Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Category: Sports

  • 24 Countries Seal Qualification For 2023 AFCON

    24 Countries Seal Qualification For 2023 AFCON

    All 24 countries that will trade tackles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire have sealed qualification for the tournament.

    Five-time AFCON champions Cameroon on Tuesday spanked Burundi 3-O to complete the star-studded list of qualified teams.

    A breakdown of the qualified countries shows that 12 former AFCON champions, including three-time champions Nigeria will be on parade come January, 2024.

    Hosts, Cote d’Ivoire will be leading a strong West African contingent of 11 countries, including holders Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Burkina Faso among others.

    Tanzania representing East Africa returns for a second finals after a brave showing in the qualifiers.

    The North Africans are represented by seven-time champions Egypt, World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.

    Egypt will be looking for an eighth unprecedented title, having reached two of the last three finals in 2017 and at the 2021 edition.

    There will be no debutants in this edition, as the continent’s football power houses managed to maintain and seal qualification.

    The 2023 AFCON will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, after it was postponed from it’s original June, 2023 date.

    Full list of 24 qualified countries are: Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire (Hosts) and DR Congo.

    Others are Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco and Mozambique,

    Others are Namibia, Nigeria, Senegal (Title Holders), South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia and Zambia.

  • AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0

    AFCON Qualifier: Osimhen Nets Hat-trick As Eagles Maul Sao Tome 6-0

    Ballon d’Or nominee, Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick that took his tally to 10 in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and also ensured Nigeria finished as group winners in the race to Cote d’Ivoire.

    Having drubbed their opponents 10-0 in both teams’ first encounter in the Moroccan city of Agadir in June 2022, the Eagles, who had already qualified for the finals no matter the scoreline, were in no danger on the lush turf of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

    They expectedly started on the front foot, in front of a capacity crowd of 30,000 spectators, but Semi Ajayi’s firm header off a corner kick by Kelechi Iheanacho in the second minute was punched away by goalkeeper Ronaldo Silva.

    Silva was by far the busiest of the two goalies on the night, and had to be alert and active four minutes later as England-based forward Taiwo Awoniyi turned and struck a fierce one inside the box. He would however, have no answer when Osimhen, with seven goals in five previous qualifying matches, rose above the defence to head in from close range off a corner kick by Ademola Lookman.

    Awoniyi’s header missed narrowly three minutes later, but the visiting goal-tender again had to pick the ball from his net in the 27th minute when Lookman received a pass from on-field captain Wilfred Ndidi and sashayed past two defenders before tucking it past the goalie for Nigeria’s second of the evening.

    Seven minutes into the second half, Awoniyi had the crowd on his feet when he chested a flick by Iheanacho and blasted past Silva from close range.

    Everything was on a roll and Osimhen scored his ninth goal of the qualifying campaign in the 70th minute, when he won and converted a penalty kick with Silva sent the wrong way.

    With 10 minutes left, the goal king did his Ballon d’Or nomination no harm with a third goal after a flowing move that had substitute Samuel Chukwueze and Awoniyi contributing.

    There was still time for Chukwueze to score a sixth, with five minutes left, after he was picked out by fellow substitute Victor Boniface on the left side of the visitors’ defence.

    Osimhen deservedly won MTN’s Most Valuable Player of the Match award and pocketed the sum of N1 million naira, while Lookman was selected the Man of the Match and picked up a cheque for N1 million from Nigerian Breweries PLC.

    Next up for the Super Eagles is a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles also in Uyo on 17 November.           

  • NFF holds 79th Annual General Assembly in Uyo

    NFF holds 79th Annual General Assembly in Uyo

    The 79th General Assembly of Nigeria Football Federation will take place in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.

    The annual plenary of Nigeria’s football governors at all levels will commence with an opening ceremony that is expected to be graced by His Excellency, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar.

    President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau will, alongside the Executive Committee that he heads, welcome the delegates composed of chairmen and secretaries of the 44 members of the NFF (including FA chairmen and secretaries of the 36 States and the FCT). Also expected are members of the Akwa Ibom State cabinet, eminent football stakeholders and NFF Management and Staff.

    The business session, which begins after the opening ceremony, will kick off fully with an address by the NFF President, and such regular matters such as suspension or expulsion of members (if applicable), activity report of the General Secretary, presentation of the consolidated and revised balance sheet and profit-and-loss statement, approval of the financial statements and the budget, and admission for membership (if applicable) are on the agenda.

    On the agenda as well are votes on proposals for amendments to the Statutes, the regulations governing the application of the Statutes and the Standing Orders of the General Assembly (if applicable), and discussion of proposals submitted by the Members and the Executive Committee.

    After the conclusion of the assembly, the delegates and other invited guests and stakeholders will proceed to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final-day qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Falcons and True Parrots of Sao Tome and Principe, which begins at 5pm.

    Nigeria, on 12 points and already qualified for next year’s continental showpiece in Cote d’Ivoire, need only the minimum win to secure leadership of their group ahead of Guinea Bissau’s Djurtus, who are on 10 points and host the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Bissau.  

  • Eagles’ Coach, Peseiro signs new NFF deal

    Eagles’ Coach, Peseiro signs new NFF deal

    *Lists Ekong, Simon, Osimhen, 20 others for Sao Tome and Principe

    The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Mr. Jose Santos Peseiro have reached an agreement for the latter to continue in his role as Head Coach of the Senior Men National Team of Nigeria, Super Eagles.

    As stipulated in the original contract, drawn in May 2022, the Portuguese has been handed the mandate to lead the Super Eagles to, in the minimum, the semifinals of the 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals taking place in Cote d’Ivoire in a few months.

    Peseiro has steered the Super Eagles through the qualifiers and to a ticket with a match to spare, including a 10-0 record international win against Sao Tome and Principe in Agadir, Morocco in June 2022.

    He has now agreed to continue in the role after accepting a pay cut on his earlier terms, with the new agreement also putting him in charge of the Super Eagles B – the home-based professionals who contest the biennial African Nations Championship.

    Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ supremo has invited on-field captain William Ekong, defender Tyronne Ebuehi and Semi Ajayi, midfielders Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka, and forwards Moses Simon, Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi, among others, to next weekend’s qualification series final-day encounter against Sao Tome and Principe in Uyo.

    Peseiro called three goalkeepers (including home-based Olorunleke Ojo), eight defenders, four midfielders and eight forwards for the game, slated for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Sunday, 10 September.

    Nigeria, on 12 points from their previous five matches, are already guaranteed a place in the finals, but must earn at least a point to be sure of topping the group ahead of second-placed Guinea Bissau, who are on 10 points and play at home to Sierra Leone in Bissau.

    Peseiro has called for the first time, Belgium-based centre-back Jordan Torunarigha and forwards Victor Boniface and Gift Orban, and there are recalls for Portugal-based left back Bruno Onyemaechi and defensive midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

    ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

    Goalkeepers: Francis Uzoho (Omonia FC, Cyprus); Olorunleke Ojo (Enyimba FC); Adebayo Adeleye (Hapoel Jerusalem, Israel)

    Defenders: Olaoluwa Aina (Nottingham Forest, England); Tyronne Ebuehi (Empoli FC, Italy); Jordan Torunarigha (KAA Gent, Belgium); William Ekong (PAOK FC, Greece); Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Jamilu Collins (Cardiff FC, Wales); Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista FC, Portugal)

    Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Joe Ayodele-Aribo (Southampton FC, England); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England)

    Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Moses Simon (FC Nantes, France); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Osimhen (Napoli FC, Italy); Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, England); Gift Orban (KAA Gent, Belgium); Victor Boniface (Bayern Leverkusen, Germany).

  • We’ll collaborate with SWAN to revitalise sports, says Minister

    We’ll collaborate with SWAN to revitalise sports, says Minister

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan-Enoh has expressed his commitment to partnering with the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and other stakeholders to reinvigorate the sports landscape in the country.

    Owan-Enoh made this assurance during a courtesy visit to his office by SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin and a delegation.

    Recognising the pivotal role the media plays in sports, the minister emphasized the significance of collaboration between sports ministers and associations such as SWAN for achieving success.

    He acknowledged the importance of the visit, highlighting that it marked the first occasion an association or group had visited his office.

    He stated, “The sports sector is one of the sectors that has dedicated journalists concerned about its development. The beginning step of anyone who would be a minister is this kind of engagement and I thank you for that.” Owan-Enoh expressed his commitment to leveraging this partnership effectively.

    Owan-Enoh also underscored the ministry’s commitment to enhancing the capacity of sports writers to improve the quality of sports reporting. However, he encouraged SWAN members to uphold objectivity in their reporting and avoid sensationalism, which could potentially contribute to crises.

    While pledging to rejuvenate the sports sector and ensure its rightful prominence, Owan-Enoh humbly acknowledged his human fallibility. He reiterated his commitment to transparent and fair leadership, vowing to diligently discharge his duties.

    Responding, SWAN President Isaiah Benjamin conveyed that the visit aimed to fortify collaboration and elevate the status of sports. He assured the minister of SWAN’s dedication to showcasing the achievements of athletes and administrators to the global audience.

    Benjamin urged the minister to extend support to all sports federations, not solely focusing on football. He emphasized SWAN’s role in highlighting both successes and areas that require improvement.

    Benjamin also assured the minister of SWAN’s unwavering commitment to ensuring his success through constructive engagement.

    This meeting marked a positive step toward fostering cooperation between the Ministry of Sports Development and SWAN for the advancement of sports in Nigeria.

  • FIFA suspends Spanish football chief, Rubiales over Hermoso kiss

    FIFA suspends Spanish football chief, Rubiales over Hermoso kiss

    The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) on Saturday suspended Spanish federation chief, Luis Rubiales from all football related activities for three months over allegations of an unwanted kiss on the lips of player Jenni Hermoso after Spain’s women won the World Cup.

    Rubiales` suspension from national and international activities takes immediate effect, FIFA said in a statement about the action taken by its disciplinary committee chief Jorge Ivan Palacio.

    FIFA had opened disciplinary measures against Rubiales on Thursday over his actions last Sunday in Sydney.

    He said he would defend himself to prove his “complete innocence”.

    Rubiales, 46, has been defiant over the kiss which has been condemned as unwanted by Hermoso, her team mates and the Spanish government – arguing it was consensual.

    Earlier on Saturday the Spanish federation he heads had said it would stick by him.

    After the FIFA statement, a spokesperson for the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said: “We respect all the pronouncements of FIFA.”

    In a statement hours before FIFA’s announcement on Saturday, the Spanish federation said it would show there had been lies told about what happened by Hermoso or people speaking for her.

    The statement, issued on the RFEF website, said it would take appropriate legal action to defend Rubiales’ honour, but did not say what the action would consist of.

    In a statement through the federation, Rubiales said: “Luis Rubiales has stated that he will legally defend himself in the competent bodies.” 

  • World Athletics Championship: Amusan storms to 100m hurdles final

    World Athletics Championship: Amusan storms to 100m hurdles final

    Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan has qualified for the final of the 100m hurdles event at the ongoing 2023 World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary.

    Amusan, who ran in lane seven, returned in time of 12.56 seconds to finish first in the Heat 2 of the semifinal, to ensure she booked her place in the final.

    In spite of a slow start, the reigning world champion recovered in time, clocking to finish ahead of Jamaican Achkara Nungent and Dutch Nadine Visser, who finished in time of 12.60s and 12.62s, respectively.

    Amusan has now qualified for her third consecutive world championship final.

    Former World Record holder Kendra Harrison won the first semifinal race in 12.33s, while Jasmine Camacho-Quinn took Heat 3 in 12.41s, ahead of Nia Ali in 12.49s.

    The 26-year-old Amusan had set the world record at the 2022 World Championship in Eugene, U.S.

    She had her anti-doping suspension provisionally lifted just before the commencement of the championship.

    The 2023 World Athletics Championship which started on August 19 is expected to end on August 27.

  • MLS: Messi inspires Inter Miami to Leagues Cup triumph

    MLS: Messi inspires Inter Miami to Leagues Cup triumph

    In a thrilling culmination of the League’s Cup, Inter Miami emerged victorious by triumphing over Nashville SC in a captivating final.

    The match, which concluded with a 1-1 draw, was eventually settled through a marathon penalty shootout that ended 10-9 in favour of Inter Miami.

    Adding to the intensity of the occasion was the continuation of Lionel Messi’s impressive winning streak since his arrival at the MLS side. The Argentine maestro’s impact was felt once again as he propelled his team to a seventh consecutive victory.

    Messi’s influence manifested early in the game, as he masterfully opened the scoring in the 23rd minute. His sensational strike, a fierce shot from a considerable distance, eluded multiple defenders and found its home in the top left corner of the net. This marked his 10th goal in the inaugural tournament.

    Nashville’s Fafa Picault countered for the home team in the 57th minute, equalizing the score and setting the stage for an exhilarating second half during which both teams came agonizingly close to seizing the lead in a rollercoaster-like fashion.

    In the climactic shootout, it was Nashville’s goalkeeper, Elliot Panicco, who missed the decisive penalty, paving the way for Inter Miami’s triumph. This victory held special significance as it secured Inter Miami, an MLS franchise established in 2020, their very first trophy.

    The jubilant scenes that followed were truly captivating, as Messi’s elated teammates hoisted him into the air in celebration. Meanwhile, Miami’s co-owner, David Beckham, could be seen exultantly raising his fists in a display of triumph.

    Reflecting on the momentous victory, Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender expressed his immense pride: “Contributing to our inaugural win in a final is an immense honor. This team’s dedication and hard work, day in and day out, culminated in this incredible outcome. The resilience and belief displayed are truly remarkable.”

    Callender’s standout performance earned him the title of man-of-the-match, having saved two crucial penalties during the shootout and confidently converted his own penalty.

    The transformation within Inter Miami’s gameplay has been palpable since Messi’s arrival, despite the team having a challenging season in the MLS. The infusion of Messi’s talents sparked an offensive surge, resulting in the squad netting an impressive 22 goals over their last seven matches.

    For Messi, this triumph marked his 44th trophy—an unparalleled achievement. The seven-time Ballon d’Or recipient was rightfully bestowed with the title of player of the tournament, which brings together teams from both MLS and Liga MX.

    Miami’s head coach, Gerardo “Tata” Martino, reflected on the closely contested game: “It was a closely matched encounter where either team could have clinched victory. The tie seemed just, and the eventual penalty shootout required composure, exceptional goalkeeping, and ultimately led to our victory.”

  • Premier League Recap: Arsenal, Newcastle triumph; Brighton overwhelm newcomer Lutton

    Premier League Recap: Arsenal, Newcastle triumph; Brighton overwhelm newcomer Lutton

    Arsenal embarked on their fresh Premier League journey with a tense 2-1 victory at home against Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The opening half witnessed goals from Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka, securing Arsenal’s win while Newcastle exhibited a remarkable performance, crushing Aston Villa 5-1.

    During the Arsenal encounter, Taiwo Awoniyi of Forest and Nigeria momentarily unsettled the Gunners with a late goal, narrowing the lead to 2-1 after trailing for the majority of 79 minutes. Despite this, the win propelled last year’s runners-up to three points, level with leaders Manchester City. The victory margin, however, placed them second due to goal difference, as the reigning champions outperformed Burnley 3-0 on Friday.

    The match’s kickoff experienced a 30-minute delay at Emirates Stadium due to turnstile issues, hampering the fans’ timely entry. Nevertheless, Arsenal initiated the game with vigor, asserting dominance through possession and penetrating Forest’s defense.

    Although an early defensive mishap provided Brennan Johnson an opportunity to approach the goal, his shot soared over the bar, leaving Forest’s manager Steve Cooper in exasperation. Arsenal’s perseverance paid dividends as they overcame Forest’s resilient defense. This breakthrough occurred when Gabriel Martinelli’s exquisite pirouette baffled defenders, setting up Nketiah to slot the ball past former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Turner.

    The lead doubled merely six minutes later when 21-year-old Saka seized the ball at the edge of the box and elegantly curved his shot from a distance, thwarting Turner’s chances of a save.

    Brighton Shatters Lutton’s Premier League Return with Convincing 4-1 Win

    In one of the exhilarating goal-filled fixtures on Saturday, Brighton and Hove Albion dampened Luton Town’s aspirations for a successful comeback to top-tier football. Brighton achieved this through a comprehensive 4-1 triumph against Lutton in their Premier League clash.

    Lutton, reentering the top division after a 31-year absence, found themselves on the defensive for a significant portion of the game. They visibly fatigued towards the end, enduring the consequences of Brighton’s dominance. Solly March initiated a 1-0 lead at halftime, followed by Joao Pedro, a new signing, converting a second-half penalty to amplify the home team’s advantage.

    Despite Carlton Morris pulling one back for Lutton through a penalty and late goals from substitutes Simon Adingra and Evan Ferguson displaying Brighton’s dominance, the overall narrative showcased Brighton’s prowess.

    Noteworthy was March’s precise header from Kaoru Mitoma’s cross in the 36th minute, epitomizing Brighton’s control over the game. Joao Pedro, secured in the preseason from Watford, extended the lead through a penalty, following a debatable decision involving Lutton captain Tom Lockyer.

    While Lutton managed to reduce the deficit with a goal from the penalty spot by Morris, Adingra capitalized on a defensive lapse to reinstate Brighton’s two-goal lead. Ferguson concluded the match with Brighton’s fourth goal in injury time, underscoring Lutton’s return as a sobering experience.

    Newcastle’s Brilliant Display Decimates Aston Villa 5-1

    Alexander Isak’s clinical finishing propelled Newcastle United to a resounding triumph over Aston Villa in the opening weekend of the new Premier League season. Newcastle commenced the game at St James’ Park with fervor, and new signing Sandro Tonali translated their dominance into a goal by converting Anthony Gordon’s inviting cross in the sixth minute.

    Moussa Diaby responded for Aston Villa within five minutes, elegantly controlling a half volley with his weaker foot after Ollie Watkins’ flick on. Amidst the dynamic start, Isak restored the lead for Newcastle as he adeptly slotted home Sven Botman’s cut-back across the box.

    Isak further showcased his skill by delicately chipping the ball over Emiliano Martinez for his second goal, granting the home side a comfortable two-goal lead after Ezri Konsa’s mishap in his own penalty box.

    Callum Wilson contributed another goal following a seamless passing sequence, while Harvey Barnes capitalized on a clear run to mark his competitive debut with a goal. This victory continued Newcastle’s strong momentum from the 2022-23 campaign.

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe acknowledged his team’s progress as they secured a Champions League berth for the first time in two decades the previous season. The challenge now lies in sustaining their top-four standing amidst a highly competitive Premier League season, coupled with their participation in Europe’s premier competition.

    In contrast to the prior season, which lacked domestic cup success and European engagements, Newcastle now faces six midweek Champions League matches between September and December. To address the increased demands, Howe made three summer signings, with Tonali standing out as a prominent addition.

    Tonali, a former AC Milan player, immediately made his Premier League debut, contributing not only a goal but also harmonizing effectively with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton in a promising and dynamic midfield. Gordon, initially slow to acclimatize after joining from Everton, demonstrated an impressive transition from his standout performance in the summer’s European Under-21 Championship.

    Gordon’s effectiveness, along with the contributions from new signings, hints at Newcastle’s readiness to compete on both domestic and European fronts.

  • Kane completes 4-year transfer to Bayern Munich

    Kane completes 4-year transfer to Bayern Munich

    In a significant move, England’s national team captain, Harry Kane, has officially made his transition from Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur to Bundesliga titleholders Bayern Munich.

    The announcement came from the German champions on Saturday, confirming Kane’s commitment to a four-year contract. This transfer culminated after prolonged negotiations between the two prominent clubs.

    Bayern Munich has secured the services of the 30-year-old striker until the year 2027, solidifying their frontline with this high-profile acquisition.

    Notably, this transfer has set a new record for the Bundesliga, as it represents the highest transfer fee ever paid by a German club.

    This milestone surpasses the previous record set in 2019 when Bayern paid 80 million euros to enlist Lucas Hernandez from Atletico Madrid.

    Kane’s arrival at Bayern Munich is anticipated to bring an exciting dynamic to the team’s offensive strategies, and his tenure until 2027 reflects the club’s confidence in his abilities.

    As the football community awaits the unfolding impact of this transfer, the fans of both Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich are undoubtedly eager to witness how this new chapter in Harry Kane’s career will unfold.