Nigeria’s Super Falcons have received a boost as Benfica midfielder Christy Ucheibe and Al-Ittihad forward Francisca Ordega joined the team’s camp in Ikenne, Ogun State, ahead of their two-legged friendly matches against Senegal.

The duo arrived on Wednesday morning alongside Glory Ogbonna, Blessing Nkor, Comfort Erhabor, and Sikiratu Isah, expanding the squad as preparations intensify for the matches scheduled for Friday and Monday at the Remo Stars Sports Complex.

Team media officer Mary Akinsola confirmed that eight players had already reported to camp on Tuesday evening. They include Joy Omewa, Tosin Demehin, Toni Payne, Blessing Ilivieda, Folashade Ijamilusi, Anderline Mgbechi, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, and Omorinsola Babajide.

These arrivals joined the early group led by six-time CAF Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, Shukurat Oladipo, and Kafayat Shittu, bringing the total number of players in camp to 17. More players and officials are expected in the coming days as the squad builds towards full strength.

The friendly matches against Senegal are part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will be hosted in Morocco in July. The Falcons are aiming to extend their dominance by winning a record 11th continental title. Success at WAFCON will also secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The arrival of experienced players like Ucheibe and Ordega adds depth to the squad. Ucheibe, known for her midfield control at Benfica, and Ordega, a seasoned forward with international experience, are expected to provide leadership and balance to the team. Their presence will be crucial as Nigeria tests its readiness against Senegal, a side eager to challenge the Falcons’ supremacy.

The camp atmosphere reflects determination and focus. With a blend of established stars and emerging talents, the Falcons are shaping a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The friendlies will serve as a tactical rehearsal, allowing head coach Randy Waldrum to assess combinations and strategies before the continental showdown.

Nigeria’s women’s team has long been a powerhouse in African football, and the build-up to WAFCON is seen as an opportunity to reinforce that status. The Senegal friendlies will not only test the team’s fitness and cohesion but also provide fans with a glimpse of the squad’s potential heading into Morocco.

The House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind veteran Nigerian boxer Bash Ali’s ambition to stage a Guinness World Record Boxing Championship in Nigeria. However, lawmakers made it clear that the project must be financed through private sponsorship rather than government funds.

The resolution came after the House Committee on Public Petitions, chaired by Kwamoti Bitrus, presented its findings on a petition Ali filed against the National Sports Commission. Ali alleged that officials had sabotaged his efforts and created administrative hurdles that stalled the project for years.

Ali, a former World Boxing Federation cruiserweight champion, has been campaigning for more than two decades to stage the Guinness World Record fight. At 70, he hopes to become the oldest boxer in history to compete in a professional championship bout. His dream has survived multiple administrations, but repeated disputes with sports authorities have kept the project in limbo.

Presenting the committee’s report, Bitrus explained that Ali accused the National Sports Commission of frustrating his plans through bureaucratic delays and lack of cooperation. After reviewing the petition, the committee recommended that Ali pursue the project strictly as a privately funded initiative.

The House adopted the recommendation, stressing that while government agencies should provide regulatory and logistical support, they must not assume financial responsibility. Lawmakers directed the National Sports Commission to ensure a fair and transparent process in granting approvals, providing access to facilities, and coordinating with security agencies.

According to the resolution, relevant government institutions may offer non-financial assistance such as security, protocol coordination, and international liaison when formally requested. However, such support must not create financial obligations for the government.

The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Sports and the National Sports Commission to clearly define the boundaries of government involvement in privately organised international sporting events. Lawmakers said this would prevent future disputes and ensure clarity for stakeholders.

For Ali, the decision represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While the government will not bankroll the event, the resolution provides a framework for him to seek private sponsorship with the assurance of regulatory cooperation. This could open doors for corporate investors and international partners who may be more willing to support the fight under a transparent structure.

Ali’s career dates back to the 1980s when he rose to prominence as a cruiserweight champion. His proposed Guinness World Record fight has attracted attention globally, not only for its historic significance but also for its potential to spotlight Nigeria as a host for major international sporting events.

Supporters of the veteran boxer believe the House’s decision offers renewed hope. By removing the uncertainty of government funding and clarifying the role of regulatory agencies, the resolution may finally pave the way for Ali to achieve his long-standing ambition.

The development marks a turning point in one of Nigeria’s most enduring sports controversies. For Ali, the path forward now depends on his ability to mobilise private capital and secure the trust of sponsors who share his vision of making history in the boxing ring.

Serena Williams is officially back on the tennis court. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will compete in doubles at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club next week, marking her first professional appearance since stepping away from the sport.

Williams, 44, had sparked speculation about a comeback late last year when she re-entered the anti-doping programme, a requirement for athletes returning to the tour. That move fueled anticipation, and now her participation in London confirms she is ready to test herself again.

Her decision to play doubles rather than singles reflects a strategic re-entry. Doubles offers a less demanding format, allowing Williams to ease back into competition while still showcasing her trademark power and precision. Fans will be eager to see how her game adapts after time away, especially against younger opponents who have dominated the circuit in her absence.

Williams’ return is more than a personal milestone. It reignites global interest in women’s tennis, where her influence has been unmatched for two decades. From her first Grand Slam victory in 1999 to her dominance across surfaces, she has set standards that continue to inspire new generations.

The Queen’s Club event, traditionally a men’s warm-up for Wimbledon, has added intrigue with Williams’ entry. Her presence will draw attention beyond the doubles draw, as the tennis world watches to see whether this signals a longer-term comeback or a brief appearance.

For Williams, the decision underscores her enduring competitive spirit. Retirement never seemed definitive, and her reappearance suggests unfinished business. Whether she pursues another Grand Slam or simply enjoys the thrill of competition, her return is a reminder of her lasting impact on the sport.