Tag: General Sports

The Premier League has announced the adoption of semi-automated offside technology for the upcoming season. This move comes as a result of a unanimous agreement among the league’s clubs, signalling a significant step forward in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of officiating in one of the world’s most prestigious football competitions.

The introduction of Semi-Automated Offside Technology was confirmed in a statement released following a Premier League Shareholders’ meeting. According to the statement, the new system is set to debut next season, with expectations that it will be operational following one of the autumn international breaks.

This cutting-edge technology, which has previously proven successful at the highest levels of football, including the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, utilises optical player tracking to swiftly and consistently determine the placement of the virtual offside line. Its implementation is poised to revolutionize the adjudication process, providing quicker decisions and reducing the margin for error.

READ MORE: Club owners address financial differences with NPFL board

One of the primary aims of the semi-automated offside technology is to streamline the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review process, with projections suggesting a potential reduction in offside-related VAR checks by an average of 31 seconds. By leveraging advanced optical tracking, referees will be empowered to make more accurate judgments in real-time, thereby minimizing controversial decisions that have marred past matches.

UEFA, the governing body of European football, has already embraced this innovative technology, integrating it into the prestigious Champions League following extensive testing. Roberto Rosetti, UEFA’s chief refereeing officer, emphasized the importance of leveraging the best available technology to uphold the integrity of the game and support referees in their decision-making.

The adoption of semi-automated offside technology marks a significant milestone for the Premier League, particularly in light of recent controversies surrounding offside decisions under the VAR system. Instances such as Luis Diaz’s disallowed goal against Tottenham in October, which was later acknowledged as an erroneous call by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), underscore the need for more reliable officiating tools.

With its imminent introduction, the Premier League is poised to usher in a new era of precision and efficiency in offside adjudication, promising an enhanced experience for players, coaches, and supporters alike. As the countdown begins to its implementation, anticipation is high for the positive impact that semi-automated offside technology will have on the beautiful game.

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Renowned Nigerian billionaire, Tony Elumelu, has set his sights on purchasing a club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL). 

The 61-year-old economist and philanthropist, who chairs Heirs Holdings, Transcorp, and United Bank for Africa (UBA), revealed his interest in the potential acquisition following discussions with the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.

During talks surrounding the private ownership of clubs in Nigeria, a suggestion was proposed by X user LawyerDay, advocating for big corporations in Nigeria to acquire league clubs as part of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). 

Elumelu responded positively to the idea, noting that he, along with other prominent figures in the country, has been contacted by the minister to explore the feasibility of such acquisitions to enhance the league.

“This is a nice idea,” commented Elumelu, accompanied by a thumbs-up emoji. He further revealed, “The Sports Minister, Senator John Enoh @OwanEnoh, is already thinking along this line and has approached me, and we are already evaluating viability.”

READ MORE: Super Falcons set to face tough competition in Paris as Waldrum calls for early preparation

The potential acquisition of an NPFL club by Elumelu is expected to bring a new dimension to the league and attract more corporate involvement in Nigerian football. With wealth amassed from investments in diverse sectors including financial services, real estate, hospitality, healthcare, power, oil, and gas, Elumelu’s entry into the football arena could signal a major boost for the local sports industry.

The proposal of big corporations acquiring league clubs as part of CSR has sparked excitement and anticipation among football enthusiasts, envisioning a scenario where influential figures like Dangote, BUA, and Geregu could also invest in the league. The competition and development prospects such acquisitions could bring to the NPFL are promising.

As a successful businessman with a heart for philanthropy, Elumelu’s potential ownership of an NPFL club could not only elevate the team but also positively impact the community and the league as a whole. His track record of driving growth and innovation in various industries makes him a significant player in the potential transformation of Nigerian football.

With discussions ongoing and evaluations being made, the prospect of Tony Elumelu acquiring an NPFL club remains a topic of interest and speculation in the sports world. As the football landscape in Nigeria evolves, the involvement of influential figures like Elumelu could be a game-changer for the league.

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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club owners association has moved to dispel rumours of a rift with the NPFL board, stating that there are ‘no complaints or problems’ despite reports suggesting otherwise. 

The potential showdown with the board over financial matters, including the disclosure of broadcast deals with StarTimes and Propel Sports, seems to have been averted as discussions continue between the parties involved.

According to The Punch, the Secretary of the Club Owners Association and Chairman of Sporting Lagos, Godwin Enakhena assured that negotiations were ongoing and that they are working towards resolving outstanding issues, including accumulated matches and financial commitments. With just nine games left in the season, the focus is on ensuring a successful conclusion to the campaign.

READ MORE: Nigerian billionaire Tony Elumelu eyes acquisition of NPFL club

“We are having negotiations, we are talking, but there are no complaints or problems,” Enakhena emphasized. “We have issues we want to deal with, some of them include outstanding matches that have not been played. The economy is a big factor, but we are committed to ending the league as planned.”

As the 2023/24 season approaches its end date of June 9, attention is now on completing match-day 30 games and addressing any pending matters before the end of the season. Rivers United, recently eliminated from the CAF Confederation Cup, faces the task of playing six outstanding matches within the stipulated time frame.

At the commencement of the season last September, the NPFL’s strategic partner, GTI, announced an increase in the league’s prize money from N100m to N150m, alongside a N10m take-off grant for the 20 clubs. Additionally, the league secured a $5m streaming deal with Propel Sports and a lucrative N5.9bn agreement with StarTimes to broadcast NPFL matches over five seasons.

The commitment to resolving financial issues and ensuring the successful progression of the league reflects the dedication of both the club owners and the NPFL board to advancing Nigerian football. As the season heads towards its conclusion, the collaboration between stakeholders is crucial in maintaining the integrity and competitiveness of the NPFL.

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In a high-stakes clash for a spot at the prestigious Paris 2024 Olympics, Nigeria’s Super Falcons emerged victorious against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana with a 1-0 aggregate win on Tuesday. The stage was set for a thrilling showdown as South Africa, led by coach Desiree Ellis, sought to overturn the 1-0 deficit from the first leg held in Abuja.

The encounter started with South Africa showcasing their attacking prowess, dominating possession and putting pressure on the Nigerian defense early on. However, despite their efforts, they were unable to find the net in the first half, leaving the scoreline deadlocked at 0-0.

As the game progressed, the tide began to turn in favor of the Super Falcons, who started combining well and penetrating the South African defense. The visitors managed to weather the storm and hold off the Nigerian advances to maintain their clean sheet going into the halftime break.

With everything to play for in the second half, Banyana Banyana upped the ante and pushed forward with vigor, desperately seeking that elusive goal that would keep their Olympic dreams alive. The Nigerian defense, led by captain Asisat Oshoala, stood firm and repelled the South African attacks with resilience and determination.

READ MORE: Katsina United end Rangers Int’l 10-match unbeaten run

Despite creating several goal-scoring opportunities, South Africa’s inability to convert their chances proved to be their downfall as the final whistle blew with the scoreline still at 0-0. The Super Falcons’ solid defensive display and tactical discipline throughout both legs ultimately sealed their passage to the Olympics, much to the delight of their passionate fans.

For South Africa, it was a heartbreaking loss as they fell short in their quest to qualify for Paris 2024. Coach Desiree Ellis praised her team’s fighting spirit and commended their performance, but acknowledged that they needed to be more clinical in front of goal to achieve their goals.

As Nigeria celebrates their qualification for the Olympic Games, they can now focus on preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in Paris. With a mix of experienced players and talented youngsters, the Super Falcons will be looking to make a mark on the global stage and showcase the rich footballing talent that Africa has to offer.

The road to Paris 2024 has been marked with highs and lows for both Nigeria and South Africa, but in the end, it was the Super Falcons who emerged victorious and booked their ticket to the Olympics.

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Katsina United ended Rangers International’s impressive 10-game unbeaten run in the Nigeria Premier Football League with a thrilling 4-3 victory at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. The encounter saw a frantic start, with four goals scored in the opening 20 minutes, setting the stage for a captivating match.

Midfielder Azeez Falolu opened the scoring for Katsina United in the fourth minute, but Godwin Obaje quickly equalized for Enugu Rangers six minutes later. The back-and-forth nature of the game continued as Michael Ibe put Katsina back in front in the 16th minute, only for Saviour Godwin to level the scores for Rangers two minutes later.

As the first half drew to a close, Ibe notched his second goal of the match to give Katsina United a 3-2 lead. The hosts extended their advantage early in the second half through Andrew Idoko, but Joel Odoh’s strike for Rangers in the 81st minute reduced the deficit to 4-3, setting up a tense finish.

A defeat in Katsina. We keep our heads up and hope to rise stronger.#KATRAN #NPFL24#HistoryTogether #NeverSayDie pic.twitter.com/9nhPWFEHit

— Rangers International FC (@Rangers_Intl) April 7, 2024

READ MORE: Nigeria Super Eagles drop two places in latest FIFA rankings

In other league fixtures, Lobi Stars secured a 1-0 victory over Enyimba courtesy of Danbani Alao’s 58th-minute goal, keeping the pressure on Rangers at the top. Niger Tornadoes showcased their goal-scoring prowess with a resounding 5-0 win over relegation-threatened Gombe United, while Heartland returned to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Sporting Lagos.

Kwara United had to rely on a penalty from Isiah Ejeh to salvage a 1-1 draw at home against Bendel Insurance, who had taken the lead through Meyiwa Oritseweyinmi in the first half. Sunshine Stars and Bayelsa United played out a 1-1 draw in Akure, with Tunde Adeniji scoring on his return to Sunshine Stars to secure a point for his side.

Reflecting on the thrilling victory over Rangers, Katsina United’s coach praised his team’s efforts, stating, “It was a fantastic performance from the boys, and I am proud of their determination to secure the win against a tough opponent like Rangers.”

The result sees Enugu Rangers cling to the top spot in the league by the slimmest of margins, with Katsina United’s victory throwing the title race wide open as the season approaches its climax. The Nigeria Premier Football League continues to serve up exciting matches and unpredictable outcomes, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

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Fidelis Ilechukwu, the head coach of Rangers International, has been named the recipient of the prestigious Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Manager of the Month award for March in the 2023/2024 season.

Ilechukwu guided Rangers to an impressive unbeaten run in March, securing three wins in five matches, including crucial away victories against Niger Tornadoes and Heartland. The team netted a total of seven goals during this period, propelling them to the summit of the NPFL table under Ilechukwu’s stewardship.

This accolade marks a significant achievement for Ilechukwu, as he becomes the first Rangers coach to claim the Manager of the Month award this season. The talented tactician had previously been nominated for the prestigious title in both October 2023 and February 2024, showcasing his consistent impact and leadership within the club.

READ MORE: NFF mourns with Segun Odegbami over son’s tragic passing

In a separate recognition, Akwa United’s Suleiman has been lauded for his exceptional performances in March, earning him the Player of the Month accolade. Suleiman’s remarkable contribution included five crucial goals, notably inspiring a remarkable away triumph against Plateau United and a resounding home victory over reigning champions Enyimba.

The League Bloggers Awards and its sponsors, 54Footballx, will be presenting both Fidelis Ilechukwu and Suleiman with their respective honours at their home grounds this weekend. This recognition serves as a testament to their outstanding achievements and the significant impact they have had on their respective teams in the ongoing NPFL campaign.

Fidelis Ilechukwu’s accolade as Manager of the Month and Suleiman’s recognition as Player of the Month exemplify the outstanding talent and dedication present in the NPFL. As these deserving individuals are celebrated for their remarkable performances, fans can look forward to witnessing more exciting football moments as the league season progresses.

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Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan secured a crucial 2-0 victory over Kwara United on Wednesday, much to the relief of head coach Gbenga Ogunbote. 

Ogunbote expressed his satisfaction with the result, acknowledging that his team had squandered numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match. He attributed this wastefulness to the pressure on certain players who were struggling to find their form in the league season.

“The win today is a big relief for us. We had a lot of chances that we didn’t capitalize on, but I understand that some players were feeling the pressure to perform and prove themselves. It’s all part of the game,” Ogunbote stated.

Despite the missed chances, Ogunbote highlighted the progress his team has made in terms of teamwork and understanding on the field. He noted that the players, who were relatively new to the team at the beginning of the season, were now beginning to gel and work well together.

READ MORE: NFF mourns with Segun Odegbami over son’s tragic passing

“Compared to the first half of the season, the level of understanding among the players has definitely improved. We are all on the same page now, working towards our common goal,” Ogunbote explained. 

That common goal, according to the coach, is to secure a continental slot for the team. With ten matches remaining in the season, Ogunbote is determined to see his team finish strong and achieve their target.

“We are aiming for a continental slot, and we still have a good chance of making it happen. We just need to maintain our current momentum and keep winning both at home and away,” Ogunbote emphasized.

On the other side, Kwara United’s coach Kabiru Dogo acknowledged the challenging position his team finds themselves in on the league table. With the threat of relegation looming, Dogo stressed the importance of winning their remaining home games to secure their place in the league.

“Our focus now is on avoiding relegation. We have to work hard and win as many games as possible to ensure our survival in the league. The team believes in our ability to overcome this challenge,” Dogo said.

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have experienced a slight setback in the latest FIFA rankings, dropping two spots from 28th to 30th in the world, as seen in the latest FIFA ranking release.

This decline comes in the aftermath of the team’s performances during the recent international break, where they faced off against the Black Stars of Ghana and the Eagles of Mali in friendly matches.

Nigeria secured a victory against Ghana in the highly anticipated ‘Jollof Derby’, winning with a 2-1 scoreline. However, they suffered a defeat to Mali in Morocco, resulting in a mixed performance overall. This variance in results has been identified as a key factor in their drop in the FIFA rankings since the last update in February, just after the conclusion of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Despite the drop, the Super Eagles continue to maintain their position as the third-best team in Africa, standing ahead of countries like Ghana, Egypt, and Canada. Nonetheless, they still lag behind Morocco and Senegal, who currently hold the top two spots on the continent.

READ MORE: NFF mourns with Segun Odegbami over son’s tragic passing

As the Super Eagles gear up for upcoming World Cup qualifiers, there is optimism that the team will bounce back stronger and reclaim their position among the top-ranked teams in the world. With a talented squad and a dedicated coaching staff, the Super Eagles have the potential to overcome this setback and continue their upward trajectory in international football.

The recent friendly matches against Ghana and Mali provided valuable experience for the Super Eagles, highlighting areas for improvement and strategies for success. The team will undoubtedly use these matches as learning opportunities as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the World Cup qualifiers.

Fans of the Super Eagles remain loyal and hopeful for the team’s success, cheering them on as they strive to reach new heights in international football. With the support of their passionate fan base and the determination of the players, the Super Eagles are well-positioned to achieve their goals and make their mark on the global stage.

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Former Kwara United coach Samson Unuanel has expressed his confidence that Rivers United can cause an upset against USM Alger in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals. 

After securing a 1-0 victory over the reigning Champions in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Unuanel believes that Rivers United have the potential to continue their success in the competition.

In a conversation with Completesports.com, Unuanel emphasised the importance of team spirit and concentration for Rivers United to emerge victorious against USM Alger in the upcoming match.

“This is a crucial game for Rivers United, and they must be prepared to seize this opportunity, especially with USM Alger feeling the pressure of playing at home. While a one-goal lead is a positive start, football is unpredictable, and anything can happen. The players need to stay focused, avoid defensive errors, and capitalize on every scoring chance,” Unuanel remarked.

READ MORE: Nigeria Super Eagles drop two places in latest FIFA rankings

Coach Samson Unuanel

As an experienced coach, Unuanel understands the significance of maintaining defensive solidity and taking advantage of offensive opportunities in high-stakes matches. He stressed the importance of Rivers United’s defensive resilience and efficiency in front of goal as key factors in securing a favorable result against USM Alger.

“Defensive discipline and clinical finishing will be crucial for Rivers United in the second leg. They must be organized at the back to nullify USM Alger’s attacking threats and be clinical in front of goal to convert any chances that come their way. It’s essential that they make the most of their opportunities to increase their chances of success,” Unuanel advised.

The former Rovers FC coach believes that Rivers United’s potential to advance in the CAF Confederation Cup is rooted in his understanding of the team’s capabilities and determination. Unuanel’s confidence in the squad’s abilities reflects his knowledge of the game and his faith in their skills and commitment.

“Rivers United has the talent and the determination to compete at this level. They have shown their quality in the first leg, and now they need to build on that performance to secure a positive result in the second leg. With the right mindset and execution, they can overcome USM Alger and progress further in the competition,” Unuanel affirmed.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has extended its condolences to legendary former footballer and Nigerian captain, Dr. Segun Odegbami, following the passing of his son, Oluwagbeminiyi Odegbami. The sad news was made public by Odegbami himself on Thursday, revealing that his son had passed away the previous Friday.

Known for his stellar performance as the top scorer at the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured their first title, Odegbami has been a prominent figure in Nigerian football both on and off the field. The General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed his sympathy for the former captain during this difficult time.

“The death of a son is perhaps the worst thing that can happen to any living parent. It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we commiserate with Dr. Olusegun Odegbami. This must be a very tough period for him,” Dr. Sanusi said in a statement.

Recalling Odegbami’s passion for the game and his unwavering support for the national team, Dr. Sanusi highlighted the former captain’s dedication to Nigerian football. “I remember the passion with which our former captain traversed the whole of Cote d’Ivoire covering the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year, and his palpable passion and fervor any time he had the opportunity to speak with the Super Eagles’ players,” he noted.

READ MORE: Ilechukwu, Abdullahi, two others shortlisted for NPFL Coach of the Month Award

He also mentioned Odegbami’s disappointment at Nigeria’s loss in the final match of the tournament, emphasizing the former player’s strong belief in the team’s potential. The NFF scribe expressed the Federation and Nigerian football fraternity’s grief over the news of Oluwagbeminiyi’s passing, offering prayers for his soul.

“We are in grief. Dr. Odegbami is a great friend, apart from being a legend of the Nigeria game and a former captain of Nigeria. We marvel at his unflagging love and zest for the Nigerian game,” Dr. Sanusi added.

As the NFF extends its support to Segun Odegbami during this challenging time, it hopes to provide comfort and solace to the grieving father. “We pray that God gives him the fortitude to pull through these difficult moments and also grant the departed young man eternal rest,” the NFF conveyed in their prayers for the Odegbami family.

Odegbami’s contributions to Nigerian football, both as a player and as a passionate supporter, have left a lasting impact on the sport in the country. His dedication and love for the game have inspired many, and his loss is deeply felt by the football community.

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