Author: Gabby

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has showered praises on Victor Osimhen for his extraordinary contributions to Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig victory. Obi highlighted Osimhen’s exceptional performance, which included a brace in the decisive match that clinched the title for the Istanbul club.

Taking to his verified X account on Monday, Obi celebrated Osimhen as a shining representative of Nigeria, someone who consistently upholds the nation’s honor through his sportsmanship and accomplishments. The politician emphasized that Nigeria is endowed with numerous talents akin to Osimhen, awaiting proper guidance, backing, and conditions to flourish and earn acclaim for the country.

Obi went on to reflect on Osimhen’s resilience, self-control, and skill, which serve as a beacon of hope for countless young Nigerians. He stated, ‘Your ability to bounce back, your discipline, and your prowess continue to inspire a generation to embrace diligence, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.’ The former Anambra governor reiterated that Osimhen remains a steadfast emblem of Nigeria on the world stage, bringing pride to the nation through his deeds and behavior.

In the same post, Obi expressed dismay over the neglect of the sports sector in Nigeria, calling it a missed opportunity for youth development. He noted, ‘I have repeatedly spoken about sports’ ability to transform lives and create immense prospects for the youth. That is why the continuous oversight of this field in our country is deeply troubling.’ Obi reaffirmed his conviction that a new Nigeria, where all sectors advance together for harmonious growth and national well-being, is achievable.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has firmly rejected the notion that Real Madrid are more cohesive without Kylian Mbappe, describing the French star as the world’s finest striker. Speaking ahead of a La Liga clash, Flick emphasized Mbappe’s extraordinary abilities despite his injury layoff.

Mbappe, 27, has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, missing Real Madrid’s recent 2-0 victory over Espanyol. He returned to training last week but was not fit to feature against Flick’s side at Camp Nou. When asked if Madrid play better without the World Cup winner, Flick responded with praise. ‘Real Madrid better without Mbappe? He is one of the greatest players globally, please. He is incredibly talented on the pitch,’ said Flick, as reported by Goal.

‘He is dangerous in every situation. In front of goal, he is the best in the world. He poses a threat both inside and outside the penalty area,’ the German coach added. Mbappe’s stats this season are remarkable: 41 goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for Madrid. Overall, he has contributed 85 goals and 11 assists in 100 games for the club, despite a petition signed by 45 million fans calling for his exit.

Flick’s comments underscore Mbappe’s importance to Madrid, dismissing any doubts about his impact on the team’s performance.

Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has expressed her delight after Brighton & Hove Albion Women secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final at the BrewDog Stadium. The Nigerian shot-stopper took to social media to celebrate the club’s progression to the final, writing: “We are going to Wembley. Straight into the FA Cup finals. Super proud of this team. I give God the glory.”

Liverpool dominated the early exchanges and deservedly took a two-goal lead through Denise O’Sullivan and Beata Olsson. However, Brighton fought back just before halftime when Manuela Vanegas pulled one back. Madison Haley equalized early in the second half, setting up a tense finish. With the game heading for extra time, Nadine Noordam struck the winner in stoppage time to complete a remarkable comeback.

Nnadozie, who has been a key figure for Brighton this season, was particularly impressed with the team’s resilience. The victory sets up a title clash against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium this weekend. Brighton will be hoping to lift the FA Cup for the first time in their history, and Nnadozie’s heroics between the posts will be crucial in the final.

Nigeria’s under-20 women’s national team, the Falconets, are eagerly awaiting the draw for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, which will take place this Friday. The event, hosted in Łódź, Poland, will be streamed live on FIFA’s official platforms.

A total of 24 nations have secured their places in the tournament, which is set to run from September 5 to 27. Matches will be held across four host cities: Bielsko-Biała, Katowice, Łódź, and Sosnowiec.

The draw ceremony will feature prominent figures, including Poland’s current head coach and former player Nina Patalon, as well as French football legend Laura Georges, who will assist in the proceedings.

The Falconets, who are still in pursuit of their maiden world title, earned their spot in the competition after a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over Malawi’s Young Scorchers in the qualifiers. With the draw imminent, the team is focused on the challenges ahead.

Chelsea forward Joao Pedro has singled out Arsenal’s Gabriel Magalhaes as the toughest defender he has encountered during the current campaign. The Brazilian international, who also plays alongside Gabriel for his national side, shared his thoughts in an interview with TNT Sports Brasil.

Pedro acknowledged that he was taken aback by Gabriel’s exceptional pace on the pitch, though he noted that he also gave the Arsenal center-back a tough time. He listed Paris Saint-Germain’s Willian Pacho and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah among his top three most formidable opponents, but ultimately placed Gabriel at the summit.

“The toughest defender to play against this season? Willian Pacho and Jonathan Tah are up there, but Gabriel Magalhaes was the most difficult in my opinion,” Pedro said. “I was surprised by his speed, but I made it hard for him too! He’s been really inspired this season.”

Pedro also highlighted the strong bond he shares with Gabriel, expressing relief that they are on the same side for the upcoming World Cup. “We have a great relationship. I am happy he is on my side in the World Cup,” he added.

Umar Sadiq has shared his thoughts following Valencia’s narrow 1-0 triumph against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés on Sunday. The Nigerian striker, who entered the game as a substitute, netted the winning goal with just 18 minutes left on the clock.

This strike marks Sadiq’s third goal in his last four LaLiga appearances under manager Carlos Corberán. Speaking about the decisive moment, the 29-year-old emphasized the collective effort over individual glory. “It was the first ball I touched, but the most important thing is the team, that we work together,” he stated, as quoted on Valencia’s official website.

The forward highlighted the significance of securing three points in such a challenging venue. “Winning here is very important, in a difficult stadium. We all knew that. We are very happy,” Sadiq added.

Sadiq joined Valencia from Real Sociedad in the January transfer window. Since his arrival, he has contributed four goals and two assists in 14 league matches for Los Che.

Obinna Uzoho, the head coach of Kun Khalifat FC, was full of praise for his squad following their impressive away victory over Abia Warriors. The Owerri-based side secured a comfortable 2-0 win in Umuahia, a result that lifted them out of the relegation zone in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Uzoho commended his players for their unwavering focus and determination, which proved crucial in overcoming a tough Abia Warriors side on their home turf. “I am extremely pleased with how the boys performed,” Uzoho told reporters. “This win is a testament to their hard work and commitment. We will not relent in our fight to stay up; we will keep pushing until the very end. The players are united in this cause, and we are working together as a collective.”

The victory propelled Kun Khalifat FC to 14th place in the league standings, accumulating 46 points so far this season. The result marks a significant step in their battle against relegation, providing a much-needed morale boost for the team.

Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, have relocated to Ikenne, Ogun State, as they step up their final preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Guinea, as confirmed by DAILY POST.

The team had earlier undergone a month-long training camp in Abuja, where they honed their skills and built team cohesion. During this first phase, the Flamingos played five friendly matches under the guidance of head coach Akeem Busari. Their performance was impressive, with four victories and a single draw.

The two-legged showdown for a spot in the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup is set. Guinea will host the first leg on May 24 in Conakry. The decisive second leg will take place a week later at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The ultimate prize is a place in the World Cup, which will be held in Morocco from October 17 to November 7, 2026. The winner of this tie will secure their ticket to the global tournament.

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole has shared his thoughts on how the club should approach the upcoming summer transfer window, recommending three specific players and a managerial change to restore the team to its former glory.

In an interview with The Sun, Cole suggested that Chelsea should target Manchester City defender John Stones, Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson, and Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski to strengthen their squad. He also urged the Blues to consider bringing back Jose Mourinho as head coach to lead the rebuild.

According to Cole, the best realistic move for Chelsea is to appoint Mourinho. He believes the club should give the Portuguese manager a long-term contract and allow him to take full control of the restructuring process, with the understanding that it will be a transitional period requiring patience from both players and fans.

Cole emphasized that these signings would address key areas: Stones for defensive stability, Henderson for midfield leadership, and Lewandowski for a proven goalscoring presence up front. He noted that Lewandowski is approaching the end of his contract, making him a viable target.

Sam Amadi, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), has offered a blunt assessment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s political standing in Rivers State. According to Amadi, the governor lacked the necessary political clout to overcome his main opponent, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike.

Amadi shared his views on Monday via a post on X, shortly after the All Progressives Congress (APC) screening committee disqualified all 32 aspirants reportedly aligned with Fubara for the upcoming 2027 Rivers State House of Assembly elections. In contrast, the committee cleared 29 incumbent lawmakers loyal to Wike, including Deputy Speaker Dumle Maol, to participate in the party’s primaries.

“Sad. Fubara should have known he had no leverage. What his opponent does in the political economy of election rigging he cannot do,” Amadi wrote. He added, “Sometimes it is good to fight even if you cannot win. Fighting as a dignified person is enough reward.”

The development comes as Fubara appeared before the APC governorship screening committee at the Plateau State Governors’ Lodge in Abuja on Sunday. When approached by reporters after the exercise, the Rivers governor declined to comment, simply saying “No comment” before departing.