ATHLETES’ ARRIVALS AT PARALYMPIC GAMES DISRUPTED

The International Paralympic Committee said it is working to find solutions after several ‌athletes were finding it difficult to travel to the Milano Cortina Winter Paralympic Games due to travel disruptions in several Middle Eastern airports.

“The closure of airspace in the Middle East is impacting the arrival of some stakeholders… we are working diligently with Milano Cortina 2026 to find solutions for those affected,” the IPC said on Tuesday.

TENNIS IN UAE HALTED ​DUE TO SECURITY ALERT

The ATP Challenger event in Fujairah was cancelled due to safety concerns after a security alert abruptly halted play.

The ATP Tour ​later said a charter flight had been arranged , “fully funded by the ATP to assist with departures from the region at ⁠no cost to players”.

U.S. WITHDRAW FROM HOCKEY WORLD CUP QUALIFIER

The U.S. men’s hockey team withdrew from a hockey World Cup 2026 qualifier in ​Ismailia, Egypt, after an official advisory from the State Department urging all U.S. citizens to leave nations within or close to conflict zones.

The International ​Hockey Federation said the U.S. team had withdrawn with the body’s “full support” and the team departed Egypt earlier on Wednesday.

SOCCER MATCHES IN IRAN AND QATAR POSTPONED, SPAIN V ARGENTINA IN DOUBT

All sporting events in Iran have been cancelled until further notice, including the country’s top-flight Persian Gulf Pro League.

The Qatar Football Association indefinitely postponed all soccer matches in ​the country, putting in doubt a clash between Spain and Argentina set for Doha on March 27. The Bahraini FA also halted all domestic competitions.

ASIAN CHAMPIONS ​LEAGUE MATCHES POSTPONED

Round of 16 clashes featuring Middle Eastern clubs in the Asian Champions League Elite in the first two weeks of March have been postponed until further notice.

Next ‌week’s quarter-final ⁠clashes in the Asian Champions League Two and the Asian Challenge League, featuring clubs from the region, are also postponed, the continental soccer body (AFC) said on Wednesday.

TENNIS PLAYERS MEDVEDEV, RUBLEV STUCK IN DUBAI

Russian players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev, who participated in the Dubai Tennis Championships last week, were among players facing travel difficulties in reaching California for the Indian Wells Open.

The ATP Tour said on Wednesday that the vast majority of players who were in Dubai ​had successfully departed on selected flights.

WEC ​POSTPONES SEASON OPENER IN QATAR

The World ⁠Endurance Championship postponed its season-opening race scheduled for March 28 at the Lusail circuit in Qatar, until later this year.

“A new date for the Qatar 1812km during the second half of the campaign will be finalised and communicated in ​due course,” the WEC said in a statement.

MIDDLE EASTERN F1 RACES HANG IN THE BALANCE

Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who ​heads the global ⁠motorsport governing body FIA, said safety will be their main concern when taking a decision on next month’s Formula One races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

“Safety and wellbeing will guide our decisions as we assess the forthcoming events scheduled there for the FIA World Endurance Championship and the FIA Formula One world championship,” he said ⁠on Monday.

SINDHU ​WITHDRAWS FROM BADMINTON’S ALL ENGLAND OPEN

Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu withdrew from the All England Open ​after being stranded for days at Dubai airport. She returned to India on Tuesday.

“Back home in Bangalore and safe. The last few days have been intense and uncertain, but I’m truly ​grateful to be back at my house,” Sindhu wrote on X.

-Reuters

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Expectedly, Ademola Lookman is listed among those for the elite award, the African Footballer of the Year. He is joined by Super Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong.  The revelation came from CAF through their X handle.

There are 10 players on the shortlist and in the next few days, that will be cut by half before the final three.

Listed in the elite category are Amine Gouiri of Algeria, Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso), Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire), Chancel Mbemba (Congo), Serhou Guiracy (Guinea), Achraf Hakimi (Morocco), Soufiane Rahimi (Morocco) and Rowen Williams (South Africa).

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award.  He will contest the award with  Morocco’s Yassine Bounou (now in Saudi Arabia), Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, and Senegal’s Djigui Diarra and  Cameroon’s Andre Onana.

The victories of Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Osimhen, and Super Falcons’ duo of Asisat Oshoala, and Chiamaka Nnadozie, were celebrated by the Head of Marketing Communications at Nigerian Breweries, Sandra Amachree who stated, “It is incredibly pleasing to see Nigerian football being celebrated in such a positive light.

This feat serves as a powerful inspiration and bodes well for the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments for both men and women in Cote D’Ivoire and Morocco, respectively.”

Sandra Amachree further highlighted the significance of these awards, emphasizing their potential to inspire further investment in Nigerian football by Nigerian Breweries.

“This success is a testament to the dedication and talent of our players, and it encourages us to continue investing in initiatives that raise the bar for football in Nigeria,” she added.

Osimhen ended Nigeria’s 24-year wait; winning the coveted ‘African Footballer of the Year’ award.

The Napoli striker follows in the footsteps of Nigerian legends like Rashidi Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, and Victor Ikpeba

For Oshoala, she continued her reign as the queen of African football by securing a record-extending sixth CAF Player of the Year (Women) award.

While Nnadozie’s impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup was duly acknowledged as she was awarded the Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) title.

The Super Falcons, consistently supported by Amstel Malta Ultra and Zagg Energy Drink with Malt, received their due recognition as they were crowned the Women’s National Team of the Year.

Nigerian Breweries, through some of its brands like 33 Export Lager, Star Lager, Life Continental Beer, Amstel Malta Ultra, and Zagg Energy Drink with Malt, has consistently demonstrated its unwavering support for Nigerian football since February 2018.

This commitment extends to both the men’s and women’s teams, as showcased by their continued backing of the Super Eagles and Super Falcons respectively.

Osimhen, a past recipient of the 33” Export Lager Man-of-the-Match Award, represents the ongoing commitment of 33 Export Lager and Life Continental Beer to the Super Eagles.

Similarly, the Super Falcons have enjoyed unparalleled support from Amstel Malta Ultra and Zagg Energy Drink with Malt, fostering a strong partnership between the brands and the women’s national team.

In a press statement made available to journalists in Lagos by GTI Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, the company affirmed that the remarkable achievements of Victor Osimhen, on winning the CAF 2023 Men’s Player of the Year; Asisat Oshoala who clinched the 2023 CAF Women’s Player of The Year; Chiamaka Nnadozie, who emerged as Woman Goalkeeper of the Year, as well as the Super Falcons as the Women’s National Team of the Year is a confirmation that the country is blessed with abundant talents in sports, especially football.

Reacting to the superlative outings of the Nigerian trio, the Executive Director of GTI, Nelson Ine attributed Nigeria’s continental triumphs at the Awards ceremony to hard work and determination on the part of the players involved.

“GTI is proud to join many stakeholders of Nigerian football in congratulating Nigeria’s sensational striker Victor Osimhen; six-time CAF Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala; inaugural Woman Goalkeeper of the Year Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Super Falcons for putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians.

“The triumphant feats by these Nigerians have redoubled the efforts of GTI in seeing that more Osimhens, Oshoalas and Nnadozies are produced through our strategic partnership with the NPFL in the near future.

“We need to rekindle our efforts at sustaining the country’s soccer prowess going forward and GTI is strategically positioned to compliment the efforts of administrators of sports in Nigeria to actualize this great dream since we have enough talents to make our dream come to fruition,” he stated.

Speaking further, Ine said: “The achievements of Osimhen and co will really serve as an inspiration to aspiring young footballers to always give out their best while wearing the green and white jersey of the country. Therefore, we call on the private sector to continue to play a vital role and support the government in its bid to take sports development in the country to a desirable height.”

However, the CAF 2023 Award prize is a recognition of Osimhen’s exploits for his Napoli club side and the Super Eagles where he is a key member. He spearheaded the Italian team’s unprecedented Serie A title run, scoring 26 goals in the league to become the first African to win the Pichichi (top scorer) Award. Napoli last won the Scudetto 33 years ago during the legendary Diego Maradona’s era.

Also, Osimhen’s ranking in the 2023 Ballon d’Or was a testament to his contributions to the Serie A team’s epochal showing. He was ninth, becoming the highest-ranked Nigerian in the history of the award.

Earlier in the month, the Nigerian was crowned as Italian footballers’ association player of the Year, and became the first African to win the AIC Award.

Meanwhile, GTI have felicitated with the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and the President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau on the achievements of these young Nigerians at the just concluded CAF 2023 Awards.

Victor Osimhen has opened up on his rise to stardom, inspiring others who may be undergoing challenges. On his X platform handle, he narrates his travails and how he conquered.

“As a young boy who came from the streets of Olusosun (in Ojota area of Lagos, Nigeria), who had to hawk in traffic almost every day of the week while growing in-order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a Treasure in Africa and World Football was a wild dream.

“Words can’t express the joy in my heart, this is a very special moment to me.

“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions. The goals, echoes and jubilation of victories keeps me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest.

“The support of my amazing family, my fans most especially my Nigerian supporters and the love for the beautiful game of football motivates me to aim higher daily.

“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success since I was a kid, may their souls continue to rest in peace.

“To my wonderful family thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your esteemed support.

“To my fans and Nigerian supporters, your dedication in supporting me on the good days and bad days do not go unnoticed, even amidst the arrows of hatred thrown at me y’all still stood by my side. I am grateful.

“Winning the CAF Best African Player 2023 is a testament of my hardwork, your love and support.

“I am so proud of myself for achieving this prestigious award. Thank you CAF, to all the coaches I have played under both local and international, your wisdom and knowledge have played huge roles in guiding my footballing career, thank you so much.

“I am sure my parents in heaven are smiling at me, this is for you. I also congratulate Chiamaka Nnadozie and Asisat Oshoala for their prestigious awards. Dreams do come true! Thank you everyone,GOD is the greatest.”

The 24-year-old Napoli man picked up the prize at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) awards on Monday night, seeing off competition from Egypt captain Mohamed Salah and Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.

For Osimhen, who grew up on the dusty streets of Olusosun in Lagos, it is a “dream come true” after facing the stark reality of life as a child.

“I have to thank everybody who has helped me on this journey and all Africans who have helped to put me on the map despite my faults,” Osimhen said.

Greeted daily with the stench from a waste dump in his neighbourhood, Osimhen says he had a burning desire to succeed against all odds.

He had to sell newspapers and bottles of water, describing his situation as being “in the trenches”.

“As a young boy who had to hawk in traffic almost every day in order to survive the numerous challenges my family and I were facing, becoming a treasure in Africa and world football was a wild dream,” he said in a message posted on X.

“My football journey has been a rollercoaster of highs, tough lows and emotions.

“The goals and jubilation of victories keep me going even when the critics, hate and pain of defeats hit me hard in the chest.”

After scoring 26 goals to help Napoli to a first Italian league title in 33 years, Osimhen became the first Nigerian to win the Caf’s men’s award since former Arsenal forward Nwankwo Kanu in 1999.

“What Osimhen has done is incredible,” ex-Arsenal and Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who won the award in 2008, told Caf TV.

“Scoring goals may be easy in England but doing so in Italy is not because they are defensively and tactically strong.”

With former Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba, himself a two-time Caf Footballer of the Year, describing the former Lille striker as Africa’s new footballing royalty, there are now hopes that he can spur Nigeria on to a new era of success.

Destiny’s child

Osimhen’s rise to the top has been a slow burn rather than the story of a one-season wonder.

Osimhen (left) burst onto the scene at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in 2015

Starring for Nigeria in their victorious 2015 Under-17 World Cup was the turning point in his career which indicated he was a child of destiny.

His 10 goals in Chile secured the golden boot and saw him named Caf’s Young Player of the Year – yet Osimhen almost missed out on selection for the squad.

“I had already overlooked him because he was paired with other players who played badly,” Emmanuel Amuneke, the coach of that side, told BBC Sport Africa.

“But my backroom staff noticed him and drew my attention to him. I gave him another chance and he proved himself to make the squad.”

It was no surprise that Osimhen, after receiving his Caf award in Morocco, praised his former coach for helping him fulfil his dreams.

“Special thanks goes to Emmanuel Amuneke. Without him, I don’t think I would be standing here holding one of the most prestigious awards in world football,” he said.

There have certainly been a few bumps along the way.

His move to German club Wolfsburg in January 2017 almost turned out to be a nightmare for the young prospect, who featured 16 times without scoring before a loan switch to Charleroi in Belgium in 2018-19 provided a lifeline.

Osimhen’s reputation was enhanced at Lille to the point that Napoli were reported to have paid $96m (£76.5m) – one of the highest fees ever for an African player – for his services in July 2020.

Before his stellar season which secured a historic Serie A title, he was forced to miss out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) because of Covid-19 and a facial injury which still requires him to play wearing a protective mask.

Moreover, he had to deal with the death of both his mother and father in 2020

“Losing my dear parents in the course of this journey leaves a scar in my heart as they have always been my major driving force for success,” Osimhen added in his post on X.

“To my wonderful family, thanks for always having my back and loving me so much. I wouldn’t have made it this far without your support.”

-BBC

The Minister said that the Nigerian duo’s triumph in clinching the most prestigious individual accolades in African football serves as a testament to their outstanding talent, dedication, and immense contributions to the beautiful game.

He commended their exemplary performances, which have not only made Nigeria proud but have also garnered global recognition for their exceptional skills and commitment.

Chiamaka Nnadozie also won the inaugural Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award, to solidify her position as the best goalkeeper in Africa.

“The victory of Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Super Falcons at the CAF Awards not only brings pride and honor to Nigeria but also opens a new vista for the country’s sports landscape. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring young athletes, demonstrating that hard work, dedication, and talent can lead to remarkable success on the global stage.”

“Osimhen’s growth from the local suburb of Olusosun to the world stage is a demonstration of why grassroots development is a major part of our plans. This administration is committed to creating a platform for more Osimhens, Oshoalas, etc. We will foster the development of our sports, and ensure we set the path for the future.”

The Minister stated his pride in Osimhen and Oshoala (two Nigerians) creating a new record of being the first players from the same country to win the coveted prize in the same year.

Victor Osimhen’s exceptional prowess on the field, coupled with his stellar performances for club and country, has rightfully earned him the title of Men’s African Footballer of the Year, the first Nigerian to win the award in 24 years. He also finished in the top 10 position in the 2023 Ballon D’or Awards.

Asisat Oshoala’s incredible achievements, showcasing her unparalleled skill and commitment to the sport, have resulted in her being recognized as Women’s African Footballer of the Year once again, in a record-extending 6th time. The Super Falcons ace is sitting lonely as the most decorated African player on the CAF Awards stage.

The Honourable Minister also extends heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons, whose resilience and dedication have continued to elevate Nigerian women’s football on the continental stage. Their collective efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence have been integral to the success and recognition of Nigerian football talent.

The Ministry of Sports Development remains steadfast in its support for Nigerian athletes across all sporting disciplines, reaffirming its commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure, opportunities, and encouragement for athletes to thrive and excel on both local and international platforms.

The 24-year-old Nigerian clad in a fancy green suit made his way to the center stage and absorbed the moment before thanking his teammates and everyone that has supported his journey from the beginning.

“This feels good. It has been 24 years since a Nigerian – Nwankwo Kanu won this award. It is a very good feeling to have put Nigeria back on the map. I appreciate God for this,” he said with a content face.

Osimhen was quick to pinpoint at the legendary player and coach Emmanuel Amuneke who gave him a chance to feature for Nigeria right from the U17 level.

“He believed in me right from the start and was at the heart of our 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup victory in Chile. He gave me the opportunity to really showcase myself and when things were not going well with me, he was the brain behind the motivation and it is absolutely right for me to acknowledge him at the biggest stage because behind closed doors, he has helped me a lot. He is present here and here to witness what he has produced,” an emotional Osimhen told CAFOnline.

Amuneke, who was the 1994 African Player of the Year was at the heart of Nigeria’s AFCON 1994 victory before taking the world by storm at the FIFA World Cup in the USA scoring against Bulgaria and Italy. He was also key to Nigeria’s Atlanta 1996 Olympic gold medal.

He later took up coaching winning the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup with Osimhen walking away with the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals – an effective duo.

Osimhen added that, “It is a big night for us as Nigeria. [Asisat] Oshoala, Chiamaka [Nnadozie] and the Super Falcons. It shows what we can do and that we are back on track.”

Oshoala has now won a record six Africa Women’s Player of the Year Awards while Nnadozie walked away with the inaugural Goalkeeper of the Year (Women).

The Super Falcons were named the National Team of the Year (Women) thanks to their exploits at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and most notably their standout 3-2 victory against the hosts – a game in which Oshoala scored the eventual winner after coming back from injury.

Osimhen revealed that this prestigious award is motivation for him and his teammates ahead of the AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Super Eagles are in Group A with the hosts, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

“We are ready and preparing very well. The squad is in high spirits. We are raring to go and hope that we shall do well there,” Osimhen added with hope.

Nigeria have won the AFCON three times in 1980, 1994 and 2013.

Osimhen will be hoping to replicate his fine form next year that has seen him score 27 goals in all competitions for Napoli this year – the joint-most by an African player in the big five European leagues tied with Egyptian Mohamed Salah.

In May 2023, Victor Osimhen scored against Fiorentina, netting his 47th goal in the Serie A, overtaking George Weah (46) as the highest goal-scoring African player in the history of the competition.

Osimhen is also the highest goal scorer in the TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 qualifiers with 10 goals.

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Asisat Oshoala won the biggest individual awards at the CAF Awards 2023 in the Moroccan city of Marrakech on Monday night, 11 December 2023.

Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who made headlines in Italy and also for his contribution in the Super Eagles jersey, won the CAF African Player of the Year for the first time while his compatriot, Oshoala won her record sixth CAF African Women’s Player of the Year.

Osimhen’s remarkable journey saw him fend off stiff competition from Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi and Egyptian striker Mohammed Salah.

Nigerian icon Oshoala secured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year for a record sixth time. The attacker’s dominance continued as she inspired Barcelona to Champions League glory, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 27 goals across all competitions.

Morocco’s Walid Regragui was crowned CAF’s Best Coach of the Year in the Men’s category – recognised for guiding the Atlas Lions to a historic World Cup semi-final run in Qatar.

South Africa’s Desiree Ellis secured the Best Coach award in the women’s category for her outstanding work with Banyana Banyana. This was Ellis’ record fourth award in this category, which she has won consistently since 2018.

In CAF InterClub, South Africa and Al Ahly’s Percy Tau won the CAF InterClub Player of the Year.

Senegal’s Lamine Camara, the 19-year-old FC Metz forward, clinched the CAF Young Player of the Year award, marking his meteoric rise in African football.

Moroccan prodigy Nesryne El Chad won the inaugural CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award.

Morocco won the Men’s National Team award following their performance at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, while Nigeria won the Women’s National Team of the Year award.

Egyptian giants Al Ahly clinched the Male Club of the Year award, with the women’s award going to South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.

South Africa dominated the continent’s Best XI players in the Women Category while two members of Morocco’s World Cup semi-final team were included in the male version.

The ultimate winners in each category were decided through a voting process involving a panel comprising CAF Technical Committee, Head Coaches, National Team captains and media professionals.

Full List of Award Winners:

• Player of the Year (Men):Victor Osimhen (Nigeria, Napoli)
• Player of the Year (Women):Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria, Barcelona)
• Interclub Player of the Year (Men):Percy Tau (South Africa, Al Ahly)
• Interclub Player of the Year (Women):Fatima Tagnaout (Morocco, AS FAR)
• Coach of the Year (Men):Walid Regragui (Morocco)
• Coach of the Year (Women):Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Men): Yassine Bounou (Morocco, Al Hilal)
• Goalkeeper of the Year (Women):Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria, Paris FC)
• Young Player of the Year (Men):Lamine Camara (Senegal, Metz)
• Young Player of the Year (Women):Nesryne El Chad (Morocco, Lille)
• National Team of the Year (Men):Morocco
• National Team of the Year (Women):Nigeria
• Club of the Year (Men):Al Ahly (Egypt)
• Club of the Year (Women):Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Men’s Africa XI (As compiled by FIFPRO Africa)

Women’s Africa XI: (As compiled by FIFPRO Africa)

The Super Falcons forward, who enjoyed fine form at country and club levels this year, guided Nigeria to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup thanks to her eventual winner against hosts Australia in the group stages.

“Today is Nigeria’s night. This is the first time ever that two Nigerians have been awarded as African Player of the Year in the women and men’s categories. It is massive. I am so happy for Asisat [Oshoala] and Victor [Osimhen], said an excited Mercy Akide, winner of the inaugural edition in 2001.

“Asisat has been exceptional all year round at both country and club level for Barcelona and to see CAF awarding her means so much to us as a country. Nigeria – we are winners so this is a big day for us.”

Four-time winner Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011) from Nigeria added to the praise saying that, “Asisat has always been exceptional and for her to win tonight means a lot to her and us as a country. This will motivate her to continue working hard.”

Nkwocha and Akide, who are considered pioneers in the growth of Women’s Football in Nigeria and on the continent, said that this will further promote the growth of the game back home and across the continent.

Akide won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in 1998, 2000 and 2002 while Nkwocha won the continent’s biggest tournament with Akide in 2002 before inspiring the Super Falcons upfront as well in 2004, 2006, 2010 and 2014.