Category: Sport News

Categories
Sport News

Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie Just Got Nominated for the Ballon d’Or Yachine Trophy

Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie has been named among the five nominees for the 2025 Women’s Yachine Trophy — an award presented by France Football to honour the best goalkeepers in the world as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.

At just 24, Nnadozie has become one of the most dependable goalkeepers in international football, with her rise marked by remarkable performances and a string of well-deserved accolades.

She won the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award back-to-back in 2023 and 2024, a recognition of her consistent brilliance and commanding presence between the posts.

Her 2023/2024 season with Paris FC Féminines was nothing short of exceptional, earning her the title of Best Goalkeeper of the Season in the French Division 1 Féminine League. And she hasn’t slowed down since.

Just last month, at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Nnadozie delivered yet another outstanding performance for the Super Falcons, securing the Golden Glove and being named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Now based in England, her nomination for the Yachine Trophy places her in elite company — alongside Ann-Katrin Berger, Cata Coll, Hannah Hampton, and Daphne van Domselaar — all celebrated for their impact over the past year.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place on 22 September, with nominees in other categories being revealed throughout the day.

https://x.com/ballondor/status/1953413070195142847?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1953413070195142847%7Ctwgr%5E531fa903b27c901dc0e961c9ab0b9cd8f99c18a5%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bellanaija.com%2F2025%2F08%2Fchiamaka-nnadozie-ballon-dor-nomination%2F

Categories
Sport News

Cristiano Ronaldo lands in Portugal ahead of Al Nassr pre-season tour

Portuguese star, Cristiano Ronaldo, has landed in Lagos, Portugal, ahead of Al Nassr’s pre-season tour.

Cristiano Ronaldo landed in Lagos with his teammates on August 4, 2025.

This comes after they concluded a training camp in Lisbon and secured a 2-1 win against Toulouse, with Ronaldo scoring a goal.

Notably, Ronaldo has been in the headlines over his contract renewal with Al Nassr, securing his future with the club until 2027.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s new contract with Al Nassr includes a signing bonus of £24.5 million, which increases to £38 million if he activates the second year of the deal.

He will also receive performance bonuses, including £80,000 for every goal and £40,000 for every assist, with both amounts increasing by 20% in the second year.

This deal cements Ronaldo’s status as a one of the highest paid athlete in the world.

Categories
Sport News

Barcelona face La Liga block over Ter Stegen injury

Barcelona’s attempt to exploit La Liga’s injury exemption rule to register a new goalkeeper has hit a major snag, as Marc-André ter Stegen refuses to authorize the release of his medical records.

Following surgery on his back, the club hoped to use the injury rule, which permits clubs to replace players out for four months or more by reallocating 50-80% of their salary.

Barça planned to bring in Joan Garcia under this provision.

However, La Liga are refusing to process ter Stegen’s medical report without his signed consent.

Despite Barcelona claiming they have legal grounds to bypass his approval under data protection exemptions, the league insists the rules are clear, no signature, no review.

Cadena SER reports that unless ter Stegen relents, the Blaugrana will be blocked from registering Garcia or any replacement using the injury rule.

Barcelona had planned to meet the goalkeeper upon returning from South Korea to resolve the issue.

However, Diario AS now says the meeting has been cancelled.

The club, reportedly incensed by ter Stegen’s stance, believes he is acting in bad faith and undermining the team.

Without a breakthrough, Barcelona may enter the new La Liga season without a registered senior goalkeeper to cover ter Stegen’s prolonged absence.

Categories
Sport News

Paul Scholes argues Gyokeres ‘suitability’ for Arsenal

Paul Scholes has expressed doubts over Viktor Gyokeres’ suitability for Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side.

This follows the striker’s £64 million move from Sporting Lisbon.

Speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, the Manchester United legend questioned whether Gyokeres was Arteta’s first-choice signing, pointing to Arsenal’s prolonged negotiations and indecision.

Gyokeres, who struggled during an earlier stint at Brighton, rebuilt his career at Coventry City before exploding at Sporting, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, including 52 last season and a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City.

While acknowledging the Swede’s impressive record, Scholes queried his tactical fit at Arsenal.

He said that Gyokeres thrived in a counter-attacking system at Sporting, which contrasts with Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach.

“Is he going to be clever enough to make those runs in behind when Arsenal dominate the ball?” Scholes asked.

He also contrasted Gyokeres with Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, suggesting the latter possesses the movement and intelligence suited to a team like Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres’ lacklustre debut, just two touches in 13 minutes during a 1-0 loss to Spurs in Hong Kong, did little to silence critics.

Categories
Sport News

Oshoala pays tribute to Nkwocha, Dede, Chikwelu

Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala has paid tribute to three former national team players, Perpetua Nkwocha, Precious Dede, and Rita Chikwelu, for their influences on her career.

Speaking on Arise News following Nigeria’s recent WAFCON triumph in Morocco, the Bay FC striker acknowledged the impact of these ex-internationals on her development.

“Right now, if you Google players with the most goals, you’ll find names like Perpetua Nkwocha,” Oshoala said.

“They paved the way for someone like me to come into the Super Falcons and enjoy certain things.”

She added, “You have the goalkeeper Precious Dede, Rita Chikwelu, so many Super Falcons players. I was fortunate to play with some of them before they retired.”

Oshoala, 30, has enjoyed a decorated career with stints at Liverpool, Arsenal, and Barcelona.

She is a six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year and widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful female footballers.

Categories
Sport News

“I used to hawk Kunu and Zobo at MFM” – Super Falcons star Ajibade

Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has opened up on her humble beginnings, revealing that she once hawked Olive oil, Kunu, and Zobo drinks during deliverance programmes at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).

Speaking on Saturday at the August edition of the “Power Must Change Hands” programme held at MFM’s Prayer City in Ogun State, Ajibade inspired congregants with the story of how she rose from hawking to becoming a continental football champion.

The Atletico Madrid star, who led Nigeria to its 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco, described how her spiritual discipline and unwavering faith in God have carried her through the toughest times in her football career.

“Whenever things are tough at my club or with the national team, I pray. I do my part through hard work but never forget to seek God’s help,” she said.

Reflecting on her earlier years, Ajibade added;

“I was once one of those young girls out there hawking Olive oil, Kunu and Zobo drinks in most of the deliverance programmes, but today, I give glory to God.”

She urged young people not to give up on their dreams.

“Please, don’t give up, keep praying, keep fasting, keep working and keep believing,” she encouraged.

Ajibade played a crucial role in Nigeria’s WAFCON victory. Though she scored only one goal in the tournament, her impact on the pitch earned her the Player of the Tournament title and three Woman of the Match awards.

Categories
Sport News

‘Far above national economy’ – Fenerbahce legend slams Galatasaray over Osimhen’s deal

Fenerbahce legend Umit Ozat has raised serious financial concerns over Galatasaray’s record-breaking acquisition of Victor Osimhen, describing the deal as unsustainable and disproportionate to Turkey’s economic reality.

Speaking on SkySpor’s YouTube channel, Ozat questioned how any Turkish club could justify splashing such staggering sums, even for a player of Osimhen’s quality.

“Can you say that signing Osimhen was a bad thing? No. But the cost is far above the national economy,” Ozat stated.

“Osimhen is a valuable, high-quality, and great player, but for our clubs, these amounts are a lot of money.”

Galatasaray paid €75 million to secure the Nigerian striker from Napoli, the most expensive transfer in Turkish football history.

Osimhen will reportedly earn €15 million per season, with an additional €1 million in loyalty bonuses and €5 million in image rights annually.

Ozat clarified he would have criticized such financial outlay even if Fenerbahce had made the move.

“I don’t envy the transfer. These amounts of money shouldn’t be given lightly. I hope they can come up with the money,” he added.

Osimhen has already joined pre-season training with Galatasaray as the club gears up for the 2025–26 campaign.

Categories
Sport News

Super Falcons’ Ajibade visits MFM church to thank God after WAFCON win

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, has paid a heartfelt visit to her church, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), to testify and express gratitude to God following her team’s recent triumph in the WAFCON final.

The Nigerian women’s national team defeated Morocco in a thrilling 3-2 encounter to clinch the tournament title.

Days after the victory, Ajibade returned to her church to present her winner’s medal and publicly thank God for His guidance throughout the journey.

Addressing the congregation, she recalled how she previously testified after the team qualified for the Olympics for the first time in 16 years.

She also opened up about personal struggles she faced during her last club season.

“Sometimes last year, I was here to testify after God led the team to qualify for the Olympics after 16 years,” she said. “Fast forward to May while I was with my club, it was a very difficult season for me.”

She revealed that during the Mountain of Fire’s ‘Power Must Change Hands’ programme, she had returned briefly to Nigeria for deliverance and prayers before going back to complete her season.

“It was really tough. I was going through injuries, pains, and all sorts of things. I didn’t know how to figure it out, but I just came here quickly,” she added.

Her emotional testimony stirred reactions online, with many Nigerians flooding the comment section of the post to celebrate her faith and the team’s victory.

See some reactions below:

@Yemmmmie_: “She is spiritually inclined and never hid before.”

@strikker_tm_OG: “rashida ni MFM??”

@lilyjoelily: “That’s beautiful Congratulations 🎉🍾🎈🎊 to her again.”

@zmmagic0: “You go sha drop offering.”

Categories
Sport News

Galatasaray president states silverware ambition after securing Osimhen

Galatasaray President Dursun Özbek has urged the club to compete on all fronts in the 2025/2026 season after they secured the services of Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The Super Eagles star spent the 2024/2025 season on loan with the Turkish side, scoring 37 goals and providing seven assists in 41 games for the Cim Bom Aslan.

In addition, the ex-LOSC Lille striker won the Turkish Super Lig and the league cup title with Galatasaray, crowning their season with the domestic double.

After a long-drawn-out negotiation period, Galatasaray signed Osimhen on a four-year deal from Napoli. The Italian side held out and retained a 10% sell-on clause in their deal while making sure he wouldn’t be able to join any Italian club over the next two seasons.

Gala President wants UEFA Champions League with Osimhen

Galatasaray’s vice-president, Abdullah Kavukçu, took pride in his side’s ability to pull off the Osimhen deal without needing financial assistance from anywhere else.

Now, the club’s President, Dursun Aydın Özbek, echoed the same thoughts and urged the players to give their all in fighting for all trophies this season.

“The Galatasaray community had a tremendous expectation. For various reasons, we had the opportunity to visit many parts of Turkey.

“Everywhere I go, even in the farthest corner, people come and say, ‘Is President Osimhen coming?’ they were asking.

“Osimhen deserved that interest in his performance at our club last year. Therefore, in response to this love, we, as a government, have done everything we could to bring him to Galatasaray,” the 76-year-old said in quotes from Galatasaray’s official website.

“We saw it last night. He has a huge flood of love. He’s a worthy player. I am sure that he will do his best as long as he stays at Galatasaray next year and in the following years.

“I’d like to welcome him. I wish him successful seasons at Galatasaray. The fan expects him. He knows it.

“As management, I am happy to meet the expectations of Galatasaray fans with my friends. Our goal this year is to have a successful season in the Champions League.

“I wish both Victor and all our players a successful league and a successful Champions League period. Happy Victor, Happy Galatasaray,” the President concluded.

The 2023 CAF Player of the Year is also eager to repay the faith shown in him by Galatasaray management, who went all out to secure his services for €75M.

 

“I feel very big right now. I am delighted to be part of the Galatasaray family again. First of all, I’d like to thank my president and our Vice President.

“We have a very positive team right now. I’m so proud to be here. You know my quality because of last season. I believe that we will achieve much greater success with a feeling of much greater belonging, with the quality of both me and my teammates in the next season.

“We will give everything on the field, not only in the league and in the cup, but also in the Champions League, which is one of our main goals.

“I did not expect as much as I saw it. There was a welcome far beyond what I expected. In Germany, I was already on the support of Galatasaray, and when I first came here, it was one of the most important reasons for me to feel happy here,” Osimhen said.

“I’ll keep fighting for the fans with every sweat drop. I’ll keep fighting the same way in the next game. I would like to thank my president, our deputy president and our teacher.

They fought so hard for me to be here. And I salute the supporters from here,” the former VfL Wolfsburg man concluded.

 

Galatasaray are set to compete on all fronts after securing the services of Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane this summer. Okan Buruk’s side are edging closer to sealing a deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.

Categories
Sport News

Super Falcons Star Michelle Alozie Sets X Ablaze With Stunning Photos

Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie has set X ablaze with a stunning series of photos posted on her handle  showcasing her radiant celebration of Nigeria’s 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph.

Shared on Thursday evening, these captivating images capture the 28-year-old Houston Dash forward basking in her golden moment against the picturesque backdrop of Rabat, Morocco.

Dressed in an array of chic outfits, Alozie flaunts her WAFCON gold medal with undeniable pride.

One striking photo shows her in a sheer white dress, the medal gleaming against a sunset skyline, her braided hair cascading down as she gazes over the city’s red-tiled rooftops.

Another image features her in a bold black ensemble with a cut-out design, leaning confidently on a balcony railing, while a third captures her in a stylish green jacket and white pants, playfully holding the medal close.

Fans on X have erupted with admiration, hailing her as a “style icon” and “WAFCON queen,” with comments praising her “hot” and “vibrant” look.

Her pivotal contributions scoring a 94th-minute winner against South Africa in the semi-final and driving the comeback in the final, shine through in these images, blending athletic prowess with a glamorous persona.

The Yale-educated cancer research technician, who balances her football career with part-time work, continues to inspire with her multifaceted appeal.

Alozie’s latest posts, posted around 9:38 PM WAT, not only celebrate her on-field heroics but also her cultural pride, connecting with fans worldwide through a dazzling display of confidence and joy.

About Us

626blaze is an entertainment and lifestyle website that brings you latest gist and scoops from the world of music, fashion, movies, sports and social commentary.

Categories

Subscribe to our Newsletters