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Super Falcons goalie Nnadozie, coach Madugu bag Ballon d’Or nomination

Their nominations come on the heels of Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, secured in Morocco after a dominant run in the tournament.

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•Collage of Coach Justine Madugu and Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigerian women’s football has earned more global recognition as Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and head coach Justin Madugu have both been nominated for prestigious honours at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards.

Nnadozie, a standout performer in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), has been shortlisted for the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Madugu has earned a nomination for Women’s Coach of the Year.

Their nominations come on the heels of Nigeria’s historic 10th WAFCON title, secured in Morocco after a dominant run in the tournament.

Nnadozie, who captained the side, delivered a string of heroic performances between the sticks, including crucial penalty saves and commanding displays that underpinned the Falcons’ unbeaten campaign.

Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.

Coach Madugu, who took over the Super Falcons in late 2023, has been praised for revitalizing the team and instilling a disciplined, attacking style of play.

Under his leadership, the Falcons overcame strong competition from host nation Morocco and defending champions South Africa en route to lifting the trophy.

(Vanguard).

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Katsina United player declared dead found alive in mortuary

Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.‎

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•Ozor Chinedu

Katsina United defender, Ozor Chinedu, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday was found alive in hospital following his death report.‎

‎The 18-year-old, recently signed from Kano Pillars, slumped on the pitch in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead.‎‎

Katsina United subsequently issued a condolence statement, while clubs including Heartland and Kano Pillars mourned the player on social media.

‎However, in a dramatic twist, mortuary staff at Katsina General Hospital later observed movement in his body.

He was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on oxygen.‎‎

Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.‎

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NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers to be sold for $12.5bn – Report

Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

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The Los Angeles Lakers — one of the most successful teams in NBA history — are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal valuing the team at $12.5 billion, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The sale, which would mark a record-breaking price, comes only about a year after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy a controlling interest in the team in a then-record $10 billion deal.

Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

Walter’s purchase, reported in June last year, ended the Buss family’s 46-year reign over the NBA giants.

The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.The team has been home to some of the league’s biggest superstars including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant.

LeBron James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, just left the squad for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight years and winning one title with the Lakers.

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BREAKING: Lionel Messi Loses Father Jorge Messi at 68

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Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple reports from Argentine and international media.

The patriarch of the Messi family passed away on Friday night in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, around 10 p.m. local time. He had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness that first drew public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, when Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match.

At the time, the Messi family issued a statement confirming Jorge was under medical observation and “recovering and progressing favorably,” while urging media and the public to respect the family’s privacy after false reports of his death circulated. He was later discharged and returned to Rosario, but his condition ultimately did not improve.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his youth career and of which Jorge was a recognized supporter, paid tribute on social media: “With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi… Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career, accompanying him to Barcelona as a child, managing contracts, business interests, and protecting his professional path. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.

As of the latest reports, the Messi family had not yet released an official statement.

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