Sports
Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda Crowned African Players of the Year
Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman has been named the 2024 African Footballer of the Year, while Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history by claiming the women’s prize at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh.
Lookman, the Atalanta forward, triumphed over stiff competition, including Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, and South Africa’s Ronwen Williams. This marks the second consecutive year a Nigerian player has won the prestigious award, following Victor Osimhen’s victory in 2023.
Barbra Banda, striker for Orlando Pride, became the first Zambian to win the women’s accolade, surpassing Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Lookman’s outstanding performances during the 2023-24 season secured his position as a standout player. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic first European trophy win, scoring a remarkable hat-trick in the final against Bayer Leverkusen. This achievement made him the sixth player to score a treble in a European club final and the first since 1975.
On the international stage, Lookman shone at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament. He scored three goals to help the Super Eagles reach the final, where they finished as runners-up to the host nation.
Lookman’s achievements also earned him a place on the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or shortlist, where he ranked 14th—the only African player on the list.
Barbra Banda’s recognition highlights her remarkable contributions to women’s football. Her win reflects the growing prominence of Zambian players on the global stage.
The Caf Awards winners are selected by a panel of experts, including members of Caf’s technical committee, African media professionals, players, and coaches.
Sports
Scott Brown Leaves Ayr United Role by Mutual Consent
Scott Brown has stepped down as manager of Ayr United by mutual consent, the Scottish Championship side has confirmed.
The 40-year-old departs Somerset Park alongside assistant Steven Whittaker following a difficult run of nine matches without a win.
Ayr’s form has seen them drop to sixth place in the Scottish Championship after a 3-0 defeat to Raith Rovers, a result that allowed their opponents to overtake them in the standings. The team now sits outside the promotion play-off positions, trailing Dunfermline Athletic by five points, with their rivals also holding a game in hand.
Brown, a former Celtic and Scotland national team midfielder, took charge of Ayr in January 2024. He initially guided the club away from relegation danger before achieving a third-place finish in his first full season. However, recent results have reversed that progress.
Before joining Ayr, Brown began his coaching career at Aberdeen as a player-coach and later managed Fleetwood Town. He was dismissed from Fleetwood in September 2023 after a poor run of results in his second season.
In the interim, training duties at Ayr United have been overseen by veteran winger Jamie Murphy, along with first-team coach Tommy Tait and goalkeeping coach Dave Timmins, as the club prepares to announce a temporary managerial arrangement.
Sports
Woods charged with driving under the influence after crash
Tiger Woods has been charged with driving under the influence following a car crash in Florida, authorities have confirmed.
According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, Woods also faces charges of property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test after the incident on Jupiter Island.
Sheriff John Budensiek said the 50-year-old golfer rolled his Land Rover after clipping a pressure cleaner truck on Beach Road shortly after 14:00 local time on Friday. Woods reportedly had to crawl out of the passenger side of the vehicle following the crash.
Despite passing a breathalyser test with a zero reading, officers said Woods displayed signs of impairment during roadside assessments conducted by DUI investigators. He declined to provide a urine sample when requested.
Addressing the incident, Sheriff Budensiek said investigators considered Woods’ history of injuries and surgeries during their evaluation but ultimately determined there were sufficient grounds for arrest. Woods was taken into custody and transported to the county jail.
Authorities confirmed that no one was injured in the crash.
The case remains under investigation, with further details expected as legal proceedings continue.
Sports
Tiger Woods Involved in Car Crash in Florida
Golf superstar Tiger Woods has been involved in a car crash in Florida, with authorities confirming an active investigation into the incident.
The collision occurred on Jupiter Island on Friday shortly after 14:00 local time. According to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, one person involved is in stable condition, while another declined hospital treatment. Woods’ condition has not yet been disclosed.
Officials have not released further details, including the cause of the crash, but are expected to provide an update later.
This marks another concerning incident in a career that has already been heavily impacted by injuries and previous accidents. In 2021, Woods survived a गंभीर crash that left him with significant leg injuries and required extensive rehabilitation.
Earlier incidents include a 2017 episode in which he was found asleep at the wheel of his vehicle and later pleaded guilty to reckless driving, as well as a widely publicised 2009 crash near his home that triggered personal and professional fallout.
The latest development comes during a difficult period for the 15-time major champion, who has been recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture in 2025 and prior back surgery. Despite these setbacks, Woods had recently returned to competitive action, appearing in the TGL indoor league finals.
He had also not ruled out competing at The Masters in April—a tournament where he has enjoyed historic success, winning five titles at Augusta National Golf Club, including his landmark first major in 1997 and a remarkable comeback victory in 2019.
Woods remains tied with Sam Snead for the most wins in PGA Tour history, with 82 career titles. However, injuries have limited his appearances in recent years, with his last major outing coming at The Open in 2024, where he missed the cut.
Further updates on his condition and the circumstances of the crash are expected as the investigation continues.
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