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Glasgow to host 2026 Commonwealth Games

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago010 mins

Glasgow will host the Commonwealth Games for the second time in just over a decade Scotland will welcome athletes from across the world for what has been described as a scaled-down and sustainable Games. Original hosts Victoria pulled the plug after an estimate of costs between double and triple the original budget Glasgow has been officially confirmed as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The city will host a scaled-down version of the Games after the Scottish Government announced last month it would back a deal to bring them back to Scotland. The Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) said on Tuesday the event will run from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, August 2. It comes after the state of Victoria in Australia backed out of holding the Games, citing a rise in estimated costs. Glasgow hosted the 2014 iteration of the international sporting event and will now welcome athletes from across the world for the second time in just over a decade. The CGF said Glasgow 2026 will feature ten sports taking place across four venues – Scotstoun Stadium, Tollcross International Swimming Centre, Emirates Arena, and the Scottish Event Campus. The sports programme will include athletics and para athletics (track and field), swimming and para swimming, artistic gymnastics, track cycling and para track cycling, netball, weightlifting and para powerlifting, boxing, judo, bowls and para bowls, and 3×3 basketball and 3×3 wheelchair basketball. More than 500,000 tickets will be made available for the Games, which organisers say will deliver over £100m of inward investment into the city and is projected to support over £150m of economic value added for the region. A new Commonwealth Games logo has been inspired by some of Glasgow’s engineering, architectural, and natural symbols, including the River Clyde, the Finnieston Crane, and the Clyde Arc. Commonwealth Games Scotland Chief Executive Jon Doig OBE, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have secured Glasgow as hosts of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “When we started pulling this concept together just under a year ago, our focus was on creating a Games that was different – that could be delivered to the highest quality, in the short time frame, in a financially sustainable way. “Glasgow 2026 will have all the drama, passion and joy that we know the Commonwealth Games delivers even if it is to be lighter and leaner than some previous editions. It will be more accessible, delivered on a smaller footprint which brings our fans closer to the sporting action. “The Commonwealth Games has a special place in the hearts of athletes around the globe, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming them, their support staff and fans from all four corners of the Commonwealth to experience the famous Scottish and Glasgow hospitality. It is an exciting moment for the city and the country.” First Minister John Swinney described the Games as a hugely important event for Scottish sport and an “exciting opportunity for the people of Scotland”. He said: “As well as an action-packed, inclusive sports programme that will inspire and excite audiences across the globe – Glasgow 2026 will also be a cultural celebration. “I would like to thank Commonwealth Games Scotland for their hard work and dedication to produce a viable proposal for Glasgow 2026 – and to the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Australia for their assistance in helping to secure the Games. I believe this epitomises the Commonwealth spirit and willingness to work together. “While Glasgow 2026 will look quite different to previous Games, we can, and we must, use this as an opportunity to work collaboratively to ensure that this new concept brings a strong and sustainable future for the Games. The Scottish Government is committed to playing its part in building that new vision.” It is hoped that the new Commonwealth Games model, where some sports are cut if costs rise, will lead to a wider selection of host cities in the future, including among Global South countries. The UK Government has agreed to provide a ringfenced contingency funding of up to £2.3m that can be accessed if existing budget funds and contingency have been exceeded and all efforts to reduce costs have been exhausted, he said. The multi-sport event is held every four years across Commonwealth countries, with Birmingham the most recent host city in 2022. Edinburgh hosted the Games in 1970 and 1986. Scottish secretary Ian Murray said: “It’s fantastic news that the Commonwealth Games Federation has formally confirmed Glasgow as the host city of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. “This is good news for the Commonwealth Games and yet another opportunity for Glasgow and Scotland to demonstrate their ability to put on world-class sporting events. “There will be a great competitive programme across 10 sports, and I, for one, can’t wait to see our talented Scottish athletes in action in front of a home crowd. “The UK Government has actively supported the proposal to bring the 2026 Games to Glasgow, and is providing up to £2.3m contingency towards security costs. This is a great example of the UK and Scottish governments working together to deliver for Scotland.” Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken also welcomed news of the official declaration. She said: “The 2026 Games are an opportunity to set out a new blueprint for the future of sustainable, accessible Commonwealth sport – and it should come as no surprise that the organisers believe Glasgow is the place they can make that happen. “Our city has a track record that is second to none when it comes to staging major events – and, in particular, working with organisers to make sure new competitions and formats get off to the best possible start. “Glasgow benefitted greatly from hosting the Games in 2014 and officials have shared expertise and experience with both Commonwealth Games Scotland and the Commonwealth Games Federation as they have developed their plans for 2026. “These Games will be, by design, different from those the Glasgow hosted a decade ago – but the city will play…

Boniface survives car crash in Germany

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Super Eagles’ striker Victor Boniface has reportedly survived a ghastly car crash in Germany. The Bayer Leverkusen of Germany player posted a video of the damaged car on his Instagram Stories on Sunday. The unfortunate incident occurred after the striker, who has been in scintillating form since joining the German club in the summer of 2023, scored the winning goal for his team as the Bundesliga champions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt at the BayArena on Saturday. The video showed one of Boniface’s hands dripping blood after the crash. In the video, the black car sustained significant damage to the right side, with the body severely affected.

CAF, NFF, Atalanta celebrate Ademola Lookman at 27

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Serie A giants Atalanta have congratulated Ballon d’Door nominee Ademola Lookman on his 27th birthday. The bodies took turn on their various social media handles to celebrate the midfield maestro. In its congratulatory message, CAF wrote; “Wishing a very happy birthday to Nigerian superstar, Ademola Lookman!.” In a similar vein, the Nigeria Football Federation also congratulated the player. “Happy birthday to @NGSuperEagles forward, @Alookman_” “Lookman made his senior debut in 2015, playing as a forward for Charlton Athletic of the Championship. He signed for Everton in January 2017, where he played mainly as a winger. “Having represented England from under-19 to under-21 levels, Lookman made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2022. “On 4 August 2022, Lookman joined Serie A club Atalanta on a four-year contract for a reported fee of €15 million. Three African players are in contention to win the 2024 men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or, with Nigeria international Ademola Lookman on the 30-man shortlist for the former award.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos shoot into quarter-finals

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s Flamingos continue to prove to the world that their third-place finish at the last edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals was no fluke, as they earned a handsome 4-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s competition in style. With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match, the Flamingos have scooped maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for and only one against, and are surely in the last eight, ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday night. Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box. Pacy forward Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour. Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward. In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun. Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo. Nigeria got her fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right. The Flamingos will take on the host nation on Tuesday night.

CAF Women’s CL: Edo Queens draw defending champions, Sundowns, 2 others

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s representative, Edo Queens has been drawn against defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa in Group B of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024. Mamelodi Sundowns are aiming for a record third title, but must first overcome a tricky Group B consisting of three highly determined debutants in Tutankhamun of Egypt, Ethiopia’s CBE FC as well as the Edo Queens of Nigeria. The official draw of the CAF Women’s Champions League Morocco 2024 was officially conducted at the Complex Mohamed VI in Salé, Morocco on Friday, 18 October. The fourth edition of Africa’s premier women’s club competition will be hosted in Morocco between 09 – 23 November 2024 where eight (8) clubs consisting of champions of CAF’s Six Zonal joining hosts AS FAR as well as defending champions, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa to contest the coveted title. Winners will get USD 400 000 in prize money with runners-up walking away with USD 250 000. The draw, which was conducted by former Morocco and ASFAR Player, as well as U23 Morocco Women’s National Team Assistant Coach, Fatiha Laasiri saw the qualified clubs drawn into the two groups of four where they will all be aiming at a top two finish to advance to the knockout stages. Tournament hosts and 2022 winners, AS FAR headline Group A consisting of two debutants in Aigles De La Medina of Senegal, as well as South Africa’s, University of Western Cape. TP Mazembe makes a return to the tournament after missing out on the last edition, as they make up the fourth club in Group A. CAF Women’s Champions League Egypt 2024 Draw Results: GROUP A: AS FAR (Morocco), Aigles De La Medina (Senegal) TP Mazembe (DR Congo), University of Western Cape (South Africa) GROUP B: Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), Tutankhamun (Egypt), CBE (Ethiopia), Edu Queens (Nigeria)

Hurghada, Egypt ready for CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations kick-off

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The awe-striking coastal city of Hurghada – the largest city in the red sea in Egypt – will host the kick-off match of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 this weekend. The opening match will be played on Saturday, 19 October 2024 with hosts Egypt in action at 16h30 Egypt time (13h30 GMT) against Ghana. Morocco and Tanzania will play at 15h00 (12h30 GMT). Senegal are the defending champions – having won the trophy last year in Vilankulos in Mozambique. For the sixth edition of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick-off this weekend, eight African Nations will be divided into two groups. The Groups: The top two teams from the tournament will earn a coveted spot in Africa’s first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025. This will bring Africa’s numbers at the World Cup to three. Group A: Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Ghana Group B: Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritania

Osimhen opens up on Galatasaray move

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Victor Osimhen has expressed his satisfaction with his decision to join Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. Despite receiving offers from other clubs, Osimhen chose Galatasaray due to the club’s ambition and the convincing approach from the coach. He was drawn to the opportunity to play alongside experienced players like Mauro Icardi and contribute to the team’s success. “I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January, but I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen told TRT Spor, from the Galatasaray training centre. “It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred. “When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve. I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father. I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer it was easy to come. “When I came I could see how serious Galatasaray are as a club. For me it was the right decision, but also for my family and my daughter. Coming to a city like Istanbul, one of the best in the world. It was easy. So far so good, I’m really happy about my decision. I want to contribute and win something important here.” Osimhen has quickly adapted to Galatasaray, scoring two goals and providing four assists in his first four games. He has formed a good partnership with Icardi and is focused on helping the team achieve their goals. Osimhen’s decision to join Galatasaray was influenced by several factors, including the club’s prestige, the opportunity to play in a major league, and the personal recommendation from his idol, Didier Drogba. “I would like to thank Galatasaray fans as I remember how they welcomed me,” he added. “I am not a player who puts myself before the team. My ambition was to add and contribute to the quality the team already has,” continued the Nigerian forward.” There were fears that Osimhen would struggle to adapt at Galatasaray playing with another big personality like Mauro Icardi, but the opening games suggest otherwise. “I have great respect for Icardi and what he’s done for football and Galatasaray,” he said. “He’s a big legend here. We’ve seen how me and him can work well on the pitch. But for me, I don’t care about being the best scorer in the league. I want to score, assist and help the team when I have the chance, [help] in defence and attack, just like the coach needs me to do, but collective success is what’s paramount.” Osimhen already has two goals and four assists in four games for the Lions and has firmly established himself as a fan favourite. Galatasaray play Antalyaspor next away from home on Saturday 19 October, Osimhen is expected to return after recovering from a small injury.

Ademola Lookman makes African Footballer of the Year final shortlist

Prince Odutola2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revealed the final three-man shortlist for the highly anticipated CAF Player of the Year award. Ahead of the grand ceremony in Marrakesh, the original ten-man list has been narrowed down to just three players, recognized for their outstanding contributions to both their clubs and national teams. These players were shortlisted due to their stellar contributions on the field, making them top contenders for Africa’s most prestigious football award. The following players made the final cut: Ademola Lookman (Nigeria): The Super Eagles and Atalanta winger, Ademola Lookman, earned his place on the shortlist due to his exceptional performances for both club and country. In the 2023/2024 season, the 26-year-old helped his team win the UEFA Europa League and was also named Atalanta’s Player of the Year. Victor Boniface (Nigeria): The Super Eagles and Bayer Leverkusen striker, Victor Boniface, played a crucial role for both his club and national team. During the 2023/2024 season, the highly regarded forward secured victories in the Bundesliga, the German Cup, and the German Super Cup. Brahim Diaz (Morocco): Moroccan and Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz was equally instrumental in his club’s and country’s successes. The 25-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2023/2024 season, winning the Spanish La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup.