World number one Iga Swiatek claimed the Qatar Open title for the third year in a row with a straight-sets victory over Elena Rybakina on Saturday. Swiatek trailed by a double break in the first set but recovered well to eventually beat Rybakina 7-6, 6-2. Swiatek who is Polish lost all three of her matches against Rybakina from Kazakhstan in 2023. It is four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek’s first WTA title of the year and her 18th overall. She is the first player to win a WTA singles title three times in a row since Serena Williams claimed the Miami…
Author: Prince Ade ADe
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reported to have requested a significant change regarding the schedule for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to be held in Morocco. The recently concluded 2023 edition of the tournament in Cote D’Ivoire which was widely commended not only witnessed the breaking of several on-field records but also proved to be a commercial success, with the Confederation of African Football, CAF confirming record viewership from around the world. During the winners’ ceremony, Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa was handed the host country’s flag for the 35th edition, scheduled to take…
Defending champions Manchester City suffered a dent to their Premier League title ambitions after playing a 1-1 draw with Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. For City star Raheem Sterling put Chelsea ahead in the first half after Nicolas Jackson missed a glorious opportunity to put the visitors ahead. There were several missed chances on both sides with Erling Haaland failing to convert the most glaring for City. It looked like Chelsea were going to run away with the points but Rodri got the equaliser in the 83rd minute to give Pep Guardiola’s side a point and spare them…
Stanley Nwabali’s stellar performances for the Super Eagles in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations have not only earned him acclaim but also a substantial financial reward. The goalkeeper is now N20 million richer, a commendation bestowed upon him by Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara. In recognition of Nwabali’s outstanding contributions, Governor Fubara has also honored him with the Distinguished Service Star of Rivers State. This not only acknowledges the goalkeeper’s sporting prowess but also highlights his exceptional service to the state. It’s not just the players who received recognition; the backroom staff of the Super Eagles were also beneficiaries…
Bukayo Saka showcased his brilliance by netting twice as Arsenal continued their remarkable goal-scoring spree, dominating Burnley and narrowing the gap at the summit of the Premier League to a mere two points. Following their resounding 6-0 victory over West Ham the previous week, Arsenal swiftly resumed their goal-scoring prowess. Captain Martin Odegaard set the tone with a precise strike into the bottom corner, capitalizing on Gabriel Martinelli’s pass within the first four minutes of the game. Saka added to the tally by converting a penalty after Lorenz Assignon fouled Leandro Trossard in the box. Saka wasn’t done yet, securing…
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken the decision to reopen Sahad Stores, a prominent supermarket situated in the Garki area of Abuja. During a Saturday visit by journalists, it was observed that business activities were gradually resuming after the store had been sealed on the preceding Friday. The closure of the supermarket on Friday was a result of actions taken by an enforcement team, prompted by concerns about “misleading pricing and lack of transparency in pricing.” Acting on these issues, the agency’s acting Executive Vice Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed that the supermarket management had been invited…
The fundraising team for the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation has disclosed that the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, expended a whooping N744, 500,000 on litigation following his loss in the 2023 presidential election. The chairman of the fundraising team, Aisha Yesufu, disclosed this on Thursday at a press conference in Abuja. Yesufu, who was giving an account of the LP election spending, said the party received donations totalling N596m from party supporters, including the Obidient movements, and Nigerians across the globe. Yesufu said, “Accountability and transparency are very critical and important. We raised N595, 976,994 in donations…
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has issued a strong call to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to reconsider its stance on the Student Loan Programme, challenging the union’s assertion that the scheme would negatively impact public universities. In response to ASUU’s declaration that the loan program could lead to a diversion of public funds into private universities, NANS President, Dist. Sen. Akinteye Afeez Babatunde, expressed deep concern over what he perceives as a contradictory stance by ASUU. He questioned whether ASUU’s opposition to the program is genuinely in the best interest of students or if there…
Super Eagles’ prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, seamlessly reacquainted himself with his Napoli teammates during Friday’s training session following his return from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as confirmed by the Serie A champions on their official website. In an official statement, Napoli announced Osimhen’s full return to training, highlighting that he engaged in personalized recovery work on the pitch. The club emphasized that this tailored recovery program will persist into the upcoming sessions, underlining their commitment to ensuring Osimhen’s optimal fitness. Despite his return to training, the 25-year-old striker is set to miss the Serie A clash against Genoa…
In his much-anticipated return to the PGA Tour at the Genesis Invitational, 48-year-old Tiger Woods faced an unexpected setback as he withdrew due to illness during the second round. The iconic golfer, who also serves as the host of the tournament held at the Riviera Country Club, had to be driven off the course on a cart shortly after teeing off on the seventh hole. This marked Woods’ first appearance on the PGA Tour since his unfortunate withdrawal from the Masters in April of the previous year, forced by an injury in the third round. Despite being golf’s biggest draw,…