Sports
Tributes To NRA President Sanni Zubairu
The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
The President of Nigeria Referees Association ((NRA) Sanni Zubairu, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness and has since been buried in Bauchi according to Islamic rites.
The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.
Zubairu was a former FIFA referee and also served as Head of the Refereeing Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation and secretary of its Referees Committee.
The Nigeria Football Federation led tributes to the late Zubairu in a statement shared on Tuesday.
“Hon. Zubairu was a very diligent and astute worker. Subordinates, colleagues and superiors all loved him for his simplicity and uncommon humility.
He served Nigeria meritoriously on the field and in the office, working assiduously to impart knowledge and raise new generations of referees who would make Nigeria proud at home and internationally,” the General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, said.
A statement from the NRA, signed by its deputy president, Kelechi Mejuobi, said “The association is deeply pained over his demise, especially at a time when his wealth of experience and services to the referees’ body and the football family in Nigeria and beyond are greatly needed.”
Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and the NRA, describing his contributions to the development of the league as a lasting legacy for active and aspiring referees.
Former Nigerian champions, Enyimba FC and Kano Pillars FC, also led tributes from Nigerian clubs.“Alhaji Sanni Zubairu was a seasoned referee who transitioned into leadership with remarkable influence.
His immense contributions to the development of refereeing in Nigeria and his role in strengthening the football ecosystem will not be forgotten in a hurry,” Enyimba chairman and former international, Nwankwo Kanu, said.
General Manager of Kano Pillars and former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, also said, “His demise has created a huge vacuum within the Nigerian football community, where he was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to improving refereeing standards and advancing the development of match officials across the country.
“Kano Pillars FC stands in solidarity with the Nigerian football community at this difficult time and prays for strength and comfort for all those affected by this great loss.
Sports
Man United set to confirm Carrick as permanent coach
Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Photo: Michael Carrick
Manchester United is set to confirm Michael Carrick as its permanent manager, ending weeks of speculation about the club’s managerial future.
” The deal is expected to be either a two-year contract with the option to extend, or a straight three-year deal. Carrick has given his full agreement and is ready to sign the contract,” said football journalist, Fabrizio Romano.
According to Romano, a new contract is now set to be signed in the coming days, with the plan fully approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s new leadership structure.
The former Manchester United midfielder and coach has impressed the hierarchy with his work since stepping in as interim manager.
Carrick’s deep knowledge of the club, calm leadership, and tactical approach are believed to have convinced the board that he is the right man to take the team forward.
Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Sports
FIFA confirms release of official World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai” by Shakira, Burna Boy
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the release of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026 track via Sony Music Latin and its immediate availability on all major streaming platforms.
“Dai Dai” was performed by global superstar Shakira in an collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Colombian singer made the announcement herself on social media on Friday, posting: “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!”
“Dai Dai” also celebrates various football nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, England, Germany, France, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.
Beyond its infectious rhythm, the anthem carries a meaningful purpose. All royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament.
Sports
Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline FIFA World Cup final halftime show
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
Pop music superstars Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set to headline the World Cup’s first-ever halftime performance, which is slated to take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Organisers are calling the halftime show a “singular moment’ that will be broadcast live globally.
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
In the announcement, Martin took performance suggestions from several Muppets, including Elmo, Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.
“How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,” Elmo said. The beloved Sesame Street character then called BTS on speed dial to confirm whether they would join the show.
“Shakira’s in, and she’s bringing cookies,” said Elmo.
The selection of musical acts appears to be a reflection of the international teams reflected in the World Cup, per the Washington Post.
Shakira, from Colombia, was scheduled to release “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song, yesterday. The song also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
The “Whenever, Wherever” singer is no stranger to World Cup anthems, having previously sung “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014.
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