Sports
TopTier Sports Management Takes Africa to Lagos as Nigeria Legends Secure 2-1 Victory
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria’s football legends defeated Team Africa 2-1 in a thrilling Legends Football Game at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, bringing CANEX WKND 2026 to a rousing close.
The night was more than a match. It was a homecoming for the men who made Nigeria the kings of African football.
Speaking after the final whistle, the Chief Executive Officer of TopTier Sports Management, Chichi Nwoko who brought the legends to Lagos could not hide her joy.
“I am fulfilled and glad that we had an opportunity to bring Africa to Lagos,” she said.
Nwoko revealed the game started with a simple conversation.
“Honestly, it was a conversation with the Vice President of Afreximbank that we needed to do something football,” she said.
“I am a lover of sports, the VP of Afreximbank is a fan of football and the chairman of Bet9ja, Mr Kunle Soname is the biggest supporter of football in Nigeria.”
That conversation became a celebration of history – 30 years after Nigeria won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and the historic 1996 Olympic gold medal in Atlanta, beating Brazil and Argentina.
“It was perfect timing, a perfect storm to really celebrate and remember the legacy of Nigeria as the kings of football 30 years after 1996,” Nwoko said.
On the pitch, the stars rolled back the years. Nigeria paraded Jay-Jay Okocha, Samson Siasia, Daniel Amokachi, Finidi George, Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, Victor Ikpeba and Austin Eguavoen.
Team Africa, led by former Ghanaian international, Samuel Kuffour,Alex Song of Cameroon, Ivorian Salomon Kalou, and Didier Zokora, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah, fought hard – but the home legends had the final say, 2-1 with NSC chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko scoring one of the goals.
Nwoko thanked everyone who made the night possible: “I want to thank the legends for coming out, we thank the Nigerian government, the National Sports Commission, the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, thank you to Bet9ja. CANEX WKND has been wonderful,” she said.
Organised by TopTier Sports Management in collaboration with Bet9ja, the Legends Football Game was designed to honour the players who shaped Nigeria’s and Africa’s standing in world football, while drawing attention to better welfare and opportunities for athletes beyond their playing careers.
As the crowd roared in Onikan, one thing was clear: legends never retire, they just remind you why they became legends
Sports
Flamingos’ Historic World Cup Feat Draws Musawa’s Commendation
Joel Ajayi
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, has congratulated Nigeria’s U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, following their historic triumph at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Flamingos defeated Japan 2-1 in Saturday’s final at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat to claim Nigeria’s first title in the competition and make history as the first African nation to win the tournament.
Awawu Bashiru gave Nigeria the lead in the 39th minute before Oluebube Umejiaku extended the advantage two minutes after the restart. Japan’s Fuki Ito reduced the deficit in the 80th minute, but the Nigerian girls held on to secure a memorable victory.
In a congratulatory message was signed by Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Ikem Anibeze on Sunday in Abuja, Musawa described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria and a significant milestone for African women’s football, attributing the success to the team’s resilience, talent and determination.
“This is more than a trophy. It is a story of young Nigerian girls who refused to give up, who rose after defeat, and who carried the hopes of a continent to the top of the world,” she said.
The Minister noted that the Flamingos had broken new ground by becoming the first African team to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Nigeria also became the first African country to win both the men’s and women’s U-17 World Cup titles.
The team further achieved another remarkable feat by becoming the first side in the competition’s history to lose its opening match and eventually emerge champions.
Despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Poland in their opening group-stage encounter, the Flamingos recovered impressively, recording six consecutive victories to lift the trophy.
Musawa particularly praised Umejiaku, who claimed the tournament’s Golden Ball award as the best player, and Bashiru for their crucial contributions in the final.
She also commended the entire squad for their discipline, teamwork and determination throughout the competition.
According to her, the victory demonstrates the creativity, courage and excellence of Nigerian youths on the global stage.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to celebrating and promoting the achievements and inspiring stories of young Nigerians who continue to bring honour to the country.
“Our girls have shown the world what Nigeria is made of. We celebrate you today, and we will continue to stand with you,” she added.
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
