Tag: General Sports

In a thrilling finale to the 2023/2024 Nationwide League One (NLO) season’s Calabar center, Ibom Youths FC emerged victorious, securing the sole promotion playoff ticket after defeating P Sports Academy.

Heading into the final-day fixture, P Sports Academy held the top spot in the standings, two points ahead of second-placed Ibom Youths FC. Coach Thankgod Ike’s task for P Sports was clear: secure at least a draw to claim the coveted playoff ticket.

However, Ibom Youths had other plans. The match, held at the UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar, saw Ibom Youths dominate proceedings from the start, while P Sports opted for a defensive approach.

Despite a goalless first half, Ibom Youths pressed on in the second half, determined to break the deadlock. Their perseverance paid off in the 76th minute when Joshua Joseph, their prolific striker with eight goals to his name, found the back of the net with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area.

READ MORE: NLO to Ink multi-million Naira sponsorship deal

The goal sparked jubilant celebrations from the Ibom Youths FC bench and supporters, including Akwa United FC Chairman, Elder Paul Bassey.

With this crucial goal, Ibom Youths overturned the standings, displacing P Sports Academy to claim the top spot with a 1-0 victory at full-time.

As the dust settled on the Calabar center of the NLO season, Ibom Youths FC secured first place with 23 points, followed closely by P Sports Academy with 22 points, and Sir Monty FC in third with 17 points.

Now, Ibom Youths FC will face the winner of the Umuahia center in a one-game promotion playoff at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on May 27, 2024, with hopes of securing a place in the prestigious Nigeria National League.

NEXT ARTICLE: Akwa Ibom State FA supports NLO clubs, organisers in Calabar Centre

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Nigeria’s Flamingos have received a huge boost in its quest for qualification for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup as Burkina Faso will host the first-leg at a neutral venue.

Nigeria’s U17 girls, the Flamingos are currently in camp, preparing for game against their Burkinabe counterparts in a first-leg match that has been  moved to a neutral location.

FIFA’s strict rules about where matches can be played have caused Burkina Faso to change the venue for their home game against Nigeria.

Burkina Faso will not be playing in their own city of Ouagadougou anymore. Instead, the game will happen in Bamako, the capital of Mali, raising excitement for a big showdown on Saturday, May 11th, starting at 4 pm Mali time.

The second leg of the match will be played at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Making the event even more exciting, a special group of referees has been chosen by the Confederation of African Football to oversee the game. Suavis Iratunga from Burundi will be the center referee, with a skilled team of assistants and officials.

The Flamingos, ATHLETICNG understands, will leave Abuja for Bamako on Wednesday, May 8th, 2024.

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Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou bid a tearful farewell to his 15-month-old son, Kobe, at a funeral held on Friday, May 3, 2024.

The sad occasion had in attendance notable sports figures, including Nigerian-American mixed martial artist Kamarudeen Usman and Cameroonian football federation boss, Samuel Eto’o.

Days ago, the heartbreaking news of Kobe’s passing was shared by his father Francis Ngannou on his Instagram, sending shockwaves through the sports world.

Despite his recent transition from the UFC octagon to the boxing ring, Ngannou received an outpouring of support from fellow athletes and celebrities alike.

Kamaru Usman, also known as the “Nigerian Nightmare,” and Samuel Eto’o joined the somber gathering to pay their respects to Ngannou and his family. Their presence highlighted the profound impact of Kobe’s passing on the sports community, transcending boundaries of sport and nationality.

The unity and solidarity displayed by Usman, Eto’o, and other mourners underscored the bond shared among athletes in times of grief. Ngannou’s loss resonated deeply with those in the combat sports community, as evidenced by the continued expressions of sympathy from figures such as Tony Bellew, Cain Velasquez, and Manny Pacquiao.

The attendance of Usman and Eto’o at Kobe’s funeral reflected a reciprocal gesture of support, as Ngannou had previously been present to offer condolences to Eto’o during his father’s funeral in Ngambe. Their presence symbolized not only a show of solidarity but also a reminder of the interconnectedness and compassion within the world of sports.

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Turkish Super Lig club Trabzonspor are preparing a cash plus player bid to sign Paul Onuachu permanently from Southampton in the summer.

eager to secure Nigerian football star Paul Onuachu on a permanent basis, from English club Southampton.

Paul Onuachu who previously had a stint with Southampton from KRC Genk that didn’t go as planned, joined Trabzonspor on loan from Saint Mary’s Stadium after his time with Southampton.

Since his arrival, Onuachu has been on fire, scoring 12 goals in 18 matches for Trabzonspor, including a recent hat-trick against Gaziantep FK that grabbed headlines.

After his standout performance, Onuachu expressed his satisfaction with Trabzonspor, although he noted that Southampton holds the final say on his future.

Recent reports suggest that Onuachu met with Trabzonspor manager Abdullah Avcı, indicating the club’s keen interest in retaining him beyond the loan spell.

Initially brought in on a loan deal worth 1.5 million Euros during the summer transfer window, Southampton is now contemplating selling Onuachu outright rather than extending the loan.

Trabzonspor is working to simplify the transfer process to ensure Onuachu’s permanent move to the club. As part of this effort, they are considering offering players to Göztepe, a Turkish club with ties to Southampton, as part of the deal.

This approach follows a successful precedent, such as the transfer involving Orsic. Trabzonspor previously facilitated Taha Altıkardeş’s transfer to Göztepe, attracting interest from prominent European clubs like Anderlecht and Feyenoord.

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Nigerian stars Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella were listed in Bayer Leverkusen’s matchday list for the big win against AS Roma in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal clash in Rome.

Despite benching Nigerian star Victor Boniface, Xabi Alonso tutored Bayer Leverkusen managed to secure a crucial 2-0 first-leg advantage over AS Roma thanks to goals from Florian Wirtz and Robert Andrich.

The breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when Wirtz capitalized on a defensive error from AS Roma to put Bayer Leverkusen ahead.

Despite facing intense pressure from AS Roma, visiting Bayer Leverkusen held on to their lead until halftime.

In the second half, newly crowned German Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen extended their lead with a stunning long-range strike from Andrich in the 73rd minute, putting them firmly in control of the tie.

READ MORE: Nigerian star returns from injury to shine in Leverkusen’s Europa League win

While Boniface remained on the bench, his Super Eagles teammate Nathan Tella was brought on late in the game as Leverkusen aimed to secure the victory.

The win gives Leverkusen confidence heading into the second leg in Germany, while Roma faces an uphill battle to overturn the 2-0 deficit and reach the final.

Overall, Leverkusen’s strong performance puts them in a favorable position to advance to their first European final in over two decades, while Roma will need to improve their attacking and defensive play to stand a chance in the return fixture.

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African champion, Eniola Bolaji has risen two spots in the new BWF Para Badminton World Rankings, now ranking as the world’s 5th best player in the women’s SL3 category.

Eniola’s climb in the rankings comes after her impressive performance at the Spanish Para Badminton International 2024 in Victoria and Toledo in April, where she clinched two gold medals.

Speaking to aclsports.com, Eniola expressed her gratitude to the Badminton Confederation of Africa, Badminton Federation of Nigeria, and the Kwara State Government for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

She credited the Badminton Confederation of Africa for providing her with resources and opportunities to compete internationally, promising to continue making Africa proud in various tournaments.

Eniola Bolaji said of her latest milestone: “To the Badminton Confederation of Africa, thank you for believing in me and providing me with the resources and opportunities to compete on the international stage. I promise to continue making Africa proud at various tournaments outside Africa.

“Words cannot describe how I feel right now because the President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Francis Orbih took me as his personal project. Your unwavering support had been a guiding light throughout her career; your belief in my abilities and your tireless efforts to promote para badminton in Nigeria have been truly inspiring”.

“I want to thank Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support and words of encouragement. Your belief in my abilities has been a driving force behind my success.. The congratulatory message sent to me by the Governor will be a source of motivation to bring more honour to the state.

She added, “My latest ranking and triumph at the various tournaments in Spain is not for myself but the people of Africa and everyone who believes in me. I am looking forward to make Nigeria proud at forthcoming tournaments before the Paralympic 2024 Games in Paris”.

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In a show of solidarity and commitment to grassroots football development, the Akwa Ibom State Football Association has extended support to the ongoing Nationwide League One (NLO) competition hosted in Calabar, the capital city of Cross Rivers State.

At the UJ Esuene Stadium, where the tournament is ongoing, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association, Mr. Samuel Umoh, alongside board members and stakeholders, presented packs of bottled water and other essential items to both the organisers and the ten participating teams. Mr. Umoh emphasised that the donation aligns with his administration’s vision to nurture and elevate football from its grassroots origins.

Expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Calabar centre officials in upholding the integrity of the game, Umoh urged them to ensure the competition ends with only the best team earning qualification to the playoffs. He highlighted the importance of such initiatives in encouraging young talent and attracting private investment for further player development.

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Responding to the gesture, Mr. Talabi Oke, Secretary of the Cross River State Football Association, lauded the Akwa Ibom FA for its proactive measures in revitalising football within the Akwa-Cross region. He pledged continued collaboration between the two states for the advancement of football in Nigeria.

Frederick Udoh, speaking on behalf of the ten participating teams, expressed gratitude for the support from the newly inaugurated Akwa Ibom FA board. He noted that besides facilitating the smooth running of the competition, the donation sends a positive message to league organisers, encouraging further partnerships to expand the league’s reach.

The Calabar centre currently hosts eight teams from Akwa Ibom State and two from Cross River State. P. Sports FC leads the standings after eight matches and are set to face Ibom Youth FC in the centre’s final game.

The other eight teams competing in the centre include Essien Ayi FC, Hope of Glory FC, Nordic FC, Sir Monty FC, Krane FC, Vandrezzer FC, FC ONA Pal, and Palm Syrup FC.

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Chelsea have emerged as a potential destination for Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, with talks underway regarding the defender’s future ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old center-back, whose contract with Fulham is set to expire, has declined the opportunity to extend his stay at Craven Cottage, paving the way for him to become a free agent. Chelsea, led by their interest in bolstering their defensive options, are among the clubs exploring the possibility of securing Adarabioyo’s services.

According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea and Newcastle United have been informed about the conditions of a potential deal to sign Adarabioyo. Despite keen interest from multiple clubs, no formal bids have been submitted, with the Fulham star taking his time to evaluate his options before making a decision.

Chelsea target Tosin Adarabioyo (Image credit: Getty Images)

Romano posted, “Understand Chelsea as well as Newcastle are among clubs informed on conditions of the deal to sign Tosin Adarabioyo as a free agent. Several clubs are asking for conditions of potential free signing, but no formal proposal made. Tosin will take his time to decide his future.”

READ MORE: Akwa Ibom State FA supports NLO clubs, organisers in Calabar Centre

For Chelsea, securing Adarabioyo on a free transfer would represent a savvy move, particularly as they seek to address defensive concerns following Thiago Silva’s potential departure. Additionally, such a signing would aid the club in navigating financial fair play regulations, given the absence of a transfer fee.

Adarabioyo, who joined Fulham from Manchester City in 2020, has been a stalwart presence in their defense, amassing 132 appearances and contributing five goals during his tenure. His performances this season have garnered attention, signaling a potential step forward in his career.

As Adarabioyo contemplates his next move, the competition for his signature intensifies, with various clubs presenting enticing projects for the talented defender. The decisions he makes will undoubtedly shape his future trajectory in the footballing world.

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Super Falcon Midfielder Christy Ucheibe Clinches Fourth Consecutive Portuguese Women’s Cup with Benfica Feminino

In a remarkable display of dominance, Super Falcons midfielder Christy Ucheibe has once again etched her name in Portuguese football history by clinching her fourth consecutive Taça de Liga title with Benfica Women FC. The talented midfielder played a pivotal role in Benfica’s triumph, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sporting CP in the showdown.

Ucheibe’s stellar performance throughout the tournament exemplifies her unwavering dedication and skill on the pitch. Her contribution not only propelled Benfica to victory but also solidified her status as one of the most formidable midfielders in women’s football.

Ucheibe joined Portuguese club Benfica in 2023 from Nasarawa Amazons on a 3-and-a-half-year deal.
She has since established herself as an integral part of the Portuguese side.

Having previously tasted success in the 2019–20, 2020–21, and 2022–23 seasons, Ucheibe’s latest triumph marks a historic achievement in her career. Her consistency and determination have undoubtedly been instrumental in Benfica’s dominance in the Portuguese women’s football scene.

As the Super Falcons star continues to showcase her talent on the international stage, her latest accolade further cements her legacy as a true icon of the game. With her sights set on even greater triumphs in the future, Christy Ucheibe remains a shining beacon of inspiration for aspiring footballers worldwide.

Ucheibe will aim to return to action when Benfica takes on Valadares in their next fixture scheduled for Sunday, May 5, 2024

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