Sports
Former Bayern Munich player, 18, left ‘brain dead’ after head to knee collision during a match in Spain
A teenage Chinese player, who was previously part of Bayern Munich’s World Squad, has reportedly been diagnosed with ‘brain death’ following a match in Spain.
Guo Jiaxuan, an 18-year-old defender, was reportedly struck in the face by a knee during training camp last Thursday.
He had been playing in a training match against Spanish side RC Alcobendas at a camp organised by the Beijing Football Association.
His brother revealed on social media that Guo had suffered a subarachnoid haemorrhage – a form of stroke caused by bleeding on the brain – following the accidental collision.
Doctors in Madrid have diagnosed Guo with ‘brain death’, according to his brother.
‘During training [last Thursday], he was rushed to [hospital] after being hit in the head by another player’s knee,’ Guo’s brother wrote on social media.
From the interpreter, I learned that the doctor at the hospital said my brother had too much bleeding in his head and that there was little hope of survival… the hospital was going to remove his [life support] tubes.’
Guo’s father had reportedly refused the doctor’s suggestion to turn off his son’s life support and perform an autopsy, and has instead sought for him to be repatriated to China for further treatment.
The South China Morning Post reported that Guo’s family have accused the Beijing Football Association and his club Beijing Guoan of failing to cover his medical bills.
The family claimed the Beijing FA had failed to buy insurance for the trip.
The organisation has reportedly now reached an agreement to transport Guo to China and will support his continued treatment.
Guo had previously represented the Chinese national team at under-17 level and had been invited to train with Bayern Munich in 2023.
He had become part of Bayern Munich’s World Squad, an international project by the German giants aimed at developing promising players from around the world.
Following the match last week, Spanish side RC Alcobendas offered a message of support for Guo and his family.
‘From RC Alcobendas we want to express our deep concern for the player from the Beijing Football Association delegation who suffered an accident during the friendly match played this morning against our first team,’ the club wrote last week.
Nigeria boosted their 2026 World Cup qualifying hopes with a 2-0 win over Rwanda on Friday night, marking a successful debut for new head coach, Eric Chelle.
Victor Osimhen, in fine form this season for Galatasaray, delivered a first-half brace to secure the victory.
The prolific striker opened the scoring with a side-footed finish from Ademola Lookman’s well-placed free-kick.
He then doubled Nigeria’s lead after winning the ball at the halfway line and chipping it over the goalkeeper.
The three-time African champions now move up to third place in Group C, following South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho.
Chelle’s men will face Zimbabwe on Monday as they continue their quest for World Cup qualification.
Sports
Nigeria Set To Host ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Qualifiers in April
Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.
The Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF), said it is ready to host five other nations for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under 19 Men’s World Cup African Qualifier.
The tournament is billed for Lagos, with the matches to be held at the cricket ovals at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and the University of Lagos (UNILAG) from March 26th – 6th April.
VON reported that the President of the federation, Uyi Akpata, said in a statement that the tournament is about celebrating the growth of the game on the continent. Nigeria is thrilled to welcome these talented young cricketers and their supporters to Lagos,” Akpata said.
“Our nation is known for its warm hospitality and fascinating cricketing potential and we are committed to making this qualifier a memorable experience for all.”
“This tournament is not just about competition; it’s about celebrating the growth of cricket in Africa and inspiring the next generation of players.”
Kenya, Uganda, Namibia, Tanzania and Sierra Leone will join Nigeria to jostle for the continent’s sole ticket to the 2026 ICC Under 19 Men’s World Cup.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will be hoping to secure the ticket, having achieved same feat in 2019 and competing at the World Cup in South Africa 2020.
Sports
Nigeria Sets to Host CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship
With this hosting right secured, Nigeria is set to welcome elite volleyball clubs from across the continent, further positioning the country as a key player in African sports
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Honourable Bukola Olopade has expressed profound gratitude to the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, for the exceptional support received in securing the hosting rights for the CAVB 2025 Women’s African Club Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in Abuja from 1 to 14 April 2025.
In a letter of appreciation, personally signed by the DG and sent to the CGC, he acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in covering the bidding fees.
The gesture was described as a testament to the unwavering commitment to the growth of volleyball in Nigeria.
“At a time when sports development in Nigeria requires critical support, this proactive intervention has made a significant impact.
The dedication of resources and efforts to ensure that the prestigious championship is held in Nigeria is a rare demonstration of service and commitment to national sports development,” the DG stated.
He further remarked: “With this hosting right secured, Nigeria is set to welcome elite volleyball clubs from across the continent, further positioning the country as a key player in African sports.”
The Commission reaffirmed its readiness to work collaboratively in shaping sustainable sports development strategies that align with contemporary global trends.
While extending warm sporting regards to the CGC, the DG reiterated the Commission’s pride in being associated with the Nigeria Customs Service and all stakeholders who share the vision of advancing Nigerian sports on the international stage
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