Sports
Enugu State Receives National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity
Enugu State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Lloyd Ekweremmadu (C), with the Torch of Unity in Enugu.
Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, has received the National Sports Festival’s Torch of Unity, while promising full participation of the state’s contingents in the forthcoming event, scheduled to hold in Ogun State, Nigeria.
The festival will hold from May 16th – 30th in Abeokuta, Ogun State, located in South-Western Nigeria.
Mbah, who was represented by Lloyd Ekweremmadu, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, commended the initiators of the festival, saying it had created a bond of unity among Nigerians.
The governor said that through the Sports Festival, many talents have been discovered to represent Nigeria in various international competitions across the world.
“Sports is a unifying factor and a veritable tool to identifying talents. Since its formation in 1971, the festival has been a successful initiative.
“I am assuring you that Enugu State contingents will participate fully in Ogun 2025,” he said.
(VON)
Sports
AFCON 2025: Ghanaian Daniel Laryea is Nigeria–Morocco semi-final Referee
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea boasts an impressive résumé that includes multiple AFCON appearances as well as regular officiating roles in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
• Referee Daniel Laryea
Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea has been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash between Nigeria and the host nation Morocco.
The decisive encounter is scheduled for Wednesday night at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat, where continental giants will battle for a place in the final.
Laryea’s appointment is a strong vote of confidence in his experience and consistency at the highest level of African football.
The 39-year-old official has been one of the standout referees at the ongoing tournament, earning praise for his composure and decision-making in high-pressure situations.
He recently served as Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during Morocco’s tense quarter-final victory over Cameroon, a match that demanded sharp judgment and calm intervention.
Earlier in the competition, Laryea also took charge as centre referee in the group-stage encounter between Algeria and Burkina Faso, where he effectively controlled the pace and discipline of the game.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s elite referees, Laryea boasts an impressive résumé that includes multiple AFCON appearances as well as regular officiating roles in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup.
His ability to manage emotionally charged fixtures has earned him respect across the continent.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Osimhen to captain Super Eagles against Morocco
Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.
Victor Osimhen will wear the captain’s armband for the Super Eagles in their semi-final clash against Morocco’s Atlas Lions.
This was due to the suspension of the regular captain Wilfred Ndidi due to card accumulation.
Ndidi received his first booking during Nigeria’s Round of 16 victory over Mozambique’s Mambas and was cautioned again in the quarter-final match against Tunisia.
Osimhen previously captained the Super Eagles in their final group-stage game against Uganda.
The striker was appointed vice-captain of the national team on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports
Odegbami predicts Super Eagles will defeat Morocco in semi-final clash
Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.
Former Nigeria international and 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Segun Odegbami has expressed strong conviction ahead of the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 semi-final clash against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in a high-stakes semi-final encounter.
While acknowledging Morocco’s home advantage, Odegbami described the Rabat crowd as a major factor.
“They will have a 12th player, a loud army of supporters pushing them forward,” he said.
Nevertheless, he remains confident Nigeria can rise to the occasion.
Nicknamed “Mathematical” during his playing career, Odegbami said Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria brought back memories of the country’s historic dominance on the continent four decades ago.
“It felt like March 22, 1980, all over again. History was echoing loudly in my head,” Odegbami said.
The former Eagles captain recalled Nigeria’s emphatic 3-0 win over Algeria at the 1980 AFCON, when the North Africans were widely regarded as Africa’s strongest side, achieved through intensity, discipline and fearless attacking football.
“Algeria were stunned then, just as they looked helpless again two days ago,” he noted.
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