Sports

Wild Jubilation in Senegal as Mane is Crowned Africa’s Best

Published

6 years ago

January 8, 2020

Eric

From cities, through towns to rural areas across Senegal, the CAF Awards 2019 dominated discussions at all levels as Sadio Mane was crowned African Player of the Year on Tuesday in Hurghada.

It was the key subject in major media discussions from the print media, radio and television which set the tone for the coronation of Mane, a wonderful 2019 season with his club, Liverpool and the Senegal national team.

Sports daily, ‘Stades’ which translates to English ‘Stadia’ carried the banner headline “Sadio – coronation time” for the Tuesday edition clearly capturing the anticipatory mood of the entire country who clearly believed the topmost individual honour in African football was destined for the talismanic forward this time.

And when CAF President Ahmad Ahmad announced the name of the winner, the West African country erupted into ecstasy, CAF says on its website.

The birthplace of Mane, Bambali, was besieged by many media outlets and served as a hub.

The ceremony was broadcast live by the biggest television channel in Senegal, RTS 1, Mane was deservingly crowned the continent’s best.

“We do not have the words to thank Sadio (Mane) who has brought be the attention of the village in the best positive way, a local resident told the public broadcaster, Radio Senegal.

On his part, Senegal’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Matar Ba said, “Sadio has fought his way to progress and to become the best player on the continent. He has always ground his teeth in the face of difficulties to move forward.

“Faced with difficulties, he fought, last year, at home, he did not win but that did not prevent him from fighting to get this crown. This is the lesson that we must take from his coronation.”

El Hadj Diouf has been the only Senegalese to win the honour, completing a double – 2001 and 2002.

Sports

Tinubu Hails Rangers Int’l After 9th NPFL Title Win

Published

2 weeks ago

May 26, 2026

Eric

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Rangers International FC on winning the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, describing the club’s triumph as a remarkable achievement and a testament to its enduring football legacy.

Rangers secured the league crown for a record ninth time after finishing the season with 68 points from 38 matches, ahead of closest rivals Rivers United.

In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu congratulated the management, players and supporters of the Enugu-based side for their successful campaign.

The President recalled the club’s dominance in Nigerian football during the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting its historic exploits on the continental stage.

He specifically referenced Rangers’ run to the final of the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1975 and their triumph in the African Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.

President Tinubu also commended Governor Peter Mbah for supporting youth and sports development in the State, saying the club’s success reflected the impact of such investments.

“I must also congratulate Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the victory of Rangers International FC. This victory is an obvious fruit of his administration’s investments in youth and sports in the state. I commend him,” the President said.

He further noted that Rangers, as one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, has produced several players who brought honour to the country on the global stage.

The President equally commended Rivers United for their impressive performance throughout the season and for displaying sportsmanship during the competition.

Tinubu wished both Rangers International FC and Rivers United success as they prepare to represent Nigeria in next season’s CAF Champions League.

Sports

Ronaldo Celebrates Saudi Pro League Win with Al-Nassr

Published

2 weeks ago

May 22, 2026

Eric

Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.

They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 drubbing of relegation battlers, Damac.

The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.

Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.

Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.

Sports

FIFA Lists Six Females Among 52 Referees for 2026 World Cup

Published

2 months ago

April 10, 2026

Eric

FIFA on Thursday unveiled its list of match officials for the June 11-July 19 World Cup, including 52 referees, six of whom are women.

Football’s governing body will also take 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials, who hail from all six confederations and 50 member associations.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer.

“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments.

“In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.”

The World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be played.

There are 41 more match officials than at Qatar four years ago, where 32 teams played 64 matches.

“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing,” Collina said, with six women having already refereed in 2022.

AFP