Rafiu Salami, the coach of Nigerian men handball team, has expressed confidence in the ability of his wards to spring surprises at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana. A total of 26 men’s senior players began intensive camping in Lagos ahead of the 13th Africa Games which will be held in Ghana from March 8 to 23, 2024. Salami said during an interview that the players have to maintain the momentum gathered at the last Nations Cup in the forthcoming African Games. The ex-international said, “The African Games is a different ball game from the African Nations Cup. “If…
Author: ROSEMARY UGIOMOH
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Namibian official Ndemugwanitha Twanyanyukwa as referee, with her compatriots Eveline Augustinus, Olivia Amukuu and Vistoria Shangula in the roles of assistant referee 1, assistant referee 2 and fourth official respectively. Alice Wangari Kimani from Kenya will serve as referee assessor while Christine Ziga from Ghana will be the commissioner. The Nigeria/Cameroon clash which kicks off at 4pm at M.K.O Abiola Stadium, Abuja will see both teams fighting for a place in the final round of the qualifier having settled for a goalless draw in the first leg of the encounter in Douala…
Virgil van Dijk’s header in the 118th minute earned a youthful Liverpool side a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the EFL Cup final, making this the first of the seven individual trophies Jürgen Klopp has won with the Reds to be lifted twice by the German. While Chelsea entered this match aiming to kickstart Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure, Liverpool were hoping that it would provide the first silverware of a trophy-laden swansong season for Klopp. There was a nervy start with so much at stake, but the Reds settled into the occasion quicker and saw a looping Luis Díaz header saved…
Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Board, has assured that they are bent on keeping a stable league calendar going forward. While in a chat, Elegbeleye said the stable calender helps in planning, assuring that the league board would do everything possible within its power to make the league stable. “A lot of factors militate against a stable calender and we will ensure the matches and date are fixed to avoid an unstable calender,” he assured. The NPFL boss stressed that a stable calender would help Nigerian teams prepare well for the season. According to…
Head Coach Randy Waldrum and Captain Rasheedat Ajibade are confident Nigeria’s Super Falcons will overcome the challenge of Cameroon and reach the final round of the African qualifying series for this year’s Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France. Waldrum led his ladies to a scoreless draw in the first leg in Douala on Friday, with the Nigerians rueing a disallowed goal by Jennifer Echegini early in the second half. Both squads then joined the same flight from Douala into Abuja on Sunday morning. “We played a good game in Douala and we are confident of our chances to get the…
Alex Iwobi says he was confident Fulham will defeat Manchester United despite the Red Devils scoring a late equaliser. His Super Eagles teammate Calvin Bassey gave Fulham the lead from a corner before Harry Maguire levelled from close range in the 89th minute. However, Fulham responded well to the setback and it was Iwobi who popped up to score the winning goal in the 96th minute. His strike earned Fulham their first away win against United since October 2003, ending a run of 16 visits to Old Trafford without a victory. Speaking after the game, Iwobi said he was “over the moon” with the…
The Championship of African Nations (CHAN) is already being considered for opening by the Patrice Motsepe-led Executive Committee of the African football governing body. The competition’s initial goal is to amuse the participants who are plying their football trade in their native country. Based on the latest information provided by CAF, it appears that they are already thinking about offering continental players the chance to represent their countries. ” We will study this point in the Executive Committee. “This must be an evolution for CHAN. Motsepe stated, “The most important thing is that African players be recognised and take part…
With the next edition fast approaching, the brain behind the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, Frank Ilaboya, has thrown light to the reasons behind the event. “We received two pleasant surprise messages yesterday from two most respected individuals in sports journalism and sports marketing. “Before I share their messages, I want to say that members of the Organising Committee and I are deeply humbled by these messages which touched on the credibility of Sportsville Special Recognition Awards. “Mr Jenkins Alumona and Taye Ige, MD/CEO of Flykite Productions and President/CEO of HotSports Group respectfully, spoke about the credibility of the…
Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has attributed Nigeria’s commendable performance at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Côte d’Ivoire, to the collective efforts and determination of all stakeholders involved in Nigerian football. However, he emphasized that there is still significant work ahead for the Ministry and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to elevate Nigerian football to its rightful place on the continent and globally. Speaking during a media interview, Senator John Owan Enoh underscored the importance of developing local football, particularly focusing on enhancing the Nigerian league. He highlighted the need for increased…
Randy Waldrum, the coach of Super Falcons, has expressed optimism that his side would get the job done against Cameroon in Abuja on Monday. The nine-time African champions were held by the Indomitable Lionesses to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their 2024 Olympic Games third-round qualifying fixture in Douala on Friday. Jennifer Echegini’s 52nd-minute strike was controversially ruled out for offside in the game. According to him; “We don’t fear anybody. We played the European champions (England) to penalty kicks in the World Cup and held the Olympic gold medalist (Canada) to a draw at the World…