Nigeria Sport (Soft click)
Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament Set for Lagos Return as Top Talents Eye Glory
Defending champions Yusuf Quadri and Rofiat Abdulazeez lead the charge with new stars ready to make their mark
Defending champions Yusuf Quadri and Rofiat Abdulazeez lead the charge with new stars ready to make their mark
Squash fever is about to grip Lagos again as the fourth edition of the Prime Atlantic Squash Tournament returns to Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, from June 22 to June 27. Organised by the Lagos State Squash Association, this year’s event promises stiffer competition and a bigger platform for Nigeria’s elite and up-and-coming squash players.
Chairman of the association, Tomi Falase, confirmed all preparations are in place, describing the tournament as one of Nigeria’s leading squash competitions and a major driver of the sport’s development. According to Falase, this edition will bring together some of the country’s finest players alongside emerging talents hungry to announce themselves on a national stage.
Looking back at last year’s edition, Falase recalled how Yusuf Quadri stunned fans by completing a remarkable double — winning both the senior men’s title with a 3–1 victory over Farouk Sulaimon and clinching the Under-19 boys’ crown after defeating Joshua Daniel by the same margin. In the women’s draw, Rofiat Abdulazeez retained her champion status by beating Farida Soliu 3–1, while Aisha Abdulazeez showcased her skills in the U-19 girls’ final with a convincing 3–1 win against Zainab Ishola.
Falase highlighted that beyond fierce competition, the tournament is driving grassroots development and keeping young Nigerians interested in squash. He applauded Prime Atlantic’s consistent sponsorship and thanked the Lagos State Government for supporting youth sports with proper facilities. “We invite everyone to be part of this memorable edition as we celebrate excellence, resilience and the enduring spirit of sportsmanship,” Falase said.
At press time, neither any player nor government official had issued further statements on expectations for this year’s tournament. The action begins on June 22 at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere — squash fans in Lagos won’t want to miss what could be another chapter of breakthrough performances.
Source: https://punchng.com/prime-atlantic-squash-tournament-returns/
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.
Bruno Fernandes: Did he deserve the Player of the Season Award? #manchesterunited #manutd #viral
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/
Abuja Women Leaders Push Cross-Sector Partnerships to Strengthen Female Influence in Decision-Making
NSE Inducts 214 Engineers as Fellows in Abuja, Urges Federal Government to Address Soaring Cost of Living
Rainstorm Kills Two, Destroys Houses in Kirfi LGA, Bauchi State
FCMB Names Bismarck Rewane Board Chair and Non-Executive Director After CBN Approval
Lagos Magistrate Remands Woman in Kirikiri Over Alleged Child Trafficking, Sets ₦500,000 Bail
Oyetola Hosts Gambian Officials in Lagos, Strengthens Seafarers’ Certification and Maritime Digitisation Ties
IGP Olatunji Disu Orders Nationwide Crackdown on Vehicles With Unregistered, Concealed Number Plates
Oyo Trade Union Urges Swift Rescue of Abducted Teachers and Students
Lagos Receives 10 New Waste Compactors to Boost Refuse Collection Across State
Lagos FMCG Giants Record ₦18.9bn Rise in Production Costs, Earnings Hit by Inflation in Q1
FG Launches $500m Abuja Formula 1 Bid, Targets Africa’s First Grand Prix Since 1993
Why More Nigerians Are Searching for Casino Bonuses—and What You Should Know Before Claiming
Fresh Romance Rumours Trail Lando Norris as Alix Earle Sparks Drama in Monaco
Somali Referee Omar Artan Blocked From US World Cup Over Visa Row, Misses Dream Debut
Moniepoint Graduates Second DreamDevs Cohort in Lagos to Strengthen Nigeria’s Engineering Workforce
Federal Government Launches Mining Grants for Research and Exploration Across Nigeria
Borno State Records 74 Deaths as Cholera Outbreak Overwhelms Health Facilities
Kaduna Organisers Hand Over Polo Charity Event to Pupils for Children’s Day Celebration
House of Representatives Sets Thursday Vote on State Police Proposal
