Category: Sport News

Tumde Omoniyi

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration has completed the much-anticipated and historic modern glass squash courts in the whole of the West Africa sub-region.

While the modern glass squash courts were nearing completion, a number of revered squash experts in the country, including the Nigerian-born former US number 2 squash champion Moses Olubo gave a fascinating assessment of the facility.

With the completion of this 8-court squash facility and comprehensive renovation of the existing two by Governor AbdulRazaq-led administration, Kwara will reclaim its top spot in Squash in Nigeria.

The newly constructed eight (8) Squash Courts is the highest number situated in one location in Nigeria and West Africa.

Since Governor AbdulRazaq assumed office, he has fixed the sporting facilities in the state, including the Kwara State Stadium, and also constructed a new Table Tennis Arena. The Governor also supported several athletes’ careers with funds.

The newly completed Squash courts have been pouring in commendations for Governor AbdulRazaq from lovers of sports within and outside Kwara, particularly Squash enthusiasts.

 

…….As Japan beat Falcons 3-1

Emmanuel Clement 

The Super Falcons ended their campaign at the Paris Olympics by loosing their last Group C match to Japan,as the falcons exifrom the competition without a win.

It was 3-1 in the Asian side’s favour, ending the Super Falcons’ Olympics dreams.

Nigeria lost their first two games – Brazil and Spain – but went into Wednesday’s match aiming for a win to reignite their slim chance of making the quarter-finals of the women’s football event of the Olympics.

That flicker of hope was, however, extinguished by Japan who scored twice in ten minutes, starting from the 22nd minute, to silence Coach Randy Waldrum’s girls.

Hamano Maika scored first before Tanako Maina’s sweetly-taken free-kick beat Chiamaka Nnadozie in the 32nd minute.

Japan’s second goal perhaps prompted the Nigerian girls to push harder for a goal. They got that when Jennifer Echegini struck just in the 42nd minute to give the Super Falcons a glimmer of hope.

But that dream of a dramatic comeback was truncated after Kitagawa Hakaru scored deep into added time to restore Japan’s two-goal lead.

The second half was more of a settled case as Nigeria pushed effortlessly for a miraculous comeback. Japan equally had chances of scoring more but failed to add to their tally.

Nigeria last participated in the women’s football event of the Olympics 16 years ago.

In the other Group C match, Spain saw off Brazil 2-0 to win the lot. Japan finished second, with the South Americans ending the show as the third-placed side. Nigeria were bottom of the group with zero points having lost all three matches, concerning five times and scoring once.

Emmanuel lkpeama.

Football team from Okeafa Ward in Ejigbo LCDA have emerged champions of the Lagata Initiative Sports Competition organized by Hon ldowu Adebamwo Fatai (Aka Lagata)for the 6 wards in Ejigbo LCDA.

The team humbled team from lfoshi ward 2-1 to lift the second edition of the tournament that was watched by the community leaders,youth leaders, politicians and football scouts at the MKO Stadium, Okeafa, Ejigbo Lagos on Sunday 28th July,2024.

 

Ebalu of jersey number 13 put the Okeafa side ahead on 22 minute from Madu Collins beautiful cross as he dribbled pass the Ifoshi defence line to set up Ebalu’s chance. Madu Collins doubled the lead for Okeafa on 93 minute to give the Okeafa football team the winning cup as he sent the Okeafa fans into a rapturous celebration.

Earlier in the first half,Kufre Samuel equalise the goal scored by Ebalu and the team struggled to keep the score line that way but could not hold the defense as Madu sent the lfoshi team who had put much effort to clinch the title to second position.

The coach of Ifoshi ward football team,Abdullateff Yusuf expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players.

He lauded them for playing to his instructions against the Okeafa team despite loosing the winning cup.

“We thank God for the competition and I must commend the effort of my players for playing to instructions, at least getting to the final and playing against the home team. My team was far better than them but in football there must be a winner,next time we look forward to improve and win the competition.”

Yusuf appeal to the organisers to improve on the officiating and also consider the venue of the competition as the home team made used of the advantage of using their soil for the final.

Also the Coach of the winning team,Mr Micheal lhejike commended the organisers for putting up such event the second time so as to bring youths together, noting that his team winning this year tournament was as a result of hard work and determination.

Speaking to Newsmen,the PRO of Lagata Empowerment initiative ,Mr Aderemi Olagunju said he was happy that the event was a huge success, while commending other members of the team lagata for doing a great job, stating that this second edition is better than the first edition despite some hiccups.

Mr Olagunju went further to highlight the main objective of the Lagata Empowerment initiative which is service to humanity, giving back to the less privileged and assisting those in need through empowerment scheme.

He opined that the organization whose major aim is to bring out youths out of the trenches and empower them with various skills and financial support would come up with massive projects, noting that the competition resonates with the policies and program of the Lagata Empowerment initiative of taking grassroots sports to another level, describing the grassroots as the future of Nigeria sports.

Olagunju commended the sponsor for sustaining the tournament, noting that the organization would continue to create enabling environment for sports to thrive, describing sports as a huge investment, and called on the youths in the state to be focused and not be distracted.

According to him, the crime rate in the state has reduced drastically as a result of the tournament that has continued to be the vehicle that has engaged the youths positively, stressing that he was pleased with the progress of the tournament after second edition

While congratulating both winners and all the participating teams for the show of dexterity throughout the game, the PRO commended other members of the event for their thoroughness and commitment throughout the competition.

On his part,Mr Babalola Musa appreciate the Lagata Initiative and the sponsor for his ”outstanding contributions” to the growth of grassroots football in Nigeria, while urging the youths of making good use of the opportunity giving to them.

 

Lending his voice, Chairman youth parliament,Comrade Adeyemi pointed that it was a wonderful event, bringing youths together, adding that with this kind of development,it will reduce vices carried out by youths.

He commended the efforts of the organisers for coming up with such initiative, while urging youths to shun the intended planned protest slated for August 1.

Investigator News reports that aside the football competition, the Lagata Initiative Sports Competition also hosted indoor games like Table tennis, Snooker and Draught where winners also emerged.

In Table tennis,Uwandu came top, Adamson Rotimi emerge winner in Draught and Chinedu Duru won the prize in Snooker with each of them going home with a medal, plaque and a cash award of N20,000.

 

 

Champions Okeafa FC smiled home with a sum of One hundred thousand naira(N100,000)runner up Ifoshi FC got Fifty thousand naira (50,000),the top scorer is Musa Aderanjo with 3goals and 2assist, while Madu Chukwuebuka was the best player of the tournament.

Highlight of the event was food items that were given to the fans through a raffle ticket draw.

 

 

Emmanuel Clement 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to face Brazil’s Canarinhas in their opening Group C match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.Having made a great outing at the World Cup last year, the Super Falcons are in a buoyant mood heading into the game.

In this match, the Nigerian side will seek revenge against their South American foes having never defeated them in two outings.

Nigeria, making a long-awaited return to the Olympics after 16 years, enters this match with quiet confidence despite a narrow 1-0 loss in their recent preparatory game.

They are determined to make their mark and upset the odds, starting with a strong performance against the experienced Brazilian side, known for their dominance in South American football.

Tunde Omoniyi

Spain scored a dramatic late winner goal with a 2-1 victory over England on Sunday in Berlin to win the Euro 24 prestigious trophy for a record fourth time so as to confirm their re-emergence as a force on the international stage and end their opponents’ dreams of winning a first title in almost six decades.

Spain lost influential midfielder Rodri to injury at half-time, but shrugged that off to take the lead within two minutes of the restart through Nico Williams, who was set up by his fellow star winger, Lamine Yamal.

England came from behind as they have done so often at this Euros, as substitute Cole Palmer drove in the equaliser on 73 minutes, moments after entering the fray.

But Real Sociedad striker Mikel Oyarzabal turned home in the 86th minute to hand Spain a record fourth European Championship crown, and a third in the last five editions.

England almost equalised at the death but Dani Olmo headed Marc Guehi’s effort off the line to safety.

They previously won in 1964, 2008 and 2012, the last two titles coming either side of their triumph at the 2010 World Cup during the golden era of Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso and Andres Iniesta.

Spain have been comfortably the best team over the last month in Germany and were not intimidated by the atmosphere at the Olympiastadion, where the majority of the crowd were given over to England’s cause.

England had hoped to finally claim a first men’s international title since their fabled victory at the 1966 World Cup, but fell just short in their first ever final on foreign soil.

 

 

 

Emmanuel Clement

A Mikel Merino goal in the final minute of extra time took Spain to a 2-1 win over Germany and into the Euro 2024 semis.

After a fiery yet goalless first half, Spain’s Dani Olmo latched onto an inch-perfect pass from Spanish wunderkind Lamine Yamal to give La Roja the lead on 51 minutes.

Niclas Fuellkrug struck the post with 14 minutes remaining but with the hosts staring at an early exit, Florian Wirtz slammed in a Joshua Kimmich knock-down in the 89th minute to take the game to extra time.

With a minute remaining in extra time and the game looking set for penalties, Olmo lofted a cross for Merino, who headed Spain into the semi-finals and on course for a record-breaking fourth Euros crown.

Germany’s exit brings to an end the hosts’ hope of a summer fairytale Euros victory after a decade of poor performances at major tournaments, while also lowering the curtain on Toni Kroos’ stellar career.

The battle between the two most successful Euros nations, with three titles apiece, was billed as a final come early, with the in-form Spaniards against Nagelsmann’s reborn hosts.

Germany, with the oldest squad at Euro 2024, struggled with Spain’s speed during the first half, frequently coming into duels a fraction too late, but the two best chances of the opening half fell to the hosts — and both to Kai Havertz.

The Arsenal forward leapt highest to head a cross directly at Unai Simon early and then scuffed a tame shot at the goalie later in the half with just the ‘keeper to beat.

After a goalless first half, Nagelsmann took off surprise starter Emre Can for the pink-haired Robert Andrich, while the ineffective Leroy Sane was hooked in place of Wirtz.

The substitution who would make his mark however was Olmo, who gave Spain the lead six minutes into the second half, slicing through the sleepy Germany defence to perfectly place a Yamal pass past Manuel Neuer in the bottom left corner.

The Bayer Leverkusen starlet linked with Fuellkrug on the counter with a quarter of an hour remaining but the striker, under heavy attention from the Spanish defence, could only hit the post.

With 10 minutes remaining Nagelsmann made his final substitution, bringing veteran Thomas Mueller from the bench.

But it was Wirtz — 13 years his junior – who made the difference, skimming a Joshua Kimmich header across the grass and in at the far post in the final minute, sending the game to extra time.

Mikel Oyarzabal, on for Williams, curled a 104th-minute shot just wide of the post and Wirtz did the same a minute later with the goal beckoning.

Germany appealed strongly for a penalty in the second period of extra time, after a goal-bound Jamal Musiala shot clearly connected with Marc Cucurella’s outstretched hand.

After the penalty drama, Olmo curled in a cross for Merino, who leapt high to head the ball past Neuer and put Spain into the Euros semi-finals.

Tunde Omoniyi.

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming showdown between Nigeria and South Africa in the FIFA World Cup qualification series, excitement and confidence flow through both teams’ camps, setting the stage for another epic clash between these African football powerhouses.

With memories of their gripping encounter during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations still fresh in fans’ minds, the spotlight now shifts to the looming battle between these fierce rivals on the international stage.

Amidst the buzz surrounding the fixture, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has emerged as a beacon of optimism for Nigeria, exuding unwavering belief in the Super Eagles’ ability to emerge victorious against Bafana Bafana.

In an interview with newsmen in Lagos, the rising star from the AFCON made a compelling case for Nigeria’s prospects, lauding the strength and cohesion within coach Finidi George’s squad as they gear up for the upcoming challenge

Fuelled by his faith in the collective skills of his teammates, the Chippa United custodian voiced his conviction that Nigeria possesses the necessary prowess to overcome their opponents in the upcoming crucial showdown.

Sitting at third place in Group C, Nigeria is slated to face off against Bafana Bafana on June 7 at the formidable Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Nwabali, hailed for his pivotal role in past encounters, shoulders the responsibility of leading the Super Eagles towards another triumph on the international stage.

Drawing from his impressive performance that saw him secure 10 clean sheets in 23 league appearances for Chippa United last season, as documented by Fotmob, Nwabali’s form bodes well for Nigeria’s defensive solidity as they prepare to face their rivals.

Meanwhile, the Investigator news gathered that the early arrivals at the Super Eagles’ camp include Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface, who joins 15 other players in readiness for the impending clash with South Africa.

With coach Finidi eagerly awaiting the arrival of seven more stars in the days ahead, the Nigerian camp brims with anticipation and determination as they embark on their quest for victory in this crucial fixture.

Emmanuel Clement.

Chelsea football club have lined up Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna, Leicester City’s Enzo Maresca, and Brentford’s Thomas Frank as potential candidates for their next manager, according to a UK media tabloid.

One of them will be hired to replace departed Mauricio Pochettino who left br mutual consent.

Although, McKenna, 38, who successfully guided Ipswich Town to promotion from the Championship this season, has already been contacted, there are possibilities that one of the other two could also nick the job.

However, Chelsea faces competition from Brighton and Manchester United for his services.

McKenna’s potential move to Chelsea would require a compensation fee exceeding £4 million.

Enzo Maresca, 44, who led Leicester to the Championship title and previously served as a coach under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, is another strong candidate.

Danish coach Thomas Frank, 50, is also in contention for his achievements with Brentford, having secured their promotion to the Premier League and maintained their position in the top tier.

Additionally, Chelsea is rumored to have a fourth, undisclosed candidate on their shortlist. Although Stuttgart manager Sebastian Hoeness was considered, he is now expected to remain in Germany.

With pre-season training set to begin on July 4, Chelsea aims to finalize their managerial appointment promptly.

The team, which finished sixth in the Premier League and reached the Carabao Cup final last season, will soon embark on a tour of the United States under new leadership.

 

Emmanuel lkpeama

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has left the Premier League club by mutual consent, according to the club sporting directors Stewart Lawrence and Paul Winstanley

In a statement made officially at the club website,the Sporting Directors said ” On behalf of everyone at Chelsea,we would like to express our gratitude to Mauricio Pochettino for his service this season. He would be welcome back to Stamford bridge anytime and we wish him well all the very best in his future coaching career.

Earlier Pochettino who arrived at Stamford Bridge last summer and signed a two-year deal, thank the Chelsea ownership group and sporting directors for the opportunity to be part of the team.

He said ” Thank you for the opportunity to be part of this football club history, the club is now well positioned to keep moving forward in the premier league and Europe in the years to come.” he stated.

The former Tottenham and PSG boss, who led the Blues to sixth place, had enjoyed a strong end to the campaign.

Pochettino is Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in five years following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter last season, which led to Frank Lampard taking charge temporarily as Jesus perez, Miguel d Agostino,Toni Jimenez and Sebastino Pochettino have left the club with him