21 athletes killed in Nigeria road crash

21 athletes killed in Nigeria road crash
A bus crash on a Nigerian highway on Saturday killed 21 athletes returning from a national sports tournament, with authorities saying the accident might have been the result of driver fatigue or excessive speed. (X/@OurFavOnlineDoc)
Short Url
Updated 31 May 2025

21 athletes killed in Nigeria road crash

21 athletes killed in Nigeria road crash
  • The Federal Road Safety Corps said the afternoon crash “might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed“
  • The athletes were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival

ABUJA: A bus crash on a Nigerian highway on Saturday killed 21 athletes returning from a national sports tournament, with authorities saying the accident might have been the result of driver fatigue or excessive speed.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the afternoon crash, which did not involve other vehicles, “might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed” after a long overnight trip.

The athletes were returning to Kano, in Nigeria’s north, from the 22nd National Sports Festival, held around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) to the south in Ogun state.

President Bola Tinubu had recently said the games, which included sports ranging from wheelchair basketball to traditional west African wrestling, represented “the unity, strength and resilience that define us as a nation.”

Road accidents are common on Nigeria’s poorly maintained roads due largely to speeding and a disregard for traffic rules.

Last year Nigeria recorded 9,570 road accidents that resulted in 5,421 deaths, according to FRSC data.


India beat Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday

India beat Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday
Updated 27 September 2025

India beat Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday

India beat Sri Lanka, to face Pakistan in Asia Cup final in Dubai on Sunday
  • Sri Lanka gave a good account of themselves and matched India’s 202-5 to force the Super Over
  • Abhishek, the top-ranked T20 batter, maintained his red-hot form with a sizzling 61 off 31 balls

DUBAI: Defending champions India survived Pathum Nissanka’s blistering hundred and some intense Super Over drama before beating Sri Lanka in a dead rubber to maintain their unbeaten run in the Asia Cup on Friday.

With India having already secured their place in Sunday’s final against Pakistan and Sri Lanka eliminated, the Super Fours clash was of merely academic interest but it turned out to be the most exciting game of this year’s tournament.

Sri Lanka gave a good account of themselves and matched India’s 202-5 to force the Super Over after Nissanka (107) smashed the first individual hundred of this year’s tournament.

Sri Lanka, however, managed only two runs in the Super Over before losing both the wickets in five deliveries from Arshdeep Singh.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav took three runs from the first delivery from Wanindu Hasaranga to seal their victory in a matter-of-fact way.

Earlier, put into bat, 20-overs world champions India racked up the tournament’s first 200-plus total riding opener Abhishek Sharma’s third consecutive fifty in the tournament.

Abhishek, the world’s top-ranked T20 batter, maintained his red-hot form with a sizzling 61 off 31 balls.

Opening partner Shubman Gill fell for four and skipper Suryakumar’s (12) slump in form continued but India did not really suffer as Abhishek raced to a 22-ball fifty.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka removed Abhishek but Tilak Varma, who made 49 not out, and Sanju Samson (39) maintained the pressure on the Sri Lankan bowlers.

In their chase, Sri Lanka lost Kusal Mendis for a duck in the first over but cruised to 72-1 after the six powerplay overs.

India rested pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, while Hardik Pandya bowled just one over before leaving the field.

Nissanka needed 25 balls to bring up his fifty and Kusal Perera (58) could not be denied his half-century either.

Spinner Varun Chakravarthy broke the 127-run stand when he dismissed Perera.

Nissanka raced to a 52-ball hundred but fell in the first ball of the last over, which ended with Sri Lanka also on 202-5 forcing the Super Over.


Europe leads USA by three after Ryder Cup opening day

Europe leads USA by three after Ryder Cup opening day
Updated 27 September 2025

Europe leads USA by three after Ryder Cup opening day

Europe leads USA by three after Ryder Cup opening day

FARMINGDALE: Europe grabbed a 5.5-2.5 lead over the United States after the completion of Friday’s opening day of matches in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The Europeans seized a 3-0 lead for the first time on US soil on the way to a 3-1 lead after morning foursomes  matches.
In the afternoon four-ball  matches, which US President Donald Trump watched from the first tee, there was little US improvement.
In four-balls, Americans Justin Thomas and Cam Young routed Ludvig Aberg and Rasmus Hojgaard 6&5.
Europe’s Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun 3&2.
Englishmen Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood edged Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin 1-up.
Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay tied Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy.


Kane reaches 100 goals for Bayern Munich with double strike in 4-0 win over Werder Bremen

Kane reaches 100 goals for Bayern Munich with double strike in 4-0 win over Werder Bremen
Updated 27 September 2025

Kane reaches 100 goals for Bayern Munich with double strike in 4-0 win over Werder Bremen

Kane reaches 100 goals for Bayern Munich with double strike in 4-0 win over Werder Bremen
  • He has reached the century mark faster than any player in the top five European leagues since 2000
  • The Bavarians, who take on Pafos in Cyprus for the Champions League on Tuesday, are in top spot on 15 points

MUNICH, Germany: Forward Harry Kane struck twice, including a record-extending first half penalty, to reach 100 goals across all competitions for the German champions as they cruised to a 4-0 victory over visitors Werder Bremen on Friday.

The England captain, who scored a hat trick last week in their 4-1 win over Hoffenheim, put Bayern 2-0 up in the 44th minute with a penalty, his 18th consecutive successful spot kick in the Bundesliga for a flawless record.

Jonathan Tah had given the hosts a deserved lead in the 22nd with a deflected backheel flick.

Kane added another in the 65th, pouncing on a deflected Luis Diaz shot to drill in from close range and reach his century of goals in 104 matches across all competitions for Bayern. He has reached that mark faster than any player in the top five European leagues since 2000.

“Another great performance,” Kane said. “We had a good start to the game, we could’ve scored a goal or two early in the game. We then grew into the game and got the goals. It was another dominant performance.”

His performances for Bayern this season have fanned speculation about a possible move back to the Premier League through an exit clause in his contract. However, Kane, whose deal with Bayern runs to 2027, said he was not thinking of a return at this stage.

“No, not at the moment. I’m really happy here. I have two years left on my contract,” Kane said. “I’m enjoying every moment. That is not in my thought process. I’m enjoying it with the team, with the coach, and hopefully we continue to be successful.”

The 32-year-old, leading Bundesliga scorer with 10 goals in Bayern’s five games so far, joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2023.

Werder had keeper Karl Hein to thank for keeping the scoreline respectable after he made close to a dozen crucial saves, including stopping Kane and substitute Nicolas Jackson in one-on-ones.

But the Estonian keeper could do nothing when Konrad Laimer slipped through with a quick one-two, to finish off the move in the 87th for Bayern’s 22nd league goal.

The Bavarians, who take on Pafos in Cyprus for the Champions League on Tuesday, are in top spot on 15 points. Second-placed Borussia Dortmund, on 10, are in action at Mainz 05 on Saturday.


Ronaldo winner sends Al-Nassr 3 points clear at top of SPL

Ronaldo winner sends Al-Nassr 3 points clear at top of SPL
Updated 27 September 2025

Ronaldo winner sends Al-Nassr 3 points clear at top of SPL

Ronaldo winner sends Al-Nassr 3 points clear at top of SPL
  • Sadio Mane also on scoresheet in 2-0 victory over Al-Ittihad
  • Al-Ahli secure 2-0 win at Al-Hazm

JEDDAH: Al-Nassr won 2-0 at Al-Ittihad on Friday to move three points clear at the top of the Saudi Pro League, thanks to first-half goals from Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Going into the match — the biggest of the season so far — these were the only two teams in the SPL with a 100 percent record, with three wins from three, adding an extra edge to a game that is already one of the biggest in Asia. Now Nassr have four from four and are looking good.

There was a big crowd in Jeddah to roar on the defending champions and while Al-Ittihad started brightly, the Tigers were unable to get on the scoresheet.

Then after nine minutes, Al-Nassr took the lead in some style to stun the home fans. Kingsley Coman chipped the ball in from the right and there was Mane to volley home at the far post, giving goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic no chance.

Both teams continued to have chances, but 10 minutes before the break, Mane crossed from the left for Ronaldo to head home from close range. 

From that point on, although Al-Ittihad doubled their efforts, it seemed as if there would be just one winner. Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, came close with a low shot soon after he scored, but despite both teams having chances, the scoreline stayed the same.

In the end, Al-Nassr took the win and are now three points clear at the top of the standings.

Earlier on Friday, Al-Ahli, who suffered a surprise 3-1 defeat at home to Pyramids of Egypt in the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup on Tuesday, bounced back with a 2-0 win at Al-Hazm.

Firas Al-Buraikan opened the scoring after 72 minutes and Ali Majrashi sealed the win eight minutes later.

This league round is the last before the international break, during which the team faces games against Indonesia and Iraq, with a place at the 2026 World Cup up for grabs.


Hamilton misses F1 tire test to care for his seriously ill dog Roscoe

Hamilton misses F1 tire test to care for his seriously ill dog Roscoe
Updated 26 September 2025

Hamilton misses F1 tire test to care for his seriously ill dog Roscoe

Hamilton misses F1 tire test to care for his seriously ill dog Roscoe
  • Hamilton said Roscoe was resuscitated after his heart stopped while under sedation for pneumonia treatment
  • “We don’t know whether he’ll wake from this,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram

SCARPERIA E SAN PIERO, Italy: Lewis Hamilton missed a chance to test Formula 1’s 2026 tires for Ferrari on Friday as he stayed with his bulldog Roscoe, who was in a coma following a pneumonia infection.
Hamilton said Roscoe was resuscitated after his heart stopped while under sedation for pneumonia treatment.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“We don’t know whether he’ll wake from this,” Hamilton wrote on Instagram. “Tomorrow we’ll try to wake him up. I’m by his side and want to thank you all for your prayers and support.”
Hamilton’s former Mercedes teammate George Russell offered support, commenting: “Thinking of you mate.”
The 12-year-old Roscoe has been a regular sight in the F1 paddock for much of Hamilton’s career and has 1.3 million followers on Instagram.
Ferrari reserve driver Zhou Guanyu took part in Friday’s test with tire supplier Pirelli at the Mugello circuit in Italy alongside Hamilton’s teammate Charles Leclerc.
The test runs were disrupted by rain which meant Leclerc and Zhou spent most of the day on intermediate and full wet tires, rather than the hard-compound slicks they were meant to be testing. It was a chance to gather data ahead of wide-ranging changes to F1 regulations in 2026.
Also Friday, Romain Grosjean got back behind the wheel with the Haas team in a 2023-specification car at Mugello. It was a symbolic and emotional return to F1 five years after a fiery crash in his last race of 2020.
“Fantastic, just felt a bit rusty at first and then everything came back,” Grosjean said, adding he was in tears under his helmet visor at the sight of staff from Haas, Ferrari, Red Bull and Pirelli applauding on his final lap.
“I’m very, very grateful. There are just no other words,” he said.
Grosjean wore a helmet with designs drawn by his children. He planned to wear it for what would have been his final race in 2020 in Abu Dhabi, but had to miss it because of burns sustained in the crash a month earlier in Bahrain.