Sports
NFF set to disgrace Nigeria at World Cup as Falcons demand bonuses
The Super Falcons are planning to stage a strike and boycott their opening game of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after the General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation Dr Mohammed Sanusi told them their match bonuses for the competition had been cancelled by the federation.
A camp source said the decision was taken after six senior players — captain Onome Ebi, Rasheedat Ajibade, Asisat Oshoala, Ohale Osinachi, Tochukwu Oluehi and Desire Oparanozie — held a lengthy meeting on arrival at the Mercure Resorts, Gold Coast, following Sanusi’s announcement.
“We are going ahead to press for our demands,” a senior player told The PUNCH. “We are ready to go as far as missing our first game against Canada July 21 because this has to stop.
“On Wednesday night, we held a meeting where we agreed that we were going to find out if what we were asking for is legitimate, and that if it’s legitimate, we will press for our demands. It was what was agreed. The next meeting will be after we get the information we need and then the protest will start.”
It was learnt that shortly before the Nigerian contingent departed Abuja for Australia July 2, Sanusi, during a meeting with the players, told them that they would not be paid match bonuses by the federation, since FIFA had already announced that every player would get $30,000 in the group stage of the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
The PUNCH was told that he also announced that the players would no longer be given 30 per cent from the $1,560,000 FIFA grant to all member associations for the group stage of the competition
The PUNCH reported that the players were stunned “after Sanusi landed the sucker punch.”
“The General Secretary came for the meeting clutching so many papers; he told us that we won’t be paid match bonuses at the World Cup because FIFA had already given each player $30,000 for the group stage. He also said we won’t get 30 per cent from the $1,560,000 FIFA would give the NFF.
“We were shocked, team morale went down immediately because we couldn’t believe what the man was saying,” our source said.
“One of the oldest players in the team asked him if FIFA would deduct the money ($30,000) they would give us from the $1.5m they gave the federation but he (Sanusi) said no. So, she said if its like that, then it shouldn’t affect our match bonuses. After several minutes of argument, Sanusi asked us if we would have preferred the $9,000 match bonus or the $30,000 from FIFA.”
Our source dismissed reports that American team coach Randy Waldrum had instigated the players to stage “a coup” against the federation.
“That’s not true, it’s a ploy to distract Nigerians from the truth. Randy has no hand in this. We’ve been suffering this maltreatment and injustice long before he took charge of the team. When the team revolted after the 2018 WAFCON and the 2019 World Cup, was Randy with us? We are fighting a good cause, we don’t need anyone to push us. They should allow the coach do his job.
“Since the federation is treating us like this, we have decided to stage a protest before the competition begins, so that the whole world will know what we are passing through. We can’t keep suffering and smiling.
“At the last World Cup, the same thing happened and we were shortchanged, we won’t allow this to happen any longer. They dare not treat the Super Eagles like this. Is it because we are women? We must put a stop to this this time around.”
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau and Sanusi did not respond to telephone calls on the matter, while they also didn’t reply to the text and WhatsApp messages sent to their phones as of the time of filing this report.
It’s not the first time the Falcons would be involved in a bonus row at an international tournament.
The record African champions refused to travel back home after winning the 2004 WAFCON in South Africa, insisting they were paid their bonuses first.
In 2016, after returning from Cameroon with an eighth WAFCON trophy, they also staged a sit-in protest at their Abuja hotel to press home their claims for each player to be paid $16,500 after their triumph.
Striker Desire Oparanozie was stripped of her captaincy and banished from the team after she led a bonus protest at the 2019 World Cup in France, while the squad also boycotted training sessions ahead of their third-place clash agains Zambia at last year’s WAFCON in Morocco over same issue.
Sports
How we secured Goldberg larger sponsorship for Lekki Astro League -Momodu
The President of Lekki Astro Sports Club, Haliru Momodu is a football enthusiastic with more than two decades experience as banker who had passion and skill of staging big football occasion like Lekki Astro League. The Director of Opulentlive speaks on how the league cup will enhance sports development in Lagos State.
How do you feel staging another football fitness league as 2024 Astro League Cup set to begin?
First of all, I want to thank you for the opportunity to discuss the 3rd Edition of the LEKKI Astro League, which is coming up on October 20, 2024. My club and I see this league cup as an annual ritual and a way to reach out to our community, bond, fraternize, and network amongst members and other businesses. I’m really looking forward to this edition, as it promises a lot of exciting developments.
Last season’s edition did not receive as much publicity as this year. Does that indicate the competition is taking another direction?
We faced challenges with planning due to lack of training facilities. Once we secured our current home, we were able to plan more effectively. While last year’s tournament was a great success, as a growth-driven association, we feel it’s essential to give this year’s competition the publicity it deserves, and we promise to do even better in future.
What challenges and opportunities might arise from having a league exclusively for players aged 35 and above in terms of fostering future sports talent in the country?
Lekki Astro League Cup, designed for players aged 35 and above, brings a fun and social aspect to sports development in the country. While it might shift focus away from younger players, it creates an exciting environment where seasoned athletes can come together for the love of the game. Beyond the competition, it offers a relaxed space for veterans to mentor younger athletes, sharing their experience and knowledge in a more casual setting. Lekki Astro league Cup could also spark renewed interest in sports by showing that staying active and fit is possible at any age. Ultimately, the success of the league will depend on how well it fosters camaraderie and enjoyment while promoting a lifelong commitment to fitness.
The league is called the LEKKI Astro League Cup. Does that mean other parts of Nigeria are not considered?
We do play games outside of Lagos annually, but as a sports club, the league cup is primarily an internal competition. Our members sponsor four different teams, and the tournament is structured in a league format, with the highest points determining the winner. While we may consider hosting teams from other states in the future, for now, it is focused on our community.
Last season, some ex-Super Eagles players participated. Can you explain how league membership is organized?
Yes, we have ex-Super Eagles players like Onyekachi Okonkwo and Ogbonna Kanu among our members, along with some professionals still active in Europe. Participation is strictly for members, with teams owned by them. If anyone is interested in joining us, they are welcome to reach out, and we’ll explain what it takes to become a member (laughs).
The league is commencing with individual sponsorship. What are your targets in securing deals ahead of the 2025 season?
This Edition is being sponsored by Nigerian Breweries Plc’s through one of its Brand, Goldberg larger. When we refer to individual sponsors, we mean our members who are buying slots to own teams to market their brands, which also promotes their businesses. Companies will sponsor the tournament without owning a team. I believe next year’s edition will be even greater, as this is part of our ongoing efforts.
What makes Lekki an ideal location for hosting the Lekki Astro league cup in 2024?”
Lekki is an ideal location for hosting the league cup in 2024 due to its vibrant sports culture and community engagement. The area is known for its enthusiastic sports fans, which will create an energetic atmosphere during the event. Moreover, Holden Park School, our home ground, offers excellent facilities that are well-suited for sporting events, featuring quality playing fields and necessary amenities for players and fans alike. This familiar setting will help foster a sense of community and support among participants. By hosting the league cup in Holden Park School, we aim to bring together sports enthusiasts, local businesses, and families to celebrate the spirit of competition and camaraderie. We encourage anyone interested in being part of the cup celebration to join us at Holden Park School or contact us through our website at www.lekkiastrosportsclub.com. All these factors combine to create an exciting and supportive atmosphere for the league cup, making Lekki the perfect choice for this event.
Sports
Lekki Astro League Seeks Sponsorship As Season Kicks Off
In a move to build its brand awareness among Nigerian football fans, Lekki Astro Sports Club League is seeking national and international sponsorship deals to boost an exhilarating season of action, star-studded matchups, and unforgettable moments.
The Lekki Astro League is a fast-growing all-star sports club league in the Lekki Axis of Lagos, with over 100 quality multi-ethnic and diaspora members from various walks of life, aged between (35-60) years. It has members including some ex-Super Eagles players and prominent ex-European-based professional players.
The league kicks off in October 2024 and ends towards the end of the year with awards and a gala night takes place in December 2024.
A press release by the league management reads:
“LASC League has a long-standing connection with football globally and we look forward to developing annually. It is an annual tournament, which aims to promote peace, love, and unity through football to keep fit while challenging ourselves further through competition. The league will bring Nigerians and other part of Africa together with the motive of unity irrespective of ethnic and religious differences.”
“The Lekki Astro League is purely Nigerian, as all members are Nigerians even though some members reside abroad. All materials and equipment for the league are sourced locally.”
“Our objective is to have sponsors partner with us as we kick-start our 2024 league cup in October 2024 and wrap up our annual End of the year/awards night coming up in December 2024.
According to the statement, Lekki Astro League is an intra-football tournament comprised of four football teams while the kick-off stretches across six weeks with 12 matches to be played in a regular league format. The four teams participating in this season are Team Harrison Group, Team Smart FC, Team Success, and Team Las Pinas Luxury.
The statement continues: “The 3rd edition of the LASC league promises to be bigger and better than the previous editions, as we gradually continue to improve on the template that was established from the inaugural edition. This is the first time we will be having entirely different sponsors from the initial editions.
This year’s edition promises to be more exciting as our membership increases annually with competent individuals who are competent on the field of play,” it concluded.
LASC league is delighted to announce the individual sponsorship of Chief Harrison Okorie, Mr. Smart Ibe, Mr Chima Njoku, and Mr. Chigozie Igwebuike to commence the “incredible season”
Sports
INCREDIBLE! Why Jude Bellingham wears number 5 for Real Madrid
Jude Bellingham has worn Real Madrid’s number five shirt since joining the club in 2023.
The English all-rounder chose the number which was formerly worn by one of Madrid’s greatest-ever players.
Antonio Rudiger was in possession of the shirt number which Bellingham originally wanted before settling for five.
Jude Bellingham has quickly become an iconic name at Real Madrid. Since moving to the Spanish capital in the summer of 2023, he has been a key cog in the system for Carlo Ancelotti’s side, most notably scoring a stunning winner away to bitter rivals Barcelona.
Kids across the city idolise him, buying his name and shirt number on the back of their jerseys. When Bellingham moved to Real Madrid, he chose to become the club’s number five. Traditionally, the number is used for defensive-minded players, but the Birmingham City prodigy is an exception.
He was unable to wear his beloved number 22, so he struck a compromise. Inspired by one of the greatest Real Madrid players of all time – Zinedine Zidane – we have outlined everything you need to know about the background story surrounding Bellingham’s kit number.
Why Bellingham is Real Madrid’s Number 5
His father used to have a Zidane shirt when he was younger
Bellingham wears the number five shirt to pay homage to Zidane. The legendary Frenchman made 227 appearances for the Galacticos, registering 49 goals and 67 assists. Most notably, he scored one of the greatest Champions League goals of all time in the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen.
Zidane also returned to Madrid as manager and won the Champions League three times in a row. A legend in every aspect, it makes sense that Bellingham wanted to honour his legacy in the Spanish capital, even if it was not his first choice. “There wasn’t much else left,” the midfielder said at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony as he explained his decision.
“It adds a little bit of pressure, but I wanted to pay homage to one of my idols.”
However, there is also personal significance to Bellingham wearing the number five shirt. When he was growing up, his father – Mark Bellingham – had a Zidane shirt. “My father always wore a Real Madrid shirt around the house with ‘Zidane’ on the back, which is funny because, in a way, it has come full circle. He gave it to me when I arrived here in the summer,” Bellingham said via Talksport.
“He always wore it and I always told him: ‘Who is this guy you have on your shirt?’ And he always answered: ‘When you’re older, we’ll see him on YouTube.’ Now that I’m wearing number five, it has ended up being a pretty significant story. Really significant to me.”
Sports
Messi scores twice as Inter Miami win MLS Shield
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi scored twice in a 3-2 win against Columbus Crew to help the club to win the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time.
The Argentina playmaker opened the scoring with a close-range finish and doubled the away side’s lead in first-half stoppage time with a sublime free-kick.
Crew winger Diego Rossi halved the deficit in Ohio before former Liverpool striker Luis Suarez restored Inter Miami’s two-goal lead and they held on after Cucho Hernandez’s penalty.
Miami’s victory means the club will finish top of the table and have won the Supporters’ Shield – which is given to the MLS club with the best regular season record – for the first time since they debuted in 2020.
Sports
Atletico sanctioned after Madrid derby trouble
Atletico Madrid have been sanctioned with a partial stadium closure and fine after crowd trouble in Sunday’s derby game against local rivals Real Madrid.
The La Liga match was halted for about 20 minutes in the second half after Real goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois complained to officials that home fans behind his goal were throwing objects on to the field.
Appeals were made over the stadium loudspeakers for fans to stop throwing objects but they were ignored, prompting the suspension of the game.
The Spanish football federation’s disciplinary committee has now ruled Atletico must close the lower south section of the Metropolitano Stadium, where the trouble occurred, for the next three games.
The club have also been fined 45,000 euros (£37,460) for what the body called “very serious” and “totally unacceptable” offences.
The match finished 1-1 after Atletico’s Angel Correa scored a stoppage-time equaliser to cancel out Eder Militao’s opener.
Atletico have said they have already identified and banned one supporter over the matter.
Sports
Lookman shines as dominant Atalanta beat Shakhtar
Ademola Lookman starred as Atalanta claimed a comfortable Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk at the Arena AufSchalke in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.
The Italians have now taken four points from their two Champions League fixtures this term after beginning their campaign with a goalless draw against Arsenal.
And this result never looked in doubt from the moment former Charlton and Everton forward Lookman created their 21st-minute opener with a curling delivery from the left that was flicked home by Albania captain Berat Djimsiti.
Having already rattled the Shakhtar crossbar, Lookman then doubled Atalanta’s lead a minute before the interval, with a placed effort into the bottom corner from Sead Kolasinac’s pass.
Gian Piero Gasperini’s side put the contest beyond doubt three minutes after the restart when Raoul Bellanova capitalised on some hesitant defending to nod in Davide Zappacosta’s cross at the back post.
Shakhtar, who are playing their home matches at Schalke’s ground due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, struggled to trouble the visiting defence and have one point from two games.