Nigeria News (Standard)
Lagos-Based Cleaques Sports Launches Digital Platform to Boost African Athletes’ Global Prospects
Firm eyes Prime Minister’s Cup in Barbados and CANEX Summit in Lagos to connect grassroots talents with international scouts
Firm eyes Prime Minister’s Cup in Barbados and CANEX Summit in Lagos to connect grassroots talents with international scouts
Cleaques Sports, a technology-driven sports platform based in Lagos, has announced fresh plans to connect grassroots athletes from across Africa and the Caribbean with global sporting opportunities through its expanding digital ecosystem. The announcement was made on Monday by Saint Agomeze, Vice President for Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Growth, during a briefing in Lagos.
According to Agomeze, Cleaques Sports is working to create new pathways for talented African athletes by leveraging digital tools that enhance visibility, scouting and professional career development. As part of the initiative, the company is exploring participation in the Prime Minister’s Cup holding in Barbados, which will provide homegrown players with international exposure and a chance to compete before top global scouts and audiences.
Agomeze further disclosed that Cleaques Sports will also take part in the 2026 Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Summit scheduled to hold in Lagos. He explained that the summit will serve as a strategic platform for engaging investors, sports organisations, governments, brands and media institutions towards creating new channels for African athletes to access professional opportunities beyond the continent.
“Our long-term vision is to build a leading digital sports ecosystem that transforms local talents into globally recognised athletes while strengthening Africa’s position within the international sports market,” Agomeze said.
Also speaking at the event, Tolu Ajayi, Vice President for Business Development at Cleaques Sports, described the platform as an integrated digital system designed to support event organisers, promoters, businesses and content creators. He noted that partnerships formed through such events as CANEX are crucial for accelerating sports development across Africa.
Cleaques Sports says it will continue to pursue collaborations aimed at bridging the gap between grassroots talent and global professional opportunities. Stakeholders in Nigeria’s sports sector have welcomed the move as a timely intervention that could help nurture more world-class athletes from local communities.
Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/cleaques-sports-plans-global-exposure-for-african-talents/
Nigeria News (Standard)
Asake Stages Exclusive London Performance with Spotify to Launch ‘M$NEY’ Album
Nigerian afro-fusion star collaborates with global streaming platform for one-night-only event spotlighting new project
Nigerian afro-fusion star collaborates with global streaming platform for one-night-only event spotlighting new project
Nigerian music sensation Asake delivered an exclusive one-night-only performance of his latest project, ‘M$NEY’, in partnership with Spotify at a special event held in London on Tuesday. The showcase marked a significant milestone for the Lagos-born artist as he continues to gain international recognition for his unique afro-fusion sound.
The London performance, organised by Spotify, brought together fans and industry stakeholders to experience Asake’s newest tracks live. The collaboration underscores Spotify’s ongoing commitment to promoting African talent on the global stage, with Asake seen as one of the continent’s most prominent musical exports in recent years.
Asake’s rise has been closely followed by Nigerian audiences and the diaspora, with previous releases topping local charts and earning him multiple award nominations. His partnership with Spotify for the ‘M$NEY’ event is expected to open up further opportunities for other Nigerian artists seeking global exposure through digital platforms.
Neither Asake nor representatives from Spotify provided immediate comment following the performance. However, industry observers have noted that such high-profile collaborations signal growing investment in African music markets by international tech and streaming firms.
With Afrobeats and related genres attracting increasing attention worldwide, stakeholders expect more partnerships between Nigerian artists and global companies in the coming months. The success of Asake’s exclusive event may serve as a template for future album launches and live showcases beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Nigeria News (Standard)
France Defeats Iraq 3–0 in FIFA World Cup Clash
European side secures comfortable win as group stage continues; match highlights dominant French performance
European side secures comfortable win as group stage continues; match highlights dominant French performance
France recorded a convincing 3–0 victory over Iraq in a FIFA World Cup group stage encounter played on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The match, which took place at an international venue, saw the French team assert their dominance from the opening whistle, leaving Iraq with little room to respond.
The French side controlled possession throughout the game and capitalised on their attacking opportunities to secure all three points. By halftime, France had already established a lead, and they maintained pressure in the second half to widen the gap. The Iraqi team struggled to break down the organised French defence and was unable to find a way back into the contest.
This result is significant for France as it strengthens their position in the group and increases their chances of progressing to the knockout rounds of the competition. For Iraq, the defeat adds pressure ahead of their remaining group fixtures as they seek to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
Both teams are expected to return to training immediately as they prepare for their upcoming matches. The outcome of this fixture will likely influence tactical approaches and squad selections moving forward in the FIFA World Cup.
Nigeria News (Standard)
Haaland Nets Brace as Norway Defeats Senegal 3–2 in FIFA World Cup Clash
Norwegian striker’s double sinks Senegal in dramatic five-goal encounter on Tuesday; African side faces uphill battle in group
Norwegian striker’s double sinks Senegal in dramatic five-goal encounter on Tuesday; African side faces uphill battle in group
Norway secured a hard-fought 3–2 victory over Senegal at the FIFA World Cup on Tuesday, with Erling Haaland scoring twice to lead his side past the African champions in a thrilling group stage match. The encounter took place at an international venue as both teams looked to advance their hopes in the tournament.
The match saw Norway take an early lead through Haaland, who converted a chance midway through the first half. Senegal responded quickly to level the scores before halftime, but Norway regained their advantage after the break with another goal from their star forward. Despite a spirited fightback from Senegal, including a late goal that kept tensions high, Norway managed to hold on for all three points.
The result places Norway in a strong position within their group, while Senegal now faces increased pressure to secure results in their remaining fixtures if they are to progress to the knockout rounds. For many Nigerian football fans, the outcome is significant as it affects potential future opponents for African representatives at the tournament.
Neither team’s coaches made official statements immediately after the final whistle. However, analysts have noted that Haaland’s clinical finishing proved decisive and praised both sides for delivering one of the most entertaining matches of the competition so far.
Senegal will now focus on regrouping ahead of their next group match, where only a win can keep their World Cup ambitions alive. Norway, buoyed by Haaland’s performance, will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their campaign.
