Sports
Being divorced, not having sex helped me as a swimmer – Gagbe
Bayelsa swimmer Ifiaezibe Gagbe was the star of the Edo 2020 National Sports Festival, winning 15 medals. In this interview with EBENEZER BAJELA, she opens up on her personal life, the journey to stardom, her desire to become an Olympian and more
You won 15 medals at the recent National Sports Festival. What’s the secret?
The secret is God and hard work. I trained very hard and when you know what you are going for, you stay focus and you fight for it. To be candid with you, there is nothing more to my success than training.
Winning eight gold medals is an amazing feat. How do you feel?
I feel so happy and it’s like I’m the only one that came for the competition. Words can’t actually describe the way I feel.
What’s on your mind after your 15-medal feat?
It’s all about the money because the last Governor of Bayelsa State paid N1m for a gold medal. The current Governor has not told us what he will pay, but he told us we should go to Benin City, win gold and see what he will reward us with. I know it will be better than the last one and I’m already thinking about the money. It’s the money that made me put in much effort and what that means is that I’m N8m richer, excluding the silver and bronze medals.
When did you start swimming?
I grew up by the riverside, so I can say I started swimming as a child but professionally it was in 2002. That was when I also participated in the age group competition in Ilorin. I was 12 years old then.
How have you been able to combine swimming and education?
I’m writing my project at the moment, which means that I have enough time to train very well and still come back to class to read. But the truth is that it’s very hard to combine both because there are times when I tried to open my books and read, but I start sleeping. When I wake up I have pains all over my body from the training, but I just have to manage and read because that is also important to my career. Swimming is something I enjoy doing and I can’t go back on it and we are seeing the result already.
Going back to school now, how do you hope to manage the success at Edo 2020?
This is not my first time going to competitions, although this one is different. I was at the West Africa University Games and other competitions in the past. What I do is stay back at home and relax for one week after every major tournament, and try to stay calm until everything settles down before coming out.
Do you have a boyfriend?
No, I don’t have a boyfriend at the moment, but I was once married. That was in 2015 but we divorced in 2018. I went to the Abuja 2018 National Sports Festival with that trauma because he didn’t want me to go back to my sport. I had a baby and my weight was too much for me to return to swimming and I struggled. He was against me swimming again, but I went back to doing it and we had some issues after that, which led to our divorce. I went to the 2018 festival with a lot of trauma and I won 14 silver medals, I didn’t win any gold. I was so angry because I am a golden girl. So, this time, with my mind settled, I came to Edo and became the golden girl that I am.
Did the issues you had with your ex-husband have anything to do with your sporting career?
It had nothing to do with my career. I am a worker in the Bayelsa State Sports Council and at that time, I wasn’t thinking of returning to swimming because I weighed 90kg then and nobody believed that I would be able to return to swimming because of my baby. He (ex-husband) asked me to go for a coaching course, which I did. He supported my career but our divorce was as a result of other issues which were not related to my sporting career.
How much time do you have for your child, knowing that you work, go to school and compete as an athlete?
My daughter is four years now and I do make out time for her. I pick her up from school. Sometimes, she comes to training with me. We are usually together and she loves water too. Many times she will beg me to go and swim and sometimes I have to tell her to wait till the next day.
So, how soon are we going to see her swim at national level?
You will definitely be seeing another brightness in the nearest future. Brightness is her name and she will definitely swim because she loves it so much. She always wants to stay in the water all day but I have to ensure she does her assignments.
Knowing that you are single, a lot of guys might be wooing you. How are you managing this?
I honestly don’t know, but I know I have to settle down again because I need another baby. Maybe when I see a guy who looks responsible I will give it a thought because there is no harm in trying.
How easy has it been staying alone without a man?
I must confess it has not been easy, but I tried not to get too worried because I like swimming. Whenever I have something troubling my mind, I just dive inside the water and start swimming to ease my pains. When I see that I’m doing well in training, it gives me joy because I know that I have hope tomorrow. That’s what actually keeps me going.
There is this widely held belief that sex affects the performances of athletes. Is not having a man a plus for you in terms of your performances?
Being without a man and not having sex has helped me a lot, but sometimes it’s not because of sex that athletes don’t perform. It has to do with how hard they train because that is the key to every success in life. When you have sex and you train hard, you can still perform at your best but everything still has to be done in moderation.
Taking a look at your achievement, how would you describe the journey so far?
I am someone who doesn’t accept defeat. If I’m going for a competition and I don’t train, I won’t bother competing. If you see me in any competition, know that I’m coming for something serious. So, I would say that the journey has been good.
They say all that glitters is not gold. What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered as an athlete?
The number one challenge I have is that government is not encouraging swimming in the country. There was no competition for swimmers in the last one year before the sports festival. The last competition we had was in 2016, the Chief of Naval Staff event. That was the only competition we had, but since they stopped it in 2016, all we have now is the sports festival. Sometimes, we train and don’t even know where we are going to. The challenges are much, you need to see the pools in my state, they are very bad and even to get money to buy chemical to treat the pools for us to train is a big problem. The water is green, but we still put our heads inside because we know what we are going for.
What do you think is the way forward?
Good management and support from the government is the way forward. We need them to encourage the athletes, no matter what. It doesn’t matter whether we win at the festival or not, we need to be encouraged. For the athletes that didn’t win any medal at the festival, they need support because if they don’t get that now, how do you expect them to perform better in the coming events?
What’s your next plan after your sports festival feat?
My next target and dream is to compete at the Olympic Games because I have not been there. At least let my name Ifiaezibe Gagbe have the title of an Olympian. I see that happening very soon by the grace of God.
Chelsea have confirmed the sacking of Liam Rosenior, just three four months into his six-year deal at the club. The decision comes after the club suffered their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions.
In a statement published by the club, the FIFA Club World Cup champions confirmed that the decision was not taken lightly but rather forced after the poor form. They praised the Englishman for his time and Stamford Bridge and said:
“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.”
“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
The Blues hired Rosenior after Enzo Maresca resigned from his post on New Year’s Day. The Englishman had impressed at sister-club Strasbourg and was given the chance to show his skills at the Premier League club.
The 41-year-old took charge of just 23 matches before he was sacked. He won 11 matches, eight of which came in his first 11 matches at the club. The Blues kept just four clean sheets in all competitions, while conceding 38 goals and scoring just 47.
Chelsea reappoint Calum McFarlane as interim coach
Chelsea appointed Calum McFarlane as the interim coach after Enzo Maresca parted ways, and the former U21 coach is back at the helm for the rest of the season. He was a part of Liam Rosenior’s backroom staff and will take charge of the first-team for the rest of the season.
“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup. As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
Reports indicate that the Nigerian international was confronted by intruders who forced their way into his home and threatened him with a knife while searching for valuables. The attackers reportedly ransacked the property and carted away expensive items, including luxury wristwatches, jewellery, mobile phones, and other personal belongings.
Sources close to the incident revealed that the robbers also accessed a safe inside the residence and stole valuables estimated to be worth hundreds of thousands of pounds.
Fortunately, the Super Eagles star escaped without physical injuries, although the shocking incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of footballers living in Europe.
Alex Iwobi Robbed At Knifepoint: Iwobi Yet To Speak Publicly
As of the time of filing this report, Alex Iwobi has not released an official public statement regarding the robbery incident.
However, a source familiar with the situation said the midfielder is safe and recovering from the traumatic experience.
“He is doing okay and thankful that no one was injured. The most important thing is that he is safe after the frightening incident,” the source reportedly disclosed.
The source added that the player is cooperating with authorities as investigations continue.
Security agencies in the United Kingdom have reportedly launched an investigation into the robbery, with efforts underway to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the attack.
Authorities are believed to be reviewing security footage and gathering intelligence to track down the criminals responsible for the home invasion.
Although details of the suspects remain unclear, law enforcement officials are said to be treating the case as a targeted burglary involving a high-profile footballer.
Growing Concern Over Footballers’ Safety
The incident involving Alex Iwobi has once again highlighted the growing security risks faced by professional footballers in Europe.
In recent years, several footballers in the English Premier League and other European leagues have become targets of organized criminal gangs who monitor their movements and attack their homes in search of valuables.
Security experts say such attacks are often carefully planned, especially when players are away for matches or public engagements.
As a result, clubs and players are increasingly investing in advanced security systems and private protection to reduce the risk of home invasions.
Jamie Redknapp called for Mikel Arteta to take the blame for Arsenal’s defeat by Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final for a huge decision – starting his second-choice goalkeeper.
Kepa Arrizabalaga got the nod to start between the sticks for the Gunners at Wembley, chosen ahead of David Raya as Arsenal’s cup goalkeeper, having played every other match in the competition.
It was widely deemed as a risk and a downgrade on Raya, who usually plays Arsenal’s Premier League and Champions League matches, and that proved to be true in the second-half.
Just after the hour mark, Kepa came out of his goal to try and catch Rayan Cherki’s cross, but fumbled the effort and the ball fell kindly into the path of Nico O’Reilly. Four minutes later, O’Reilly would score again as City won 2-0.
And Redknapp suggested that it was the wrong call to play the Spaniard – and that Arteta needs to take the blame for that.
He told Sky Sports: ‘I know people will say sentiment because he’s played in the earlier rounds, but Kepa is not as good as Raya, that’s why he’s your No2.
It was put to Redknapp that James Trafford, playing in goal for City, is the winners’ No2 and made three top-class saves in the first-half.
‘I’m not saying he’s a bad goalkeeper, but he’s not as good as Raya and it has backfired big time,’ Redknapp added. ‘You can turn around and say Trafford isn’t your No1 either, but he made three big saves and then he was hardly tested.’
Micah Richards went onto echo Redknapp’s views, explaining why the situation is different with Trafford.
Many thought the England star would be City’s No1 this season when he joined the club, but Gianluigi Donnarumma signed from Manchester City soon after to dislodge his spot.
Trafford has therefore been subject to mostly cup competitions, with nine of his 13 games this season coming in either the FA Cup or League Cup.
‘I think you’re right,’ Richards said. ‘When you asked about goalkeepers at the start, Trafford was brought in as a No1, he was ready – it’s just that Donnarumma came on the market.
‘The difference between Raya and Kepa is so big, so in a big game, you’re thinking, “you’ve got to go with Raya”. Look, we can talk about it after, but ultimately we’re talking about it because (it) cost Arsenal the game.’
Morocco were on Tuesday crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board overturned the result of the final against Senegal, ruling that the West African side forfeited the match following a walk-off during the game in Rabat on January 19.
CAF stated that “the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
The decision followed a protest by Morocco after chaotic scenes late in the final, when Senegal players briefly left the pitch after a disallowed goal and a penalty awarded to the hosts, an action the appeal board ruled fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations on misconduct and forfeiture.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football said it had taken note of the decision delivered by CAF’s Appeal Committee in case DC23316, which followed a complaint filed during match 52 of the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.
“The Senegalese Football Federation has today taken note of the notification of the decision rendered on March 17, 2026 by the Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football, in the context of case DC23316,” the statement read.
The federation said the appeal board declared admissible the protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football and overturned the earlier decision of the CAF Disciplinary Board, citing a procedural flaw in the initial hearing.
“With this decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation admissible and accepted it.
“In doing so, the board overturned the decision rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, on the grounds that the appellant’s right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings,” the FSF said.
“The Appeals Committee also determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations.
“Consequently, CAF declared that the FSF had violated Article 82 and awarded the match by forfeit, with a recorded score of 3–0 in favor of the FRMF, in accordance with Article 84,” the federation stated.
Reacting to the verdict, the Senegalese federation criticised the decision, describing it as damaging to the credibility of African football.
“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that discredits African football,” the statement added.
The federation confirmed that it would file an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
“To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” the statement said.
The FSF added that it remained committed to due process and would continue to inform the public as the case progresses.
“The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice, and will keep the public informed of the follow-up to this matter,” the statement concluded.
By Chinedu Sabastine
Rangers International FC on Sunday recorded a convincing 2–0 victory over Nasarawa United FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, popularly known as The Cathedral, to move to the top of the league table.
The Flying Antelopes dominated proceedings with crisp passing and attacking intent, restricting the visitors to defensive duties as Nasarawa United struggled to contain Rangers’ relentless pressure.
The win pushed Rangers to the summit of the Nigeria Professional Football League standings with 47 points, placing them first on the NPFL ratings.
Rangers striker Godwin Obaje opened the scoring in the 20th minute of the first half, capitalising on sustained pressure from the hosts. Captain Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the advantage eight minutes later with a well-taken effort in the 28th minute.
Both teams searched for goals in the second half, but despite Rangers’ continued dominance, no further goals were added as the encounter ended 2–0.
Reacting to the outcome, Nasarawa United coach Mangut Mbwas admitted that Rangers were the better side on the day.
“Rangers are a good team. We tried our best but the goals did not come. We missed scoring chances, but we will put in more effort to improve,” he said.
Rangers’ Technical Adviser, Fidelis Ilechukwu, also praised the visitors while expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance.
“Today we played against a very good side. We will continue to work hard to maintain our winning momentum,” he stated.
The result further strengthens Rangers’ title push as the season enters a decisive phase.
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