Morocco 2025: Nigeria unveils AFCON’s final squad Head Coach Eric Sékou Chelle has opted for goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defenders Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and 20 other players to make up Nigeria’s 28-man roster for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations starting in Morocco in 10 days’ time. The Franco-Malian also picked defenders Chidozie Awaziem and Bright Osayi-Samuel, midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Samuel Chukwueze and Simon Moses, among others. There is a return for Cyprus-based goaltender Francis Uzoho, defender Igoh Ogbu and…
Author: Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Abdulgafar Oladimeji
Abdulgafar Oladimeji is a sports writer with over two decades experience in the industry. As a reporter , he has worked with top major Nigerian newspapers, freelancer with newspaper and broadcast media organizations in Africa, Europe and America. He is a well travelled sports journalists reporting major sports events across the globe.
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Former Chinese sports minister sentenced to death for corruption By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The former Chinese sports minister Gou Zhongwen has been sentenced to death for indulging in acts of corruption, CCTV broadcaster reported last Monday. Gou, who was one time director of China’s State General Administration of Sports was convicted by a court in Jiangsu province . The court heard that the convicted man between 2009 and 2024 collected 236 million yuan ($33.4 million)equivalent in bribes. The court further heard that the bribes were recei ved from individuals and departments for project approvals. The court slammed life ban on Gou…
Nigeria vs Egypt friendly game now fixed for 16 December The decision by world football-governing body, FIFA that Clubs can hold on to their players until Monday, 15 December 2025 before they are released for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has necessitated the postponement of the pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Egypt. Seven-time winners Egypt and three-time winners Nigeria were scheduled to clash in a tune-up game in Cairo on Sunday, 14 December, in line with an earlier regulation that ruled that players be released earlier. The game has now been moved to Tuesday, 16 December as a result…
Celebrating sahel sports news and its role in promoting sports promotion and development By : Ahmad Muhammad Sani Gwarzo, Anipr. Sahelsportnews continues to stand as one of the most vibrant and youth-focused sports information platforms in the country, providing timely updates and insightful coverage that inspires young athletes across Nigeria and beyond. Under the dynamic leadership of Abdulgafar Olademeji, the organization has consistently demonstrated professionalism, accuracy, and passion for sports journalism. The platform remains committed to giving young talents a voice and showcasing their abilities to a global audience. In every report, Sahelsportnews emphasizes the importance of discipline, resilience, and…
BLACK STARS OF GHANA — STAINED STARS THAT NEVER DIE By Kasali D. Obanoyen. Something just pinched me to start this series with the Black Stars of Ghana – a team that can spring surprises and dash hopes . Let us dig in. The Black Stars of Ghana remain one of world football’s great paradoxes: a team capable of brilliance, heartbreak, defiance, and rebirth—often in the same qualifying cycle. Stained by near-misses yet burnished by history, they are stars that never truly die. As the world marches toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup, spread across three footballing giants—the United States,…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Argentines are the favorites – Algerian coach By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The head coach of the Fennec Foxes of Algeria, Vladimir Petkovic has described Argentina as favorites , when the FIFA world cup2026 finally kicks off next summer in US, Canada and Mexico. The north African are drawn in group J alongside Argentina, Jordan and Austria. Reacting to the final draw in Washington, he said “A very interesting group. A group made up of three teams that will have to play for second place. “Argentina will be a favourite. It will certainly be very interesting. I think…
Nigeria introduces new penalties to fight against age cheating in sports By Abdulgafar Oladimeji Nigeria’s National Council on Sports has issued strict warning against perpetration of age cheating in sports activities, warning that severe penalties awaits defaulters. The council during its meeting held at the Kashim Shetima hall, in Calabar, on 28 November, said it has approved the institution of appropriate sanctions against age cheat offenders in national sports competitions , namely National Youth Games, NYG, School Sports competitions. The body in an communique issued at the end of its meeting has admonished sports stakeholders to adhere to the rules…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Every game Is special, Says Ghana Black Stars coach, Otto Ado By Abdulgafar Oladimeji. The head coach of World Cup campaigners Black Stars of Ghana Otto Addo has said “There is no particular game I look forward to the most. Adding that “ every game is special. Speaking to sports writers in the aftermath of the world cup final draw in Washington, he stated that “ It is very important for us that we don’t underrate any team and for sure England is the favourite in the group. Adding that “ Ghana have a very strong…
FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw : I Trust My Players Says Egyptian coach, Hossam Hassan By Abdulgafar Oladimeji The coach of the Pharoahs of Egypt , Hossam Hassan has expressed confidence in the capacity of his players to deliver the goodies , when the FIFA World Cup 2026 finally kicks off. Speaking after the world cup final draw last Friday in Washington, coach Hossam said “I trust my players because their level is very high, whether it’s Mohamed Salah, Marmoush, or the players in the Egyptian league, they have big ambition. “But reaching the World Cup is complicated, and…
FIFA World Cup 2026: Côte d’Ivoire looks forward to knockout stages By Abdulgafar Oladimeji One of Africa’s flag bearers at the FIFA 2026 World Cup , Côte d’Ivoire has expressed the optimism that they posses the firepower to pick the tickets for the knockout stages from group E. Côte d’Ivoire gaffer , Emerse Fae, speaking after the final draw held at the Kennedy Centre in Washington Dc said , “It’s a group of quality, but I think we have our chances. We’ll begin against Ecuador, which is a really, really good team that plays with a lot of energy…
