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Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or, Madrid Snubs

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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for 2024, while Barcelona playmaker Aitana Bonmatí claimed the women’s award. The ceremony in Paris was notably marked by Real Madrid’s boycott, despite the club being named Men’s Club of the Year.

Rodri triumphed over a Real Madrid trio, including Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, and Jude Bellingham, to secure this prestigious honor. The decision by the 100-strong panel of voters led to the delegation from Real Madrid choosing to stay home.

In response to the announcement, Vinicius posted on X (formerly Twitter): “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”

Rodri, who suffered an ACL injury in September during a match against Arsenal, enjoyed the standout season of his career in 2023-24. He won his fourth consecutive Premier League title and lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain. Remarkably, he was awarded the Best Player accolade at the tournament in Germany last summer, despite being forced off at half-time in the final against England.

Arriving on crutches, Rodri was helped onto the stage to accept his award, having been ruled out for the remainder of the season. In a remarkable feat, he went 74 games—equating to 475 days—without experiencing defeat for both club and country. This impressive streak came to an end in the FA Cup final against Manchester United last May.

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Rising Stars Rule Bwari Sports Scene

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By Adewunmi Oluwaseun 

Teenagers at the N-Youth Sports Academy (N-YSA) are rewriting the script of youth sports in Bwari, turning heads with their extraordinary performances and discipline both on and off the field.

With players as young as 16 and 19, the academy has quickly become a powerhouse in the area, promoting excellence in football, basketball, athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and tennis.

The athletes train six days a week under a system that combines physical drills with academic pursuits.

According to the Managing Director, Enes Cayli, N-YSA is more than just a sports academy—it’s a life-shaping experience.

“We believe sports builds character, discipline, and resilience. Our scholarship program ensures that no talent is lost due to financial challenges,” he said.

Cayli emphasized that the academy’s mission is to raise a new generation of well-rounded champions by blending rigorous training with sound education.

The program is deliberately structured to nurture students into stars who shine in sports and succeed in life.

With a growing number of youths breaking barriers and earning recognition through the academy, N-YSA is proving that sports can be a powerful tool for personal transformation and national development.

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South Africa Breaks Through, Sends Flying Eagles Crashing Out

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By Njoku Chijioke

South Africa’s under twenty team stunned Nigeria’s Flying Eagles to book a place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations under twenty tournament for the first time in nearly three decades.

The tense semifinal clash ended in heartbreak for Nigeria as the determined South Africans sealed a hard-earned victory, marking their first final appearance in twenty eight years.

Despite flashes of brilliance and fierce resistance from the Flying Eagles, it was South Africa’s sharp execution and resilience that saw them edge ahead and hold firm till the final whistle.

The result not only knocks Nigeria out of title contention but also cements South Africa’s rising reputation in African youth football. They now stand just one win away from lifting the continental trophy.

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Zubairu Vows to Unleash Stronger Attack on South Africa

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By Njoku Chijioke

Flying Eagles head coach Nkoana Zubairu has promised a more aggressive and clinical attacking display as Nigeria’s U-20 side gears up to face South Africa in the semifinals of the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fresh from a nerve-racking penalty shootout victory over Senegal, the young Eagles are now eyeing a spot in the final.

Coach Zubairu, speaking with resolve, said his team must sharpen their edge in front of goal to overcome the South Africans.

“We need to create more chances and convert them. South Africa is a strong side, but we have studied them and we know where they are vulnerable,” Zubairu said.

He called on his players to remain focused and adapt quickly to the rhythm of the game, stressing that tactical discipline and mental toughness will be key to securing victory.

Zubairu expressed full confidence in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion and chase glory for the nation. As anticipation builds, Nigerian fans hope the Flying Eagles can soar once again and bring home the continental title.

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