Category Archives: SPORT

NEWS, SPORT

NFF Confirms Interim Coaching Appointments for Super Eagles and Super Falcons

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The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met on Thursday to approve the continuation of Coach Augustine Eguavoen as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This decision follows recommendations from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, and Eguavoen will now lead the team in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya next month.

Eguavoen, 58, has a wealth of experience, having previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions. His recent tenure has seen the team achieve a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and secure a scoreless draw with Rwanda in their recent matches earlier this month.

Coaching Staff for Super Eagles B Team Announced

Alongside Eguavoen, the current technical crew—including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec—will also take charge of the Super Eagles B team. This squad will participate in the qualifying campaign for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

New Leadership for Super Falcons

In light of Randy Waldrum’s departure, the NFF Executive Committee has appointed Coach Justin Madugu to lead the Super Falcons as the interim head coach. This decision is pending the appointment of a permanent head coach. Madugu will oversee the team as they prepare for the uupcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals are set to take place in Morocco in the summer of next year.

These appointments mark a significant step for Nigerian football as both teams gear up for their respective international competitions.

NEWS, SPORT

Baroni Praises Dele-Bashiru’s Potential as Modern Midfielder

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Europa League Victory Highlights Nigerian Star’s Impact

Lazio manager Marco Baroni has heaped praise on Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following his stellar performance in Lazio’s 3-0 Europa League triumph over Dynamo Kyiv. The 23-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in the win, scoring a goal and providing an assist, further solidifying his rising status in European football.

Dele-Bashiru’s contributions on Wednesday night underscored his potential as a dynamic force in midfield. His performance caught the attention of Baroni, who, during his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, expressed confidence in the player’s future development.

“When I say that he needs to be built, I mean that he must focus more on tactics and how to fill the game rather than only when the ball is at his feet,” said Baroni. “Once he gets that, Dele-Bashiru will become a great modern midfielder.”

The coach emphasized that while Dele-Bashiru has shown immense promise, refining his tactical understanding and overall game awareness would be key to unlocking his full potential. The young midfielder has made four appearances for Lazio this season, registering a goal and an assist, but Baroni believes there’s much more to come.

Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers Prepares for Tough Europa League Clash Against Malmo

Scottish Side Faces Swedish Giants in Key European Encounter

Elsewhere in the Europa League, Super Eagles and Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers is rallying his teammates for a tough test against Swedish league leaders Malmo. The two sides will face off at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, in what promises to be a competitive clash.

Malmo, currently enjoying an eight-point lead at the top of the Swedish league, have been a formidable force against Scottish clubs, losing only once in their last eight meetings since 2011. Despite the daunting challenge, Dessers is optimistic that Rangers’ recent 3-0 victory over Dundee will serve as a confidence booster.

“Malmo away is not an easy start, but these are the games you want to play when you’re playing in Europe,” Dessers said. “I think the win over Dundee can give us some confidence, a boost, and hopefully we can have a good performance there as well and hopefully win.”

As Rangers gear up for their European challenge, Dessers remains focused on the task ahead, knowing that a positive result could set the tone for a successful Europa League campaign.

NEWS, SPORT

Cricket U-19 World Cup Qualifier- Nigeria Sets to Face Rwanda

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Rising stars of Nigerian cricket aim for World Cup berth as they prepare to take on East African rivals

Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, is set for a high-stakes encounter against Rwanda in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup Africa Qualifier (Division 1) on Saturday. This much-anticipated match is a key step in determining which African teams will qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Malaysia.

The Nigerian team secured their place in the semi-finals after a dominant performance in Group B, sealing their qualification with a game to spare on Monday. Their impressive form continued as they claimed the top spot in the group following a commanding 86-run victory over Malawi on Wednesday. This win set up the crucial semi-final clash against Rwanda, who finished second in Group A.

Zimbabwe, which finished second behind Nigeria in Group B, will take on Uganda in the other semi-final. Both teams are battling for the final spot in the tournament’s final, which offers a ticket to the global stage.

The winner of the Africa Qualifier will earn Africa’s second and final spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup, joining South Africa, who have already secured their place as one of the top finishers from the previous World Cup. The competition has been intense, with each team vying for a coveted position in the global event to be held in Malaysia.

For Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens, this semi-final match represents a crucial opportunity to showcase their growth and potential in international cricket, as they aim to carry the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.

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Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Sets To Co-Hosts CHAN 2025

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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania as the co-hosts for the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN). This prestigious tournament, exclusively featuring players from domestic leagues across Africa, will take place from February 1st to 28th, 2025.

CAF has yet to finalize the host stadiums and training facilities for the competition, but further details are expected soon. The tournament will mark a significant milestone as it will be the first time three East African nations jointly host CHAN, showcasing the region’s growing prominence in African football.

Qualification Path and Tournament Format

The journey to the 2025 CHAN will commence with the first round of qualifiers set for the weekends of October 25-27 and November 1-3, 2024. The second round of qualifiers will follow on December 20-22 and December 27-29, 2024.

The tournament will feature 19 teams, an increase from previous editions. The qualification slots have been distributed among CAF’s regional zones as follows:

–West African Football Union (WAFU) Zones A and B: Three teams each

– Union of North African Football (UNAF): Three teams

– Central African Football Federations’ Union (UNIFFAC): Three teams

– Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA): Three teams

– Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA): Three teams, with the hosts receiving an additional slot

The CECAFA zone, which includes Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will have one more team qualifying alongside the three co-hosts, making it a unique opportunity for East African football to shine on the continental stage. While the host nations are automatically qualified, they will also participate in the qualifiers, and the CECAFA team with the best performance will secure an additional spot in the final tournament.

This expansion to 19 teams provides a broader representation across Africa, further enhancing the competitive nature of the CHAN tournament.

A Historic Event for East Africa

The decision to host the tournament across three countries highlights CAF’s confidence in the East African region’s footballing infrastructure and ability to stage a high-profile event. This will be a landmark occasion for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, offering a platform to develop local talent and boost the region’s football reputation.

As preparations begin, excitement is already building across the continent as teams gear up for qualification, with anticipation of an unforgettable tournament in February 2025.

CAF

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Media Accreditation Application for CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 now open

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The media accreditation application window for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024 is now open.

The accreditation window will close on Saturday, 04 October 2024.

The sixth edition of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations will take place from 19 to 26 October 2024 in Hurghada, Egypt.

The event will feature Egypt (hosts), Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritania, Mozambique and Malawi.

Media interested in covering the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024 can apply via the CAF Media Channel.

CAF

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Anthony Joshua Earns Millions Despite Knockout Loss to Daniel Dubois

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In a dramatic heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua suffered a fifth-round knockout loss to fellow Brit Daniel Dubois. Despite the defeat, Joshua is set to walk away with significantly higher earnings than Dubois, highlighting his star power in the boxing world.

According to reports Joshua was guaranteed £6 million simply for stepping into the ring. Depending on pay-per-view sales, his total earnings could soar to an impressive £25 million. In contrast, Dubois, who shocked many with his victory over the veteran fighter, secured a guaranteed purse of £3.5 million, with the potential to rise to £10 million.

At 34, Joshua’s ability to command such substantial sums despite the loss is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the sport. His fan base remains among the largest in boxing, and the fight drew record-breaking attention. Turki Alalshikh, a key promoter of the event, claimed an attendance of “more than 98,128” fans, setting a new benchmark for British boxing matches.

After the bout, Joshua, now with four career losses, took to Instagram to address his supporters. In a video posted on Monday, he thanked his fans and expressed his determination to continue his boxing career, despite mounting calls for his retirement.

“We came up short, but we’ve got to look at all the positives, and that’s the mindset we have to have—a positive one, always,” Joshua said. “Look at what we’ve achieved in the space of 11 years. I want to thank everyone who’s been riding with me. What a rollercoaster journey! But you know what the problem is? It’s far from over yet.”

Meanwhile, Dubois’ victory has skyrocketed him to the top of the heavyweight division, positioning him as a potential contender for marquee fights against elite opponents like Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. A rematch with Joshua also looms as a possibility, given the high stakes and fan interest.

While Joshua reflects on his next steps, Dubois’ future seems brighter than ever, with major fights likely on the horizon as he cements his place among the heavyweight elite.

SPORT

AS Roma Parts Ways with Manager Daniele De Rossi Following Winless Start

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After a disappointing beginning to the Serie A season, Roma has made the decision to terminate manager Daniele De Rossi’s contract. 

The club, which has only secured three points in four Serie A matches, has faced challenges under De Rossi’s leadership.

De Rossi, a revered figure at Roma, served as the team’s captain for many years before transitioning to the role of manager in 2023 following Jose Mourinho’s departure. Despite a promising start, the team has struggled to find consistency, prompting speculation about De Rossi’s future at the club.

The recent SSerie A season commenced a few weeks ago, with Roma managing to secure only three draws and suffering one defeat in their four matches, a performance not seen since the 2010-11 season. 

Roma releases statement 

The club however released a statement to that effect expressing their gratitude for De Rossi’s contributions to the club both as a former player and a manager. 

De Rossi

“AS Roma announces that it has relieved Daniele De Rossi of his role as head coach of the First Team,” reads the official statement.

“The Club’s decision is adopted in the interest of the team, in order to be able to promptly resume the desired path, at a time when the season is still at its beginning.

To Daniele, who will always be at home in the Giallorossi Club, a heartfelt thank you for the work carried out in recent months with passion and dedication.

Communications on the team’s technical guidance will follow.”

Consequently, the quest for De Rossi’s replacement has begun, with various seasoned managers being considered for the position.

AS Roma supporters eagerly await nnews on who will be entrusted with revitalizing the club and guiding them back to their former glory.