SPORTS
Super Eagles Set for Poland, Portugal Friendlies Ahead of World Cup
The Super Eagles will face Poland and Portugal in international friendlies in June as part of preparations for upcoming global competitions, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said.
A statement by NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, in Abuja yesterday confirmed the high-profile fixtures and described them as crucial tests for the team.
Olajire said the matches would help the technical crew assess the squad against top European opposition.
“These fixtures are very important for us as a team seeking to build momentum and cohesion ahead of major competitions,” he said.
He added that the games would also provide an opportunity to test new players and tactical approaches.
“Playing against Poland and Portugal offers us the chance to measure our strength against quality sides and make necessary adjustments,” Olajire said.
Fresh from defeating FIFA World Cup-bound Iran and drawing with Jordan in Antalya, Turkey, Nigeria are looking forward to an exciting summer of football.
The three-time African champions aim to build on recent performances as they intensify preparations for future tournaments.
NFF’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon of Eurodata Sport, said the match against Poland will be played at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3.
He added that the game against Portugal will take place on June 10 at a venue to be announced later.
Olajire expressed confidence that the fixtures would boost the team’s readiness.
“We are confident that these matches will sharpen the team and position us strongly for the challenges ahead,” he said.
The encounter with Portugal will serve as the hosts’ final game before travelling for the FIFA World Cup finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nigeria are also scheduled to defend their title at the Unity Cup Tournament in London from May 26 to May 30.
Swiatek Appoints Former Coach of Nadal, Raducanu
Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek will work with Francisco Roig – the former coach of Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu – as she looks to turn around her inconsistent form.
Poland’s Swiatek has struggled to find her rhythm in 2026, exiting the Australian Open and Indian Wells at the quarter-final stage.
The 24-year-old tends to perform better on clay, having won four of her six Grand Slam titles at the French Open, and has drafted in Roig in preparation for next month’s event in Paris.
Swiatek confirmed the partnership on Instagram, writing “welcome to the team, Francisco! Very excited for this new chapter”.
Spain’s Roig coached Briton Raducanu for five months between 2025 and 2026, but is best known for his 17-year stint with 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal.
World number four Swiatek had been working under Wim Fissette, who helped her win a first Wimbledon title in July, but they parted ways after Swiatek’s first-round loss at the Miami Open in March.
Swiatek experienced immense highs alongside Fissette, with her triumph at SW19 the pinnacle, but also endured serious lows, including being ‘bageled’ – losing a set to love – in her quarter-final defeat by Aryna Sabalenka at last year’s French Open.
Feliciano Lopez and Matteo Berrettini are among the other names to have spent time with Roig.
Lopez said Roig achieves the best results by using unique coaching drills, which are “practical” and “specific”, with his players.
It is said the 58-year-old identifies technical issues by observation, rather than relying on forensic video analysis.
Swiatek began working with Roig at Nadal’s academy in Manacor, Spain, as she shifted her attention to the clay-court season.
Davies Back in Wales Squad as Clark Misses Out
Manchester City teenager Mayzee Davies is back in the Wales squad for this month’s World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania, but there is no place for injured goalkeeper Olivia Clark.
Defender Davies has not appeared for her country since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury while on Wales duty 11 months ago.
The 19-year-old has been recalled after returning to action for Manchester City’s under-21 side this week, though Wales head coach Rhian Wilkinson says she is unlikely to play in this camp as a result of her long lay-off.
“We don’t want to put that pressure on at this point but to have her back with the squad I think is really important,” Wikinson said.
Wales will have to cope without Leicester City’s Clark, who has not played since picking up a lower leg injury while training with her country last month.
In the absence of 35-cap Clark, Wilkinson has handed a first senior call-up to Llantrisant-born Lucy Farrell-Shrouder, 22, who is on loan at Stoke City from Burnley.
Wales face Albania at Wrexham’s Stoke Cae Ras on Tuesday, 14 April (19:15 BST) before travelling for the return fixture at the Elbasan Arena in Elbasan four days later (17:00 BST).
Wilkinson says Clark’s injury is not serious, though it does leave Manchester United’s Safia Middleton-Patel as the only goalkeeper in this Wales squad who has played a senior international.
Wilkinson has regularly rotated her two senior keepers, but says eight-cap Middleton-Patel will feature in both Albania games.
“She will come in as our number one and that’s an opportunity for her,” Wilkinson said.
“Liv’s not here and that does not mean she’s out sight out of mind. She is absolutely still in there in the running [to be first-choice keeper], but I am looking forward to seeing what Saf can do for us.
Farrell-Shrouder, Poppy Soper, Annie Wilding and Phoebie Poole are the four uncapped players in the squad, while Gwen Zimmerman, Olivia Francis and Mary McAteer are not included having been involved in the previous camp.
Wilkinson’s side began their bid to secure a place at the 2027 World Cup with an away draw against the Czech Republic – who are expected to be their main rivals to top Group B1 – and a comprehensive home victory over Montenegro.
With no automatic route to the tournament available to League B sides, Wales hope to finish first in the group because that would secure a more favourable play-off route to the tournament, which is being staged in Brazil.
Davies had been on course to feature at Euro 2025 until she suffered the ACL injury during Wales’ Nations League defeat in Denmark last May.
The Bodelwyddan-born player was winning her sixth cap against the Danes having been given her senior debut by Wilkinson in Kosovo two years ago.
Davies first joined Manchester City at the age of 10, then returned to the club in 2024 after a brief spell at Manchester United.
She was named Wales’ player of the match having made her first international start in the defeat in Italy 14 months ago.
After that game, Wilkinson suggested Davies had the quality to win more than a century of caps for her country.
Wilkinson did not completely rule out the idea of Davies featuring in one of the two Albania games, saying: “I won’t say never because we haven’t had our eyes across her, but she is coming in as a training player and not as part of the 23.
“She’s been working hard. We’ve been in touch with her, just sort of making sure she’s feeling seen during a long process.
“I think she’s played some minutes for some of the younger [Manchester City] squads but she’s now starting to be more full-time with the senior team and back to full training.”
Liverpool Striker Isak Returns to training, Coach Confirms
Alexander Isak will return to team training on Thursday, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has confirmed.
Club record £125m signing Isak has been ruled out since December, having fractured his leg and had ankle surgery.
The 26-year-old Sweden striker managed 16 appearances and scored three goals for the Reds before his injury against Tottenham.
“I think Alex is in a really good place because Sweden qualified for the World Cup and, apart from that, he’s going to train with the group again for the first time tomorrow,” Slot told the club’s website.
“If you’ve worked so hard for three, four months or something like that and then to return to team training, that’s for everyone very nice. So Alex is, in that sense, in a good place.”
Liverpool are preparing to face Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at Etihad Stadium on Saturday (12:45 BST).
The Reds signed Isak from Newcastle United for a British record transfer fee in September.
He had surgery on an ankle injury that included a fibula fracture, sustained following a challenge by Micky van de Ven as he scored against Spurs in a 2-1 win on 20 December.
The late Chief Gabriel Gbayan was a distinguished sports administrator who served as a Two times Chairman of the FCT Badminton Association and also a two-time board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. Throughout his tenure and involvement in the sport, he made significant contributions to the growth, promotion, and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
His commitment to badminton extended beyond administration. He demonstrated a genuine passion for the development of players, the organization of competitions, and the advancement of the sport at grassroots and national levels.
During his tenure, Chief Gabriel Gbayan organized a National Junior Badminton Championship and the North Central Badminton Championships, providing valuable opportunities for players to showcase their talents, gain competitive experience, and develop their sporting careers.
In addition to his administrative and organizational contributions, he personally sponsored badminton players and supported their participation and development. His generosity and commitment helped create opportunities for players who needed encouragement and financial assistance to pursue their sporting ambitions.
His contributions to the badminton community were therefore not limited to holding positions of responsibility; they were reflected in the practical support he provided to players, the competitions he helped organize, and his commitment to strengthening badminton in Nigeria.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
In recognition of these remarkable contributions, Vanz Badminton Foundation, in collaboration with Mambila Barracks Badminton Club and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, considers it both appropriate and necessary to honour the memory of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan through the organization of the Late Chief Gabriel Gbayan FCT Memorial Badminton Championship 2026.
This championship is intended to be more than a sporting competition. It will serve as a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, generosity, leadership, and personal commitment contributed to the development of badminton and the advancement of its players.
We believe that honouring individuals who have made meaningful contributions to sports development is an important way of preserving their legacies and inspiring others to follow their examples.
By establishing this memorial championship, we hope to encourage current and future sports administrators, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and badminton enthusiasts to continue investing their time, resources, and expertise in the growth of badminton in Nigeria.
The championship will also bring together players from different age groups, including junior players, active competitors, and veterans, thereby promoting unity, mentorship, and continuity within the badminton community.
We therefore appeal to corporate organizations, government institutions, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to support this initiative. Their contributions will help us celebrate the legacy of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of badminton players.
Our conviction is that those who dedicate themselves to the growth of a sport should be remembered and honoured, and their examples should inspire others to contribute to the development of future generations.
Through this championship, we seek to preserve Chief Gabriel Gbayan’s memory, celebrate his service, and strengthen the spirit of generosity and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his involvement in badminton
May his legacy continue to inspire the growth and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
Harry Kane has become the first English player in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or after emerging victorious at Monday’s ceremony in London.
The Bayern Munich striker clinched the 2026 award after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, surpassing Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Kane’s triumph makes him the latest Englishman to win the award after Michael Owen, who received the honour in 2001.
The England captain joins an illustrious list of English winners, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
An emotional Kane expressed gratitude to France Football, organisers of the award, and everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event.
“Being in London makes it extra special; it felt like a good omen,” he said.
Kane also thanked England, Bayern Munich and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, for their contributions to his remarkable career.
Reflecting on his journey, he said aspiring footballers could achieve their dreams through perseverance, in spite of setbacks and challenges.
He added that his journey had not been straightforward, citing several loan spells and the determination required to reach the highest level.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappe as winners of the men’s award.
The event also started 45 minutes behind schedule, with organisers attributing the delay to traffic congestion in London.
In the final rankings, Kane finished first, followed by Mbappe in second place and Yamal in third.
Manchester City’s Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi of Inter Miami placed fifth in the rankings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came sixth, ahead of teammate Ousmane Dembele in seventh place.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finished eighth, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabian Ruiz completed the top 10.
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or, representing London City Lionesses and Barcelona, alongside Spain.
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent.
Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Striker of the Year prize.
Spain’s Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s category.
PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work.
Litten, Knowles in for England as O’Neill Drops Out
Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been brought into the starting line-up for England’s must-win Men’s Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea – with Brad O’Neill dropping out of the squad.
Hull KR’s Litten comes in at hooker as head coach Brian McDermott chases a big victory in their final Group B-C match in Wollongong on Friday (09:05 GMT) to keep alive hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
O’Neill, named the best player in Super League in 2026, is not in the 19-player matchday squad, having worn the number nine for last Saturday’s victory over France.
Dolphins lock Knowles comes in after missing the opening two matches with a calf injury, replacing Victor Radley, who drops to the bench.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton, brought in for the France match, retains his place on the wing, with Wigan’s Zach Eckersley again not in the matchday 19.
McDermott, however, has made late changes to his initial matchday squad for both of England’s two matches so far, and may do so again before Friday.
On the backfoot after being beaten 30-12 by Tonga in their opening game, England responded with a crushing 82-0 victory over France to keep their dreams alive.
England need to beat co-hosts PNG then hope Tonga beat Samoa, two days later in Sydney.
If Samoa win, England will be eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga.
But if Tonga win, it comes down to points difference between England and Samoa with England’s currently 68 points worse than the Samoans.
The match is part of a triple header in Wollongong, with England’s wheelchair team starting the defence of their World Cup title against Wales (04:30 GMT) before the women’s side face Samoa (06:45 GMT).
Georgia Roche replaced Jenna Foubister at half-back for England women, with Hope Millard stepping up to the bench for their must-win final group game.
England have to beat Samoa to finish second in Group A and qualify for the semi-finals.
They beat Wales 70-6 in their opener, but were thrashed 78-0 by reigning champions Australia in Perth last weekend.
Foubister, 19, started against Australia after a superb domestic season where she was named Super League Woman of Steel.
But she struggled against the strength of Australia, so Coach Stu Barrow has opted for the experience of Roche instead.
The loss of key player Eva Hunter to a leg injury suffered against the Jillaroos has prompted a pack reshuffle, with Hollie-Mae Dodd moving from prop to the back row.
Mary Coleman comes in at prop as a result, while England are boosted by captain Jodie Cunningham overcoming an ear injury suffered last week to be named on the bench.
Georgia Wilson is in for Molly Jones in the centres, while Millard, the only heritage player left in the England set-up following Jasmin Strange’s tournament ending knee injury is back in the squad.
A win would earn England a semi-final spot, where they would most likely face New Zealand, who beat them in the last four of the previous World Cup in 2022.
Dual code international Ffion Lewis returns to the Wales side for their final Group A match, against world champions Australia in Sydney on Sunday (04:40 GMT). Carys Marsh steps up from the bench and will start at hooker.
Australia, already assured of a semi-final place, have made several changes. Stand-off Jocelyn Kelleher, who was outstanding against England last Saturday, is rested with Jesse Southwell taking her place.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has recalled Reece Walsh at full-back for their final Group A game against the Cook Islands on Saturday (09:05 GMT).
Walsh, whose 2026 domestic season was disrupted by injury troubles, started Australia’s thrilling World Cup opener against New Zealand.
He scored a try but kicked just two of five conversions as the Kangaroos squeezed to a 24-22 win. He was then rested against Fiji in their second group match, which Australia won 36-22.
Walsh returns in place of James Tedesco at full-back, with Cameron Munster returning at stand-off as Sam Walker drops out of the 19, and Harry Grant regaining the number nine hooker’s jersey.
Ethan Strange brother of injured England women’s star Jasmin is in line for a Test debut after being named on the bench.
Veteran Sports Journalist and Commissioner for Sports Development in Akwa Ibom State, Paul Bassey, has hailed the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as the prevailing peace in the state.
“ If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today, Unprecedented peace?” Bassey in a goodwill message delivered at the 25th Annual Convention of the Apostolic Church, Atabong Area in Eket Local Govt.
“ It is a coincidence that the Theme of this Convention is “ The Peace of God” and it reminds me of the peace God has used our Governor to bear on our state.
“ Before now, you cannot even worship in peace as bandits raided churches on Sunday mornings, shot and killed, abducted worshippers, threatened oppositions.
“ Please let us tell our Children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere and you can hardly sleep with your two eyes closed “ the Eket ward 2 Urban leader said.
The Elder of the Apostolic Church reminded the congregation that “this governor is not only a son of Eket, he is a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church and must be embraced and supported for a second term “ and this drew a thunderous “Amen” from the mammoth crowd.
Elder Bassey said without peace there would be no development and as a member of His the Governor’s “First Eleven” he was better placed to talk about “this grass roots Governor, whose programs are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society especially in the areas of health, education and in my case, the empowerment of youth through sports .“
In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic church Pastor(Dr) B. E. Okon enjoined Christians to embrace the peace of God that eliminates fear and life’s challenges.
Drawing his text from Mathew 5:9 the Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church insisted that “blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”
Elder Bassey in company of other dignitaries including Pastor Etangkanga, vice chairman Esit Eket Local government, village head of Atabong Dr Ikwang later joined the Field Superintendent and the host Area Superintendent Pastor O. D James to cut the 25th anniversary Convention cake.
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