NEWS

World Athletics has turned down an আবেদন by Turkey to change the sporting nationality of Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili, dealing a significant blow to her plans ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.The decision followed a review by the organisation’s Nationality Review Panel, which ruled against the application submitted by the Türkiye Athletics Federation. The panel concluded that approving the request would go against key regulations governing international athletics.In its findings, the panel stated that the move was part of a wider recruitment effort involving several athletes, raising concerns about fairness and the integrity of global competitions. It warned that such actions could weaken the credibility of national representation.According to the report, Turkey’s submission w...

The Nigeria Basketball Federation has announced a major restructuring of the men’s Premier League, increasing the number of participating teams from 16 to 20 ahead of the 2026 season, alongside new player eligibility rules aimed at promoting local talent and ensuring competitive balance.The new season is set to begin on May 9, with the league adopting a broader two-conference format and tighter squad regulations. Players will now be classified into three groups: home-based, diaspora, and foreign.While there is no limit on home-based players, each club is allowed only one diaspora player—defined as a Nigerian living abroad with a valid passport—and up to two foreign players. Both diaspora and foreign signings must provide a valid FIBA international transfer certificate and complete ...

Former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is reportedly set to return to the ring in July as part of a proposed two-fight deal linked to Riyadh Season, according to his promoter Eddie Hearn.Joshua has been out of action since December, when he recorded a knockout victory in his last fight. He has since resumed training and was recently seen ringside watching Tyson Fury make a successful comeback against Arslanbek Makhmudov.Following that victory, Fury reignited talks of a long-anticipated showdown with Joshua—a fight that has lingered in the heavyweight division for years.Hearn revealed that current plans involve a preparatory bout in July, potentially setting up a blockbuster clash with Fury in November. Although Deontay Wilder had been mentioned as a possible opponent after ...

Chuck Schumer, the U.S. Senate Minority Leader, has called on FIFA to take responsibility for public transportation costs during the 2026 World Cup, following reports of steep fare increases in host cities.His appeal came after claims that New Jersey Transit may raise return ticket prices from Manhattan’s Penn Station to MetLife Stadium to over $100—far above the usual $12.90 fare.Schumer argued that with FIFA expected to generate around $11 billion from the tournament, it should not shift the financial burden onto residents and commuters. He stressed that fans should be able to attend matches without facing excessive transport costs and urged the organization to step in and fund transit services across host cities.Kathy Hochul also expressed concern, describing the reported fa...

Luis Díaz, forward for Bayern Munich, has backed referee Slavko Vinčić over his decision to send off Eduardo Camavinga during the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second-leg clash against Real Madrid.The encounter ended in disappointment for Real Madrid, who crashed out of the competition following a 4-3 defeat on Wednesday night.Despite goals from Arda Güler, who scored twice, and Kylian Mbappé, Real Madrid appeared to be in control at 3-2.However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 86th minute when Camavinga was shown a second yellow card and sent off for delaying play after holding onto the ball when Bayern Munich had been awarded a free kick.Reacting to the incident, Díaz stated that the referee made the correct call, noting that Bayern wanted to restart play quick...