Sports
WAFCON Final: Tinubu Approves Full Pay Package for Super Falcons
President Bola Tinubu has approved the full payment of allowances and match bonuses for the Super Falcons ahead of their final clash with Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, made the announcement while speaking with reporters in Abuja on Thursday.
He also confirmed that all entitlements, up to and including the final on July 26, had been disbursed for immediate payment to players, coaches, and officials.
Dikko described the gesture as “policy in motion” and a demonstration of a renewed commitment to Nigerian athletes under Tinubu’s leadership.
He assured that this would now be the standard practice going forward, timely payments without drama or delays.
Dikko noted that the move also extends to Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, who are set to begin their 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket campaign in Côte d’Ivoire, saying that D’Tigress will receive improved allowances and bonuses.
“This is the kind of sports administration we are building, one rooted in dignity, trust, and shared prosperity. Future generations would appreciate President Tinubu’s reforms in the sports sector,” he said.
Sport
Transfer News: Chelsea Sets Price Tag For Argentina Star
Chelsea are prepared to sell their Argentine star and they have set a price tag.
Chelsea have placed a €50 million valuation on Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentina international winger linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the West London club have established a dual-pricing structure for the 22-year-old. If a Premier League rival expresses interest, Chelsea will demand a £45 million fee. However, the club are willing to accept a slightly lower figure of around €50 million (£42.6 million) from foreign clubs.
Garnacho is not in the plans of newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso. The winger failed to report for the first day of pre-season training, staying away to actively explore an exit strategy alongside his representatives.
The impending transfer concludes a 12-month tenure in West London. Garnacho originally joined Chelsea from Manchester United in the summer of 2025 for a reported €46.2 million (£39.4 million) fee. He signed a long-term contract tying him to the club until June 30, 2032.
Despite the financial investment, he never established himself in the starting lineup. During the 2025/26 season, he registered eight goals and four assists across 43 appearances in all competitions. His domestic output was poor, starting just 14 Premier League matches and three in the UEFA Champions League and scoring only one league goal throughout the campaign
Sports
W/C: Messi Sets For First England Meeting
There are very few things Lionel Messi has not done on a football pitch.
But the semi-final meeting between Argentina and England on Wednesday in Atlanta will provide the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with an altogether new experience.
Despite making more than 200 appearances and scoring 125 goals for Argentina, Messi has never faced the Three Lions on the international stage.
It looked for a spell that the 39-year-old may be denied his first meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side when Switzerland appeared to be holding the momentum in Saturday’s quarter-final tie – but Argentina eventually ran out 3-1 winners in extra time.
Messi failed to score for the first time this tournament in that victory, though he still leads the Golden Boot race alongside France’s Kylian Mbappe having scored eight times, and is the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Sports
Brentford Promote Super Eagles Defender To First Team
Premier League club, Brentford, have promoted Nigerian defender to their first-team squad after handing the Super Eagles star a new four-year contract ahead of the Premier League season.
The 21-year-old centre-back has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Gtech Community Stadium until 2030, with the club holding an option to extend the contract by an additional year.
Fredrick, who has been training with head coach Keith Andrews’ senior squad during pre-season, is now expected to become a permanent member of Brentford’s first-team setup.
Speaking on the defender’s promotion, Andrews expressed confidence in the Nigerian’s ability to develop into a key player for the Bees.
“We’re delighted that Benji has signed a new deal and is going to be part of the group this season. We see a lot of potential in him and where we can bring his game to,” Andrews said.
The Brentford boss also praised Fredrick’s international experience, noting his growing importance to the Super Eagles.
He added, “He’s already played senior international football and was a big part of Nigeria’s team in their World Cup qualifying campaign.”
Fredrick’s football journey began at Simoiben Football Academy in Kaduna before he spent a season with Abubakar Bukola Saraki FC. His impressive displays earned him a move to Nasarawa United, where he featured as both a centre-back and right-back.
He joined Brentford B on loan in August 2023 and immediately impressed the coaching staff with his commanding performances.
His rapid development earned him places on the bench for Premier League and FA Cup fixtures before Brentford completed his permanent transfer in April 2024.
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