Tag: General Sports

Rivers United head coach Finidi George has asserted that his team thoroughly deserved their 3-1 victory over Heartland in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday two clash.

The Pride of Rivers claimed the win at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt on Saturday, with an impressive performance that saw them secure the three points.

Finidi George praised his side’s efforts, highlighting the positive aspects of their performance despite a brief lapse in the first half. Taofeek Olaniyi opened the scoring for Rivers United in the third minute, heading in a cross from Aniekeme Okon past Heartland goalkeeper Ebuka Nwokocha.

Heartland responded with an equaliser late in the first half, as Christian Molokwu converted a long throw-in from Chijioke Opara to level the score. However, the second half saw Rivers United reassert their dominance.

Substitute Kabir Abdullahi scored in the 60th minute to restore Rivers United’s lead, and he added another goal in added time to seal a comfortable 3-1 victory.

READ MORE: NPFL: Finidi slaps Amunike again

In his post-match comments, Finidi George expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, stating, “It was a good game. We started with a high tempo, but after that goal, the tempo dropped, and Heartland started playing. Unfortunately, they got that goal, and we were furious about it. We had to motivate the boys, especially in the second half.”

He continued, “The second half was ours; Heartland couldn’t do much apart from one or two breaks they had. We controlled the game, and overall, we deserved to win.”

Finidi George also noted the ongoing development of his team, saying, “The team is practically new, so we have been working with the players tactically and technically, and they are responding well.”

The victory marks a positive start for Rivers United in their NPFL campaign, as they look to build on this momentum in the upcoming fixtures.

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Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has shed light on the inspiration behind his ‘weird’ unique celebration in their recent win against Hoffeinhem.

The Nigerian striker had reportedly pulled down his shorts to the laps level while staring weirdly at the wild Bayer Leverkusen fans.

READ MORE: Club chairman makes shocking financial revelations after Niger Tornadoes return to Minna home stadium

Speaking to reporters in the post-match press conference, Boniface explained that the celebration was a promise he made to a prominent Nigerian influencer.

“I didn’t want to provoke anyone, I did it in front of our fans. It’s a TikTok trend from a big influencer in Nigeria. I promised him I would celebrate like that, I just hadn’t scored yet,” he revealed.

Boniface’s celebration has sparked curiosity among fans and pundits alike, with many wondering about the story behind the unusual gesture.

The Nigerian striker’s clarification provides a fascinating insight into the intersection of sports and social media.

The 23-year-old Boniface has been in impressive form for Bayer Leverkusen, and his goal-scoring exploits have not gone unnoticed.

His unique celebration has added to his growing reputation as one of the most exciting young strikers in the Bundesliga.

When quizzed about the influencer’s identity, Boniface remained tight-lipped, preferring to keep the focus on the football.

However, his admission highlights the significant influence of social media on modern football.

Players are increasingly using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter to connect with fans and showcase their personalities. Boniface’s celebration is a testament to this trend, demonstrating how social media can shape the way players express themselves on the pitch.

The football world continues to evolve and it will be interesting to see how players incorporate social media trends into their celebrations. Boniface’s nod to Nigerian TikTok culture has already sparked a conversation about the intersection of sports and social media.

Bayer Leverkusen’s next match will see Boniface looking to continue his impressive form, and potentially unleash another celebration inspired by the world of social media.

With his unique blend of skill and personality, Boniface is fast becoming a fan favorite in the Bundesliga.

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Victor Osimhen marked his highly anticipated Galatasaray debut with a strong performance, providing an assist as the Turkish giants dismantled Rizespor 5-0 on Saturday at the Türk Telekom Stadium.

The Nigerian striker, who joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli during the summer transfer window, wasted no time making his presence felt. Though he was denied a debut goal, Osimhen played a crucial role in the Lions’ attacking display, orchestrating play and contributing an assist that helped secure the dominant victory.

Galatasaray took early control of the game, with two first-half goals giving them a comfortable lead going into the break. Osimhen’s influence in the build-up to one of these goals was evident, as his movement and link-up play were integral to the team’s fluid attack.

READ MORE: Super Eagles Ola Aina pockets Salah as Nottingham Forest stuns Liverpool at Anfield

The second half saw Galatasaray continue to pile on the pressure, with Gabriel Sara, Dries Mertens, and Baris Alper Yilmaz all finding the net to complete the rout. Osimhen’s assist was one of the highlights of the match, as he demonstrated his ability to contribute beyond scoring goals.

While the 25-year-old forward might have been disappointed not to get on the scoresheet himself, his overall performance delighted Galatasaray fans, who were thrilled to see their new signing integrate so seamlessly into the team. The Nigerian’s energy, vision, and attacking presence have already made him a fan favorite.

Osimhen, who is a key player for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, will be looking to build on this promising start as the season unfolds. Galatasaray supporters will no doubt be eager to see him find the back of the net in upcoming fixtures, but his debut assist and overall contribution signal a bright future for the striker in Turkey.

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Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has expressed his admiration for his Galatasaray teammates Mauro Icardi and Michy Batshuayi, describing them as “legends” and “deadly players”.

In a recent interview, Osimhen praised the duo’s exceptional skills and experience, emphasizing his eagerness to learn from them.

“Icardi is a legend of this game. Batshuayi is also a deadly player. I have things to learn from them. We will cooperate, we will improve each other’s quality,” he stated.

READ MORE: Victor Boniface reveals inspiration for ‘weird’ goal celebration at Hoffeinhem

Osimhen’s comments highlight the strong team dynamic at Galatasaray, where he has recently joined on loan from Napoli for the 2024-2025 season.

The Nigerian international’s arrival is expected to bolster the Turkish giants’ attacking options, and his partnership with Icardi and Batshuayi promises to be a formidable force.

Icardi, an Argentine striker, brings vast experience and goal-scoring prowess to the table, having played for top-tier clubs like Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain. Batshuayi, a Belgian forward, has also impressed with his clinical finishing and versatility.

Osimhen’s willingness to learn from his teammates demonstrates his commitment to improving his game and contributing to Galatasaray’s success.

The 25-year-old striker has already made a significant impact in his career, scoring crucial goals for Napoli and the Nigerian national team.

Galatasaray’s attacking trio is expected to play a pivotal role in the team’s quest for domestic and European honors.

With Osimhen’s pace and power, Icardi’s finesse, and Batshuayi’s clinical finishing, the Turkish giants possess a formidable attacking arsenal.

The season unfolds, fans will be eager to witness the chemistry between Osimhen, Icardi, and Batshuayi. Their partnership has the potential to become one of the most lethal attacking trios in European football.

Victor Osimhen has scored 63 goals in 120 appearances for Napoli. Mauro Icardi has netted 154 goals in 314 games for his previous clubs while Michy Batshuayi has scored 114 goals in 253 appearances for club and country.

The Super Eagles forward debuted today in Galatasaray’s 5:0 thumping of Rizespor, grabbing an assist on his first assignment for the Turkish giants.

Galatasaray’s next match will see Osimhen, Icardi, and Batshuayi looking to continue their impressive form.

With their combined talents, the Turkish giants are poised for a successful campaign.

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Nigeria is gearing up for the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup Africa Division One qualifiers in Kigali, with the Nigeria Cricket Federation (NCF) reaffirming its commitment to women’s cricket development.

NCF President Uyi Akpata highlighted the importance of gender equality in the sport and emphasised the federation’s efforts to build a strong female national team.

The upcoming qualifiers, starting September 22, serve as a crucial step in the NCF’s strategic plan.

Akpata praised initiatives like the Nigeria-Ghana U-19 Women Series and school outreach programs aimed at nurturing young talent. He also noted the success of Nigeria’s senior women’s team, which recently won a bronze medal at the African Games and currently tops the Kwibuka Cricket Chart after three wins.

These initiatives, combined with a women’s cricket league in the South-South region, reflect the NCF’s ongoing dedication to expanding opportunities for women in the sport, signaling a bright future for Nigerian women’s cricket.

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Remo Stars secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sunshine Stars in a thrilling South West derby encounter at the Ikenne Stadium on Saturday.

The win marks the Sky Blue Stars’ second consecutive victory in the new Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.

New recruit Ibrahim Shuaibu scored the game’s only goal in the 7th minute, capitalizing on a long ball from veteran Ifeanyi Anaemena to fire past Sunshine goalkeeper David Obiazor.

READ MORE: Victor Osimhen reveals his ‘idols’ at Galatasaray

The goal set the tone for a fiercely contested match, with both teams creating scoring opportunities.

Remo Stars nearly doubled their lead when Franck Mawuena intercepted a clearance from the Sunshine goalkeeper, but Ibrahim’s follow-up goal was disallowed due to offside.

The visitors, who kicked off their campaign with a win last weekend, remained competitive throughout the match.

In the second half, Sunshine Stars showed more purpose in attack, with a goal ruled out for offside.

Remo goalkeeper Obassa Adeniyi made crucial stops to deny the visitors, while skipper Junior Nduka made a goal-line clearance to preserve the lead.

The win propels Remo Stars to the top of the NPFL table, with two wins from two matches.

The Ikenne side is seeking its first league title, and this victory demonstrates their determination.

In another match, 2022 champions Rivers United secured their first win of the season with a 3-1 victory over Heartland.

Kabiru Abdullahi scored twice off the bench, while Christian Molokwu’s equalizer for Heartland was cancelled out by Taofeeq Olaniyi’s opener for Rivers United.

The remaining fixtures of match day two will be played on Sunday, with fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling encounters in the NPFL.

Key Stats:

– Remo Stars: 2 wins from 2 matches
– Ibrahim Shuaibu: 1 goal in 2 appearances for Remo Stars
– Sunshine Stars: 1 loss from 2 matches
– Rivers United: 1 win from 2 matches

Follow us for more updates on the Nigeria Premier Football League and other sports news.

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen made his highly anticipated debut for Galatasaray against Rizespor on Saturday, but was denied a stunning goal in the 2-0 win.

Osimhen, who joined the Turkish giants from Napoli, showcased his aerial ability with a well-placed header in the 25th minute, doubling Galatasaray’s lead.

However, the goal was awarded to teammate Abdülkerim Bardakci after a review, leaving Osimhen without a debut goal.

Despite this, Osimhen’s performance was impressive, and he demonstrated his clinical touch in front of goal.

READ MORE: Super Eagles Ola Aina pockets Salah as Nottingham Forest stuns Liverpool at Anfield

Galatasaray dominated the encounter, with Osimhen’s header building on an earlier strike from Davidson Sanchez.

The Nigerian international’s debut was highly anticipated, and he did not disappoint, showcasing his skills and cementing his place in the starting lineup.

Osimhen’s transfer to Galatasaray came with high expectations, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s domestic and European campaigns.

His debut performance suggests that he is ready to meet these expectations and make an immediate impact.

The win marks Galatasaray’s second of the season, and they will be hoping to build on this momentum.

Osimhen’s addition to the squad has strengthened their attacking options, and they will be looking to challenge for honors in Turkey and Europe.

In other news, Osimhen’s Nigerian compatriots, Olawoyin Ibrahim and David Akintola, featured for Rizespor in the clash.

The game was a showcase of Nigerian talent, with Osimhen’s performance highlighting his status as one of the country’s top strikers.

Galatasaray’s next match is against Istanbulspor, and Osimhen will be looking to score his first goal for the club. With his impressive debut performance, he is sure to be a key player for the team this season.

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Leicester City were minutes away from securing their first Premier League win of the season, thanks to a brilliant performance from Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi, but a late penalty allowed Crystal Palace to snatch a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

The Foxes, winless in their first three league games since their return to the top flight, earned a valuable point, with Ndidi playing a key role throughout the match.

Coming off a loss to Aston Villa, Steve Cooper’s men showed confidence against Crystal Palace, starting strongly. Leicester dominated early, with Ndidi pulling the strings in midfield. The Nigerian midfielder picked out Jordan Ayew twice within the opening five minutes, but the Ghanaian forward failed to convert either chance.

Crystal Palace nearly took the lead against the run of play, but Wout Faes made a crucial intervention to keep the score level. Leicester continued to push forward, and it was Jamie Vardy who broke the deadlock. The veteran striker rounded the Palace goalkeeper to score into an empty net after being expertly set up by Ndidi, giving Leicester a 1-0 lead heading into halftime.

READ MORE: What Samson Siasia said about returning to Super Eagles coaching job

Leicester started the second half with the same intensity, doubling their lead almost immediately. Ndidi was again instrumental, setting up Steph Mavididi to make it 2-0 in the 46th minute. However, Crystal Palace responded quickly, with Jean-Philippe Mateta pulling one back for the Eagles moments later.

As the game progressed, Palace piled on the pressure, and Steve Cooper substituted the impressive Ndidi, bringing on Hamza Choudhury to help protect the lead. Despite Ndidi’s outstanding display—two assists, four key passes, and three big chances created—Leicester’s hopes of a first league win were dashed in stoppage time.

In the second minute of added time, Conor Coady conceded a penalty after fouling in the box. Mateta stepped up to convert, rescuing a point for Crystal Palace and denying Leicester a much-needed victory.

Leicester City will be left ruing their missed opportunity, but Ndidi’s standout performance offers a glimmer of hope for the matches ahead.

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Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has expressed his excitement and gratitude after being part of the Super Eagles coaching team during the September international break.

Nigeria secured crucial results in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including a 3-0 win over Benin Republic and a goalless draw against Rwanda.

Ogunmodede, alongside Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu, was appointed as an assistant to interim head coach Augustine Eguavoen for the matches.

He reflected on his experience, vowing that the coaching staff can bring success to the Super Eagles with the support of Nigerians.

READ MORE: What Victor Boniface said about his latest FIFA rating

“I am deeply honored to have answered the call to serve our beloved country,” Ogunmodede wrote on Twitter. “Let’s remain positive and united in our pursuit of success. Together, we can be better.”

The young tactician, who led Remo Stars to a second-place finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) last season, is open to continuing his role with the national team.

He has expressed his willingness to accept a permanent position if offered.

With Nigeria set to face Libya in the next round of AFCON qualifiers in October, there are growing calls for Ogunmodede and Ilechukwu to remain part of the coaching setup.

Their contributions have reignited discussions on the importance of promoting top NPFL coaches to the national team.

Ogunmodede’s enthusiasm and commitment to the national team’s success have been well-received by fans and stakeholders.

His experience and expertise, combined with the support of Nigerians, could be the key to unlocking the Super Eagles’ full potential.

The team prepares for the next round of qualifiers, Ogunmodede’s message of unity and positivity resonates. With the right mindset and support, the Super Eagles can achieve greatness, and Ogunmodede is eager to be a part of it.

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Former Super Eagles coach Finidi George has finally broken his silence on the allegations made by Victor Osimhen in June.

Osimhen had accused Finidi of questioning his commitment to the national team, sparking a heated debate in Nigerian football.

In an interview with Nigeria Info Port Harcourt, Finidi expressed shock and disappointment at Osimhen’s outburst, stating that he had never questioned the player’s commitment.

“We had a workable relationship. I had never questioned his commitment. I was surprised when I saw the video,” Finidi said.

READ MORE: What Remo Stars head coach said about Super Eagles permanent job

Finidi explained that he had a good working relationship with Osimhen during his time as assistant coach under Jose Peseiro.

He also revealed that he had told Osimhen to take time off with his family when he called to offer support despite being injured.

Finidi attempted to reach out to Osimhen after the video surfaced online but never received a response.

“Somebody sent it to me. I’m not a social media person, somebody forwarded it to me. He was like, ‘Oh boy, you don’t see this one?’ I said, ‘No ooo’. Then I sent him a message that said, ‘What did you hear that you’re going hard on me like this? I said it’s not fair’.”

Despite the saga, Finidi has moved on and wishes Osimhen a prosperous career. “I’ve moved on.

Osimhen is someone I’ve always liked and that will not change. He has made a mistake, but I’ve moved on, I can’t be thinking about that. It’s already spilled milk. My life goes on and I wish them well, I wish him well in his career.”

Finidi’s response has brought closure to the controversy, and it’s clear that he holds no grudges against Osimhen.

Finidi now focuses on his new role as head coach of Rivers United and Nigerian football fans will be watching to see how Osimhen responds to Finidi’s olive branch.

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