Tag: General Sports

Chidozie Awaziem’s winning run with Cincinnati FC came to an end as the team suffered a 4-2 loss to Philadelphia Union in the Leagues Cup Round of 16. Awaziem had been instrumental in Cincinnati’s three straight wins, but the team couldn’t overcome Philadelphia’s strong attack.

The match started with a goalless first half, but Philadelphia Union scored twice in ten minutes to take the lead. Cincinnati fought back with goals from Pavel Bucha and DeAndre Yedlin, but Philadelphia Union scored twice more in the last ten minutes to secure their place in the quarterfinals.

Awaziem played the full 90 minutes, while compatriot Obinna Nwobodo was substituted in the 85th minute as Cincinnati pushed for a comeback.

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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami also crashed out of the Leagues Cup with a 3-2 loss to Columbus Crew. Despite taking an early lead with two goals, Inter Miami couldn’t hold off Columbus Crew’s strong comeback. Diego Rossi scored a brace for Columbus Crew, sending Inter Miami out of the competition.

Lionel Messi’s absence was deeply felt as Inter Miami struggled to create scoring opportunities. The team had relied heavily on Messi’s creativity and goal-scoring ability, and his absence left a significant gap in their attack.

Chidozie Awaziem in action for Cincinnati FC

Cincinnati FC’s promising run in the Leagues Cup came to an end with their loss to Philadelphia Union. Despite Awaziem’s impressive performances, the team couldn’t overcome Philadelphia’s strong attack.

The Leagues Cup has provided a platform for teams to showcase their skills, and Cincinnati FC has shown promise in their performances. However, they will need to regroup and refocus for their upcoming matches.

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Bayelsa United bolstered their chances of reaching the finals of the Governor Douye Diri pre-season tournament with a 2-1 victory over Abia Warriors on Wednesday, August 14, 2024.

The win was a crucial boost for the Prosperity Boys, who had previously lost to Sunshine Stars FC of Akure.

After two matches, Bayelsa United now sits second in Group A with 3 points, trailing leaders Akwa United by just one point. Sunshine Stars also have 3 points but are in third place, while Abia Warriors are at the bottom of the group with only 1 point.

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The triumph against Abia Warriors has been hailed as a testament to both the team’s potential and Coach Ladan Bosso’s tactical acumen. As the team continues to find their rhythm, fans are hopeful for a promising season ahead.

Bayelsa United’s final group stage match against Akwa United will be decisive. A win would see them top the group and secure a spot in the finals, while a draw or loss could see them miss out on the next stage of the tournament.

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Real Madrid achieved a historic milestone by securing their sixth UEFA Super Cup title with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta. The triumph marks an unprecedented sixth Super Cup win for the Madrid giants.

The match, held at the National Stadium in Warsaw, saw Real Madrid’s new signing, Kylian Mbappé, make a strong debut. The French forward scored one of the two goals that led to the victory. Federico Valverde scored the opening goal for Real Madrid, tapping in from close range around the hour mark, before Mbappé sealed the win with a clinical finish.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised his team’s performance and made strategic decisions that paid off. Ancelotti, now the first coach to win the Super Cup five times, left Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé on the pitch for a significant portion of the game, a move that proved effective.

“Ancelotti gets huge credit for how long he kept Vinícius Jr. and Mbappé on the pitch,” noted Graham Hunter, a Real Madrid reporter. “That paid off – big time. Madrid were very, very impressive in this win.”

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Atalanta, who won their first European trophy in May, put up a strong fight despite missing several key players. They went close to scoring on a few occasions, with Mario Pašalić forcing a stunning save from Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois and both sides hitting the woodwork in the first half. Atalanta’s manager, Gian Piero Gasperini, and his team were praised for their performance against the Champions League holders.

“Despite missing key players, Atalanta played on par with the UEFA Champions League winners for almost an hour,” commented Paolo Menicucci, an Atalanta reporter. “Their performance cements their European reputation.”

With this win, Real Madrid continues to set records and maintain their position as a dominant force in European football. As the new season begins, the Madrid side will look to build on this success and continue their impressive run.

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Relegated Doma United has announced the dissolution of its current management, technical crew, and backroom staff.

The decision follows the club’s disappointing relegation despite a strong start to the season. The announcement was made on Wednesday, 14th August, 2024.

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In a statement, the club expressed its commitment to repositioning itself to achieve future objectives. “Doma United Football Club wishes to announce the dissolution of all current Management, Technical Crew, and Backroom Staff. This decision is part of our ongoing commitment to reposition the club toward achieving our objectives,” the statement read.

Training for the upcoming season will resume on August 24, 2024. The club will reach out to retained players from last season to discuss their status and will focus on recruiting top-quality players who meet the club’s high standards and long-term plans.

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In a keenly contested match at the Gov Douye Diri Pre-Season Football Tournament, Akwa United secured their first victory with a 1-0 win over Sunshine Stars, thanks to a second-half goal by striker Mare Abson.

This result propelled Akwa United to the top of Group A with four points from two games.

After a 1-1 draw against Abia Warriors on Matchday 1, Akwa United’s head coach, Muhammed Baba Ganaru, made significant changes to the starting line-up. His tactical adjustments in the second half proved effective, with Abson scoring the match-winning goal.

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In the other Group A fixture, Bayelsa United defeated Abia Warriors 2-1. Consequently, Bayelsa United and Sunshine Stars both have three points, while Abia Warriors are at the bottom of the group with just one point.

Coach Baba Ganaru expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance and urged them to maintain their high standards in the upcoming matches.

Akwa United’s final group stage match against hosts Bayelsa United will determine their qualification for the final. A win or draw in that match will secure their spot in Sunday’s final.

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Super Eagles defender William Troost-Ekong has travelled to Saudi Arabia where he is on the cusp of finalizing a move to Al Khalood.

After a successful year with PAOK in Greece, where he played a key role in their Super League title victory and helped secure six clean sheets, Troost-Ekong is ready for a new challenge.

The Nigerian international has been pivotal for PAOK, contributing significantly to their defense and playing a crucial role in their Champions League playoff matches. However, he is now set to leave Greece and join Al Khalood, a newly promoted side in the Saudi Arabian League.

Troost-Ekong was seen traveling with his agent, David Moss, to Saudi Arabia to finalize the move. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on X, “William Troost-Ekong and his agent David Moss are on their way to Saudi Arabia as he’s signing for Al Khalood.”

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Al Khalood has been actively seeking quality players to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season, and Troost-Ekong’s addition is expected to bolster their defense as they aim to make an impact in the league.

The official announcement of Troost-Ekong’s move to Al Khalood is anticipated to be completed soon, marking the start of a new chapter in the defender’s career.

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Benue State government is set to host a two-day media summit for media officers of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs. Scheduled for Thursday and Friday, August 15-16, 2024, in Makurdi, the event aims to discuss the significance of media in the growth and success of football as a global business.

The summit comes ahead of the 2024-25 NPFL season, which kicks off on Saturday, August 31, with a thrilling encounter between reigning champions Rangers and Federation Cup winner El-Kanemi Warriors. This event provides a platform for media officers to share ideas, best practices, and strategies for promoting Nigerian football.

With the NPFL gaining popularity, the role of media in shaping the league’s narrative cannot be overstated. As the new season approaches, fans are eager to see their teams in action.

Rangers, the defending champions, will face a stiff challenge from other top teams, including El-Kanemi Warriors, who won the Federation Cup last season.

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The NPFL has grown in reputation, attracting attention from football enthusiasts across the continent. The league’s success is largely attributed to the efforts of media officers who work tirelessly to promote the teams and the league. According to Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, Arsenal and Manchester City are the top contenders for the Premier League title this season.

However, the NPFL has its own share of exciting matches, with the opening fixture between Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors promising to be a thrilling encounter. In other sports news, Tanzanian club Dodoma Jiji has signed Osaghae and Obata from Bendel Insurance. Ikorodu City has confirmed the signing of Rivio Ayemnwere, while Enyimba has appointed Olanrewaju as their new head coach.

The NPFL continues to grow, with teams strengthening their squads ahead of the new season. Fans can expect exciting matches, and the media summit in Benue will play a crucial role in promoting the league.

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Ahead of their crucial CAF Champions League encounter this Sunday, NPFL teams Remo Stars and Rangers Int’l have assure their teeming fans of Victory.

The stage is set for the CAF Champions League preliminary round, and Nigerian teams Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars are ready to take on their opponents. The two teams will be representing Nigeria in the prestigious competition, and they are determined to make a strong impression.

Enugu Rangers will face US Zilimadjou of Comoros in the first leg at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Sunday, August 18. The team’s coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, is confident in his team’s preparedness, stating that they are “gradually getting to the level required to challenge positively in the CAF Champions League.”

READ MORE: CAF Champions League: Rangers Int’l depart Enugu for Uyo ahead of their CAF Champions League match with US zilimadjou

Remo Stars, on the other hand, will take on Moroccan club AS FAR at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on the same day. The team’s media director, Oladimeji Oshode, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to deliver a strong performance against AS FAR, saying they have “learned from their previous encounter” and are determined to make a positive impact.

Both teams have been preparing intensively for the matches, with Enugu Rangers engaging in pre-match training activities and Remo Stars fine-tuning their strategy. The teams are aware of the importance of the matches and are determined to give it their all.

The CAF Champions League is one of the most prestigious club competitions in African football, and Nigerian teams have a rich history in the competition. Enugu Rangers and Remo Stars will be looking to follow in the footsteps of previous Nigerian winners, including Enyimba and Heartland.

Fidelis Ilechukwu who led a young Rangers team to the NPFL title (Image credit: The Athletic Images)

The matches promise to be exciting encounters, with both Nigerian teams determined to make a strong impression in the competition. The first legs will be played on Sunday, August 18, with the return legs scheduled for the following week.

Match Details:

– Enugu Rangers vs. US Zilimadjou: Sunday, August 18, 3 p.m. at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo
– Remo Stars vs. AS FAR: Sunday, August 18, 4 p.m. at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne

The matches will be intense and closely contested, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the first legs. Enugu Rangers will be relying on their home advantage to take down US Zilimadjou, while Remo Stars will be looking to use their knowledge of AS FAR to their advantage.

Remo Stars players celebrates after scoring a goal. Photo Credit: The Athletic Images

The winners of the preliminary round will advance to the next stage of the competition, where they will face tougher opponents. The ultimate goal is to reach the group stage and compete against the best teams in Africa.

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On Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) celebrated the formal partnership with Premium Trust Bank, naming the institution as the Official Bank of the NFF and the National Teams. The signing ceremony was a significant event, reflecting the growing collaboration between Nigerian sports and the financial sector.

NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau MON, announced that the four-year agreement will see Premium Trust Bank contribute N300 million annually to the football federation, with a 10% increase in the annual payment each year. Gusau expressed gratitude for the bank’s support, noting the institution’s rapid development and enthusiasm for promoting Nigerian sports. “We are excited to be associated with Premium Trust Bank due to its credible and close relationship with sports in its less-than-three-year existence,” Gusau said. “The organization’s enthusiasm and commitment to supporting Nigerian youth from the grassroots to stardom have been remarkable.”

Premium Trust Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim CON, highlighted the bank’s ongoing support for sports since its inception.

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This includes partnerships with the Athletic Federation of Nigeria, support for world record holder Tobi Amusan, sponsorship of the 2022 National Sports Festival in Delta State, backing for Bayelsa Queens in the CAF Women’s Champions League in Morocco, and sponsorship of the 2024 Abuja Half Marathon. The bank will also sponsor this year’s National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

Emefienim emphasized the bank’s deliberate approach to supporting sports, stating, “We believe the private sector has a role to play in providing platforms for youth to showcase their talents and contribute positively to the nation. Our support for the NFF and football aligns with our commitment to national development and excellence.”

In his remarks, Gusau assured Nigerians of his administration’s dedication to advancing Nigerian football in all areas. He called on other credible corporate entities to follow Premium Trust Bank’s example and support Nigerian football, celebrating the partnership as a significant step towards enhancing the sport in the country.

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KAA Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha, a Nigerian international, is no longer being pursued by Lokomotiv Moscow due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions surrounding Russia’s involvement in the war with Ukraine.

The 26-year-old center-back has attracted interest from several European clubs, including Premier League sides, Serie A teams, and Bundesliga club TSG Hoffenheim.

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Torunarigha has been a crucial figure in Gent’s defense over the past two years, contributing four goals and five assists. He is familiar with the Bundesliga, having developed his career at Hertha Berlin, where he made 81 appearances before his move to Gent.

Hoffenheim has emerged as the frontrunner to secure Torunarigha’s signature, with a valuation of €5 million, though Gent could demand up to €8 million. The defender has represented Germany at youth level before committing to Nigeria at the senior level, earning one cap for the Super Eagles so far.

Italian sources have linked Torunarigha to Torino, with Bologna also expressing interest in securing his services. West Ham United are reportedly considering a move for the defender, while Hoffenheim’s interest has become more concrete, although no formal bid has been confirmed.

Lokomotiv Moscow’s approach was stymied by the ongoing issues surrounding Russia’s involvement in the war with Ukraine, effectively ending their pursuit of the defender. KAA Gent remains prepared for Torunarigha’s departure before the summer transfer window closes.

The transfer window nears its end andTorunarigha’s future remains uncertain. However, with several European clubs vying for his signature, it is clear that he will have a crucial role to play in the upcoming season.

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