Sports
Lewis Hamilton ‘talked about retirement’ in tense meeting with Toto Wolff
LEWIS HAMILTON discussed his retirement in tense talks with Toto Wolff before the Formula 1 legend signed a new contract with Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton has had a rollercoaster week, getting knighted on Tuesday after his heartbreaking title defeat in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last Sunday.
On the verge of an eighth world title, Hamilton was denied on the last lap as a safety car presented Max Verstappen with the chance to put on fresh tyres and secure his first Drivers’ Championship.
Mercedes were livid with a decision from race director Michael Masi, who allowed some lapped cars to overtake the safety car, making the last lap much easier for the Red Bull driver.
Mercedes’ protests were dismissed by the FIA, and the team announced this week they would not be taking the case further despite lodging an initial intent to appeal.
Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff threw Hamilton’s career into doubt this week, hinting the Formula 1 icon could retire.
He said: “I would very much hope Lewis continues racing because he is the greatest driver of all time.
As a racer his heart will say I need to continue because he’s at the peak of his game.
“But we have to overcome the pain that was caused upon him on Sunday. He is a man with clear values.”
As ESPN reported in July this year, this isn’t the first time Wolff has hinted that Hamilton could retire soon.
The Austrian admitted earlier this year that he discussed Hamilton’s retirement with the Briton before they signed the latest contract.
He said: “I think he knows pretty well how he feels about racing. That passion burns strongly.
“In a way the tough championship has ignited even more fun with us to fight, and next year looks really exciting.
“We talked about retirement and it’s always really important to have that flirt with retirement, but equally be in control of your own destiny.
“I think at this stage there is so much passion for the sport that I can see him going for a while.”
Wolff said the financial aspect of the contract was relatively straightforward and most of the focus in the talks was based around how to develop a joint charitable foundation between Hamilton and Mercedes aimed at supporting greater diversity and inclusion in motorsport.
He continued: “There were no sticking points [in the negotiations]. Because of our discussions in the winter we knew what was important for Lewis, Lewis knows what our boundaries are.
“There were no difficult decisions around money or terms, it was more around what were the joint activities that we want to deploy, continue our foundation work, and carve that out in the right way.”
The new Formula 1 world champion, Verstappen, commented on speculation surrounding Hamilton’s future this week.
He said: “Of course, I can understand that the first few days, after a race like that, you’re not happy.
“You should also understand this is racing and these things can happen to you.
“I think he should just look back at what he has achieved, and that should give him a lot of comfort and that drive to keep on going.
“He is still trying to challenge for that eighth title, and he can do that again next year, so I don’t see any reason why to give up or stop now.”
However, many figures in Formula 1 are confident Hamilton will be back next season more fired up than ever.
Credit: Express,co.uk,Getty Images,CNN
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the complete list of nominees for the 2025 CAF Awards, set to take place later this year.
The CAF aawards celebrates outstanding performances and achievements across African football, recognising excellence among players, coaches, clubs, and national teams in both the men’s and women’s categories.
This year’s shortlist features a blend of experienced stars and emerging talents who have made remarkable contributions to African football over the past season.
Nigerian players such as Rasheedat Ajibade, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Esther Okoronkwo headline the women’s nominations, while Nigerian clubs and coaches also appear in various categories — reflecting the country’s continued influence in African football.
Below is the full list of nominees in the women’s categories for the CAF Awards 2025:
CAF Awards: Women’s Player of the Year
- Portia Boakye
- Tabitha Chawinga
- Temwa Chawinga
- Ghizlane Chebbak
- Mama Diop
- Rasheedat Ajibade
- Esther Okoronkwo
- Sanaa Mssoudy
- Barba Banda
- Racheal Kundananji
Women’s Club of the Year
- Gaborone United
- ASEC Mimosas
- TP Mazembe
- USFAS Bamako
- ASFAR
- DE Agosto
- Mamelodi Sundowns
- Bayelsa Queens FC
- Aigles De La Medina
- JKT Queens
Women’s National Team of the Year
- Cameroon U17
- Ghana
- Ivory Coast U17
- Mali
- Morocco
- Nigeria U17
- Nigeria
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Zambia U17
Women’s Young Player of the Year
- Habiba Essam
- Habiba Sabry
- Stella Nyamekye
- Doha El Madani
- Winfrida Gerald
- Ester Maseke Marwa
- Adji Ndiaye
- Shakirat Moshood
- Mercy Chipasula
- Ruth Mukoma
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- Chloe N’Gazi
- Sedilame Boseja
- Fideline Ngoy
- Habiba Emad
- Chiamaka Nnadozie
- Khadija Er-Rmichi
- Fatoumata Karentao
- Cynthia Konlan
- Adji Ndiaye
- Andile Dlamini
Coach of the Year (Women)
- Adelaide Koudougnon
- Siaka Gigi Traore
- Lamia Boumehdi
- Genoveva Anonman
- Justine Madugu
- Bankole Olowookere
- Jorge Vilda
- Kim Bjorkegren
- Desiree Ellis
- Carol Kanyemba
Nigerian-born Beninese international Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday, August 19, by his former Swedish club, Helsingborgs IF.
In a post on X (Formerly Twitter), the club wrote: “Helsingborgs IF is in mourning.
“We have been informed that our former player Razak Omotoyossi has passed away at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Omotoyossi, who switched nationality to represent Benin after starting his career in the Nigerian league, became one of the country’s most celebrated footballers.
He scored 21 goals in 55 international appearances, placing him among Benin’s all-time top scorers.
He is fondly remembered for his performance during the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, where he netted all four goals in Benin’s 4-1 victory over Togo and finished as joint top scorer of the campaign alongside Samuel Eto’o.
He also made history as the first player to score for Benin at the Africa Cup of Nations finals.
At club level, Omotoyossi had a career spanning Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with stints in South Africa, Libya, Egypt, Syria, Moldova, Sweden, and France.
He particularly excelled at Helsingborgs IF in Sweden, where he featured in the UEFA Champions League before moving to French side FC Metz.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria have arrived Abuja following their successful outing at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, JomogNews reports.
Players and officials of the team arrived the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Monday afternoon.
They will hold a trophy parade along popular districts in the Federal Capital Territory.
The contingent is expected to move through Airport Road, Berger Junction, Maitama and Wuse Market.
The Super Falcons will be hosted by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa later in the day.
Nigeria won a record-extending 10th WAFCON title on Saturday night following a dramatic 3-2 victory over hosts Atlas Lionesses of Morocco.
How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
Your Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
Corruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
Rivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
Panic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist To Enter Spotify’s 10 Billion Streams Elite
Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes Becomes West Africa’s All-Time Box Office King
Rivers Assembly Formally Serves Impeachment Notice To Gov. Fubara
NCC, CBN Set To Roll Out Refund Framework For Failed Airtime And Data Transactions
-
News2 days agoPanic In Ibadan As Rising Kidnap, Robbery Threats Trigger Official Red Alert
-
Breaking News1 day agoCorruption Battle: Dangote Drags Ex-NMDPRA Boss To EFCC After ICPC Withdrawal
-
Politics2 days agoRivers Crisis: Full List Of 8 Misconduct Allegations Against Governor Fubara
-
Entertainment2 days agoWizkid Becomes First African Artist To Enter Spotify’s 10 Billion Streams Elite
-
News1 day agoYour Second Coming Was A Chance To Avoid These Political Mistakes – Fayose To Fubara
-
News20 hours agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
-
News11 hours agoHow Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit