Sports

By Muhammad Abubakar

In a landmark move set to reshape the future of Nigerian club football, Kano Pillars FC has announced a major sponsorship agreement with Radio France Internationale (RFI) Hausa. The partnership positions RFI Hausa as the club’s main sponsor for the upcoming season, marking a significant step in the club’s quest for revival and excellence.

The deal, unveiled by new General Manager and Nigerian football icon Ahmed Musa, includes full kit sponsorship for all Kano Pillars teams — from the senior side to junior categories such as U19, U15, and U13. RFI Hausa’s logo will feature prominently on the team’s jerseys and across all official branding.

Beyond financial support, RFI Hausa will equip the club with modern media tools, offer training for the club’s media department in professional video production, and develop a comprehensive communications strategy. The partnership also extends to media collaborations and the publication of content on RFI Hausa’s platforms.

“This marks a new dawn for Kano Pillars FC,” said Ahmed Musa. “We are committed to transparency, progress, and excellence. Brighter days filled with success and glory lie ahead for Sai Masu Gida.”

Joe Penney, Director of France Médias Monde Nigeria, expressed RFI Hausa’s enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are proud to partner with such a beloved club. We believe in the team’s vision and will help push the club forward as much as possible.”

As Kano Pillars gears up for the new season, the club’s leadership and fan base hope that this partnership will not only bring success on the pitch but also elevate the club’s media presence and community impact.

By Maryam Ahmad

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been officially charged with multiple sexual offences, the Metropolitan Police Service confirmed on Thursday.

In a statement, the police said the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had authorised the charges following a file of evidence submitted by detectives. Partey, 32, of Hertfordshire, faces five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

The alleged offences are reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

“The Met has issued a charge and requisition to Thomas Partey… in connection with the following offences: Five counts of rape, One count of sexual assault,” the statement read.

Further details about the case have not been released, and a court date is expected to be announced soon.

Partey and his representatives have yet to make a public statement regarding the charges.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Liverpool and Portugal international, Diogo Jota, has passed away at the age of 28 following a car crash in Spain.

The accident occurred on the A-52 motorway at kilometre 65, near Palacios de Sanabria, in the Zamora province.

Spanish sports outlet MARCA confirmed the incident on Thursday, stating that the footballer died at the scene.

“Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota dies in a traffic accident in the province of Zamora,” the publication announced in a brief statement.

Jota, who was born in 1996, played a vital role at Liverpool FC and was a key member of the Portuguese national team.

His death has left the global football community in mourning.

Well known for his sharp attacking instincts, determination, and adaptability, Jota was widely respected on and off the pitch.

His contributions helped Liverpool secure major victories, and he remained a consistent performer for Portugal.

As of the time of this report, no additional details have been made available regarding the cause of the accident or funeral arrangements.

By Hassan Muhammad

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been crowned Galatasaray’s Best Player of the Year after a sensational debut season in Turkey.

On loan from Napoli, Osimhen scored 35 goals in 39 matches, helping Galatasaray secure both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup. His standout performances included a brace in the cup final and a decisive goal in the league’s final matchday.

Club legend Tanju Çolak praised the forward as “the best player of the season,” while Osimhen himself expressed gratitude for the honor, calling Galatasaray “an amazing club.”

His future remains uncertain, but fans are hopeful he will extend his stay in Istanbul.

By Muhammad Abubakar

In response to recent media reports suggesting a potential easing of Saudi Arabia’s longstanding alcohol prohibition, a senior Saudi official has categorically denied any plans to lift the ban.

Princess Haifa bint Mohammed Al Saud, the Assistant Minister of Tourism, addressed the issue during a panel session at the World Economic Forum in Davos. She emphasized that the Kingdom remains committed to its laws prohibiting alcohol consumption.

“The short answer is that we’re going to continue with our current laws,” she stated, highlighting that Saudi Arabia has successfully attracted tourists without altering its cultural and legal frameworks.

The clarification comes amid speculation fueled by the recent opening of a liquor store in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, exclusively serving non-Muslim diplomats. While this move marks a controlled exception, it does not indicate a broader policy shift regarding alcohol availability in the country.

Furthermore, Saudi officials have reiterated that the alcohol ban will remain during major upcoming events, including the 2034 FIFA World Cup. Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud, the Saudi ambassador to the UK, confirmed that alcohol will not be available to fans during the tournament, aligning with the Kingdom’s cultural and religious values.

As Saudi Arabia continues its Vision 2030 initiative to diversify the economy and promote tourism, officials stress that modernization efforts will proceed without compromising core cultural principles.

By Muhammad Abubakar

Nigeria’s U20 national team, the Flying Eagles, secured third place at the AFCON U20 tournament after a tense victory in a penalty shootout against host nation Egypt.

The third-place playoff ended in a deadlock after regulation time, with both teams creating but failing to convert keychances. 

In the ensuing shootout, Nigeria maintained their composure and emerged victorious, silencing the home crowd and concluding their campaign on a high note.

Head coach Aliyu Zubairu praised his players for their determination and mental toughness throughout the match. “Beating the hosts in front of their fans, and doing so under the pressure of a shootout, speaks volumes about the character of this team,” he said.

South Africa went on to win the tournament, claiming the championship after an impressive performance in the finalagainst Morocco.

The AFCONU20 tournament showcased elite youth teams from across the continent, providing a platform for emerging talent and fierce competition.

By Ibrahim Yunusa

Real Madrid C.F. and AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement for the transfer of Spanish international Dean Huijsen.

The 20-year-old defender will join Los Blancos on a five-year deal, running from June 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.

The signing comes in response to a series of injuries that have plagued Real Madrid’s backline during the 2024/2025 season.

The crisis has even forced defensive midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni to fill in as a center-back in multiple matches.

Despite his young age, Huijsen has already built an impressive résumé.

He has featured in Italy’s Serie A with Juventus and Roma, and most recently in the English Premier League with Bournemouth.

His performances have earned him a nomination for the 2024–2025 Premier League Young Player of the Year award.

Real Madrid’s acquisition of Huijsen is seen as a strategic move to reinforce the team’s defensive depth with a promising talent poised for long-term success.

By Muhammad Abubakar

French football star Kylian Mbappé has taken legal steps to recover €55 million ($62 million) he claims is owed to him by his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

According to sources close to the striker, the sum represents unpaid wages between April and June 2024, following his agreement to join Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Mbappé’s lawyers have reportedly been instructed to pursue the matter, insisting that PSG withheld the payments in response to his decision to leave the club after seven years.

Paris Saint-Germain, however, has denied the allegations, maintaining that all financial obligations were met in accordance with the player’s contract.

The dispute adds a new chapter to the already dramatic departure of one of football’s most marketable talents from the Parc des Princes.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former Arsenal and Werder Bremen midfielder, Mesut Ozil, has reportedly been banned from returning to his former Bundesliga club due to a tattoo that has sparked controversy.

The 36-year-old, who played for top clubs like Arsenal, Real Madrid, Schalke, and Fenerbahce, retired from professional football in June 2023 at the age of 34.

However, his recent display of a tattoo featuring a grey wolf and a flag with three crescent moons has led to his exclusion from Werder Bremen.

The symbols associated with Ozil’s tattoo are linked to far-right groups that promote “anti-semitism, far-right extremism, and ultra-nationalism.”

As a result, the German club has distanced itself from the former player.

According to Bild, Werder Bremen recently left Ozil off the guest list for a tribute event honoring former star Diego Ribas.

The two footballers had played together at Bremen before Ozil secured a transfer to Real Madrid in 2010.

By Muhammad Sulaiman

Spanish football prodigy Lamine Yamal is set to make history as the first player in the Spain national team to observe fasting during Ramadan while on international duty.

According to reports, the 16-year-old winger has chosen to fast as a mark of respect for his family’s Muslim traditions.

Despite his young age, Yamal has already made headlines as one of the most promising talents in European football, and his commitment to both his faith and his career has drawn admiration from fans.

The Barcelona star’s decision highlights the growing diversity within Spanish football, as well as the increasing visibility of Muslim athletes who balance professional sports with religious observances.

Spain’s coaching staff is expected to accommodate Yamal’s needs during the fasting period, as has been the case with Muslim players in other top European teams.

Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, involves fasting from dawn to sunset, posing a unique challenge for athletes. However, many Muslim footballers have successfully managed their performance during the holy month.

Yamal’s choice to fast reflects not only his personal devotion but also the broader cultural representation within Spain’s national squad.