Sports
Enugu Gets Hosting Right for 2026 National Sports Festival
Our plan includes delivering a brand-new Games Village and completely renovating the stadium to meet modern standards.
The Federal Government (FG) and the Enugu State Government have officially signed a host state agreement for the 2026 National Sports Festival, which will take place in Enugu State.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on behalf of the FG, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. This formalized Enugu’s hosting rights for the 23rd edition of the festival.
The signing ceremony was held at the Enugu Government House.
Governor Peter Mbah expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders for entrusting the state with the prestigious event.
He assured the public that Enugu would deliver a remarkable and unforgettable experience for athletes and sports enthusiasts nationwide. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us and the significance of this award,” said Governor Mbah.
“I commend the commission for deeming Enugu deserving of hosting the 23rd National Sports Festival.
We are committed to discharging our responsibilities effectively and upholding the legacy of our forebears.We have already hit the ground running.
Following the announcement, we mobilized our team to begin work on revamping the Awgu Games Village and other facilities. Our plan includes delivering a brand-new Games Village and completely renovating the stadium to meet modern standards.
“By the end of this year, we are confident visitors will be highly impressed. Beyond renovations, we are building additional facilities to ensure a world-class experience for athletes and spectators, leaving a lasting legacy in the sports world,” he added.
Hon. Olopade, in his address, praised Enugu’s compelling bid, the state’s existing infrastructure, improved security, and Governor Mbah’s commitment to enhancing sports and social amenities.
These factors, he said, influenced the decision to award Enugu the hosting rights for the 2026 festival, following the 2024 edition set to be hosted by Ogun State.
Sports
FIFA president Infantino to receive Lebanese citizenship
Infantino, 55, is a Swiss-Italian national married to a Lebanese woman, Leena al-Ashqar, who used to work for the LFA.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun informed FIFA President Gianni Infantino of his approval to grant him Lebanese citizenship on Tuesday, the head of the Lebanese Football Association told AFP.“
The President informed (Infantino) of the decree and the requirements of the file in order to complete its implementation,” Hashem Haidar, head of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA), said.
“The decree granting citizenship to Infantino came as he is a public figure who provides services to Lebanon.”
Infantino, 55, is a Swiss-Italian national married to a Lebanese woman, Leena al-Ashqar, who used to work for the LFA.
“I don’t have it yet, but soon. I feel very good and very proud, I feel very happy,” Infantino told Lebanese channel LBCI.
“I am Lebanese since many many years already, so it’s good that we formalise this as well.”
Sports
CAF Awards: Super Falcons win 2025 women’s team of the year
This marks the team’s seventh CAF Women’s National Team of the Year award, having previously won in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and consecutively in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
Nigeria’s senior women’s football team, the Super Falcons, have been named the Women’s National Team of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards held on Wednesday, November 19, in Rabat, Morocco.
The Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, claimed the honour after a remarkable year in which they secured a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title.
Nigeria defeated hosts Morocco 3–2 in a dramatic final, showcasing their pedigree, depth, and resilience.
This marks the team’s seventh CAF Women’s National Team of the Year award, having previously won in 2010, 2014, 2016, 2018, and consecutively in 2023, 2024, and now 2025.
The Super Falcons beat strong contenders, Ghana’s Black Queens and Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses, to clinch the award.The award further reaffirms the Super Falcons’ dominance on the continent.
Sports
Breaking: Achraf Hakimi crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year 2025
The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi has been named the 2025 African Footballer of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), capping an exceptional season for both club and country.
The 27-year-old beat Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to the prestigious honour, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top football talents.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back claimed the award for the first time, selected by a panel of experts and leading African football journalists.
Hakimi entered the ceremony as the overwhelming favourite following a historic campaign with PSG, helping the club secure four major titles: Ligue 1, the UEFA Champions League, the Coupe de France, and the Trophée des Champions. He also placed sixth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings.
A key figure throughout the season, Hakimi played over 3,400 minutes across all competitions, contributing 6 goals and 4 assists in Ligue 1 and 5 goals with 4 assists in the Champions League, while helping PSG keep 10 clean sheets.
His performances earned him spots in the UEFA Champions League Team of the Season, Ligue 1 Team of the Season, and the CAF Team of the Year.
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