Local News
Max Verstappen takes dominant win for Red Bull
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen sent out a chilling message to his Formula 1 rivals with a crushing victory in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix.
He brushed off controversy surrounding his team principal Christian Horner to dominate after a brief challenge at the start from Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen led team-mate Sergio Perez home ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
Leclerc recovered from dropping to fifth early on to pass Mercedes’ George Russell for fourth in the closing laps.
The weekend in Bahrain had been dominated by Horner, who has been at the centre of a complaint of inappropriate behaviour from a female employee for the last month.
On Wednesday, the day before the on-track action started, Red Bull’s head office announced that the grievance had been dismissed.
An email containing a cache of messages purporting to involve Horner was sent to Formula 1 personnel and media less than 24 hours later.
After qualifying, Verstappen was asked twice whether he had full confidence in Horner as Red Bull team principal, and both times declined to give a definitive reply.
Horner’s wife, the former Spice Girl Horner, flew into Bahrain for the race, as the pair made what appeared to be a studied and calculated appearance for the cameras.
Red Bull’s main shareholder, the Thai businessman Chalerm Yoovidhya, also flew in for the race to offer public support for Horner. Yoovidhya declined to answer BBC Sport’s questions before the race.
Horner was asked before the grand prix by BBC 5 live pit-lane reporter Rosanna Tennant whether the messages were genuine and replied that he “couldn’t comment on messages from an anonymous sender”.
Verstappen, meanwhile, admitted after taking pole that Horner had been “of course a little bit distracted” but said that the controversy was “not our business” and that he was “focused on the performance”. And what a performance it was.
Total dominance from Verstappen
Verstappen went into the race as a strong favourite, after winning a closer-than-expected battle for pole position with Leclerc.
The three-time champion suffered a little wheelspin in the second phase of his start, which allowed the Ferrari driver to challenge on the outside at the first corner.
But Leclerc backed out on the exit and that was the end of the race for victory.
Verstappen pulled away from his pursuers at an average of around 0.8 seconds a lap to take total control of the race on his way to his 55th grand prix victory.
The race was all behind him, as Leclerc struggled in the early laps, frequently locking his front brakes, and coming under pressure from behind.
First Russell passed him, then Perez and Sainz.
Perez closed on Russell but had to wait until after their first pit stops to take second place behind Verstappen on lap 14, Sainz following him through four laps later.
Sainz kept Perez honest, but the Mexican was able to fend off the Spaniard to secure second place and a perfect start to the the season for the world champions.
After the first pit stops, Leclerc’s struggles reduced. He recovered some pace through the second stint, and after his final stop he closed in on Russell to challenge to Mercedes for fourth place.
Leclerc took the position after Russell locked his front brakes into Turn 10 on lap 46, as the Ferrari driver had done regularly when he was struggling in the first stint, and Leclerc was able to slip by along the straight to Turn 11.
McLaren’s Lando Norris was sixth ahead Lewis Hamilton in the second Mercedes.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri took eighth, with the Aston Martins of Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll completing the points finishers in ninth and 10th.
Local News
Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ Backs Super Eagles To Defeat DR Congo After Back-To-Back Goal Fest
Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ Backs Super Eagles To Defeat DR Congo After Back-To-Back Goal Fest
Former Super Eagles forward Ahmed Garba ‘Yaro Yaro’ is buzzing with confidence — and he believes Nigeria is now primed to take down DR Congo in Sunday’s CAF World Cup qualifiers final.
After the Super Eagles thrashed Benin Republic 4-1 and followed it up with another 4-1 demolition of Gabon, the goals are flowing again, and Yaro Yaro says that’s a sign of something special brewing.
Speaking with Footy Africa, the former Wikki Tourists striker admitted he was impressed not just by the scoreline, but by the hunger, chemistry and energy the team displayed.
“I cannot remember the last time we won two straight games with four goals,”
Yaro Yaro said.
“This is a good win and a good omen. The boys could have scored even more, but this is a great confidence booster.”
DR Congo Will Be Tough — But Nigeria Is Ready
The next hurdle is DR Congo, a side that shocked many by eliminating Cameroon. Yaro Yaro acknowledged that the Leopards will not be an easy opponent, especially with their physical style and organized play.
But he still believes Nigeria will rise to the occasion.
“Our next game against DR Congo will be difficult… but I like how the team is developing. The Super Eagles have got their confidence back, and I see them defeating DR Congo.”
With Victor Osimhen on fire, the midfield finding rhythm, and the defence stabilizing, momentum is finally swinging in Nigeria’s favour at the perfect time.
A New Wave Of Confidence For The Super Eagles
The recent turnaround under coach Eric Chelle has reminded fans of the attacking identity Nigeria used to be known for. After struggling earlier in the qualifiers, the Super Eagles now look sharper, deadlier, and more unified.
Eight goals in two matches?
That doesn’t happen by accident — and Yaro Yaro believes it’s the fuel the team needs to take one more big step.
If Nigeria can defeat DR Congo on Sunday, they’ll move one step closer to booking their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
And judging by Yaro Yaro’s optimism, Nigerians might just witness another thrilling performance.
Local News
Mario Lemina Reacts Emotionally As Gabon Crash Out Against Super Eagles
Mario Lemina Reacts Emotionally As Gabon Crash Out Against Super Eagles
Thursday night was a tough one for Gabon, and no one felt it more deeply than Mario Lemina. The midfielder, who also plays alongside Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray, wore every emotion on his sleeve as Gabon fell 4–1 to the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifying playoffs.
The match had started on a shaky note for the Panthers, with Akor Adams pouncing on a mistake from Gabon’s captain to give Nigeria the early lead. Still, Lemina kept pushing, kept fighting, and with just one minute left in the first half, he delivered Gabon’s brightest moment—an equaliser that momentarily reignited hope for a historic World Cup qualification.
But football can be cruel.
The second half swung sharply in Nigeria’s favour, with Victor Osimhen unleashing a deadly brace and Chidera Ejuke sealing the win with a composed finish. For Gabon, it was the end of a dream they had fought tirelessly to chase.
After the final whistle, Lemina turned to his X handle to pour out his frustration—and pride.
He admitted feeling a mix of rage, disappointment, and determination, acknowledging that the team had sworn to fight till the end but fell short. Still, he urged his teammates and fans to see the loss as a lesson, a stepping stone toward future success.
Now, Gabon will shift focus to the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they hope to bounce back stronger and more united.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles move on to face DR Congo in the playoff final on Sunday, with Victor Osimhen looking unstoppable and Nigeria eyeing a path to next year’s intercontinental playoffs in Mexico.
But for Lemina, this moment will linger—an emotional reminder of how much the game means, and how deeply he believes in his nation.
Local News
Shakirat Moshood Makes Final Three Nominees For 2025 CAF Young Player Of The Year (Women)
Nigeria continues to shine on the African football stage — and this time, it’s Flamingos captain Shakirat Moshood grabbing the spotlight.
The young forward has been named among the final three nominees for the 2025 CAF Young Player of the Year (Women) award, a major recognition of her sensational rise in African women’s football.
Joining her on the shortlist are:
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Moha El Madani (Morocco)
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Adji Ndiye (Senegal)
Moshood’s Brilliant Year In Review
Shakirat Moshood has had a standout year — the type of year that puts a teenager firmly on the continental football map.
She was one of Nigeria’s brightest performers at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, where the Flamingos battled their way to the Round of 16 under coach Bankole Olowookere.
But her success didn’t end on the global stage.
The young star also played a big role in Bayelsa Queens’ NWFL title triumph earlier this year. In addition, she emerged top scorer at the WAFU B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, proving she’s not just talented — she’s consistent.
This blend of leadership, goals, and maturity is what earned her a place among Africa’s elite young stars.
Nigeria’s Success Extends To The Super Falcons
Nigeria’s dominance wasn’t limited to youth level.
The Super Falcons also made the final three nominees for the Women’s National Team of the Year after winning their 10th WAFCON title in Morocco.
Their competitors for the crown are:
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Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses
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Ghana’s Black Queens
It’s clear: Nigerian women’s football is thriving across every level, from U-17 to the senior national team.
A Big Moment For Moshood — And A Bigger Future Ahead
Making the final three nominees is already a massive achievement, but Moshood’s trajectory suggests this is just the beginning.
With her skill, composure, and eye for goal, she is shaping up to become one of the future pillars of the Super Falcons.
Whether she wins the award or not, Nigeria has found a gem — and Africa is paying attention.
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