Tag: General Sports

The founder of Ikukuoma Sports Development Foundation, High Chief Summers Nwokie has tipped Ikukuoma Football Club to gain promotion to Nigerian top-flight football.

Nwokie, who floated Ikukuoma FC out of the burden to engage youths in Mbaise, has set the target to rise to the pinnacle of Nigerian league football from the Nationwide Division One.

His words: “Even when we were in the youth league, Ikukuoma FC is the best. We are working our way up to be the best. We have done that in the youth league, now we are growing up to be in the premier league. Sports lovers should watch out for Ikukuoma FC. We are coming to the premier league and its going to be hot.”

Speaking on the 2023 Ikukuoma Mbaise Owerri Zonal U-20 Football Tournament, Nwokie said the aim to raise football stars from the zone.

He went further to reveal that a 30,000 sitting capacity FIFA stadium is undergoing massive construction in Mbaise, that will harness the potentials of the youths in Mbaise.

“It’s something we often do and this is the fifth edition now from Ezinihitte Mbaise to Owerri Zone. What we do in sports is to try to make sure that we carry our youths along.

“A lot of youths are idle and as the saying goes, an idle man is the devil’s workshop. We try to harness their talents. Who knows, we may have the next Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu or even Victor Osimhen. By the grace of God, we might find one from here.

“If we are focusing on trying to discover talents from the streets, first thing we ought to do is to give them the best facility. If we are talking about FIFA, it is an international body. We are not going to play in the rough edges.

“Our stadium is a FIFA standard stadium and by the grace of God, it ought to be 25,000 to 30,000 sitting capacity. Not only football, we are having a place for other sport to make sure that all our youths are carried along and who knows they might find their talents from here.”

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Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 semi-final clash against South Africa, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has urged Nigeria’s squad players to step up and fill the void left by absent key creators Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo.

Despite reaching the semifinals, Nigeria has faced challenges in scoring goals during the tournament in Ivory Coast. The team secured three victories with narrow 1-0 margins in five matches.

Now, as they face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, who have also maintained clean sheets, Peseiro recognizes the need to address the offensive concerns.

In preparation for the crucial game, Peseiro emphasized the importance of players like Alex Iwobi, Moses Simon, and Samuel Chukwueze stepping up their creative efforts.

Acknowledging the absence of key creators, Peseiro stated, “We’re missing some key creators like (Kelechi) Iheanacho and (Joe) Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”

Reflecting on the team’s performance in the quarterfinal against Angola, where they secured a 1-0 victory, Peseiro expressed satisfaction but highlighted the desire for more offensive efficiency.

He noted, “Once again, we played without conceding and scored a goal, but I would have liked more. The team could have created more opportunities. We are a quality team, and I remain satisfied with my players, but I want us to be more efficient in attack.”

As Nigeria aims to secure a spot in the AFCON 2023 final, Peseiro’s call for increased efficiency and creativity underscores the importance of adapting the team’s strategy to overcome offensive challenges.

READ ALSO: Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali eager for AFCON semi-final showdown against Bafana Bafana

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Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali expresses readiness for the team’s upcoming semi-final fixture against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

Nwabali, who plays for South African club Chippa United, shares a unique connection with some members of the Bafana Bafana team due to his club affiliation. The shot-stopper reveals that facing the Bafana Bafana holds special significance for him.

“I know them, and they know me. It will be an interesting evening in Bouake,” he stated, as quoted by thenff.com.

The upcoming match, scheduled for Wednesday, marks the 15th encounter between Nigeria and South Africa at the full international level. Nwabali, who has conceded just once in five games in Cote d’Ivoire during the AFCON, is poised for a crucial role in the semi-final clash.

Nigeria has a favorable historical record against South Africa, having won seven of the previous 14 matches. Additionally, five matches ended in draws, while South Africa secured victory in two encounters. As the Super Eagles aim to secure a spot in the AFCON final, Nwabali’s familiarity with the Bafana Bafana players could prove advantageous for the Nigerian team.

The anticipation is high for the semi-final showdown, with both teams eyeing a chance to lift the prestigious AFCON trophy.

READ MORE: Victor Osimhen unfazed by goal drought at 2023 AFCON

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Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s national team showcased an outstanding performance as they secured a convincing 6-0 victory over Central African Republic in the first leg of their second qualification round for the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Harmony Chidi and Shakirat Moshood were the stars of the match, each contributing two goals, while Prisca Nwachukwu and Edidiong Etim also made significant contributions at the Stade Omnisport Duoala.

The Flamingos, previously bronze medalists at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India, dominated from the start, with Harmony Chidi finding the net in the fifth minute.

Despite Central African Republic’s defensive efforts, Nwachukwu Prisca extended the lead in the 38th minute. Moshood and Chidi added two more goals before halftime, securing a comfortable 4-0 lead for Nigeria.

In the second half, Edidiong scored the fifth goal, and Shakirat Moshood sealed the victory with a remarkable free-kick strike from 30 yards out.

The second leg is set to take place in Abuja on Saturday, February 10, 2024. With this impressive win, the Flamingos have positioned themselves favorably for the third round of the qualifying campaign.

In the subsequent round, Nigeria will face the winner of the match between Burkina Faso and Guinea.

The 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, scheduled between October 16 and November 3, will see Africa represented by three teams

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Chelsea welcomed Wolves to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League early kick-off on Sunday. The Blues were hoping to return to winning ways after a disappointing 4-1 defeat at Liverpool in midweek.

Chelsea are currently 11th in the PL table with 31 points after enduring another miserable afternoon losing from a leading position at home to Wolves, their 10th Premier League defeat of the season already, and more goals conceded (39) than scored (38).

Matheus Cunha scored the first hat-trick of his Premier League career as Wolves came from behind to beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Cunha scored twice in the second half to notch a deserved hat-trick on a miserable day for the hosts, who cut the deficit through a Thiago Silva consolation.

Cole Palmer gave Mauricio Pochettino’s hosts a 19th-minute lead when he calmly slotted past Jose Sa following Moises Caicedo’s defence-splitting pass.

But the turnaround was complete shortly before the break, courtesy of another deflected shot, as Rayan Ait-Nouri met Pedro Neto’s cutback and sent the ball in off Axel Disasi.

The hosts were booed off at the end of both halves while fans chanted the name of former owner Roman Abramovich as they shipped four goals for the second time in five days, though this display was even worse than their dismal defeat at Liverpool on Wednesday.

Silva scored a consolation header for Chelsea with four minutes of normal time remaining but by then many home supporters had started to already leave the stadium.

With trips to Aston Villa and Manchester City among their next three games, Chelsea could be in complete disarray by the time they face Liverpool in the League Cup final at Wembley on February 25.

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South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by becoming the first goalkeeper to save four penalties in a single shootout.

His remarkable performance in the penalty shootout against Cape Verde played a crucial role in South Africa’s 2-1 victory after a goalless draw in regulation time.

Williams, who currently plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premier Soccer League, saved four penalties during the shootout, helping South Africa advance to the AFCON semi-finals.

The 32-year-old goalkeeper made his debut for the national team in a friendly against Brazil on March 5, 2014.

South Africa will now face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the semi-finals, marking their first AFCON semi-final appearance since the 2000 edition.

The semi-final clash is scheduled to take place on Wednesday in Bouake. Williams’ exceptional goalkeeping skills have earned him recognition and contributed significantly to South Africa’s progress in the tournament.

READY FOR NIGERIA CHALLENGE 

At the post-match interview, Williams expressed readiness for the challege expected from next opponent, Nigeria.

Williams said, “It’s special just to be part of the Africa Cup of Nations, seeing all these amazing African players playing in big teams in Europe, doing wonderful things, so we are just glad we can show our worth as well as South Africans.

” We know it’s going to be a big one coming up, so we need to prepare accordingly, and we are looking forward to the challenge.”

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Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, has expressed indifference towards his goal drought at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-finals.

Osimhen had a goal disallowed for offside, but he remains focused on contributing to the team’s success in the tournament.

In an interview with broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique, Osimhen emphasized his team-oriented approach, stating, “Those who know me, they know I don’t put myself before the team. If my goals come, they come. I want to help the team with goals, but if I am not scoring, I am defending. If I am not defending, I am fighting for them.”

Despite his individual goal tally, Osimhen is committed to ensuring the team’s success, emphasizing the importance of the collective mentality.

He mentioned, “I just want my team to be in the right mentality to win this tournament. It is a big prize for us, as an individual and also as a country.”

The Napoli striker acknowledged the team’s quality and expressed confidence in their ability to reach the final.

Nigeria is set to face South Africa in the semi-finals, continuing their quest for a fourth continental title and first since 2013.

Osimhen’s team-first mindset reflects the collective spirit driving the Super Eagles in their AFCON campaign.

The Nigeria Vs South Africa 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match will take place on Febuary 7, 2024 by 6pm.

READ ALSO: South Africa advances to AFCON semi-finals after dramatic penalty shootout win

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In a thrilling quarter-final clash at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa secured a spot in the semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout against Cape Verde.

In the quarter-final encounter that ended in a 0-0 draw, South Africa’s goalkeeper, Captain Ronwen Williams, emerged as the hero of the day, making four crucial saves during the penalty kicks to propel his team to victory.

The match proceeded to extra time, where both teams fought desperately for a breakthrough. Williams showcased exceptional goalkeeping skills, making a spectacular save to deny Gilson Benchimol’s strike, ensuring the match remained level.

As the game advanced to penalties, Williams’ brilliance came to the forefront. He made crucial saves against Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte, and Patrick Andrade, securing South Africa’s place in the semi-finals. Williams’ exceptional reflexes and strategic saves undoubtedly played a pivotal role in his team’s success.

South Africa is now set to face Nigeria in the semi-finals, providing an opportunity to avenge their defeat from the 2000 AFCON semi-finals, where they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles.

The quarter-final against Cape Verde witnessed moments of tension and excitement, with both teams having opportunities to score during normal and extra time. However, the goalkeepers, including Cape Verde’s Vozinha, made outstanding saves to keep the scoreline level.

Williams’ heroics in the penalty shootout have elevated him as a key contender for the Best Goalkeeper award in the tournament. South Africa’s defensive resilience, coupled with Williams’ exceptional performance, sets the stage for an intense semi-final clash against Nigeria.

The upcoming semi-final between South Africa and Nigeria promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the AFCON final.

READ ALSO: Nigeria advances to AFCON semi-finals with 1-0 win over Angola

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Ivory Coast pulled off an astonishing extra-time comeback win against Mali despite being a man down as they beat Mali 2-1 on Saturday evening.

Despite advancing to the last four, the Africa Cup of Nations hosts rode their luck for much of the contest as goalkeeper Yahia Fofana saved Melbourne Victory’s Adama Traore’s tame spot-kick after Odilon Kossounou brought down Lassine Sinayoko in the box. The Elephants defender Kossounou was then sent off shortly before half-time for a second yellow after fouling Sinayoko in the first half of a few chances.

Mali had taken a 71st-minute lead through Nene Dorgeles but the home team, roared on by the crowd at the Stade de la Paix, fought back and equalized through Simon Adingra in the 90th minute to force extra time.

Oumar Diakite got a touch to Seko Fofana’s strike to win the game for the Ivorians, who played with 10 men for most of the match after Odilon Kossounou was sent off shortly before halftime.

The Ivorians had limped into the knockout stage as one of the four best third-place finishers, despite a 4-0 loss to tiny Equatorial Guinea, but then resurrected their hopes by edging holders Senegal on post-match penalties in the last 16.

Diakité was booked for excessive celebrations and was sent off as it was his second yellow card. He will miss the semifinal against Congo on Wednesday.

The late win prompted wild celebrations among nearly 40,000 fans in the Stadium of the Peace in Bouaké and beyond.

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In an exclusive interview, Chairman of Akwa United FC, Elder Paul Bassey, has revealed that the club is actively seeking a new head coach, having shortlisted three potential candidates to fill the void left by Fatai Osho.

The revelation came during a conversation between Bassey and Total Naija Football Host, Samuel Maurice.

Bassey emphasized that the club’s standards are exceptionally high, making the selection process for a new coach both meticulous and challenging.

“While we have identified three coaches on our shortlist, we are still in the process of evaluating them,” Bassey explained. He acknowledged the difficulty in securing the services of a coach who meets the elevated standards set by Akwa United.

Despite the ongoing search, Bassey commended the current caretaker coach, Umar Abdullahi, for his commendable performance in the role. Additionally, Bassey revealed that the club has capitalized on the transfer window to bolster the team’s strength by bringing in several new players.

Reflecting on the challenges of finding a suitable coach, Bassey stated, “It’s been difficult getting a coach, I must confess to you. Our standards are very high. We have shortlisted three coaches, and we are still looking at them.”

Highlighting the positive impact of recent player acquisitions during the mid season transfer window, Elder Paul Bassey added, “We took advantage of the transfer window to bring about three or four players. They made a lot of difference here.”

READ ALSO: NPFL24 : Kazeem Ogunleye brilliance secures Rangers Int’l first win against Rivers United after five years

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