Top SPORTS Highlights and Results Today

Lionel Messi UE Cornella: Messi has completed the purchase of Spanish fifth-tier club UE Cornella, acquiring full ownership as part of a long-term plan to develop young talent and strengthen the club’s structure.

Nigeria U-18 U-20 handball champions have been crowned after both teams secured commanding victories at the IHF Trophy Africa Zone 3 tournament in Lomé. The U-18 side defeated Ivory Coast 32–19, while the U-20 team beat Benin Republic 39–29. Both teams now qualify for the continental phase, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian handball development and youth sports dominance in the region.

CAF President Senegal visit is expected amid tensions over the AFCON 2025 final controversy, in which Senegal lost the title to Morocco after a forfeiture ruling. CAF President Patrice Motsepe will meet Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and football federation head Abdoulaye Fall in Dakar. Senegal has appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a verdict expected to take up to 12 months.

FIFA World Cup 2026 ticket prices have surged, with final match seats reaching $10,990 amid a glitch-hit reopening of sales. The price increase, driven by dynamic pricing, has drawn criticism from fans and U.S. lawmakers who warn the tournament risks becoming financially exclusionary. FIFA says tickets will be released in phases, but concerns remain over accessibility, resale fees, and transparency in the ticketing process for the global football showpiece.

NFF appoints Busari Flamingos head coach, naming Akeem Ishola Busari to lead Nigeria’s U-17 girls team ahead of the 2026 FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers. He replaces Bankole Olowookere, who guided the team to bronze in 2022. Busari, currently coaching Pacesetter Queens, will oversee preparations as Nigeria faces the winner of the Niger Republic versus Guinea. His appointment signals a renewed focus on sustaining Nigeria’s success in global women’s youth football competitions.

Chelsea will visit Lagos, Nigeria, for the first time in club history this May as part of their global fan engagement programme. The event, organised with MSport, will feature Victor Moses, fan interactions, and exclusive activities. The Lagos stop marks the fifth destination in the 2025/26 Famous CFC programme, aimed at strengthening ties with supporters worldwide and celebrating Chelsea’s growing fan base across Africa, especially in Nigeria.