Sport Archives - Page 9 of 15

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria Draw Colombia 1-1, Advances to Knockout Round

October 6, 2025 by admin

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have advanced to the Round of 16 at the ongoing 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Colombia in the early hours of Monday. At the Estadio Fiscal de Talca, the seven-time African champions delivered a spirited performance, with goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt making crucial saves in the 23rd and 26th minutes to keep the scores level during a tense opening period. Despite Colombia’s early pressure, the Nigerians were the more enterprising side, with Tahir Maigana, Kparobo Arierhi, and Suleman Sani constantly troubling the South American defence and striking the upright on several occasions. Colombia broke the deadlock in the 51st minute through Kener Gonzalez, who converted from Neyser Villareal’s assist. Undeterred, the Flying Eagles piled on relentless pressure, and defender Odinaka Okoro came close with a header in the 76th minute. Nigeria’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute when captain Daniel Bameyi calmly slotted home from the penalty spot after a Colombian defender handled Maigana’s goal-bound effort. The Nigerians nearly clinched a late winner, but Arierhi’s shot in the 89th minute was blocked inside the area. The result means Nigeria will now face Argentina at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martinez Pradanos in Santiago on Wednesday a repeat of the quarter-final clash from the last U20 World Cup hosted by Argentina, where the Flying Eagles triumphed 2–0 in San Juan. Elsewhere, Colombia will meet South Africa, while Norway takes on Paraguay in other Round of 16 fixtures.

Man City’ll Not See ‘best’ Rodri Until Next Season – Guardiola

October 3, 2025 by admin

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City will have to wait until next season to see the best of Rodri again as the Spanish midfielder slowly finds his feet after knee surgery. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner missed last weekend’s 5-1 win over Burnley due to pain in the knee — 12 months after he suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage. The 29-year-old made his return in May but has suffered a series of minor setbacks. “Rodri is an outstanding player, everyone knows it,” said Guardiola on Friday. “Maybe he struggled to understand it’s not about six months or 12, the World Cup will be the best Rodri, and next season will be the best Rodri. This year is how to handle it. “One year he has been out. The body changes, the rhythm changes, it’s a question of time; if he’s healthy, he will be back.” To cover Rodri’s absence, City splashed out £50 million ($67 million) on Nico Gonzalez in January, but he has struggled to match the levels of his compatriot. The former Barcelona midfielder replaced Rodri for the final 30 minutes of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw at Monaco and conceded a late penalty that cost City victory. “He’s learning and improving. We need him”, said Guardiola, referring to Gonzalez. “Rodri can’t sustain the rhythm for games for 90 minutes. He made an incredible effort in the week with Manchester United, Napoli, and especially Arsenal. “I try to protect my players. Sometimes I want the best players there, but I have to protect the players.” Despite dropping two points in Monaco, a draw extended City’s unbeaten run to six games in all competitions. City suffered their first trophyless campaign for eight years last season, and Guardiola is encouraged by the progress he sees after refreshing his squad with several younger players. “The happiest feeling is how we have improved. I love that feeling. And the feeling that I think we can do better,” he said. “That is the feeling that I like as a manager. The feeling we are creating again — the tempo, the pace. “Everything is a little bit more fluid and consistent. But we can do better, and I love that.” City, who sit five points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, travel to Brentford on Sunday. AFP

13 Super Eagles Players Arrive Camp for World Cup Qualifiers

September 2, 2025 by admin

The number of players in the Super Eagles’ camp has increased to 13, as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa. This follows the arrival of nine more players at the team’s camp in Ikot Ikpene on Tuesday, according to Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer. The new arrivals include Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, Adebayo Adeleye, and Benjamin Fredericks. They joined the quartet of William Troost-Ekong, Amas Obasogie, Felix Agu, and Raphael Onyedika, who checked into camp on Monday. Efoghe confirmed to the News Agency of Nigeria that out of the 23 players who were invited for the double-header fixtures, only 13 had arrived, with 10 more players still being expected. “A total of 13 players are currently in camp, and we are expecting the rest of the squad to arrive later today and early tomorrow,” Efoghe said. He also shared details of the team’s upcoming media engagements. “There will be a press conference with the coaching staff and selected players on Wednesday at the training pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” Efoghe stated. “For Friday, the pre-match press conference will holbe held the same venue, and the first 15 minutes of the team’s training session will be open to media coverage.” Players still beiexpected to be included arealkeeper Stanley Nwabali; defender Bruno Onyemaechi; midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka; and forwards Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Cyriel Dessers, Christantus Uche, and Tolu Arokodare. Nigeria will host Rwanda on Friday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, in a Matchday 7 fixture. They will then travel to Bloemfontein to face South Africa on Monday, in a Matchday 8 encounter. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the African qualifiers with two points from two matches, behind leaders South Africa (four points) and Rwanda (also four points but with an inferior goal difference). Only the top team in the group will qualify automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Full 23-Man Squad: Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania); Adeleye Adebayo (Volos FC, Greece). Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (Al-Kholood, Saudi Arabia); Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England); Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City, England); Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos, Greece); Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes, France); Felix Agu (Werder Bremen, Germany); Benjamin Fredericks (Dender FC, Belgium). Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England); Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas, Turkey); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio, Italy); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Christantus Uche (Getafe, Spain). Forwards: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, Turkey); Moses Simon (Paris FC, France); Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, Scotland); Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk, Belgium). (NAN)

Rasheedat Ajibade Signs for Paris Saint-Germain Until 2027

August 26, 2025 by admin

Paris Saint-Germain have strengthened their forward line with the signing of Nigerian international Rasheedat Ajibade. Announcing the signing in its blog post on Tuesday, PSG said Ajibade’s contract will run until 30 June 2027. The Club said, “Paris Saint-Germain is delighted to announce the arrival of Nigerian striker Rasheedat Busayo Ajibade, who has joined the club on a deal that runs until 30th June 2027.” The 25-year-old, born on 8 December 1999 in the Mushin district of Lagos, arrives from Atlético de Madrid, where she has played since 2021 after a two-year spell in Norway with Avaldsnes IL. In the 2024–25 season, Ajibade made 25 appearances, scoring eight goals and supplying three assists. She was crowned as Nigeria’s NFF Young Player of the Year in 2018 after emerging from FC Robo Queens. As captain of Nigeria, Ajibade has twice led the Super Falcons to continental glory at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having done so in 2018 and in 2024. The forward also featured as a regular starter for her side at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, and, with over 30 caps under her belt already, now represents a central figure in Nigerian football. Commenting on the deal, Ajibade said, “I’m deeply honoured to be joining Paris Saint-Germain, a top-drawer club in Europe. “This is a major step for me, and I’m committed to giving my all to help PSG win titles and to inspire young footballers, be they in Nigeria or elsewhere.” Punch

… Eagles Coach Defends 4-0 Defeat

August 14, 2025 by admin

Nigeria Super Eagles B coach Eric Chelle insisted that his squad selected for the African Nations Championship in Zanzibar featured the best players from the Nigeria Premier Football League, even as the team suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Sudan, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Chelle stood by his decisions, stressing that the team selection was made in good faith and based on merit. “Even if the outcome was disappointing, the squad was chosen to represent the best of the league,” he added. The Franco-Malian coach explained that the current squad differed significantly from what he initially envisioned for the tournament. “Maybe five players left the camp or never came at all. They left to play in another league. So the team was not like we imagined. But the reality for me is it was the best player in the league,” Chelle said, defending his selection. The defeat means Nigeria are eliminated from the 8th CHAN edition after Sudan raced to a 2-0 lead before half-time, followed by two further goals in the second half, leaving the Eagles bottom of Group D. The Sudanese team capitalised on Nigeria’s defensive lapses, with Yagoub Omer scoring twice in the second half to complete the rout, leaving Nigeria’s hopes of advancing dashed. Chelle acknowledged that the Eagles started the match well, but mistakes soon piled up. “The players were focused, and we scored a goal, but after that we made a lot of mistakes and gave up the game in the second half. Four goals, four mistakes for me,” he said, reflecting on the performance. He broke down the errors that led to the rout. “We cannot play games like that and lose because we made a lot of mistakes during these two games. The first goal against Senegal was a mistake. In this game, the first two goals were mistakes, and after that the other two goals were due to mistakes in positioning,” he explained. Chelle also highlighted the challenge of competing at this level. “It’s difficult at this level of competition. We need to be more focused,” he said, urging the team to learn from the experience. Nigeria will now exit the competition, with their final Group D match against Congo next week serving only as a formality.

Breaking: 3SC Lose Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere

August 11, 2025 by admin

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has lost one of its technical staff and Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere. ‎Olowokere slumped and died on Monday morning during a training session at Ikenne, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State on Monday morning. ‎He was one of the new technical and backroom team unveiled by the club. ‎Others unveiled by the club included: ‎- Ayeoba Adedeji Gabriel – Assistant Coach ‎- Shakiru Lawal – Assistant Coach ‎- Gopar Cornelius – Goalkeeper Trainer ‎- Grace Towobola – Strength & Conditioning Coach ‎- Tammy Tamuno – Team Manager / Team Scout ‎- Habeeb Opeyemi – Psychologist ‎- Jesse Afuye – Match Analyst ‎- Lawrence Adedeji – Coaching Officer Akin Olowokere was the former head coach of Ekiti United. He resigned his appointment due to personal reasons.

Arsenal Sign Chelsea Winger Madueke On Long-Term Deal

July 18, 2025 by admin

Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of England international Noni Madueke from Chelsea on a long-term contract. The 23-year-old forward, born in north London, becomes the latest addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad as the Gunners strengthen their attacking options. Madueke, who began his youth career at Crystal Palace and Tottenham before a breakout spell at PSV Eindhoven, made 92 appearances for Chelsea after joining them in January 2023. He has also earned seven caps for England, making his debut last September. All these were detailed in a Friday statement obtained from the club’s website. Sporting Director Andrea Berta said: “We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke. “Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad. “He already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal.” Manager Mikel Arteta added: “We’re all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League. “At just 23, he already brings experience of club and international football, and his arrival will really improve our squad.” Madueke will wear the No. 20 shirt and is set to join the squad in early August after the Club World Cup. “The move is subject to regulatory approval,” the release concluded.

Chelsea Defeats Paris Saint-Germain To Win The Club World Cup

July 13, 2025 by admin

In an outstanding match against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea secured a decisive 3-0 victory to claim the Club World Cup title. From the first minute to the last at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Enzo Maresca’s team performed flawlessly. PSG, who won the Champions League impressively in May, were overwhelmed by the Blues. The scoring began in the 22nd minute when Cole Palmer, the England international, guided a shot from the edge of the box into the net after being set up by Malo Gusto. Palmer continued to shine; just 8 minutes later, he doubled the lead with a near-identical finish, effortlessly entering the penalty area and finding the far corner again. Before halftime, the Blues added a third goal when Palmer made a clever pass to Joao Pedro, who expertly lifted the ball over Gianluigi Donnarumma. In the second half, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez showcased his talent with two brilliant saves, keeping PSG at bay. Chelsea also created more opportunities, but Donnarumma made excellent stops to deny substitute Liam Delap on two occasions. By that point, the damage had already been done in the opening 45 minutes. PSG struggled to mount a response, and any efforts they made were thwarted by the Blues’ defense. As the final whistle blew, joy erupted among all the Chelsea supporters inside MetLife Stadium. The Blues are world champions once again!

Messi Brace Lifts Inter Miami To 2-1 MLS Win Over New England

July 10, 2025 by admin

Lionel Messi scored twice in the first half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over the New England Revolution on Wednesday, continuing a run of form unprecedented in Major League Soccer. The 38-year-old Argentine star has scored two goals in each of his last four MLS games to become the first MLS player to score multiple goals in four straight games. He launched the streak in late May with two goals in a 4-2 win over Montreal, followed by two in a 5-1 victory over Columbus. Miami then paused their MLS campaign to compete in the Club World Cup — where Messi scored one goal in four matches and Miami were eliminated in the round of 16 by Paris Saint-Germain. Javier Mascherano’s team returned to MLS action on Saturday with a 4-1 victory at Montreal — also fueled by a brace from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi. In all Messi has 14 goals in 15 MLS games, putting him two behind leading scorer Sam Surridge, who has appeared in six more games for Nashville than Messi has played this season. “Obviously, Leo is a special player,” Mascherano said. “For me he’s the best player that has played this sport in history. It’s unbelievable how he continues doing things that maybe many years ago we thought that we cannot see at this moment.” Messi put Miami up 1-0 in the 27th minute at Gillette Stadium, taking advantage of a Revolution miscue and firing a left-footed shot from the heart of the area. The Argentinian star doubled the score 11 minutes later, charging onto a long through ball from Sergio Busquets and curling a left-footed shot beyond the reach of Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic. “They have played for many years so just when they see each other they connect and they know what they think,” Mascherano said of the Busquets-Messi connection. “In the second goal, Busquets understands when and where Leo wants the ball. It’s fantastic for us.” Veteran goalkeeper Oscar Ustari also starred for Miami, coming up with six saves before Spaniard Carles Gil managed to put one by him, picking off Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute and rifling in a shot from outside the box. With the victory Miami climbed from sixth to fifth in the Eastern Conference standings. On 35 points, they are seven points behind leaders FC Cincinnati but with three fewer matches played after their Club World Cup break. Their jam-packed July schedule continues on Saturday against Nashville, one of three matches in the next 10 days. Mascherano said New England’s late goal meant he couldn’t afford to take Messi out. “We know that at some point we have to find the moment to rest him,” he said. AFP

Move To EPL Now Or Regret It, Oliseh Warns Osimhen

July 10, 2025 by admin

Former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, has warned Victor Osimhen, urging the Napoli striker to make a swift move to the English Premier League or risk living with regret over a missed opportunity, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. The 1996 Olympic gold medallist took to social media on Wednesday to share his thoughts on the Nigerian forward’s transfer situation, amid ongoing uncertainty over his next destination. “Victor Osimhen is at a very delicate crossroad. “He needs to find his way to the Premier League in a hurry or he risks so much regret! Man. United and Arsenal need this player if only…..” Oliseh wrote on his X handle. Oliseh’s comments come at a time when Osimhen’s expected big-money move to the Premier League appears increasingly unlikely, despite his impressive goal-scoring record and reduced release clause. Napoli have reportedly lowered their asking price for the 26-year-old to €75m, but Premier League clubs are yet to make serious advances. Manchester United, long linked with the striker, are instead pursuing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, while Arsenal’s interest has cooled amid other priorities. Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reported this week that Galatasaray have now emerged as front-runners for Osimhen’s signature, having tabled a formal offer and agreed personal terms with the player. The Turkish giants are locked in negotiations with Napoli, although the Serie A side are holding out for a full one-time payment of the €75m clause. Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal are also reportedly monitoring the situation and have shown willingness to meet the financial demands, but Osimhen is said to favour staying in Europe. Fabrizio Romano, in a YouTube update, revealed that Manchester United’s chances of signing Osimhen were slim from the outset due to the player’s uncompromising wage demands and his satisfaction with life in Istanbul following a previous loan spell. Punch

FIFA U-20 World Cup: Nigeria Draw Colombia 1-1, Advances to Knockout Round

Man City’ll Not See ‘best’ Rodri Until Next Season – Guardiola

13 Super Eagles Players Arrive Camp for World Cup Qualifiers

Rasheedat Ajibade Signs for Paris Saint-Germain Until 2027

… Eagles Coach Defends 4-0 Defeat

Breaking: 3SC Lose Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere

Arsenal Sign Chelsea Winger Madueke On Long-Term Deal

Chelsea Defeats Paris Saint-Germain To Win The Club World Cup

Messi Brace Lifts Inter Miami To 2-1 MLS Win Over New England

Move To EPL Now Or Regret It, Oliseh Warns Osimhen

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