Category: Sports

Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy After Shock Defeat to Benin

10Jun

By adminNo Comments

Benin, Nigeria, Sports

Nigeria’s World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy After Shock Defeat to Benin

Nigeria's aspirations for the 2026 World Cup took a severe hit on Monday evening after the Super Eagles suffered a surprising 2-1 defeat to Benin in their qualifying campaign. This loss, combined with three previous draws, leaves Nigeria in a precarious position in Group C. The Super Eagles started the match on a positive note, with Raphael Onyedika breaking the deadlock within the first half-hour. Onyedika's goal, a superb finish from the edge of the area, gave Nigeria an early lead and seemed to set the tone for a much-needed victory. However, the situation quickly deteriorated. Benin's Jodel Dossou equalized shortly before halftime, seizing on a defensive blunder from Nigeria. Adding to Nigeria's woes, former Huddersfield striker Steve Mounie put Benin ahead in stoppage time, cap...

Super Eagles Ready for Benin Republic – Finidi

10Jun

By adminNo Comments

Benin, Nigeria, Sports, World Cup

Super Eagles Ready for Benin Republic – Finidi

Super Eagles coach Finidi George has announced that his team is fully prepared to take on the Cheetahs of Benin Republic with utmost seriousness in their upcoming match. The game, scheduled to kick off at 5 p.m. (Nigerian time) at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium, marks a critical juncture for Nigeria in their quest to advance in the competition. Nigeria finds itself in a challenging position, currently ranked fifth in Group C after a series of draws. The Super Eagles have tied 1-1 in their initial three matches against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Each game has tested the team's resilience and ability to secure a win. Reflecting on the previous matches, especially the draw against South Africa, Finidi George emphasized the importance of learning and improvement. "We are going t...

Lookman’s Historic Hat-Trick Ends Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Streak as Atalanta Win Europa League

23May

By adminNo Comments

Sports, Youths

Lookman’s Historic Hat-Trick Ends Leverkusen’s Unbeaten Streak as Atalanta Win Europa League

, Nigeria’s Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman scored a stunning hat-trick, leading Atalanta to a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final on Wednesday. This win not only ended Leverkusen’s impressive 51-match unbeaten run but also marked Atalanta’s first trophy in 61 years. Lookman’s exceptional performance made him the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final since 1975, securing Atalanta’s maiden continental trophy. Reflecting on the achievement, Lookman expressed his elation, saying, “One of the best nights of my life. Amazing performance from the team. We’ve got to celebrate, we made history tonight.” Atalanta, a team that has long been overshadowed by nearby giants AC and Inter Milan, has experienced a golden era under the guidance of Gian Pi...

Monaco Midfielder Faces Sanctions for not Supporting LGBTQ

22May

By adminNo Comments

Human Rights, News, Religion, Senegal, Sports

Monaco Midfielder Faces Sanctions for not Supporting LGBTQ

France's Sports Minister Calls for Action Against Mohamed Camara France's Sports Minister Amélie Oudéa-Castéra has called for sanctions against Monaco's midfielder Mohamed Camara. The call came after Camara covered a message supporting LGBTQ on his jersey during the team's final league match on Sunday. During the French championship's annual campaign against discrimination, each team wore a badge with the word "homophobia" crossed out. This campaign, held during the weekend's final phase, aims to promote inclusivity and condemn discrimination. Camara, however, chose to cover the badge and also boycotted the pre-match group photo where players stood in front of a banner bearing the same message. His actions took place during Monaco's 4–0 victory over Nantes. Describing Camara...

10May

By adminNo Comments

Breaking News, News, Nigeria, Sports

Ibrahim Babangida Dies in Car Crash

Tragic news struck the football community today with the passing of Ibrahim Babangida, a former Super Eagles player, in a fatal accident on the Zaira road. The accident also involved his brother, Tijani, who serves as the president of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), along with his wife, son, and maid. A somber statement from Emmanuel Babayaro, the General Secretary of PFAN, confirmed Ibrahim's untimely demise in the accident. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Tijani and the rest of his family are reportedly receiving medical attention and are said to be responding positively to treatment. The Nation

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Nigeria Wins Australia 2:3 in Stunning Comeback

27Jul

By adminNo Comments

News, Nigeria, Sports, World Cup

2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Nigeria Wins Australia 2:3 in Stunning Comeback

In a thrilling and historic match at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Nigeria achieved a remarkable comeback victory against co-hosts Australia, becoming the first African nation to win a match at the prestigious tournament. The game took place at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, leaving The Matildas facing a first-round exit. Australia, still missing the influential Sam Kerr due to injury, dominated much of the first half, and it looked like they had made a decisive breakthrough in stoppage time when Emily van Egmond scored the opening goal. This marked Van Egmond's first goal at the tournament in an impressive 12 years since she last found the net against Equatorial Guinea on July 3, 2011. However, Australia's lead was short-lived as Uchenna Kanu equalized for Nigeria just before hal...

Kai Havertz to Move to Arsenal From Chelseas for £65m

22Jun

By adminNo Comments

English Premiership, Sports

Kai Havertz to Move to Arsenal From Chelseas for £65m

In a significant transfer development, Arsenal Football Club has reached an agreement with Chelsea Football Club for the acquisition of German international forward Kai Havertz. The deal, valued at approximately £65 million, has been agreed upon by the two clubs. While the finer details of the agreement are yet to be disclosed, it is understood that the clubs have established an initial understanding that enables Havertz to engage in discussions regarding personal terms and undergo a medical examination. The transfer fee for the 24-year-old Havertz, who exhibited an impressive performance last season with nine goals in 47 games for Chelsea, includes potential add-ons that could further increase the overall cost of the deal. Havertz, who made his move from Bayer Leverkusen to Chel...

<strong>2023 U-20 AFCON: CAF Congratulates Flying Eagles MOTM Winner</strong>

23Feb

By Mary UgwuanyiNo Comments

News, Nigeria, Sports

2023 U-20 AFCON: CAF Congratulates Flying Eagles MOTM Winner

Confederation of African Football, CAF, has congratulated Flying Eagles striker, Solomon Agbalaka, following his impressive performance in the win over Egypt which resulted in a Man of the Match Award at the 2023 U-20 AFCON. The Flying Eagles of Nigeria defeated the Young Pharaohs of Egypt 1-0 at the Cairo international stadium on Wednesday, February 22. Agbalaka scored the sole goal of the match when he headed in to give Nigeria the lead in the 71st minute. Reacting, CAF in a tweet on its official Twitter handle congratulated the youngster. The tweed read, “Congratulations Solomon Agbalaka, our #NGAEGY Total Energies Man of the Match!” The win marked the Flying Eagles first win in the competition after they were beaten 1-0 by group leaders, Senegal on Sunday, February ...

<strong>UCL: Osimhen Continues Goal Scoring Streak As Napoli Down Frankfurt</strong>

22Feb

By Mary UgwuanyiNo Comments

News, Nigeria, Sports

UCL: Osimhen Continues Goal Scoring Streak As Napoli Down Frankfurt

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen continued his impressive form in front of goal as Napoli defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash on Tuesday. Napoli was awarded a penalty in the 35th minute when Osimhen was fouled in the box but the spot kick was missed by Georgia international, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Osimhen put Napoli ahead in the match after converting a Hirving Lozano pass five minutes after the missed penalty kick. The goal was the Nigeria international’s second in four Champions League matches for the Italian side this season. See Also: Why Osimhen Is Serie A Strongest Striker – Totti Osimhen, 24, has now bagged 20 goals in 24 matches across all competitions for the Serie A leaders this season. Th...

<strong>CAF Robbed Me Of Best Player Award in 2013 – Mikel</strong>

18Feb

By Mary UgwuanyiNo Comments

News, Nigeria, Sports

CAF Robbed Me Of Best Player Award in 2013 – Mikel

Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain, has claimed that he was robbed of the 2013 African Player of the Year award by the Confederation of African Football, CAF. Mikel was the star performer for Nigeria during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa as he helped his country clinch the tournament. No Nigerian has won the African Player of the Year award since 1999, when Kanu Kwankwo won the honour ahead of Ghanaian defender, Samuel Kuffour following his impressive form in front of goal for Arsenal. Since then, no Nigerian footballer has gone home with the accolade but only Austin Okocha (twice, in 2003 and 2004) and Mikel Obi (in 2003) were among the final three nominees before losing to Samuel Eto’o and Yaya Toure. Speaking on the award, Mikel in a YouTube intervie...