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Category: Sports

  • Tyson Fury Edges Out Francis Ngannou in Thrilling Split Decision Victory

    Tyson Fury Edges Out Francis Ngannou in Thrilling Split Decision Victory

    In an electrifying showdown in Saudi Arabia on Sunday, Tyson Fury, the reigning WBC heavyweight world champion, triumphed over former UFC fighter Francis Ngannou in a nail-biting split decision, marking one of the most unexpected moments in boxing history.

    Fury, known for his unbeatable record and prestigious title, narrowly dodged a potential defeat at the hands of the 37-year-old Ngannou, who had no prior professional boxing experience.

    Despite the odds, the Cameroon-born Ngannou impressively endured the full 10 rounds, even dropping Fury to the canvas with a fierce left hook in the third round. Yet, the self-proclaimed “Gypsy King,” at 35 years old, weathered the storm.

    Fury candidly admitted, “That definitely wasn’t in the script. He’s a formidable fighter, a much better boxer than we anticipated. He’s a crafty and powerful puncher, and I have immense respect for him. This was one of my most challenging fights in the last decade.”

    The judges’ decision reflected the intensity of the match, with two of them awarding Fury the victory at 96-93 and 95-94, while the third judge scored it 95-94 in favour of the resilient Cameroon-French opponent.

    Fury revealed there was no immediate rematch clause, but he expressed a desire to face Ngannou again “down the line,” following an anticipated undisputed title bout with Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning IBF, IBO, WBO, and WBA champion from Ukraine.

    The championship clash between Fury and Usyk is scheduled for an upcoming date in Riyadh, set to be officially announced, with both champions confirming December 23 as their target.

    Ngannou, who relinquished his UFC heavyweight title due to contract disputes and became a free agent in January, reflected on the fight.

    “My training camp was only three and a half months, and I entered this bout with an injury. But I won’t make excuses. I will assess how to enhance my skills and come back stronger. Now I know I can do this… Get ready. The wolf is in the house,” he declared with unwavering determination.

  • Paris 2024: Ethiopia’s ‘Lucy’ Hold Super Falcons In Addis Ababa

    Nigeria and Ethiopia’s senior girls put up a hard-fought battle in Addis Ababa on Wednesday afternoon with the game ending 1-1 to set up an interesting return leg in Abuja on Tuesday next week.

    Captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s scorching shot from the edge of the box, six minutes after the restart, restored parity at the Abebe Bikila Stadium, after the Ethiopian girls had surprisingly taken the lead in the 6th minute of play as Birkie Amare made hay from a corner kick.

    With Asisat Oshoala in the top-striking position, Uchenna Kanu and Gift Monday operated from the wings, with Michelle Alozie switched to left back to allow Nicole Payne take charge at right back. Oluwatosin Demehin and Akudo Ogbonna took control at the centre of the defence, and with Christy Ucheibe and Halimatu Ayinde unavailable, Peace Efih joined Toni Payne and Ajibade to string things together in the middle.

    Both teams found it hard to create many opportunities in a tight first period, though Asisat Oshoala should have done better with an opportunity from Payne’s cross halfway into the period.

    After Ajibade restored parity, the Falcons took full control, and substitute Ifeoma Onumonu should have put Nigeria in the lead in the 64th minute, only to be denied as she cocked the trigger.

    Payne and Onumonu combined to create a gilt-edged opportunity in the 79th minute, but once more Oshoala failed to make hay.

    The Falcons thought they had won it when Onumonu towered above all to head into the net on the dot of time. However, Algerian referee Lamia Atman spotted foul play in the build-up.

    Both teams will clash again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday, with the winner on aggregate to proceed to the third round, where the winner of the Cameroon/Uganda fixture awaits.

  • Basketball: Rivers Hoopers Hold Off Late Batons Surge To Claim 74-62 Victory

    Four-time champions of the Nigeria Premier League, Rivers Hoopers saw off a late surge to defeat Police Batons 74-62 in their first game of the 2023 NBBF Premier League in Asaba on Tuesday.

    Mustapha Oyebanji led other Hoopers with 22 points including six 3-pointers, Johnson Anaiye contributed 12 points while Victor Anthony Koko and Victor Mohammed added 10 points apiece for Hoopers.

    Chris Wilson shot back to back buckets and a buzzer beater as the Port Harcourt based team held a 12-point lead at halftime 38-26.

    Hoopers struggled on the offense in the third quarter and could only manage 8 points and were outscored 8-16.

    Police Batons cut down the deficit to one with eight minutes left to play (48-47) in the game.

    Oyebanji buried a clutch three-pointer to make it a 10 point game 61-51 with just 3 minutes remaining and Hoopers ensured they ran away with the win.

    Hoopers guard Johnson Anaiye said they could have executed the game better but was happy they ran away with the victory.

    ”The game was great even though it was scrappy at the beginning but in the end it was great. We were rushing the game and it was a game we should have taken our time to execute every offense one after the other, but we rushed it and wanted to end it quickly.  I feel that is what affected us in the game.”

    The KingsMen play Lagos Legends in their second game on Wednesday, but Anaiye is confident they will emerge victorious.

    ”The first game of a tournament is always scrappy but I believe we will pick up in the next game and put in our best and follow all we have been taught. At the end of the day we will be victorious,” said Anaiye.

  • Colombia 2024: Danjuma Invites Omilana, Kalu, Adoo, 27 Others For Tanzania

    Colombia 2024: Danjuma Invites Omilana, Kalu, Adoo, 27 Others For Tanzania

    Head Coach, Christopher Musa Danjuma has called up goalkeepers Faith Omilana and Linda Jiwuaku, defenders Jumoke Alani and Tumininu Adeshina, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi, Chinyere Kalu and Chidera Okenwa, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Yina Adoo and Opeyemi Ajakaye among a roster of 30 Falconets for next month’s 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against the U20 girls of Tanzania.

    Following the withdrawal of Mauritius from the second-round attrition with Nigeria, the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists drew a bye to the third round, where Tanzania await, with the first leg away in Dar es Salaam on a date within 10th – 12th November and the return leg in Abuja on a date within 17th – 19th November.

    Danjuma has picked a few of his World Cup quarter-finalists from Costa Rica last year, and an impressive number from the Flamingos squad that won the bronze medals at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India a year ago.

    The invited players have been told to report at the Chida Hotel in Utako, Abuja on Sunday, 22nd October.

    World football-governing body, FIFA has increased the number of finalists for next year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final tournament in Colombia to 24, from the 16 that participated in Costa Rica, and also increased the number of Africa’s flag bearers to four.

    This means that after the Tanzania fixture, the Falconets will have one round to go before qualification for the big houseparty in Colombia in September 2024.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Linda Jiwuaku (Bayelsa Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Anderlin Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Shukurat Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)

    Defenders: Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Oluwabunmi Semilore (Naija Ratels); Oluchi Ohaegbunam (Nasarawa Amazons); Tumininu Adeshina (Naija Ratels); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Monica Elejo (Nasarawa Amazons); Alake Kasali (Bayelsa Queens)

    Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons); Vera Samuel (Delta Queens); Shukurat Sobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Esther Inyang (Delta Queens); Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels); Gloria Evans (FCT Academy); Chidera Okenwa (Delta Queens)

    Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Chinasa Ogor (Delta Queens); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens); Adaobi Okoh (Remo Queens); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Chisom China (Bayelsa Queens); Lydia Joshua (Heartland Queens); Delight Isaac (Dannz Ladies); Jenat Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy); Yina Adoo (Nasarawa Amazons).

  • Int’l Friendly: Super Eagles Beat 10-Man Mozambique 3-2

    In an international friendly, the Super Eagles secured a 3-2 victory over a 10-man Mozambique team in Portimão, Portugal.

    Terem Moffi, Frank Onyeka, and Moses Simon scored crucial goals, marking Nigeria’s first friendly win in 55 months.

    The last friendly win dated back to March 2019 when Paul Onuachu’s early goal led to a triumph over Egypt.

    Despite falling behind due to Catamo’s early goal, Moffi equalized in the 19th minute, and Onyeka put Nigeria in front at the half-hour mark.

    In the added time of the first half, Moses Simon added a third goal from the penalty spot. Despite playing with a numerical disadvantage following a red card in the first half, Mozambique managed to score a second goal through Bangal ten minutes into the second half.

    This victory boosts the Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 34th AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.

  • Int’l Friendly: Eagles Set To Strike Mambas As World Cup Race Beckons

    After conceding a last-minute goal that tied their encounter with Saudi Arabia 2-2 in Portimäo on Friday, the Super Eagles are determined to earn a win over the Mambas of Mozambique on Monday in order to have a positive mindset ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe next month.

    Forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who changed the tenor of the game and netted a spectacular second goal against the Green Falcons, will not be available to Coach Jose Peseiro on Monday having left the camp to attend to personal matters. Also unavailable is Ballon d’Or Dozen-shortlister Victor Osimhen, who is nursing a hamstring injury.

    Yet, Peseiro is bullish ahead of the encounter, insisting he has a clutch of forwards who can send packing the southern Africans in their only fifth-ever clash with Nigeria at senior level.

    “We will miss Kelechi and Victor, but we have other good players who can make Nigeria proud. I look at the bench and see players who can step up and take their chances.”

    The clash with the Mambas is the last gathering for the three-time African champions before the race to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins, in which they host the Crocodiles of Lesotho and then fly to play Zimbabwe’s Warriors away, all within a few days in November.

    In the absence of Iheanacho and Osimhen, Peseiro will have to cast his lot with Terem Moffi, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze, Sadiq Umar and Moses Simon, and hope that Alex Iwobi comes to the party in his playmaking role to supply ammunition to the forwards.

    Defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Jordan Torunarigha and Chidozie Awaziem, and midfielders Frank Onyeka, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Raphael Onyedika did not taste action against the Saudis, and could prove to be Peseiro’s aces against the Mambas at the Estadio Municipal de Portimäo on Monday.

    Nigeria and Mozambique have met four times at senior level, with the Super Eagles winning a friendly match in Maputo by a lone goal, before home-and-away 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches that remain fresh in the memory till this day.

    Mambas’ forward ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane proved a thorn in Nigeria’s flesh in the first encounter in Maputo that ended scoreless. At the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja in October 2009, it was heading to another 0-0 scoreline before Yusuf Ayila valiantly rescued an outbound ball that landed on the head of Victor Obinna Nsofor for the only goal of the match. Had the match ended 0-0, Nigeria would have been eliminated from the race to the first FIFA World Cup on African soil.

    Few months later, at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola, the Eagles spanked the Mambas 3-0 in Lubango to qualify for the tournament’s quarter finals.    

  • NFF Working Diligently To Ensure National Teams Attain Greater Heights – Gusau

    President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on Tuesday disclosed that the football-governing body is working assiduously to ensure that all the National Teams perform much better in their competitions in the next one year, than they have done in the past year. He made this pledge while reviewing the activities of the NFF and the teams in one year of his Board in office, and also articulating expectations for the next one year.

    While highlighting the achievements of the past year, which included a first-ever podium finish at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, quarter-final performance of the Flying Eagles at the FIFA U20 World Cup, qualification of the Super Eagles to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and best-ever outing by the Super Falcons at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Gusau asseverated that the Board and Secretariat have worked in tandem to remove toxicity from the system and enable a more conducive environment for the game in the country.

    “One of our priorities on coming into office was to ensure that the football environment was cleansed of so much toxicity that had threatened the health of the game and made some persons feel unwelcome in the system. We have tried our best to give everyone a sense of belonging with a policy of inclusiveness.

    “Off the pitch, we are proud of the work of the Interim Management Committee that we constituted to organize the last NPFL League Season, which was commended by all stakeholders, and we also feel fulfilled about the constitution of the Boards of the NNL, NWFL and NLO with vibrant, knowledgeable and competent individuals who are capable of taking the leagues to the next level. Elections into the State FAs have also been largely peaceful and successful.”

    Gusau said his board will work assiduously and diligently with the secretariat and the Federal Ministry of Sports Development to see the Super Eagles off to a great start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series and to win the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire early next year.

    “We also want to see the Super Falcons reclaim their African title and return to the Women Olympic Football Tournament. Our expectations include making good progress in our plan for hostel accommodation and some playing pitches for the National Teams, through the FIFA Forward 3.0 program, and also see that the U17 and U20 Women National Teams achieve their best-ever outings at their different World Cups next year.

    “We are working already with the new NPFL Board to grow the NPFL into the product that all administrators and stakeholders desire, and also with the boards of the other Leagues to improve the state of our domestic football. To achieve all these, we need money, so we are also looking to work even harder to grow our revenue base through aggressive marketing drive.”

    The NFF boss said his team will also not allow any FIFA window for friendly matches to go unutilized. “As you can see, we have arranged two matches for the Super Eagles in this month’s window, against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique. Mozambique is in southern Africa where three of our opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, namely Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa also are. Playing Mozambique is a good opportunity for the team to have a sneak preview of what to expect against these three teams.”

    Also at the parley were NFF Executive Committee Members H. E. Ali Silas Agara and Mr. George Aluo; NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of Anambra State FA, Chikelue Iloenyosi; NFF Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David and; Head of Member Associations, Ali Abubakar Muhammad.

    Abdulrahaman takes over from Adesanya as COO, Nigeria National League

    Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has deployed Dr. Ayo Hameed Abdulrahaman to the Nigeria National League as the chief operating officer, to take over from Mr. Emmanuel Adesanya who has retired from the Federal Civil Service after attaining the age of 60 years.

    Abdulrahaman, who holds a doctorate degree in physical and health education, has robust sphere and institutional experience in football organization and administration. He is a deputy director in the Federal Civil Service.

    Before his deployment, Dr. Abdulrahaman worked as deputy director in the NFF Competitions Department. He had also worked for many years previously as chief operating officer of the NNL, and also in the same capacity in the Nigeria Women Football League.

  • Int’l Friendlies: Paseiro Recalls Omeruo, Iwobi, Osayi-Samuel, Moffi To Super Eagles

    Head Coach Jose Santos Peseiro has recalled defenders Kenneth Omeruo and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as midfielder Alex Iwobi and forward Terem Moffi to the Super Eagles’ squad for this month’s international friendly matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique in Portugal.

    The quartet were absent from the team that demolished Sao Tome and Principe in last month’s 2023 AFCON qualifier in Uyo.

    Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, of Hatayaspor FC of Turkey gets his first-ever invitation, while Peseiro has decided to retain the trio of Francis Uzoho, Adebayo Adeleye and Olorunleke Ojo in goal. Yet-to-be-capped defender Jordan Torunnarigha is also called.

    Wilfred Ndidi, who captained the team against Sao Tome and Principe, as well as Raphael Onyedika and forwards Moses Simon, Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi and Kelechi Iheanacho have also been invited.

    The Super Eagles take on the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in the city of Portimão, Portugal on Friday, 13th October 2023, starting at 5pm before a clash with the Mambas of Mozambique in the same city three days later.

    The players are all expected to arrive in Faro, Portugal on Tuesday, 10th October.

    Both encounters have been arranged as tune-up games for the Eagles ahead of the commencement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, in which the three-time African champions host Lesotho’s Crocodiles in Uyo on 17th November before travelling away to play Zimbabwe four days later.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa FC, Turkey); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayaspor FC, Turkey)

    Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany)

  • EPL Roundup: Arsenal Dominates, Liverpool, Man City, Man United Suffer Defeats

    The Premier League witnessed a thrilling weekend of football, with standout performances and surprising upsets. Arsenal, in particular, stole the show with a resounding victory over Bournemouth, while Liverpool, Manchester City, and Manchester United faced unexpected defeats.

    Arsenal Triumph Over Bournemouth

    Arsenal showcased their dominance as they crushed winless Bournemouth with a scoreline of 4-0 at the Vitality Stadium. This win marked a strong comeback for Arsenal after their 2-2 draw against Tottenham the previous weekend.

    The Gunners wasted no time, with Bukayo Saka opening the scoring by heading in the rebound from Gabriel Jesus’ effort. Martin Odegaard added to their lead with a well-converted penalty, providing Mikel Arteta’s side with a comfortable advantage at halftime.

    The second half continued in Arsenal’s favor, with Kai Havertz scoring his first goal for the club from the penalty spot. Ben White sealed the deal with a headed goal from Odegaard’s free-kick in added time.

    Bournemouth’s struggles continued, as they dropped into the bottom three with no wins in their first seven league matches under new manager Andoni Iraola.

    Manchester United’s Home Defeat

    Manchester United suffered their second consecutive home defeat in the Premier League, this time against Crystal Palace. Joachim Andersen’s superb strike secured an impressive victory for the visitors.

    Despite a spirited effort, Manchester United couldn’t break through Palace’s defense. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone’s outstanding performance denied the hosts any goals. As a result, Crystal Palace claimed a 1-0 victory, moving above their opponents to ninth place, while Manchester United dropped to 10th. This marked a challenging start to the season for Erik ten Hag’s side.

    Wolves Stun Manchester City

    Manchester City’s unbeaten run in the Premier League came to an end as they faced a shocking 2-1 defeat against Wolves at Molineux. Hwang Hee-chan scored the decisive second-half winner for Wolves.

    Despite City’s efforts, they struggled to find their usual control, and striker Erling Haaland had limited opportunities. Julian Alvarez’s brilliant free-kick and Ruben Dias’ own goal had initially given Manchester City hope, but Wolves fought back to secure a surprising victory.

    This defeat marked a rare setback for Pep Guardiola’s side, who had been dominant in the league.

    Tottenham Edges Nine-Man Liverpool

    In an eventful and contentious Premier League clash, Tottenham secured a late victory over nine-man Liverpool. Joel Matip’s own goal deep into stoppage time gave Spurs the win.

    Liverpool faced controversy with two red cards, leaving them with just nine players on the field. The Reds were aggrieved by VAR decisions, including a disallowed goal by Luis Diaz. Captain Son Heung-min scored for Tottenham, but Cody Gakpo equalized for Liverpool.

    In the dying moments of the game, Matip’s unfortunate own goal handed Tottenham a dramatic win. This defeat marked Liverpool’s first of the season, while Tottenham celebrated a thrilling victory.

    SATURDAY’S RESULTS

    Aston Villa 6-1 Brighton

    Bournemouth 0-4 Arsenal

    Everton 1-2 Luton

    Manchester United 0-1 Crystal Palace

    Newcastle 2-0 Burnley

    West Ham 2-0 Sheffield United

    Wolves 2-1 Manchester City

    Tottenham 2-1 Liverpool

    The Premier League delivered excitement and surprises, showcasing the unpredictability and drama that fans love about football.

  • Osimhen Overcomes Social Media Controversy To Score For Napoli

    Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen put aside his recent social media storm with his club Napoli and made a significant impact on the field as his team secured a 4-1 victory over Udinese on Wednesday.

    Napoli, the defending Serie A champions, entered the match under pressure after enduring a three-game winless streak, which had raised concerns about their new coach, Rudi Garcia.

    Osimhen’s missed penalty in their previous game against Bologna, followed by a controversial TikTok video posted by Napoli’s official account, had created a buzz. The video appeared to mock Osimhen, leading the forward to consider legal action against the club.

    Despite the off-field distractions, Osimhen put in an excellent performance and ended his four-game goal drought with a well-taken strike in the 39th minute, boosting Napoli to seventh place in the Serie A table.

    Napoli found themselves awarded another penalty just 15 minutes into the game when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the box. After a VAR review, the penalty was confirmed, but this time it was Piotr Zielinski who stepped up to convert it, making it 1-0 after 19 minutes.

    With their confidence restored, Napoli pressed on, with Kvaratskhelia, Osimhen, and Mario Rui all testing Udinese’s goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri.

    In the 39th minute, Osimhen seized an opportunity and slotted the ball into the net, marking his fourth goal of the season. Although initially hesitant to celebrate, he was eventually able to embrace his teammates amid cheers from the home crowd.

    In the 63rd minute, Osimhen was substituted for Giovanni Simeone, who later found the net, but not before Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian attacker capitalized on a defensive error to score his first goal of the season in the 74th minute.

    Although Lazar Samardzic pulled one back for Udinese in the 80th minute, Kvaratskhelia once again played a pivotal role by assisting Simeone, who headed the ball low into the net, sealing a much-needed victory for the champions.

    Osimhen’s on-field performance proved that he could put distractions aside and deliver for his team when it mattered most.