Connect with us

Sports

Ex-Belgian Footballer, Radja Nainggolan Arrested In Cocaine Trafficking Probe

Published

on

Former Belgian international footballer, Radja Nainggolan was arrested on Monday in connection with a large-scale investigation into cocaine trafficking through the port of Antwerp, the Brussels prosecutor’s office has confirmed.

The arrest followed a series of raids conducted across Belgium in the early hours of the morning. Several suspects were detained, including Nainggolan, as part of the operation.

“The investigation concerns alleged facts of importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, via the port of Antwerp, and its redistribution in Belgium,” prosecutors said in a statement.

READ ALSO: Super Eagles Await Group Stage Fate As AFCON Draw Holds In Morocco

Further details regarding the case have not yet been made public.

Nainggolan, 36, who was born in Antwerp, recently came out of retirement to join Belgian second-division club Lokeren. The midfielder made his debut over the weekend, scoring a goal in a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse.

The former national team star enjoyed a decorated career, earning 30 caps and scoring six goals for Belgium. He also played for top Italian clubs, including Roma, Inter Milan, and Cagliari, before returning to Belgium in 2021 to join Royal Antwerp. However, his stint there ended in early 2023, following a series of controversies.

Known for his brash personality and off-field incidents, Nainggolan was suspended in late 2022 after being caught smoking an electronic cigarette on the bench, according to Belgian media.

No timeline has been given for further proceedings.

Click to comment
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Sports

Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30

Published

on

Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died at the age of 30 after suffering serious injuries in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a second-division match.

Tenerife confirmed the player’s death on Tuesday, November 3, revealing that he died at 8:00 a.m. following complications from injuries sustained during the encounter.

The incident occurred towards the closing stages of the match, which was tied at 2-2, when Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, rushed out of his goal and collided with De Miguel in the middle of the pitch.

SEE ALSO: Spain’s World Cup Joy Turns to Horror as 13-Year-Old Dies in Celebration Disaster

The goalkeeper was sent off following the incident, while the match was subsequently abandoned.

Spanish media reported that De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest after the collision and was resuscitated. However, Tenerife later announced that his neurological condition had deteriorated before he eventually died.

In a statement announcing the tragedy, the club expressed profound sadness over the loss of the striker and extended its condolences to his family, friends and supporters.

“Broken with pain, with a lump in our throat and unable to believe this is real, CD Tenerife announces the tragic death, at 8:00 am (7am GMT), of Jesus de Miguel Alameda,” the club said.

De Miguel joined Tenerife in the summer of 2025 from Castellon and had spent just over a season with the Spanish side.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across Spanish football, including former Barcelona defender and FC Andorra majority shareholder Gerard Pique.

“I am so deeply sorry. Rest in peace, Jesus,” Pique wrote on social media.

FC Andorra also expressed its condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and Tenerife, while Real Madrid, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and several other Spanish clubs sent messages of sympathy.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation equally expressed its grief, describing the news as deeply saddening and extending its condolences following the striker’s death.

Continue Reading

Sports

Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards

Published

on

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has pledged the state government’s full support for the successful hosting of the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

Sanwo-Olu gave the assurance on Sunday after meeting with a CAF delegation led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly.

The governor said his administration would pay particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access to ensure a memorable experience for participants and visitors.

RELATED NEWS: FIFA, CAF Move to Halt NFF Elections as Football Crisis Deepens

In a statement shared on his social media account, Sanwo-Olu said, “Meeting with the CAF delegation, led by Dr Christian Emeruwa, Project Lead for the CAF Awards and CAF General Assembly, I assured them of our full support, with particular attention to security, logistics, branding and venue access.”

He described Lagos as a city with the energy and capacity to host major international events.

“Lagos is a city of talent, culture, enterprise and youthful energy,” the governor said.

He added, “We look forward to welcoming football leaders, stakeholders and visitors from across Africa and beyond, while showcasing our hospitality and ability to host major international events.”

The meeting comes as preparations continue for the continental football awards, which will bring together prominent figures in African football to celebrate outstanding performances and achievements.

The latest engagement follows the arrival of a 15-member CAF delegation in Nigeria on Friday, October 16, for a final inspection of facilities ahead of the awards and the organisation’s 48th Ordinary General Assembly.

The delegation, led by Emeruwa, was expected to assess facilities in Lagos and Abuja as part of efforts to evaluate the country’s readiness to host the two events.

The inspection also followed an earlier visit by CAF officials in August, when Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in Lagos’s readiness to host the awards after a delegation inspected the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts, formerly known as the National Theatre, in Iganmu.

The 2026 CAF Awards are scheduled to hold in Lagos on December 7, while Abuja is expected to host the CAF Ordinary General Assembly on November 21.

The awards ceremony will recognise outstanding performances and achievements in African football, bringing together players, coaches, officials and other stakeholders from across the continent.

Continue Reading

Sports

Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname

Published

on

After scoring twice and providing an assist as Bursaspor beat Muglaspor 3-0 in the Turkish 1. Lig on Thursday, Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho took to social media to declare himself boss.

The Super Eagles forward who moved to the Turkish league from Celtic to Bursaspor has made history, becoming the first football player to score in 10 consecutive league matches for the club and in the Turkish professional league football.

He took to his social media handles to flaunt his Turkish nickname – “Agabey”.

In a post on his verified handle on X, the Nigerian forward shared a picture of himself in traditional Turkish dress with a new nickname, “Agabey”. The caption read, “We go ball till eternity, Kelechi Agabey.”

READ ALSO: Tinubu Charges PCC Members to Deliver Wards

The word is a respectful Turkish title that translates as “Big Brother” or “Boss”.

The 30-year-old has now scored in all 10 games he has played for Bursaspor, and including his appearance for the Super Eagles, he has found the net in 11 straight matches. He has 14 goals and three assists since joining from Celtic.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x