Tag: General Sports

In a sad turn of events at the Malumfashi stadium in Katsina state, chaos erupted as fans of Malumfashi FC unleashed mayhem on match officials and officials of Sokoto United during a week-7 fixture in the Nigeria National League (NNL).

The incident sheds light on the perilous environment of the football ground, recently deemed the most dangerous in Northern Nigeria.

The Malumfashi stadium had been under lock and keys for months due to the notorious reputation of its fans, forcing the NNL organizers to relocate home games to the Mohammedu Dikko stadium in Katsina. However, the ban was lifted recently, and on Saturday, during the fixture against Sokoto United, the Malumfashi fans once again exhibited their unruly behavior.

Sokoto United took an early lead, intensifying the pressure on the home team and keeping the fans on the edge of their seats. Just before halftime, chaos ensued as fans flooded the pitch by jumping over the perimeter fencing, chasing the linesman to the corner. Security personnel intervened with tear gas, leaving Sokoto United players disoriented and weak.

Concerns for the players’ safety prompted the coaches to inform officials that the team was not in the right frame of mind to continue the match in the second half. Despite persistent efforts, the center referee ultimately called off the match, citing the away team’s refusal to turn up for the second half due to security concerns.

In the aftermath, enraged home fans targeted Sokoto United’s coach, Mansur Abdullahi, beating him to a state of stupor and leaving him with a bloody face. Quick intervention from the state Football Association and stadium officials facilitated his transport to a hospital, where he received treatment and was later revived.

The incident at the Malumfashi stadium raises serious questions about fan behavior and security measures at football grounds, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure the safety of players, officials, and fans alike.

Additionally, the AthleticNG gathers that the match officials were attacked on Sunday morning as they prepared to depart Katsina for their base.

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In a thrilling encounter on Matchday 7 of the Nigeria National League (NNL) Southern Conference Group A, Abia Comets Football Club secured their first victory of the year by defeating 1472 FC with a solitary strike from second-half substitute Emeka Maduka.

The game, held at the Umuahia Township Stadium, witnessed Abia Comets making four changes from the lineup that secured a 3-2 away victory against Abeokuta Stormers in Matchday 6. Akpan Mfreke, Ebuka Lazarus, Hyacinth Olieh, and Chinatu Eluwa were included in the starting XI.

Despite a bright start by the hosts in the first 20 minutes, where they dominated possession and created numerous goal-scoring opportunities, including notable efforts from Uche Okoro and Oscar Nwaimo, the first half ended goalless. Abia Comets had a chance to take the lead in the 30th minute when Hyacinth Olieh missed a penalty kick, sending the ball over the crossbar.

The second half saw crucial substitutions by the hosts, introducing players like Maduka, Ikenna Ogu, Okere Daniel, and Iroakazi Ifeanyi to strengthen the team. The breakthrough moment arrived in the 81st minute when Benjamin IIuyomade’s brilliant play set up Maduka inside the opponent’s box. The winger calmly slotted home, securing a 1-0 victory for Okechukwu Ejeh’s side.

With this win, Abia Comets now have nine points from seven games, climbing higher on the Southern Conference Group A Log. The team’s next challenge will be an away fixture against Smart City FC in Matchday 8, scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, next week Friday. The victory marks a positive start for Abia Comets in their quest for success in the 2024 season.

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Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin on Saturday, January 6, 2024, began the new year on a positive note, beating highly tactical Rangers Int’l of Enugu by two goals to nothing in the week 17 game of the Nigeria Premier Football League.

The convincing victory and defensive mechanism of the Benin Arsenals left the flying Antelopes dazed after throwing everything at the coach Monday Odigie led side without any goal for their fine play.

Osaghae Jr opened scoring for the Benin Arsenals 14 minutes into the star match
at the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium in Benin today. Osaghae Jr headed home Paul Obata’s cross from a free kick when he was left unmarked by Rangers who looked too confident.

Sarki Ismael netted the second goal to put the game out of the reach of coach Fidelis Ilechuku’s side in the 63rd minute of play when Goalkeeper Detan Ogundare recklessly gifted the ball to Sarki Ismael who calmly slotted it in to make it 2-0 for the hosts.

Rangers however remained unruffled after Insurance FC had taken the lead in the 14th minute of play as they mounted pressure on their hosts who approached the game courteously with a plan that eventually hypnotized the roaring visitors.

The Benin Arsenals’ Goalkeeper Amas Obasogie, Sunday Anyanwu and Tanimu Benjamin, Ebuka Akonbudu, Julius Emiloju, and Stephens Sodje gave it a hundred percent concentration, making the Insurance defense line difficult for the Flying Antelopes to break.

Insurance FC now has 27 points ahead of their visit to Bayelsa state for the week 18 clash with Bayelsa Utd on Sunday, January 14 in Yenagoa.

In a post-match interview, the head coach and Technical Director of Bendel Insurance FC Monday Odigie gave kudos to his boys for rising to the challenge posed by their visitors.

” I am happy we won the game and I’m happy that Insurance players rose to the occasion. We don’t have big players hence we always try to discipline ourselves tactically. On why he did not start his star midfielder Divine Nwachukwu whose introduction in the second half impacted the team immediately, coach Odigie explained: “We try to do our best to save our players. Divine Nwachukwu just returned from injury and it is not proper to throw him into the thick. We want to manage them to be available for the entire season.”

Rangers coach Fidelis Ilechuku on the other hand, said that his boys did their best but that it was not their day. When asked about rating Insurance with Rangers, Ilechuku said that football these days is not about big names or how long a club is in existence but the quality, insisting that any well-prepared team can win anywhere.
” For me, football is football and with the kind of football we play these days, a team like Doma Utd if underestimated can mess you up. The game has come and gone, we will just take some lessons from it and plan on winning our next game.” He said.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Edo State Council Comrade Festus Alenkhe has continued to redeem his pledge to encourage players of Bendel Insurance on goal scoring and general good performance of the team as he rewarded Osaghae Jr for scoring Insurance’s first goal against Rangers with cash and survenir just as the captain of the Benin Arsenals Maurice Prince also received a cheque of N2.5M match winner star prize from Afrinvest.

Comrade Festus Alenkhe JP has been consistent with his support for Bendel Insurance FC since last season.

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Doma United surged back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) table with a convincing 2-0 victory over Katsina United at the Pantami Stadium on Saturday, January 6, 2024.

The match saw early excitement as Sani Suleiman, making his return to the Doma lineup, combined effectively with Emmanuel Ekpenyong in the second minute. Ekpenyong’s intricate interplay with Samuel Enefiok set the stage for Bidemi Owoku, who, after an initial blocked shot, demonstrated remarkable tenacity to head home, giving Doma the lead within two minutes of kickoff.

United’s dominance continued, and they extended their lead in the 8th minute. A long pass from Haruna Aliyu found Andrew Majalisa, who swiftly delivered a low cross to Samuel Enefiok.

Enefiok adeptly maneuvered past the goalkeeper to secure Doma’s second goal.

Despite the absence of Samuel Matthew in midfield, Doma United remained in control, with Sani Suleiman shining in the center of the park.

Saifullahi, typically a key player, started on the bench. Bidemi Owoku had an opportunity to further widen the lead with a volley, but his attempt sailed over the bar, and the Tigers entered halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

In the second half, Katsina United held more possession but struggled to pose a serious threat to Kingdom Osayi in the Doma goal.

Their best chance came through a headed effort that missed the target, leaving them without a lifeline.

With this commanding victory, Doma United reclaimed the top spot in the NPFL ahead of Remo Stars and Lobi Stars, both scheduled for matches on Sunday. The Savannah Tigers maintained their dominance on home turf, preserving their clean sheet record at the Pantami Stadium.

Looking ahead, Doma United shifts focus to their next challenge – an away encounter against Abia Warriors in week 18 scheduled for Sunday, January 14th. The team’s supporters eagerly anticipate their continued success in the NPFL campaign

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Roma’s manager, Jose Mourinho, has joined the chorus of voices expressing concerns about the disruptive scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and its impact on European football.

In a press conference ahead of Roma’s crucial Serie A clash with Atalanta, Mourinho shed light on the team’s current situation, emphasizing the challenges posed by injuries and the demanding schedule.

Injury Woes for Roma: Mourinho began by addressing the significant setback caused by injuries to key players within his squad. Notably, Chris Smalling, Renato Sanches, and Marash Kumbulla are set to miss the upcoming match, affecting Roma’s defensive stability and overall performance. Even though Gianluca Mancini is not fully recovered, his determination to contribute despite his condition adds a layer of resilience to the team. Mourinho’s concern for the injury-ridden roster underscores the difficulties Roma faces in maintaining consistency and achieving success.

Formidable Challenge Against Atalanta: Acknowledging the formidable task ahead, Mourinho highlighted the strength of Atalanta as a formidable force in Serie A. He emphasized the challenging nature of the upcoming match, recognizing Atalanta’s attacking prowess and tactical acumen. Despite the tough opposition, Mourinho expressed confidence in his squad, asserting Roma’s resilience and strength. He believes that Atalanta will face a formidable challenge in trying to overcome his well-prepared team.

Focus on Dean Huijsen: Mourinho also shifted the spotlight to Roma’s recent signing, Dean Huijsen, an 18-year-old defender. While acknowledging Huijsen’s limited playing time in Serie A, Mourinho expressed optimism about the player’s future potential. The manager believes that Huijsen’s arrival adds depth to the squad, providing promising options as the team navigates through a demanding season.

Amidst the challenges posed by injuries and the disruptive impact of AFCON on the European football calendar, Mourinho remains focused on steering Roma through a challenging period. As the team faces Atalanta and copes with the absence of key players, Mourinho’s strategic approach and belief in his squad’s capabilities will be crucial in maintaining Roma’s competitive edge.

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South African Referee, Akhoma Makalima will become the second woman to officiate in an AFCON game.

The 35-year-old Referee will make history at the 2023 AFCON in Cote ‘D Ivoire when she takes the field for the Nigeria vs. Equatorial Guinea clash in the tournament.

Akhona is the first certified female soccer referee in South Africa where she has officiated in the Premier Soccer League, the SASOL Women’s League, and the South African Football Association (SAFA). She was also appointed by FIFA on January 9, 2023, to officiate the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia.

Born on the 27th of March 1988, her journey began in 2014 when she was enlisted as a FIFA international referee, marking the commencement of a remarkable career that would see her ascend to unprecedented heights.

She has since become a symbol of grace, resilience, and unparalleled skill in the world of football refereeing. What sets Akhona apart is not just her remarkable technical skills, but the undeniable passion she brings to the sport.

Akhona’s officiating prowess extends beyond international arenas, with her authoritative presence felt in the Premier Soccer League, the SAFA Women’s League, and the broader South African Football Association (SAFA). With every whistle blown and every decision made, she has proven herself to be a beacon of integrity and fairness on the pitch.

In a field where women have historically been underrepresented, Akhona has shattered the glass ceiling with each stride across the field.

Her dedication serves as an inspiration to aspiring referees, especially young girls who now dare to dream beyond societal expectations.

As the second woman ever to officiate in the AFCON, Akhona Makalima stands at the forefront of a movement, encouraging diversity and inclusivity in the world of football.

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In a celebratory dinner at the team’s training base in Abu Dhabi, Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro expressed confidence in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s ability to lead the Nigerian squad to success at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Osimhen, a pivotal player in the Super Eagles’ journey to qualification, showcased his goal-scoring prowess by netting an impressive 10 goals during the qualifiers, securing his position as the top scorer.

Coach Peseiro emphasized the significance of the 25-year-old’s presence in the squad, recognizing Osimhen’s crucial role in their qualification for the prestigious tournament.

During the dinner held to celebrate Osimhen’s recognition as Africa’s best player, Peseiro spoke highly of the Napoli hitman, stating, “From our team, he (Osimhen) was the highest goal scorer during the qualifiers. Of course, his teammates helped him to achieve that. I hope and wish he wins the highest goal scorer and helps us win the tournament.”

Peseiro’s belief in Osimhen’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess highlights the coach’s optimism for a successful campaign in Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the tournament, all eyes will be on Osimhen to fulfill the expectations and lead Nigeria to glory in one of Africa’s premier football competitions.

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In the lead-up to the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Cote d’Ivoire, legendary Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has thrown his support behind Francis Uzoho, despite concerns among fans over the Super Eagles’ goalkeeping department.

Uzoho, who has faced criticism for errors in goal, has recently come under scrutiny, leading to a lack of trust from fans as Nigeria prepares for the prestigious continental competition.

In response to these concerns, Nigerian supporters had been vocal about their desire to see Enyeama, the experienced goalkeeper who played a crucial role in Nigeria’s third continental title in 2013, involved in coaching to enhance the skills of the current goalkeepers.

However, these calls for Enyeama’s involvement have not been heeded, and the goalkeeper remains absent from the coaching crew, even as the national team commenced its pre-tournament camp in Abu Dhabi.

Enyeama, known for his outstanding career, took to his Instagram page to address fans’ comments, particularly one from @Imadx2, who suggested, “Help us train Uzoho, make him sabi catch ball.” Enyeama responded affirmatively, stating, “He will be the best Keeper in AFCON.”

This endorsement from the legendary goalkeeper comes at a crucial time as Uzoho finds himself in a competition for the starting goalkeeper position with Stanley Nwabili and Ojo Olorunleke.

Enyeama’s expressed confidence in Uzoho suggests that the Omonia Nicosia shot-stopper may not only retain his place as Nigeria’s first-choice goalkeeper but could also be on track to clinch the coveted Golden Glove award at the AFCON tournament. The endorsement adds an extra layer of anticipation and support for Uzoho as he aims to prove his critics wrong and make a significant impact on the continental stage.

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In an interview with CNN, former Chelsea midfield maestro John Obi Mikel revealed his strong inclination towards taking on an administrative role with the Super Eagles rather than pursuing a coaching position.

Mikel, a two-time English Premier League title winner, expressed a preference for contributing from a managerial perspective while avoiding the potential challenges of a coaching role.

“I would love to get involved with the Super Eagles, but not as a manager. I don’t want to get sacked, and I don’t think I can handle that very well. I want to be involved with the national team as someone trying to fix the problems from the top,” stated Mikel, showcasing his keen interest in addressing structural issues within football management.

Mikel’s vision extends beyond on-field strategies, focusing on the structural and administrative aspects of football.

He emphasized the crucial role of management in achieving football success, noting that success is not solely determined on the pitch but also relies on effective administration.

“If it means to be a mediator between the players and the NFF to make sure things are run properly and have the right people managing what we should do together to make sure that we succeed. Success doesn’t happen only on the pitch but from the top. So for me, that’s where we should start,” added Mikel.

This perspective reflects Mikel’s holistic view of football success, where his influence transcends the field and delves into the realms of football administration and strategy.

As a vocal supporter of the Super Eagles, Mikel continues to express his admiration for the team as they gear up for the upcoming AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast.

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Less than 10 days after Multichoice lost out in the race for the CAF 2023 Afcon broadcast, StarTimes, a leading digital TV operator with its headquarters in Beijing, China serving 45 million users in 30+ countries across Africa stepped up and secured the 2023 AFCON coverage.

In a quest to redefine sports broadcasting in Africa, the media giant will not only broadcast the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations but has also secured the air rights to all CAF Events set to be held in 2024 in Anglophone & Lusophone Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, including CHAN 2024 and AFCON 2025 Qualifiers.

The Multichoice company had earlier announced in a statement released on Wednesday that its Super Sports channels won’t be broadcasting the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated to be held in Ivory Coast because its broadcast company failed to successfully the television rights for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

“SuperSport Channel will not broadcast the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 scheduled for January 13th – February 11th, 2024, because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.” its statement read.

This came both as a shock and a disappointment to football fans in Nigeria who were hoping to watch the Super Eagles and other participating nations live on Television as the action unfolded in neighboring Cote D’Ivoire.

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