Sports
Standard-Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.

The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls, and respected professionals from various sectors.
Mr. Fadimu’s upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and public enlightenment.
The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities, and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.
In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: “Being recognized and considered for membership in such a historic and respected institution is truly an honor.
The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.
Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership, and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.
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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