Sports
Nigerian teenager, Ilenikhena outshines Yamal Scores, As Monaco beat Barca 2-1
Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena scored on his Champions League debut as Monaco produced an upset against 10-man Barcelona.
The 18-year-old substitute raced on to Vanderson’s long ball over the top of the defence in the 71st minute and blasted his shot past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Eric Garcia had earlier been shown a straight red card with just 10 minutes gone when he fouled Takumi Minamino as the last man after a poor pass out from the back by Ter Stegen.
Monaco took the lead soon after when Maghnes Akliouche slotted past Ter Stegen who was rooted to the spot.
Barcelona’s own teenage star Lamine Yamal equalised with his first Champions League goal when he latched on to a long ball and cut inside before drilling a low shot into the bottom corner.
But Ilenikhena’s goal, his first since signing from Royal Antwerp in the summer, condemned Barcelona to an opening defeat.
Vanderson’s strike from the edge of the area was pushed past the post while Minamino had an effort deflected on to the crossbar for the hosts.
It could have been a more emphatic win but Folarin Balogun had a penalty overturned late on following a video assistant referee (VAR) check after he was adjudged to have gone down too easily under the challenges.
Sports
“Aderonke Atoyebi Wins Big in Denmark, Inspires Global Recognition for Nigerian Women in Sports
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s own Arabinrin Aderonke Atoyebi has brought immense pride to the nation after being named the International Sport and Culture Association (ISCA) Role Model of the Year at a ceremony held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The biennial ISCA Awards honour individuals and organizations that use sports and physical activity as tools for social change, inclusion, and empowerment across the globe. This year’s edition drew nominations from several countries, spotlighting outstanding figures who have transformed their communities through the power of sports.
Atoyebi’s unwavering commitment to gender equality and youth empowerment has made her a prominent voice in the sports-for-development space. Through her advocacy and leadership, she continues to demonstrate how sports can serve as a bridge for education, unity, and hope—especially among young women in Nigeria and beyond.
As part of the recognition, Atoyebi received a €3,000 cash prize along with the global visibility that accompanies the prestigious ISCA honour.
Speaking shortly after receiving the award, she expressed deep gratitude and excitement, dedicating the recognition to her team and everyone who has supported her journey.
> “This award means a lot to me. It’s a testament to the hard work my team and I have put in over the years,” Atoyebi said. “Being recognised on such an international stage proves that no effort toward positive change ever goes unnoticed. It motivates me to keep pushing boundaries and reaching more girls who need hope and opportunity.”
Atoyebi’s global recognition further strengthens Nigeria’s growing influence in the global dialogue around sports, development, and women’s empowerment. Her story continues to inspire a new generation of African women to believe that with passion, dedication, and purpose, they too can create lasting change.
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