Chekas United football club kickstarted the defence of their title in the trivella super cup on a good note 

The tournament for grassroots football club across Lagos State kicked off at the eagles club football pitch on Friday with 8 clubs participating 

Chekas defeated Athletic sc 4-3 on penalties after regulation time ended 2all in the first set of games in day one 

With the results chekas advance to the semi finals 

This is the 2nd edition In Nigeria  and the 28th edition in Brazil 

The trivella tournament is a scouting programme with top scouts from Brazil in attendance 

Captain of chekas United football club chisom okoli praised his team for a job well done but said more still needs to be done for them to reach their peak 

Football scout Falvio trivella says nigeria is blessed with talented footballers hence the need for the scouting exercise to discover more players for greener pastures

He said a player was discovered last year from this tournament who is playing his trade in the Brazilian league 

” I’ve seen a lot of talents in this tournament, this competition is not only to discover skilful players but also to maintain a good relationship between Nigeria and Brazil ” He said 

Chairman chekas United football chekeube uzoegbo who doubles as one of the organisers of trivella super cup commended all the participating teams for displaying exceptional talents in the competition

” It has always been the wish of any player to have this kind of opportunity to better his career and for greener pastures in the sport he loves .  Our basic work is discover raw talents develop and nurture them to stardom” He said 

Semi final games holds on Saturday August 2nd 2025 

As Nigeria’s Women’s National Basketball team, D’Tigress, jets out to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, to defend their title at the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced improved welfare packages, including increase bonuses and allowances, to boost the team’s morale and performance.

During a courtesy visit by the team to the NSC Leadership in Abuja on Tuesday, Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering support and confidence in the squad.

In the evening of Tuesday, Mallam Dikko and Hon. Olopade also visited the training camp of the team to encourage the players and officials as they fine tune preparations for the continental showpiece.

Dikko emphasized the Commission’s commitment to prioritizing athlete welfare and excellence.

“We understand that behind every victory is a motivated team, and that begins with how we treat our athletes. That’s why we are stepping up our support with improved incentives to match the level of dedication and sacrifice this team has shown over the years. Welfare remains a top priority for us at the Commission and we will do every possible to support our athletes.”

On his part, NSC Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the resilience and consistency of the D’Tigress team, charging them to make history once again.

“You are the pride of our nation. Your winning spirit, unity, and strength inspire millions of Nigerians. As you head to Abidjan, go with the belief that you carry the hopes of an entire nation behind you. We trust you to return with the trophy once again.”

Head Coach Rena Wakama has unveiled the final roster of 12 players for the tournament, headlined by experienced names such as captain Amy Okonkwo, Promise Amukamara, Sarah Ogoke, and Ezinne Kalu. 

Also making the roster of the nation’s finest 12 are Murjanatu Musa, Victoria Macaulay, Elizabeth Balogun, Blessing Ejiofor, Ifunaya Okoro, Vera Ojenuwa, Nicole Enabosi, and Palla Kunayi.

D’Tigress are eyeing a historic fifth consecutive AfroBasket title, having dominated the last four editions. The team’s remarkable four-peat run includes three finals victories over fierce rivals, Senegal.

The 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket takes place from July 26th – August 3rd in Abidjan, as D’Tigres will take on Mozambique and Rwanda in Group D.

Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has been banned from all football-related activities after being found guilty of involvement in illegal betting activities.

Maduka Okoye, who currently plays his club football in Italy, has been under investigation for several months following reports of irregular betting patterns linked to games in which he featured.

The outcome of the investigation has resulted in a ban that could last up to two years, pending appeals and further review.

Udinese goalkeeper Maduka Okoye’s two-month ban for illegal betting has shocked fans and officials.

The investigation stemmed from suspicious betting activity surrounding a yellow card he received for time-wasting during Udinese’s 2-1 victory over Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Authorities flagged unusual bets, primarily from the Udine province, placed on Okoye receiving a yellow card at odds of 8/1, allegedly generating over €120,000 in winnings.

Okoye, along with three friends, was investigated and referred to the disciplinary commission in June 2025.

 While a sporting fraud conviction could have resulted in a four-year ban, he was instead convicted on the lesser charge of illegal betting

The ban will commence with the Coppa Italia match against Carrarese on August 18, 2025, causing him to miss six Serie A games before becoming available again on October 19.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international, with 18 caps, joined Udinese from Watford in 2023.