Sports
NFF denies owning Christian Chukwu $128,000 amid social media claims

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has dismissed claims circulating on social media that it owed former Nigeria captain and Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, the sum of $128,000 before his death.
Reacting to the reports following Chukwu’s passing on Saturday, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the allegations as baseless and misleading.
“There is no record in the NFF of any outstanding indebtedness to ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwu,” Sanusi said.
Read Also: President Tinubu, Atiku, Gov. Mbah mourn Nigerian football icon Christian Chukwu
“During the first term of the Board headed by Amaju Pinnick, a committee was set up to diligently peruse the documents of coaches who were being owed, even from previous NFF administrations.”
He explained that the committee had been mandated to verify and settle all legitimate debts owed to coaches, and there was no documentation indicating that Christian Chukwu was owed any funds.
“I am aware that ‘Chairman’ was in the employ of the NFF between 2002 and 2005, before he was relieved of his duties following a 1-1 draw with Angola in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Kano in August 2005. There is certainly no record of indebtedness to him in the NFF.”
Sanusi further urged anyone in possession of genuine and verifiable documents proving the NFF owed Chukwu or any other coach to come forward.
“As a credible organisation that is very much alive to its responsibilities, if we are confronted with any genuine document of indebtedness to any coach, we will offset the debt immediately,” he stated.
The NFF has reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability in managing its obligations, especially to individuals who have served the national teams.
Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” captained Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980 and later coached the Super Eagles between 2002 and 2005.
Sports
Osimhen’s brace fires Galatasaray to Turkish cup glory

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen delivered a sensational performance, scoring twice to lead Galatasaray to a commanding 3-0 victory over Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final at Gaziantep Stadium.
The win secured Galatasaray’s 19th Turkish Cup title and their first since 2019.
Osimhen has been instrumental throughout Galatasaray’s cup run, bagging a brace in their 2-1 quarter-final win over Fenerbahçe and adding a goal and assist in the 5-1 semi-final rout of Konyaspor.
Facing a determined Trabzonspor side, last year’s runners-up, Galatasaray struck early through Baris Alper Yilmaz, who finished off a precise cutback from Yunus Akgün in the 5th minute.
Osimhen took center stage in the second half. He powered through a defender to double the lead, then capped a swift counter-attack with his second goal, his 35th of the season, putting the result beyond doubt.
The match also saw Osimhen face off against compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme, who was hoping to inspire Trabzonspor to glory on his return.
This triumph marks Osimhen’s first trophy with Galatasaray and the fourth of his career, adding to his U-17 World Cup, U-23 AFCON (both in 2015), and Serie A (2023) titles.
His 35-goal haul also sets a new record, surpassing Mario Jardel’s 24-year milestone to become the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season for Galatasaray.
Sports
Flying Eagles beat Senegal, advance to U-20 AFCON semifinals

Nigeria’s U-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, have secured a place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations U-20 tournament and qualified for the FIFA U-20 World Cup after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Senegal.
The tightly contested knockout stage encounter ended goalless after regular and extra time, with both teams unable to find the back of the net.
Ultimately, it was Nigeria who triumphed 3–1 in the penalty shootout.
The match, held in the knockout stage of the continental youth championship, saw the two sides locked in a stalemate throughout regulation and extra time.
Despite numerous attempts from both sides, neither team could break the deadlock, leading to a penalty decider.
Nigeria converted three of their spot-kicks, while Senegal managed only one, allowing the Flying Eagles to clinch the win and progress to the last four of the competition.
The result not only sends Nigeria into the semifinals of the U-20 AFCON but also confirms their place in the upcoming FIFA U-20 World Cup.
Sports
Brazil appoints Carlo Ancelotti as national team coach

Veteran Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti has been officially appointed as the new head coach of Brazil’s national football team, according to reports by sports journalist David Ornstein. The 65-year-old will take over the role on May 26, immediately after overseeing his final match with Real Madrid against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
Ancelotti’s appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreigner to manage Brazil’s senior men’s team. Ornstein confirmed that all agreements have been finalized and contracts signed, with the transition negotiated amicably between Ancelotti, Real Madrid, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The deal was led by Diego Fernandes on behalf of the CBF.
One of the most decorated coaches in football history, Ancelotti will be tasked with leading Brazil through their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign, aiming for a record-extending sixth World Cup title when the tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Athletic previously reported that Ancelotti had agreed to take charge through the 2026 World Cup. He will succeed Dorival Júnior, who was dismissed in March after 14 months at the helm.
Ancelotti’s debut on the Brazil touchline is expected on June 6, in a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador.
Since returning to Real Madrid in 2021, Ancelotti has added two La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy to his illustrious resume, which includes eight major European finals. However, recent performances by Madrid have been underwhelming, including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal, a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona, and trailing Hansi Flick’s side by seven points in La Liga with three games to go.
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