CFMOTO Partners with Ikorodu City FC Ahead of New Season

CFMOTO, the renowned motorcycle and ATV brand, has officially entered into a partnership with Ikorodu City FC, marking the first major sponsorship deal for the club ahead of the 2025/2026 football season. This partnership aims to bolster the club’s preparations for the upcoming campaign and further enhance its presence in Nigerian football.

The announcement was made during a brief ceremony at the club’s training grounds, with representatives from both CFMOTO and Ikorodu City FC present to sign the deal. The sponsorship is set to cover various aspects of the club's operations, including kit sponsorship, promotional activities, and community outreach initiatives.

"We are thrilled to welcome CFMOTO on board as our official sponsor," said Dennis Oduwole, head coach of Ikorodu City FC. "This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for our club as we continue to build and grow. CFMOTO’s support will provide our players with the resources they need to excel, both on and off the pitch."

CFMOTO’s sponsorship is expected to provide the club with enhanced funding for player development, new equipment, and vital team-building activities. The brand’s logo will feature prominently on the team’s matchday kits, offering a fresh look for the team’s faithful fans as they head into the new season.

The club’s General Manager, Tunde Adeyemi, expressed his excitement about the collaboration: "This is just the beginning of many more strategic partnerships. CFMOTO shares our vision of success and community engagement, and we look forward to a long and prosperous partnership together."

For CFMOTO, this partnership represents an exciting venture into the world of sports sponsorship. "We are proud to support Ikorodu City FC and look forward to being part of their journey towards success," said Adedayo Ogunjobi, CFMOTO’s Marketing Manager. "Football has a unique way of bringing people together, and we’re excited to be a part of that with Ikorodu City FC."

This partnership is expected to provide the club with a financial boost and increase its visibility as it prepares for the upcoming Nigerian Premier Football League season. Fans are already eagerly anticipating the new kits and team updates as the season approaches.

Ikorodu City FC will kick off their campaign in the NPFL with high hopes, and with this new partnership, they are primed to challenge for top honors in the coming season.

South Africa Crush Australia in T20 Thriller

South Africa put on a masterclass in power-hitting and precision bowling to secure a resounding victory over Australia in an electrifying T20 clash on Tuesday night

Winning the toss and electing to bat, the Proteas got off to a blistering start, with their openers setting the tone through aggressive stroke play. Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks combined for a rapid-fire partnership that kept the scoreboard ticking at over nine runs an over. The momentum continued as Aiden Markram and David Miller unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the middle overs, propelling South Africa to a daunting total.

In reply, Australia’s chase faltered early when their top order was dismantled by Kagiso Rabada’s fiery pace and Tabraiz Shamsi’s spin wizardry. Despite a brief resistance from Glenn Maxwell, the visitors found themselves struggling under scoreboard pressure. Regular breakthroughs by the Proteas ensured there was no way back for the Aussies.

South Africa eventually sealed the win by a commanding margin, with the home crowd erupting in celebration. The result serves as a huge boost for the Proteas ahead of their upcoming series, while Australia will be forced to regroup and address their shortcomings.

South Africa Edge Guinea 2–1 to Keep CHAN Hopes Alive

South Africa boosted their African Nations Championship (CHAN) campaign on Monday, August 11, with a vital 2–1 victory over Guinea in their second Group C match at the Mandela National Stadium.

Bafana Bafana’s locally-based side, under coach Helman Mkhalele, entered the contest knowing that only a win would strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage after an opening-day draw with DR Congo. They started with intent, pressing high and controlling possession in the early stages.

The breakthrough came in the 22nd minute when defender Thabiso Mokoena rose highest to meet Sipho Khumalo’s corner, powering home a header that left the Guinean goalkeeper rooted. South Africa continued to create chances, with forward Ashley Cupido forcing two sharp saves before halftime.

Guinea attempted to respond after the break but were caught on the counter in the 63rd minute. Lebo Mofokeng latched onto a through ball from Thabang Monare and calmly slotted past the advancing keeper to double the lead.

A late push from Guinea saw substitute Ibrahima Soumah score in added time after a scramble in the box, but South Africa held firm to claim all three points.

The win moves South Africa to four points, level with Uganda ahead of their final group fixture against the Cranes, which will determine who advances to the quarter-finals. Guinea, bottom of the group with two defeats, now require a miracle to progress

John Utaka Appointed Head of Montpellier Women's Team

Former Super Eagles winger John Utaka has taken a significant step in his coaching career as he is named the new head coach of Montpellier’s women’s team.

The 42-year-old, who played for Montpellier between 2011 and 2013 and helped them win their first-ever Ligue 1 title in 2012, returns to the club in a new capacity.

Utaka’s appointment marks a major milestone as he transitions from youth development roles into senior team management. He previously worked with Montpellier’s youth teams and has earned praise for his technical understanding and ability to mentor young talent.

The former Nigeria international expressed gratitude for the opportunity and vowed to give his all to the role. “It’s an honour to be trusted with this responsibility. I’m looking forward to helping this team grow and succeed,” Utaka said during his unveiling.

Montpellier officials described the move as part of a long-term strategy to strengthen the women's side with experience, vision, and continuity.

Utaka is expected to bring energy and fresh ideas to the dugout as Montpellier prepares for the new season in the French women’s league.

News Brief: AfroBasket 2025 Set to Tip Off in Angola This Augusta

Luanda, Angola – The stage is set for the 31st edition of FIBA AfroBasket, as the continent’s premier men’s basketball attournament begins from August 12 to 24, 2025 in Angolan cities Luanda and Namibe. Teams will compete across two venues: the iconic Kilamba Arena in Luanda and Pavilhão Welwitschia Mirabilis in Namibe.

Here’s how the group stage looks:

• Group A (Namibe): Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Rwanda
• Group B (Luanda): Tunisia (defending champions), Nigeria, Cameroon, Madagascar
• Group C (Namibe): Angola (hosts), South Sudan, Guinea, Libya
• Group D (Luanda): Senegal, Egypt, Mali, Uganda

Group play runs from August 12 to 17, with top teams advancing to quarter-finals starting August 18, and the final scheduled for August 24 in Luanda.

Amidst intense preparations and full training camps, the AfroBasket promises high-level continental competition—fans across Africa await action, drama, and new basketball legends in the making.

Grace Towobola Joins Shooting Stars as Strength & Conditioning Coach

In a move set to boost the physical preparedness of one of Nigeria’s most historic football clubs, Grace Towobola has been officially appointed as the Strength & Conditioning Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

Towobola, a certified performance specialist and one of the few female professionals in her field in Nigeria, brings a wealth of experience in sports science and athlete conditioning to the Oluyole Warriors.

A graduate of the University of Lagos, Grace holds certifications from FIFA Medical Diploma in Football Medicine and International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA), with special focus in Human Performance, Strength Training, and Injury Prevention. Her work has previously spanned across grassroots football, elite athlete rehabilitation, and academic research in sports performance.

Before joining 3SC, Towobola worked with several youth academies and professional athletes, including elite sprinters and footballers in Lagos and Abuja. She was instrumental in designing holistic performance programs that integrated strength, recovery, and nutrition.

Her appointment is being viewed as a strategic one by the 3SC management, who are keen to improve the team’s fitness levels and reduce the risk of injuries ahead of the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

Speaking on her new role to the media, Towobola said:

“I’m honored to join a club with such rich history and passionate supporters. Physical conditioning is not just about lifting weights—it’s about building durable, agile, and mentally strong athletes. I’m excited to contribute to a successful season with 3SC.”

Her arrival marks another milestone for female professionals in Nigerian football, especially in roles historically dominated by men. Shooting Stars now becomes one of the few NPFL clubs with a female staff member in a performance role.

Club insiders reveal that Towobola has already commenced player assessments and will oversee preseason conditioning sessions in Ibadan starting next week.

This move underscores Shooting Stars' intent to modernize their backroom staff and embrace science-led player development.

African Stars Dominate Ballon d'Or 2025 Shortlists

By Daniel Irom – August 7, 2025

Paris, France — Africa will have strong

representation when the winners of the 2025 Ballon d'Or awards are unveiled in Paris on September 22, with six standout players from the continent earning nominations across multiple categories.

The global football community was abuzz on Thursday following the release of the official shortlist by France Football, with top African talents nominated in both the men’s and women’s awards.

Three African players were named among the 30 finalists for the prestigious Men’s Ballon d'Or:

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt/Liverpool): The Egyptian forward played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s Premier League title-winning campaign, delivering consistent performances and vital goals throughout the season.

• Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain): The Moroccan fullback was instrumental in PSG’s historic treble-winning season, contributing 11 goals and 16 assists, including a memorable goal in the UEFA Champions League final.

• Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund): Guirassy enjoyed a breakthrough year with Dortmund, scoring 38 goals across all competitions and helping the German club reach the Champions League final.

Their inclusion underscores Africa’s rising influence at the top level of European football.Banda, Chawinga, Nnadozie Represent African Women on the Global Stage

In the Women’s Ballon d’Or category, two African forwards were recognised for their standout contributions:

• Barbra Banda (Zambia): The Orlando Pride striker continued her red-hot form from last season into 2025, helping her club to a strong finish in the NWSL and impressing at international level.

• Temwa Chawinga (Malawi): The Malawian star shone brightly in China’s Women’s Super League, finishing as one of the top scorers while also representing her nation in international fixtures.

Meanwhile, Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Paris FC) was named among the final contenders for the Women’s Yashin Trophy, awarded to the world’s best goalkeeper. The Super Falcons shot-stopper has been in fine form for club and country, earning praise for her commanding displays.

African Nominees by Category

Award Category	African Nominees
Men’s Ballon d’Or	Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Serhou Guirassy
Women’s Ballon d’Or	Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga
Women’s Yashin Trophy	Chiamaka Nnadozie

This year’s nominations mark a significant milestone for African football, with the continent fielding multiple candidates in nearly all major Ballon d'Or categories. It reflects not only individual brilliance but also the growing impact of African players at the elite level of the game.

The winners will be officially announced at the Ballon d'Or gala in Paris on Sunday, September 22, 2025.