The newly sworn-in First Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Abubakar Ladan Zurmi, has pledged that the new leadership of the Federation will focus on discovering athletic talents at the grassroots level.

Zurmi made this known on Friday while speaking with journalists in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital.

He said the new executive committee is committed to organizing various competitions aimed at identifying and nurturing young athletes from primary and secondary schools across the country.

“We will engage in talent sourcing. This talent sourcing will start from the grassroots, from primary school, secondary school and the people in the communities whereby we go round local governments, sourcing talents and we will bring these children together, we will organize competitions whereby our children will be more responsible,” he said.

He expressed concern over the current state of athletics in the North-West region, which he represents, noting that the zone has been lagging behind in sports development.

However, he assured that this narrative would change under the new leadership.

“My coming on board, we will ensure the zone (Northwest) where I represent, to revive all sporting activities, not only athletics, but all sporting activities. We will ensure we develop talent and bring unity in sporting activities and we will also look for sponsors and cooperation of our various state governments for the development of sports in the zone.”

Zurmi called on members and stakeholders of the Athletics Federation to unite and work collectively for the growth and progress of athletics in Nigeria.

Lionel Messi netted a stunning free-kick to reach a goalscoring landmark in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Porto at the Club World Cup.

After drawing with Al Ahly on matchday one, Inter Miami fought back from a goal down to claim all three points in their second group game against the Portuguese giants.

Samu Aghehowa netted an eighth-minute penalty to give Porto an early lead, before Telasco Segovia restored parity inside the opening two minutes of the second period.

Just seven minutes later, Messi produced one of his trademark free-kicks to turn the game completely in Inter Miami’s favour.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner whipped an inch-perfect strike over the wall and past Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos at the near post.

Messi’s spectacular strike proved enough to seal all three points, while it also took him to a significant milestone in his Inter Miami career.

The 37-year-old has now scored 50 goals in 61 competitive appearances since he joined the club in the summer of 2023.

The effort also represented the 68th time that Messi has scored a direct free-kick in his career for club and country.

In fact, the Argentina international has now scored directly from a free-kick in 12 different competitions during his illustrious career.

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke could be set for a shock move to Arsenal this summer.

According to The UK Telegraph, Madueke is one of the wingers the Gunners are considering signing.

The 23-year-old could be on the move amid uncertainty surrounding his future with the Blues.


Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Stamford Bridge.

However, the England international has been inconsistent in his performances, with injuries limiting his impact.

Madueke has been deployed by Enzo Maresca as a left winger in recent weeks, and there are suggestions he may not be guaranteed regular minutes next season.

Chelsea are in talks to sign Jamie Bynoe-Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.