Sport
Ademola Lookman Presents His CAF Player of the Year Award to President Tinubu
Ademola Lookman has officially presented his CAF Player of the Year award to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the president’s visit to Lagos. The Atalanta winger was welcomed by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu before meeting with President Tinubu at the Government House on Friday.
Lookman clinched the prestigious title of Africa’s best player last December at a grand event in Marrakech, Morocco, becoming the second Nigerian in a row to win it after Victor Osimhen in 2023. His standout performances at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire earned him widespread praise.
He scored three goals, provided an assist, and was a key force in Nigeria’s journey to the final. Lookman also delivered one of the most memorable performances of the season in Europe, scoring a stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final to lead Atalanta past Bayer Leverkusen.
Fenerbahçe have entered the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, a player Galatasaray are hoping to bring back this summer. Reports from Ekol Sports reveal that Fenerbahçe’s president, Ali Koç, has tabled the highest offer so far to Napoli in an attempt to lure the Nigerian forward to their squad.
Galatasaray, who had Osimhen on loan last season, are also keen to keep him permanently. The 25-year-old played a vital role in their success last season, helping the club secure both the Turkish Cup and the Super Lig title. Although Galatasaray have made their offer, they’re still waiting for Osimhen to make a final decision.
The Super Eagles star is currently on summer break and hasn’t revealed where he plans to play next season. Several top clubs across Europe and beyond are monitoring his situation. Aside from Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray, Juventus, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Saudi giants Al Hilal have all shown interest.
However, sources close to Osimhen say his first option is to rejoin Galatasaray on a permanent deal, but only if a move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs doesn’t materialize during this summer transfer window.
Former Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has shared his top picks for this year’s Ballon d’Or. With the winner set to be announced in September, many names are in the running, but Figo believes three players stand out.
The Portuguese icon pointed to Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Vitinha as his favourites to take home football’s biggest individual honour. “All three had incredible seasons with their clubs,” Figo said in a chat with Sport Bible.
He added, “There are plenty of players who deserve it based on how they performed. But in the end, it depends on what matters more; your individual stats or the trophies you’ve won.” Figo also admitted the final decision is out of his hands, saying, “It’s not up to me, but I personally like players like Lamine, Vitinha, and Dembele; they’ve all been outstanding this season.”
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his desire to have Kylian Mbappe and Endrick back on the pitch as soon as possible. Ancelotti shared his thoughts after Los Blancos sealed a comfortable 3-0 win over RB Salzburg in the FIFA Club World Cup, thanks to goals from Vinicius Junior, Valverde, and Gonzalo Garcia.
Both Mbappe and Endrick missed the game, with Mbappe sidelined due to gastroenteritis and Endrick still nursing a hamstring injury. “We want Mbappe back fully fit,” Ancelotti said after the match. “I can’t say for sure if he’ll feature on Tuesday against Juventus, but we’re hopeful.”
He also gave an update on Endrick’s condition, saying, “He’s still recovering, but we expect him to join the squad in the US for training. I’m counting on him for what’s ahead.”
