Author: Boluwatife Kehinde

‎Quadri Aruna’s quest for a sixth ITTF Africa Cup title came to an end on Monday after a dramatic seven-set defeat to Algeria’s Medhdi Bouloussa in Benghazi, Libya. ‎The five-time champion was edged out 4–3 in a high-intensity semi-final, with Bouloussa taking the contest 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-7, 8-11, 8-11, 11-7. ‎Aruna had looked sharp throughout the tournament, advancing comfortably through the early stages and securing qualification for the ITTF World Cup in Macao, China. However, despite fighting back to force a deciding set, he was unable to stop the Algerian’s charge. Read also on New Daily Prime:‎ Aruna Quadri…

Nigeria’s Falconets claimed a narrow 1–0 victory over Senegal on Saturday night in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying clash in Abeokuta. Despite dominating large spells of the encounter and creating several scoring opportunities, head coach Moses Aduku’s side managed just one goal to separate the teams. That decisive moment arrived shortly after halftime, when substitute Kindness Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner kick to give Nigeria the advantage. Ifeanyi, who had been introduced moments earlier, struck in the 50th minute to reward the Falconets’ pressure and hand them a slim lead…

Chippa United have officially confirmed the departure of Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, bringing an end to his more than three-year spell with the South African club. ‎The Port Elizabeth–based side announced the development on Thursday via their official X (formerly Twitter) account, revealing that the Nigerian international formally requested to leave the club. ‎In a statement, Chippa United disclosed that the 28-year-old shot-stopper’s request was carefully reviewed before management agreed to grant his release. ‎“Chippa United Football Club confirms that Stanley Nwabali has formally submitted a request to depart the club. After careful consideration, the club has agreed to…

Manchester City have secured a comfortable place in the EFL Cup final after sweeping aside Newcastle United 5–1 on aggregate. ‎City, who held a first-leg advantage from January with a 2-0 win were in control from the start at the Etihad Stadium. ‎ Omar Marmoush scored twice before the break, while Tijjani Reijnders added another as Pep Guardiola’s side put the tie beyond doubt. Newcastle found a response through Anthony Elanga in the second half, but the outcome was never in doubt. ‎The win sets up a League Cup final clash with Arsenal at Wembley on March 22, after the…

Ahead of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup third-round qualifiers against Senegal, Falconets head coach Moses Aduku has named a 26-player squad for the crucial two-legged tie. ‎The first leg will now be played at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on Saturday, 7 February 2026, following CAF approval for a venue change. The return leg is scheduled for 14 February at the Stade Lat-Dior, Thiès, Senegal. ‎Nigeria qualified for this round after a 5–0 aggregate victory over Rwanda and has since moved camp to Abeokuta, recording positive results in friendly matches. ‎Goalkeepers: Uzoma Christiana Ijeoma (Edo Queens), Opara Onyinyechi…

Kai Havertz struck deep into stoppage time to hand Arsenal a dramatic 1-0 win over Chelsea on Tuesday night at the Emirates Stadium, sealing a 4-2 aggregate victory and booking a place at Wembley. The semi-final second leg was a tense, tactical affair with both sides disciplined and cautious, resulting in few clear-cut chances. As Chelsea committed numbers forward late on, Arsenal broke quickly, with Leandro Trossard and Declan Rice combining to set up Havertz, who rounded Robert Sanchez to decide the tie. The win extends Arsenal’s unbeaten run against Chelsea to 10 matches in all competitions (W7 D3), their…

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised after facing criticism for remarks he made about British football supporters, which drew strong reactions from fan groups. ‎According to BBC, during the the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last month, Infantino said it was “really special” that no British fans were arrested during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a comment that sparked anger as supporters voiced concerns over rising ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) responding that he should focus on “making tickets affordable” rather than “making cheap jokes about our fans.” ‎In an interview…

While Ademola Lookman expresses his excitement after completing his move to Atletico Madrid, he also looks forward to a new challenge. ‎New Daily Prime reports that Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has officially completed his transfer from Atalanta to Atletico Madrid. Speaking briefly upon arrival in Madrid, Lookman said: “I’m very happy to be here, very happy. I’m looking forward to the challenge.” Read also on New Daily Prime:Lookman joins Atletico, becomes Nigeria’s second most expensive signed player ‎The Nigeria international is viewed as a major addition to Diego Simeone’s attacking options as Atletico look to close the gap on…

With a strong track record in hosting elite women’s football, South Africa has taken over hosting duties for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The development follows Morocco’s reported withdrawal just two months before the tournament was due to begin, leaving organisers with a narrow window to finalise preparations. The announcement was made by Mabe during the Super League Awards in Johannesburg, where he confirmed that the hosting rights had been transferred to South Africa. “Tonight, I am pleased to announce that South Africa will host the 2026 WAFCON, which is a qualification tournament for the 2027 Women’s…

‎Elena Rybakina produced a powerful performance to defeat world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 on Saturday, claiming her maiden Australian Open title at Melbourne Park. ‎Rybakina struck early, breaking serve in the opening game and dictating play with aggressive ball-striking to take the first set. ‎Sabalenka responded in the second, capitalising on an error from the Kazakh to level the match and force a deciding set. ‎In the final set, Sabalenka surged to a 3-0 lead, but Rybakina showed composure to fight back, breaking serve to move ahead 4-3. She maintained her nerve to close out the match…