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No ban on Abuja stadium by FIFA, says NFF

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has denied reports that the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, has been banned from hosting football games by FIFA.

Some reports had earlier claimed that the world’s football body has placed the sanction on the Abuja stadium following the stampede that ensued in the aftermath of the World Cup qualification play-off between Nigeria and Ghana.

The reports also claimed that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) machines at the stadium were stolen in the chaos.

But in a statement on Friday, the NFF said it “has not received any such communication from either FIFA or CAF” banning the Abuja stadium.

The federation also refuted the claims of the stolen VAR, saying the equipment remains intact and has been returned to FIFA.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has decried a stream of incorrect reports being peddled in sections of the media, in connection with Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja,” read the statement by Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF secretary-general.

“We are alarmed at the influx of incorrect reports, otherwise known as fake news, mostly in the social media. There is no truth to the reports that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been banned for any length of time by FIFA. It is a concoction by some persons with fertile imagination. The NFF has not received any such communication from either FIFA or CAF.

“There has also been an outlandish report that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment that was installed for the match had been stolen. We initially thought this was an April Fool prank but it is alarming that some media outlets are taking it seriously. Nothing of such happened. The VAR equipment remains intact and has been returned to the FIFA office in Zurich, Switzerland by Sebastian Runge, FIFA’s Head of Technology.

*The NFF understands that Nigerians in their generality were sorely disappointed by the result of the match, which came short of having the Super Eagles at the World Cup. It is a painful situation for everyone, including ourselves at the Federation. However, we are appealing that the propensity for half-truths and outright falsehood be discouraged. We believe that the present squad of Super Eagles is still capable of achieving great things.”

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Tyson beaten by Jake Paul in heavyweight return

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Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.

Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.

Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.

Yet the younger fighter was unable to land the knockout blow he had promised to deliver during Thursday’s ill-tempered weigh-in, where Tyson slapped him across the face.

Tyson, however, looked every bit of his 58 years, managing to land only a handful of meaningful punches during the fight.

Final statistics showed Tyson connected with just 18 of 97 punches thrown while Paul threw some 278 punches and landed 78 of them.

As the final seconds of the eighth round counted down, Paul could even afford to bow in respect to Tyson before the bell sounded.

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Watch the moment Mike Tyson slapped Jake Paul ahead of heavyweight fight

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The tension reached a boiling point at the weigh-in for Friday’s highly anticipated heavyweight showdown in Texas, as boxing legend Mike Tyson slapped social media star and novice boxer Jake Paul during a heated face-off.

The incident unfolded at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, where the 58-year-old Mike Tyson and the 27-year-old Jake Paul are set to clash in a bout that has stirred debate across the boxing world.

Following the weigh-in, which saw Tyson tip the scales at 16st 4lb and Paul just a pound lighter, the two fighters came face-to-face.

Jake Paul crawled theatrically across the stage before rising to Tyson’s eye level, engaging in a tense staredown.

Tyson, who had largely dismissed Paul’s provocations throughout the week, finally snapped, delivering a slap to Paul’s face.

The sudden act prompted security personnel and team members to intervene and separate the fighters.

“Talking’s over,” Tyson declared before storming off the stage.

Paul, unfazed, responded with a grin and proceeded to sit down, appearing to meditate. “I didn’t even feel it. He’s angry. He’s an angry little elf,” Paul quipped.

He went on to taunt the former two-time world champion: “Mike Tyson, I thought that was a cute slap, buddy, but tomorrow you’re getting knocked out.”

Watch video here

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali loses father

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has announced the passing of his father.

Nwabali shared the sad news on his Instagram page on Friday posting a heartfelt message along with a tearful emoji.

He expressed his grief in a brief tribute, writing, “R.I.P Dad,” while keeping the details surrounding his father’s death private.

Since the announcement, messages of condolence and support have been pouring in for Nigeria’s goalkeeper, with fans and friends alike offering their sympathy.

The news comes shortly after Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where Nwabali played a crucial role in the team’s success.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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