Sports
AFCON: Kogi gov’t set to honour Goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke of Super Eagles

The Kogi born Super Eagles Goalkeeper, Ojo Olorunleke is to be honoured by Kogi State government following the good outing of the Super Eagles in the just concluded African Cup of Nations which Nigeria came second.

CAPITAL POST reported that Nigeria lost 2-1 to the host Ivory Coast on Sunday in Abidjan.

The development was disclosed by Kogi State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Anyebe Monday on Tuesday, when he met with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN in his office in Lokoja.
The Commissioner expressed excitement at the outing of the Super Eagles, saying that Kogi State government and Nigeria in general are proud of them, particularly as they reached final, adding that Sport development remain a priority in Kogi State.
“As a youth, I am here to serve my people in the area of sports development and youth empowerment which is one of the cardinal points of this administration. We are working round the clock to ensure that this is achieved through programs that will make meaningful impacts in sports development in Kogi State.
“We have put up a memo to his excellency Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to welcome our Kogi-born goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke, the Chief security officer of the Super Eagles and other representatives of the country. They will be given a victorious welcome. We are very confident it will be given an express approval,” he stated.
The Commissioner tasked SWAN in Kogi State to collaborate with the ministry for him to succeed, stressing that plans are on the way to revive grassroots Sports across the 21 Local Governments.
Earlier in his remarks, the Kogi State SWAN Chairman, Bishop Aturu commended the bold step of the Government to honour the heroic Super Eagle Goalkeeper and his team from Kogi State.
“His stellar performances between the goalposts at the local league earned him a call-up to represent Nigeria at the highest level of African football.
“Despite facing formidable opponents throughout the tournament, including intense matches against powerhouse teams, the Super Eagles displayed resilience, teamwork, and skill, ultimately securing a remarkable second-place finish. Their remarkable run has brought pride and joy to the hearts of Nigerians across the country, including the vibrant sports community in Kogi State” he added.
While commending the exemplary display of sportsmanship exhibited by the Nigerian team, Aturu emphasized the importance of celebrating the achievements of homegrown talents like Ojo Olorunleke, whose success serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Kogi State and beyond.
“Olorunleke has exemplified the spirit of dedication and excellence that we strive to promote within our sporting community,” remarked Bishop. His journey from the grassroots to the international stage is a testament to the talent and potential that exists within our state.”
“SWAN expresses its appreciation for the collective effort of the entire Super Eagles squad, coaching staff, and support personnel who played pivotal roles in the team’s success. Their commitment to representing Nigeria with honour and integrity has resonated with fans nationwide, igniting a renewed sense of enthusiasm and pride in Nigerian football.
“As Kogi SWAN celebrates the achievements of its homegrown talent and the Nigerian Super Eagles, the association reaffirms its commitment to supporting and promoting sports development initiatives within the state. Through continued collaboration with stakeholders, SWAN aims to nurture young talents, improve sports infrastructure, and foster a culture of excellence in sports across Kogi State.
“Kogi SWAN extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ojo Olorunleke, the Super Eagles, and all those who contributed to Nigeria’s memorable journey at the AFCON 2023. Their remarkable achievements serve as a testament to the limitless potential of Nigerian sports and inspire hope for even greater triumphs in the future”.
Aside from honouring the Super Eagle player and his team from Kogi State, Aturu charged the new Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development in Kogi State to address the infrastructure decay in the state and also revive grassroots sports to curb social vices such as cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and many more.
“Poor infrastructure has been a bane to the development of sports in Kogi. Our State is endowed with talents but lacks a conducive environment to operate.
“The decaying state of Confluence Stadium Lokoja is appalling. The structure of that stadium is a world-class standard. South Africa league today is progressing because they had leverage on the good State of their stadium when they hosted the 2010 World Cup. We want to see our stadium put in place so that we can host both local and international competitions”.

Sports
Real Madrid eye €45m-rated man city star

Real Madrid’s ongoing search for a quality playmaker has reportedly taken them to the Premier League, with Bernardo Silva of Manchester City emerging as a potential target.

According to a report from Real Madrid Confidencial, the Spanish giants are considering the Portuguese star as part of their plan to strengthen their midfield options.

The interest from Real Madrid in prominent footballers has been a recurring theme over the years, and their attention seems to be directed towards England this time.
Silva’s name appeared within the outlet soon after Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim shut the doors on Bruno Fernandes’ departure.
Bernardo Silva’s appeal and potential move
Silva is regarded as one of the most accomplished midfielders in European football. The 30-year-old has been a consistent performer for Manchester City, playing a crucial role in their domestic and European successes.
Now, there is a possibility that he may seek a new challenge. His contract with the English club runs until the summer of 2026, but reports suggest he could be available for a relatively modest fee this summer.
Real Madrid’s ongoing search for a quality playmaker has reportedly taken them to the Premier League, with Bernardo Silva of Manchester City emerging as a potential target.
According to a report from Real Madrid Confidencial, the Spanish giants are considering the Portuguese star as part of their plan to strengthen their midfield options.
The interest from Real Madrid in prominent footballers has been a recurring theme over the years, and their attention seems to be directed towards England this time.
Silva’s name appeared within the outlet soon after Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim shut the doors on Bruno Fernandes’ departure.

Sports
Barcelona oust Atletico Madrid to set up El Clasico Copa Del Rey final

Barcelona will face rivals Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final after Ferran Torres secured them a 1-0 win at Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, progressing 5-4 on aggregate from the semi-final tie. Record 31-time winners Barca had the better of the clash at the Metropolitano stadium after the wild 4-4 first leg draw, and defeat leaves Diego Simeone’s Atletico with little to play for in the rest of the season. By contrast the Catalans are on the hunt for a potential quadruple and are unbeaten in 2025, stretching their run to 21 games without defeat. Atletico were the last team to triumph against Barcelona, winning before Christmas to go top of La Liga, but they now trail Hansi Flick’s team by nine points with nine matches remaining. “We can’t relax, we have to keep believing and working, with humility and I’m sure good things will come,” Torres told Movistar.

“If a final is already a huge motivation, imagine playing against your most direct rival.”
Madrid ousted Real Sociedad 5-4 on aggregate as well after a 4-4 draw on Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Flick brought winger Raphinha back into Barcelona’s starting line-up and the hosts tried to shut him down through fair means or foul.

Cesar Azpilicueta was booked for one tackle, surviving a VAR review for a potential red card, while Rodrigo de Paul was also cautioned for going in hard on the Brazilian.
Teenage winger Lamine Yamal ran the show on the other flank for Barcelona, firing wide and teeing up Jules Kounde, who bypassed Robin Le Normand with some neat juggling before lashing over.
The 17-year-old played in Torres for Barcelona’s opener with a well-weighted pass, finished clinically by the former Manchester City forward, who has earned more minutes with his recent performances.
Yamal mishit a shot himself from a good position in the box, while Atletico goalkeeper Juan Musso denied Raphinha at his near post.
Simeone brought on Alexander Sorloth among three changes at the break, after he scored three goals in the three previous meetings between these sides this season.
Perhaps convinced he would make it four in four, Sorloth fired narrowly wide early in the second half with Antoine Griezmann open and ready for a simple finish.
At the other end, Raphinha forced another save from Musso but was himself guilty of not squaring for Fermin Lopez.
Sorloth rattled home what he thought for a few seconds was an equaliser, but he had strayed offside.
With Atletico ascendant, Flick brought on top goalscorer Robert Lewandowski for Torres, but the Polish veteran struggled to get involved.
With four minutes of stoppage time added on Atletico turned the screw, with Musso coming up for a late De Paul free-kick, but Barcelona held off the hosts to progress.
“We played really bravely here, it was not easy, especially in the second half,” Flick told Barca One.
“(The job) is not done, we’re fighting, we’re trying everything to win titles and we’re in a good way, the team is doing great.”
Atletico were dumped out of the Champions League on penalties by rivals Real Madrid in the last 16 and the Copa represented their most realistic chance of silverware this season.
“We have to thank the fans who supported us, we’re as sad as them,” said Atletico defender Jose Gimenez.
“We have to lift up our heads, finish the season in the best way possible and carry on.
“We have to accept the reality, with rational thinking and knowing we’re a long way off (the top of La Liga), but we’ll try until the end.”

Sports
Liverpool set to sign potential Salah replacement

Liverpool have looked to shop in La Liga in recent years, and they could look to do so again in 2025 in their bid to replace Mohamed Salah, who could leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.

Last summer, Liverpool came desperately close to signing Martin Zubimendi, but after lengthy talks, he ultimately decided against a move to the now-Premier League leaders, who could now look to go for one of his Real Sociedad teammates.

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool hold a long-term interest in Takefusa Kubo, whom they consider to be their number one option to replace Salah in the event that he does move on this summer.
Kubo has had a rather quiet season for La Real, but he has still managed to accumulate seven goals and four assists across all competitions. He produced one of his best performances of the season on Tuesday as the Basque side were heartbreakingly knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the hands of Real Madrid.
And that defeat in the semi-final means that La Real are staring down the barrel of missing out on European qualification for next season, given that they are off the pace in La Liga. And should they miss out, the report states that it would increase the chances of Kubo being sold this summer.
La Real are well-covered in the event of Liverpool, or any other club, coming in for Kubo as they have him tied down to a long-term contract with a €60m release clause. However, that could well be triggered this summer, in which case they would be powerless to stop their Japanese winger from moving on. But for now, that possibility is not considered in the offices at Donostia-San Sebastian.

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