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Arsenal, WorldRemit Select 5 Nigerian Coaches, 11 Others

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By Dipo Olowookere

A total of 16 applicants from Africa, including five coaches, have been shortlisted by WorldRemit for the Future Stars programme organized in collaborate with Arsenal Foot Club of England.

A statement from WorldRemit stated that the lucky coaches comprise eight women. Entries for Future Stars closed on September 4, 2019, with over 1,400 entries received from coaches from across Africa and the Americas.

Through the programme, WorldRemit will sponsor two winners – one male and one female – to fly to London for a personalised training session with Arsenal Football Development coaches.

A panel of judges from WorldRemit and Arsenal Football Development reviewed the applications and selected based on the commitment of the coach to improving the lives of their community, impact the coach has had on young people within their community, and strength of the coach’s proposal to pass on their training on their return home.

In recognition of their commitment to using football to bring their communities together, the 20 semi-finalists will receive Arsenal shirts for their youth squad.

From the 20 semi-finalists, the judging panel will select eight coaches – four male and four female – as finalists. Their stories will be shared on www.FutureStars.WorldRemit.com in late October and the two winners will be chosen based on a public vote on the website.

Andrew Stewart, Managing Director for Africa and the Middle East, said: “Congratulations to the 16 African semi-finalists!

“Our business is all about connecting communities, no matter where they are in the world. We developed Future Stars to celebrate the amazing work that football coaches do to support young people and have been so impressed by the quality and diversity of the applications this year.”

Simon McManus, Head Coach at Arsenal Football Development, added: “Arsenal is thrilled to partner with WorldRemit to recognise coaches who use the power of football to inspire and support young people across the globe.

“We have one of the most successful women’s sides in the world and are committed to encouraging greater participation in the sport among women. Through this edition of Future Stars, we hope to further amplify the positive impact that female coaches have on their communities.”

WorldRemit and Arsenal launched the second edition of the Future Stars programme in August to recognise the valuable contributions that grassroots youth football coaches make to their communities by teaching the children they train life skills on and off the pitch.

Coaches in the Future Stars shortlist from Africa are

Nigeria

Uzoma Kingsley Akanador, Coach at Unity International Charity Organisation in Lagos.

Ademilokun Oluwaseun David, Coach at XPR Football in Lagos.

Chinasa Ukanda, Coach at Help The Talent Academy in Lagos.

Towobola Grace Iyanuoluwa, Head Coach at Hostel Football Team and Assistant Coach at CityBoys Football Club in Ibadan.

Modupe Marilyn Jiwalde Pusmut, Coach at Future Stars FC Sabon Barki in Jos.

Kenya

Feisal Abdi Hassan, Coach in Nairobi

Beldine Lilian Achieng Odemba, Coach at Kariobangi Sharks Academy in Nairobi.

Susan Wanjiru Njoki, Coach at Kahawa Sportive Soccer Academy in Nairobi.

Everline Achieng Onyango, Coach at Mukuru Starlets in Nairobi.

Ghana

Samuel Taylor, Coach at EM Sporting Club, Accra

Alhassan Iddi Manzah, Coach at Northern Women’s Football Clubs Association in Tamale-Dalun

Uganda

Bakit Isaac Agogo, Coach at Watoto Sports Academy in Gulu.

Andrew Amanya, Coach at Kigezi Soccer Academy in Kabale.

Nabisenke Joan, Coach in Kampala

Zimbabwe

Titus Tongesai Sanagurai, Coach at Big Stuff Youth Soccer Academy in Harare.

Winnet Muranganwa, Coach at Zengeza Busters Soccer Academy in Chitungwiza.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Golf Training, Tournament Hold March 8 in Warri North

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Canaanland Golf and Country Club

By Henry Ovie

A one-day golf training and tournament specifically for girls has been fixed for Sunday, March 8, 2026, in Koko, in the Warri North of Delta State.

A statement from the organisers of the event, Canaan Land Golf Training and Tournament, disclosed that about 50 girls would be accommodated.

Tagged The Biggest Giving Day of the Year, the programme, according to the chief executive of Akogate Group, Mr Felix Aganbi, will entrench the attitude of excellence and develop young, highly quality golfers in terms of their golf quality and personal character.

He urged parents in Nigeria and abroad to allow their daughters to attend the event, saying it will build their confidence.

“The golf training and tournament will introduce girls to golf in a social and engaging environment. It will also help them build confidence, learn vital skills, and connect with others in a friendly community,” he was quoted as saying in the statement on Thursday.

The programme, which will take place at the Canaanland Golf and Country Club, celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political accomplishments of women as well as raises awareness for accelerated gender parity

“Open to girls in years 8-16, the training and tournament provide high-quality coaching to assist the girl child in pursuing excellence in the sport of golf,” Mr Aganbi noted, listing technical skill development, comprehensive fitness and mental conditioning as key features of the training.

“The girls will learn the basics of golf grip, stance, posture alignment, golf rules and etiquette. They will also be taken for an 18-hole playing lesson.

“The training and tournament will broaden opportunities for girls in Nigeria to realise their potential through education.

“Canaanland Country Club shall continue to encourage the education of females, improve the economic position of women and enhance their participation in matters relating to both the family and the society.

“It is also to join hands with the government in making our state a better place to live, campaign for the dismantling of systemic barriers and push for the power of reciprocity and abundant giving,” he disclosed.

Driven by Sir Alfred and Mrs Warami Temile, Mr Aganbi said the “club would continue to provide necessary assistance for the general development of people, especially those who live in the rural areas.”

In a related development, Mr Aganbi said the Oluremi Tinubu Golf Classic would take place on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Canaanland Golf and Country Club, Koko.

“The tournament will attract international talent, create opportunities for emerging players and motivate the next generation to see what is possible in the women’s game,” he stated, adding that over 75 women are expected to participate.

The event is another important step in strengthening the women’s game in Nigeria, delivering significant benefits to the Niger Delta, drawing women, officials and fans to Warri North and boosting tourism and hospitality industries in Delta State.

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Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Top 10 Finishers Share N10m from Aquafina

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Aquafina Top 10 finishers

Aquafina took centre stage at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on 14 February 2026, rewarding the first ten groups to complete the 10-kilometre race with N1 million each. The initiative highlights the brand’s continued investment in fitness, wellness, and the spirit of collective achievement within Nigeria’s growing running community.

Under its campaign theme, “Run am with your Padi of Life,” Aquafina encouraged runners to participate alongside friends, teammates, and running crews, celebrating the role of support systems in pushing limits and sustaining performance.

Throughout the race, Aquafina ensured strong on-course visibility while providing hydration support to help participants maintain energy levels. Its on-ground activations added excitement for both runners and spectators, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the event.

By rewarding groups rather than individual runners, Aquafina spotlighted the value of shared goals and mutual accountability. The N1 million prize elevated the competitive energy of the 10km race while reinforcing the importance of collaboration within Nigeria’s evolving fitness culture.

Widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most prestigious road races, the marathon once again attracted elite athletes, recreational runners, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Within this high-energy environment, Aquafina positioned itself as a trusted hydration partner supporting endurance and peak performance.

Speaking after the race, Funso Elubeku, Assistant General Manager at Seven-Up Bottling Company (SBC), said:

“The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon represents resilience, discipline, and the power of community. Through Aquafina, we ensured participants remained hydrated while celebrating the teamwork and support that helped runners push beyond their limits. Rewarding the first ten finishers underscores our commitment to recognising dedication, performance, and personal achievement.”

Aquafina’s presence at the marathon underscores its broader mission to promote active lifestyles and support platforms that inspire healthier living, strengthening its connection with Nigeria’s fitness community through meaningful engagement.

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Mourinho’s Return to Madrid, a Battle Between Ligue 1 Giants and more: Bet on the Key Champions League Matches!

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1xplayers

On February 24 and 25, the knockout phase return legs of Europe’s most prestigious club tournament will take place. The best sports betting site 1xBet offers a wide selection of markets and the highest odds for these games. Place your bets responsibly via this link and win big!

Inter Milan vs Bodø/Glimt, February 24

The runners-up of last season’s Champions League are in danger of being knocked out of the competition in the knockout phase play-offs. In Bodø, Cristian Chivu’s team lost 1-3 on artificial turf, which Inter aren’t used to playing on. According to the Nerazzurri coach, the poor condition of the pitch was to blame.

Inter are in a difficult situation. However, the team has scored 11 goals in their last 3 home games and is quite capable of making a comeback. The bad news is that Lautaro Martínez will miss the match due to an injury sustained in Norway.

Bodø/Glimt are certainly not in a state of euphoria. After the match, head coach Kjetil Knutsen said that his team had delivered an average performance. If the Norwegians manage to maintain their lead in the return leg, this story will one day be made into a TV series.

W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65

Paris Saint-Germain vs AS Monaco, February 25

0-2, a missed penalty and an injury to the team’s leader by the middle of the first half – it’s difficult to get back into the game after such a start, but not for Paris Saint-Germain, an official partner of 1xBet. In the first match against Monaco, the Parisians equalized before the half-time break and snatched victory in the second half.

Monaco showed that they can surprise any opponent, but in the 2nd leg, the home side will take to the pitch with maximum concentration from the very first minutes. The statistics don’t favor the Monégasques: they’ve only managed to win at PSG’s home ground once in the last 9 years.

Luis Enrique’s team is the clear favorite in the 2nd leg and will try to take another step towards defending its title.

W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4

Real Madrid vs Benfica, February 25

José Mourinho returns to Madrid, but we won’t see him in the technical area. The Portuguese manager got a red card in the emotional match in Lisbon, but even that didn’t make him the star of the show. The glory went to Vinícius Júnior. The Brazilian scored a spectacular goal in the second half, danced provocatively around the corner flag with the Benfica crest, got insulted, and in the end, these events were discussed more than the game itself.

Despite the victory, Real Madrid didn’t look significantly stronger than their opponents. Every now and then, the Eagles took control of the ball and forced Thibaut Courtois to make some incredible saves.

Before the 1st leg, José Mourinho said he wanted the score in the first match to allow his team to fight for a spot in the next stage in Madrid. He got what he wanted, but there’s a feeling that most of his football magic went into Anatoliy Trubin’s goal in the league phase.

W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7

Juventus vs Galatasaray, February 25

Luciano Spalletti had said that his team was going to Istanbul to win, but the final score of 2-5 leaves them with almost no chance of advancing to the round of 16. Barış Yılmaz utterly destroyed the opposition’s left wing, which is where most of the threats to Juventus’s goal came from.

Galatasaray won’t have a fiery support of the stands in Turin. However, the team is in excellent form: in their first 5 matches in February, the Lions have scored 20 goals.

Many believe that Juventus advancing to the next stage would be a miracle. However, in this Champions League campaign, Galatasaray have already lost 1-5 to Eintracht Frankfurt, who are far from being the strongest team, and the Bianconeri must have faith in their abilities.

W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78

We hope that our preview will help you make successful predictions. Follow the principles of responsible gambling, place your bets on the best sports betting site 1xBet via this link and share the victory with your favorites!

SMM 

🏆⚽ Bet on the Champions League knockout phase 2nd legs!

📅 The fate of the tickets to the round of 16 will be decided on February 24 and 25. We’ve compiled a list of the most interesting matches for you:

❓ Inter vs Bodø/Glimt: can last season’s runners-up come back from a 1-3 defeat in the 1st leg?

W1 – 1.302, X – 6.96, W2 – 9.65

🚀 Paris Saint-Germain vs Monaco: in the 1st leg, the Parisians came back from 0-2 down and are looking to take another step towards defending their title.

W1 – 1.29, X – 6.55, W2 – 11.4

🧤 Real Madrid vs Benfica: the Meringues won by a narrow margin in Lisbon, but their opponents cannot be underestimated – even the goalkeeper can score for José Mourinho’s team.

W1 – 1.494, X – 5.08, W2 – 6.7

🔮 Juventus vs Galatasaray: can Luciano Spalletti’s team pull off a miracle after a 2-5 defeat in Istanbul?

W1 – 1.564, X – 4.925, W2 – 5.78

💰 Bet and win with 1xBet!

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