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Proud to be one of Fabio’s boys

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Ade Somefun

BY ADE SOMEFUN

Fabio was indeed a media legend! Editing his weekly column, “The GrandMaster”, way back in the Nigerian Tribune, was like going to a sports class or was it a course?

l always looked forward to going through his articles, he was a man of details… and was always prompt in sending in his column which was typed.

I remembered vividly when l suggested his name to the Tribune editorial as one of those who could add value to the newspaper and shoot up our circulation, he was immediately accepted by everybody.

That was to tell you that he was held in high esteem. Now, handed with the opportunity of sounding him out which l did with ease, as he graciously accepted.

He was to write that column for years and gave the Tribune  newspaper the leverage it deserved, a newspaper of repute, as people looked forward to reading his weekly column.    

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If you hadn’t read The Grand master, then your Day was yet to be made! One thing of note was that l later found out about Fabio was that he never took anybody for granted.

If he was to be late in sending his typed column he would call to inform me that he would be a bit late in sending as he was correcting the typed script.  He was a man of perfection.

Professionally, over the years, l learnt a lot from him and he took interest in me, guided me in the right path as l edited the Tribune Sports pages…and Sports newspaper, the Sporting Tribune.

However, the last time l spoke with him on phone was sometime last year after l had a chat with Tayo Balogun, another former NTA guru, who had intimated me of his sickness due to aging…

On the day l put a call through, it was his wife that picked the call, asking who l was, l identified myself and l could hear her telling Fabio.

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I heard Fabio say: is that Ade,? give me the phone, l want to speak with him:  yes his voice wasn’t all that clear but he was able to say a few words, asking after my health and telling me to call more often…

l cherished  those few minutes because Tayo Balogun had told me it was unlikely he would speak with me as his phone was always with his wife….

The rest is now history… l am proud to say l am one of his “boys.” May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Journalism under siege as sports reporter is jailed in Algeria for reporting on football

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In a disturbing development highlighting the dangers faced by journalists in North Africa, French sports reporter Christophe Gleizes has been sentenced to seven years in prison by an Algerian court for simply doing his job.

Gleizes, a contributor to acclaimed French publications So Foot and Society, was convicted on Sunday, June 29, by the Tizi Ouzou court on charges of “apology for terrorism” and “possession of publications intended to spread propaganda that harms the national interest.” An immediate arrest warrant was issued.

The verdict has sparked outrage in press freedom circles and sports journalism communities, as observers label the trial as politically motivated and devoid of credible evidence.

Gleizes, co-author of the investigative book Magique Système, which explores the exploitation of African footballers, had travelled to Algeria in spring 2024 to research a story on JS Kabylie—one of the country’s most storied football clubs from the 1980s. He was also preparing a tribute to the late Cameroonian footballer Albert Ebossé, who died under mysterious circumstances after a match in Algeria in 2014.

His arrest on May 28, 2024, was reportedly linked to past online exchanges (from 2015 and 2017) with a local football club figure associated with the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), a group banned in Algeria. However, his 2024 interactions were reportedly limited strictly to football-related inquiries for his feature on JSK.

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For over a year, Gleizes had been trapped in Algeria under judicial supervision, barred from leaving the country—a form of de facto house arrest. Now, with a harsh prison sentence handed down, the case is seen as yet another blow to press freedom in Algeria, particularly for journalists covering sensitive issues, even in sports.

Many in the football and media world are calling for Gleizes’ immediate release, condemning what they describe as the criminalisation of journalism and the silencing of free expression under the guise of national security.

The case raises fresh concerns about the increasingly hostile environment for international journalists in the region—even those covering the beautiful game.

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Nigerian sports writers’ body, SWAN at 61 unveils plans marking 6 decades of establishment

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The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has officially unveiled the commemorative logo for its 60th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the Association’s illustrious journey since its establishment in 1964.

The body was founded on February 1, 1964, when a group of journalists met in Lagos. The founding leaders who met at the Broad Street Lagos offices of Daily Times elected Adebayo Thompson of Morning Post as their founding chairman.

Babington Bakare was elected as the vice chairman.  The founding secretary was Maurice Domboh  of West African Pilot while the treasurer was Ishola Folorunsho of the Radio Nigeria. Cyril Kappo of Daily Times was the inaugural assistant secretary while Ajibade Fashina-Thomas of Daily Times was the publicity secretary.

The ex-officio members were Peter Osugo (Daily Times) and Sola Oluwole of Daily Express.

In reality, SWAN will be celebrating 60 years plus one. According to a press statement by the national executive of SWAN, the unveiling of the anniversary logo signals the beginning of a series of activities lined up to celebrate six decades of outstanding contributions to sports journalism, development, and advocacy in Nigeria.

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The logo, creatively designed in vibrant green and white, proudly incorporates the figure “60” and the SWAN emblem — a reflection of the Association’s legacy and enduring impact in the sporting landscape of the country.

A ribbon bearing the inscription “Years Anniversary” boldly affirms the significance of the diamond jubilee.

SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin described the unveiling as a symbolic moment of pride, reflection, and rededication.

“As we unveil this logo, we are not just celebrating the past 60 years, but also reigniting our collective commitment to professionalism, integrity, and the promotion of sports through responsible journalism,” he stated.

He added that the anniversary celebration will feature a rich lineup of activities, including awards, public lectures, media games, recognition of sports icons and veterans, as well as a gala night to honour distinguished personalities who have supported SWAN’s mission over the years.

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The three-day anniversary event will be held in October, aligning with Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebration.

The 60th anniversary comes as SWAN intensifies its role in shaping narratives around sports governance, policy, and inclusive participation across all levels.

Members of the media, partners, stakeholders, and the general public are enjoined to join in the celebration of this historic achievement and support the Association’s vision for the future.

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Commemorative publication on Motsepe’s first term as CAF boss available for download

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Dr Patrice Motsepe, who was returned unopposed as CAF president on Wednesday in Cairo, has had his first term in office documented.

According to the CAF publication, Motsepe will build on the extensive progress he made during his first term to make African Football globally competitive.


Dr Motsepe’s objective when he first took office in March 2021 was to make African Football self-sustaining and drive growth in several different spheres. The last four years have seen CAF move its development agenda forward at pace with many historic firsts.

These achievements are contained in a publication to mark Dr Motsepe’s first four years as President, titled, ‘The Growth and Success of African Football Continues’, which media can download here

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The magazine walks us through Dr Motsepe’s 10-point plan when he took office, and the wide-ranging advances that have been made towards reaching and surpassing his objectives.

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