late push for the Premier League title with a strong win at Turf Moor, moving to the top of the table while confirming relegation for Burnley. The champions, unbeaten in 11 matches, overturned a nine-point gap on Arsenal to lead on goal difference with five games left. Erling Haaland […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Manchester City continued their late push for the Premier League title with a strong win at Turf Moor, moving to the top of the table while confirming relegation for Burnley.

The champions, unbeaten in 11 matches, overturned a nine-point gap on Arsenal to lead on goal difference with five games left.

Erling Haaland scored early after linking up with Jeremy Doku, while City dominated chances through Rayan Cherki and Nico O’Reilly, but were repeatedly denied by Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.

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Chelsea Part Ways with Rosenior After Heavy Brighton Defeat https://businesstodayng.com/chelsea-part-ways-with-rosenior-after-heavy-brighton-defeat/ Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:31:51 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=62526 BY JUDE MADUEKE—Chelsea FC have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after a poor sequence of performances, ending in a 3–0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. The team endured five straight Premier League losses without finding the net — their worst streak of this kind since 1912 — leading club officials to make […]

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BY JUDE MADUEKE—Chelsea FC have parted ways with head coach Liam Rosenior after a poor sequence of performances, ending in a 3–0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion. The team endured five straight Premier League losses without finding the net — their worst streak of this kind since 1912 — leading club officials to make their second coaching change of the season.

In an official statement, the club explained that the choice was difficult but acknowledged that recent displays had dropped “below the expected level,” even though there is still plenty left to compete for this season.

Rosenior, who arrived in January from affiliated club RC Strasbourg on a long-term contract, initially had strong backing from the leadership. However, a significant downturn in results, along with increasing frustration among fans, ultimately led to his departure.

Chelsea also announced that Under-21 manager Calum McFarlane will step in as interim head coach for the remainder of the season while the club looks for a long-term successor.

The team’s difficulties have extended across multiple competitions. Despite lifting the UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup last season, they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain and eliminated from the Carabao Cup by Arsenal.

Chelsea now face a tough challenge to qualify for European competitions, currently sitting outside the top spots in the league table.

Off the field, tensions have escalated as supporters have recently protested against the club’s ownership, adding further pressure that contributed to Rosenior’s exit.

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Babajide Sanwo-Olu Inaugurates Board of Lagos State Sports Trust Fund https://businesstodayng.com/babajide-sanwo-olu-inaugurates-board-of-lagos-state-sports-trust-fund/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:25:37 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=61220 The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated the Board of Lagos State Sports Trust Fund and charged them to deploy resources for the growth and development of grassroots sports, school sports and other sporting activities in the various divisions of the State. The Board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund […]

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The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday inaugurated the Board of Lagos State Sports Trust Fund and charged them to deploy resources for the growth and development of grassroots sports, school sports and other sporting activities in the various divisions of the State.

The Board of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund is chaired by the former Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development and the current President of the International Table Tennis Federation, Mr. Enitan Oshodi, with Mr. Olaposi Agunbiade as Executive Secretary/CEO.

Other members of the Board are Mr. Olabode Agoro, Mr. Adeniyi Adedokun Adekoya, Mr. Gbolahan Onibuje, Mr. Jubril Gawat, Mrs. Kikelomo Bolarinwa, Mrs. Olayemi Sarumi, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Mr. Moshood Ajide, Engr. Ibrahim Adigun, Chairman of the Chairmen of LGs/LCDAs and Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Commission.

Speaking during the inauguration held at Lagos House, Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu implored members of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund to use their contact, skill, professional background and reach for setting up a robust institution in sports for Lagos State.

He said: “The mandate is very straightforward. It is for all of you to use your contact, skill, professional background and reach to help see how we can support funding in sports and help in setting up robust institutions in sports for Lagos State for today and for future generations.

“I will implore that you also look for ways to deploy resources in grassroots sports, school sports, and sporting activities that would encourage growth from our various divisions.

“There are several facilities that we have around that the government first funded. I am sure they are at different stages of completion, if not completed. And there is a lot that also needs improvement. So I believe that you can put the funds into some of these projects.

“There are also a whole lot of people and organisations that would want to support, but they don’t want to come straight to the government. So, this is a quasi-body that can reach out to the private sector and also draw on the experience of the government.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Lagos State Sports Trust Fund, Mr. Enitan Oshodi, said the most important thing for his team is to create pathways for raising funds to support sports, sporting infrastructure and development.

He said: “The Lagos State Government is spending a lot of money on sports, but it is never enough in a megacity like Lagos with 20 million-plus people. We need facilities to support athletes, and we all know the talents that are bound in sports in Lagos.

“Lagos State Sports Commission is doing a good job, a very good job. But we always need help from the private sector. The greatest sporting nation in the world doesn’t get any government funding in the United States of America. It is the private sector. So our main target really is the support from the private sector. And with the capacity of the people on the board, we see the private sector supporting us.

“We know the private sector and what they want us to do. And the government is spending the money in the right way. So, I think we can make a big success very quickly in the short term. But of course, the great plan is a long-term plan for the development of sports in Lagos.”

 

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Tinubu Congratulates Nigerian-Descent Players After Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 Win https://businesstodayng.com/tinubu-congratulates-nigerian-descent-players-after-seahawks-super-bowl-60-win/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:14:01 +0000 https://businesstodayng.com/?p=61006 President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulates players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday. The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy. Players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped […]

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday congratulates players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy.

Players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped achieve this victory include Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, quarterback; Nick Emmanwori, a defensive standout; Uchenna Nwosu, a veteran linebacker; Boye Maye, a linebacker; and Olu Oluwatimi, an irrepressible offensive lineman.

The President also congratulates Michael Onwenu, who played for the other side, the New England Patriots, and is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen.

President Tinubu commends all the players for the pride and honour that they have brought to their country of descent, especially Emmanwori, Nwosu, and Maye, who raised Nigeria’s flag after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

The President states that these players and their accomplishments affirm Nigerians’ global reputation for excellence and talent.

President Tinubu wishes them continued success and more victories in their respective careers.

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