Paradise News

Tag: General Sports

  • NPFL 2025: Akwa United’s relegation nightmare deepens

    Rivers United climbed back to the summit of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Matchday 17, securing a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Kwara United.

    Despite trailing 1-0 after Akeem Akanni’s goal in the 18th minute, Finidi George’s men responded strongly in the second half.

    Timothy Zachariah equalized in the 53rd minute, and David Benjamin netted the winner just six minutes later, in the 59th minute.

    Akwa United’s woes deepened as they suffered a 2-1 loss to Bayelsa United. Chijioke Alaekwe gave Akwa United the lead in the 23rd minute, but Bayelsa United hit back with goals from Sadiq Auwal (41’) and Yahaya Ibrahim (80’) to secure the comeback victory.

    Akwa United’s defeat marks their eighth consecutive loss on the road, leaving them at the bottom of the league standings and in danger of relegation.

    The win took Rivers United to 32 points, two ahead of second-placed Remo Stars, who were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City in Lagos. With the three points, Rivers United reclaimed the top spot in the league, continuing their strong push for the title.

    Meanwhile, defending champions Rangers International extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches with a goalless draw against Katsina United.

    The result keeps Rangers in 3rd position, maintaining their pursuit of another league title.

    Other NPFL Match day 17 Results:

    Heartland played out a 1-1 draw with Bendel Insurance. Promise Anyanwu gave Heartland the lead in the 6th minute, while Michael Enaruna equalized for Bendel Insurance in the 82nd minute.

    El-Kanemi secured a commanding 3-0 win over Abia Warriors, with Ibrahim Mustapha (5′), Nasiru Salihu (24′), and Aminu Mohammed (73′) all on the scoresheet.

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    Niger Tornadoes recorded an emphatic 4-1 victory over Sunshine Stars. Goals from Ernest Onyeka (3′), Abdulrasheed Shehu Dabai (7′), Abba Khalid (13′), and Godstime Joseph (27′) sealed the comprehensive win, while Ibrahim Sodiq scored a late goal for Sunshine Stars in the 72nd minute.

    NPFL league table

    NPFL league table after match day 17 courtesy of 54footballx

    As the NPFL season intensifies, Rivers United’s comeback victory puts them in a strong position to defend their lead, while the competition below them continues to heat up.



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  • 2024 CAF Awards: Everything you need to know

    The highly anticipated 2024 CAF Awards will take place on Monday, December 18, 2024, when 15 prestigious awards will be handed out to the finest players, coaches, clubs, and national teams in African football.

    This year’s event promises to showcase the exceptional talent that has graced the continent’s football scene, as those who have distinguished themselves over the past year will be celebrated.

    What are the CAF Awards 

    Established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the CAF Awards recognize and honor the outstanding performances in African football. The awards cover a wide array of categories, including male and female players, coaches, clubs, and national teams, celebrating both individual and team achievements in African football.

    The Event

    This year’s ceremony will be held at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. The event will begin at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT / 20:00 Cairo time / 21:00 East Africa time.

    The prestigious ceremony will be hosted by presenters Kate Scott and Jamal Bouzrara, who will guide the audience through the evening’s celebrations of African football.

    The Venue

    The Palais des Congrès de Marrakech, located in the city’s Hivernage district, is one of Morocco’s key landmarks for business tourism. Opened by King Hassan II in 1989, this venue is renowned for its strategic location and grand architecture, providing a fitting backdrop for one of the continent’s most celebrated events.

    Award Nominees

    The nominees for the 2024 CAF Awards span a variety of categories, showcasing some of the brightest talents in African football.

    Here are the key nominees:

    Men’s Player of the Year

    – Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

    – Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire)

    – Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)

    – Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

    – Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)

    Women’s Player of the Year

    – Sanâa Mssoudy (Morocco)

    – Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)

    – Barbra Banda (Zambia)

    Men’s Coach of the Year

    – Hugo Broos (South Africa)

    – Emerse Fae (Côte d’Ivoire)

    – Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo)

    Women’s Coach of the Year

    – Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

    – Ahmed Ramadan (FC Masar)

    – Mohamed Amine Alioua (AS FAR)-

    -Thinasonke Mbuli (University of the Western Cape)

    Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

    – André Onana (Cameroon / Manchester United)

    – Yahia Fofana (Côte d’Ivoire / Angers SCO)

    – Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

    Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

    – Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR)

    – Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC)

    – Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

     

    Men’s Interclub Player of the Year

    – Ahmed Sayed (Egypt / Zamalek)

    – Hussein El Shahat (Egypt / Al Ahly)

    – Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns)

     

    Women’s Interclub Player of the Year

    – Lacho Flora Marta (Angola / TP Mazembe)

    – Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

    – Sanâa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR)

    Men’s Young Player of the Year

    – Karim Konaté (Côte d’Ivoire / Salzburg)

    – Oumar Diakité (Côte d’Ivoire / Reims)

    – Lamine Camara (Senegal / AS Monaco)

    Women’s Young Player of the Year

    – Habiba Sabry (Egypt / FC Masar)

    – Doha El Madani (Morocco / AS FAR)

    – Chiamaka Okuchukwu (Nigeria / Rivers Angels)

    Men’s National Team of the Year

    – Côte d’Ivoire

    – Nigeria

    – South Africa

     

    Women’s National Team of the Year

    – Morocco

    – Nigeria

    – South Africa

    Men’s Club of the Year

    – Al Ahly (Egypt)

    – Zamalek (Egypt)

    – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

    Women’s Club of the Year

    – TP Mazembe (DR Congo)

    – AS FAR (Morocco)

    – Edo Queens (Nigeria)

    The awards will also recognize many other categories, making it an unforgettable evening for African football enthusiasts.

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    The 2024 CAF Awards promise to be a night of glamour and excitement, as Africa’s football elite come together to celebrate the excellence that continues to define the continent’s footballing talent.



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  • Enugu Nike League kicks off with Champions Ugwogo humilating Edem

    The 2024 Nike League kicked off today at the Nkwor Mini Stadium, Enugu with defending champions Ugwogo delivering an impressive 4-0 victory over Edem.

    The highly anticipated match set the stage for this year’s edition of the competition, which is sponsored by the Local Government Chairman of Enugu East, Engr. Beloved Dan Anike, and is tagged the Nike Unity Cup.

    Ugwogo started the match on the front foot, creating multiple chances early on, but Edem’s goalkeeper, Chidera Ngwu, was in fine form, salvaging his team with several key saves.

    However, the relentless pressure from the champions eventually paid off. In the 36th minute, Okoh Chidubem broke the deadlock, slamming home after Edem failed to clear their lines following a corner kick.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    Just four minutes later, Ugwogo doubled their lead with a fine finish from Ekete Kasiemobi, who calmly slotted the ball past Ngwu from close range. The first half ended 2-0 in favor of the defending champions, leaving Edem with a lot of work to do in the second half.

    Ugwogo sealed the game early in the second half when Anike Sunday swept home a loose ball after another poor clearance from Edem’s defense.

    As if things couldn’t get worse for Edem, they were reduced to 10 men when Chigozie Ugwu was sent off, and a penalty was awarded to Ugwogo. Attama Chinagolu stepped up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way, completing the 4-0 scoreline.

    The dominant victory marks a perfect start for Ugwogo as they look to defend their title in the Unity Cup.

    Action Continues Tomorrow

    The excitement continues tomorrow, with two more matches scheduled. At 12:00 PM, Ogbeke will clash with Neke Uno, followed by Iji vs Atacha at 3:00 PM.

    This year’s edition of the Nike League features 23 communities, showcasing the best football talent from across the community.

    CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

    The participating communities include Agbogazi, Akpuga, Ajo, Alulu, Amokpo, Amorji, Amaowelle, Edem, Emene, Eziama, Ibagwa, Iji, Atacha, Neke, Odenigbo, Neke Uno, Nkwubo, Nokpa, Obinagu, Ogbeke, Ogui, Onuogba, Oyoho, Ugwogo, and Ugwuomo.

    With the Unity Cup promising fierce competition, fans can expect more thrilling football as the tournament progresses.

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  • Barcelona stunned by Leganés in Massive upset

    Barcelona suffered a stunning 1-0 defeat at home to CD Leganés on Saturday, despite dominating much of the match.

    The loss marks another setback in their La Liga title race, with the Catalans now struggling to find their earlier form.

    This defeat leaves them with just one win in their last six league matches, following a stellar run of 15 victories in 16 games.

    The match, played in front of 39,523 spectators at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, saw Barcelona concede an early goal in the 4th minute from Sergio Gonzalez.

    Despite controlling the majority of possession and creating numerous chances, Barcelona could not find the back of the net.

    Poland’s star striker Robert Lewandowski, who had been instrumental in the team’s attack, failed to make an impact, leaving the Catalans frustrated.

    READ MORE: amad-diallo-inspires-stunning-manchester-derby-comeback-victory

    Head coach Hansi Flick, who had been suspended for two matches after receiving a red card in the 2-2 draw against Real Betis Sevilla, was absent from the sidelines.

    In his place, assistant coach Marcus Sorg took over, but his tactical adjustments were unable to break down Leganés’ resilient defense.

    The loss sees Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table reduced to a slender advantage over second-placed Atlético Madrid, with both teams now tied on points. Champions Real Madrid, just one point behind, continue to lurk in the title race.

    Barcelona’s struggle to maintain form will be a cause for concern, especially with the upcoming top-of-the-table clash against Atlético Madrid next Saturday.

    With Flick still suspended, Sorg will be tasked with leading the team in what is now a crucial match for the Catalans’ hopes of reclaiming the La Liga title.



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  • Amad Diallo inspires stunning Manchester derby comeback victory

    In a dramatic turn of events, Ivorian forward Amad Diallo emerged as the hero to inspire Manchester United to a stunning 2-1 comeback win against cross-city rivals Manchester City in the Premier League.

    Just when it seemed like United were heading for their third consecutive defeat, Diallo’s brilliance turned the game on its head, much to the dismay of the home supporters at the Etihad Stadium.

    The match began with Manchester City taking the lead in the first half. Josko Gvardiol rose to meet a deflected cross from Kevin De Bruyne, heading the ball past United goalkeeper Andre Onana to give City a 1-0 advantage. Despite City’s dominance, Manchester United kept fighting, and in the final minutes, their persistence paid off.

    READ MORE: Ademola Lookman focused on growth, dismisses Premier League return rumors

    Amad Diallo Turns the Derby Upside Down

    The 22-year-old Amad Diallo was the catalyst for United’s late surge. With the game nearing its conclusion, the Ivorian pounced on a loose backpass from City’s Matheus Nunes. As Diallo tried to find space for a shot, Nunes chased back to recover but instead fouled the United forward inside the penalty box, giving away a penalty.

    Bruno Fernandes stepped up to take the spot-kick, sending Ederson the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.

    But the drama didn’t end there. Just two minutes after the equalizer, Manchester United sealed the victory in extraordinary fashion. Lisandro Martinez played a long ball into the City penalty area.

    Despite being surrounded by three City defenders, Amad was quickest to react, taking a slightly wayward shot that nevertheless managed to slip past Ederson and roll into the empty net.

    Late Heroics and Wild Celebrations

    Bruno Fernandes had earlier squandered a one-on-one chance but made no mistake when it mattered most, converting the penalty with calm composure.

    His equalizer sparked wild celebrations among the traveling Manchester United supporters, who were ecstatic to see their team bounce back from recent setbacks.

    The victory not only ended United’s two-match losing streak but also deepened the wounds of their crosstown rivals, who had been hoping to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League.

    This dramatic Manchester Derby victory will go down as one of the most memorable in recent years, with Amad Diallo’s clinical finishing and composure under pressure making all the difference for Ruben Amorin’s side.



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  • Enyimba Humiliated by Black Bulls

    Enyimba FC’s struggles in the CAF Confederation Cup continued on Sunday as they were thrashed 3-0 by Mozambican side Black Bulls in their Matchday 3 Group D clash in Maputo. The defeat marked the eighth consecutive match without a win for the Peoples Elephant, deepening their woes across all competitions.

    The game saw an early breakthrough for Black Bulls, with Nigerian forward Rume Akporoh scoring a brillant head from a corner kick in the 16th minute. Fidel Souza scored direct from a corner kick to double the advantage in the 57th minute, before Francis Ayuba sealed a dominant 3-0 victory for the Bulls with a strike in the 64th minute.

    With this loss, Enyimba have now recorded just one draw and two defeats from their three group-stage games, leaving them at the bottom of Group D with a single point. Their hopes of advancing to the knockout stages are now hanging by a thread as they continue to struggle for form.

    In the other Group D game, defending champions Zamalek secured a 1-0 win over fellow Egyptian side Al Masry, with Zizo’s 64th-minute strike sealing all three points for the Cairo-based club. As a result, Zamalek now sit at the top of the group with 7 points, while Al Masry remain in second with 4 points, tied with Black Bulls in third. Enyimba’s poor run leaves them rock-bottom with just 1 point.

     

    The People’s Elephant will return to domestic action on December 19, when they face Nasarawa United in the Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 17.



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  • Kate Scott and Jalal Bouzrara to Host CAF Awards 2024

    The CAF Awards 2024 will shine a spotlight on African football’s finest, with two esteemed hosts, Kate Scott and Jalal Bouzrara, leading the prestigious ceremony on Monday, 16 December at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco.

    The event, beginning at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT, 20:00 Cairo time, 21:00 East Africa time), promises an unforgettable evening honoring the continent’s top football talent.

    Kate Scott, a prominent sports journalist with a distinguished career across CNN, SkySports, and CBS Sports, will co-host the ceremony. Fluent in multiple languages—English, French, Spanish, and German.

    Recently, she garnered praise for her role in CBS Sports’ coverage of the football season alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards.

    Reflecting on her upcoming role, Scott said, “I am extremely excited to host the CAF Awards this year. It will be a privilege to be on stage with some of the most influential figures in football. African football gives soul to world football, and the talent emerging from the continent is immense.”

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    Joining Scott on stage will be Jalal Bouzrara, an experienced Moroccan radio and television journalist with over 33 years in the industry.

    Bouzrara, fluent in Arabic, French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese, has worked with FIFA, CAF, and the FRMF on numerous events across Morocco.

    “This is the second time I have the honor and pleasure of hosting this magnificent CAF Awards ceremony,” Bouzrara said.

    “It’s a true privilege to celebrate the best of African football, and the list of nominees this year highlights the remarkable growth of the game on the continent.”

    The CAF Awards 2024 will recognize the exceptional performances of African footballers, coaches, National teams and figures from the past year, showcasing the evolution and global impact of African football talent.



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  • Tinubu tasks NSC Leadership on Sports Development

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) to spearhead the transformation of Nigeria’s sports sector into a viable economic driver.

    He issued this directive during a meeting with NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade at the Presidential Villa.

    The meeting provided the NSC leadership an opportunity to present a progress report on the state of the sports sector. President Tinubu commended their efforts and emphasized the importance of leveraging sports to foster economic growth, youth engagement, and national development.

    “We must position Nigerian sports to not only excel on the global stage but also contribute significantly to the country’s economy,” the President said, urging the NSC to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and ensure sustainable growth across all levels of the industry.

    NSC Leadership Reiterates Commitment  

    Responding to the President’s charge, Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Commission’s leadership.

    He pledged to drive initiatives aligned with the administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda. “We’re focused on transforming Nigerian sports with a sustainable economic model that ensures growth and global competitiveness,” Dikko stated.

    Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade echoed this sentiment, assuring the President of the Commission’s dedication to achieving lasting impact. “We are determined to contribute to the legacy of economic transformation and societal impact you envision through sports,” he affirmed.

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    Focus on Grassroots Development  

    Chief Adegboye Adeyinka, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, highlighted the administration’s commitment to nurturing talent at the grassroots level.

    He assured the His Excellency of robust support for community-driven sports programs designed to discover and develop young athletes across the country.

    The meeting underscored the government’s resolve to elevate the sports sector as a cornerstone of national growth.



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  • Troost-Ekong: Osimhen is a Chelsea fan and future Eagles Captain

    Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has provided intriguing insights into the personality and preferences of Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen.

    The Saudi Arabia based 2023 AFCON winner reflected on the star power and hunger of his compatriot

    Speaking in an interview with Talksports, Troost-Ekong revealed that the Galatarsary forward has a soft spot for Chelsea, hinting at his admiration for the Premier League giants.

    “I can tell you that Victor Osimhen is a Chelsea fan, I can confirm it,” Troost-Ekong shared, offering a glimpse into the off-field interests of the in-form striker.

    The Super Eagles skipper also spoke highly of Osimhen’s qualities both as a player and as a team leader, underscoring his importance to the national team.

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    “He’s a great teammate. In front of the goal, he can be very greedy, but that’s what makes him so effective. He’s someone who speaks up for the team in the changing room, a real leader. I’m sure he’ll be captain soon,” Troost-Ekong added.

    Osimhen was a transfer target for Chelsea during the summer transfer window but the transfer didn’t materialize due to Napoli’s price tag and Osimhen’s salary demands.

     

    The Nigerian striker is out with a muscle injury for the Turkish giants Galatarsary but has scored 10 goals and 5 assist in 13 matches.

    While Troost-Ekong’s comments about Osimhen’s Chelsea fandom has sparked renewed speculation among fans about a potential Premier League move.



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  • Nwakali turns Hero as Barnsley end winless run

    Kelechi Nwakali delivered a match-winning performance on his full league debut, guiding Barnsley to a crucial 2-1 victory over Exeter City at St James Park.

    The Nigerian midfielder’s commanding display in his 6th game and first start not only earned him the Man of the Match award but also helped Barnsley end a frustrating six-match winless run, reigniting their promotion push in League One.

    The game got off to a challenging start for Barnsley, as Exeter City took the lead in the 13th minute.

    Josh Magennis’ deflected free-kick left the visitors trailing at halftime, with Barnsley struggling to find their rhythm.

    Just four minutes into the second half, the 26-year-old midfielder capitalized on a defensive error by Exeter to pounce on the ball and slot it home, leveling the score at 1-1

    Nwakali’s equalizer sparked a resurgence from Barnsley, and just nine minutes later, Stephen Humphrys sent in a perfect cross for Davis Keillor-Dunn, who calmly tapped in the winner to put the visitors ahead.

    Despite late pressure from Exeter, Barnsley held firm to secure their first victory in seven matches, lifting them to 7th place in the table with 30 points.

    Man of the Match Performance

    Nwakali’s influence on the game was undeniable. His goal was a moment of individual brilliance, but it was his overall contribution in midfield that proved to be the key to Barnsley’s success.

    The former Super Eagles player’s vision, composure, and work rate were central to Barnsley’s recovery, making him the standout player of the match.

    READ MORE: Super Eagles striker sidelined until 2025 due to severe injury

    Looking Ahead

    With Nwakali’s form back on track, Barnsley will now look to build on this important victory as they prepare for their next challenge against Leyton Orient on Saturday.

    The win has restored confidence in the squad and given them renewed belief in their promotion ambitions.

    For Nwakali, it was the perfect response to his full league debut, and with his impressive performance, Barnsley will be hoping for more of the same in the weeks to come as they aim to climb the League One standings.



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