SPORTS
Kebbi First Lady Hails NFF on Beach Soccer

By Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja
Wife of the Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Zainab Shinkafi – Bagudu, has commended the Nigerian Football Federation for propelling beach soccer to greater heights with the presence of the Super Sand Eagles in Kebbi for the second time to play an inauguration friendly match against the Kebbi Beach Soccer Club to celebrate her husband’s Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu second term victory as the Governor of the state.
The commendation from the first Lady of Kebbi State who doubles as CEO/Founder, Global Cancer International was recently appointed as the Kebbi Beach Soccer Association Grand Matron.
The colourful ceremony also included the presentation of a uniquely designed customized plaque and a gift of the 2019 customized jersey handed over to the Global Cancer International Director by the Chairman of KBSA, Mr.
Mahmud Hadejia.He described the Award as a deserved accolade in recognition and appreciation for the First Lady’s “selfless service to humanity”.
Hadejia further appreciated her tremendous support and guidance to sports and youth development with particular reference to the beach soccer journey which aims to achieve excellence in Kebbi State and beyond.
Responding, Dr. Zainab appreciated the gesture and reiterated her husband’s commitment to youth and sports development in the state in particular and the entire country.
She congratulated the Association on its 5th anniversary this year and commended its giant strides in putting Kebbi on the Map as a leading beach soccer state noting that it is worthy to emulate.
“I must commend your efforts and good works you are investing in beach soccer in the state which has ultimately made the state a leading beach soccer state among the states of the federation.”
The first Lady also congratulated the Kebbi Beach Soccer Club and Gwandu Emirate Clubs for the recent trophies they won in the just concluded Kebbi Beach Soccer Sallah Tournament 2019 edition, noting that it recorded great success.
SPORTS
Tinubu Hails Super Falcons for Winning 10th WAFCON Title

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Super Falcons on their triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they clinched a record 10th continental title.The Nigerian team staged a dramatic comeback on Saturday night in Rabat, Morocco, defeating the hosts 3-2 in front of a passionate home crowd to lift the trophy.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the team’s performance as a testament to the resilience and fighting spirit of Nigerians.Tinubu said, “The Super Falcons’ spectacular performance tonight in Rabat, coming from behind to beat a spirited Moroccan side playing in front of a passionate home crowd, exemplifies the determination that defines the Nigerian spirit.
”“With hard work, dedication, and tenacity, you have achieved the mission the nation dreamed of and prayed for. The nation looks forward to welcoming our champions. Congratulations! Nigeria celebrates you,” he added.SPORTS
Okoye Banned over Betting Scandal

Udinese and Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been handed a two-month ban by the Italian Football Federation following a high-profile betting scandal linked to a match against Lazio during the 2023/2024 season.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper was found guilty of sporting misconduct after allegations emerged that he deliberately sought a yellow card during the league match against Lazio.
The suspicious booking triggered an investigation into abnormal betting patterns related to that specific incident.
According to a statement from the FIGC, Okoye was accused of intentionally committing an act that led to his caution in order to influence betting outcomes.
The case has raised fresh concerns over the integrity of players’ conduct and the growing influence of illegal betting syndicates on professional football.
Following a thorough disciplinary inquiry, the FIGC’s National Federal Tribunal officially confirmed its decision on Tuesday, announcing that Okoye would serve a two-month ban from all official matches.
The ban will commence from the first official game of the 2025/2026 season.
The court statement, issued by the Disciplinary Section of the National Federal Tribunal, read, “The National Federal Tribunal, Disciplinary Section, definitively ruling, imposes on Emil Maduka Okoye the sanction of two (2) months of disqualification in official matches, starting from the beginning of the first official competition of the 2025/2026 sporting season.”
This ruling means Okoye will miss six competitive matches, including Udinese’s season opener in the Coppa Italia against Carrarese on August 18, as well as the first five Serie A fixtures.
He will become eligible for selection again from October 19 when Udinese face newly promoted Cremonese away from home.
The outcome has sparked debate across both Italy and Nigeria, especially given Okoye’s national team status.
It also adds to growing scrutiny on the actions of players involved in controversial betting-related misconduct in recent years.
Okoye, who previously served as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper and played at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, has not yet publicly commented on the ruling.
He has struggled to regain his top form since that tournament and faced criticism for inconsistent performances. The suspension now places further doubt on his chances of reclaiming a regular starting role at both club and international level.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Ayra Starr, NBA Star for Giants of Africa Festival

Nigerian pop sensation Ayra Starr and LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard have been added to the list of stars for the Giants of Africa Festival 2025, which will be held in Kigali, Rwanda, from July 26 to August 2.
Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment.
Ayra Starr will perform at the festival’s closing concert on August 2, joining a powerhouse line-up that includes Afrobeats stars Kizz Daniel and Timaya.
Additionally, local Rwandan artist Alyn Sano is now set to perform at the festival’s inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show on July 31.
Launching a week of unforgettable music moments, the festival’s exhilarating opening show on July 27 will feature performances by South African DJ phenomenon Uncle Waffles and MTV VMA-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver. Rwandan stars Kevin Kade, Ruti Joël, Boukuru and Chriss Easy will also perform on the opening weekend.
Two-time NBA champion Leonard has also been added to the Giants of Africa Festival 2025’s all-star line-up.
The LA Clippers forward will mentor youth campers, open a new basketball court in partnership with Giants of Africa at St Ignatius School, and host a special clinic for 50 local youth at Club Rafiki in one of Kigali’s most underserved districts.
Additional celebrity guests appearing throughout the week include Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe, and more.
Giants of Africa is a non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, founded by basketball executive and former player Masai Ujiri.
Ujiri recently appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show and Good Morning America to discuss how the festival unites communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent.