Category: Sports

The Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Kebbi State, Abubakar Bawa, has officially resigned from the party, with immediate effect.

Bawa submitted his resignation in a letter dated March 30 to the Ward Chairman of Kalgo Ward in Kalgo Local Government Area.

In the letter, he expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunity to serve and acknowledged the support he received during his tenure.

“I thank the party for the platform given to me to contribute my quota and wish the PDP continued success and progress,” he stated.

The resignation has attracted political attention within the Kebbi PDP, particularly amid subtle realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Bawa’s departure comes shortly after he reaffirmed the state chapter’s participation in the Wike-backed factional convention in Abuja, raising questions among political observers about possible internal rifts and shifting dynamics within the party.

Kebbi PDP secretary, Abubakar Bawa resigns amid political realignments

Brazil head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has hit out at criticisms of his playing style.

Ancelotti has highlighted Selecao sides of the past, how they balanced attack and defence to win .

According to him, the country that will win this year’s World Cup, is the team that concedes the least number of goals.

“Joga Bonito? Brazil won their last two World Cups by combining talent and defense,” Ancelotti said.

“In 2002 they played with three center-backs and in 1994 they used two lines of four to boost Romário.

“The World Cup is won by whoever concedes the least, not whoever scores the most. I don’t like being called defensive, but it’s key for the team.”

2026 World Cup: Ancelotti warns Brazil, predicts team to win trophy

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has said that he does not pay attention to criticism he receives from Real Madrid supporters.

The Frenchman pointed out that legendary stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and many others had suffered the same at the club.

The France international has been a prominent figure for Los Blancos since his arrival in 2024, yet he has not been immune to criticism at the club.

Mbappe spoke with Telefoot from the French national team camp, where he is currently on international duty in the USA.

The 27-year-old expressed his thoughts on the scrutiny he has faced since joining Real Madrid, referencing similar experiences of Cristiano Ronaldo and other club legends.

“At Real Madrid, one must learn to handle criticism. It happened to Ronaldo, to Di Stefano… I do not see why I should be an exception.

“You simply need to remain calm, focus, and improve,” he stated (via @FabrizioRomano on X).

Kylian Mbappe joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and soon faced considerable criticism regarding his performance during his initial months at the Bernabeu.

The Frenchman concluded the 2024-25 season as the Pichichi, the top scorer in Spain’s premier division, and also secured his first European Golden Shoe.

Mbappe has continued to impress in his second season, matching Ronaldo’s club record of 59 goals in a calendar year. He also equaled the Portuguese legend’s record for the most goals scored before the knockout stages of a UEFA Champions League season in this campaign.

Kylian Mbappe has yet to secure any major silverware since his move to Spain and is still in pursuit of his first significant title with Los Blancos. He has consistently provided goals since his arrival, but now he must also deliver trophies to fully gain the support of the fans.

LaLiga: They did it to Ronaldo – Mbappe on criticisms he faces at Real Madrid

Turkish analyst Levent Tüzemen has conveyed his conviction that Victor Osimhen will take to the field on April 26 when Galatasaray competes against their Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce in the Istanbul derby.

The Nigerian international sustained a fractured forearm as a result of an aerial challenge with Ibrahima Konaté during Galatasaray’s Champions League encounter against Liverpool at Anfield on March 18.

Osimhen attempted to continue playing despite the discomfort but ultimately had to be substituted at half-time.

Last week, the Super Eagles forward successfully underwent surgery at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, a procedure conducted by Yener İnce, the club’s physician.

The preliminary evaluation suggests that Osimhen may be sidelined for a period of five to six weeks, placing him in a race against time to recuperate in time for the derby.

Nonetheless, Tüzemen has expressed confidence in Galatasaray’s medical staff and has forecasted that Osimhen will be part of the starting line-up against Fenerbahçe.

In remarks shared by haber sarikirmizi, he stated, “Unless something unforeseen happens, Osimhen will be in the starting eleven for the Fenerbahçe match. There is an old Turkish saying: ‘A broken bone heals in as much time as the person’s age.’

“Taking this into account, along with the progress in contemporary medical technology and my faith in Galatasaray’s skilled doctor, Yener İnce, I am confident that Osimhen will be on the field during the derby.”

This season, Osimhen has recorded 38 goal contributions (28 goals, 10 assists) across 39 matches for both club and country.

Turkey: ‘Broken bone heals according to one’s age’ – Tuzemen on Osimhen’s return

At least four Super Eagles player have left camp ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Jordan.

They include defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

The trio of Bassey, Ajayi and Okoye have all picked injuries.

But Onyemaechi departs following the birth of his daughter.

This was confirmed by BBC journalist, Oluwashina Okeleji, via his X acoount.

Okeleji wrote: “Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has suffered a thigh injury and will miss #Nigeria’s friendly v Jordan on Tuesday.

“Injury had forced out Calvin Bassey.

“Semi Ajayi & Bruno Onyemaechi departed team camp.

“Onyemaechi’s excused to be with his partner following birth of his child.”

Four Super Eagles players leave camp ahead of Jordan friendly

England manager, Thomas Tuchel, has spoken for the first time since Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice left camp ahead of their friendly against Japan.

The Arsenal duo have returned to their club for further medical checks.

Tuchel, speaking to the media on Monday, insisted it “made no sense” to keep Saka and Rice.

The German insisted that the two players were eager to play, but it was going to be a risky decision.

“Saka and Rice wanted to play… but it made no sense to take this risk for us and for them,” Tuchel said.

“They were clearly in discomfort. There was a risk of making it worse.”

It made no sense – Tuchel opens up on why Saka, Rice left England camp

Joseph Arumala has joined Godwin Obaje as the leading scorer in the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, DAILY POST reports.

Arumala equaled Obaje’s number after netting in Ikorodu City’s 4-3 victory over Warri Wolves at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, on Sunday.

The two players have scored have 11 times, each, in the NPFL this season.

Veteran striker Victor Mbaoma is also in contention for the top scorer’s prize.

Mbaoma scored his 10th goal of the season in Remo Stars’ 1-1 draw with El-kanemi Warriors in Maiduguri on Sunday.

Daddy Abdulrahman (El Kanemi) and Uche Collins (Katsina United) are the other players on 10 goals.

NPFL: Arumala fires into top scorers’ race, challenges Obaje

Rangers assistant coach, Ekenedilichukwu Ekeh, has blamed officiating for his team’s defeat to Shooting Stars.

The Flying Antelopes suffered 3-1 defeat to Shooting Stars at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan on Sunday.

Ekeh commended his players for playing to instructions despite the defeat.

“We did all we could, the tactics and everything we needed to do but it ended and we lost. We must accept the defeat,” Ekeh told OyoSportsNews.

“But it was not a fair and nice officiating, though it has come and gone.

“That is football; you win some, you draw or lose. It has come and gone; we’ll go back home and prepare for the next game.”

NPFL: Ekeh blames officiating for Rangers’ defeat to Shooting Stars

ABS interim Head Coach, John Ogundeji, has admitted that his team’s struggled in their home matches in the Nigeria National League, NNL.

Ogundeji blamed uncontrollable factors for his team’s deficiency in the season.

ABS FC survived relegation on the final day of the NNL season.

The Ilorin-based side beat Sokoto United 1-0 on Saturday to maintain their top-flight status.

“The battle was so difficult despite our hard work and dedication,” Ogundeji stated after the game.

“We struggled in most of our home matches, not because the team is bad, but due to factors beyond the narrative.

“To win your last away match to survive in the league is nothing but a great testimony.”

NNL: ABS FC coach Ogundeji elated with relegation survival

Tüzemen also urged Icardi to carry Galatasaray’s goalscoring burden in Victor Osimhen’s absence.

Osimhen is currently recovering from a hand injury that he sustained during Galatasaray’s Champions League tie with Liverpool a few days ago.

“Icardi, in Osimhen’s absence, must not just lend a hand but his whole body, carrying Galatasaray’s goalscoring burden,” Tüzemen said via Habersarikirmizi.

“I emphasize again, he owes a debt of gratitude to Okan Buruk and President Dursun Özbek, who have helped him through every family problem.

“He should apologize to his friends, the president, and the coach and return to Galatasaray with the title of goalscorer. Furthermore, the management should hold the agent accountable for his behaviour.”

Turkey: Icardi told to apologize, carry Galatasaray’s goalscoring burden in Osimhen’s absence