Sports
Para Badminton: Nigeria’s Eniola Bolaji Wins Gold, Seals 2024 Spot
Eniola Bolaji from Nigeria maintains her para badminton supremacy, securing a spot in next year’s Paris Paralympics through successful qualification.
Eniola Bolaji clinched the gold medal in the women’s singles at the 5th Pazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023.
Her victory came by defeating the women ranked fifth, third, and first globally in the Women’s Singles of the SL-3 category during the championship.
Bolaji, who initially made waves with a win at the Spanish Open Para Badminton International during her debut in 2021, has remained undefeated in 2023.
Prior to this triumph, she secured victory at the Uganda International 2023 and then went on to claim three gold medals at the Africa Para Badminton Championships in Kampala, Uganda.
Eniola’s remarkable streak persisted at the Fazza Dubai Para Badminton International 2023 as she triumphed over the world’s number one player, Syakuroh Qonitah from Indonesia, securing the gold medal in the Women’s Singles SL3 category with a score of 21-7, 13-21, 21-11.
En route to the final, Eniola demonstrated her prowess in the championship. In the First Round, she defeated Emoma Ivanovna from Bulgaria with a commanding score of 21-10, 21-8, advancing to the Second Round.
There, she overcame Mandeep Kaur from India with a score of 21-16, 21-17 (2-0), securing her spot in the quarterfinals.
At the Quarter Final stage, Bolaji faced Manasi JOSHI, also from India, emerging victorious with scores of 21-13, 21-11, securing her place in the Semi-Final.
There, she battled against Zuxian XIAO from China, ultimately winning with a score of 21-13, 20-22, 21-15, earning her spot in the final.
Eniola’s impressive success in this championship has secured her qualification for the Paralympics in Paris next year.
President Francis Orbih of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria praised Eniola’s string of accomplishments, stating that considering the athlete’s determination and strong willpower, her victories didn’t come as a surprise.
Orbih reiterated the Federation’s commitment to backing all athletes representing Nigeria at any level and pledged continued support.
He conveyed his delight at the progress and extended congratulations to the player for this significant achievement.
In response, Bolaji expressed her gratitude to the Federations for their unwavering support.
She reacted after her victory stating “I am very thankful to Badminton Confederation of Africa and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria who have supported me and sent me to Spain.”
Sports
Tragedy Hits Spanish Football As Tenerife Striker Jesus De Miguel Dies At 30
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.
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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.
Sports
Sanwo-Olu Pledges Full Support as Lagos Prepares to Host 2026 CAF Awards
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.
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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.
Sports
Iheanacho Flaunts Turkish Nickname
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.”
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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.





