‘I remember clearly when he first came to us as a 10-year-old, he was very shy around the other kids at first but as soon as he touched the ball, we sensed we had a superstar in our hands,’ says Nath Academy coach Taiwo Ogunjobi when we started talking about on talented Leicester City midfielderContinue reading “From Ikorodu to Leicester City in three years: Wilfred Ndidi, the Foxes’ young player of the year”
Author Archives: Abubakar Mansur
Winner of the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature reveals his writing secrets
If there’s a book that has sent chills (or thrills) across northern Nigeria in recent times, it’s Abubakar Adam Ibrahim’s Season of Crimson Blossoms. Widowhood, sexuality, and love affairs are usually discussed in hushed tones in a conservative society where religion is deep rooted. Any novel that bares the truth of an affair between a 55-year-old widow, BintaContinue reading “Winner of the $100,000 Nigeria Prize for Literature reveals his writing secrets”
Why Mikel’s £140,000 move is a bargain for Chinese Super League
It is no longer news that Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel’s 10-year association with English giants Chelsea has finally come to an end with the player moving to Tianjin TEDA in the Chinese Super League. A letter to my Chelsea family. 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/FhcUyq3iaV — Mikel John Obi (@mikel_john_obi) January 6, 2017 Tianjin TEDA won the Chinese FAContinue reading “Why Mikel’s £140,000 move is a bargain for Chinese Super League”
Odion Ighalo on his current form, Russia 2018 and Kelechi Iheanacho
Nigeria’s team bus arrived at the Abuja National Stadium for their usual 10.00am morning training at around 9.45am and star striker Odion Ighalo was first to alight. Hundreds of fans had come to watch their beloved Super Eagles train chanting ‘Ighalo’ ‘Ighalo’! PHOTOS: @NGSuperEagles in training this morning #SoarSuperEagles #NGAALG #CAF2018WCQ pic.twitter.com/nJnH7qWAJx — The NFF 🇳🇬Continue reading “Odion Ighalo on his current form, Russia 2018 and Kelechi Iheanacho”
The Kannywood actresses quietly changing how Muslim women are portrayed
Since the beginning of Kannywood – northern Nigeria’s film industry and their answer to Nollywood – in the 90s, there has never been any male on female contact. Let me say it again: there has never been contact between a male body and a female body in the thousands of films produced so far. And that’sContinue reading “The Kannywood actresses quietly changing how Muslim women are portrayed”
Inside the 09 Bikers, the biggest association of motorcyclists in West Africa
‘We’ve all had our bikes individually for long and in 2006 we felt we could come together to form an association which will cater for our needs, so that’s how 09 Bikers came about.’ The Secretary of 09 Bikers, Gomes Adeboye, then adds proudly, ‘It’s now the biggest and most prestigious biking club in WestContinue reading “Inside the 09 Bikers, the biggest association of motorcyclists in West Africa”
Super Eagles Musa Mohammed talks Wizkid, his mum and Joseph Yobo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles defender Musa Mohammed is currently one of the most talked about players in African football. His ability to intercept play, make good tackles and his reading of the game have been likened to the legendary Paolo Maldini. New Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has also been full of praise for Mohammed afterContinue reading “Super Eagles Musa Mohammed talks Wizkid, his mum and Joseph Yobo”
Polo isn’t just for the posh in northern Nigeria
The annual Kano international polo tournament is one of the most anticipated events on the calendar for many. Polo in Nigeria dates back to the early 20th century courtesy of the late Emir of Katsina (north western Nigeria state) HRH Muhammadu Dikko. Polo has in some ways start to trickle down to ordinary people onContinue reading “Polo isn’t just for the posh in northern Nigeria”
From the street to the Olympics: the humbling rise of Nigeria’s Usman Mohammed
‘I visited Sokoto, the north western Nigerian state, three years ago and I decided to take a stroll down Sultan road when I saw some youngsters having a kick and instinctively decided to pause and watch for few minutes. They were all playing barefooted but there was this particular boy that caught my eye, heContinue reading “From the street to the Olympics: the humbling rise of Nigeria’s Usman Mohammed”