Favour Ashe switches allegiance from Nigeria to Qatar
Nigerian sprinter Favour Ashe has confirmed his decision to switch international allegiance from Nigeria to Qatar. The 100m runner, who holds a personal best of 9.79 seconds, said the move was driven by long standing issues within Nigerian athletics.
Ashe disclosed that he has been based in Qatar for the last five months and is already preparing to compete under his new flag. He described the Nigerian athletics environment as unfavourable to his development and said he was seeking stability and proper support.
The sprinter pointed to his disqualification from the 100m final at the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta as a turning point. He said the incident highlighted broader problems around athlete welfare and organisation.
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According to Ashe, Qatar has structured training, international competition opportunities, and consistent athlete support.
He also confirmed that the Qatar Athletics Federation has arranged overseas training camps as part of its programme.
Ashe added that several young Nigerian athletes are already part of Qatar’s Olympic training system and warned that more could follow if conditions do not improve at home.
Basketball players are some of the highest NIL earners in college sports. Their impressive earnings lessen the need to declare for the NBA draft after the freshman year.
With March Madness around the corner, let’s look at the five highest-earning men’s college basketball athletes.
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Top 5 men’s college basketball athletes with highest NIL valuation
5. Donovan Dent, Guard, UCLA Bruins – $2 million
Donovan Dent made the move from New Mexico to UCLA during the offseason. The flamboyant guard averaged 20.4 points per game as a junior last season.
According to Fox Sports, Dent received a $3 million NIL deal to transfer to UCLA in March. He received $2 million of that deal up front, while he’ll earn $1 million during the ongoing 2025-26 season. He currently averages 13.5 points per game with the Bruins.
4. Boogie Fland, Guard, Florida Gators – $2.1 million
Boogie Fland initially declared for the 2025 NBA draft. However, the former Arkansas star removed his name from consideration and decided to take his talent to Florida.
According to Fox Sports, Fland’s move to Florida was sweetened by an NIL package worth $2.1 million. He currently averages 11.3 points per game and is looking to improve his stock ahead of the 2026 draft.
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3. Yaxel Lendeborg, Forward, Michigan Wolverines – $2.3 million
Yaxel Lendeborg was initially set to enter the 2025 NBA draft. However, the versatile forward removed his name from consideration in late May.
According to CBS, Lendeborg’s NIL package from Michigan is valued at $2-3 million. He is averaging 14.4 points in the 2025-26 season.
2. JT Toppin, Forward, Texas Tech Red Raiders – $2.8 million
JT Toppin was the star of the show as the Texas Tech Red Raiders reached the Elite Eight in the 2024-25 season. He scored 18.2 points per game and was the school’s go-to bucket getter in high-stakes situations.
The Red Raiders made Toppin one of the highest earners in collegiate sports to ensure he sticks around for the 2025-26 season. He’s currently averaging 21.9 points as Texas Tech looks to make a deeper postseason run.
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1. AJ Dybantsa, Forward – BYU Cougars – $4.4 million
AJ Dybantsa got paid a major bag to start his collegiate basketball career at BYU. According to On3 Sports, Dybantsa is valued at $4.4 million.
The skillful forward reportedly has sponsorship deals with Red Bull and Nike. He’s living up to expectations on the court with 24.4 points per game, and he’ll likely go one-and-done at the end of the 2025-26 season.
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On that occasion, he was outpointed by Oleksandr Usyk for the second time in eight months, and he will bid to bounce back against Russia’s Makhmudov – 15 months after announcing his fifth retirement.
Ahead of his clash with Makhmudov, Fury spoke to The Independent and other publications in Tottenham, going into heavy detail about his upcoming opponent.
“I wouldn’t like to get in a wrestling match with the f***er,” said Fury, 37, referring to an occasion when Makhmudov, 36, wrestled a bear.
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“I met him in 2017 at the Billy Joe Saunders fight with David Lemieux. I met him there, he was just a whipper-snapper then – just a kid coming up, dreaming of fighting the heavyweight champion of the world. Now he has the opportunity of making dreams come true, making him very rich. Now he can go and do all the things he wants to do in his life.
“One hundred per cent, it’s destiny. Listen, everything has a plan in life, and he was always destined to get this shot and change his life and become very wealthy and be in a good position with himself.
Tyson Fury (left) take on Arslanbek Makhmudov in April (PA Wire)
“I thought he’s a good opponent, he’s a dangerous opponent. If they’d have said I was going to fight some random person no one’s heard of, then that wouldn’t have turned me on, so I wouldn’t have even been interested. But considering I’ve got a No 5-ranked WBA heavyweight, who’s known to the British public because he just had a good fight with Dave Allen… and he wrestles bears for fun, and he’s as big as me, and as ugly as me, and the fact that he’s got 21 knockouts out of 22 fights, [it] makes him a very worthy adversary.
“It makes me want to train good and want to have a good camp, because if I don’t, then I could be one of those 16 first-round knockouts that he’s got, and a highlight-reel meme on his career. And I don’t want that, so I have to respect the fact that he’s a top boxer, he’s had over 100 amateur fights for Russia, and he’s a very experienced fighter.”
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Still, Fury said: “What do I do? Do what I always do. Box his head right off him.”
Makhmudov will enter the contest on the back of a points win over Allen in October. The Russian, 36, has a pro record of 21-2 (19 KOs), having lost to Agit Kabayel and Guido Vianello since 2023. Meanwhile, Fury’s record stands at 34-2-1 (24 KOs). He is a former two-time world heavyweight champion.
Tyreek Hill is poised to be one of the most well-known names on the free-agent market in March as the Miami Dolphins plan to release the wide receiver, according to multiple reports.
The star wide receiver was among the players who don’t appear to fit the organization’s roster plans for the 2026 season. Miami is also reportedly set to release star pass rusher Bradley Chubb, offensive lineman James Daniels and wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine.
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) leaves the field after losing to the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 7, 2025.(Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
Hill, who will turn 32 on March 1, is recovering from a season-ending injury he suffered on Sept. 29 against the New York Jets. He needed surgery to repair significant damage to his left knee, including a torn ACL.
Miami acquired Hill in a blockbuster trade with the Kansas City Chiefs before the start of the 2022 season. He signed a four-year extension reportedly worth up to $120 million. It made him the highest-paid player at his position at the time. The deal, which ran through the 2026 season, would have been a $51 million cap hit.
Hill was a standout player on the field despite rocky moments off the field.
He was an All-Pro in his first two seasons with the Dolphins. He played in 54 games and had 340 catches for 4,733 yards and 27 touchdowns. He didn’t have the same postseason success as he had with the Chiefs.
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Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on Sept. 18, 2025.(Gregory Fisher/Imagn Images)
Off the field, Hill’s personal life drama caught headlines. He was also detained in an altercation with law enforcement outside Hard Rock Stadium in 2024.
He said in October he was undecided on whether he wanted to keep playing beyond the 2025 season.
“At the end of the day, I feel like that decision is based upon how I feel and where my mindset is at the moment,” he said on the podcast of Terron Armstead, Hill’s former Dolphins teammate. “I’m happy with the career that I’ve had. I love playing football. I love it, but it takes a lot. It takes a lot on you mentally, it takes a lot on you physically.
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“I’m at the point now where I need to have a conversation with mom, family, everybody. Wherever my mind is at the time, the decision will be made, but I know right now, I haven’t had time to live in the moment.”
Miami Dolphins’ Tyreek Hill looks toward the field on the sideline before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sept. 29, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Florida.(Rebecca Blackwell/AP Photo)
Miami’s front office underwent a change in the offseason. The team parted ways with Mike McDaniel and hired Jeff Hafley as its head coach. Jon-Eric Sullivan also replaced Chris Grier as the general manager.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
Jan 11, 2026; Lecanto, Florida, United States; Anthony Kim reacts to his third place in the LIV Golf Black Diamond Ranch golf tournament at Black Diamond Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-Imagn Images
Anthony Kim soared from 847th to 203rd in the Official World Golf Ranking released on Monday following his first tournament win since 2010.
The LIV Golf Adelaide champion still has a lot of work left to do but is back in the conversation for the Masters and other majors following a 12-year absence from the sport for injury and addiction recovery.
Kim, 40, has not competed in a grand slam event since he missed the cut at the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club in Johns Creek, Ga.
The OWGR began awarding world ranking points to the top-10 finishers in LIV Golf events this season. Kim tied for 22nd at the season-opening event in Riyadh earlier this month before breaking through in Australia, where his final score of 23-under was three shots clear of Spain’s Jon Rahm.
At No. 203, Kim would still need to climb another 153 spots to make the top 50 in the OWGR in time to secure an automatic invitation to the Masters (April 9-12). There are only three LIV Golf events between now and then: Hong Kong (March 5-8), Singapore (March 12-15) and South Africa (March 19-22).
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As for the May 14-17 PGA Championship at Aronimink, players ranked within the top 100 of the OWGR typically get invitations.
The world ranking is not the only pathway for Kim to qualify for the U.S. Open or The Open Championship.
Last year, the USGA announced a special exemption for the U.S. Open for LIV players. For the 2026 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills from June 18-21, “the top player who is not otherwise exempt and in the top 3 of the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Standings as of May 18, 2026” will get in.
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The R&A also has an LIV-tailored exemption for the 2026 Open Championship at Royal Birkdale from July 16-19. One spot will be awarded to “the first player and anyone tying for that place, not otherwise exempt, in the 2026 LIV Golf Individual Season Standings on completion of LIV Golf Louisiana (June 25-28).”
Kim currently sits second in the LIV individual standings behind Rahm.
Destanee Aiava has announced that 2026 will be her final season on the professional tennis tour, revealing her decision in a statement shared on social media.
The 25 years old Australian explained that her decision comes after years of negative experiences in the sport, including abuse from gamblers, online harassment, and feeling unsupported within tennis.
In a strongly worded message, Aiava wrote:
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“I want to say a ginormous f*** you to everyone in the tennis community who’s ever made me feel less than. F*** you to every single gambler who’s sent me hate or death threats. F*** you to the people who sit behind screens on social media, commenting on my body, my career, or whatever the f*** they want to nitpick. And f*** you to a sport that hides behind so-called class and gentlemanly values.”
She added:
“Behind the white outfits and traditions is a culture that’s racist, misogynistic, homophobic and hostile to anyone who doesn’t fit its mould.”
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Aiava has previously spoken about mental health struggles, pressure, and the impact of online abuse on players.
She turned professional as a teenager and has competed in Grand Slam events, like the Australian Open, but has faced repeated setbacks on and off the court.
Aiava has not detailed her schedule for 2026 but indicated she intends to complete the season before stepping away from professional tennis.
On the Netflix broadcast of the presser was Froch, who has built a brand of no holds barred commentary following his retirement from professional fighting. On his YouTube channel, Froch on Fighting, he has criticised John Fury, though often in jest.
Though Froch remained in broadcasting position during the tirade, he was then absent following the press conference for the interview with Tyson, which was conducted by Anna Woolhouse and Lennox Lewis. Froch, a Hall of Fame inductee, then returned when ‘The Gypsy King’ left the stage and took part in the interview with Makhmudov, suggesting that Fury’s team may have insisted he leave for that segment or indeed that the production team felt tensions could rise once more.
Woolhouse said:
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“We’ve allowed Carl back in the building, because Carl, you weren’t really allowed to be here when Tyson was here. You’ve upset John, I believe.”
Froch then added:
“It was a long time ago, but he’s all mouth and no action.”
Sri Lanka beat Australia by eight wickets at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday, February 16 in a Group B match of T20 World Cup 2026. With their third consecutive win, Sri Lanka also confirmed their place in the Super 8 round of the ICC event. They have six points and a run rate of +2.462.
Bowling first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka conceded 181 runs in 20 overs. Mitchell Marsh (54 off 27) and Travis Head (56 off 29) hit half-centuries for Australia. For Sri Lanka, Dushan Hemantha claimed 3-37. The Lankans romped home in the chase as Pathum Nissanka smashed 100* off 52 balls, while Kusal Mendis hit 51 off 38 and Pavan Rathnayake 28* off 15.
For Australia, this was their second loss in as many games, putting serious question marks over their chances of qualifying for the Super 8 round of the T20 World Cup. The Aussies are currently third in the points table in Group B, with two points and a net run rate of +0.414.
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To qualify for the Super 8 round of T20 World Cup 2026, Australia will have to beat Oman in their last group match and also hope that other results go their way. If Zimbabwe win one of their remaining two group games against Sri Lanka or Ireland, they will move up to six points and knock Australia out of the tournament.
On the other than, if Zimbabwe lose both of their remaining group games and Australia beat Oman, Australia, Zimbabwe and Ireland will finish the group stage with four points each. The net run rate will then decide which team progresses to the Super 8 stage.
Australia, Zimbabwe & Ireland: List of remaining Group B matches in T20 World Cup 2026
Australia’s last group match in T20 World Cup 2026 will be against Oman in Pallekele on February 20. Zimbabwe, who have two group games left, will face Ireland in Pallekele on February 17 and Sri Lanka in Colombo on February 19.
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February 17: Ireland vs Zimbabwe, Pallekele (3pm)
February 19: Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe, RPS Colombo (3pm)
February 20: Australia vs Oman, Pallekele (7pm)
Apart from Sri Lanka, India, West Indies, England and South Africa have also qualified for the Super 8 round of T20 World Cup 2026.
Jordan Schultz delivered a bombshell about the Miami Dolphins on Monday that has major implications for their franchise quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. The NFL insider’s report suggests Tagovailoa’s days in South Florida are numbered.
The insider shared the news on X. His follow-up post revealed the front office’s plans for their quarterback.
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“The #Dolphins preference has been to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa. A cut is possible in the end. But that has been their preference. My understanding is new regime doesn’t want it to drag too long,” Schultz said.
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The #Dolphins preference has been to find a trade partner for Tua Tagovailoa. A cut is possible in the end. But that has been their preference. My understanding is new regime doesn’t want it to drag too long.
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The timing of Schultz’s report came after Miami released Tyreek Hill. ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the receiver’s departure would free up $22.8 million in payroll room while leaving behind $28.2 million in dead funds.
Miami takes on multiple dead cap penalties to reshape roster, Tua Tagovailoa could be next
NFL: Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots – Source: Imagn
The organization didn’t stop with Tyreek Hill. Bradley Chubb, James Daniels and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine also got their walking papers Monday.
Chubb’s exit alone puts $23 million worth of dead salary on the books. That kind of financial hit shows management isn’t scared of eating money now to build flexibility later.
Tagovailoa signed a four-year deal worth $212.1 million back in 2024. He’s due $54 million guaranteed this season, and dumping him before June 1st would slam the books with $99.2 million in dead weight.
Hill battled through a dislocated kneecap and torn ligaments last season. Tom Pelissero of NFL Network noted the eight-time Pro Bowler might not suit up at all in 2026, which killed any trade possibilities.
The speedster posted back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons after arriving from Kansas City in 2022. He remains the only receiver in NFL history to hit that milestone twice. But at 32 years old with a serious injury, his value disappeared.
