Sports
Returning to matches, no riskier than leaving home for any other reason – Messi
The Argentina captain, Lionel Messi says he looks forward to getting back to playing matches believing that he is better off not thinking too much about the risk of being infected by the coronavirus as Spanish football clubs step up their return to activity.
After La Liga’s four-phase protocol for returning to activity since it was halted in March due to the pandemic Messi and his FC Barcelona team mates have been back at the club’s training ground conducting individual sessions since last week.
All 11 remaining rounds of fixtures in La Liga will take place without spectators, with President Javier Tebas saying last week that matches could start as soon as June 12.
While some players and clubs have spoken out against football returning out of fear of picking up the virus or passing it on to others, Messi is indifferent.
He said returning to matches was no riskier than leaving home for any other reason.
Messi said, “There’s a risk of infection everywhere, when you leave your house there’s a risk.
“So, I think we shouldn’t think too much about it because if you do you won’t want to go anywhere,” Messi said on Friday.
“But we must understand that it’s essential we comply with the protocols and follow the prevention measures as much as we can. `
“Returning to training is the first step. But we shouldn’t get complacent and we must take all precautions necessary.”
Messi said while he is excited about returning to matches he is opposed to La Liga’s proposal for teams to be quarantined together, away from their families, once matches resume.
“Personally I’m looking forward to the competition returning. We know it’s going to all be very strange, without anyone in the stands, I’ve done it before and I found it out,” said the Barca captain.
“With regards to being quarantined, the truth is we don’t like the idea of being separated from our families at all. But we’ll have to see what the final plan is.”(Reuters/NAN)
Sports
Jimoh, Adedeji and Tachie-Menson Among Top Contenders As Lekki Scrabble Classics begins
Defending champion, Abdulmumeen Jimoh will be among the top contenders as the Lekki Scrabble Classics beginning on Saturday in Lagos.
According to NAN, the two-day championship will be taking place at the Peninsula Hotel, Lekki from Saturday, September 26, 2026 to Sunday, September 27, with players competing in Divisions A and B.
Jimoh, popularly known as the “Scrabble Assassin” has been in impressive form, winning titles in recent championships.
However, he faces a tough task as several top players will be aiming to dethrone him and claim the title he won last year.
Jomoh, is expected to battle through 18 rounds of games in his bid to retain the title.
The defending champion will also begin his campaign against Khaleel Adedeji, in the opening round.
Other leading contenders include Grand Master John Ayedun, current African champion Oluwatimilehin Doko, Tega Okiemute, Hakeem Olaribigbe and Ghanaian Charles Tachie-Menson.
Tachie-Menson won the Lekki Scrabble Classics title in 2024.
The tournament will also introduce a Children’s Category for players under 12 years.
Organisers of the championship said the new category was a strategic platform for discovering and nurturing young players for the future.
Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) Pan African Scrabble Association (PANASA) and the World English-Language Scrabble Players Association have rated the tournament
Sports
Akorede Shines: Jordan FA’s Star Player Crowned MVP of Elite Super League 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Aliyu Akorede Oladejo, a talented player from Jordan FA, has been crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025.
Akorede’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious award, which was presented during the medal and trophy ceremony on Sunday in Lokoja.
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Akorede’s impressive display on the field was matched by his teammates, with two Jordan FA players making the Elite Super League Best 11.
The players are Akorede himself, who played as right forward, and Hashim Kings, who anchored the defense as central defender.
Jordan FA garnered 20 points, finishing as runner-up behind league champions Reigners FC, who accumulated 22 points.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents and gain exposure to scouts and clubs.
The tournament featured six teams and ran from June 13 to July 20 at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
Haziel emphasized the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development, stating that with the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
Sports
Afriskaut Stars Unite: Super Team Clashes with Reigners FC on Sunday
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the best young talents in the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 come together to take on the reigning champions.
The super team will face off against Reigners FC in a highly anticipated match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Sunday, July 27.
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The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, concluded with Reigners FC emerging as champions after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Bako.
The six-team tournament showcased young talents and provided exposure to scouts and clubs.
Reigners FC topped the table with 22 points, followed closely by Jordan FA with 20 points, and Flamingo FC with 17 points.
The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with the young players displaying their skills and determination on the field.
A 21-player super team has been selected from the participating teams, comprising talented young players who will train with Reigners FC, the champions of the tournament.
This selection promises to bring together the best of the young talents in the league.
The Golden Boot and Bronze Boot awards for the top scorer and best goalkeeper, respectively, will be presented to the winners after the super team’s training session with Reigners FC on Sunday.
Jordan FA’s Commitment to Developing Young Talents:
Despite losing in the final match, Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
He emphasised the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.”
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
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