Sports

Stanley Nwabali announces burial date for father, mother who died months apart

Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the burial date for his parents, months after losing them in quick succession.

The professional player lost his father, Godspower Abali, also known as Onyeogazrim 1 of Okwuzi, in mid-November 2024, hours before Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification match against Rwanda, prompting Nwabali to pull out of the match to mourn his father.

However, on January 1, the Chippa goal keeper lost his mother, less than two months after his father’s death.

He took to social media at the time, writing, “Rip mom, worst year of my life already,” and previously expressed his grief with the words, “A very very crazy world indeed.”

Taking to Instagram on Friday, the footballer announced arrangement for the burial plans for both parents.

According to the poster, “Chief Nwabali,” aged 72, and Grace Nwabali, aged 63, will be laid to rest in Okwuzi, Egbema, Rivers State.

A service of songs will be held on Thursday, June 5, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, located at the late chief’s residence on Osafu Lane, Okwuzi Egbema.

On Friday, June 6, Mrs. Grace Nwabali’s body will be transported from Gbeye Hospital Mortuary in Omoku to her father’s compound, and then to her husband’s residence for lying in state.

The funeral proceedings will continue on Saturday, June 7, with Mr. Nwabali’s body being received by the Okwuzi Council of Chiefs, followed by interment and a reception at CPS Okwuzi Egbema.

In his emotional caption, Nwabali wrote, “About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again. It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything

“Come on the 6th and 7th of June 2025.”

Sports

Former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair is dead

Ex-Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, has died at the age of 88, after battling with diabetes for a while.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, disclosed the news of his death in a Facebook post.

It is believed Sinclair passed away on Wednesday around 3:15pm.

“Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Idah wrote.

After Philippe Troussier was sacked in 1997, Sinclair was appointed coach of the Eagles on an interim basis and took charge of two friendly matches against Zambia and Tunisia.

Sinclair has been credited with discovering ex-Nigeria internationals like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside, etc.

Sports

Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after major abdominal injury

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has made a remarkable return to full training, taking a crucial step forward in his recovery from a life-threatening abdominal injury sustained in May.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international had been sidelined after suffering a ruptured intestine, an injury so serious it required a complex two-stage surgical process. The first operation took place in May and was followed by doctors placing Awoniyi in an induced coma to closely monitor his condition. Three days later, surgeons completed the second procedure to close the wound.

It has been a long and challenging road back for Awoniyi, who was unable to join Nottingham Forest’s push to secure their Premier League survival at the end of last season. His absence was felt deeply, given the forward’s knack for crucial goals and his growing importance to both club and country.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, Awoniyi has finally returned to the training pitch with his teammates.

The update was shared by Soar Super Eagles on Tuesday in a post on X, reading: “Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after that serious abdominal injury in May. Great to see him back on the grass.”

His comeback offers a significant boost for Nottingham Forest ahead of the new season, while also reigniting hopes that Awoniyi will soon be available to lead the line for Nigeria as they continue preparations for crucial upcoming qualifiers.

Sports

Chelsea crush PSG 3-0 to win Club World Cup

Chelsea won the Club World Cup following a surprise 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

Cole Palmer scored twice and assisted another as the Blues, Conference League winners, delivered a clinical first half performance to silence the attacking juggernauts of PSG, UEFA Champions League holders, who finished the entertaining encounter with ten men.

‎It is a second trophy for Chelsea to cap a successful season, adding to the third-tier European trophy won in May.

Donald Trump, president of the United States of America, was in attendance as sides paraded their best stars, with Ousmane Dembele leading PSG’s charge, while Palmer and Joao Pedro spearheaded Chelsea’s attack