Sports
Christian Chukwu’s Green Eagles teammate Charles Bassey dies at 71
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the passing of Charles Bassey, a member of the historic Green Eagles squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980.
According to reports, Bassey died on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the age of 71, following a prolonged illness.
The former forward, who hailed from Eket in Akwa Ibom State, died in his hometown just hours after the death of the team’s iconic captain, Christian Chukwu, was confirmed in Enugu—marking a double tragedy for Nigerian football.
Expressing its grief, the NFF said it was “deeply saddened” by the news of Bassey’s passing, paying tribute to his contributions to Nigerian football both as a player and a coach.
“This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events.
We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said.
Charles Bassey was part of the 22-man Green Eagles squad that famously defeated Algeria 3-0 at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on March 22, 1980, securing Nigeria’s first AFCON title.
After his playing career, Bassey ventured into coaching, handling various clubs across the country.
His coaching journey included stints with Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, Calabar Rovers, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, and his local team, Mobil Pegasus.
With Bassey’s passing, the number of deceased members from the 1980 AFCON-winning squad has now risen to nine.
Others who have passed on include goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong; defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima, and Tunde Bamidele; midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal; and striker Martins Eyo.
Sports
Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.
In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.
Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.
He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.
“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.
“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
Sports
FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.
Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(The Nation)
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