Tag: General Sports

Rangers International edged out US Zilimadjou 1-0 in the first leg of the CAF Champions League preliminary round tie. The match, played at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, saw Frank Uwumiro’s 22nd-minute strike secure a vital away win for the Flying Antelopes.

Rangers International, the reigning NPFL champions, dominated the first half, with Uwumiro’s goal from a perfectly placed corner giving them a well-deserved lead. The Comoros Island side, US Zilimadjou, struggled to contain the Nigerian champions, who dictated the pace of the game.

Akwa Ibom-born Saviour Isaac was the standout player for Rangers International, showcasing his exceptional skills and demonstrating why he is a key player for the team. The 22-year-old central midfielder started the match and played for 80 minutes, using both feet with ease and displaying his versatility on the field.

READ MORE: Akwa  Ibom-born Saviour Isaac shines as Rangers beat Zillimadjou in CAF CL match

Isaac’s vision and ability to read the game were evident in the early stages of the match, when he capitalized on a loose ball and set up Chinemerem Ugwueze for a tap-in. Although Ugwueze fired over the goal post, the opportunity highlighted Isaac’s expertise and ability to create scoring chances.

Throughout the match, Isaac consistently found space to receive passes and distribute the ball to his teammates, controlling the tempo of the game and dictating the flow of play. His performance was greeted with thunderous applause from the home crowd, who recognized his exceptional talent and work rate.

Isaac’s experience and maturity on the field were evident, and he played with a confidence that belied his young age. Having joined Rangers International from Vandrezzer FC at the end of the 2022-23 Nigeria National League season, Isaac has established himself as a key player for the Flying Antelopes.

With his jersey number 8, Isaac is a force to be reckoned with on the field. His ability to play with both feet and his exceptional vision make him a valuable asset to Rangers International. As the team progresses in the CAF Champions League, Isaac’s contributions will be crucial to their success.

The second leg of the round will be played on Friday, August 23, 2024, at the same venue, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo. Rangers International will look to build on their away win and secure a spot in the next round of the competition. With Isaac’s form and the team’s dominant performance, they are well-placed to achieve their goal.

Source

Date: Sunday, August 18, 2024T

Time:15:00 WAT

Venue: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo

Match Details:

Rangers International of Enugu will face off against Comoros Islands side, U.S. Zilimadjou, in the first leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round fixture. Due to the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium’s failure to meet CAF standards, Rangers will play their home games in Uyo.

Team News:

Rangers International arrived in Uyo on Wednesday, August 14, with a 26-man delegation, including players, coaches, and management officials. Their opponents, U.S. Zilimadjou, also arrived in the country on the same day.

Coach’s Quote:

Rangers Coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, expressed optimism about playing both legs in Nigeria, stating, “Playing both legs in Nigeria is an advantage, as it reduces stress and allows us to focus on the game. We’ve built a squad that can perform anywhere, and we’re 100% prepared for this match.”

Team History:

Enugu Rangers are one of Nigeria’s oldest clubs and the only team never to have been relegated from the Nigeria Premier Football League. They have participated in the African Cup of Champions Clubs seven times and the CAF Champions League three times.

Head-to-Head:

This is the first meeting between Rangers International and U.S. Zilimadjou.

Recent Form:

Rangers International are looking to advance past the second round in the CAF Champions League for the first time in their history. U.S. Zilimadjou has been on an 11-match unbeaten streak since February.

Prediction:

With their experience and home advantage, Rangers International are favored to win. However, U.S. Zilimadjou’s recent form and unbeaten streak make them a formidable opponent.

The stage is set for an exciting encounter between two teams with different strengths and motivations. Will Rangers International capitalize on their home advantage and advance to the next round, or will U.S. Zilimadjou’s unbeaten streak continue? The answer will be revealed on Sunday, August 18, at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.

Source

FIFA has celebrated Nigerian football sensation Asisat Oshoala for her outstanding display at the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup. The world football governing body shared a video compilation of her tournament highlights, captioning it, “Agba Baller, from the very start.”

Oshoala’s performance during the 2014 U-20 Women’s World Cup was nothing short of extraordinary. The young forward scored seven goals, earning her the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player. Her remarkable talent and drive helped Nigeria finish as runners-up.

Oshoala’s success didn’t stop at the youth level. She played a crucial role in winning the 2014 African Women’s Championship with the Super Falcons and was crowned African Women’s Footballer of the Year for the first time, a title she has since claimed a record six times.

READ MORE: Rangers International vs U.S. Zilimadjou CAF Champions League Match Preview

The Nigerian star has made history on the European stage, becoming the first African player to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League with Barcelona in 2021, 2023, and 2024. She was also the first African woman to score in a UEFA Women’s Champions League final and win the Primera División’s Pichichi Trophy.

In August 2022, Oshoala became the first African woman nominated for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. Her illustrious career has seen her shine for top clubs across the globe, including Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona.

Nigeria prepares to participate in the 11th edition of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia and Oshoala’s achievements serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Nigerian players. The Falconets will battle for honors in Group D alongside Germany, South Korea, and Venezuela.

Oshoala’s legacy continues to pave the way for Nigerian women’s football, and her recognition by FIFA is a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. As the world watches the upcoming U-20 World Cup, fans will be eager to see if a new star will emerge to follow in Oshoala’s footsteps.

Source

El-Kanemi Warriors, one of Nigeria’s representatives in the 2024/25 CAF Confederation Cup, secured a dramatic late draw in their Preliminary Round first-leg encounter with Dadje FC.

Trailing 1-0 at half-time following a 30th-minute goal by Bless Salassi, the Maiduguri-based side equalized in the dying moments of the game. Ajiji Samuel was the hero, finding the back of the net at the death to level the score.

READ MORE: French-Nigerian midfielder joins Southampton on loan from Chelsea

The match took place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State. The second leg of the tie, which will determine qualification for the next round, is scheduled for next Saturday at Stade de l’Amitie General Mathieu Kerekou in Cotonou.

This campaign marks El-Kanemi Warriors’ third appearance on the continental stage and their first since participating in the 1993 CAF Cup Winners’ Cup, where they narrowly lost 1-0 to Al-Ahly in the semi-finals.

El-Kanemi Warriors will be hoping to build on this late equalizer and secure progression to the next round with a strong performance in the return leg in Cotonou.

Source

Nigerian forwards Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella played key roles as Bayer Leverkusen won the German Super Cup in a dramatic penalty shootout against Stuttgart.

Despite being down to 10 men, Leverkusen showed great determination. Patrik Schick came off the bench to score and make it 2-2, taking the game to a penalty shootout.

The Nigerians were in the spotlight, with 23-year-old Boniface scoring the first goal in the 11th minute after a pass from Edmond Tapsoba. This early goal put Leverkusen ahead, but Stuttgart’s Enzo Millot equalized just four minutes later, making it 1-1.

Things got tough for Leverkusen when Martin Terrier received a red card for a rough tackle, reducing the team to 10 men. Coach Xabi Alonso then made a surprising decision to substitute Boniface after just 41 minutes, bringing on Jonathan Tah instead.

READ MORE: Tobi Amusan poised for return after Paris Olympics setback

Despite the challenges, Leverkusen fought back. Patrik Schick scored a late goal to tie the game at 2-2 and force a penalty shootout. Leverkusen eventually won the shootout, securing the German Super Cup.

With this win, Leverkusen extended their unbeaten run at home to 44 matches and added the Super Cup to their previous Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles.

Coach Alonso said, “We had to make tough decisions, but the team showed great resilience. The early goal from Boniface was crucial, and Schick’s late strike was vital for our comeback.”

Boniface’s early substitution highlighted the tactical challenges, but Leverkusen’s determination and teamwork led them to victory.

Source

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in a bid to promote Nigerian football and encourage media teams to project their clubs has announced plans to institute an award for the best football club media teams at the end of every season.

This initiative was revealed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer of the NPFL, at a seminar organized by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the NPFL for media directors of Premier League teams in Makurdi, Benue State.

According to Owumi, the award aims to recognize and reward media teams that excel in promoting their clubs and Nigerian football as a whole. He emphasized the importance of media officers in marketing their clubs’ stars and knowing the framework of the league.

READ MORE: French-Nigerian midfielder joins Southampton on loan from Chelsea

The seminar, attended by media directors from 20 Premier League teams, aimed to sensitize media officers on their role in transforming Nigerian football. Owumi stressed the need for a concerted effort to move Nigerian football forward, urging media officers to be aware of the league’s rules and educate their club chairmen and managers.

This initiative is a step in the right direction, as it acknowledges the crucial role media teams play in promoting Nigerian football. By recognizing and rewarding outstanding media teams, the NPFL aims to encourage more innovative and effective media strategies, ultimately enhancing the league’s reputation and appeal.

The NPFL’s commitment to improving Nigerian football is evident in this initiative, and it is hoped that it will yield positive results in the coming seasons. As the league continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and support the media teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes to promote their clubs and Nigerian football.

Source

Nigeria’s hurdling star, Tobi Amusan, is poised to make her return to the track after the setback at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Amusan, the women’s 100m hurdles World Record holder, failed to qualify for the Olympic final, finishing third in her semifinal heat—a surprising result given her consistent success in major championships since 2018.

In Paris, USA’s Masai Russel claimed her first Olympic title, narrowly defeating Cyrena Samba-Mayela, while Tokyo 2021 champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn took the bronze. Amusan’s unexpected exit has kept her away from the spotlight, but her comeback is now on the horizon.

Return at the Silesia Diamond League

Amusan is set to return at the Silesia Diamond League on August 25. This event is crucial as she aims to earn maximum points to qualify for the Diamond League final.

READ MORE: World record holder faces shock exit from Paris 2024 Olympics

Although she will miss the Lausanne Diamond League on August 22, which will feature many of the Paris Olympic finalists, her focus remains sharp for Silesia.

Amusan’s Goals and Expectations

As the defending champion, Amusan hopes to overcome the disappointment of Paris and secure a top finish in Silesia. Her goal is to place among the top four, ensuring her position in the Diamond League final in Brussels. A win or strong performance in Silesia would keep her in contention for her fourth consecutive Diamond League title—a record that would cement her legacy as the only female hurdler to achieve such a feat.

Amusan’s resilience and determination will be key as she seeks to bounce back from her Olympic disappointment and continue her dominance on the global stage.

Source

Former Super Eagles striker and Chelsea legend, Mikel Obi, has expressed his disappointment and frustration with the current state of affairs at Chelsea. In a recent interview, Obi berated the Chelsea board, labeling the club’s situation as “an absolute mess.”

Since the BlueCo Consortium took over in 2022, Chelsea has adopted a new transfer policy, bringing in numerous young and unproven players from abroad. However, most of these players have struggled to find their footing, leading to the team’s poor performance in the past two seasons.

Obi, who spent 11 years at Chelsea, has been vocal about his displeasure with the club’s recent trajectory. He emphasized that Chelsea should be competing at the top level, not struggling to avoid being a mid-table club.

READ MOR: Coach Daniel Ogunmodede reveals why he is optimistic Remo Stars will overcome ASFAR FC CAF Champions League challenge

“We can’t have another bad season; we want to win now,” Obi said. “With the way the club is run right now, with all these players and the structure of the club, it’s an absolute mess. Somebody needs to sort it out.”

Obi also expressed his concerns about the appointment of Enzo Maresca, who he believes is relatively untested as a manager. With a tough start to the season ahead, including a match against Manchester City, Obi fears that Chelsea may not have a good season.

The former Nigeria captain’s comments come as Chelsea prepares for a crucial season, with fans hoping for a turnaround in fortunes. Obi’s words serve as a wake-up call for the Chelsea board, emphasizing the need for a clear strategy and effective leadership to restore the club’s glory days.

Chelsea navigates this challenging period and the voices of legendary players like Mikel Obi must be heard. His insight and experience offer a unique perspective on the club’s struggles, and his passion for Chelsea’s success is undeniable.

Will the Chelsea board take heed of Obi’s warnings, or will the club continue down a path of uncertainty? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear – change is needed to restore Chelsea’s status as a top-tier club.

Source

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed all clubs in the top flight to establish functional websites within the next month. This decision was made at a one-day summit for club media directors held in Makurdi, Benue State.

The move aims to support social media platforms in driving engagement and securing revenue streams. NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, informed club media directors that a letter would be sent to clubs without websites, instructing them to set up theirs within a month.

Owumi also emphasized the importance of personal development for media officers to improve their skillset and contribute to their club’s engagement with fans and communities.

The summit featured presentations from resource persons, including NPFL Director of Media, Harry Iwuala, who spoke on becoming an effective club media officer. Multimedia journalist Andrew Randa discussed deploying multimedia tools to enhance club media functions.

READ MORE: 30 Nigerian female coaches in deep course for CAF C-Licence

NPFL Head of Legal and Compliance, Uche Egbe, explained relevant codes and rules guiding club officers’ conduct. Other speakers included Lazarus Ibeabuchi, head of public relations at StarTimes, and Andrew Ekejiuba of GTI Assets Management.

The 2024/25 NPFL season is set to begin on August 31 with an opening fixture between reigning champions Enugu Rangers and Federation Cup winners El-Kanemi Warriors.

This initiative demonstrates the NPFL’s commitment to promoting Nigerian football and enhancing fan engagement. By establishing websites, clubs can increase their online presence, share updates, and attract sponsors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

Source

French-Nigerian midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has joined Southampton on a season-long loan from Chelsea in a move aimed at gaining valuable first-team experience.

The 20-year-old’s impressive performances during Chelsea’s pre-season tour in the USA caught the attention of Southampton, leading to the loan deal.

Ugochukwu, who made 15 appearances for Chelsea during his debut season, expressed his excitement about joining Southampton, citing the club’s rich history and the opportunity to work hard and give his all for the fans and himself.

He also mentioned the influence of former Chelsea player Mikel Obi, a Nigerian legend, in his decision-making process.

READ MORE: NPFL board gives clubs only one month to launch websites

Southampton, who recently secured promotion to the Premier League by winning the Championship playoffs, provides an ideal platform for Ugochukwu’s development. The loan spell is expected to offer him regular playing time, helping him hone his skills and establish himself in the Premier League.

Chelsea confirmed the move on social media, wishing Ugochukwu the best for the upcoming season. This loan deal demonstrates Chelsea’s commitment to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Ugochukwu’s move to Southampton also reunites him with Joe Aribo, a fellow Nigerian midfielder. The two players will likely play a crucial role in Southampton’s Premier League campaign, and their partnership could be an exciting aspect of the season.

Ugochukwu embarks on this new chapter in his career and he will be eager to make a lasting impact and justify Chelsea’s faith in him. With his talent, dedication, and the guidance of Southampton’s coaching staff, he is poised for a successful loan spell and a bright future in English football.

Source