Sports
Tinubu Hosts AfroBasket Champions D’Tigress At Presidential Villa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Monday, hosted Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, in celebration of their recent triumph at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.
Representing the President at the reception was Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was joined by First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu and the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, to honour the victorious team and their coaching crew.
The event, held at the New Banquet Hall of the State House, welcomed the team shortly after their arrival at the Villa’s forecourt around 5pm.
SEE ALSO: WAFCON Victory: Tinubu Confers National Honour, $100K, Homes On Super Falcons
Led by Head Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress were applauded for their outstanding performance on the continental stage.
The Nigerian ladies secured their historic seventh AfroBasket title, and fifth consecutive championship, after defeating Mali 78–64 in the final match on Sunday night at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Their dominance further cements Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in African women’s basketball.
Monday’s reception follows a similar event held a week earlier for the Super Falcons, Nigeria’s women’s national football team, after they clinched their tenth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Morocco.
Vice President Shettima, while congratulating D’Tigress, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting and investing in sports, particularly women’s sports, as a unifying and empowering tool for national development.
Edo Queens have been crowned champions of the 2025/26 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a determined 0–0 draw against Bayelsa Queens in the final matchday of the Super Six playoffs at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium on Sunday.
Bayelsa Queens entered the decisive fixture needing an outright victory to secure the title, while Edo Queens required only a draw. The Benin-based side executed their game plan with discipline in a tightly contested encounter that saw both teams create chances but ultimately cancel each other out.
The result sealed a second NWFL Premiership crown for Edo Queens, reaffirming their status as one of the dominant forces in Nigerian women’s football. It also places them alongside Bayelsa Queens as the only clubs to have won the league twice within the last six seasons.
ALSO READ: Ronaldo Nets 967th Career Goal as Al Nassr Maul Al-Najma 5-2 in Saudi Pro League
Head coach Moses Aduku further etched his name in the competition’s history, becoming the first manager to win three NWFL Premiership titles in six seasons. He previously guided Bayelsa Queens to the title in 2022 before leading Edo Queens to triumphs in 2024 and 2026.
Elsewhere on Matchday 5, Nasarawa Amazons and hosts Rivers Angels played out a goalless draw, while FC Robo Queens came from behind to secure a 1–1 draw against Abia Angels.
Final standings saw Edo Queens top the Super Six table with 10 points, finishing two points ahead of Bayelsa Queens in second place, with Nasarawa Amazons completing the top three. Abia Angels ended their debut campaign with six points, while FC Robo Queens and Rivers Angels finished on four points apiece.
The individual accolades saw FC Robo Queens’ Oluwakemi Adegbuyi named Player of the Season, while Abia Angels’ Fatima Oloko picked up Goalkeeper of the Season. Abasiofon Uwah (Rivers Angels) and Atume Doosuur (Edo Queens) shared the Golden Boot with 13 goals each, and Rivers Angels were awarded the Fair Play Prize.
As champions, Edo Queens will represent Nigeria at the WAFU-B Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Burkina Faso from August 13 to September 5, where they will aim to secure qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League and a potential pathway to the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup.
The grand finale was attended by key dignitaries including NFF board member Aisha Falode, former board member Barr. Chris Green, Bayelsa State Deputy Governor Peter Akpe, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports Daniel Igali, Edo State Sports Commission Chairman Desmond Enabulele, NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David, and Bendel Insurance Chairman, Jarrett Tenebe.
The United States government has issued a stern warning to foreign social media influencers and content creators planning to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup, cautioning that they could face deportation if they earn money while in the country on tourist visas.
The warning, issued by the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Wednesday, comes as millions of football fans and thousands of independent content creators converge on North America for the month-long tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 Tickets Spark Backlash As Prices Soar 41 Times Face Value
According to US authorities, foreign nationals entering the country on a B-2 tourist visa are not permitted to engage in paid work or receive income from activities carried out while in the United States.
“Having the sole purpose of the visit be content creation (as an influencer), thereby generating income from U.S. sources while in the country, is considered work and requires the appropriate visa,” the agencies said.
The government stressed that tourist visas are intended for leisure, vacations, family visits, and medical treatment, and do not authorize employment or income-generating activities.
Officials warned that anyone found violating the terms of their visa could face immediate visa cancellation, deportation, and possible restrictions on future travel to the United States.
The directive applies to influencers and content creators who monetize content on platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook while attending the World Cup.
Authorities also clarified that working for a media outlet while in the country on a tourist visa is prohibited under the same regulations.
Immigration lawyer Alex Galvez noted that foreign nationals who violate the conditions of their entry could lose their tourist visa privileges.
However, he suggested that some influencers might have legal grounds to challenge enforcement actions if their social media accounts are registered in their home countries and payments are received outside the United States.
The warning comes as the 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, is expected to attract a record number of digital creators documenting the tournament for global audiences.
The issue has also fueled broader concerns over immigration restrictions surrounding the tournament.
The International Sports Press Association recently criticized what it described as unfair visa limitations affecting some journalists seeking entry into the United States.
In a separate incident, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry into the country ahead of the competition.
The US government’s tough stance follows previous immigration enforcement actions involving high-profile influencers.
Recall that in 2025, TikTok sensation Khaby Lame was detained by immigration authorities at Las Vegas airport and later self-deported after allegedly overstaying his visa.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has also confirmed it will assist with security operations at World Cup venues, underscoring the administration’s broader immigration enforcement measures during the tournament.
As the world’s biggest football event gets underway, foreign influencers hoping to cash in on World Cup content are being reminded that violating US visa rules could come at a heavy cost.
Sports
‘I Play Like Mahrez’ – Brighton’s Nigerian Wonderkid Yohanna Sends Message to Premier League Fans
New Brighton & Hove Albion signing Zadok Yohanna has revealed that he models his game after Algerian star Riyad Mahrez, while naming Lionel Messi and Michael Olise as his favourite footballers.
The 18-year-old Nigerian midfielder recently completed a high-profile move from Swedish side AIK Stockholm to Brighton in a deal reportedly worth €28 million, with an additional €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
ALSO READ: Chaos In Kolkata As Fans React To Messi’s Sudden Exit
Speaking about the players who inspire him, Yohanna said Messi remains his all-time favourite, while Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is currently one of the players he enjoys watching the most.
“My favourite player is Lionel Messi and I think right now I like Michael Olise. I also play like Riyad Mahrez,” Yohanna said.
The former Ikon Allah FA player has earned recognition for his flair, dribbling ability and creativity, qualities that have led many to compare his style to that of the former Manchester City winger.
According to the teenager, the comparison with Mahrez is one he has heard repeatedly from his former teammates in Nigeria.
“My teammates in Nigeria call me Riyad Mahrez; they say I dribble and play like him rather than Lamine Yamal or Olise,” he added.
Mahrez is widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest footballers, having won the Premier League title with Leicester City before enjoying a trophy-laden spell at Manchester City under Pep Guardiola.
Yohanna’s admiration for Olise also reflects his preference for inventive attacking players.
The French international enjoyed an impressive campaign with Bayern Munich last season and is considered one of Europe’s brightest young talents.
Brighton moved quickly to secure Yohanna’s signature following his breakthrough season in Sweden, where he emerged as one of AIK Stockholm’s standout performers.
The transfer reportedly made him the most expensive player ever sold by a Swedish club.
The Nigerian youngster has signed a five-year contract with the Seagulls and is expected to begin preparations for his first Premier League campaign ahead of the new season.
With comparisons to Mahrez and inspiration drawn from Messi and Olise, Yohanna will be hoping to make a similar impact as he embarks on the next chapter of his promising career in England.
Edo Queens Clinch Second NWFL Premiership Title
NGX Poised for Dollar Denominated DPRP IPO, Pioneer African Exchanges Linkage Project
SERAP Sues NNPC Ltd over ₦5.9bn Incorporation, Rebranding Expense
Osun Accuses MURIC of Misinformation Campaign
Why NYSC Stopped Orientation Exercise for Corps Members in Niger State
Nigeria’s Crude Output Grows to 12m Barrels on Utapate, Cawthorne
Trump’s Family Unveils New Cryptocurrency Platform
Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees
Dangote Cement Lights Up Benue Host Communities With CSR Initiatives
Reps Recommend 3-year Jail Term For Aviation minister
Tems Sets New Record On Billboard Hot 100 Chart
qjpx14
It is truly a great and useful piece of information. I?¦m happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
I would like to thnkx for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping the same high-grade blog post from you in the upcoming as well. In fact your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings quickly. Your write up is a good example of it.
You have noted very interesting points! ps nice website.
I am really loving the theme/design of your web site. Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems? A few of my blog audience have complained about my website not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Firefox. Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?
Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
Thank you for sharing superb informations. Your website is so cool. I am impressed by the details that you have on this blog. It reveals how nicely you perceive this subject. Bookmarked this website page, will come back for more articles. You, my pal, ROCK! I found simply the information I already searched all over the place and just could not come across. What a perfect site.
Do you mind if I quote a few of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your webpage? My blog site is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would really benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this alright with you. Thanks!
It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I desire to read more things about it!
This design is steller! You obviously know how to keep a reader entertained. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool!
of course like your web site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I to find it very troublesome to tell the reality on the other hand I will certainly come back again.
Just a smiling visitor here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style. “Better by far you should forget and smile than that you should remember and be sad.” by Christina Georgina Rossetti.
95208 915812Thanks for the blog loaded with so a lot of info. Stopping by your weblog helped me to get what I was seeking for. 72704
524840 205999This sort of wanting to come to a difference in her or his lifestyle, initial generally Los angeles Excess weight weightloss scheme is actually a large running in as it reached that strive. weight loss 745797
Those are yours alright! . We at least need to get these people stealing images to start blogging! They probably just did a image search and grabbed them. They look good though!
I love what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve you guys to blogroll.
I’ve been browsing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all webmasters and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be a lot more useful than ever before.
I got what you mean ,bookmarked, very decent web site.
Hiya, I’m really glad I’ve found this information. Today bloggers publish just about gossips and web and this is really irritating. A good blog with interesting content, that’s what I need. Thanks for keeping this site, I will be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can’t find it.
A formidable share, I simply given this onto a colleague who was doing a bit of analysis on this. And he in truth purchased me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the deal with! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to debate this, I feel strongly about it and love studying extra on this topic. If possible, as you become experience, would you thoughts updating your blog with more particulars? It is highly useful for me. Huge thumb up for this weblog submit!
Just a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design and style.
Some truly interesting points you have written.Aided me a lot, just what I was looking for : D.
Some really interesting information, well written and generally user genial.
Very interesting information!Perfect just what I was looking for! “Music is a higher revelation than philosophy.” by Ludwig van Beethoven.
Great post. I used to be checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful info specifically the closing section 🙂 I handle such information much. I used to be looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
I like this weblog so much, saved to bookmarks.
I was studying some of your articles on this site and I believe this web site is rattling informative! Keep putting up.
Thank you for another informative blog. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such information.
You really make it seem really easy together with your presentation but I find this topic to be actually one thing that I feel I would never understand. It sort of feels too complicated and extremely wide for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will attempt to get the hang of it!
Superb post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this subject? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more. Kudos!
After research a couple of of the weblog posts in your website now, and I actually like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website record and might be checking again soon. Pls take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.