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Category: Sports

  • Awoniyi visits alma maters, donates books, cash to teachers

    *Begins renovation of classrooms 

    Awoniyi visits alma maters, donates books, cash to teachers

    Super Eagles of Nigeria and Nottingham Forest of England striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, on Monday, visited his alma maters, Adetunji Nursery and Primary School, Alfa Yahaya, Ilorin and Government Day Secondary School, Airport, Ilorin. 

    Awoniyi who was received by the Proprietor of Adetunji Nursery and Primary School, Mr AbdulRahman Adetunji, was conducted around the school premises. 

    The Nottingham Forest forward who was welcomed to the school premises to a large scream from the pupils later addressed them. 

    The Super Eagles marksman urged the pupils never to stop dreaming of becoming whatever they desired to become in the future. 

    “This man (Adetunji) standing beside me is a huge inspiration, he made me the Games’ Prefect while I was in Primary 4.

    “He was always encouraging us, his support then was a driving force and I am where I am today because I listened to the teachers. 

    “You need to listen to the teachers and follow their instructions always,” Awoniyi said. 

    Awoniyi visits alma maters, donates books, cash to teachers

    Awoniyi after donating cash to the teachers and also donated books and other various writing materials in his elementary school. 

    While at his secondary school, Government Day Secondary School (GDSS), Airport, Ilorin, the Super Eagles’ striker was noticed by the students amid a large chant of “Awoniyi! Awoniyi!! Awoniyi!!! as they made their way out of the class to receive and welcome him.

    The Nottingham Forest man who was received by the Principal of the school, Mr. Olayinka Aremo, was delighted to see some of his old teachers who rushed to hug and take photos with him.

    The school management expressed appreciation and thanked him for embarking on the renovation of six classrooms and a Hall at the school.

    Awoniyi was hosted to a prayer session as members of staff took turn to pray for him one after the other.

    He addressed the students and also urged them to continue to be good ambassadors of the school even as the striker expressed hope that they can become someone like him in the future.

  • Win 2023 World Cup, First Lady tasks Falcons in send-forth dinner

    Win 2023 World Cup, First Lady tasks Falcons in send-forth dinner

    The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has tasked the Super Falcons to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals holding in Australia and New Zealand.

    She gave the charge in Abuja on Saturday while hosting the team to a dinner ahead of its departure on Sunday for the tournament which starts July 20 and ends August 20.

    Mrs. Tinubu, who was represented by Dr Betta Edu, the APC National Women Leader, said that Nigeria’s appearance at the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup must be for the noble purpose of bringing the coveted cup home.

    Drumming support for the Super Falcons, she pointed out that football was a major unifier in the country, urging the team to work hard so as to match the expectations of Nigerians.

    “It is important that you remain committed by playing together as a team; no one should think that she’s better player than the other.

    “It is only when you play as a team that you can record success. It is my expectation that this time, you will surpass your previous efforts.

    “I am sure that 99.9 per cent of Nigerians will stay glued to their television sets to watch you. Please try your best to bring the cup home.”

    Win 2023 World Cup, First Lady tasks Falcons in send-forth dinner

    While expressing her faith in the ability and pedigree of the team to excel at the mundial, the first lady promised to receive the team herself when they bring the cup home.

    Earlier, the President of Nigeria Football Federations (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gashua, had thanked the Federal Government for supporting the team.

    “Football remains the biggest unifier across the world; it has helped to shore up our national image while helping to reduce criminal tendencies among the youth.

    “I want to encourage the coaches to be more committed because you will be accountable for the outing.”

    Among dignitaries that attended the dinner were Mr Philip Shuaibu, the Deputy Governor of Edo, top sports administrators and members of the diplomatic corps.

    The Nigerian national female soccer team is one out of only seven national teams that have featured in each of the competition since it debuted in 1991. 

  • Revealed: How Arsenal tempted Havertz with huge contract offer

    Details of the huge contract that tempted Kai Havertz to leave Chelsea and join Arsenal have been revealed.

    The German newspaper Bild, reports that the German arrives as the club’s top earner at €20m (£17m/$22m) a year or €385,000 (£331,000/$420,500) a week with further bonuses available for helping the club to silverware.

    Thomas Partey was believed to be the previous highest-paid player on €12m (£10m/$13m) a year or €230,000 (£198,000/$250,000) per week.

    Havertz enters a pay grade that had been obsolete at the Emirates since the departures of Pierre-Emerick Aubemeyang and Mesut Ozil in the previous two seasons.

    But he should soon have company at the top of the charts with Declan Rice’s impending arrival likely to surpass Havertz’s transfer fee while matching him in wages. The success of the current squad also means that any contract renewals are likely to land in the same bracket.

    After a few weeks off, Havertz will soon be meeting up with his new team-mates and jetting off on the club’s 

  • Former Arsenal star, Cesc Fabregas announces retirement

    Former Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea star, Cesc Fabregas has announced his retirement from football as he prepares to move into coaching.

    Fabregas announced that he is bringing the curtain down on a glittering career and will move into coaching with Como, the Serie B club he played for last season. He will move on to coaching their B and youth teams, according to the Daily Telegraph.

    Fabregas enjoyed a hugely successful playing career, winning the FA Cup with Arsenal after becoming their youngest-ever player, and he went on to win La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup at Barcelona, as well as the FA Cup and two Premier League titles with Chelsea. He also won both the World Cup and the European Championship with Spain.

    Announcing his retirement, Fabregas said: “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots.

     “From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all. 

    “From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget.

    “All those who have helped me, my teammates, coaches, directors, presidents, owners, fans, and my agent. To all my family, from my parents and my sister to my wife and kids, I cherish your advice, mentorship, and guidance. To my opponents who tried to knock me, thank you for making me stronger. 

    “It has already been more than worth it with all the great memories and friends that I have made on the way.  I’ve also learnt 3 languages and became more compassionate and wiser along my travels. I lived experiences that I never thought in a million years I would even come close to.”

    Fabregas will hope to earn his stripes at Como before potentially making the move into management down the line.

  • Transfer: Man United eye Bijlow as Onana alternative

    Transfer: Man United eye Bijlow as Onana alternative

    Manchester United are considering a move for Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow as a potential alternative to signing Inter’s Andre Onana.

    United are considering alternatives to Onana, with Bijlow and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Kevin Trapp both being looked at, per the Daily Mirror. Financial Fair Play restrictions have impacted United’s budget and, as a result, they do not believe they will be able to afford Inter’s £60 million ($76m) asking price.

    Feyenoord would demand £20m ($25m) for Bijlow, a much more affordable fee for United to reach, while Trapp would cost half that figure. Bijlow is 25 and has won eight caps for the Netherlands while making a total of 119 appearances for the Dutch club.

    Uncertainty continues to hang over David de Gea’s future, as he is technically a free agent after his contract expired at United, with the club making a U-turn over sanctioning a new deal.

    He has endured a difficult season, making a number of high-profile errors, and manager Erik ten Hag is said to be determined to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

    United will hope to clarify De Gea’s future, and are then likely to make a decision over a new goalkeeper.

  • Football Games: French court upholds ban on hijabs

    Football Games: French court upholds ban on hijabs

    France’s top administrative court on Thursday, upheld the ban on the use of hijab by Muslim female football players during games.

    The case was instituted by a collective of Muslim football players against the French Football Federation (FFF).

    The Council of State (Conseil d’Etat) ruled that “the ban enacted by the FFF is suitable and proportionate,” said the court in a statement.

    “Sports federations in charge of proper functioning of the public service whose management is entrusted to them, may impose on their players an obligation of outfit neutrality during competitions,” the statement read.

    The lawyer for the Muslim collective, called the “Hijabeuses”, was not immediately available for comment.

    Soccer’s world governing body FIFA lifted a similar ban on female footballers wearing the hijab more than a decade ago.

    France is home to one of Europe’s largest Muslim minorities and the country has also implemented laws designed to protect its strict form of secularism, known as “laicité,” which President Emmanuel Macron has said is under threat from Islamism.

    Some Muslim associations and human rights groups alleged that those laws were targeted at Muslims.

  • Women’s World Cup: NFF to hold send-forth for Falcons on Saturday

    *Mrs. Remi Tinubu to lead FG delegation to tournament

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will on Saturday organize a Send-Forth dinner for the World Cup-bound Senior Women National Team, Super Falcons, ahead of the team’s departure from the country to participate in the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals taking place in Australia and New Zealand, 20 July – 20 August this year.

    Her Excellency, Wife of the President, Senator (Mrs) Oluremi Tinubu will lead a choice cast of eminent political chieftains and top government functionaries, which will include the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar and his counterpart in the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.

    A good number of the playing body, as well as technical and administrative officials, are expected alongside the hierarchy and rank and file of the NFF, led by the President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi.

    The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps and a range of football stakeholders.

    On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament proper, with their base at Brisbane – which is also venue for two of their matches in the group phase.

    Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on Friday, 21 July, before clashes with co-host nation Australia and Republic of Ireland on Thursday, 27 July and Monday, 31 July respectively, at the Lang Park in Brisbane.

    Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams – same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year. It is also the first to be hosted by two countries, and is the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two countries in two different confederations: Australia is in the Asian confederation while New Zealand is in Oceania.

    Nigeria’ captain Onome Ebi will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair. The three women will be featuring in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.

    Twenty-four hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission, courtesy of the Ag. High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston, will host the Falcons to a dinner at the High Commission in Abuja.   

  • Nigeria’s Olympic hero, Jerry Okorodudu dies @64

    Former Nigerian boxer and Olympian, Jeremiah ‘Jerry’ Okorodudu, has sadly passed on at the age of 64.

    The boxer died at a private hospital in Lawanson, Lagos on Wednesday night after battling with foot ulcer that left him bedridden for weeks.

    When contacted, Adenike, Okorodudu’s wife confirmed the news of the boxer’s death to the press.

    However, Adenike said the hospital was not willing to release her husband’s corpse until an outstanding N600,000 medical bill is paid.

    “He is dead now but we still need to pay N600,000 to get his body out of the hospital,” she said.

    Reports broke in the media last week that the Olympian was feeling better following several transfers from different hospitals, mainly due to lack of funds, before he was brought to the Lawanson hospital.

    Secretary-General, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control and the President, West Africa Boxing Union, Remi Aboderin, also confirmed that the Olympian had passed on.

    “It is true about his death. I just confirmed it after you called me and I reached out to some colleagues,” Aboderin said.

    “It is unfortunate that he died this way, and I am actually lost for words. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

    The Vice President, Nigeria Boxing Federation, Azania Omo-Agege, told pressmen that he sent his wife some money on Tuesday for the hospital bills of the former boxer.

     “I just sent them money yesterday (Tuesday). I sent them N100,000 and we were planning for the amputation (of his leg) on Friday, this is very sad,” he said.

    Okorodudu, a bronze medalist at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, Australia, was controversially edged out at the quarterfinals of the 1984 Olympic Games by Virgil Hills of the United States.

    He was a gold medallist at the Oluyole 1979 National Sports Festival in Ibadan.

    His medical predicament began in 2020 with a boil affliction that affected his mobility. He then had a successful surgery at Dans Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos.

    But his health condition relapsed after he was diagnosed with a foot ulcer and then he suffered a stroke.

  • Spurs close in on £40m deal for Maddison

    Tottenham Hotspurs are close to completing a £40m deal for Leicester midfielder James Maddison.

    Maddison, 26, who has won three caps for England and helped the Foxes win the FA Cup in 2021, is set to undergo a medical at Spurs on Wednesday.

    He has made 203 appearances for Leicester since joining from Norwich in 2018 for a fee of around £20m.

    Maddison scored 10 Premier League goals last term but was unable to prevent the club from slipping to relegation.

    Overall, he scored 55 goals and provided 41 assists for the Foxes and his creativity will be a welcome addition to a Spurs squad that has lacked a playmaker since the departure of Christian Eriksen in 2020.

    Newcastle have also previously attempted to sign Maddison but appear to have turned their attention to AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali this summer.

    Tottenham signed Italian goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Serie A side Empoli on Tuesday and have also made Sweden midfielder Dejan Kulusevski’s loan move from Juventus permanent since the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou.

  • Bayern set to make improved offer for Kane

    German Bundesliga champions, Bayern Munich are set to make an improved offer for Tottenham and England forward Harry Kane.

    On Tuesday there were reports that Bayern made a £70m bid for the 29-year-old England captain but Tottenham sources denied it had been received.

    The Bundesliga champions are now expected to launch a further bid and believe they can complete the transfer.

    German newspaper Bild reported on Tuesday night that Kane had agreed personal terms with Bayern.

    Kane is out of contract next summer and was wanted by Real Madrid earlier this summer, while Manchester United had also been interested.

    He is Tottenham’s all-time record goalscorer with 280 goals in 435 appearances, having come through the club’s academy.