Sports
Japan Brings Respect to World Cup: Clean stadium after matches
After an exciting 2–2 draw between Japan and the Netherlands at Dallas Stadium on June 14, 2026, the match wasn’t the only thing that impressed fans.
While most spectators headed for the exits, hundreds of Japanese supporters stayed behind to clean the stands. Using the same blue plastic bags they had waved to support their team, they carefully collected trash from seats and walkways.
This inspiring gesture comes from a Japanese tradition known as “souji”, where children learn from a young age to clean their classrooms and shared spaces themselves. As a result, respecting public places and leaving them spotless becomes second nature.
Whether Japan wins, loses, or draws, their fans are known for cleaning stadiums after matches. The tradition extends to the players too, who often leave their locker rooms spotless, along with thank-you notes and folded origami cranes.
The moment became even more special when NFL star James Winston joined the fans in cleaning the stands while wearing a Japan jersey.
A tradition that began at Japan’s first World Cup in 1998 continues to inspire the world today, showing that respect, discipline, and kindness can leave a lasting impression long after the final whistle
By Son Tertsea
Nigeria advanced into the final of the Under-17 Women’s World Cup for the first time ever as the Flamingos defeated Brazil 3-1 in the semi-final on Wednesday night.
Queen Joseph opened scoring before Awawu Bashiru’s brace sealed the impressive win.
Joseph slotted home from four yards to put Akeem Busari’s side ahead, and the lead was doubled at the 71th minute as Bashiru lofted a cross that sailed over the goalkeeper into the net.
She sealed the win with a well-placed finish at the near post to send Nigerian fans and officials into jubilation.
Brazil’s consolation goal came 89 minutes from Greise Kelly.
All goals were scored in the first half.
Nigerians jubilated a first-ever win against the South Americans as they reached the final in Morocco. It is the first time an African nation will reach the final of the tournament, and Nigeria is set to break its bronze medal feat of 2022.
The fixtures show Nigeria will play Japan who defeated favourites Korea DPR in the other semi-final.
The final match will take place on Saturday, November 7.
By Isa Abdul, Abuja
A Nigerian, Samson Adamu, has been appointed the new General Secretary of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The appointment was disclosed by CAF on Sunday, on its website following a comprehensive recruitment process conducted by the continental football governing body.
Reportedly, Adamu had been serving as acting General Secretary since March, following the resignation of Veron Mosengo-Omba.
Mosengo-Omba subsequently became president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The appointment took a competitive recruitment process, according to sources quoting CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, in the statement on its website as saying that the position was widely advertised and several candidates interviewed.
Adamu has worked with CAF for eight years, serving first as Director of Competitions and later as Director of Tournaments and Events.
“Adamu brings extensive experience in African football administration, having joined CAF in 2018 as Director of Competitions before subsequently serving as Director of Tournaments and Events.
“He has played a leading role in the delivery of several major continental competitions, including CAF’s flagship tournament, the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations,” Motsepe was quoted as saying.
Adamu brings considerable institutional knowledge and experience to his new role as a graduate of the FIFA Master programme in International Management, Law and Humanities of Sport.
Adamu is expected to oversee CAF’s day-to-day administration and support the implementation of its strategic priorities.
He is the son of Amos Adamu, a former Director of Sports in the then Ministry of Sports and a former FIFA Executive Committee member.
The appointment places Adamu among a distinguished line of CAF General Secretaries, including members of Egypt’s Fahmy family.
Mourad Fahmy served from 1961 to 1982, followed by his son, Mustapha Fahmy, from 1982 to 2010, and grandson, Amr Fahmy, who held the position from 2017 to 2019.
Sports
Harry Kane Ends England’s 25-Year Wait As Alexia Putellas Clinches Third Ballon d’Or In Historic London Ceremony
By Felix Umande
England captain Harry Kane and Spain midfielder Alexia Putellas have been crowned winners of the Men’s and Women’s Ballon d’Or at the 70th Ballon d’Or ceremony held at the London Palladium on Monday, October 26, 2026.
It was a historic night as the gala was staged outside France for the first time since its inception in 1956, moving to London to honour Stanley Matthews, the inaugural winner, on the award’s 70th anniversary. The event was co-organised by France Football and UEFA and hosted by Thierry Henry and Kate Scott.
Kane won the Men’s Ballon d’Or after a phenomenal 2025-26 season, scoring 73 goals in 65 competitive matches for Bayern Munich and England. He led Bayern to a league and cup double and England to a third-place finish at the 2026 World Cup.
The 33-year-old becomes the first Englishman to win football’s most prestigious individual prize since Michael Owen in 2001, joining an elite list that includes Sir Stanley Matthews, Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
“It being here in London as well has made it extra special. Thank you to everyone who voted for me. I can imagine it was really tough this year,” an emotional Kane said as the Palladium erupted with chants of “Harry, Harry”.
Kane also claimed the Gerd Müller Trophy for Men’s Best Striker. He beat Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé, who finished second, and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who finished third.
Putellas won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for a third time, after her previous wins in 2021 and 2022, joining compatriot Aitana Bonmati on three titles.
The 32-year-old captained Barcelona Femení to a quadruple — Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup and Women’s Champions League — scoring 26 goals and registering 15 assists in 53 matches, before completing a summer move to Women’s Super League side London City Lionesses.
“I don’t know what to say. This prize is for Barcelona. That so many Barça players were nominated says a lot about the season we had. It was my honour to be your captain,” she said.
She finished ahead of Poland striker Ewa Pajor and Jamaica’s Khadija Shaw.
Spain dominated the night, claiming eight of 13 awards.
Full list of winners at Ballon d’Or 2026:
- Men’s Ballon d’Or: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich / England)
- Women’s Ballon d’Or: Alexia Putellas (Barcelona / Spain)
- Kopa Trophy – Men’s Young Talent: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain) — for a record third consecutive year
- Women’s Young Talent: Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
- Men’s Coach of the Year – Johan Cruyff Trophy: Luis de la Fuente (Spain) — after leading Spain to World Cup glory
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Pere Romeu (Barcelona)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year – Yashin Trophy: Unai Simón (Athletic Club / Spain)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Cata Coll (Barcelona / Spain)
- Men’s Best Striker – Gerd Müller Trophy: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich / England)
- Women’s Best Striker – Gerd Müller Trophy: Charlyn Corral (Pachuca / Mexico)
- Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
- Women’s Club of the Year: Barcelona Femení
- Socrates Award – Humanitarian: Bukayo Saka (Arsenal / England)
The assessment period for the 2026 awards ran from August 3, 2025 to July 19, 2026, including international competitions, with winners decided by specialist journalists voting for their top 10 players.
Kane succeeds Ousmane Dembélé, who won the 2025 edition in Paris.
PERSPECTIVE: Tiv Leaders Must Hear This: While Akwa Ibom Asked For A Future, Tiv Leaders Fight Over A Man
Spread the loveBy Edward Tion I watched the presidential campaign in Akwa Ibom today with a bleeding heart. Not because...
Pursue Unity, Peace, Play Active Role in Nigerian Politics, Deputy Speaker, Kalu Urges Igbo Elites, Leaders
Spread the loveBy Saint Mugaga Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called on Igbo...
2027: Amupitan Seeks Royal Support, Partnership to Discharge Mandate Peacefully, Effectively
Spread the loveBy Isa Abdul The National Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has said...
Place 7-Year Ban On Establishment Of New Tertiary Institutions– Edu Minister Begs NASS
Spread the loveBy Son Tertsea, Abuja The Federal government has appealed to the National Assembly to halt the passage of...
Gov Sule to Security Agencies: Fish Out Sponsors of VP Shettima’s Attackers in Lafia
Spread the loveSDP: attackers APC members against Wadada’s candidacy By Isa Abdul, Abuja Prominent personalities in the state planned and...
Wike’s Entry, Allocation of UniAbuja Land a Breach of Court Order– ASUU
Spread the loveBy Nick Ibe, Abuja The Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) allocation of some hectares of land belonging to...
Alleged 4 Herbal Concoction Consumers Die in Benue
Spread the loveBy Vincent Tyosuugh After consuming a suspected poisonous herbal concoction allegedly sold to residents of Oju Local Government...
BENUE APC Split Deepens As SGF, Stakeholders Shun Alia Campaign Flag-off, Disown Campaign List
Spread the loveBy Felix Umande The crisis rocking the Benue State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) deepened on...
Defence Minister Invites Cybersecurity, Drone, DefenceTech Experts for Collaboration with DICN
Spread the loveBy Nick Ibe, Abuja Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd) has called on Nigerians with expertise in...
Wike’s Rainbow Coalition Faces Storm Over Alleged Split Voting: VP Shettima, SDP, Ondo APC Reject Coalition
Spread the loveBy Son Tertsea, Abuja Nyesom Wike’s Rainbow Coalition has been identified as a split voting device according to...