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Abia State Partners NSC To Harness Sports Economy

 

National Sports Commission Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko had a fruitful engagement with Abia State Governor His Excellency Dr. Alex Oti in Umuahia on Wednesday aimed at harnessing the potentials of sports economy in the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking afterwards, the NSC Chairman commended Dr. Oti for deliberately aligning with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports Economy (RHINSE) vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR as driven by the Commission.

His words, “Indeed, I am very excited that His Excellency Governor Alex Oti has firmly keyed in and aligned to the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR targeted at playing sports one of the key drivers of the economy in addition to its social impact in line to the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE) framework. To this end, Governor Oti is taking several intentional and deliberate steps as well as setting the necessary foundation for sustainable sports development and activation of the sports economy in the state.”

Generally, discussions centered around overall sports development in Abia State and grassroots engagements. Other issues discussed are:

– Abia State’s preparations to host the 1st Abia International Para Badminton Championship scheduled for 30th September to 5th October 2025 and the 2025 All African Para Badminton Championship schedule for 6th to 12th October 2025.

– The Proposed development of a Stadium City including a word-class FIFA Standard Stadium capable of hosting international matches.

– The relocation of Nsulu Games village and the proposed development of a brand-new world-class Abia Games Village to provide the requisite infrastructure base to assist in the training and development of athletes in Abia State and Nigeria in general.

– Proposed development of a Special Sports Economic Zone in Aba envisaged to be a hub for sports goods, apparel and equipment manufacturing to serve Nigeria and West African market and thus assist in reducing the over reliance on imported sports wears and equipment while advancing the development of local content.

– Restructuring of the Abia State Ministry of Sports into Abia State Sports Commission to ensure the professionalisation of sports administration in the state and proper alignment with the Federal Government.

Governor Dr. Oti sought the institutional support and professional advice of the NSC and Federal Government towards the delivery of these laudable projects. A framework for collaboration was thus agreed just as further engagements have been scheduled.

Mallam Dikko congratulated the Abia State Governor for the giant strides in the state and his determination to play sports a key part of his developmental agenda.

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Roy Keane Blasts ‘Frightened’ Manchester United After West Ham Draw

Roy Keane reacting angrily during a football analysis session

Manchester United thought they had the job wrapped up at Old Trafford… until they didn’t.

Diogo Dalot’s tidy finish just before the hour mark looked like the moment that would push the Red Devils to a much-needed victory. But in classic 2025 Manchester United fashion, control slipped, intensity dipped, and West Ham pounced.

And of course—when things go wrong—Roy Keane is never far from the verbal action.


“They Weren’t Nasty Enough!” – Keane Fires Shots

After the 1-1 draw, Keane wasted zero time calling out what he sees as the real issue at United: timidity.

According to him, United “took their foot off the gas” right after scoring. Against a team in the bottom three, he expected more authority, more aggression, and definitely more hunger.

Instead, what he saw was a team “almost frightened” of finishing the job.

He slammed the players for hiding when pressure kicked in, criticized their lack of killer instinct, and even called out the relaxed body language during substitutions.

In typical Keane fashion, the message was simple:
United should never be this soft.


Amorim Also Frustrated: “The Game Was Ours To Win”

Manager Ruben Amorim didn’t sugarcoat anything either.

While he didn’t go full-Keane, he admitted:

  • United lost control after scoring

  • They failed to win second balls

  • They should have killed the match earlier

  • The inconsistency is becoming a real problem

For a team chasing European places, three draws in five games simply isn’t good enough.


West Ham Deserved Their Point

To be fair, West Ham didn’t just sit back and wait. They fought, pressed, countered, and eventually got their reward when Soungoutou Magassa slotted home the 83rd-minute equaliser.

United had late chances, but the story of their season resurfaced again:
moments created, moments wasted.


Where Do United Go From Here?

Sitting eighth on the table, United’s inconsistency continues to be their biggest opponent. Keane believes the team lacks bite. Amorim believes the team lacks control.

Fans believe the team lacks… well, everything except drama.

What’s clear is this: until United find their identity and intensity, nights like this will keep happening.


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Beckham Joins Bellingham & Trent to Unveil Retro Gunmetal Adidas Predator Mania

David Beckham Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold posing with the gunmetal adidas Predator Mania boots

Beckham Links Up With The New Generation

Adidas just pulled off the ultimate fusion of eras — pairing Real Madrid legend David Beckham with modern-day stars Jude Bellingham and Trent Alexander-Arnold to unveil the new throwback Predator Mania Gunmetal.

The visual alone is powerful:
Beckham, the man who helped define the Predator legacy, standing alongside the players shaping a new generation at the Santiago Bernabéu.

It’s nostalgia meeting modern football culture in the cleanest way possible.


How Beckham & Zidane Made The Predator A Cultural Icon

In the 2000s, football boots had personalities — and none louder than the Predator.

Thanks to players like:

  • David Beckham

  • Zinedine Zidane

  • Steven Gerrard

…the Predator brand became more than footwear — it became a symbol of confidence, control, and creativity.

Beckham’s signature whip-your-free-kick technique and the unforgettable fold-over tongue made Predator Mania one of the most legendary boots ever created.

And now in 2025, it’s back — reborn with purpose.


A Historic Gunmetal Colourway Returns

The 2025 Predator Mania comes in a stunning Gunmetal grey, blending early-2000s nostalgia with fresh modern flair.

Adidas describes it as:

  • “Metallic, polished and aggressive”

  • Featuring crisp white Three Stripes

  • And the iconic red fold-over tongue — embroidered and unapologetically bold

Beckham famously wore this colourway during his early Real Madrid days.
It quickly became a cult favourite, often called “one of the most photogenic boots of its era.”

Now it’s back — and it looks better than ever.


Engineered For Today’s Game

While the look is faithful, adidas didn’t simply remake the past — they improved it.

The 2025 Predator Mania is crafted in the historic Scheinfeld factory in Germany, the birthplace of many legendary Predator lines.

Key enhancements include:

  • Upgraded comfort

  • Subtle structural refinement

  • Increased responsiveness

  • Modern fit for today’s style of play

In short:
Old-school swagger meets high-performance engineering.


Back On The Bernabéu Grass

The revival feels even more fitting because two current Real Madrid stars — Bellingham and Alexander-Arnold — will bring the Gunmetal Mania back to the Santiago Bernabéu pitch.

From Beckham’s free-kick artistry to Bellingham’s midfield dominance and Trent’s laser passing…
the Predator legacy remains in elite company.

Adidas couldn’t have scripted a better generational handover.


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Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor: Can Cimbom Break Samsunspor’s Unbeaten Run In A Heated Super Lig Clash?

Galatasaray players celebrating a goal ahead of their match against Samsunspor.

Galatasaray Vs Samsunspor Match Preview

The Turkish Super Lig title race is heating up, and Friday’s clash between Galatasaray and Samsunspor carries huge implications for both ends of the table. Cimbom remain top, but their recent dip in form has opened the door for rivals — and Samsunspor are arriving in Istanbul with confidence and a 14-game unbeaten streak.

This matchup promises intensity, tactics, and a battle of resilience versus home dominance.


Galatasaray Searching For Lost Spark

Galatasaray head into this fixture frustrated after conceding a 95th-minute equaliser in the derby against Fenerbahce — a result that denied them a chance to go four points clear.

Their early-season sharpness has faded:

  • 9 wins in their first 10 games

  • Only 1 win in their last 4

  • Three matches without scoring during Victor Osimhen’s absence

The Nigerian striker’s return instantly improves their attack, but Okan Buruk’s side still need to rediscover the fluid, cohesive football that put them top of the table.


Samsunspor’s Incredible Unbeaten Run

Samsunspor enter the match in fantastic form:

  • Unbeaten in 14 across all competitions (7W, 7D)

  • 10 straight games unbeaten in the league

  • A habit of rising to big games — drawing against Besiktas, Fenerbahce, and Trabzonspor

However, three consecutive draws — including a late 1-1 against Alanyaspor — show they sometimes struggle to finish opponents off.

Thomas Reis’s men sit 5th with 25 points, but defeat could drop them down the table. Still, their discipline and structure make them one of the most difficult teams to break down this season.


Head-to-Head: A Fixture Dominated By Galatasaray

History heavily favours the hosts:

  • Galatasaray have won the last eight meetings

  • Samsunspor’s last victory over Cimbom feels like a lifetime ago

  • Recent games have been high scoring and entertaining

With form and past meetings combined, Galatasaray remain favourites — but Samsunspor’s current resilience cannot be ignored.


Team News

Galatasaray

Out injured:

  • Ismail Jakobs

  • Wilfried Singo

Suspended (betting scandal):

  • Eren Elmali

  • Metehan Baltaci

Osimhen is fit but still regaining full sharpness.

Samsunspor

Long-term absentees:

  • Olivier Ntcham

  • Ebrima Ceesay

  • Bedirhan Cetin

  • Tanguy Coulibaly

  • Afonso Sousa

Also missing:

  • Lubomir Satka (injured)

  • Celil Yuksel (betting scandal)

  • Joe Mendes (red card suspension)


Probable Lineups

Galatasaray:

Cakir; Sanchez, Bardakci, Lemina, Karatas; Torreira, Sara; Sane, Gundogan, Yilmaz; Osimhen

Samsunspor:

Kocuk; Yavru, Borevkovic, Van Drongelen, Tomasson; Makoumbou; Musaba, Aydin, Holse, Kilinic; Ndiaye

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