Ebonyi State governor Francis Nwifuru has rewarded D’Tigress forward Blessing Ejiofor with N30m and a duplex, while also approving a N50m basketball project in her honor.

The gesture follows Ejiofor’s role in helping Nigeria’s women’s basketball team secure a record fifth consecutive Afrobasket title in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Nwifuru, in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Saturday, described the player as a source of pride to the state and an inspiration to young girls.

“I am delighted to once again celebrate and congratulate our very own daughter, Blessing Munachi Ejiofor, one of the champions who brought prestige to our nation by securing a historic five-straight title in the African Women’s Basketball tournament in Abidjan, Ivory Coast,” he said.

The governor explained that Ejiofor was formally recognised during the state’s expanded executive council meeting, where she was inducted into the Ebonyi Hall of Fame.

“Yesterday, we honoured her at the expanded Executive Council Meeting of the State, acknowledging her outstanding achievements in Basketball, through which she has prominently placed Ebonyi State on a global map. Her dedication and journey to this stage serve as a beacon of inspiration for every Ebonyi girl child. She is a worthy ambassador of the State and we are proud of her,” Nwifuru added.

As part of the recognition, Ejiofor was awarded N30m and allocated a duplex in the state’s ongoing Civil and Public Servants Estate.

“Additionally, the State has made a donation of Thirty Million Naira to her and a duplex in our ongoing Civil and Public Servants Estate opposite Chiboy Motors,” the statement read in part.

The governor also praised Ejiofor’s work in empowering young girls through her foundation, noting her appeal for greater investment in youth basketball.

“We also recognise her efforts in empowering girls through the Muna Foundation’s Girls Empowerment Camp. She has implored the State to help groom young Ebonyi girls for the basketball sport.

“As such, in her honour, we have approved the sum of Fifty Million Naira for the State Ministry of Youths and Sports Development to build a befitting and professional basketball court for our young girls and boys talented in the sport. Once more, we congratulate her for making us proud,” the governor concluded.

Following their triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, President Bola Tinubu has also honoured the D’Tigress with a reward package that includes $100,000 for each player, $50,000 for every member of the coaching and technical crew, a three-bedroom flat each and also conferred on the players and their technical crew the prestigious national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger.

Tottenham FC are exploring a deal for Crystal Palace and England forward Eberechi Eze.

Thomas Frank is looking to bolster his options in the final third after attacking midfielder James Maddison was ruled out for the majority of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

South Korea forward Son Heung-min left the club after 10 years earlier this month having scored 173 goals in 454 appearances, while midfielder Dejan Kulusevski is still out after knee surgery.

Thus Eze has scored 14 goals across all competitions for Palace last season, including in their 1-0 win against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The 27-year-old made his England debut in 2023 and has won 11 caps for the Three Lions, including three appearances at Euro 2024.

Tottenham are also in talks with Manchester City over a move for Savinhobut multiple sources have indicated that Eze is now emerging as a player of serious interest for Spurs.

There is no confirmation whether Tottenham will look to progress with deals for both Brazil winger Savinho and Eze.

Arsenal also have an interest in Eze but are currently looking at trying to move players on, with the likes of Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira set to leave.

However, it remains to be seen whether Tottenham’s active interest in Eze results in Arsenal accelerating a move for the England international.

Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth £19.5m in 2020 and has scored 40 goals in 168 appearances.

His contract at Selhurst Park is due to expire in the summer of 2027.

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Liverpool are stepping up their attempts to sign Crystal Palace and England center-back Marc Guehi.

Palace captain Guehi has a year left on his contract, but Chairman Steve Parish said earlier this week he could be sold this summer to avoid him moving on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

Sources have said that Liverpool have held initial talks with a view to signing the 25-year-old before the summer transfer window shuts.

Liverpool are also trying to sign Parma centre-back Giovanni Leoni.

The 18-year-old Italian is not seen as a potential rival for Guehi but more as one for the future.

Guehi was the subject of bids worth up to £65m from Newcastle last year.

The FA Cup winners are believed to want £40m for him now, but Liverpool want to pay less than that.

The Reds have already spent about £270m this summer, though they have recouped about £170m through player sales.

They have also had a £110m bid for Alexander Isak rejected by Newcastle, though sources have said the Swede remains determined to move to Anfield.

Signing Guehi and Isak would take Liverpool’s summer spending above £400m.