Tag: General Sports

Title-holders Enyimba have found themselves in hot water as they have been charged with breaching the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Framework & Rules.

The charges stem from their failure to provide adequate security during their matchday 15 1-1 draw against Rangers in Aba.

Enyimba’s lapse in security measures resulted in unauthorized persons gaining access to the match officials’ dressing room, a restricted area. This security breach is a clear violation of NPFL regulations.

Subsequently, Enyimba faced further charges when their fans and officials harassed the match officials within the restricted area, an act deemed capable of bringing the game into disrepute.

As a consequence of these breaches, Enyimba has been handed a fine of N1 million for failing to provide general security and prevent unauthorized persons from accessing restricted areas.

Additionally, they face another N1 million fine for the misconduct and failure to ensure the proper conduct of their officials.

Okey Nwabeke, an official of the club, has been handed a three-match week suspension from all NPFL activities for his involvement in inciting and unsporting conduct.

Enyimba, having received these sanctions, must act swiftly if they wish to appeal. They have a window of 48 hours from the date of notice to file an appeal against the fines and suspension.

The reigning champions now tread carefully, as further involvement in similar misconduct could lead to even more severe sanctions in the future.

The NPFL is determined to uphold the integrity and discipline of the league, and any breaches will be met with appropriate measures to maintain a fair and orderly competition.

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Abia Warriors defender, Ifeanyi Anaemena, has voiced his disappointment at the absence of outfield players from the Nigeria Professional League (NPFL) in the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

While goalkeepers Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba International), Amas Obasogie (Bendel Insurance), and Christian Nwoke (Sporting Lagos) from the NPFL made the shortlist, there is a notable absence of outfield players from the domestic league.

Anaemena, who received his first Super Eagles call-up under former coach Gernot Rohr, expressed his discontent, seeing the omission as disrespectful to the NPFL.

He conveyed his frustration via PUNCH, stating, “It is an insult and it shows to the world that the league is not valued.”

The defender believes that the exclusion of outfield players from the NPFL sends the wrong message about the league’s worth, contributing to players’ reluctance to participate in the domestic league upon returning from abroad.

The Abia Warriors player pointed out that NPFL stars often seek opportunities in other leagues like Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh, where the league is more highly regarded. Anaemena criticized the decision-makers in Nigerian football, asserting that the league’s disrespect is a significant factor influencing players’ choices.

He emphasized the success of the NPFL players in the AFCON tournament under former coach Stephen Keshi in 2013. Keshi included six home-based players in his final squad, and one of them, Sunday Mba, scored the winning goal in the final against Burkina Faso, securing Nigeria’s third AFCON title.

Anaemena believes that maintaining Keshi’s winning template, which valued NPFL players, would have been a more successful approach.

The disappointment over the exclusion of outfield NPFL players from the AFCON squad has sparked discussions about the league’s status and its representation on the national team.

The AFCON tournament is scheduled to commence on January 13 and will run until February 11.

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Akwa United FC played a goalless draw at home against Sunshine Stars in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Week 15 fixture.

This match, played on Thursday, December 21, 2023, marked the first game for Akwa United under the guidance of their new coach, Abdullahi Umar, following the resignation of Coach Fatai Osho.

The game took place at the Eket Stadium, with the home team looking to make an impression in their first outing under the new coaching leadership.

However, the visitors, Sunshine Stars, applied early pressure, earning multiple corner kicks and forcing Akwa United’s goalkeeper, Jean Efala, into an early save.

In the 7th minute, Akwa United’s Wisdom Ndon had a chance, connecting with an Osoba Kabir cross, but the effort went wide for a goal-kick.

The first half witnessed attempts from both sides, with Isaac Emmanuel, Ikechukwu Nwani, and Anietie Uko testing Akwa United’s defense.

After a goalless first half, Coach Edith Ogoye of Sunshine Stars made two changes to his team at the start of the second half.

The hosts struggled to find the back of the net. Coach Abdullahi Umar making strategic change, bringing in Hadi Mohammed for Akintunde Bala in the 53rd minute, and it almost paid off immediately but the forward blazed his effort over the crossbar.

The closing moments of the game saw both teams seeking a breakthrough, with Akwa United having two penalty appeals turned down.

The drama continued as Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper, Ishola Abdulateef, received a red card during added time.

Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless draw, earning an important point for Sunshine Stars on the road.

Meanwhile, Akwa United FC will continue their quest for a turnaround in what has been a challenging 2023/2024 NPFL season.

Under the coaching leadership of Abdullahi Umar, the Promise Keepers will return to action vs Katsina United FC in an away fixture after the festivities.

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria concluded the year 2023 in the 42nd position in the latest FIFA Men’s World Rankings released on Thursday, December 21, 2023.

This ranking mirrors their position from the previous month, maintaining their status in the global football hierarchy.

Published on FIFA’s official website, the year-end ranking places Nigeria as the sixth-highest-ranked team in Africa.

The top five positions on the continent are held by Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt, respectively.

Under the guidance of coach Jose Peseiro, the Super Eagles are striving to enhance their position on the world rankings through a promising showing at the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to take place in Cote d’Ivoire next month.

Nigeria has been drawn into Group A alongside the host nation, Cote D’Ivoire, as well as Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea.

On the global stage, Argentina, the reigning world champions, continue to occupy the top spot in the FIFA rankings. They are followed by France, England, Brazil, and Belgium in the top five.

The Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Croatia complete the top ten teams in the world.

The next FIFA Men’s World Ranking is scheduled for publication on February 15, 2024. As the Super Eagles gear up for the AFCON tournament, they aim to make a significant impact and potentially climb the FIFA rankings ladder in the coming months.

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Super Falcons of Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie showcased brilliant goalkeeping skills as Paris FC secured a 1-0 victory against Real Madrid in Spain during the UEFA Women’s Champions League Group D clash on Wednesday night.

This win marked a double triumph for Paris FC over Madrid, following their 2-1 victory in the first leg last week where Nnadozie pulled a penalty save to help her team to victory.

Gaetane Thiney emerged as the hero in Wednesday’s2nd-leg  match, converting a 79th-minute penalty to seal the win for Paris FC.

The Nigerian goalkeeper, Nnadozie, played a pivotal role in the victory, making three crucial saves and winning three of her duels.

The result marked back-to-back wins for Paris FC and their second victory in four games in the group stage. With this win, Paris FC now prepares for their upcoming fixture against Hacken in Sweden.

In the UEFA Women’s Champions League Group D standings, Chelsea leads the group with eight points, followed by Hacken with seven points.

Paris FC sits in third place with six points, while Real Madrid is at the bottom with just one point. The competition remains intense as teams vie for a spot in the knockout stages.

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Stanley Eguma, the Technical Adviser of Rivers United, has expressed unwavering optimism about his team’s chances of advancing from the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup, despite their recent setback against Club Africain.

The Nigerian side succumbed to a 3-0 defeat, with Kingsley Eduwo scoring two first-half goals for Club Africain in the CAF Confederation Cup matchday 3 encounter held at the Stade de Rades in Tunis.

In his post-match comments, Eguma acknowledged the team’s performance and emphasized the need to learn from the mistakes made during the game. He highlighted that despite the defeat, Rivers United showcased their capabilities and pledged to rectify the errors.

“We are also a good team despite our undoing today. On a good day, we gave a very good account of ourselves, and I believe that the future is still bright for us.

” We can go back and correct our mistakes and come out stronger in subsequent matches, and before you know it, we will get there. I strongly believe that we will qualify from our group,” stated Eguma.

Despite the loss, Rivers United is in third place in Group C with six points, while Club Africain leads the group with nine points from four games.

Dreams FC of Ghana secured the second position with nine points after defeating Academica do Lobito of Angola 4-0 at home.

Looking ahead, Eguma remains determined, and he is confident that Rivers United will rebound in subsequent matches.

The team is set to face Academica do Lobito in their next game in February 2024.

Club Africain will travel to Ghana for a clash with Dreams FC as the CAF Confederation Cup group stage progresses.

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Rivers United FC of Nigeria suffered heavy defeat and faced a significant setback in their CAF Confederation Cup campaign with a 3-0 defeat against Club Africain in Tunisia.

The loss in the group stage matchday four clash puts their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages in jeopardy.

Nigerian striker Kingsley Eduwo was the standout performer for Club Africain, contributing two crucial goals in the 6th and 45th minutes.

Rami Bedoui added to the lead with a goal in the 69th minute, securing a comprehensive victory for the Tunisian side.

With this result, Rivers United finds themselves in third place in their group, having accumulated six points from four matches. Club Africain, on the other hand, solidified their position at the top of the group with nine points.

The group also witnessed Dreams FC of Ghana claiming a 4-0 victory over APC Lobito from Angola, reaching nine points as well.

The defeat for Rivers United complicates their journey to the knockout rounds of the competition, emphasizing the challenges they now face in the remaining matches.

The team will need to regroup and secure positive results in upcoming fixtures to improve their chances of advancing in the CAF Confederation Cup.

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In a thrilling NPFL encounter, holders Enyimba and Rangers played to a 1-1 draw in an oriental derby held in Aba on Wednesday, December 20, 2023..

The match showcased exciting moments, and the teams displayed their prowess in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) week fifteen fixture.

Enyimba took an early lead with Chijioke Mbaoma heading in a goal in the 12th minute, marking his fifth goal of the season for the Aba giants.

However, Rangers fought back and managed to level the score at 1-1. Kazeem Ogunleye netted the equalizer three minutes from the final whistle, showcasing his skill by dispossessing Daniel Daga outside the box and calmly slotting the ball past Enyimba’s goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke.

Ogunleye’s goal was his fourth of the season for the Flying Antelopes.

Rangers had an opportunity to snatch a late victory in added time, but Enyimba’s goalkeeper Olorunleke made a crucial save to deny Auwalu Nasiru.

In another matchday 15 fixture held on the same day, Doma United secured a 1-0 victory over Heartland at the Pantami Township Stadium.

The result adds to the drama and competitiveness of the NPFL as teams continue to battle for points in the ongoing season.

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Barcelona ended their three-match winless run with a hard-fought victory over La Liga’s bottom club, Almeria, at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Sergi Roberto emerged as the hero with two crucial goals, securing a 3-2 win for the hosts.

Barcelona dominated large portions of the first half and took the lead in the 33rd minute when Raphinha capitalized on Luis Maximiano’s save from Ronald Araujo’s header. However, Almeria responded as Leo Baptistao scored to draw them level, initially ruled offside but awarded after a VAR check.

Sergi Roberto showcased his leadership by brilliantly heading in Raphinha’s corner, regaining the lead for Barcelona in the 60th minute. Almeria, showing resilience, equalized in the 71st minute after Inaki Pena’s error allowed Edgar Gonzalez to score.

The determined Almeria twice came from behind, but Sergi Roberto secured the victory for Barcelona with his second goal in the 83rd minute. The win marked Barcelona’s first victory in four attempts, ending the year on a positive note.

Sergi Roberto’s impactful performance, with two well-taken goals, earned him the Player of the Match award. His leadership, goal-scoring ability, and defensive contributions made a significant impact for Barcelona.

Barcelona faced Almeria after a challenging period, having suffered defeats against Girona and Royal Antwerp in the UEFA Champions League, along with a draw against Valencia in their previous league match. The victory against Almeria provides a much-needed boost as they aim to climb the La Liga standings and regain momentum in the new year.

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Head Coach Christopher Musa Danjuma has invited goalkeepers Anderlin Mgbechi and Shukurat Bakare, defenders Oluchi Ohaegbulam and Comfort Folorunsho, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Adoo Yina, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Chisom Chima and Aminat Omowunmi Bello among a cast of 25 players for next month’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Burundi.

Also on the roster are FIFA U17 World Cup bronze-medallist goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani, Emamuzo Edafe and Shukurat Oladipo, as well as midfielders Chinyere Kalu and Chioma Olise, and forwards Opeyemi Ajakaye, Oluwayemisi Samuel and Janet Akekoromowei.

The invited players are expected to resume camp in the Federal Capital, Abuja on Wednesday, 27th December.

After reaching the third round of the qualification series without kicking a ball, following the withdrawal of Mauritius, the Falconets edged their counterparts from Tanzania 3-2 on aggregate in the second round last month, setting up a clash with the East Africans who had sent packing from the race, the U20 girls of South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Burundi will host the first leg of the fixture in Bujumbura within the weekend of 12th – 14th January, with the return leg at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 20th January.

The winner of the fixture will reach the last round of the qualification series, with those matches to be played in the month of March 2024.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Kehinde Afuye (FC Robo Queens); Faith Omilana (Naija Ratels); Anderlin Mgbechi (Delta Queens); Shukurat Bakare (Nasarawa Amazons)

Defenders: Jumoke Alani (Edo Queens); Oluwabunmi Semilore (Naija Ratels); Oluchi Ohaegbulam (Nasarawa Amazons); Shukurat Oladipo (FC Robo Queens); Comfort Folorunsho (Edo Queens); Emamuzo Edafe (Rivers Angels); Rebecca Adegbemile (Delta Queens)

Midfielders: Taiwo Afolabi (Delta Queens); Chinyere Kalu (Nasarawa Amazons); Aminat Folorunsho (Rivers Angels); Shukurat Shobowale (Nasarawa Amazons); Chioma Olise (Edo Queens); Adoo Yina (Nasarawa Amazons)

Forwards: Chiamaka Okwuchukwu (Rivers Angels); Aminat Bello (Unattached); Opeyemi Ajakaye (FC Robo Queens); Chiamaka Osuigwe (Edo Queens); Chisom Chima (Bayelsa Queens); Mary Nkpa (Heartland Queens); Janet Akekoromowei (Asisat Academy); Oluwayemisi Samuel (Bayelsa Queens)

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