Tag: General Sports

The 2025 President Federation Cup competition will kick off with the national draw for both the men and women tournaments, scheduled to take place at the NFF Secretariat in Abuja on April 11, 2025.

The tournament’s knockout stages will begin with the Round of 64 for the men, set for May 3-4, 2025.

Following this, the Round of 32 will take place before teams move into the Round of 16, which is slated for May 14.

The quarterfinals will be held on June 5, with the semifinals scheduled for June 18.

The Grand Finale of the 2025 federation cup will conclude on June 28, 2025, with the winning male team earning a spot to represent Nigeria in the 2025/2026 CAF Confederation Cup.

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The men’s competition will see two clubs from each of Nigeria’s 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), compete in the knockout stages.

After the Round of 64, teams will progress through the Round of 32 and Round of 16, ultimately leading to the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the Grand Finale.

The 2025 federation cup women’s competition will follow a slightly different structure, starting with the Round of 32, followed by the Round of 16. From there, teams will compete in the quarterfinals, semifinals, and the Grand Finale.

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Elkanemi Warriors are defending Champions of the men’s federation cup having defeated Abia warriors 2-0 in the 2024 finals.

Meanwhile, 9 time champions of the women’s federation cup Rivers angels will hope to defend the crown they won in Lagos against Naija Ratel in the 2024 finale.

Source: The Athletic NG

The Junior Yellow Greens, Nigeria’s U19 women’s cricket team made a stellar start to the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, securing an impressive debut victory.

In the early hours of Monday, they clinched a thrilling two-run win over New Zealand, marking their first-ever triumph in the history of the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup.

Despite challenges posed by weather, including an earlier abandoned match against Samoa due to heavy rain, the game against New Zealand went ahead, albeit reduced to 13 overs.

New Zealand won the toss and chose to field, setting the stage for Nigeria to bat first.

Captain Lucky Piety led the charge, hitting Nigeria’s first-ever six at a Women’s World Cup.

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Her composed innings of 18 runs off 22 balls, combined with her excellent bowling performance—taking 1 wicket for 8 runs in 3 overs—proved crucial in Nigeria’s historic win.

The Junior Yellow Greens posted 65 runs for six wickets in their 13 overs. In a tense and exciting finish, Nigeria held their nerve, successfully defending the modest target and securing a memorable victory.

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The Junior Yellow Greens’ next challenge comes on 22 January when they face South Africa at 7:30 AM (WAT).

Source: The Athletic NG

Southampton manager Ivan Jurić has praised Paul Onuachu for his resilience after the Nigerian striker scored his first Premier League goal, despite the team’s 3-2 loss.

Onuachu, who had struggled to find the net in his earlier appearances for the club, finally broke his goal drought with a powerful header from a Mateus Fernandes cross in the dying minutes of the match.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to secure a point for the Saints.

In his post-match comments, Jurić expressed his belief in Onuachu’s abilities, saying,

“I think Paul has quality. He wants to score, he is a fighter. This is the quality, and I want players with quality. I think Paul can give us a lot.”

Onuachu joined Southampton in January 2023 but had a tough start at the club.

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After a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor, where he scored 17 goals and provided four assists, he returned to Southampton hoping to prove himself.

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His first Premier League goal came 658 days after his debut against Brentford, and it arrives at a critical time for the Saints, who remain in the relegation zone with only six points from 22 matches.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is facing serious allegations in Italy after being implicated in a betting scandal.

The 25-year-old Udinese shot-stopper is accused of betting on himself to receive a yellow card during a Serie A match, potentially putting his career at risk.

The Allegations

Okoye, who joined Udinese in 2023 and has made 37 appearances across all competitions, is suspected of deliberately earning a yellow card during a match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Reports from Foot Italia suggest that Okoye wasted time taking a goal kick in the 64th minute when Udinese were leading 2-1, prompting the referee to issue the booking.

The accusation arose after Sisal, an Italian betting company, detected unusual betting patterns surrounding the specific outcome.

Prosecutors allege that Okoye deliberately influenced the game, a violation of Italian sports betting regulations.

The Implications for Okoye  

This scandal comes at a critical juncture for Okoye, who has been recovering from a wrist injury that has sidelined him for five weeks.

The goalkeeper had been enjoying a resurgence at Udinese after a difficult stint at Watford, where he struggled for game time following his move from Sparta Rotterdam in 2022.

Italian football has a long history of strict enforcement against betting and match-fixing. If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban ranging from seven months to three years, as outlined by Article 24 of the Italian Code of Sports Justice, which prohibits professional players from gambling on official matches.

Historical Precedents

Italian football has seen high-profile cases of betting scandals in the past:

– In 1980, Paolo Rossi was banned for two years for betting infringements.

– In 2021, Sandro Tonali received a ten-month ban for breaching betting rules.

– Juventus, Lazio, and Fiorentina were relegated to Serie B in 2006 for match-fixing, with AC Milan also penalized.

The severity of punishments handed out in similar cases underscores how seriously Italian football authorities view such violations.

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What’s Next for Okoye?

Investigations into the case are ongoing, and a decision is expected in the coming weeks. If found guilty, Okoye could face not only a lengthy suspension but also significant damage to his reputation and career.

For now, the former Sparta Rotterdam goalkeeper must focus on proving his innocence while working toward full fitness, with his return to action anticipated between March and April.

However, this scandal could overshadow his comeback and further derail his promising career if the allegations hold.

Source: The Athletic NG

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen shared his thoughts on Galatasaray’s 1-1 Super Lig draw at Atakaş Hatayspor on Friday, following a second-half penalty that leveled the score after Cemali Sertel’s 28th-minute opener for the hosts.

Osimhen acknowledged that Galatasaray struggled in the first half but showed marked improvement after halftime, following a motivating speech from manager Okan Buruk.

“There was a bit of a lack of intensity in the first half,” Osimhen admitted, as quoted by Galatasaray’s official website. “We let the opponent play a bit. But after our coach’s speech, we started the second half very well, increased the intensity, and focused on our game.”

He also noted the importance of maintaining focus and seizing opportunities. “These matches are difficult, and we need to take advantage of every chance. We missed many opportunities, but we will try to improve by learning from our mistakes.”

The 26-year-old striker joined Galatasaray in the summer with a clause in his loan deal allowing him to leave in January for certain clubs, including Manchester United. However, Osimhen rejected the opportunity to move, reinforcing his commitment to Galatasaray for the remainder of the season.

READ MORE:Osimhen scores his 14th goal of the season in league draw

Reflecting on his decision to stay, Osimhen expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received from teammates and the coaching staff.

“When I came to the team, my friends welcomed me very well. They helped me in every way. My coach showed confidence in me, and my teammates supported me, which made it easy to adapt,” he said.

Osimhen remains focused on achieving the team’s goals. “I am focused on the team right now. We have certain goals for the season, and we’re taking firm steps toward them. We will continue to fight, and I believe we will achieve great things.”

Galatasaray remains unbeaten in the Super Lig after 19 matches, holding a nine-point lead over Fenerbahce, with a game in hand. They are also in contention for trophies in both the Europa League and the Turkish Cup.

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Despite a packed schedule, with 29 games played across all competitions this season, Osimhen dismissed concerns about fatigue.

“I don’t think there is fatigue in the team. This is our job. It’s not just the 11 players. The guys on the bench are always ready. I’m always ready and want to play for my team,” he affirmed.

Osimhen has been in exceptional form this season, scoring 11 goals in 14 league matches, continuing a streak of double-digit goal tallies over the past seven years, spanning stints with Galatasaray, Napoli, Lille, and Sporting Charleroi.

Source: The Athletic NG

Enyimba crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing 3-1 to Zamalek SC, finishing third in Group D and failing to reach the quarter-finals.

The Aba Elephants, who ended the group stage with five points, lost the runner-up spot to Egyptian side Al Masry.

Zamalek, missing seven key players, surged to a 2-0 lead in the first 49 minutes at Cairo International Stadium, rendering all possible permutations irrelevant.

Mostafa Shalaby opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a header, and the Egyptian side maintained their advantage through the break.

Upon resumption, Enyimba’s goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena made a costly mistake in the 49th minute, allowing Seifeddine Jaziri to slot in an easy goal into an empty net for his first of two.

Ifeanyi Ihemekwele pulled one back for Enyimba with a powerful shot in the 57th minute, but Jaziri sealed the victory for Zamalek in the 87th minute with a brilliant strike.

 

Even if Enyimba had won, their hopes of progression would have remained slim, as Al Masry secured a 3-1 win against Black Bulls in Port Said.

This defeat underscores the ongoing struggles of Nigerian clubs in continental competitions, with Enyimba’s exit highlighting the difficulties despite their historical success.

Rivers United’s quarter-final run last season remains a rare achievement for Nigerian teams in recent years.

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Enyimba’s failure to replicate Rivers United’s continental success raises concerns about the consistency and strength of Nigerian club football.

With Enyimba out, this year’s CAF Confederation Cup will have no Nigerian representation in the quarter-finals.

However, Nigeria’s position in the CAF coefficient rankings remains strong, securing the 12th spot ahead of Mali.

This guarantees four spots in next season’s continental competitions—two in the CAF Champions League and two in the Confederation Cup.

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This small victory offers hope for Nigerian football as clubs strive for better success on the continental stage.

Source: The Athletic NG

Moses Simon continued his excellent form for Nantes, but despite his standout performance, the team was forced to settle for a frustrating 1-1 draw against Saint-Étienne in their Ligue 1 clash.

The Super Eagles winger scored a spectacular early goal, but Saint-Étienne’s late equalizer meant Nantes had to settle for a point, unable to capitalize on their slim lead.

Simon Puts Nantes Ahead Early

The Ligue 1 Matchday 18 fixture at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard saw Simon give Nantes the lead just 14 minutes into the game.

The winger showcased his skill with a brilliant shot into the top left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Gautier Larsonneur with no chance.

This goal was Simon’s 10th goal involvement in just 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season, having scored five goals and provided five assists.

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Nantes had hoped to end a four-match winless run, which included two draws and a loss, but they couldn’t hold onto their advantage.

Late Equalizer Denies Nantes Victory

Despite dominating possession, Saint-Étienne found an equalizer late in the game, with Augustine Boakye scoring in the 86th minute to leave the match tied.

Simon’s contribution to Nantes’ attack cannot be understated, as he has been directly involved in nearly half of the team’s goals this season.

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He also had an impressive run, with two goals and an assist in his last five outings.

However, Simon was substituted in the 71st minute, and Nantes ultimately dropped two points, securing just one from the match.

This result leaves Nantes disappointed once again as they prepare for their next challenge against Lyon.

Source: The Athletic NG

Paul Onuachu first Premier League goal of the season ignited a late Southampton fightback, but Nottingham Forest held firm to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory.

The win lifted Forest level on points with Arsenal in the Premier League and extended their unbeaten streak to seven games, keeping them just six points behind Liverpool in the race for the top spots.

Forest started the match in dominant fashion, capitalising on Arsenal’s slip-up earlier in the day, where the Gunners let a two-goal lead slip against Aston Villa.

In the 11th minute, Morgan Gibbs-White played a perfect pass to Elliot Anderson, who slotted the ball past the goalkeeper at the near post to give Forest the lead.

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Forest continued their impressive play, adding two more goals before the break. Chris Wood made it 2-0, and Callum Hudson-Odoi extended the lead with a calm, well-placed finish.

Southampton fought back in the second half. Jan Bednarek pulled one back early, and Onuachu, who had been struggling for form, scored his first goal of the season—a powerful header—to make it 3-2, bringing hope to the Saints.

However, despite a strong effort, Southampton couldn’t find the equaliser, and Forest held on for the win.

Onuachu’s goal provided a rare moment of joy for the striker, whose header sparked a brief surge of optimism for Southampton

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Ola Aina and Taiwo Awoniyi were both involved for Forest, with Aina playing the full 90 minutes and Awoniyi coming on as a second-half substitute.

With the victory, Forest remain in strong form as they push for a top-half finish, while Southampton will need to regroup quickly as they face a tough battle against relegation.

Source: The Athletic NG

Beşiktaş manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who was recently appointed to the role, has reportedly identified Southampton’s Nigerian striker, Paul Onuachu, as his primary transfer target.

According to Turkish outlet Sabah, Solskjær is eager to bolster his attack by adding Onuachu’s physicality to the team.

Onuachu, 30, stands at an imposing 2.01 meters, has struggled to make an impact at Southampton since his move from Genk in 2023, Solskjær is hoping to make him his first singing on his return to coaching after his spell at Manchester United.

Despite a successful loan spell at Trabzonspor, where he scored 17 goals and provided 4 assists in 25 appearances, Onuachu has seen limited opportunities under Southampton’s current manager, Ivan Juric.

This season, Onuachu has only featured for 362 minutes in 12 matches, failing to register a goal or assist.

READ MORE:Osimhen explains why he’s not leaving Galatasaray despite January transfer rumors

Having become a fan favourite at Trabzonspor due to his strong aerial presence and clinical finishing, Onuachu is reportedly open to a return to the Turkish Süper Lig.

Beşiktaş, in need of a striker after their unsuccessful pursuit of Sandro Kulenovic, are keen on bringing him in on loan, especially given Southampton’s €10 million asking price last summer.

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Club President Serdal Adalı is said to support the move, with Solskjær giving his approval to pursue the striker.

Despite scoring the fewest goals among the top seven teams in the Turkish Süper Lig, Beşiktaş remain in sixth place, just one point behind the European spots, making Onuachu’s arrival an appealing prospect.

Source: The Athletic NG

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali has taken Barnsley by storm, winning the prestigious Goal of the Month award for December.

After a slow start following his summer move to Barnsley, Nwakali has become a key player, featuring in six of the club’s last seven matches.

His most memorable moment came last month when he scored a sensational goal in Barnsley’s 2-1 victory over Exeter at St. James Park, ending a three-match losing streak and helping to set the team up for a strong run of form.

All the angles of Kelechi Nwakali’s first goal for Barnsley @nwakali25 pic.twitter.com/CNk3XdS3ea

— Barnsley FC (@BarnsleyFC) December 15, 2024

This incredible goal has now earned Kelechi Nwakali the Goal of the Month award, a huge recognition as he continues to win over fans with his performances.

READ MORE:Ole Gunnar Solskjær targets Super Eagles striker as he returns to coaching

The former Arsenal star is quickly becoming a fan favourite, and his impressive form could be just the ticket to help Barnsley earn promotion to the Championship.

Nwakali joined League One club Barnsley on August 12, 2024 for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, he has made nine appearances for Barnsley this season, scoring one goal.

But there’s more at stake for Nwakali—he’s aiming for a big move to a top club. After impressing at the 2015 U-17 World Cup, Nwakali’s journey has included stints at Arsenal, Huesca, Alcorcon, Ponferradina, and Chaves.

Source: The Athletic NG