Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
AFN VP Aku Aghazu Unveils N1.6m Reward to Fire Up Athletes for Lagos Commonwealth Games Trials
Cash prize targets home-based stars in 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 5000m, long jump, and javelin — with coaches also set for recognition.
Cash prize targets home-based stars in 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m, 5000m, long jump, and javelin — with coaches also set for recognition.
Home-based athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos next weekend have fresh motivation after Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu announced a N1.6 million performance-based reward scheme. The Ben Aghazu Prize for Excellence in Athletics, named in honour of her late father, will award N100,000 to any athlete who meets strict qualifying standards across fourteen events at the trials set for June 20–22 at the Yaba College of Technology complex.
The prize covers men’s and women’s categories in the 100m, 200m, 400m, 1500m and 5000m races as well as long jump and javelin throw. To claim the prize, male athletes must clock at least 10.60 seconds in the 100m or hit the tough benchmarks in their respective disciplines — including a demanding 81 metres in men’s javelin and a sharp 7.90 metres in men’s long jump. The women’s targets are just as fierce: from an entry standard of 11.55 seconds in the 100m to a leap of at least 6.50 metres in long jump.
Aghazu said the initiative was designed to reward Nigeria-based talents who reach international-standard performances on home soil. “The intention is to support and encourage our home-based athletes and outstanding coaches,” she stated while unveiling the scheme. In addition to cash incentives for athletes, one male and one female coach will be recognised with an Excellence in Athletics Award.
AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa applauded the move: “I am excited by this thoughtful initiative from our Second Vice President, Aku Aghazu. This is the kind of support that motivates our home-based athletes to give their very best during these all-important Commonwealth Games Trials.” No comments from athletes or further details on selection criteria for coaches were available at press time.
The Commonwealth Games Trials run from June 20–22 in Lagos, serving as the final opportunity for Nigeria’s track and field hopefuls to earn a place at this summer’s Games. With cash rewards now up for grabs alongside national pride, all eyes are on Lagos next weekend as competition heats up among Nigeria’s rising athletics stars.
Source: https://punchng.com/afn-vp-pledges-n1-6m-reward-for-cwealth-games-trials/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Barcelona Star Drops El Clasico Rivalry, Tips Vinicius Junior to Lead Brazil’s World Cup Dreams
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona player puts club rivalry aside, backing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior as Brazil’s next World Cup hope.
A Barcelona star has set aside the fierce El Clasico rivalry to show support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, tipping him to be the key man for Brazil in their next FIFA World Cup campaign. The exact identity of the Barcelona player and his comments were not detailed in available reports.
With both Barcelona and Real Madrid known for their intense battles on the pitch, it is rare to see a player from either side openly back a rival. The gesture highlights the respect Vinicius Junior commands across Europe following his strong performances for both club and country. However, the specific achievements or statistics behind this endorsement were not provided at press time.
For Nigerian football fans, the story underlines how club rivalries can take a back seat when it comes to national pride on the global stage. As Brazil look ahead to their next World Cup journey, all eyes will be on whether Vinicius can carry the weight of expectation and lead his team to glory.
Neither the Barcelona camp nor Vinicius Junior had issued official statements regarding this show of support at press time.
Brazil’s next fixtures and details about how this endorsement might impact squad selection or team dynamics were not confirmed in available reports.
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Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Jessica Bieni Leads Female Yellow Greens to 52-Run Victory as Nigeria Outclass Malawi in Kwibuka 2026 Opener
Shola Adekunle shines with three wickets, while captain Favour Eseigbe marks her return with a flawless bowling spell
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/
Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Alex Iwobi Joins Super Eagles Centurions as He Hits 100 Caps in Portugal Friendly
Fulham star honoured with special plaque before kick-off in Leiria; joins exclusive list with Yobo, Enyeama, Musa
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/
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