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Ibadan Durante Wins Lagos International Polo Tournament

Ibadan Durante Wins Lagos International Polo Tournament, 2024 Silver Cup

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Ibadan Durante Wins Lagos International Polo Tournament, 2024 Silver Cup—-As Lagos Polo Tournament climaxed with the 2024 Silver Cup, Ibadan Durante on Sunday emerged  winners in a fiercely contested final match on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-member Ibadan Durante team defeated the Kano MSR sponsored by BUA Group 7 1/2 – 4.

The 2024 Lagos International polo tournament Silver Cup which is the 120th edition, was sponsored by Coronation Group Ltd, and had its grand finale at the Lagos Polo Club, SW Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Coronation Group Limited sponsored prestigious Lagos polo fiesta that marked its 120th anniversary, galloped with fanfare on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 18, at the historic Lagos Polo Club, Ribadu Road.

The well attended tournament had a record 14 teams from across all the major polo centres in the country that campaigned for honours in which Ibadan Durante emerged as the overall winners

 

Rita Alakija, Captain of Ibadan Durante, (M) , with cup as winners of Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup held at Lagos Polo Club Ribadu Road Ikoyi

 

An excited Captain of the Ibadan Durante, Rita Alakija, who was the only female in the team’s final, expressed joy winning the tournament in its remarkable year.

“I am excited winning this tournament this year and it’s remarkable for us winning because this is what we wanted.

“Our opponent gave us a brave fight, but we are able to get it right, ” she said.

The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and member of Ibadan Durante, Carl Alakija, commended the organisers of the tournament adding that he was impressed with the growth of Polo sport in Nigeria.

“It’s really good to come and win here all the way from Ibadan and of course, we are proud winners.

“It’s a tough tournament for us, for me, I have been playing Polo since I was younger, but I played last in the tournament about four years ago.

“I am back to play alongside and support my sister, Rita and Carl, because we know that Kano MSR are tough to play against because they run well.

“Polo is fast improving in Nigeria with many upcoming players, all we can do is to give them chance or opportunities to impress, ” he said.

Sadiq Rabiu, Captain of Kano MSR, said that the winners deservedly won the cup.

“Our opponent played very well and they are deserving winners.

“The organisation of the tournament is very good and commendable, we now have lots of youngsters coming on board especially from Abuja and Lagos.

“We will make sure we encourage more people to come and enjoy and play polo in Nigeria, ” he said.

NAN reports that Carl Alakija won the Most Disciplined Player of the tournament while Koye Ige won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup

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FIFA Launches Disciplinary Probe Into Argentina Over Misconduct At The 2026 World Cup—-World football’s governing body has launched multiple disciplinary cases against the Argentine Football Association and several players over incidents ranging from political displays and discriminatory behaviour to post-final altercations during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and several members of the national team over a series of alleged breaches committed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The governing body confirmed on Tuesday that it is investigating multiple incidents involving Argentina throughout the tournament, including the display of a politically charged banner following the team’s semi-final victory over England, allegations of discriminatory chants and gestures, team misconduct, security and protocol failures, as well as violent scenes that erupted after the World Cup final defeat to Spain.

Central to the investigation is the display of a banner reading “Las Malvinas Son Argentinas” (“The Falklands are Argentine”) after Argentina’s semi-final triumph. FIFA regulations prohibit political, ideological or religious messages during official competitions, and the governing body is assessing whether the display breached its disciplinary code. Argentina were previously fined over a similar incident during the 2014 World Cup.

FIFA is also examining reports of discriminatory chants, inappropriate gestures, late kick-offs and security shortcomings involving both supporters and team officials during the tournament. The disciplinary committee said all alleged breaches would be reviewed before any sanctions are imposed.

Separate disciplinary cases have also been opened over the chaotic scenes that followed Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. Midfielder Leandro Paredes, defender Nahuel Molina and assistant coach Roberto Ayala are among those facing allegations of assault and unsporting conduct after confrontations involving Spanish players and officials at the final whistle. Other players from both teams are also being investigated for their involvement in the post-match altercations.

Under FIFA’s disciplinary process, the Argentine Football Association and the individuals involved will have the opportunity to submit their responses before any verdict is reached. Potential sanctions could range from financial penalties and suspensions to stadium restrictions or match bans, depending on the severity of the findings.

The proceedings mark one of the most significant disciplinary investigations of the 2026 World Cup and come after Argentina finished runners-up following their extra-time defeat to Spain. FIFA has stressed that no conclusions have yet been reached and that all parties are entitled to present their defence before the disciplinary committee delivers its final ruling.

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation

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Bournemouth Foward Eli Junior Kroupi Set for 3–4 Months on Sidelines Amid Transfer Speculation—-The Bournemouth striker has undergone surgery on a fractured metatarsal, dealing a major blow to clubs monitoring his situation and effectively ending speculation over a summer move.

Bournemouth have been dealt a significant setback after highly rated forward Eli Junior Kroupi was ruled out for between three and four months following a foot injury sustained during the club’s pre-season training camp in Austria.

The 20-year-old suffered a fractured fifth metatarsal during a training session and has since undergone successful surgery. Bournemouth confirmed the injury, with medical staff expecting the French youngster to return to action later this autumn, ruling him out for the opening months of the 2026–27 campaign.

Kroupi’s injury comes at a time when his future has been the subject of intense transfer speculation. Barcelona, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have all been credited with interest in the striker following his impressive debut Premier League season, in which he established himself as one of Europe’s brightest young attacking talents.

Barcelona had identified Kroupi as one of several options to strengthen their attack after encountering difficulties in pursuing other targets. However, the injury is expected to end any realistic prospect of a move this summer, with Bournemouth remaining determined to keep hold of the French forward despite growing interest from across Europe.

The Cherries have consistently maintained that Kroupi is not for sale and were reportedly prepared to reject offers unless they received an extraordinary bid. The injury further strengthens Bournemouth’s stance, as the club now focuses on the player’s recovery and long-term development rather than entertaining transfer negotiations.

Kroupi enjoyed a breakthrough 2025–26 campaign, scoring 12 Premier League goals and emerging as one of the division’s standout young forwards. His performances earned widespread praise and attracted interest from several elite clubs looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.

While the injury represents a frustrating setback for both player and club, Bournemouth remain optimistic that Kroupi will make a full recovery and return before the end of the calendar year. For now, however, any transfer rumours are expected to cool as the Frenchman begins his rehabilitation and shifts his focus toward regaining full fitness.

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