Sports
NOVA Bank Sponsors The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament to Champion Golfing Excellence
NOVA Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the well-being and interests of high-net-worth individuals by sponsoring the 27th Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament.
Hosted at the prestigious Ikoyi Golf Club 1938, the annual tournament for 2024 took place from September 21st to Saturday, September 28th, 2024.
The Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament, organized by the Ikoyi Golf Community Nigeria Association (IGCNA), showcased the remarkable talent of golfers and the sport’s capacity to foster connections across the board.
NOVA Bank has long valued golf as a recreation sport for business executives to network and relieve stress.
This year, Mr, Tayo Babalakin emerged as the Nigeria Cup 2024 Champion, clinching the title with a stunning 85 gross with Handicap (HCP) 19 = 66 net. This victory etched Tayo Babalakin’s name in the history books as the 27th champion of this celebrated tournament.
As a former merchant bank serving high-net-worth clients, NOVA Bank has long valued golf as a recreation sport for business executives to network and relieve stress.
The Bank’s transition to a national commercial bank has not diminished this commitment but has instead deepened its relationship with the golfing community, as reflected in its ongoing partnership with the Nigeria Cup.
Mr. Phillips Oduoza, Chairman of NOVA Bank and an avid golfer, highlighted the importance of the partnership in a speech presented by Mrs. Esther Adino, on his behalf. “As a long-term partner of the Nigeria Cup and the Ikoyi Club Golf Section, this annual event is always a delight for us at NOVA.
It provides a unique opportunity to engage with our esteemed customers and the broader community while celebrating the beautiful game of golf.
For over four years, NOVA Bank has been a proud supporter of this tournament, a sponsorship that aligns with our dedication to fostering wealth creation and enhancing the well-being of our customers.
Golf plays an essential role in that mission, allowing us to connect with our HNI clients in a meaningful and engaging environment.
We consider ourselves long-term sponsors of this tournament, and we are pleased to deepen our partnership with Ikoyi Golf Club. We look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration to elevate this esteemed club further.”
Reiterating NOVA’s involvement, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, Executive Director of Institutional and Commercial Banking at NOVA Bank, added, “Our support of the Nigeria Cup reflects our commitment to offering our high-net-worth clients and C-suite executives an atmosphere of relaxation, well-being, and healthy competition.
As a commercial bank, we continue to develop tailored products for SMEs and retail clients, including our groundbreaking NOVA Phygital mobile banking, which redefines personal banking experiences.
The NOVA Phygital platform is designed to provide seamless financial solutions, ensuring our clients can manage their wealth effortlessly while enjoying the lifestyle they deserve.
We remain dedicated not only to supporting our corporate customers’ businesses but also to helping them stay fit, relaxed, and focused. Golf is the perfect avenue to achieve this balance.”
Mr. George Etomi, Chairman of the 2024 Nigeria Cup Organizing Committee, commended NOVA Bank for their unwavering support.
“NOVA Bank’s consistent sponsorship of the Nigeria Cup truly embodies the spirit of this club—harmony through recreation.
Their partnership exemplifies the harmony and shared vision that has made them an integral part of our journey. We are thankful for NOVA’s dedication and look forward to more opportunities to create lasting impacts together.”
As NOVA Bank continues its growth trajectory, expanding its exceptional services to retail and SME markets, it remains committed to creating meaningful experiences for its high-net-worth clientele, while embracing a broader audience through innovation and customer-centered solutions.
The partnership with the Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament reflects the values that define NOVA Bank— Uniqueness, Leadership, Teamwork, and Passion
Sports
Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.
His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.
The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.
He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
Sports
FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.
The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.
The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.
Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”
In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
(The Nation)
Sports
Bundesliga: Marie-Louise Eta Emerges First Woman To Coach Men’s Team
Club director of men’s football Horst Heldt said in a statement on the club’s website that the decision was driven by recent performances and the need for a fresh approach in the final stages of the season.
Marie-Louise Eta /Credit: Getty Images
Marie-Louise Eta has made history after being appointed interim head coach of Union Berlin, becoming the first woman to manage a men’s team in one of Europe’s top five football leagues.
Her appointment runs until the end of the season following the dismissal of head coach Steffen Baumgart after Union Berlin’s 3-1 defeat to bottom-placed FC Heidenheim.
Union Berlin currently sit 11th in the Bundesliga table, 11 points clear of the relegation zone with five matches remaining.
However, the club has struggled for form, winning only twice in their last 14 league matches in 2026.
Club director of men’s football Horst Heldt said in a statement on the club’s website that the decision was driven by recent performances and the need for a fresh approach in the final stages of the season.
“We have had a hugely disappointing second half of the season. The performances shown in recent weeks do not give us confidence that we can turn things around with the current set-up,” Heldt said.
Eta is no stranger to breaking barriers at the club. She became Union Berlin’s first female assistant coach in November 2023 and later made history again in January 2024 when she led the team from the touchline during a Bundesliga match while then-manager Nenad Bjelica was suspended.
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