Tag: General Sports

18-year-old Nigerian sensation, Eniola Bolaji, has made history by becoming the first African para-athlete to win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.

Bolaji secured a bronze medal in Para Badminton, defeating Ukrainian Oksana Kozyna in two straight sets (21-9, 21-9) on Monday morning.

This remarkable achievement marks Nigeria’s first medal at the Paralympic Games and also the country’s first medal in the Olympics, U20 Champs, and Paralympics combined.

Bolaji’s journey to the podium was not easy; she suffered a defeat in the semi-final to Zuxian (21-16, 21-17) before bouncing back to win bronze.

READ MORE: Falconets secure crucial victory in FIFA U-20 World Cup opener against Korea Republic

Bolaji’s determination to win a medal was fueled by her desire to honor her late coach, Bello Rafiu Oyebanji, who tragically passed away in a motor accident three years ago.

“This is amazing; it’s something I’ve dreamed of. I was training for Tokyo 2020 in mixed doubles, but I lost my coach. So, it is an honor for me to be here,” Bolaji shared.

Training with a club in Spain since November last year has been instrumental in Bolaji’s development.

Eniola Bolaji (photo Credit: Getty Images)

“In Nigeria, I have to take a cab from my house to the stadium, but in Spain, I just have to walk two minutes to the stadium. I play with professional players at the club, so that has helped me,” Bolaji explained.

Bolaji’s historic achievement is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She secured her spot in the last four by defeating India’s Mandeep Kaur 2-0 (21-8, 21-9) in the women’s singles SL3 quarter-finals.

Nigeria’s Para-Badminton players have been making waves at the Paralympic Games, with Bolaji’s compatriots also advancing to the quarterfinals. This bodes well for the future of Nigerian Para-Badminton and highlights the country’s potential in the sport.

Bolaji’s bronze medal win is a milestone moment for Nigerian sports, and her determination and perseverance serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.

Nigeria continues to make strides in international competitions and Bolaji’s achievement will undoubtedly be remembered as a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.

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Nigeria’s U-20 women’s team, the Falconets, are ready to embark on their journey at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia.

The team, led by head coach Chris Danjuma, will face a challenging opening match against the Korea Republic on Monday, September 2, at 12 AM (Nigerian time), at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Coach Danjuma expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and readiness for the competition. “We’re focusing on our tactics and techniques to get it right against Korea, our first assignment,” Danjuma stated. “Once we succeed against them, we’ll set our sights on Germany. I’m pleased to report that we have no injuries in camp, and the girls are ready to make Nigeria proud.”

The Falconets are expected to field a strong lineup, with Faith Omilana likely to start in goal. The defensive setup is anticipated to include Comfort Folorunsho, Shukurat Oladipo, Rofiat Imuran, and Jumoke Alani. In midfield, Oluchi Ohaegbulam will be a key player, supported by Aminat Omowunmi Bello, Yina Adoo, Chioma Olise, and Olushola Shobowale. The attacking duties are expected to fall on the shoulders of Janet Akekoromowei, Opeyemi Ajakaye, Flourish Sabastine, and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu.

READ MORE: Falconets: Christopher Danjuma retains high hopes for World Cup despite friendly loss to Mexico

History in the Tournament

The Falconets have been a dominant force in the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup since their debut in 2002 when the competition was known as the U-19 Championship. Over the years, Nigeria has reached the finals twice, in 2010 and 2014, and made it to the semi-finals in 2012. As they enter the 2024 tournament, the team is determined to build on their impressive history and aim for their first-ever title.

Group D Challenges

Nigeria’s Falconets have been drawn into a challenging Group D, where they will face formidable opponents, including the Korea Republic, three-time champions Germany, and Venezuela. The Falconets will play their second group match against Germany on Wednesday, September 4, and will conclude the group stage with a clash against Venezuela on Saturday, September 7, at the Estadio Pascual Guerrero in Cali.

The Falconets secured their spot in Colombia after a tough qualification journey, overcoming Tanzania and Burundi in the later stages. Now, with the tournament set to begin, the Falconets are focused on making a deep run and showcasing their talent on the global stage.

Results So Far

The 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup kicked off on Saturday, August 31st, with Cameroon playing out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Mexico. The Mexicans took a two-goal lead into halftime, but Naomi Eto’s second-half brace earned a point for the Central Africans.

In another exciting match, France and Canada fought to a 3-3 draw, providing fans with an entertaining encounter. Early on Sunday, September 1st, hosts Colombia started their campaign with a solid 2-0 win over Australia, while Brazil delivered a dominant 9-0 victory against Fiji.

As the Falconets prepare for their first match, the team and their fans are hopeful that Nigeria can make a strong statement in Colombia and continue their pursuit of a maiden FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup title.

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Nigerian winger Moses Simon has begun the new Ligue 1 season on a high note, playing a crucial role in Nantes’ impressive 3-1 away victory against Montpellier.

The match, held at the Stade de la Mosson, saw Simon continue his excellent form, scoring his second goal of the season to help secure all three points for his team.

Nantes started the game strongly, taking the lead in the 24th minute with a goal from Abline. However, Montpellier quickly responded, leveling the score just six minutes later through Nigerian forward Akor Adams.

The game remained evenly poised until the 61st minute, when Simon stepped up to convert a penalty, restoring Nantes’ advantage.

His calm and composed finish from the spot was a testament to his confidence and sharpness in front of goal. Mohamed then put the game beyond doubt with a late strike, ensuring Nantes walked away with their second consecutive win of the season.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Simon’s return to form is particularly noteworthy given his struggles with injury last season, which saw him miss a significant portion of the campaign.

His performance in the opening matches of this season has been a clear indication of his determination to make up for lost time and to re-establish himself as a key player for Nantes.

With two goals in as many matches, Simon is proving to be a vital asset for Nantes as they aim for a strong showing in Ligue 1 this season. His contributions on the pitch will also be eagerly anticipated by the Super Eagles, as he is set to join the national team for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Simon will be hoping to carry his club form into international duty and help Nigeria secure qualification for the prestigious tournament.

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Napoli manager Antonio Conte has issued a stern warning to Victor Osimhen, confirming that the Nigerian striker has been exiled from the first team following the collapse of his potential transfer to Chelsea.

Chelsea made a concerted effort to sign Osimhen during the summer transfer window, but negotiations with Napoli hit a standstill, ultimately leaving the Premier League club without their target as the deadline passed. The main issue reportedly stemmed from Chelsea’s unwillingness to match Osimhen’s current salary or the lucrative offer from Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli.

Despite the interest from Chelsea, Osimhen turned down their proposal, leading to a breakdown in talks and leaving Stamford Bridge officials frustrated. With the transfer window now closed, Osimhen remains a Napoli player, but Conte has made it clear that the striker is no longer in his plans.

This decision was underscored when Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for their dramatic Serie A victory over Parma, where new signing Romelu Lukaku made an immediate impact by scoring.

READ MORE: Nigerian forward Isaac Success quits Udinese

Reflecting on the club’s transfer activity, Conte remarked, “Strong players have arrived from a market that was difficult and at times blocked. They came to fill the slots, and I’m happy with the work done by the club.” However, he added a pointed comment aimed at Osimhen: “Of course, if Osimhen had been sold, we would have completed the situation better.”

Conte’s remarks suggest that Osimhen’s future at Napoli is uncertain, potentially pushing the forward to reconsider a move to Saudi Arabia, especially as Al Ahli recently secured a deal for England’s Ivan Toney.

Meanwhile, Conte praised his squad’s resilience following their comeback win against Parma, acknowledging that while the team showed character, there is still room for improvement.

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Napoli have officially removed Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from their Serie A squad list for the 2024-25 season, deepening the rift between the star forward and the club.

The No. 9 jersey, once worn by Osimhen, has been handed to new signing Romelu Lukaku, signalling a significant shift in the team’s lineup.

Osimhen Dropped After Failed Transfers

Victor Osimhen’s exclusion comes after a disappointing transfer deadline day, where his anticipated moves to either Premier League side Chelsea or Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli fell through. Despite being under contract with Napoli until 2026, Osimhen now faces the possibility of spending the season on the sidelines.

Osimhen, who earns around €10 million per season at Napoli, had been negotiating a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli, where he was set to earn €40 million annually over four years. However, the deal collapsed when Napoli demanded a higher transfer fee, leading Al-Ahli to pursue England’s Ivan Toney from Brentford instead.

READ MORE: Austin Eguavoen set to unveil Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2025 qualifiers

Lukaku In, Osimhen Out as Napoli Unveil Squad

As Napoli prepares for their Serie A match against Parma at the Stadio Maradona, Romelu Lukaku is expected to take on a prominent role, wearing Osimhen’s former No. 9 shirt. The Belgian striker, who joined Napoli from Chelsea, is set to be a key player in the team’s campaign this season, filling the void left by Osimhen’s absence.

Alongside Osimhen, defender Mario Rui has also been removed from Napoli’s squad list to accommodate new signings. However, Nigerian-Italian midfielder Michael Folorunsho retains his spot in the team. Other recent additions, including Billy Gilmour from Brighton, could feature in upcoming matches, while Scott McTominay is expected to debut after the international break.

The decision to exclude Osimhen marks a significant moment in the deteriorating relationship between the player and Napoli, leaving his future with the club in serious doubt. As the Serie A season unfolds, all eyes will be on how this situation evolves and whether Osimhen can find a way back into the team or secure a move elsewhere.

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Nigerian national team midfielder Frank Onyeka has secured a season-long loan move to Bundesliga side Augsburg from Premier League club Brentford on transfer deadline day. The 26-year-old midfielder, who has been a key part of the Super Eagles squad, will spend the 2024-25 season in Germany, seeking a new challenge after three years in the English top flight.

From Brentford to Bundesliga

Onyeka joined Brentford in the summer of 2021 from Danish side FC Midtjylland, a club he moved to from Nigerian club FC Ebedei. While he played an important role in helping Brentford maintain their Premier League status, he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under manager Thomas Frank.

With reports earlier in the transfer window indicating Onyeka’s desire for a change of environment, several clubs, including Spanish side Valencia, expressed interest in the versatile midfielder.

READ MORE: Revealed: Why Bruno Labbadia may not be available for Nigeria vs Benin Republic/Rwanda

However, FC Augsburg, who finished midtable in the Bundesliga last season, secured his signature just hours before the transfer deadline. The German club confirmed the loan deal on their official channels, keeping the terms confidential and only stating that it would be for the 2024/25 season.

Augsburg announced the deal on their official Twitter handle, welcoming Onyeka to the club: “Done Deal! We have signed central midfielder Frank #Onyeka on loan from FC Brentford. Welcome to Augsburg! ”

Onyeka will join his new team after the international break, as he has been named in the Super Eagles squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin Republic and Rwanda on September 7th and 10th, respectively.

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Beyond Limits Academy have announced the transfer of their promising young striker, Adeshina Ayodele, to French Ligue 1 side Lille OSC. The 18-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Lille, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning football career.

Ayodele, born in 2006, has been a highly sought-after talent, drawing interest from several top European clubs, including Belgian side Anderlecht and various Dutch teams. However, Lille ultimately secured the youngster, adding him to their growing list of Nigerian players, following in the footsteps of stars like Victor Osimhen, Osaze Odemwingie, and Vincent Enyeama.

Beyond Limits Academy took to social media to confirm the transfer, expressing their pride in Ayodele’s achievement: “The academy is extremely delighted to announce the transfer of Adeshina Ayodele to Lille of France. The striker has signed a five-year contract with the French giants. We are all proud of you, Shina.”

READ MORE: Revealed: Why Bruno Labbadia may not be available for Nigeria vs Benin Republic/Rwanda

In the wake of the announcement, Ayodele shared an emotional farewell message to his former club, teammates, and staff. In a video posted by Beyond Limits, the young striker expressed his deep gratitude:

“I want to express my gratitude to the coaches, staff, teammates, and fans for the support you have shown me since I became a member of this great family. The academy is my home, and I have been nurtured to become a man. I haven’t only developed as a player, but I have also become a better person in dealing with life challenges, people, and expectations. Thank you for your guidance and belief in me.”

Ayodele’s move to Lille is another success story for Beyond Limits Academy, known for developing top talent for European clubs. This transfer continues the strong pipeline of Nigerian talent to Lille, a club with a proven track record of nurturing young players. With a five-year contract, Lille sees long-term potential in Ayodele, and his journey will be closely watched as he takes this significant step in his career.

For Beyond Limits Academy, Ayodele’s transfer is a testament to their development program and may attract further attention from European scouts searching for the next big talent from Nigeria

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The newly appointed Super Eagles coach, Bruno Labbadia, may miss Nigeria’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in September due to delays in finalising his contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Despite the NFF announcing Labbadia’s appointment earlier this week, it has been revealed that a formal contract with the German tactician has yet to be signed. This development has cast doubt on whether Labbadia will be able to lead the Super Eagles in their upcoming fixtures against Benin Republic on September 7th in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10th in Kigali.

BBC reporter Shina Okeleji highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, “Nigeria is hoping to finalise contractual details with German coach Bruno Labbadia on Friday to enable him to travel to Uyo and take charge of the Super Eagles in AFCON qualifying fixtures against Benin & Rwanda. The desperate NFF announced Labbadia’s appointment without sorting T&C & contract.”

READ MORE: Super Eagles stars talk tough ahead of Nigeria vs Benin Republic

The delay in contract finalisation has raised concerns among football fans and media, who are questioning the NFF’s decision to announce Labbadia’s appointment prematurely. Despite these concerns, the NFF remains optimistic that an agreement will be reached in time for Labbadia to oversee the qualifiers.

Labbadia, a former Bayern Munich striker and seasoned coach with extensive experience in the Bundesliga, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and tactical expertise to the Super Eagles. His appointment comes at a crucial time as Nigeria aims to secure qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and build on their recent successes.

However, this is not the first time the NFF has announced a coach without a signed agreement. The federation’s handling of such appointments has drawn criticism in the past, and the current situation with Labbadia only adds to the concerns.

As negotiations continue, fans will be anxiously waiting to see if Labbadia will be on the sidelines when the Super Eagles take on Benin Republic and Rwanda in their quest for AFCON qualification.

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