Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell

Nigeria’s Female Yellow Greens kicked off their 2026 Kwibuka T20 Tournament campaign with a convincing 52-run win over Malawi at the Gahanga 2 Cricket Oval in Kigali on Wednesday. The Nigerians set a target of 98/8 in their allotted 20 overs, anchored by an unbeaten 25-run knock from Jessica Bieni, before dismissing Malawi for just 46 runs in only 10.3 overs to secure a dominant opening victory.

After being sent in to bat, the Yellow Greens overcame early setbacks through key contributions from Sarah Etim (14), Favour Eseigbe (11), and Christabel Chukwuonye (11). Malawi’s Lucky Malino caused problems with four wickets, but Nigeria’s lower order held firm to post a competitive total.

Defending their score, coach Theophilus Ibodeme’s side delivered a ruthless bowling display. Player of the Match Shola Adekunle led the charge with three wickets for 15 runs, while Henrietta Mbam picked up two wickets for 16 runs. Captain Favour Eseigbe, returning after nearly a year out, wrapped up proceedings by claiming two wickets in three balls without conceding a run.

Eseigbe praised her team’s resilience after the match: “Our plan was to go out there and score above 120, but credit must go to the Malawi bowlers because they bowled really well and troubled our batters. However, we had a Plan B. We never give up until the game is over.” She added that patience and strike rotation were key in keeping the scoreboard moving despite challenging conditions. No statement was available from the Malawi camp at press time.

The victory gives Nigeria an early boost as they continue their tournament run. Next up for the Female Yellow Greens is a clash against Brazil at Gahanga A Oval on Thursday, where they will look to build on this impressive start.

Source: https://punchng.com/cricket-nigeria-beat-malawi-in-kwibuka-2026-opener/

Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa

Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi marked a major career milestone on Wednesday night in Leiria, Portugal, as he made his 100th appearance for Nigeria during an international friendly against the Portuguese national team. The final score and goalscorers from the match were not reported at press time, but the night belonged to Iwobi, who was recognised before kick-off with a commemorative plaque from National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko.

Iwobi’s landmark appearance sees him become only the fourth player to reach a century of caps for the Super Eagles, joining Joseph Yobo, Vincent Enyeama and Ahmed Musa in this rarefied group. Since making his debut against DR Congo in Belgium on October 8, 2015, after switching allegiance from England’s youth teams, Iwobi has been a regular fixture for Nigeria. The Fulham midfielder has scored ten goals for the national side so far.

For Nigerian fans, Iwobi’s achievement stands out at a time when the Super Eagles are seeking new momentum ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The playmaker himself highlighted his famous goal against Zambia in Uyo back in October 2017 — a strike that sealed Nigeria’s spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup — as his most memorable moment in green and white. “I loved the occasion because my dad and my mum were both at the stadium and saw it all, and we celebrated together afterwards,” Iwobi told NFF Media. He added that he has no regrets choosing Nigeria over England: “I am proud to be where I am today and proud to wear the green and white.”

Neither the Super Eagles coaching crew nor the Nigerian Football Federation had issued further statements regarding Iwobi’s centenary at press time.

The Super Eagles’ next fixture has not yet been confirmed in available reports. Fans will now look ahead to see if Iwobi can inspire another big moment as AFCON qualification resumes.

Source: https://punchng.com/iwobi-makes-100th-eagles-appearance-in-portugal-friendly/

Super Eagles striker scored 22 goals in 33 matches to drive Galatasaray’s fourth straight Turkish league title

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has poured cold water on any talk of a summer exit for Super Eagles captain Victor Osimhen, making it clear that the Nigerian forward is going nowhere despite heavy interest from top European clubs. Özbek told Turkish daily Sabah that Osimhen is happy in Istanbul and the club is not ready to cash in, even as transfer speculation heats up.

“It is very natural for every successful player at Galatasaray to be on the radar of major European clubs. This shows that our club is doing the right things. However, our priority is Galatasaray’s interests. Osimhen is a world-class player, and he is happy here. We have no intention to sell Osimhen,” Özbek said.

Osimhen, 27, has just wrapped up a standout season for the Turkish giants, notching 22 goals and eight assists in 33 games across all competitions — his efforts directly contributing to an impressive 30 goals. His form powered Galatasaray to their fourth consecutive Süper Lig crown and saw them reach the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

That kind of record has put Europe’s biggest teams on high alert. Real Madrid, fresh off a failed €150m bid for Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez, are reportedly considering Osimhen as an alternative target. Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the Nigerian striker in recent months. One FIFA agent even told Spanish newspaper AS that a move to Spain could fetch more than €100m.

But Galatasaray are playing hardball. The club recently completed payment of the full €75m transfer fee to Napoli for Osimhen and officials insist they won’t entertain offers below their €150m valuation. The striker’s contract runs until 2029, making it even tougher for would-be buyers this summer.

Neither Victor Osimhen nor his representatives had issued a public statement about his future at press time. Galatasaray fans will now look forward to seeing their star man lead the line again when the new Süper Lig season kicks off later this year.

Source: https://punchng.com/osimhen-happy-at-galatasaray-says-club-president/