Sports
UEFA Championship, Olympic Boost Travel in 2024 by 7% – WTO
By the end of 2024, international tourist arrivals had almost reached their 2019 levels, suggesting complete recovery for the sector, according to UN Tourism.

Image credit: Opta Analyst
The World Trade Organization (WTO) says that the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympics in France, boosted international travel by seven percent in 2024.
Ohibaba.com exclusively reports that WTO disclosed this in its international trade statistics for the third quarter of 2024, released on Tuesday, February 2025.
Said WTO: ” International travellers’ expenditure in foreign economies increased by 10 per cent in Q3 2024, and in the first three quarters of 2024, global travel receipts were 15 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Growth is stabilizing after the post-pandemic surge, and visa-free schemes adopted throughout 2024 by many economies have benefited international tourism worldwide.
” By the end of 2024, international tourist arrivals had almost reached their 2019 levels, suggesting complete recovery for the sector, according to UN Tourism.
Travel in 2024 was also boosted by the UEFA European Football Championship in Germany and the Olympics in France, and Europe’s travel exports grew by 7 per cent from an already high base in 2023.
Many African economies recorded double-digit growth, including Namibia (+32 per cent), Morocco (+19 per cent) and Tanzania (+18 per cent).”
Sports
Tinubu appreciates Super Falcons with $100,000 cash award, 3-bedroom apartments including OON honours
Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players of Nigeria’s victorious WAFCON team, along with a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.
Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.
The announcement was made during a special reception held in honour of the team at the State House on Monday.
Led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, the champions arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 p.m. to a rousing welcome from President Tinubu and other dignitaries
Sports
Four Super Falcons players make WAFCON 2024 Best XI
Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

FOUR of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players made the WAFCON 2024 Best XI, according Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The full Best XI include: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)Michelle Alozie (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)Refiloe Jane (South Africa)Bambanani Mbane (South Africa)Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa)Portia Boakye (Ghana)Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)
Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
Her commanding presence and decisive saves were pivotal to Nigeria’s success, especially during tense knockout fixtures.
Also earning a spot in the Best XI is right-back Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash defender impressed with her stamina, aggressive pressing, and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.
Nigeria’s dominance in the attacking third was reflected with the inclusion of two key forwards.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament, was selected on the right wing.
Completing Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Best XI is Esther Okoronkwo, who starred on the left wing.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, scoring once and providing two assists.
She finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists.
The full Best XI is set in a 4-3-3 formation and includes three Moroccan players, two each from Ghana and South Africa—WAFCON 2024’s other semi-finalists. Ghana edged South Africa to win the bronze medal.
South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini was named at left-back, while Ghana’s Portia Boakye and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane formed the central defensive partnership.
In midfield, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak—top scorer with five goals—was joined by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi led the line in attack.
Sports
England defeats Spain to win Women’s Euro 2025 Cup
The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.

England defeated Spain 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time on Sunday in Basel.
The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.
Although Spain dominated the possession and took the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header, yet England once again showed their trademark resilience.
Alessia Russo headed home the equaliser just before the hour mark, and after a tense extra time, the final was decided on penalties.
Spain faltered from the spot, missing three of their efforts, including a save from reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, while Kelly, coming off the bench, sealed the win with a composed finish.
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