Tag: General Sports

Edo Queens dominated Confluence Queens with a resounding 5-1 victory in the opening game of the NWFL Super Six, held at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Edo Queens took control early in the match, with Emem Essien and Goodness Osigwe both scoring braces. Chioma Moses added to the tally with a strike in the 34th minute, ensuring Confluence Queens faced a crushing defeat.

The Edo Queens were relentless from the start, going into halftime with a commanding 4-1 lead. They sealed their victory with a fifth goal in the second half, showcasing their offensive strength and strategic gameplay under the guidance of Head Coach Moses Aduku.

Edo Queens star Emem Essien celebrates one of her goals with teammates

In his post-match reaction, Moses Aduku described the emphatic win as sweet revenge for the previous season’s humiliation by Confluence Queens.

READ MORE; NWFL Playoff: Rivers Angels get millions for draw against Bayelsa Queens

Reflecting on the match, he said, “I give thanks to God for the victory. My girls worked very hard and utilized the opportunities we had. It’s not that we played badly in the last Super Six; we just didn’t take our chances.”

He acknowledged the quality of the opposition, stating, “Confluence is a good team, they are not a pushover. They got a few chances but failed to convert them. It is payback time for us. We are here for serious business and are taking it one game at a time. Our attention now shifts to the next game.”

Expressing his determination to succeed, Aduku said it was important they win for their supporters and sponsors, adding, “We are here to win. The Government is waiting for us at home, they have done so much for us, and it is our turn to reciprocate their good gesture. For us, we are in Bayelsa to win.”

Edo Queens’ triumph sets a high bar for the NWFL Super Six games, and the team is now focused on maintaining their momentum in the upcoming matches.

After the first round of games, Edo Queens lead the way with three points.

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Promising Nigerian-eligible goalkeeper Arthur Okwonko has bid farewell to Arsenal after 14 years at the Emirates Stadium.

A product of Arsenal’s famed Hale End academy, Okwonko progressed through the ranks, coming agonizingly close to a first-team debut with ten bench appearances.

“It was emotional saying goodbye,” Okwonko admitted. “Fourteen years is a long time, but I believe it’s the right decision. The competition at Arsenal is fierce, and I need to prioritize my own career path. There’s no animosity, it’s an amicable parting. I’m incredibly grateful for everything Arsenal has given me. After all, you never know what the future holds in football.”

Born in London, Okwonko joined Arsenal’s youth system at a young age, quickly establishing himself as a talent to watch. Loan spells at Crewe Alexandra, Sturm Graz, and most recently, Wrexham, provided valuable experience. It was at Wrexham that Okwonko truly shone, becoming a key figure in their successful season.

Okwonko’s decision to leave is driven by his ambition to become a first-team regular. While his Arsenal chapter closes, a new one beckons. He departs with the invaluable experience gained at a top club, ready to make his mark elsewhere.

Despite leaving his boyhood club, Okwonkwo remains optimistic. He expresses his gratitude to Arsenal while leaving the door ajar for a potential return: “Football is a funny game. Maybe our paths will cross again someday.”

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Rivers Angels are one of the most successful female football clubs in Nigeria and have tasted Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) title success on multiple occasions.

In recent years, the likes of Bayelsa Queens and Delta Queens have emerged to wrestle for the NWFL title with Rivers Angels, thus setting stage for keen contests season after season.

In a bid to reclaim its lost glory, the Rivers State Government have rolled out mouth-watering packages for the Angels as they take part in the 2023/2024 NWFL championship playoff.

On matchday one of the NWFL playoff, Rivers Angels benefited from the millions on offer courtesy of the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green.

READ MORE: NWFL super six: Heartland Queens draw Nasarawa Amazons in playoffs

On Saturday, May 18, 2024. It was celebration galore as Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Chris Green announced a reward of 2 million naira to Rivers Angels after the 1-1 draw with Bayelsa Queens.

The Jewels of Rivers came from a goal down to snatch a draw against the hosts in the NWFL Super Six game at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Rita Peter cancelled out Fehintola Mabokanje opener for Bayelsa Queens in a keenly contested South-South derby.

Rivers Angels will take on Edo Queens in their next game at the Super Six championship on Monday, May 20, 2024.

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Nigeria U-17 women’s national team, the Flamingos, secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Burkina Faso, advancing to the fourth and final qualifying round for the 2024 FIFA U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. This victory resulted in a 7-1 aggregate win for the Flamingos.

The match was played at the National Stadium in Abuja and saw an outstanding performance from Harmony Chidi, who scored a hat-trick. Peace Effiong also played a crucial role, netting two goals to help seal the comprehensive win.

The two teams had previously drawn 1-1 at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako, Mali. However, in Abuja, the Flamingos, coached by Bankole Olowookere, were in commanding form. Chidi opened the scoring in the 11th minute, with Effiong adding a second goal just past the half-hour mark, giving Nigeria a comfortable lead at halftime.

READ MORE: NPFL 2024: Rivers United seek redemption against tricky Niger Tornadoes

In the second half, Chidi scored her second goal of the match, followed by a brilliant effort from Ramota Kareem. Chidi completed her hat-trick four minutes from time, and Effiong added her second goal of the encounter, concluding the 6-0 rout.

This win equals Nigeria’s best result in the qualifiers since their 11-0 victory over Azerbaijan at the 2012 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. With this triumph, Nigeria advances to the final qualifying round of the 2024 Women’s World Cup, where they will face either Senegal or Liberia.

The Flamingos’ impressive performance continues their legacy of success, having won a bronze medal at the 2022 U17 Women’s World Cup in India after defeating Germany in the third-place match.

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Nigerian striker Victor Boniface capped an Invincible German Bundesliga debut campaign with a goal as Bayer Leverkusen beat Augsburg in the final game of the 2023/2024 season. 

Super Eagles star Victor Boniface made history in the Bundesliga by scoring a key goal as Bayer Leverkusen completed an unprecedented unbeaten season, earning the title of “Invincibles.”

This remarkable achievement was highlighted by Boniface’s “made-in-Africa” goal, assisted by Moroccan star Amine Adli, during Leverkusen’s final-day triumph over Augsburg.

The historic moment came just 12 minutes into the match when Adli’s relentless pressing forced a mistake from the Augsburg goalkeeper.

Adli then unselfishly set up Boniface, who calmly broke the deadlock, showcasing the brilliant synergy between the two African players.

READ MORE: Can Karim Adeyemi still play for Super Eagles after Germany Euro snub: What the rule book says

Leverkusen didn’t stop there, as Robert Andrich’s exceptional backheel goal before the half-hour mark extended their lead, leaving Augsburg fans in silence at halftime. Despite a spirited comeback attempt by Augsburg in the second half, Boniface’s early goal proved decisive.

Victor Boniface’s 14th goal of the German Bundesliga season helped make the crowning moment in a sensational campaign for him and his team.

It marked a historic achievement for Bayer Leverkusen, making them the first team in Bundesliga history to complete an entire season without a single defeat. This incredible feat was achieved with the significant contributions of African talents like Boniface, Tella, Odilon and Adli.

Boniface’s performance this season, capped by this historic goal, cements his place in Bundesliga folklore and highlights the growing influence of African players in European football.

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Sporting Lagos FC will have to be at their very best for the remaining games of the NPFL season to avoid a sad drop back to the NNL.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has been on break for weeks to allow Rivers United FC to complete their outstanding games as the 2023/2024 season draws to a close.

With the resumption a few days away, Sporting Lagos FC goalkeeper, Christian Nwosu has revealed the feeling around the team training ground after weeks of extensive preparations under the new coaches.

Also, Christian Nwosu has assured fans that the team is prepared for their upcoming match against Rivers United as the league prepares to resume next weekend.

READ MORE: NPFL 2024: Rivers United seek redemption against tricky Niger Tornadoes

The Lagos-based team will travel to face Rivers United at the Adoke Amasiamaka Stadium in Port-Harcourt when the league action resumes.

Former FC ONE Rocket safe-hands, Christian Nwosu was clear that the Lagos-boys team undergone intense training sessions in preparation for the game. He expressed confidence that their rigorous training will sharpen their skills and make them more active on the field.

“The training has been very interesting for us all. With the intensive training, we will be ready for the clash against Rivers United,” Nwosu stated.

Sporting Lagos have accumulated 41 points in 32 matches so far this season, and will be aiming to put up a strong performance in their upcoming fixture to steer clear of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) relegation zone.

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After falling to a heavy friendly game loss to Enyimba FC during the week, Heartland FC Coach, Christian Obi has played down the outcome, insisting he had a different objective.

Heartland FC Coach, Christian Obi has disclosed that the friendly game with Enyimba was actually meant to assess the performance of the club’s players who have not enjoyed much playing time in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The Naze Millionaires were spanked 4-0 by the People’s Elephants at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba on Wednesday but Coach Christian Obi in a chat with the club media said that he and his technical crew did not regret playing the game.

The former Flying Eagles star said the game provided the club coaches first-hand information on the true state of his remaining players and he would seize the opportunity again in the future if another game is available.

READ MORE: NPFL 2024: Rivers United seek redemption against tricky Niger Tornadoes

He charged the club’s fans to continue to support the team despite the current phase it is going through as the players, coaches and other officials of the team are looking forward to ending the season on a strong note starting with the home fixture with Gombe United next weekend.

“We should not take the result of the game as something that important. We got the offer to play the friendly game with Enyimba and decided to use it to test our other players that have not been given enough chances to play.

“The coaches have taken notes of the what transpired in Aba and it will be used to correct the players going forward. The team is going through a rough patch but we are determined to end the season positively.

“The game with Gombe United is our present concern and we are preparing very hard to ensure we get the maximum points in the game and subsequent games.” Obi remarked.

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Rivers United will be aiming to bounce back from their recent wobbles when they take on Niger Tornadoes in a rearranged Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture this Sunday.

The Liberation Stadium in Port Harcourt will host the crucial encounter, which sets the stage for a doubleheader between the two teams as they will meet again in the Federation Cup on Wednesday, May 22nd.

The rescheduled league match offers both teams a chance to improve their precarious positions in the lower half of the table. Rivers United sits in 12th place, while Niger Tornadoes occupies 11th, with just a single point separating them.

Recent form paints a contrasting picture for the upcoming opponents. Rivers United have struggled for consistency, managing just one win in their last five games (WLDLL). In contrast, Niger Tornadoes have shown greater stability, picking up three victories in their last five outings (WWLWL).

Historically, encounters between these sides have been tightly contested affairs. Their last meeting in Kaduna this season saw Niger Tornadoes edge out a narrow 1-0 victory. A look back at the last five meetings reveals a balanced rivalry, with two wins apiece for both teams and a draw.

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The rescheduled league fixture serves as a crucial warm-up for their upcoming Federation Cup clash. With both teams seeking points to climb the NPFL table, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested battle at the Liberation Stadium.

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Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has clarified the contract details of newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Finidi George, revealing that he signed a two-year deal instead of the speculated one-year contract.

Gusau disclosed this information during a conversation on the football show “Soccer Africa” in South Africa. Additionally, the NFF President outlined the four targets set for Finidi George during his initial two-year contract:

Gusau pointed out the importance of setting these targets to ensure optimal performance from the new coach and his crew which includes, ex-international DanIel Amokachi as first assistant .

“The key thing is, in every contract, there must be some indices and some targets that you must put in place for somebody in order for him to get optimal performance,” Gusau said on the show.

READ MORE: Super Eagles star visits sports minister

“And the first target is to qualify the team for next year’s Nations Cup and to get to at least the semi-finals of the Nations Cup, as well as qualify the team for the World Cup and to get us the target of playing in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

With Finidi George at the helm, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are gearing up for upcoming challenges, including the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.

Nigeria have not won a game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification series, following dissapointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe prior to the Africa Cup of Nations.

At the time of this report, the list of invited Super Eagles stars for the June International window has not been released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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Three Nigeria eligible stars, suffered Euro 2024 snubs. One of them, Karim Adeyemi is subject of this article as we look at what the FIFA rule says about his eligibilty to represent the Super Eagles after Germany’s snub.

KARIM ADEYEMI’S INTERNATIONAL STATUS EXPLAINED

Karim Adeyemi currently represents Germany at the international level but his European Championship snub by Germany means he is still eligible to switch allegiance to Nigeria, offering a potential boost to the Super Eagles.

Despite Adeyemi’s appearances for Germany at various youth levels and even making his senior team debut three years ago, the 22-year-old could opt to play for Nigeria due to his Nigerian heritage through his father.

Frequent visits to Nigeria to invest in local football and promote his academy in Ibadan showcase Adeyemi’s connection to his Nigerian roots.

While Karim Adeyemi has made four competitive appearances for Germany, including in World Cup qualifiers and the UEFA Nations League, his omission from Germany’s Euro 2024 squad presents an opportunity for Nigeria to sway him.

READ MORE: Euro 2024: Olise snub boosts Nigeria’s chase for star winger

WHAT THE RULE SAYS

Under FIFA’s new rule, a player can switch international allegiance if they have played no more than three competitive matches before turning 21, with those matches occurring in international competitions like the World Cup or continental tournaments.

Although Karim Adeyemi’s participation in the UEFA Nations League adds complexity to his eligibility, his absence from Germany’s Euro squad offers hope if Nigeria decides to launch a pursuit for this speedster.

WHAT ARE THE CHANCES 

Despite suffering Euro 2024 snub, Karim Adeyemi will very likely stick with the German national team. The chances of a Nigeria swap with its uncertainty and complex status is very slim and unlikely.

This is what Karim said about the considering the Super Eagles in a recent interview ” Yes (To accepting to play for Nigeria). “If I had the chance, of course. I think it’s a great national team. In the future, they will be great; they have good players, and in the past, they were also great,” he said

WHICH OTHER NIGERIA ELIGIBLE STAR WAS SNUBBED 

Aside from Karim Adeyemi, Nigeria elible stars like Michael Olise (France) and Joshua Zirkzee (Netherlands) were conspiciously missing from lists released for the gathering of Europe’s biggest names.

All three can still play for Nigeria but that will require a lot of work from the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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