Sports
North Korea’s Olympic Return Sparks Hope For A Brighter Future
In a heartwarming display of unity, North Korean gymnast An Chang-ok was seen applauding and hugging her rivals, including American Simone Biles, at the women’s vault final in Paris. This moment of camaraderie has raised hopes that the secretive state may be partially reopening after a period of deep isolation.
North Korea’s participation in the 2024 Olympics, after skipping the Tokyo Games, signals a “remarkable” return to the international fold, according to experts. The country’s athletes have won two silvers and surprised commentators with their skills.
As An Chang-ok grinned and waved for TV cameras, it was a rare glimpse into the life of a young woman from a country known for its secrecy. Her interactions with fellow athletes were a testament to the power of sports to bridge even the deepest divides.
“This is a remarkable moment,” said Jean H Lee, a former Associated Press journalist who opened the US news agency’s first bureau in Pyongyang. “North Korea is making the effort to rejoin the international community, regardless of what’s happening with their nuclear program.”
The North’s nuclear ambitions are an enduring cause of tension with the South and the US. But in Paris, athletes from the three nations put aside their differences, united by their love of sport.
As the world watches, North Korea’s athletes are making a statement that they are more than just representatives of their country – they are ambassadors of hope for a more unified future.
Salah, Hakimi, Guirassy Make 2025 Ballon d’Or Shortlist
Three African football stars have been named among the 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or, cementing their place among the game’s global elite.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy were all recognised for their outstanding performances during the 2024/25 season.
Guirassy’s Record-Breaking Season
Guinea international, Serhou Guirassy, enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign with Borussia Dortmund, making Champions League history by scoring 10 goals — the highest ever by a Dortmund player in a single season.
The prolific striker’s domestic form was equally devastating, highlighted by a stunning four-goal display against Union Berlin.
He ended the season with 38 goals across all competitions, proving decisive in Dortmund’s deep European run and domestic challenge.
Hakimi’s Historic Campaign
Moroccan full-back, Achraf Hakimi, was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain’s historic treble-winning season.
The 25-year-old scored in both the UEFA Champions League final and the Coupe de France final, finishing the campaign with 11 goals and 16 assists — remarkable numbers for a defender.
Widely hailed as the best right-back in the world, Hakimi’s attacking threat and defensive solidity were crucial to PSG’s dominance.
Salah’s Premier League Masterclass
Liverpool’s talisman, Mohamed Salah, once again underlined his world-class status by leading the Reds to the Premier League title.
The Egyptian forward topped both the goals and assists charts, scoring 29 times and setting up 18 more.
With 47 goal involvements in total, Salah’s influence on Liverpool’s season was unmatched, further cementing his legacy as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players.
The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony will crown the world’s best footballer later this year, with African fans hoping one of their own can lift the coveted golden ball.
D’Tigress Hit Jackpot as Zenith Bank Rewards African Queens with N200m
Zenith Bank Plc has hosted Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, at a colourful reception in Abuja, rewarding the African champions with N200 million for clinching a record fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title.
The reception, held at the bank’s headquarters, came a day after the team’s triumphant return from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, where they defeated Mali 78–64 in Sunday’s final to extend their dominance on the continent.
On arrival in Abuja, the players were also received by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who conferred National Honours of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on the team and announced cash rewards.
Zenith Bank, sole sponsors of the Women’s National Basketball League for the past 18 years, took pride in the fact that some D’Tigress stars honed their skills in the league.
They include 2022 MVP Murjanatu Musa of Air Warriors, Ifunanya Okoro, and current head coach Rena Wakama, who once starred for First Bank Women’s Basketball Club.
The reception was attended by Zenith Bank’s top executives, including Executive Directors Adobi Nwapa, Akin Ogunranti, Henry Oroh and Louis Odom.
Also present were Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko; President of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF), Musa Kida; and members of his board.
Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Zenith Bank, Dr Adaora Umeoji (OON), commended the players for bringing glory to Nigeria and reaffirmed the bank’s unwavering support for women’s basketball.
“Your victory at the 2025 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket is not just a win for Nigeria, it is a win for African sports,” she said.
“At Zenith Bank, we celebrate your triumph not just as supporters, but as longstanding partners in the development of women’s basketball in Nigeria. We will continue to stand by you as you aim for global excellence.”
Speaking on behalf of the players, team captain and tournament MVP Amy Okonkwo expressed gratitude to the bank for its consistent investment in women’s basketball.
“You have done so much for the growth of the game in Nigeria, and we are truly grateful,” she said.
With the latest Afrobasket crown, D’Tigress have cemented their status as Africa’s most dominant women’s basketball team, raising hopes of a strong showing on the world stage.
FC Barcelona is set to pay Lionel Messi the remaining €5.95 million from his deferred salary during the 2020 season by Monday, marking the final installment in a payment plan agreed upon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The payment relates to a portion of Messi’s salary that was postponed as part of financial adjustments made when Barcelona was under severe economic strain.
The agreement, made in 2020, ensured the balance would be paid in phases, and with this final installment, Barcelona will have fulfilled all outstanding commitments to the Argentine legend.
Messi had agreed to defer part of his wages to support the club’s financial recovery, showcasing his commitment to the team’s well-being.
This move officially closes the financial chapter between the club and its greatest-ever player, nearly three years after his departure to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.
Messi, now with Inter Miami, remains a beloved figure at Barça, with ongoing talks about a possible tribute match at the Camp Nou once renovations are complete.
The total deferred wage payment to Messi amounts to €47.6 million, with Barcelona making eight scheduled payments from December 2021 to June 2025.
Other players, including Ronald Araújo, Pedri, Ansu Fati, and Iñaki Peña, are also expecting similar payments as part of agreements made during the financial strain of the pandemic.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, had previously confirmed that the club would continue to pay Messi’s deferred wages until 2025, stating, “We have outstanding payments to Messi until 2025. What is owed to him is the deferral of the wage bill that was agreed with the previous board and that produces outstanding payments that end in 2025. He is paid religiously”.
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