Sports
Adeleke Underscores New Sports Agenda With Renovation Of Osogbo Stadium
In a move which underscores his administration’s sports agenda, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has flagged off the makeover of the Osogbo stadium with a view to transforming it into a world class edifice.
According to a government house statement in Osogbo, on Tuesday, the event held at the stadium and featured awards, presentation of cash gifts to accomplished Osun’s sports men and women.
The governor who was accompanied by top government officials and leading figures from the sport sector, said this project is not mere renovation but re-development and remodeling of the state sports stadium to attain global standard.
Assuring that his government has a big vision for Osun state with the best sporting facilities in the country, the Governor assured the public that “by the time we finish this development, the stadium will be a beautiful edifice to behold.
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“Our dream is to build a stadium with capacity to host various sporting events such as the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and more importantly, to host some of our national teams including Super Eagles in their various continental and International matches”, he told the cheering crowd.
“The remodeling does not stop at the football pitch alone, where there will be three (03) major pitches of International standard, it will also include pitches for other games such as Volleyball, Swimming, Handball, Hockey, Basketball and a host of others.
“The remodeling will also include a befitting indoor sports hall, hostels for the athletes and a state-of-the-art 4-star hotel. We build revenue generation into the entire project to ensure sustainability with short and long term viability. We envisage a self – sustaining, holistic sporting infrastructure”, the Governor narrated.
The governor spoke further on his agenda for the sport sector: “Our administration has a fully articulated sport development agenda. As part of the implementation process, we are putting up strong institutional structures. I am happy to inform you that we have finalized the legal framework for creation of the Osun Sports Commission.
“This is to enhance harmonious development and administration of all games in the state. Additionally, our government is creating a Sport Trust Fund to ensure sustainable sport financing. The legal structure is almost finalized.
“Aside from working on infrastructure and policy framework, the welfare of sports men and women is also paramount in our agenda. Going forward, our government has decided to reward all athletes who made the state proud at various championships. They will be rewarded handsomely based on their level of achievement.
“We advised our budding and established athletes to train more and develop their skills. The Osun Sport sector is set for a silent revolution. Sport professionals should stay back in Osun to join the process.
“I make bold to inform you that the two (2) state owned teams namely; Osun United and Osun Babes Football Clubs are receiving greater attention and support from the government. Information reaching me indicated that they are doing well in their various leagues.
“On the issue of contract athletes and coaches, I have directed immediate action to study and remedy the situation. The Deputy Governor is to submit a report to me on the matter for further action”, the Governor said.
In the same vein, the Deputy Governor who doubles as the Commissioner for Sports Development, Prince Kola Adewusi explained that the project has extensive facilities including two training pitches and specific facilities for all games.
Describing the unveiling as the beginning of sporting revolution in Osun state, Prince Adewusi said Osun will be ready to host national sport competitions.
According to him, athletes who have ran away from the state will be encouraged to return home, vowing that Osun will take a frontline position in Nigeria sport space.
It was gathered that the project has a 12-month completion period.
World football governing body FIFA is facing growing scrutiny after authorities in the United States opened an investigation into allegations of ticket pricing exploitation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The probe, announced by officials in New York and New Jersey, will examine whether FIFA engaged in unfair pricing strategies, including alleged “impossibly high” ticket costs, misleading seat allocations, and dynamic pricing models that push prices higher as demand increases.
According to prosecutors, the investigation aims to determine whether fans were unfairly treated during the ticket sales process or misled about what they were purchasing.
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New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport described the ticketing system as confusing and exploitative, saying it has turned access to World Cup matches into what she called a “gauntlet of confusion and fake scarcity.”
Her New York counterpart, Letitia James, also expressed concern over rising ticket prices and accessibility, stressing that football supporters deserve transparency and fairness in the sales process.
The controversy has intensified ahead of the tournament kickoff on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final scheduled to be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
Beyond ticket prices, fans have also raised concerns about additional match-day costs, including expensive transportation and parking fees, further increasing the financial burden of attending games.
The investigation adds to mounting pressure on FIFA as global criticism grows over the commercialisation of major football tournaments and the affordability of attending matches for ordinary supporters.
Authorities in other US states have also reportedly raised concerns, suggesting the issue could be more widespread across the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), GTI Asset Management and Trust Limited, have joined millions of football fans across Nigeria and the diaspora in congratulating Rangers International FC of Enugu for emerging champions of the 2025/2026 NPFL season.
In a statement issued on Monday, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, praised the Flying Antelopes for securing their ninth league title, describing the achievement as a reflection of resilience, consistency, and the club’s rich football heritage.
He also commended the NPFL Board led by Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye for its sustained efforts in repositioning Nigerian football through the creation of a more competitive and commercially attractive league structure capable of restoring fans’ confidence and attracting wider national and international interest.
“The just concluded NPFL season will go down in history as one of the most competitive and exciting campaigns ever witnessed in Nigerian football, with the title race extending to the final day before a winner eventually emerged.
“For GTI, this is a landmark victory for Rangers International and a proud moment for Nigerian football. Winning the league title for the ninth time and equalling the record held by Enyimba FC is not only a testament to the club’s quality and tradition, but also a clear indication of the growing competitiveness of our elite league.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all 20 clubs that participated in the just concluded season, including those that secured continental tickets and those unfortunately relegated. Next season presents another opportunity for every team to improve and compete more strongly.
“GTI will continue to partner with the NPFL as Nigerian football steadily progresses toward greater continental and global relevance, judging by the quality and excitement witnessed throughout the 2025/2026 season,” Ekejiuba stated.
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Following the conclusion of Matchday 38 fixtures, Rangers International finished top of the table with 68 points after securing a 2-1 victory over Ikorodu City FC in Lagos. Rivers United FC finished second with 67 points despite defeating Katsina United FC 3-0, as Rangers only needed a win to guarantee the title.
Ikorodu City’s defeat ensured that Shooting Stars retained third position with 60 points despite their loss to Niger Tornadoes FC.
Statistics from the season showed that a total of 772 goals were scored, with 287 wins recorded, including 45 away victories and 93 matches drawn. Godwin Obaje of Rangers International emerged as the league’s top scorer with 14 goals.
Meanwhile, former champions Remo Stars FC and El-Kanemi Warriors joined Bayelsa United FC and Wikki Tourists FC of Bauchi as the four clubs relegated at the end of the season.
PHOTO CAPTION: Rangers International Football Club of Enugu players celebrating after emerging champions of the NPFL 2025/2026 season in Lagos at the weekend.
The race to become Europe’s most prolific striker since 2020 has turned into one of the fiercest individual battles in modern football, with elite forwards pushing each other to record-breaking levels across the top five European leagues.
While the previous decade was dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, a new generation of attacking stars has taken over, reshaping the goal-scoring landscape in world football.
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According to compiled statistics from performances since the start of the 2020 decade, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane currently sits at the top of the chart with 175 goals, narrowly ahead of his closest rivals.
Hot on his heels are three of football’s biggest names tied on 174 goals each — Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland, France superstar Kylian Mbappé, and former Bayern Munich forward now at Barcelona Robert Lewandowski.
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah follows behind with 128 goals, maintaining his reputation as one of the most consistent scorers in Europe.
Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martínez has also impressed with 118 goals, leading the line for the Italian giants across multiple strong seasons.
Further down the list, Canadian striker Jonathan David (93 goals) and Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins (91 goals) have established themselves as reliable Premier League and Ligue 1 finishers respectively.
Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović and Osasuna forward Ante Budimir are level on 89 goals each, highlighting their consistency in Italy and Spain.
Completing the top scorers’ list is Borussia Dortmund and Stuttgart forward Serhou Guirassy with 101 goals, reflecting his rise as one of Europe’s most efficient attackers in recent seasons.
See the list below:
1. Harry Kane – 175 goals
2. Erling Haaland – 174 goals
3. Kylian Mbappé – 174 goals
4. Robert Lewandowski – 174 goals
5. Mohamed Salah – 128 goals
6. Lautaro Martínez – 118 goals
7. Serhou Guirassy – 101 goals
8. Jonathan David – 93 goals
9. Ollie Watkins – 91 goals
10. Dušan Vlahović – 89 goals
The figures underline just how competitive modern football has become, with only a few goals separating some of the biggest names in the sport and every season capable of changing the rankings dramatically.
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