President of the Confederation of African Football, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, has expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic road accident in Zambia that resulted in the deaths of seven players from Chavuma Town Council Football Club.

In his statement, Dr. Motsepe extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased players, as well as to the Football Association of Zambia, its President Andrew Kamanga, and the people of Zambia.

The accident occurred while the Chavuma Town Council Football Club was en route to a North Western Province Division One League match.

The CAF President also offered prayers for the swift recovery of those injured and for God’s comfort to the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims, as well as to the Football Association of Zambia.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS. 

The Confederation of African Football has scheduled Nigeria’s final qualifying match for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations against Rwanda for Monday, 18th November.

This important Matchday 6 encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, marking the conclusion of Group D’s qualification race for the next AFCON set to occur in Morocco from December 2025 to January 2026.

CAF has appointed Moroccan officials for the match, with Samir Guezzaz serving as the referee. The match is set to kick off at 5 PM Nigeria time.

Meanwhile, for Nigeria’s Matchday 5 clash against Benin Republic in Ivory Coast on Thursday, 14th November, which will start at 8 PM Nigeria time, CAF has designated Senegalese officials for that encounter.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year.

Last season, she achieved a remarkable feat, leading Barcelona to a historic quadruple by securing every possible trophy at the club level.

The 26-year-old enjoyed a standout season, scoring a career-best 19 goals across all competitions.

Bonmati also played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph in the inaugural Women’s Nations League, netting four goals, including one in the final match against France, which ended in a 2-0 victory.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman has been recognized as the 14th-best male footballer in the world.

The 27-year-old was honored at the Ballon d’Or ceremony held on Monday in Paris, France, where he was listed among the top 15 players globally.

Lookman is the only African player to feature on the 30-player shortlist for the 2024 Ballon d’Or prize and is the second Nigerian to receive a nomination in two years, following Victor Osimhen’s recognition in 2023.

In this year’s rankings, Lookman outperformed notable players such as Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and William Saliba.

Last season, he scored 17 goals and provided 11 assists across all competitions, leading Atalanta to the Europa League title.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time, recognizing him as the best footballer of the year.

He is the first player in the club’s history to receive the Ballon d’Or, having claimed the award ahead of Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Junior and England’s Jude Bellingham.

The 28-year-old player, who lost just one match last season for both club and country, received the prestigious award in Paris after contributing to Spain’s victory in Euro 2024 in July.

In addition to his international success, Rodri played a crucial role in helping Manchester City secure the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles.

REPORTER: SAMUEL ADELEKE, ADBN NEWS.