Connect with us

Sports

JUST IN: Tinubu Welcomes Super Eagles’ Safe Return, Demands Probe Of ‘Inhuman Treatment’

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu is excited over the safe return of the Super Eagles after they were stranded in Libya and is demanding justice for the treatment meted out to the team and its officials.

The Super Eagles and officials of the team were in a Libyan airport for over 13 hours ahead of their Group D Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier with the Mediterranean Knights which was billed for Tuesday.

After hours of condemnation over the situation which went viral early Monday, the team is now in Nigeria and President Tinubu is happy that the players and officials are home and safe.

“President Bola Tinubu, deeply moved by the inhuman treatment endured by the Super Eagles of Nigeria at a Libyan airport, warmly welcomes their safe return to Nigeria,” presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said on Monday evening.

The president expects the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to probe the “harrowing experience” of the Super Eagles in Libya.

“President Tinubu expects the Disciplinary Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to conduct a thorough investigation and recommend appropriate action against those who wilfully violated the organisation’s Statutes and Regulations,” the statement read.

He lauded the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development for their prompt collaboration in “addressing the unfortunate episode and ensuring the safe return of our players”.

President Tinubu hailed the players for keeping their spirits alive despite “the excruciating ordeal in Libya”.

Although the Libyan authorities have denied claims of sabotaging the Super Eagles, CAF said it was probing the incident and will sanction anyone found guilty.

“The matter has been referred to the CAF Disciplinary Board for investigation and appropriate action will be taken against those who violated the CAF Statutes and Regulations,” it said in a statement on Monday.

Sports

Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Oliseh Gets IFAB Appointment

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

Published

on

By

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has landed a new role with the International Football Association Board, IFAB.

IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide.

Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

He wrote: “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)!

“Honored to contribute to its mission!”Oliseh’s appointment to the IFAB board will see the former Dortmund and Juventus midfielder work with some of football’s most influential figures, including legendary Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger.

Continue Reading

Sports

Future National Sports Festival to hold November/ December – Dikko

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

Published

on

By

The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, says that the Commission is developing a national calendar that will set November and December as the fixed months for hosting the festival.

Dikko disclosed this during a World Media Chat held at the Local Organizing Committee Secretariat, yesterday.

He commended Ogun State for its outstanding hosting of the ongoing National Sports Festival, describing it as a game-changer for sports development in Nigeria.

He called on other states aspiring to host future editions to emulate and improve on the standard set by Ogun.

Dikko noted that the entire country is taking note of the impressive organization and swift handling of challenges during the festival.

“This festival is a major improvement from previous editions.

“It is normal to experience hitches in events of this magnitude, but the prompt resolution of those issues shows great commitment. This edition will serve as a benchmark for future games.”Dikko emphasized.

He added that the Commission, in line with the President’s directive, is working to transform sports into a key economic driver.

“We are building a sports economy—beyond the games, we are looking at job creation, the value chain, and revenue generation.

Ogun’s example is now motivating other states to step forward and host,” he explained.

Continue Reading

Sports

Saudi Arabia to lift 73-year-old alcohol ban ahead of FIFA World Cup 2034

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

Published

on

By

The kingdom of Saudi Arabia is preparing to partially lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol sales in 2026.

The change comes as part of broader efforts to align with global expectations ahead of hosting major international events like Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034.

The Economic Times, reported that alcohol will be available in a strictly controlled manner, limited to select zones such as luxury hotels, high-end resorts, and designated tourist destinations.

Around 600 such licensed venues across the country are expected to be permitted to serve alcohol under the new guidelines.

However, there will be clear limitations. Only milder forms of alcohol – beer, wine, and cider will be allowed.

Spirits and hard liquors will remain prohibited. Importantly, alcohol consumption will not be permitted in homes, shops, or general public areas.

Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are the only Gulf countries that prohibit the sale of alcohol.

A minor move to allow alcoholic drinks to be consumed in the kingdom was the opening of the first alcohol store in the capital, Riyadh, last year serving exclusively non-Muslim diplomats.

Prior to that, alcohol was available only through diplomatic mail or on the black market.

Continue Reading

Trending