Tag: General Sports

As the 2023/2024 Nigeria National League season comes to an end this weekend, Abia Comets Football Club of Umuahia have set sight on a victorious and historic wrap to their NNL campaign ahead of their final fixture against Ekiti United at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Saturday.

The Umuahia-based club suffered their sixth defeat of the season away at Beyond Limits last weekend in Ikenne and will be eager to bounce back with maximum points with the support of their home fans.

Speaking ahead of the game, Abia Comets head coach, Okechukwu Ejeh, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to finish the season on a winning note.

“We are glad for what we have achieved so far this season, but of course for us, missing out on a place in the playoffs is sad but it’s just football,” Ejeh told reporters.

“However, about the game on Saturday, the boys are going to put up a good performance against Ekiti United for us to end the season on a high note.” He said.

Jonah James has been ruled out of the season after he suffered an injury in the defeat against Beyond Limits, which will keep him out of the game.

In what can be termed a history-laden season for the Umuahia-based side who went on a 12-game unbeaten run, taking all three points on the final day against the Ekiti side will mean another historic feat.

The historic 12 games unbeaten run recorded by Abia Comets FC  in the 2023/24 Nigeria National League (NNL):

1. Abeokuta Stormers 2-3 Abia Comets FC
2. Abia Comets FC 1-0 1472 FC
3. Smart City FC 1-1 Abia Comets FC
4. Abia Comets FC 3-1 Dakkada FC
5. Rovers FC 1-1 Abia Comets FC
6. Abia Comets FC 2-2 Vandrezzer FC
7. Vandrezzer FC 1-2 Abia Comets FC
8. Abia Comets FC 1-1 Rovers FC
9. Dakkada FC 0-1 Abia Comets FC
10. Abia Comets FC 1-1 Smart City FC
11. 1472 FC 1-1 Abia Comets FC
12. Abia Comets FC 1-0 Abeokuta Stormers

A victory for Comets against Ekiti United will move the side’s points tally for the season to 34 points – the highest in the club’s history.

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Manchester City midfielder, Jack Grealish, has found himself in legal trouble once again after admitting to speeding in a 30 mph zone with his car.

This is the second time in four years that the former Aston Villa player has appeared in court for driving offenses.

In 2020, Grealish was fined £82,499 and banned from driving for nine months after being found guilty of two charges of driving without due care. Now, he faces further legal repercussions after being caught speeding with his car.

Initially, Grealish was charged with withholding information about the identity of the car’s driver, which carried a maximum fine of £114,000. However, this accusation was dropped during a brief hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court.

During the hearing, it was revealed that Grealish had struck two parked cars in a dead end. A witness reported that he smelled like “intoxicating liquor” and was speaking in a slurred manner. As a result, Grealish was fined £666 and ordered to pay £110 in costs, along with a £266 victim surcharge.

Despite not appearing in court, Grealish’s attorney, John Dye, filed a guilty plea on his behalf and expressed apologies on behalf of his client.

Despite his legal troubles, Grealish is expected to continue training and playing with the Manchester City team as they prepare for their upcoming match against Fulham in the title run-in.

Manchester City will not be taking any internal action against their player despite the charges. According to multiple sources, the offence is not criminal and so not worthy of further action.

READ MORE: Nigerian duo win English Championship title with City

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The head coach of Rangers International, Fidelis Ilechukwu, has emphasised that winning the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title this season is not at the forefront of his mind, despite his team currently leading the league table.

With 57 points in 32 games, Rangers International currently holds the top spot, edging out Remo Stars by a single point, with defending champions Enyimba trailing by four points in third place and Shooting Stars five points behind in fourth.

Despite the advantageous position his team holds in the race for the NPFL title, Ilechukwu remains focused on long-term development rather than immediate glory. “I’m not thinking about the title,” he stated in an interview with 54footballx. 

READ MORE: Jose Peseiro reveals why he snubbed NPFL players as Super Eagles coach

Fidelis Ilechukwu is leading a young Rangers team to another NPFL title (Image credit: Getty Images)

“Enyimba, Lobi Stars, and Remo Stars are thinking about it. We have a very young team and structure is what we are thinking of. Maybe next season we will talk about the title. If I’m thinking about that, I will be under pressure and I don’t want to be under pressure because the management did not tell me about that.”

Responding to Ilechukwu’s stance, Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede expressed optimism about his team’s chances. “I think it (the title) is in view because my friend (Fidelis Ilechukwu) said they are still building, so, we are trying to capitalise on the fact that they are building and we are trying to get the trophy,” Ogunmodede remarked to the club’s media team following their 2-1 victory over Rivers United on Monday, May 6.

Ilechukwu’s prioritisation of team development over immediate success highlights a strategic approach that could have significant implications for Rangers International’s future performance in the NPFL.

Meanwhile, the league is currently on hold to accommodate backlog of outstanding fixtures by Rivers United due to their involvement in the CAF Confederations Cup.

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US-based Nigerian coach Michael Nsien has declined an offer from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to serve as an assistant coach to newly appointed Super Eagles head coach George Finidi due to a contractual dispute.

Nsien, who currently holds the position of coach for the US U-19 team, had also thrown his hat in the ring for the Eagles’ head coaching position. However, when the NFF opted for Finidi, they extended an offer to Nsien for the assistant coach role.

However, the NFF’s proposal to pay Nsien on a per-match basis rather than offering a full contract was not acceptable to the American-Nigerian coach.

Confirming the approach, Nsien expressed that both parties failed to reach an agreement on monetary terms. “Yes, they (NFF) approached me. They cannot meet my salary requirements,” Nsien told The PUNCH.

Nsien, who hails from Eket in Akwa Ibom State was first named head coach of the United States U-16 men’s national team in 2022 before being promoted to handle the U19 team in 2023 and has been linked severally to coaching roles in Nigeria.

An NFF official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, revealed that contract negotiations did not progress beyond the initial stages. “We didn’t even get that far as per the contract talks. They asked him for an amount per game, and he said if it’s not a full contract, no need to discuss more, that the NFF has to match or better his current contract with the US team.”

Another source close to Nsien criticized the NFF’s contract terms as “insulting,” emphasizing that Nsien was not desperate for employment. “He is not unemployed; he still has two years on his current contract. So, it’s insulting to think he can accept to be paid per match. That’s (NFF offer) amateur. Now they’re unsure of what to do.”

The rejection leaves the NFF in a dilemma, requiring them to reconsider their options for the assistant coach role.

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is poised for a significant shift in player compensation, with plans underway to bolster the minimum wage from N150,000 to an undisclosed sum beginning next season. 

NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye made the revelation during a live program on Trust Radio, where he articulated the league’s commitment to enhancing player welfare in response to Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.

Elegbeleye underscored the imperative of revising player wages, citing the prevailing economic conditions within the country. He expressed dismay over instances where clubs remunerate players below the established N150,000 benchmark, noting that some individuals reluctantly accept such offers to secure a spot within these teams.

To ensure compliance and transparency, the NPFL boss stated that the League will implement stringent measures, including requiring clubs to conduct financial transactions exclusively through bank channels. This mandate aims to facilitate accurate documentation of player salaries, enabling the league to monitor adherence to the stipulated wage standards.

Elegbeleye emphasized the need for clubs to uphold ethical standards by remunerating players fairly, acknowledging the disparity between wages and the rising cost of living. He stressed that the forthcoming increase in the minimum wage signifies the league’s proactive stance in addressing these disparities and fostering a conducive environment for players to thrive.

Moreover, the Chairman affirmed that the decision to revise player wages aligns with the NPFL’s broader agenda of promoting professionalism and elevating the status of football within Nigeria. He highlighted the benefits of elevating the minimum wage standards like the attraction and retainment of top talent alongside the mitigation of the risk of exploitation or financial hardship faced by players.

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Joselu emerged as the hero for Real Madrid in a dramatic Champions League semifinal clash against Bayern Munich, scoring two late goals to secure a thrilling 2-1 victory on Wednesday night.

With this result, Real Madrid sealed a 4-3 aggregate win and booked their spot in the final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

The first half saw both teams creating promising opportunities, but it was Real Madrid who appeared more dangerous in attack.

Rodrygo came close to breaking the deadlock, hitting the post and then seeing his rebound saved by Bayern’s goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer. However, controversy loomed as there were two balls on the pitch at the time of the incident.

In the second half, Neuer’s heroics kept Bayern in the game as Real Madrid continued to press for a goal.

Despite the Spanish side’s dominance, it was Bayern who shocked the Bernabeu with a goal from Alphonso Davies in the 80th minute. Davies, who had been linked with a move to Real Madrid, unleashed a powerful shot into the top corner, putting Bayern ahead against the run of play.

Real Madrid responded almost immediately, but Nacho Fernandez’s goal was disallowed due to a foul in the build-up. However, their persistence paid off in the 87th minute when Neuer spilled a tame shot and Joselu capitalized to equalize.

Joselu wasn’t finished yet. In stoppage time, he scored his second goal of the night, turning in an Antonio Rudiger cross after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the goal. Matthijs de Ligt saw a late effort being ruled offside as Real Madrid held on to claim victory.

With Bayern’s dreams of reaching the Champions League final dashed, Real Madrid celebrated their remarkable comeback, with Joselu’s late heroics propelling them to the final showdown against Borussia Dortmund.

READ MORE: Jack Grealish In trouble following overspeeding charge

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Former head of Nigeria’s men’s national team, the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro in a recent interview conducted at his residence in Portugal, has revealed why he snubbed NPFL players during his time with the African giants,

Months after leaving the role, Peseiro shared deep thoughts on his stance of not selecting players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for competitive matches during his 20-month tenure

Peseiro said that during his time as coach, players based abroad consistently outperformed those in the domestic league.

This affirmation comes following Peseiro’s leadership of the Super Eagles to a second-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, where they were defeated 1-2 by the host nation in the final.

The interview explored Peseiro’s experiences as a first-time manager in Africa, prompting him to reflect on his significant challenges.

READ MORE: Finidi George vows to keep fighting for NPFL title with Enyimba

Peseiro said: “There was pressure to pick players from the Nigeria Professional League. I get asked all the time about them, but I came at a time when the team had just missed out on the World Cup, so I had to go for the best players,” he explained.

Peseiro further elaborated on his decision, stating, “I watched many games, and none of the players from the domestic league were as skilled as those playing abroad. You can’t call up players just for the sake of it.”

During Jose Peseiro’s reign as Super Eagles coach, only goalkeepers from the Nigeria Premier Football League got consisitent call-up space in the team but none was trusted with a spot in goal.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) last week announced the appointment of Enyimba FC’s Finidi George as the Head Coach  of the Super Eagles, signaling a new era for the national team.

Under Finidi George, it is expected that players from the Nigeria Premier Football League will get a chance to prove their worth alongside the foreign based Eagles.

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Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers defeated Tunisia’s US Monastir to finish the first round of the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) with a perfect record.

2022 BAL champions, US Monastier have faced a tough start in this year’s tournament, losing their first three games and finishing the first round without a single victory.

In their match against Rivers Hoopers, Monastir struggled to march the opposition despite efforts from their head coach Mohamed Kirdani.

Monastir made significant lineup changes and timeouts, but still could not match the urgency and efficiency of the Nigerian team.

Rivers Hoopers, on the other hand, showcased their strength from the beginning. They started the tournament with a convincing 77-68 win against AS Douanes.

READ MORE: Franck Mawuena the hero as Remo Stars secure comeback win against Rivers United

Thanks to Kelvin Amayo’s impressive performance, River Hoopers maintained their momentum throughout the first round, securing victories in all three matches.

On Tuesday, May 7, Kelvin Amayo, with his ability to score from various parts of the court, proved to be a challenge for Monastir’s defense, scoring a game-high 27 points. His remarkable performance, coupled with contributions from other players like Perry, Eke, and Olisemeka, propelled River Hoopers to victory.

With their unbeaten streak, Rivers Hoopers became the only team in the 2024 Sahara Conference to complete the first round without a loss. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on River Hoopers as they continue their quest for BAL glory.

After a rest day, the second round of the Sahara Conference will begin, with US Monastir facing Rwanda’s APR and Rivers Hoopers taking on hosts AS Douanes.

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On day 16 of the ongoing NBA playoffs, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks celebrated victories in their respective matchups.

The Minnesota Timberwolves asserted their dominance over the Denver Nuggets, securing a commanding 2-0 series lead with a resounding 106-80 triumph.

To secure the win, Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the charge with impressive 27-point performances each.

Despite missing the service of Rudy Gobert, the Timberwolves effectively contained Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets’ offense, maintaining their flawless 6-0 postseason record.

NEW YORK KNICKS DOWN INDIANA PACERS 121-117 IN EASTERN CONFERENCE SEMIS

In the Eastern Conference semifinals, the New York Knicks staged a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback to defeat the Indiana Pacers 121-117.

Jalen Brunson continued his outstanding postseason run with an impressive 43-point performance, including 21 points in the decisive fourth quarter.

Brunson’s remarkable achievement marked his fourth consecutive game with 40 or more points, a feat accomplished by only a select few NBA players, with Michael Jordan being the last to achieve it in 1993.

Donte DiVincenzo’s crucial 3-pointer with 40.4 seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Knicks, breaking a tie and securing a permanent lead.

Despite commendable efforts from Pacers’ players like Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner, the Knicks held on for the win.

With the series now 1-0 in favor of the Knicks, both teams are poised to maintain their momentum as they head into the next games of the playoffs.

READ MORE: NBA Playoffs: Dallas Mavericks secure Western conference semi-final spot, Orlando Magic force game 7

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