Converseer

Category: Sports

  • Nigerian teenage footballer sentenced to 6 months jail for sexual act without consent in Norway

    Nigerian teenage footballer sentenced to 6 months jail for sexual act without consent in Norway

    By Joe Udo

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Nigerian Flying Eagles midfielder, Daniel Daga, has been sentenced to six months in prison by a Norwegian court after being found guilty of committing a sexual act without consent.

    The 19-year-old, who plays for Molde FK, was also ordered to pay 10,000 Norwegian kroner ($920) in legal costs, according to TV 2 Norway.

    The case stems from an incident reported to Norwegian police in late April 2025.

    Daga was charged under Section 297 of the Norwegian Penal Code, which deals with sexual activity without consent. During court proceedings, prosecutors requested a six-month sentence, which the court upheld. Limited details about the incident have been made public.

    Daga’s lawyer, Astrid Bolstad, said the player was disappointed with the ruling and maintains that the encounter was consensual. She added that the verdict is not legally binding and that Daga intends to appeal.

    “He is very upset about the verdict. He believes he is innocent and that everything happened with consent,” Bolstad told TV 2.

    “The verdict is not legally binding yet. He should be treated like anyone else until the case is finalised.”

    Molde FK confirmed that the player will not be included in the club’s matchday squad until further notice. Club chairman Tarje Nordstrand Jacobsen described the situation as “very demanding” and said the club respects the seriousness of the matter, while also ensuring employee welfare.

    Converseer reports that Daniel Daga hails from Benue State, North Central Nigeria. He plays for the Under-20 national team.

  • Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde dies at 88

    Former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde dies at 88

    By Joe Udo

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – Veteran Nigerian football tactician and former Super Eagles coach, High Chief Festus Adegboye Onigbinde, is dead.

    He passed away at the age of 88 after decades of remarkable contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.

    Widely respected for his discipline, tactical depth, and commitment to grassroots football, Onigbinde coached the Nigeria national football team and played a key role in shaping the country’s football legacy.

    His death marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, as tributes continue to pour in from the sporting community and admirers across the nation.

    Mourning the tactician, President Bola Tinubu via a statement by his Special Adviser to the President, Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, sympathised with Onigbinde’s family and associates.

    The President also extended his condolences to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the National Sports Commission (NSC), professional colleagues and fans of the administrator who distinguished himself as the first indigenous coach of the Super Eagles in 1982.

    Tinubu commended the contributions of the Modakeke High Chief to the development of grassroots football and to the strengthening of football administration in Nigeria.

    The President acknowledged the historic leadership of Chief Onigbinde, who guided the Super Eagles to the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984.

    President Tinubu stated that the accomplished football manager will be remembered for his discipline, integrity, foresight, and passion for the round-leather game.

    The President prayed for the repose of the departed and comfort for his family. It concludes.

  • Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle makes 19 demands for contract extension, including $130,000 monthly salary, SUV, house

    Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle makes 19 demands for contract extension, including $130,000 monthly salary, SUV, house

    By Our Reporter

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Super Eagles of Nigeria coach, Eric Chelle, has reportedly made 19 demands to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for a contract extension.

    The 19 conditions are as follows:

    1. Private car (SUV) with a chauffeur and security.

    2. House in a well-secured environment with 24-hour uninterrupted power supply (electricity).

    3. Furnished office with a projector for analysis.

    4. Internet provision.

    5. Flight tickets for wife and two children (Eric and wife Business class) children economy.

    6. GPS provision.

    7. Supply of proper equipment in accordance with the coach’s demand.

    8. Based on opponents, the coach has the right of choice regarding international friendly matches.

    9. Camping programmes.

    10. The coach will initiate programmes for youth development.

    11. Provision for the coach to travel, watch, monitor and engage players of the national teams abroad.

    12. Provision for the coach to travel to watch the local league to identify potential players that will be integrated in to senior national team, A U23, U20 and U17.

    13. No Interference in team selection and players call up.

    14. The NFF has to issue a working contract for my staff.

    15. Salary needs to be paid on or before the 30th of every month.

    16. Bonus and allowance as per the federation structure.

    17. Request to include my PA in the bonus and allowance structure.

    18. Proposed salary of $130,000.00 (One hundred and thirty thousand dollars) monthly. The amount included all my technical staff and PA.

    19. Monthly meeting with all the national team coaches.

  • Winter Olympics 2026: Ilia Malinin sets sights on World Championships

    Winter Olympics 2026: Ilia Malinin sets sights on World Championships

    MILAN (CONVERSEER) – Ilia Malinin is set to make his return to the global figure skating stage.

    The two-time and reigning world champion confirmed Tuesday (17 February) to Olympics.com that he’ll go for three world titles in a row, something not done since his American compatriot Nathan Chen did so from 2018 to 2021.

    The 2026 ISU World Figure Skating Championships are set for 23-29 March in Prague, Czechia.

    “I’m looking forward to getting myself that ‘redemption competition’, as I like to call it,” Malinin said in a one-on-one interview.

    “I’m definitely looking at that and I can be satisfied with it if everything goes well.”

    Going into the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, Malinin had won 12 international events in a row, dating back to November 2023. He finished in eighth in the men’s singles event.

    Malinin said he’s already taking learnings from his Olympic debut experience: “I didn’t understand how much that pressure was going to get to me,” he explained. “I thought I had it under control… but for some reason, I really didn’t understand it.”

    Malinin will go head-to-head with newly-crowned Olympic champion Mikhail Shaidorov, a longtime friend of his, at the Worlds.

    Malinin was lauded globally for congratulating Shaidorov for his win, just seconds after the American had received his scores.

    “That exchange with Mikhail, it was just natural,” Malinin explained. “For me, that’s how I am always.”

    Malinin has highlighted this season just how much expectation is put on skaters, and how close the greater community of athletes is – no matter where they’re from.

    “I think people that are outside of skating don’t really think that we’re close… they think we’re rivals or have something between us, but that’s not really true,” he said. “We have a competitive rivalry between all of us, and it’s the reason why we like to push each other to go further and further in the sport, really bringing the level of sport up.

    He continued: “We’re all human beings, so it’s really nice to you know congratulate your friends when they have an amazing skate.”

    (Olympics)

  • Tormod Frostad wins gold in men’s freeski

    Tormod Frostad wins gold in men’s freeski

    • Mac Forehand thought he’d done enough with a massive 98.25 — then the Norwegian dropped an even bigger 98.50 on the final run to win Olympic gold in men’s freeski big air.

    Tormod Frostad saved his biggest moment for the biggest stage.

    MILAN (CONVERSEER) – In a dramatic men’s freeski big air final at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 on Tuesday evening (17 February), Frostad sealed gold at the Livigno Olympic Big Air venue with a competition-best 98.50 on his final jump. After opening with 95.25, the Norwegian levelled up with a switch right tail butter double bio 1620 in run two (97.00), then somehow found another gear in run three with a right nose butter double bio 1620 — the huge score that swung the standings back his way and secured the Olympic title on 195.50.

    USA’s Mac Forehand had just hit the front with a huge 98.25 on his final jump, moving to 193.25 — but Frostad answered immediately to snatch gold. Austria’s Matej Svancer completed the podium with bronze on 191.25.

    Forehand knew he would likely move into silver with his second run — but the final jump was something else entirely.

    “I thought of a trick that I could go into first with a couple of days prior with my coaches,” he told Olympics.com. “Got to the top, talked about it, didn’t really want to do it — but they’re like, you could do it for sure.”

    That trick? A nose butter triple cork 2160 — a move he said had never been done before.

    “It was terrifying,” Forehand admitted. “You’re doing something you’ve never done before, the crowd’s cheering, the pressure’s on — but this is the stuff we dream of. I knew I had a shot at winning with that trick.”

    All three medallists were flawless on the night, landing each of their runs in a final where execution mattered as much as difficulty. For context, Birk Ruud, who finished eighth today, won gold in this event at Beijing 2022 with a score of 187.55 — that would have placed him fourth at Milano Cortina.

    The win gives Frostad his first Olympic medal at his second Games — and makes it back-to-back Olympic gold for Norway in the event.

  • Tinubu congratulates Seattle Seahawk’s players Nigerian descent on Super Bowl win

    Tinubu congratulates Seattle Seahawk’s players Nigerian descent on Super Bowl win

    By Our Reporter

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – President Bola Tinubu congratulates players of Nigerian descent who led the Seattle Seahawks to victory in Super Bowl 60 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

    The Seattle Seahawks routed the New England Patriots 29–13 to claim their second Lombardi Trophy.

    A statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, Information & Strategy, indicates that the players of Nigerian descent on the team’s lineup who helped achieve this victory include Jalen Oluwaseun Milroe, quarterback; Nick Emmanwori, a defensive standout; Uchenna Nwosu, a veteran linebacker; Boye Maye, a linebacker; and Olu Oluwatimi, an irrepressible offensive lineman.

    The President also congratulates Michael Onwenu, who played for the other side, the New England Patriots, and is regarded as one of the most dominant offensive linemen.

    It adds, President Tinubu commends all the players for the pride and honour that they have brought to their country of descent, especially Emmanwori, Nwosu, and Maye, who raised Nigeria’s flag after winning the Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

    The President states that these players and their accomplishments affirm Nigerians’ global reputation for excellence and talent.

    President Tinubu wishes them continued success and more victories in their respective careers. It concludes.

  • Nigerian Army Armour School thrills spectators at WASA

    Nigerian Army Armour School thrills spectators at WASA

    By Our Reporter

    ABUJA (CONVERSEER) – The Nigerian Army Armour School, Bauchi, has thrilled spectators at the West African Social Activities (WASA).

    The West African Social Activity (WASA) goes beyond ceremony, it humanises the military by recognising the emotional sacrifices of officers and creating rare space for families to connect with service life.

    WASA reflects a distinct West African military culture, showcasing how African armed forces preserve tradition while strengthening unity and morale. Recognition of Service and Sacrifice.

    The military officers thrilled spectators with different socio- cultural activities even outside their normal military routine.

    The event underscores a universal military value honouring the dedication and personal sacrifices of officers who serve under demanding and often high risk conditions.

    Major General Umar Bishi Abubakar emphasised on vigilance and excellence, highlighting a modern disciplined leadership approach focused on professionalism and accountability.

    The gathering subtly reinforces Nigeria’s role in regional security, presenting the Army as not just a fighting force but an institution grounded in values, welfare, and cohesion.

  • Ailing Werder Bremen sack coach Steffen after 10 games without win

    Ailing Werder Bremen sack coach Steffen after 10 games without win

    BREMEN (DPA, CONVERSEER) – Bundesliga side Werder Bremen have dismissed coach Horst Steffen after only seven months in the job, following a run of 10 consecutive games without victory.

    “It was a difficult decision, but we no longer believe that Horst will be able to turn things around with the team after this long winless streak,” sporting director Clemens Fritz was quoted as saying in a statement released by the club on Sunday.

    Assistant coaches Raphael Duarte and Christian Gross are set to step in in the interim.

    “We are intensively searching for a new head coach and will take the time necessary to find the best solution for Werder,” said Fritz.

    Fritz, however, stressed that Bremen want to bring in a coach who’s not part of the club.

    “The goal is clearly to find an external solution,” he told journalists, adding that the list of candidates has been “narrowed down considerably.”

    “It’s not as if we’re still considering 10 names. We know what we need. We know what we’re looking for.”

    Bremen are only one point above the danger zone in 15th place, after a 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday.

  • Bundesliga leaders Bayern stunned in 2-2 draw with Hamburg

    Bundesliga leaders Bayern stunned in 2-2 draw with Hamburg

    By Nathalia Araújo

    HAMBURG (DPA, CONVERSEER) – Leaders Bayern Munich suffered a second consecutive Bundesliga setback as they were held to a 2-2 draw by SV Hamburg on Saturday.Earlier, Bayer Leverkusen claimed a 3-1 against 10-man Eintracht Frankfurt, while Hoffenheim completed a perfect January with a 3-1 victory against Union Berlin.

    RB Leipzig took the lead against Mainz but fell to a 2-1 defeat, while Werder Bremen scored a last-minute goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach.

    Elsewhere, Augsburg defeated St Pauli 2-1.

    Bayern stunned by Hamburg

    Euphoria took over the Volksparkstadion when Joshua Kimmich fouled Nicolai Remberg inside the box and the referee awarded the hosts a penalty.

    Fabio Vieira was in charge of the spot-kick to give Hamburg the lead in the 34th minute.

    But Kimmich made up for his mistake as he managed to turn a bad pass into an assist for Harry Kane, who hammered it home from close range in the 42nd to level for Bayern.

    It seemed like the match would be business as usual for the Bavarians, who are used to big wins against Hamburg, when Luis Diaz turned the game around in the first minute of the second half.

    Michael Olise’s low pass went through the Hamburg defence and found substitute Diaz, who had been on the pitch for less than a minute. The Colombian then did a spin and fired the ball into the net.

    But Hamburg quickly hit back and Luka Vuskovic headed in the equalizer in the 53rd as both sides shared the point.

    Alphonso Davies cleared the ball on the line to deny Vieira a brace in 74th, while on the other side, goalkeeper Daniel Heuer Fernandes tipped the ball over the crossbar to stop Jamal Musiala from scoring Bayern’s winner in the 90th.

    “I enjoy playing every second for Hamburg. Maybe it would have been more magical if we had scored a third goal, but in the end it was a point against one of the best teams in Europe,” Vuskovic told broadcaster Sky.

    Hamburg moved up to 13th, one point above the relegation zone.

    Last week, Bayern suffered their first league defeat of the season to Augsburg. They top the standings nine points ahead of Borussia Dortmund, who host bottom side Heidenheim on Sunday.

    “Hamburg play a very, very creative game. We conceded too many goal chances. We only claimed a point here and we wanted to win, that’s what annoys me,” Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl told Sky.

    The result was very different from their previous clash in the first half of the season, when Bayern thrashed Hamburg 5-0.

    “We never said the league is easy. It’s a piece of work. Every game has its own story,” Eberl said.

    Leverkusen add up to Frankfurt woes

    Arthur and Malik Tillman gave Leverkusen the lead before the break, but Frankfurt threatened to stage a comeback when Robin Koch pulled one back in the 50th.

    But their plans were frustrated after Ellyes Skhiri saw a second yellow card and was sent off in the 71st, and Aleix Garcia added a third for Leverkusen in stoppage time.

    “That was our best first half in a long time. We can be critical on the second half, but it’s not easy to win 3-1 here. We have to appreciate that,” Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand said.

    Leverkusen remained sixth in the standings, one point from the Champions League spots, while Frankfurt are eighth.

    Frankfurt dismissed coach Dino Toppmöller two weeks ago and haven’t won a match since December 13, 2025.

    Hoffenheim perfect in 2026

    Hoffenheim, meanwhile, completed a perfect run of five league wins in as many games this month.

    Their star striker Andrej Kramaric broke the deadlock from the spot in the 42nd after Fisnik Asllani was brought down inside the box and a lengthy VAR check.

    The Croatian was again on target three minutes later as he headed Bazoumana Toure’s cross past goalkeeper Frederik Rønnow.

    Diogo Leite tried to stop Kramaric from scoring a third, but in the process fired against his own target in the 47th.

    Rani Khedira’s goal for Union in the 68th was not enough to spark a comeback.

    “Everything is going perfectly. We’re playing top-class football,” Kramaric said. “For me, it’s the best squad I’ve been in, in my ten years at Hoffenheim.”

    Hoffenheim are third in the table, while Union are ninth.

  • FIFA announces $4m Prize money for maiden Women’s Champions Cup

    FIFA announces $4m Prize money for maiden Women’s Champions Cup

    By Our Reporter

    LONDON (CONVERSEER) – FIFA has unveiled a prize pool of nearly $4 million for the first-ever FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, setting a new financial benchmark in women’s club football.

    Under the prize structure, the champions of the tournament will earn $2.3 million, the largest single prize payout in the history of the women’s club game. The runners-up at the final, scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the Arsenal Stadium in London, will receive $1 million.

    Clubs knocked out at the semi-final stage will be awarded $200,000 each, while Auckland United FC of New Zealand and Wuhan Chegu Jiangda WFC of China, who exited in the opening round, will each receive $100,000. In total, the six participating teams will share close to $4 million based on performance.

    FIFA made the announcement on Friday via its official X handle.

    Commenting on the prize structure, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said the financial commitment reflects FIFA’s growing confidence in the development of women’s club football worldwide.

    He described the prize fund as a strong statement of belief in the women’s game, adding that it aligns with FIFA’s broader strategy to strengthen elite women’s football through increased investment and structural reforms.

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    Grafström also noted that the Women’s Champions Cup is part of a wider transformation agenda, which includes enhancements to the Women’s International Match Calendar and the launch of new top-tier competitions such as the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup, scheduled to debut in 2028.

    The Women’s Champions Cup features champion clubs from each confederation competing for the intercontinental title. The semi-final matches will take place at Brentford Stadium on Wednesday, January 28, with Gotham FC of the United States set to face Brazil’s Corinthians, while Arsenal Women will square off against Morocco’s ASFAR.