Sport
NFF Announces Date for 2025 President Federation Cup Draw
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially revealed the schedule for the 2025 President Federation Cup for both men and women. The highly anticipated national draw is set to take place on Friday, April 11, at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja.
For the men’s competition, two clubs from each of the 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will compete in the Round of 64 after earlier eliminations in the qualifying rounds.
Meanwhile, the women’s tournament kicks off with the Round of 32 and progresses through the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semi-finals, and the grand finale.
The men’s Round of 64 matches are scheduled for Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, followed by the Round of 16 on Wednesday, May 14.
The quarterfinals will be played on Thursday, June 5, and the semi-finals on Wednesday, June 18. Both competitions will conclude with the final on Saturday, June 28, 2025.
The stakes are high for the men’s tournament, as the winner will represent Nigeria in the 2025-26 CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing their talent on the continental stage.
The defending champions, El-Kanemi Warriors and Rivers Angels, who claimed the men’s and women’s titles in 2024, will look to defend their crowns against fierce competition.
Saudi club Al-Hilal has given Victor Osimhen a deadline this Friday to decide on their transfer offer. The Blue Waves are ready to activate the €75 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract, while also offering the Nigerian striker a lucrative deal worth €30 million per season.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs reports that Al-Hilal remains hopeful Osimhen will say yes. This isn’t their first try to sign him—Al-Hilal first showed interest back in January 2023. Last summer, Osimhen agreed to join another Saudi team, Al-Ahli, but Napoli pushed for a higher fee, delaying the move.
France head coach Didier Deschamps has thrown his full support behind Ousmane Dembélé as a top contender for this year’s Ballon d’Or. Speaking ahead of their UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Spain—a team featuring another strong candidate, Lamine Yamal—Deschamps praised Dembélé’s incredible season.
Just days ago, Dembélé helped Paris Saint-Germain lift the Champions League trophy and was crowned Player of the Season. The win capped off a historic campaign for PSG, who also clinched the Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France to complete a remarkable Treble.
Deschamps said, “The Nations League and even the Club World Cup could still shape opinions, but if I had to pick right now, it’s Ousmane—no doubt. Ask the Spanish, they’ll likely back their own, but for me, with the season he’s had, Ousmane deserves it.”
Portugal head coach Roberto Martinez has backed midfielder Vitinha to win the Ballon d’Or after a standout season with Paris Saint-Germain. Vitinha played a key role in PSG’s incredible treble-winning campaign, helping them secure the Ligue 1 title, the Coupe de France, and a dominant 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.
Speaking after Portugal’s 2-1 win over Germany in the UEFA Nations League, Martinez praised the midfielder’s impact. “Vitinha has been vital to PSG’s success this season,” he said. “He’s been at the heart of everything they’ve achieved. He deserves the Ballon d’Or.” Despite Martinez’s strong support for Vitinha, many see his PSG teammate Ousmane Dembele as the current frontrunner for the award.
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