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Category: Sports

  • EPL: ‘Early’ Haaland kicks off golden boot race in City’s 3-0 win against Burnley

    2022/23 Premier League Golden Boot winner, Erling Haaland wasted no time in resuming his goal-scoring spree, propelling Manchester City to a comfortable 3-0 triumph against top flight returnees Burnley as they began their Premier League title defense on Friday night.

    The prodigious striker, who netted an impressive 52 goals in City’s triumphant Treble-winning season last year, rekindled his form by striking within just 185 seconds of kickoff.

    Haaland’s swift impact left Burnley struggling to recover, and his two first-half goals ensured City’s dominance.

    His first goal came courtesy of a swift reaction in the box, capitalizing on a header from Rodri off Kevin de Bruyne’s cross.

    His second goal showcased his finesse, curling a brilliant left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Burnley’s keeper James Trafford helpless. The contest effectively ended with this stunning goal at the 36-minute mark.

    Despite Burnley’s spirited efforts, they were unable to overturn City’s control. Rodri sealed City’s victory with a third goal, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Burnley’s side, burying a free-kick with 15 minutes remaining.

    City’s victory, though routine, was marred by yet another injury for De Bruyne, who was replaced by Mateo Kovacic after just 23 minutes. Burnley’s Anass Zaroury received a red card in injury time, following a VAR review for a reckless tackle on Kyle Walker.

    Pep Guardiola’s animated demeanor on the sidelines illustrated Man City’s occasional rustiness, despite their winning start. Haaland, despite his impressive goals, received a stern talking-to from Guardiola during halftime, emphasizing the manager’s pursuit of perfection.

    While Haaland’s involvement might have seemed limited, his goal-scoring prowess remained undeniable. His impact, as showcased by his two goals from just six touches, underlined his contribution as City’s linchpin.

    Kovacic’s smooth entry as De Bruyne’s substitute provided a silver lining, but the Belgian’s recurring injury concerns are a worry for Guardiola. De Bruyne’s ability to create opportunities was evident as he set up Haaland’s opening goal, but his exit from the field was visibly disappointing.

    City remains hopeful that De Bruyne’s injury is not severe, as they navigate the opening stages of the Premier League campaign with overall satisfaction.

  • FIFA WCC: Gallant Falcons lose penalties 4-2 to England, crash out

    In a gripping match at Brisbane Stadium, England showcased their resilience, securing a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup at the expense of Nigeria.

    Their hard-fought victory came through a dramatic penalty shootout, with England prevailing 4-2 over Nigeria after a goalless draw in regular time.

    Notably, this victory marks England’s third consecutive triumph in Women’s World Cup Round-of-16 matches, a remarkable achievement for the team.

    The Lionesses faced adversity when Lauren James was shown a red card in the latter stages of normal play. Despite this setback, they held their ground during the extra time, demonstrating their determination and teamwork.

    Chloe Kelly emerged as the hero of the hour, calmly converting her penalty kick during the tense shootout. This triumphant moment booked England’s ticket to the upcoming encounter with either Colombia or Jamaica.

    Throughout the match, Nigeria demonstrated their mettle, coming dangerously close to seizing the lead. Ashleigh Plumptre’s powerful left-footed strike from the edge of the box rattled the crossbar, and Mary Earps’ follow-up save denied Nigeria’s subsequent attempt.

    A pivotal moment arrived when the Lionesses believed they had earned a penalty opportunity after Rasheedat Ajibade’s challenge on Rachel Daly. However, the referee’s decision was overturned after a thorough VAR review.

    In the second half, Uchenna Kanu’s header from a corner narrowly missed the target. England’s Rachel Daly found herself in a prime position for a header, but a brilliant reaction save by Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, denied her the goal.

    With only three minutes remaining, Lauren James was sent off following a VAR examination, the result of an incident involving Michelle Alozie. The match ventured into extra time, but neither side managed to break the deadlock.

    The turning point came during the penalty shootout, as Nigeria faltered with their first two spot-kicks, failing to hit the target. Chloe Kelly’s successful conversion of England’s penalty ultimately proved to be the decider, securing a hard-earned victory and a place in the quarter-finals.

    England’s journey through the Women’s World Cup continues to captivate fans worldwide as they demonstrate their prowess and spirit on the global stage.

  • Arsenal beat Man City to win 2023 Community Shield

    Arsenal beat Man City to win 2023 Community Shield

    In a thrilling encounter, Arsenal secured a psychological boost to the new football season that begins next week, by defeating Manchester City on penalties to claim the 2023 Community Shield.

    After a relatively uneventful 70 minutes in the season opener, Cole Palmer seemed to have sealed the victory for City with a sensational strike.

    However, Leandro Trossard equalized in the 101st minute, sending the game to a dramatic penalty shootout.

    Substitute Kevin de Bruyne’s strike hit the crossbar, followed by Rodri’s saved effort, paving the way for Fabio Vieira to score the decisive penalty, clinching the silverware for Arsenal.

    The win provided a morale boost for Arsenal, who had led the Premier League for 248 days last season before falling short in the title race as City secured a Treble, including the Champions League and FA Cup.

    Arsenal’s manager, Mikel Arteta, had expressed the desire to avenge last season’s defeats against City, and his side displayed impressive determination throughout the match.

    The Gunners’ summer signings, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber, all made their competitive debuts, further strengthening the team’s core.

    While Community Shield victories do not necessarily guarantee Premier League success, Arsenal reveled in the positive result after a disappointing end to the previous season. Guardiola praised Arsenal’s summer transfers, acknowledging their strengthened squad.

    Despite City’s three major trophies in the last season, including the Premier League, they faced defeat in their third consecutive Community Shield appearance. Nonetheless, City remains focused on their primary goal of defending the Premier League title.

    Mateo Kovacic, one of City’s notable summer signings, displayed a strong performance in midfield. Although Golden Boot winner Erling Haaland had an off day in front of goal, City remains confident in their abilities to deliver a remarkable campaign.

    Overall, Arsenal’s Community Shield victory serves as an encouraging start to the season, instilling confidence and optimism for the challenges ahead. City, despite their Community Shield losses, is determined to maintain their dominance and continue their pursuit of more silverware in the upcoming Premier League campaign.

  • D’Tigress dominate Afrobasket, win 4th consecutive title

    D'Tigress dominate Afrobasket, win 4th title with victory over Senegal

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress emerged victorious on Saturday night, defeating Senegal 84-74 to secure their fourth consecutive Afrobasket Championship title in Kigali, Rwanda, cementing their position as the dominant force in African women’s basketball.

    Throughout the tournament, D’Tigress displayed an exceptional level of play, overpowering their opponents with a stellar lineup of talented players such as Amy Okonkwo, Murjanatu Musa, Sarah Ogoke, and Ifunaya Okoro. Among them, Okonkwo stood out, consistently unleashing her skills to keep Senegal on the defensive, earning her the well-deserved title of the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).

    The game was thoroughly dominated by D’Tigress, denying Senegal any opportunity to turn the tide, as reflected in the impressive scorecards of 19-10, 24-21, 26-19, and 22-17 in each of the four quarters.

    Notably, the victory also marked history with Rena Wakama, the Head Coach of D’Tigress, becoming the first indigenous female coach to lead a national team to an Afrobasket Championship triumph. At the post-match conference, Wakama expressed pride in her players’ determination, hard work, and passion, considering the short period they had to train together.

    The achievement was widely praised by sports enthusiasts and journalists alike. Queen Moseph, a sports journalist, commended the players for their remarkable display of talent and dedication, uplifting the spirits of basketball-loving Nigerians. The victory serves as a testament to the incredible prowess of Nigeria’s senior national team, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s basketball community.

    Sports commentator Kelechi Benard hailed the triumph as a significant milestone for Nigeria, especially given the limited preparation time the team had. He emphasized the importance of hard work and team coordination, factors that contributed to the team’s success and highlighted their potential to achieve even more in the future.

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress showcased their dominance in African women’s basketball, securing their fourth consecutive Afrobasket Championship title with an 84-74 victory over Senegal.

    The team’s performance, led by the exceptional Amy Okonkwo and under the guidance of Coach Rena Wakama, earned them widespread admiration and recognition for their professionalism and passion. This win stands as a testament to the team’s commitment and ability, inspiring basketball enthusiasts across the nation.

  • FWWC: Spain mauls Switzerland 5-1 to berth quarterfinals

    An Aitana Bonmati-inspired Spain took Switzerland to the cleaners 5-1 on Saturday to secure a spot in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.

    This was the second time Spain hit five goals at Australia and New Zealand 2023, having defeated Zambia 5-0 in the group stage.

    The team’s midfield maestro and Player of the Match, Bonmati scored twice, with Alba Redondo, Laia Codina, and Jennifer Hermoso also on target in a dominant display.

    Spain hit the front early on when Bonmati superbly cut the ball back onto her left foot before slotting home with a clever finish.

    Switzerland soon equalised, though in a bizarre fashion.

    Spain defender Codina misplaced a pass back to goalkeeper Cata Coll, with the ball rolling into the net to the amazement of the Eden Park crowd.

    Jorge Vilda’s side responded defiantly to that shock blow and were back ahead.

    This was when Redondo – starting her first game of the tournament – expertly placed an opportunistic header beyond Swiss stopper, Gaelle Thalmann.

    Spain was relentless at this point and forged 3-1 ahead through the brilliant Bonmati.

    If her first goal was good, then this one was exceptional.

    With one stunning turn inside the penalty box, she dribbled three Swiss defenders and their goalkeeper, then calmly finished to double her team’s advantage.

    Spain put the result beyond doubt just before half-time when Codina atoned for her own goal by prodding in from close range following a goal-mouth scramble.

    The second half was a more competitive affair, with Switzerland substitute Meriame Terchoun’s snapshot forcing a smart save from Coll.

    Spain were to have the last word though, with Hermoso completing the scoring with a clinical strike.

    Spain will face the winner of Sunday’s tie between the Netherlands and South Africa in the quarter-final.

    Jorge Vilda, Spain’s coach told newsmen after the match that his team approached the game well and were very offensive which was key to their victory.

    “What I liked the most about the team was our competitiveness – how we went into the duels and how we won the duels.

    “We showed what we can do, even without being at our best level. We made history [by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time].

    “We proved we are a team of 23 players and we are very happy,” he said.

    Ramona Bachmann, Switzerland forward expressed disappointment over the team’s defeat, admitting however that they lost to a better side.

    “Today it was just difficult. You could see that Spain was a class better.

    “In the first 20-25 minutes we had a few good attacks, but we weren’t clever playing them through to the end.

    “We wanted to be dangerous on the counter-attack, which worked out a few times in the first half, but not so much in the second,” she said.

  • Afrobasket: D’Tigress crush Rwanda, reach 4th consecutive final

    Afrobasket: D’Tigress crush Rwanda, reach 4th consecutive final

    Nigeria’s Senior Women’s Basketball Team, D’Tigress on Thursday pummeled host country Rwanda, 79-48 to reach another final of the ongoing Afrobasket Women’s Championship.

    The team, who has been dominant in the competition since 2015, are yet to lose any match and are now gunning for their fourth successive title.
    They have now extended their unbeaten run to 23 games and will next face the winner between Senegal and Mali in the final on Saturday.
    Amy Okonkwo as usual, unleashed the necessary qualities as she recorded 23 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and one block to help the team get past Rwanda who had a huge home support.
    D’Tigress were dominant all through the four quarters of the match recording, 22-6, 22-12, 17-14, and 13-21 to coast home a 79-48 victory.
    The last time Nigeria lost a game in the Women’s Afrobasket was in 2015 against Cameroon in the semi-finals.
    In a post-match news conference monitored, the Head Coach of Rwanda, Sheik Caar, admitted that Nigeria is a powerhouse in basketball and that they made three points look easy and they had a 45 percent average.
    “If you have a team making three points look easy and you only have just one player making points, how are you going to win a team like Nigeria?
    “We tried but Nigeria is better physically and mentally, indeed they deserve to win and we just have to prepare harder next time,” Caar said.
    Also speaking, Nigeria’s Head Coach, Rena Wakama, who had just two weeks to prepare the team, expressed happiness over the victory.
    “It’s a very good feeling I give kudos to the players who gave their best and have done very well to reach another final.
    “Indeed it’s a great achievement and we look forward to playing in the final and winning the championship trophy,” Wakama said.
    The D’Tigress’ scorecard in the competition is, 69-35 against Congo, 83-65 against Egypt, 59-52 against Mozambique, and now 79-48 against Rwanda.

  • AfroBasket: D’Tigress bounce off Mozambique, advance to semi-finals

    AfroBasket: D’Tigress bounce off Mozambique, advance to semi-finals

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda extended their winning streak in Africa to 22 straight wins by over-running Mozambique 59-52 to advance to the 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket semi-finals.

    The hard-earned win means the Nigerian senior women’s national basketball team will now meet hosts Rwanda in Thursday’s semifinal.

    Mozambique led at the break, after 18-16 and 15-13 wins in the first and second quarters, but Nigeria overcame their lethargy to eventually turn the tables around.

    They outscored Mozambique 18-10 in the third quarter to set the tone for claiming the win, before a close 12-9 win in the fourth and final quarter.

    With Nigeria trailing by four points at half-time, they had to rally and find a way to get back into the game.

    When the opportunity occurred, Elizabeth Balogun seized the moment to help Nigeria tie the contest at 40-40.

    Amy Okonkwo then gave the reigning champions a short but solid advantage, before Ifunaya Okoro scored from behind the arc to give Nigeria the lead definitely.

    Mozambique tried to fight back, but they met a resilient and combative Nigeria.

    Okonkwo chipped in 17 points, Balogun contributed 12 points, and Sarah Ogoke finished just one point shy from a double-digit.

    Nearly every Nigerian ended the game with at least two points to their credit.

    However, what saved Nigeria was the depth of their bench, which produced 22 of the 59 points Nigeria needed to see off Mozambique.

    Nigeria also made the difference on free throws ratio, having 14 for 18 free throws which gave them the edge over Mozambique who had 16 from 24 attempts.

    The D’Tigresses also out-rebounded Mozambique 51-43, by being more active on the defensive side with 38 boards.

    But ironically, the game’s best rebounder was Mozambique’s Tamara Seda.

    With this win, Nigeria have also sent a message to hosts Rwanda that they will be tough nuts to crack, ready and focused on getting a fourth title in a row.

    Speaking after the game, Nigeria guard Sarah Ogoke said while their opponents were good her team was better and deserved their win.

    “Mozambique are a great team, and credit to them for putting up such a game. But we stayed together and we made it through,” she said.

    Looking ahead to their semi-final fixture, Obote said: “We’re going to be playing against the stadium, against the fans, against the entire country.

    “So it’s going to be very difficult. We will try to get us to Saturday’s final and to the 2024 Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament (WOQT).

    “We definitely have what it takes to make it four titles in a row and we have a way of making things happen. And we’ll find a way.”

  • Nigeria wins maiden African Admiral Porbeni Canoe Race

    Team Nigeria emerged the overall winner of the maiden African Admiral Porbeni Canoe Race championships in Abuja.

    The championships which also served as an Olympics pre-qualifier event took place at the Jabi Boat Club, Abuja recently.

    No fewer than 100 athletes from five African countries including, Ghana, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe, Togo, and host Nigeria took part in the four-day event.

    Team Nigeria amassed a total of 34 medals, including 21 gold, 11 silver, and two bronze to emerge as the overall winners of the event.

    Sao Tome and Principe with a total of 20 medals, including three gold, 11 silver, and six bronzes finished in the second position.

    While, Senegal with a total of 16 medals, including one gold, three silver, and 12 bronzes settled for the third position.

    Ghana with three bronzes and Togo with two bronze medals finished in the fourth and fifth positions respectively.

    The various race events competed for include; 500m KL3 women, 200m KL3 men, 1,000m K1 men, 1,000m K1 women, 1,000 C1 men, 1,000 C1 women, 5,000m K2 men and 200m K1 women.

    Others were; 500m C2 men, 200m C1 women, 500m KL2 men, 200m KL2 men, 200m C1 men, 200m K1 men, 500m C1 women and 500m K1 women.

    Nigeria’s Ayomide Bello finished as the overall best female athlete, winning three gold medals in all the three events she competed for including the 1,000m C1 women (5mins.06secs.50ms), 200m C1 women (55secs.57ms) and 500m C1 women(2mins.55secs..88ms)

    Bello was ranked 13th in the 2019 World Championships in Hungary and also won four gold medals from four events as rower at the Admiral Porbeni Boat Race in 2021.

    Also Nigeria’s youngest athlete Yinlayefa Godhelp won gold in two events which she competed for, including the 1000m K1 women (5mins. 16secs.54ms.) and 500m K1 women (3mins.01secs.50ms.) respectively.

    Godhelp only discovered within the last 12 months has proven herself as a young sensation from the National Sports Festival, winning 500m C1 race.

    She went on to represent Nigeria at the second Africa Beach Games in Tunisia 2023 where she finished an impressive fourth position in what was her first ever international event.

    Other gold medalists were Temitope Olasupo in 200m(15secs.21ms) and 500m KL2 men ( 2mins.45secs.62ms) Pere Paghamotei in 200m C1 men (48secs.49ms), Blessing Amusan in 200m K1 women ( 1min.56secs.), Ayoola Amusan/Endurance Godhelp in 500m K2 men (2mins.06secs.21ms) and Joseph/Michael Moses in 500m C2 men (2mins.23secs.27ms)

    Team Nigeria smiled home with a 3,000 dollars prize money, while Sao Tome and Principe pocketed 2,000 dollars with Senegal settling for 1,000 dollars.

    Moses Michael, Team Nigeria’s Captain expressed joy at the team’s victory, adding that it wasn’t an easy feat even though everyone had high expectations for the team.

    “Everyone expected us to win and the team spirit was very high.

    “Our sport is not like football where you see pitches everywhere where you can train. Even if you see water, you won’t easily have access to the boat.

    “So, it is very difficult to train and stay fit and if somebody is out of the sport for a month or two, there is no way you can get your fitness right within a week.

    But, we thank God that we did our best and the victory for us is a very good one,” he said.

    On preparation of the team for the Olympics qualifiers in November and Paris 2024, Michael stressed on the need to open training camp early for the athletes, adding that the Olympics was already around the corner.

    “We have already discussed as a team about what we want and are ready to present our request to the federation president.

    “We are already planning to travel to Germany for another pre-qualifying event next month, so as to enable us amass enough points before the Olympic qualifiers in November.

    “We also want to appeal to the Federal Government to assist us because November is around the corner and Olympics training is expected to commence immediately.

    “Some athletes in other countries start preparing for the Olympics a year ahead of the event. So, it is very important we resume camp immediately,” he said.

    Dignitaries at the event were Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff and Thomas Konietzko, the President, International Canoe Federation (ICF) and and Festus Porbeni, President of the Rowing, Canoeing and Sailing Federation.

    Others are Joao Afonso, the 1st Vice President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) and Habu Gumel, the president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). 

  • 2023 FIFA WWC: Nigeria advances to last-16 despite Ireland stalemate

    2023 FIFA WWC: Nigeria advances to last-16 despite Ireland stalemate
    Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala came closest to breaking the deadlock but her effort went narrowly wide the far post on Monday.

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria have secured a spot in the knockout phase of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the third time, despite playing out a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

    Ireland, in their maiden appearance in the tournament, managed to claim their first-ever Women’s World Cup point.

    Before the final group game, Ireland’s fate was already sealed with narrow defeats to Australia and Canada, with the even contest against the Super Falcons showcasing their determination to make history in the prestigious tournament.

    Nigeria will be joined in the last 16 by Australia, who sent Olympic champions Canada packing with an emphatic 4-0 victory.

    The co-hosts’ dominant performance saw them progress at the expense of Canada.

    In the match between Ireland and Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium, Ireland displayed early dominance, with Captain Katie McCabe having the first notable effort of the game that narrowly missed the target.

    Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala had a golden opportunity to score when Louise Quinn’s mistake gifted her the ball, but her shot narrowly curled away from the far post.

    One of the standout moments of the game occurred just after the interval when Ireland goalkeeper Courtney Brosnan made a spectacular save.

    Uchenna Kanu’s header was brilliantly parried onto the bar by Brosnan, who quickly reacted to keep her side in the game.

    Despite both teams’ efforts on goal, neither could find the elusive winning goal, resulting in a goalless draw.

    Nigeria progressed as the second-placed team in Group B, securing their spot in the knockout stage and could face England in the next round.

    In a historic moment, Super Falcons’ defender Onome Ebi became the first African footballer, male or female, to participate in six World Cups. Her achievement stands as a testament to her remarkable contribution to the sport.

    As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup unfolds, the competition intensifies, and teams strive to make their mark on the global stage.

    The tournament has continued to captivate fans worldwide with thrilling matches and exceptional displays of talent from women footballers from diverse nations.

  • FIBA Afrobasket: Nigeria’s D’Tigress maul Egypt, berth quarter-final

    The Nigerian senior women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, demonstrated their prowess once again in the ongoing 2023 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament, securing a convincing victory against Egypt and booking their spot in the quarterfinals.

    On a Sunday showdown at the BK Arena, D’Tigress unleashed their determination to clinch an unprecedented fourth consecutive continental title.

    They proved their mettle by outplaying Egypt with a resounding 83-65 triumph, ensuring their early qualification to the last eight stage of the tournament.

    The match witnessed D’Tigress taking control from the outset, gaining an 18-10 lead in the first quarter and extending it further in the second quarter, finishing with a commanding 24-13 advantage.

    However, the third quarter saw Egypt make a valiant effort to narrow the gap, securing a 19-14 win in that period.

    As the tension escalated in the fourth quarter, the North Africans fought desperately to regain ground.

    Yet, D’Tigress exhibited unwavering determination, maintaining their composure and sealing the game with a strong finish. The final quarter ended with a score of 27-23 in favor of D’Tigress, sealing their comprehensive victory at 83-65.

    The standout performance came from Amy Okonkwo, who led the scoring with an impressive 29 points and 13 rebounds, steering D’Tigress to their well-deserved triumph and securing their spot in the quarterfinals.

    Murjanatu Musa also shone brightly with her valuable 18-point contribution, while Nicole Enabosi added 10 points to her name, registering double figures.

    This win marks Nigeria’s third consecutive victory over Egypt, following their previous triumphs in 2015 and 2017. The Nigerian team’s dominant performance has undoubtedly solidified their reputation as a formidable force in women’s basketball in Africa.

    With Nigeria safely advancing to the quarterfinals, Egypt and DR Congo will now face a challenging qualifying round to determine if they can join Nigeria in the next stage or head back home.