Sport
Spanish Footballer Nico Hidalgo Dies at 32 After Battle With Cancer
Spanish footballer Nico Hidalgo has passed away at the age of 32 after a long battle with lung cancer. His former clubs confirmed the heartbreaking news on Saturday.
Hidalgo started his football journey at Motril, making his senior debut in 2010 before joining Granada B in 2012. In 2014, he signed with Juventus but never featured for the first team, leading to a loan move back to Granada.
His career saw him play for Cádiz, initially on loan before making the move permanent in 2017. He later played for Racing Santander and Extremadura before retiring in 2022, a year after being diagnosed with cancer.
Granada paid tribute to him, saying, “With Nico’s departure, we not only lose a talented footballer but also a remarkable person. The love from his teammates, coaches, staff, and fans will always remain.”
Cádiz also shared a heartfelt message: “We will never forget your smile and joy. Your fight will always inspire us. Rest in peace.”
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade has assured fans that the team is ready to fight for glory at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament kicks off today with hosts Morocco facing Ghana’s Copper Queens in the opening match.
Nigeria will begin their campaign on Sunday against Tunisia at the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca. This will be only the second time both teams are meeting at WAFCON, with their first clash in 2008 ending goalless in Equatorial Guinea. The Super Falcons, who had a disappointing outing three years ago finishing fourth, are determined to bounce back and go for their tenth continental title.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ajibade expressed confidence in the squad’s mindset. “We’re happy to be here and ready to give our all,” she said during a recent CAF webinar. “We know the road won’t be easy, but we’re prepared to give it everything.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has described late Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, as a true symbol of national pride. The party’s spokesperson, Bolaji Abdullahi, shared the tribute in Abuja on Friday, calling Rufai, popularly known as Dodo Mayana, a legend of Nigerian football.
He said Rufai stood out as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever defend Nigeria’s colours, adding that he embodied the courage, brilliance, and determination that define the Nigerian spirit. According to him, Rufai’s time on the pitch was more than just football. With every save and every moment he stepped onto the field, he proudly flew the Nigerian flag with unmatched skill, passion, and grace.
The party also extended heartfelt condolences to Rufai’s family, friends, the football community, and everyone his remarkable legacy touched. They prayed that his memory continues to inspire young Nigerians to dream, to serve, and to rise, just as he did.
The Super Falcons have unveiled their official squad numbers for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Most of the team’s key players will be holding on to their familiar shirt numbers for the tournament.
Asisat Oshoala, six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year and Nigeria’s biggest name, will be rocking the number 8 jersey. Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade also keeps her famous number 15 shirt. First-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie will wear the number 16 jersey, while Benfica’s midfield powerhouse Christy Ucheibe will take on the iconic number 10 shirt.
In defence, the experienced Osinachi Ohale gets number 3, Ashleigh Plumptre keeps number 5, and Oluwatosin Demehin will wear 14. The Super Falcons will kick off their WAFCON campaign against Tunisia this Sunday. The Group B clash is set for the Labri Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
