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
Sports
FIFA unveils Trionda, the official ball of the 2026 World Cup
The ball, called Trionda, was again designed by German manufacturer Adidas, provider of the official World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament.

The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup match ball named Trionda is pictured during its unveiling event in New York on October 2, 2025. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP)
FIFA has unveiled the official match ball for the 2026 World Cup, combining high-tech refinements and design details celebrating the three co-host countries — the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The ball, called Trionda, was again designed by German manufacturer Adidas, provider of the official World Cup balls since the 1970 tournament.
“I am delighted and proud to present the Trionda,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the ball was revealed at an event in New York on Thursday.
The first World Cup organized by three countries, with 48 teams competing, inspired both the name and the design of the ball featuring red, blue and green colors.
Iconography from each host nation — maple leaves from Canada, the eagle from Mexico and stars from the United States also feature, with a triangle referring to the unity of the three countries.
Sports
JUST IN: Haaland ranked 26th, van Dijk 28th in Ballon d’Or 2025 list

The build-up to the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony is officially underway as the organisers began unveiling the rankings on their official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday afternoon.
Kicking off the list at 30th place is Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise, followed by Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen at 29th, and Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk in 28th. Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice sits at 27th, while Manchester City’s Erling Haaland narrowly misses the top 25, landing in 26th place.
The partial list, also shared by football journalist Fabrizio Romano, has already ignited fan debates online, especially surrounding Olise’s placement. The French winger delivered an outstanding 2024–25 season for Bayern, registering 12 goals and 15 assists, making his relatively low ranking a point of contention.
The full top 30 list is expected to be released in stages throughout the day.
The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony is set to take place later today in Paris, where the world’s top footballer will be officially crowned.
Sports
Super Falcons Onome Ebi retires from football
Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues, to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.

Legendary Super Falcons defender, Onome Ebi, on Wednesday officially announced her retirement from professional football.
Her career spanned over two decades with Nigeria’s women’s national team.
Ebi announced her decision in a post on her X account: “Today, I officially retire from professional football. The journey has been filled with challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped me into who I am today.
“Though I hang up my boots, my purpose in the game continues, to give back, to guide, and to be a voice for players.”
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest female footballers, the 42-year-old centre-back boasts an illustrious record at both continental and global levels.
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