Tag: General Sports

After Plateau United’s 5-1 victory over Bayelsa United in Matchday 14 of the Nigeria Premier Football League, the Jos side shared a message for their visitors.

Plateau United took to their social media account to express sportsmanship and humor. Despite the dominant performance, the club posted a message on their official Twitter handle @plateau_united, wishing Bayelsa United a safe journey back to Yenagoa and thanking them for putting up a good fight in Jos.

The post on X shared days after the thumping win reads: “Dear Bayelsa United, we hope you arrived Yenagoa safely. Your safe arrival at your city gladens our hearts immensely. Thank you for giving us a good fight in Jos on Sunday. We will be with you in Yenagoa in the reverse fixture, please be nice.”

The message reflects a combination of sportsmanship and humor, showcasing a positive spirit in the competition. The reverse fixture between the two teams is anticipated to be another exciting encounter.

Bayelsa United FC’s poor start to the NPFL season suffered further blow with the heavy defeat in Jos.

The Yenegoa based outfit unlike conveyed in the Plateau United FC message will not head home yet but face Sporting Lagos FC on matchday 15, today.

The bottom placed Peace boys will need a positive result to stand a chance of emerging from the bottom of the log before heading home to face champions, Enyimba FC.

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Days after the Super Eagles of Nigeria National team provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations was sumbitted to CAF, the names on the list have been leaked to the public via ACLSPORTS.

According to the report, Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Jose Peseiro has submitted a list with 33-players from where he will name his final squad for the upcoming AFCON.

New names of the list include, Goalkeepers, Stanley Nwabali of Chippa United and Christian Nwoke of Sporting Lagos FC and midfielder Alhassan Yusuf of Royal Antwerp.

Skipper Ahmed Musa and vice-captain Williams Troost-Ekong also make the provisional Super Eagles squad for the AFCON according to reports credit ACL.

Goalkeepers
1. Francis Uzoho
2. Adebayo Adeleye
3. Ojo Olorunleke
4. Stanley Nwabali
5. Amas Obasogie
6. Christian Nwoke

Defenders
1. Ola Aina
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel
3. Tyronne Ebuehi
4. Jamilu Collins
5. Zaidu Sanusi
6. Bruno Onyemaechi
7. William Troost-Ekong
8. Semi Ajayi
9. Calvin Bassey
10. Kenneth Omeruo
11. Kevin Akpoguma
12. Chidozie Awaziem
13. Jordan Torunarigha

Midfielders
1. Wilfred Ndidi
2. Frank Onyeka
3. Joe Aribo
4. Alex Iwobi
5. Alhassan Yusuf
6. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
7. Raphael Onyedika Nwadike
8. Kelechi Nwakali

Attackers
1. Victor Osimhen
2. Victor Boniface
3. Terem Moffi
4. Umar Sadiq
5. Ahmed Musa
6. Paul Onuachu
7. Cyriel Dessers
8. Ademola Lookman
9. Nathan Tella
10. Moses Simon
11. Emmanuel Dennis
12. Samuel Chukwueze
13. Kelechi Iheanacho

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Neville Ambakederemo, Chairman of Warri Wolves FC, has lauded the team for securing their first away point in the Nigeria National League (NNL) this season.

The Seasiders exhibited resilience and determination as they held the Southern Conference Group B leaders, Crown FC, to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Ambakederemo expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the significance of gaining an away point against a formidable opponent like Crown FC.

He believes that this result will prove valuable for Warri Wolves in the long run and urged the players to continue giving their best under challenging circumstances.

“I congratulate Warri Wolves FC on this one. All three points would have been better, but we know a point away from home is also very vital. For sure, it might be a decider for us much later,” stated Ambakederemo in a statement to the club’s media.

“They should keep on giving their best against all odds, and the greatest consolation will come with us achieving our target, which has been to qualify for the NNL Super 8, get promotion into the Apex league in the country, and possibly secure a continental ticket via the Federation Cup.”

The Chairman praised the team spirit and specifically commended goalkeeper Joke Elvis, who not only denied the home side a penalty but also made several crucial saves to maintain the 1-1 scoreline.

The draw has propelled Warri Wolves to a commendable third place on the league table, showcasing the team’s potential for success in the ongoing NNL campaign.

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There will be pure emotion in the air when Ituen Starlets take to the Uyo Township stadium turf, today, Monday, to face Nigeria National League outfit Dakkada FC in a memorial match.

The match which is put together in loving memory of the late Jessie Idongesit Ituen who, until her unfortunate demise, was the wife of Honourable Idongesit Ituen – the Honorary Special Adviser (HSA) on Creative Industry to the Governor of Akwa Ibom state – will kick off at three o’clock in the afternoon with selected former and current players of the two sides expected to grace the occasion.

In a statement made available to journalists in Uyo, the HSA noted that the match was part of arrangements to pay last respects to the transited matriarch.

“My wife was a football lover. She demonstrated her deep-rooted love for football by supporting a lot of youngsters to pursue their career in the round-leather game. We have decided to honour her memory by putting together this match and my family and I are inviting our friends and relatives to kindly grace the occasion”, some parts of the statement read.

During her earthly sojourn, the departed Jessie was one of the brains behind the establishment of Ituen Football Academy which served as a veritable platform for the grooming of young footballers who ply their trade at various clubs within and outside the country, as of today.

Some of the players expected to feature in the match include Aniekan Ekpe – the legendary captain of Dakkada FC, Promise Harrison – Enyimba FC, Joseph Essien – former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper, Lucky Tom – Dakkada FC’s leading scorer for 2023/2024, among others.

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The UEFA Champions League Round of 16 draw has set the stage for highly anticipated matchups, with FC Barcelona vs Napoli the biggest of the eight on paper.

The draw, revealed on Monday, December 18, 2023 , featuring group winners in the seeded category and group runners-up in the unseeded category, promises a series of exciting clashes.

Defending champions Manchester City are set to face Copenhagen, while Premier League leaders Arsenal will go head-to-head with FC Porto in what is expected to be a compelling encounter.

A standout fixture awaits as La Liga and Serie A champions, FC Barcelona, are scheduled to take on Napoli, adding to the intensity of the knockout phase.

Paris Saint-Germain, led by Kylian Mbappe, will challenge Group D winners Real Sociedad, while record-time winners Real Madrid are slated to face RB Leipzig in a clash of titans.

Another highly anticipated matchup features Internazionale facing Atletico Madrid, promising intense competition in the quest for a quarter-final berth.

Bayern Munich aims to advance by taking on Lazio, and Borussia Dortmund will battle PSV Eindhoven for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.

Football fans across Europe and beyond are eagerly anticipating these thrilling fixtures that will determine which teams progress to the next stage of the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

The knockout phase promises high-stakes drama and exceptional performances as teams vie for glory in one of the most prestigious club competitions in the world.

The first-leg games of the 2023/2024 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 are scheduled for mid-February, with the return matches taking place in March.

The season’s Champions League final is set to be hosted at Wembley in London on June 1.

Full Draw for UEFA Champions League Round of 16:

• FC Porto vs Arsenal
• SSC Napoli vs FC Barcelona
• Paris Saint-Germain vs Real Sociedad
• Inter Milan vs Atletico Madrid
• PSV Eindhoven vs Borussia Dortmund
• S.S Lazio vs Bayern Munich
• FC Copenhagen vs Manchester City
• RB Leipzig vs Real Madrid

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In a thrilling Serie A encounter at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Napoli secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Cagliari, thanks to the stellar performance of African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen.

The win marked Napoli’s return to winning ways in the league and elevated them to fourth place.

After a midweek triumph that propelled Napoli to the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League, the team was eager to continue their winning momentum against Cagliari. However, the first half of the match proved to be a scrappy affair, with both sides struggling to create scoring opportunities of true quality, resulting in a goalless scoreline.

The turning point came in the 69th minute when Victor Osimhen, who had already found the net in the previous game, once again showcased his goal-scoring prowess. The 24-year-old soared above the defense to head home a precise cross from Mario Rui, giving Napoli the crucial lead.

Cagliari swiftly responded, leveling the scores just three minutes later through the efforts of former Napoli star Leonardo Pavoletti. The striker, exploiting a close-range opportunity, ensured that Claudio Ranieri’s side remained firmly in contention.

Osimhen, however, proved to be the hero of the day in the 75th minute, displaying exceptional skill in the box to create space for himself before providing an assist to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who confidently restored Napoli’s lead.

With the clock ticking down, Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri made a strategic decision to substitute Osimhen in the 82nd minute, bringing on Gianluca Gaetano. Despite the change, Napoli managed to hold on to their lead, securing the 2-1 victory and claiming the fourth spot in the Serie A standings.

Osimhen’s instrumental role in both scoring and creating opportunities underscored his significance to Napoli’s success, providing a promising outlook for the team’s future performances in both domestic and international competitions.

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Vandrezzer FC shared the spoils with a ‘not-lucky’ Dakkada FC team as it finished 0-0 in the Nigeria National League [NNL] derby in Akwa Ibom State.

The game was played at the Uyo Township Stadium, the shared home-ground of both teams but with Vandrezzer FC as hosts for the game on Saturday, December 16, 2023.

In the first half, both teams had great chances to open the scoring but there was in even more in wait for Dakkada FC in the second half.

Coach Emmanuel King sent Nsikak Moses on for Christian Ekong during the break, a switch that produced at least three great goalscoring opportunities but Dakkada FC were just not-lucky enough to hit the target.

In the 75th minute, Dakkada FC striker, Lucky Tom played Nsikak Moses through on goal but the wingers left-footed attempt rolled just wide of the Vandrezzer FC goal.

Nsikak Moses turned provider in the 84th minute when he crossed for Lucky Tom who fired a glorious opportunity with only the goalkeeper to beat, over the crossbar.

With a minute to the end of regulation time, Dakkada FC were presented with another big opportunity to break the deadlock when Aniekan Ekpe’s shot was parried into the path of Nsikak Moses but the wingers attempt flew over the target.

In the end, there was no-goal to separate both Uyo-based Nigeria National League clubs as it finished 0-0, a point on the road for Dakkada FC who will rue missed chances to take maximum points at the Uyo Township Stadium.

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The 10th edition of the Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup competition gets underway, today, Sunday, December 17, 2023 in Akwa Ibom State.

Sponsored by the CEO of Prince Ukeme Ukpong Mega Foundation, the tournament has been in existence since 2013 and is played among villages in ward 1/2 of Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The all-green playing turf of the Comprehensive High School, Ikpe Mbak Eyop which has hosted all previous nine editions of the competition will once agian play host to plethora of guests and football enthusiasts for the opening ceremony of the 10th edition today.

To get the games underway, Nsit Ikpe who are current holders will face Uruk Uso. with both teams keen-rivals who will look to begin their campaign on a winning note.

To grace the occasion, the Honourable Commissioner for Youths Development and Sports In Akwa Ibom State, Sir Monday Ebong Uko and his dear wife Lady Blessing Uko are designated to serve as Father and Mother of the day while Mrs Inemesit Uwah, wife of the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, is listed as Special Guest of Honour.

Other confirmed guests for the opening ceremony of the 10th Prince Ukeme Ukpong Unity Cup competition are: The Honourable Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom State Governor and Immediate past House of Assembly member, Rt. Hon. [Prince] Idongesit Ntepere, Sir Isantim Kenneth, Transition Chairmen of Ikot Ekpene and Obot Akara LGA, Hon. John Cleton and Hon. Anietienteabasi Akpan, Chairman of Akwa United FC, Elder Paul Bassey  and a host of eminent personalities and football enthusiasts.

The opening ceremony will begin by 3pm, while official kick-off to signal the commencement of the 10th edition is expected by 4pm.

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