Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named the fourth-best goalkeeper in the world in the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy ranking released by France Football.

The Brighton and Super Falcons shot-stopper enjoyed a standout year, playing a key role in Nigeria’s record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, where she was also voted Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

England and Chelsea goalkeeper Hannah Hampton claimed the award, while Germany’s Ann-Katrin Berger and Spain’s Cata Coll placed second and third respectively. The Netherlands’ Daphne van Domselaar completed the top five.

Nnadozie’s inclusion in the elite list underlines her rising global reputation as one of the most dependable goalkeepers in women’s football.

Playing for Nigeria is my ultimate goal, says Europe-based striker, Adegbenro

Everywhere in Europe, young Nigerian footballers keep dazzling at their respective clubs and Daniel Adegbenro is not an exception.

Adegbenro, who plies his trade with FC Vion Zlate Moravce has been very phenomenon in Slovakian league. His skills, especially his dribbling runs, pace, strength, ferocious shots, with eyes for goals have made him a nightmare to opposing defenders and goalkeepers in the league.

The teenage attacker can operate effectively as a second striker or a winger depending on the tactical formation his club chooses, and it is no wonder that he has seven goals and three assists to his name since the season began.

As a left footed attacker, with deft touches, his intelligence while with the ball is a delight to behold and there is no denying the fact that at only 18 years old, he will definitely get better, as he continues to develop himself.

Interestingly, Adegbenro was born and bred in Texas, United States, a country more known for exploits in basketball, athletics, tennis, but the young Nigerian chose football and he has shown potential for greatness in the round leather game.

“My interest, passion has always been soccer or football as it is called outside the United States. I remain focus on the task I set for myself, which is to continue developing and improving my game,” Adegbenro told www.totorinews.com exclusively.

Despite being born in the United States, the highly gifted forward revealed that he has been following Nigeria football for years and he hopes to wear the national colours of the most populous black nation in the world.

“I have always been attracted to Nigeria football from when i was a kid. Nigeria fascinates me greatly and realistically, i see myself as a Nigerian footballer, though born in Texas, United States.

“I carry the DNA of a Nigerian in my blood, in my football and hopefully, i will get to represent the country in the future.

“I am very glad that i now play in Europe, where i hope to continue to work very hard and be improving my game,” he added.

On match day eight in the Slovakian league over the weekend, he featured for 90 minutes for FC ViOn Zlate in their clash with FK Slovan Levice, which ended goalless.

“It was a game we really wanted to win, but unfortunately it ended goalless. I’m grateful that the technical crew entrusted their faith in me. I played the full game and as i said earlier, i hope to continue to improve.

“I had already scored seven goals, with three assists, i deeply appreciate my teammates, coaches and fans for their support.

“I will follow the processes of my development meticously, stay very focused on the goals that i have set for myself and the ultimate goal is to play for Nigeria someday,” he concluded.

Kwara United Football Club kicked off their 2025/26 CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a narrow 4–3 defeat to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko on Sunday at the Accra Sports Stadium in the first leg of the preliminary round.

The match lived up to expectations as both sides started with high intensity, creating chances and testing each other’s defensive setups. Asante Kotoko took the lead in the 18th minute through Emmanuel Antwi. Kwara United responded six minutes later when Johnmark Aule converted a cross from Kabiru Muhammed to make it 1–1.

As the first half approached its end, a defensive mix-up in Kwara United’s backline allowed Hubert Gyalu to restore Kotoko’s lead in the 45th minute. The Harmony Boys showed great resilience, with Aule completing his brace in stoppage time to send the game into halftime level at 2–2.

The second half resumed with both teams adopting fresh strategies. Just two minutes after the restart, Joseph Ablorh headed in a goal from a corner to put Kotoko back in front. The hosts extended their lead to 4–2 in the 69th minute after being awarded a penalty, which Gyalu converted.

Kwara United reduced the deficit in the 87th minute when substitute Shola Abdulraheem finished off a pass from Junior Aimufua after an impressive run down the flank, ending the contest in a thrilling 4–3 scoreline.

Speaking after the game, Coach Tunde Sanni, on behalf of Head Coach Godwin Onyewuchi Nonsike, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and tactical discipline, adding that they are confident of overturning the result in the second leg in Abeokuta.

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, visited the team at their hotel after the match to commend their spirited performance and urged them to complete the job in Abeokuta and secure a spot in the second round.

The decisive return leg is scheduled for Sunday at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Abeokuta, where Kwara United will be seeking victory to progress to the next round of the competition.

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Abia Warriors were forced to a one-all draw by Continental perennial campaigners, Djoliba AC of Mali in their debut CAF Confederation Cup match, played at the iconic Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Emeka Obioma made history as the player to score a first Continental goal for Abia Warriors, when he headed home Jubrin Faiz’s delivery in the 20th minute of the game.

Umu Chineke were clearly the better side in the first half as they dominated play and carved out the best chances.

They would have doubled their lead in the 39th minute of play, but Sunday Megwo’s chip over the keeper failed to hit the target.

The visitors came out fighting in the second half and were rewarded with a goal from Kardel Kenan Armel’s strike in the 87th minute.

Stunned by that equalizer, the Warriors went in search of another goal, but the visitors held on for a hard-fought draw.

Abia Warriors will now prepare for the return leg scheduled to take place on 28th September 2025, at the Mamadou Konate Stadium in Bamako, as they aim to improve on their home performance and secure a vital win to progress to the next round.

Emeka Livinus Ejiofor of the Onitsha Country Club, Nigeria, has been crowned the new champion of table tennis at the 2025 edition of the Dynamic Sports Club International Tournament in Chicago, United States.

The annual tournament, a multi-sport event that brings together athletes from across the globe, featured competitions in various disciplines including tennis, badminton, basketball, athletics, and table tennis. Ejiofor distinguished himself in the ping pong category, where he displayed consistency and brilliance to clinch the top prize.

His victory is being celebrated not only as a personal milestone but also as a mark of Nigeria’s growing presence on the international sports stage. Ejiofor’s outstanding performance against seasoned opponents earned him respect from both spectators and fellow athletes.

In his remarks after the final match, Ejiofor dedicated the win to his club in Onitsha, his family, and Nigerian sports lovers. He also expressed gratitude to the organizers for providing a platform where talents from different nations could compete and interact.

The Dynamic Sports Club International Tournament is recognized worldwide for promoting unity through sports and showcasing multi-sport excellence. This year’s edition witnessed a high level of competition, with participants from Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

Ejiofor’s triumph is expected to inspire other Nigerian athletes to aspire for global laurels, while also raising the profile of the Onitsha Country Club as a breeding ground for champions

By Silvernews

The Imo State Parasports Association will today honour the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Onyeocha Obinna Evaristus (Onowu), with an Award of Excellence as Pillar of Special Sports and Outstanding Commissioner of Sports.

The association said the award is in recognition of the Commissioner’s contributions to the development of parasports in the state and his support for athletes with disabilities.

According to the group, Imo remains one of the leading states in Nigerian sports, producing a significant percentage of national athletes at international competitions. They credited the Commissioner’s leadership for strengthening this position.

They also pointed to his support for athletes and coaches at the NDDC Games in Uyo and the National Youth Games in Asaba, as well as the recent improvements at Dan Anyiam Stadium, including the installation of solar streetlights.

As part of today’s event, the association is expected to request the formation of an Obinna Onowu Disabled Support Group and seek his intervention in securing a solidarity visit from Governor Hope Uzodinma to the Paralympics Association of Nigeria (PAN), Imo State chapter.

The group expressed appreciation to the Governor for infrastructural development and inclusivity policies, while pledging continued cooperation with the Commissioner in advancing parasports across the state.

…welcomes new exco members

National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has expressed deep appreciation to the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, for his pivotal role in ensuring the successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

In a statement after the AGM, the Club Owners’ body described Gusau’s leadership and commitment as a strong pillar of support for Nigerian football, noting that his interventions continue to reposition the domestic game for sustainable growth.

The Godwin Enakhena-led NALCOMA also gave plaudits to the Nigeria National League (NNL) Board for its determination to drive reforms that will strengthen the league and make it more competitive.

According to Enakhena, “Aluo and his team have demonstrated focus and innovation, which stakeholders believe will make the new season more exciting”.

“We salute NNL’S commitment to discovering and nurturing talents that will blossom into future stars for both club and country, through the most important league.

The NALCOMA President equally commended members for their active participation and constructive contributions during the AGM.

The association’s collaboration, he added, has enriched the discussions and decisions that will guide the coming season.

The NALCOMA Board also used the opportunity to welcome its newly elected members of the Executive Committee, describing their inclusion as a major boost for the administration of the league.

The new members are:

The General Manager of Gombe United, Mallam Anas Bamusa, who replaces Engineer Auwal Mohammed Gotal of Wikki Tourists as 1st Vice President.

Mr Jospeh Eno, Chairman of Akwa United replaces Chief Charles Chukwuemeka Nnadi of Kun Khalifat as General Coordinator, South.

Dr Philip Nongu, Chairman Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi is the new Director of Welfare, while Alhaji Ahmed Usman Egye, Chairman of Basira Football Club of Lafia, is the new General Secretary.

“With the structures and resolutions put in place at the AGM, we are confident and fully prepared for the commencement of the new season,” Enakhena averred.

“Stakeholders, fans, and the entire football family can look forward to a more organized, competitive, and entertaining season”, he concluded.

The 2025/2026 NNL season will commence on November 8, 2025.