Paradise News

Tag: General Sports

  • Victor Osimhen nets double in Galatasaray’s dominant win

    Victor Osimhen was the star of the show as he netted a brace in Galatasaray’s commanding 5-1 win away to Kayserispor on sunday evening.

    Osimhen opened the scoring early in the match and sealed his second goal with a sublime chip, adding to his growing tally in what was a memorable performance for the Turkish giants.

    Osimhen wasted no time in putting his stamp on the match, converting a penalty in the 4th minute to give Galatasaray an early lead. The spot kick followed a foul in the box, and Osimhen coolly slotted the ball past the Kayserispor goalkeeper, sending the visitors on their way.

    The hosts struggled to break down the Galatasaray defense, but their hopes of a comeback were dashed in the second half.

    In the 71st minute, Osimhen grabbed his second goal in stunning fashion. Latching onto a perfectly weighted pass, he delicately chipped the Kayserispor goalkeeper with a masterful finish, putting Galatasaray 4-1 up and effectively sealing the victory.

    The win, which was an all-around dominant display from the Istanbul club, saw Galatasaray extend their lead at the top of the Süper Lig table with 44 points points.

    With the brace, Osimhen now boasts an impressive 12 goals and 5 assists in just 15 games across all competitions for the club.

    READ MORE:Victor Osimhen named Best Striker in the Turkish Super League

    The victory further solidified Osimhen’s status as one of the top strikers in the league, and his contribution was crucial in ensuring the full three points for Galatasaray, who will look to maintain their momentum as they continue their title challenge.



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  • Super Eagles hold Ghana to draw in Accra in CHAN qualifier

    The Super Eagles B of Nigeria were held to a 0-0 draw by Ghana’s Black Galaxies in the first leg of their 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier at the Accra Sports Stadium on Sunday.

    The result sets up a crucial second-leg clash in Uyo, with both teams now looking to secure a spot in the tournament.

    The match began with Nigeria looking to take control early, but Ghana’s defense proved tough to break down. Despite creating some early pressure, the Super Eagles B were unable to find the breakthrough, with the Black Galaxies settling into the game and forcing Nigeria into errors.

    The first half ended goalless, with both sides struggling to convert their opportunities, in the second half, the game became more intense as both teams fought for an advantage going into the return leg.

    Adamu Abubakar came closest to scoring when his shot rattled the crossbar, while Sikiru Alimi also had a chance but could not find the target. Despite relentless pressure from Nigeria, Ghana’s defense held firm, and the match ended without a goal.

    READ MORE: Ghana ready to battle Nigeria in 2024 CHAN Qualifier

    Stand-in coach Daniel Ogunmodede named Nduka Junior as captain, while Ozoemena Ali was in goal for Nigeria. The starting lineup also featured Ismail Sodiq, Imo Obot, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Babajide Fatokun, Savior Isaac, Musa Zayyad, Adamu Abubakar, Sikiru Alimi, and Anas Yusuf leading the attack.

    With the tie now level, the Super Eagles B will host Ghana in the second leg at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday, 28th December.The winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the 2025 CHAN, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.



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  • Tolulope Arokodare stars in Genk’s win over Anderlecht

    Tolulope Arokodare played a pivotal role as RKC Genk secured a comfortable 2-0 win over Anderlecht in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League on Sunday afternoon.

    Tolulope Arokodare opened the scoring in the 29th minute, coolly finishing off a well-worked team move to give Genk the lead. The goal was his 11th of the season, maintaining his position as one of the top scorers in the league.

    The Nigerian’s goal-scoring form has been a key factor in Genk’s rise to the top of the table.

    In the second half, Arokodare turned provider, setting up Karetsas, who slotted home the second goal in the 67th minute to seal the victory for Genk. The assist brought Arokodare’s tally for the season to 4, showcasing his all-around contribution to the team’s success.

    With this win, Genk now sit at the top of the Jupiler Pro League with 41 points from 19 games, just ahead of Club Brugge. The victory is a crucial one for the Limburgers, who are firmly in the title race, and Arokodare’s form is proving to be a driving force behind their strong campaign.

    Arokodare’s impressive performances have made him a key figure for Genk this season. With 11 goals and 4 assists in 19 league appearances, the Nigerian has been a revelation since arriving at the club.

    His consistency in front of goal has earned him second place on the league’s top scorers chart, and he will be vital to Genk’s aspirations as they chase the Belgian league title.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles hold Ghana to draw in Accra in CHAN qualifier

    The win against Anderlecht highlights Genk’s growing strength, and with Arokodare in this kind of form, the club will be optimistic about their chances of securing silverware at the end of the season.



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  • David Okereke dominates in Gaziantep’s win

    David Okereke delivered an outstanding performance as Gaziantep secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over 10-man Antalyaspor in their final Turkish Super Lig match of 2024.

    The Nigerian striker’s contribution to the win, which included a crucial assist, has raised hopes that Gaziantep will activate the option-to-buy clause in his contract.

    Okereke played 76 minutes of the match and was at the heart of Gaziantep’s attacking play. He provided a vital assist for Kacper Kozlowski, who scored the opener in the 42nd minute.

    The goal came just before halftime, giving Gaziantep a deserved lead after controlling much of the play. Alexandru Maxim sealed the victory for the hosts in the 66th minute, doubling the advantage and ensuring Gaziantep ended the year on a high note.

    Since joining Gaziantep on loan from Italian Serie B side Cremonese, Okereke has enjoyed a resurgence in form, proving to be a key figure in his new team.

    The 27-year-old has now contributed to six goals in 11 league appearances—four goals and two assists. This marks a significant improvement from last season, when he managed only four goal contributions in 28 games across all competitions.

    Okereke’s impressive performances this season have significantly increased the likelihood of Gaziantep activating the option-to-buy clause in his loan deal.

    His return to form has caught the attention of many, and the Turkish club may be keen to make the move permanent. Okereke’s contract with Cremonese runs until June 2026, but with his stock on the rise, the Italian side may be willing to cash in while his value is at its peak.

    READ MORE:Rangers unbeaten streak shattered at home – what went wrong?

    Gaziantep’s comfortable win over Antalyaspor also moved them up the standings as they look to continue their strong form into 2025. With Okereke playing a starring role, the club will be hopeful that their investment in the Nigerian forward can continue to pay off in the coming months.



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  • Flamingos’ Heartbreak: Nigeria’s U-17 women lose to Ghana in final

    Nigeria’s Flamingos were edged out in a dramatic penalty shootout, losing 5-4 to Ghana after a 2-2 draw in regular time in the final of the U-17 WAFU B girls cup in Accra, Ghana.

    Despite a heroic comeback that saw them fight back from two goals down, the Flamingos were unable to convert their final penalty, as Khadija struck the post, handing Ghana a 5-4 victory and their maiden U17 WAFU B continental title.

    The match started with Ghana on the front foot, taking the lead early through Gertrude Amoafa, whose 13th-minute strike gave the Black Maidens an early advantage.

    Just five minutes later, Priscilla Mensah doubled Ghana’s lead with a stunning shot in the 18th minute, leaving the Flamingos with a difficult task ahead.

    But Nigeria responded fiercely, with Precious Oscar pulling one back in the 34th minute, expertly finishing to halve the deficit before halftime.

    READ MORE:Super Eagles hold Ghana to draw in Accra in CHAN qualifier

    The second half saw Nigeria dominate possession and apply relentless pressure, and they finally found their equalizer in the 80th minute. Harmony Chidi, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, finished coolly to make it 2-2, sending the game to penalties.

    In the shootout, Ghana converted all five of their penalties, while Nigeria faltered after Khadija’s miss. Nigeria’s hopes were dashed when Khadija’s penalty struck the post.

    For Ghana, the victory marked a historic maiden U-17 WAFU B title. Their clinical finish in the shootout, ensured that the Black Maidens lifted the trophy on home soil.

    Individual Honors

    Christiana Uzoma: Nigeria’s goalkeeper, was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament

    Harmony Chidi: The Nigerian striker was awarded Woman of the Match for her influential performance in the final.



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  • Lookman scores on return as Atalanta extend record streak

    Ademola Lookman marked his return from the 2024 CAF Awards by scoring in Atalanta’s 3-2 win over Empoli, helping his side set a new club record of 11 consecutive Serie A victories.

    Ademola Lookman, who had traveled to Morocco to claim the CAF African Player of the Year award, was back in action for Atalanta and made an immediate impact.

    The moment Ademola Lookman presented his 2024 African Player of The Year award to Atalanta fans

    The win lifted La Dea to the top of the Serie A table, leapfrogging SSC Napoli as they head into the Christmas break.

    The Nigerian forward tapped in from close range in first-half stoppage time, finishing off a precise header from Nicolò Zaniolo following a cross by Charles De Ketelaere. The goal capped a perfect week for the Nigerian, who now 12 goals and 5 assits in 19 games across all competitions.

    This goal gave Atalanta a 2-1 lead after Lorenzo Colombo had put Empoli ahead early and De Ketelaere had equalized with a diving header.

    Empoli fought back in the second half, and a Sebastiano Esposito penalty in the 57th minute brought the score level at 2-2.

    However, with the game heading toward a draw, De Ketelaere dazzled the crowd in the 86th minute, slaloming past four defenders to score a brilliant solo effort and secure all three points for Atalanta.

    Atalanta now sit at the top of Serie A with 37 points from 16 matches, extending their winning streak and solidifying their place as title contenders.

    Empoli, despite a spirited performance, dropped into the bottom half of the table with the defeat.



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  • Rangers unbeaten streak shattered at home – what went wrong?

    Rangers International impressive 10-match unbeaten run in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) came to an abrupt end on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu as they were beaten 1-0 at home by Shooting Stars on Match day 18.

    The defeat saw the Flying Antelopes drop to 4th place in the league standings with 28 points, while Shooting Stars surged ahead into 3rd with 30 points.

    READ MORE:Rangers International battle Salary delay as key fixture looms

    The match’s only goal came in the 27th minute when Ikouwem Utin, the former U-20 international left-back, capitalized on a lapse in concentration from Rangers’ defense to score.

    Despite dominating possession in the second half, Rangers were unable to break down a resolute Shooting Stars defense, with substitute Kingsley Maduforo coming closest but missing a clear chance.

    The NPFL champions’ frustrations deepened in 85th minute when center-back Ikenna Stephen blasted his teams penalty kick over the bar, ensuring that Rangers’ unbeaten streak came to an end with a frustrating 1-0 defeat.

    Shooting Stars, on the other hand, secured their second consecutive away win in the NPFL for the first time since at least the 1997 season. The victory lifted them into 3rd place, and the team will now look to build on this result as they continue their push up the league table.

    Other NPFL Results:

    Kwara United 1-0 Katsina United

    Ismaila Gata scored the only goal of the match in the 87th minute, converting from the penalty spot to secure a vital win for Kwara United.

    Nasarawa United 1-1 Rivers United
    John Joshua opened the scoring for Nasarawa United in the 14th minute, while Kabir Abdullahi equalized for Rivers United with a penalty in the 50th minute.

    Abia Warriors 2-0 Ikorodu City
    Anthony Ijoma scored in the 10th minute, and Sunday Megwo doubled the lead in the 45th minute to give Abia Warriors a comfortable victory.

    Remo Stars 2-0 Bayelsa United
    Malik Jabbar starred with a brace, scoring in the 84th and 88th minutes to seal a 2-0 win for Remo Stars, who go top of the NPFL log with 33 points same points as 2nd place Rivers United.



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  • Victor Osimhen named Best Striker in the Turkish Super League

    Victor Osimhen is making waves in the Turkish Super League, with the Nigerian striker’s standout performances earning him praise from across the league.

    Since joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli after a failed permanent transfer move, Osimhen has been in red-hot form, contributing 15 goals and assists in just 14 games, according to Transfermarkt.

    Ricky van Drongelen of Samsunspor, has been particularly vocal in his admiration for Osimhen. Speaking to Fanatik, the Dutch center-back ranked Osimhen as the most dangerous striker in the Turkish Super League, ahead of other top forwards like Ciro Immobile and Edin Dzeko.

    “I respect all strikers. They are all very high-quality players,” van Drongelen said, acknowledging the varying challenges different attackers pose.

    “How much each player challenges me depends on the match. Your performance can also vary from match to match. How you defend as a team is also very important. In some matches, you can defend in very narrow areas.”

    When pressed to choose the most dangerous forward, van Drongelen didn’t hesitate: “In my opinion, Victor Osimhen is the most dangerous striker in the Super Lig. Everyone sees and understands this. That is why the big teams in Europe are following him.

    READ MORE:National Sports Festival 2024 postponed

    Since arriving at Galatasaray, Osimhen has not only bolstered the team’s attacking options but also cemented his reputation as one of the league’s top strikers. His goal-scoring prowess and overall contributions have made him a vital part of the Turkish club’s ambitions for the season, with fans and pundits alike eagerly awaiting his future in the Super Lig.



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  • Ese Brume provides update on Injury after car crash

    Nigerian Long Jump star and Tokyo 2020 Olympics bronze medalist Ese Brume has shared details of the terrifying car crash she was involved in while in the United States recently.

    Speaking to The Guardian, Ese Brume described how the accident occurred while she was traveling with a British friend.

    “We were on a journey, and our car got stuck in the middle of the freeway,” Brume explained. “While we were calling 911 for help, an SUV hit us from behind, causing a wreck. It was a total wreck. I was in the passenger’s seat.”

    Brume suffered a sprained ankle and strained neck in the accident, while her friend sustained more serious injuries, including a strained shoulder, a concussion, and cuts.

    Despite the severity of the crash, Brume expressed gratitude that both she and her friend survived the incident. “I thank God for sparing our lives, but I am yet to fully overcome the shock,” she said

    READ MORE: National Sports Festival 2024 postponed

    Despite the traumatic experience, Brume remains hopeful and optimistic about her recovery. “I am getting better; my friend is also recovering fast,” she said, thanking all those who reached out with words of support. She added, “I am hopeful everything will be alright, and I will be back in training soon.”

    Looking ahead, Brume is focused on returning to full fitness and resuming her career. “I will return to training as soon as the doctors advise me to do so. I am looking forward to competing in the World Championships and other competitions in 2025,” she confirmed.

    Brume’s bronze medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics remains a historic achievement, as it was Nigeria’s first and only track and field medal since 2008, when Blessing Okagbare won silver in Beijing. As Brume continues her recovery, fans and supporters are eagerly anticipating her return to the track in the new year.



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  • Mamelodi Sundowns coach in hot water, disturbing allegations lead to investigation

    Mamelodi Sundowns has launched a formal investigation into serious allegations of improper conduct made against the head coach of its women’s team, Jerry Tshabalala.

    The claims, which have been made by several female players, suggest that Tshabalala engaged in inappropriate behavior, including entering the players’ changing rooms while they were undressed and making inappropriate sexual remarks to both players and female staff.

    According to reports by SABC Sport, Tshabalala allegedly asked players intrusive questions about their private parts, including inquiries about how many times they shave and how their private areas look or are shaped.

    READ MORE:Ahmed Musa returns from injury to lead Pillars to victory

    These allegations have sparked outrage and concern within the football community, prompting the club to take immediate action.

    In response to the claims, Mamelodi Sundowns issued a statement confirming that Tshabalala has been placed on special leave while a thorough investigation is conducted. The club has appointed the law firm Bowmans to carry out the inquiry and report their findings to the board as soon as possible.

    “The board of Mamelodi Sundowns has been made aware of allegations of improper conduct that have been made by various women players against the coach of its ladies’ team, Jerry Tshabalala,” the statement reads. “Mamelodi Sundowns views these allegations in a very serious light and has appointed a top law firm, Bowmans, to investigate these allegations and to report to the board as soon as possible.”

    The club emphasized that Tshabalala’s placement on special leave is a precautionary measure designed to allow the investigation to proceed without interference and to protect the rights of all parties involved. The statement also made clear that if the investigation uncovers facts that warrant action, the board will take appropriate steps.

    “Mamelodi Sundowns will in due course make announcements on the findings of the investigation and the action to be taken,” the club concluded.

    Tshabalala has been the head coach of the Masandawana Ladies since 2012, leading the team to significant success, including two CAF Champions League titles and domination of the Hollywoodbets Super League.



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