By Favour Bibaikefie

Abuja, Nigeria-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s aspirations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games a national dream, stressing that it is one Africa deserves to realise.

Posting on his official X account on Wednesday, the president highlighted the historic nature of the bid. ,”No African has ever hosted Games,” he noted, urging the Commonwealth to “complete the circle of unity.”

“Nigeria is ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth Games in 2030 – President Bola Tinubu assures,” as the Nigeria Stories puts it.

In a rallying message of political support, Tinubu added: “It’s time for Africa.”

Nigeria’s finally bid will be presented to the evaluation committee this week, with Shehu Dikko leading the delegation alongside sports administrator Bukola Oloade. The Nigerian Olympic Committee confirmed that the country submitted its expression of interest before the March 28, 2025 deadline.

The proposal blends symbolic importance with benefits-proecting upgrades in infrastructure since the 2023 All African Games, potential job creation, a tourism boost, and increased private sector investment.

IduwiniVoice recall that Nigeria previously lost the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid to Glasgow. However, renewed optimism follows the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, over spiralling cost. With Tinubu’s public endorsement, analysts say Abuja’s candidacy now carries fresh weight.

Observers note that the Nigerian delegation must convincingly demonstrate its capacity to manage expenses, secure suitable venues, and establish a legacy that resonates beyond 2030.

If successful, the victory would not only be a milestone for Nigeria but would also mark time in history that the Commonwealth Games are staged on African soil, elevating the continent’s global sporting status.

(c) IduwiniVoice Newspaper

By Derick Peretengboro

Paris witnessed football’s finest as the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards were unveiled at the Théâtre du Monday night. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele etched his name into history by winning the men’s crown, while Barcelona’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati reaffirmed her dominance with a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.

Dembélé, 28, enjoyed a season to remember, leading PSG to Champions League glory with decisive goals, creative brilliance, and consistent leadership. His performances earned him recognition ahead of Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha, both of whom had strong cases for the honour.

For Bonmati, the award further cements her status as the most influential player in women’s football today. Despite Barcelona falling short in the Women’s Champions League final, her vision, control, and unwavering consistency stood out across competitions, making her the undisputed winner.

The evening also celebrated emerging and specialist talents. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal picked up the Kopa Trophy as the best young player, while the Yashin Trophy once again highlighted the exceptional contributions of world-class goalkeepers.

This year’s ceremony reinforced the growing recognition of both men’s and women’s football, showcasing balance, excellence, and the future of the global game.

Here’s the full list of winners at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony:

2025 Ballon d’Or – Winners & Awards

1. Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé

2. Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati

3. Men’s Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yanal

4. Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López

5. Men’s Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Gianluigi Donnarumma

6. Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton

7. Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer): Viktor Gyökeres

8. Women’s Gerd Trophy: Ewa Pajor

9. Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach of the Year): Luis Enrique

10. Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman

11. Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain

12. Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal

13. Socrates Award (Humanitarian/Social Contribution): Xana Foundation

(c) IduwiniVoice

Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup 2024: A Triumph of Unity and Sportsmanship

By Favour Bibaikefie

The 2024 edition of the Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup concluded in grand style, furthering its mission to promote harmony and highlight sporting talent across the state’s diverse ethnic communities.

A Historic Opening Match
The tournament kicked off with a novelty match at Ode-Itsekiri, bringing together a united Itsekiri/Ijaw team to compete against representatives from other ethnic groups. The event coincided with the observance of World Tolerance Day, underscoring the tournament’s theme of fostering peaceful coexistence.

Renowned peace advocate and tournament initiator, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff, along with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) members and ex-Nigerian international football stars such as Sam Sodje and Edema Fuludu, attended the curtain-raiser. They ensured the event’s objectives of inter-ethnic unity and global-standard organization were upheld.

This marked a significant milestone, as it was the first time in over two decades that the Ijaw and Itsekiri ethnic groups, previously divided by conflict, united to form a single team.

Tournament Highlights
Beginning on November 16 and culminating on December 8, the competition showcased the talents of teams representing various ethnic groups across Delta State.

Preliminary Matches
Group-stage games were held at six ethnic hubs:

1. Oleh Township Stadium (Isoko)

2. Kwale Township Stadium (Ndokwa)

3. Nana Model College Stadium (Itsekiri)

4. Ogbe-Ijoh Secondary School Field (Ijaw)

5. Agharho Primary School (Urhobo)

6. Obiaruku Secondary School Field (Ika)

The preliminary rounds reflected a high level of sportsmanship, teamwork, and determination among the participants.

Thrilling Knockouts and a Spectacular Finale
The competition progressed through knockout rounds, leading to a dramatic finale between Team Itsekiri (Ugbomarun FC) and Team Ndokwa (Ndokwa East United FC) in Oreorokpe, Okpe Local Government Area. Team Itsekiri triumphed with a 3-1 victory, claiming the championship.

The journey to the final included quarterfinals held at Obiaruku and Effurun, with semifinals staged in Oleh and Ughelli.

Recognition and Rewards
The tournament rewarded excellence with the following prizes:

Champions (Itsekiri Ugbomarun FC): ₦2 million, gold medals, and a trophy.

Runners-up (Ndokwa East United FC): ₦1.5 million and silver medals.

Third Place (Urhobo’s Udu United FC): ₦1 million and bronze medals.

Fourth Place Team: ₦500,000 and consolation prizes.

Notably, Team Isoko (Winsome FC) was disqualified and banned from the next edition for violating tournament rules.

A Statewide Celebration of Unity
This year’s event drew participation from all three senatorial districts of Delta State. The grand finale reflected this inclusivity, with Team Ndokwa (Delta North), Team Itsekiri (Delta South), and the venue in Delta Central showcasing the unity within the state.

Building Bridges Through Sports
Speaking on the tournament’s impact, Chief Comrade Mulade Sheriff emphasized that the competition extends beyond football. “It is about fostering unity, discovering talent, and celebrating Delta State’s rich cultural diversity,” he said. He added that the tournament remains a platform for nurturing peace and identifying future sports stars.

Looking Ahead
With the successful conclusion of the 2024 edition, plans are already in motion for the sixth installment. Organizers aim to broaden participation, introduce new categories, and solidify the event as a staple in Delta State’s sporting calendar.

The Delta State Ethnic Peace and Unity Cup has once again proven to be a beacon of hope, showcasing how sports can bridge divides and build lasting peace among communities.