Sports Archives | Page 18 of 111

Super Falcons Crush Zambia 5–0, Await South Africa or Senegal in Next Clash

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, produced a stunning performance on Friday, thrashing Zambia 5–0 in a dominant display that underlined their status as one of Africa’s strongest sides. The Falcons dictated the tempo from kickoff, with their attacking line proving too much for the Zambian defense. The goals came in quick succession as Nigeria capitalized on their possession and creativity to seal the emphatic win. The victory not only boosts confidence but also secures Nigeria a spot in the next stage of the tournament, where they are set to face either South Africa or Senegal. The opponent will be confirmed after the conclusion of their fixture. Fans have praised the team’s composure and relentless attacking style, while coach Randy Waldrum expressed optimism about the squad’s readiness for the next challenge.

Former Super Eagles Coach Monday Sinclair Dies at 88

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago01 mins

Former Super Eagles interim coach Monday Sinclair has passed away at the age of 88 after a prolonged battle with diabetes. The news of his death was confirmed by former Nigeria goalkeeper Peterside Idah, who announced it in an emotional Facebook post on Wednesday. “It is believed Sinclair died around 3:15 pm,” Idah revealed, adding: “Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks and gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna.” Sinclair served as interim coach of the Nigerian national team in 1997 following the dismissal of Frenchman Philippe Troussier, handling two friendly games against Zambia and Tunisia. He is widely credited for discovering and nurturing some of Nigeria’s greatest football talents, including Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside. Tributes from across the football community have been pouring in, honoring Sinclair’s legacy and immense contribution to Nigerian football.

Eze, Madueke, Gyokeres Signings Could Transform Arsenal – Sports Analyst

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

Sports Analyst Mark McAdam has described Arsenal’s potential summer business as “transformative,” suggesting that the addition of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, and Viktor Gyokeres would give the Gunners the depth and quality needed to win major honours. Speaking on The Transfer Show, McAdam confirmed that Arsenal are actively exploring a deal for Eberechi Eze, with the Crystal Palace midfielder’s release clause set at £60 million plus £8 million in add-ons. “The key thing is that Eberechi Eze would be keen on moving to north London, which makes things a lot easier,” McAdam said. He added that pairing Eze with Chelsea’s Madueke and Sporting Lisbon striker Gyokeres would significantly boost Mikel Arteta’s attacking options. “What a summer it would be if they signed Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres and Eze. That would completely transform what Arsenal have. When you add the young players and Bukayo Saka, suddenly Arsenal fans will be licking their lips, saying this is the type of squad, strength in depth they believe can finally get them over the line,” he noted.

Lagos Gears Up for 2025 Festival of Table Tennis

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall at Teslim Balogun Stadium is getting a vibrant makeover as Lagos prepares to host the Festival of Table Tennis, a 20-day celebration of the sport running from July 16 to August 5, 2025. This exciting festival will feature a lineup of prestigious competitions, including the ITTF Africa West Regional Championships, WTT Contender Lagos, ITTF Africa Youth Championships, and the inaugural ITTF Africa Youth Cup. As one of the global hubs of table tennis, Lagos is set to welcome elite players from West Africa, across the continent, and around the world for what promises to be a truly unforgettable sporting experience. The action begins with the ITTF Africa West Regional Championships from July 16 to 19, where regional champions in team and singles events will be crowned. From July 22 to 26, the spotlight shifts to the WTT Contender Lagos, drawing international stars eager to compete for $100,000 in prize money across five events. The increased prize pool and valuable ranking points have attracted a stellar lineup for this five-day showdown. Next, the continent’s rising stars take centre stage at the 2025 ITTF Africa Youth Championships, held from July 27 to August 3. This 14-event tournament will determine Africa’s top young talents. The festival concludes with the ITTF Africa Youth Cup on August 4 and 5, offering another platform for emerging players to showcase their skills and compete for continental glory. Throughout the three weeks, fans can expect electrifying matches, passionate crowds, and the signature energy that defines Lagos. It’s set to be a spectacular 20-day celebration of table tennis—uniting athletes, fans, and officials in a festival of competition, culture, and camaraderie.

Everything Except Easy: How Jannik Sinner Fought Back to Win Wimbledon 2025

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago05 mins

Jannik Sinner stood victorious on Centre Court, arms raised, then dropped to his knees—overcome by the moment. Just five weeks after suffering a gut-wrenching loss at the French Open, the 23-year-old Italian bounced back in stunning fashion to win his first Wimbledon title, defeating archrival Carlos Alcaraz in a gripping final. “Only me and the people who are close to me know exactly what we have been through on and off the court,” Sinner said, fighting back emotion. “It has been everything except easy.” The victory makes Sinner the first Italian man to win Wimbledon, and it came just over a month after he had lost to Alcaraz in a five-set classic in Paris—after holding three championship points. Redemption After Roland Garros That French Open defeat had the potential to unravel a lesser athlete. But for Sinner, it became fuel. After just three days off to regroup with friends and family, he returned to training with a vengeance. “This match was important for many reasons,” said Darren Cahill, one of his coaches. “He knew the importance of closing this one out when he had the opportunity.” Grass-Court Struggles to Centre Court Glory Sinner’s Wimbledon campaign didn’t start smoothly. He exited early in Halle, his only grass-court warm-up. And during his fourth-round match at SW19, he found himself down two sets to Grigor Dimitrov before an injury to the Bulgarian shifted the match. Sinner also suffered an elbow knock during that match but powered through the pain to defeat Ben Shelton and Novak Djokovic in straight sets en route to the final. By dethroning Alcaraz—his first win in their last six meetings—Sinner added Wimbledon to his 2024 and 2025 Australian Open titles, taking a huge step toward a career Grand Slam. Setbacks Off the Court Sinner’s 2025 season has not been without controversy. Earlier this year, he served a three-month doping ban after testing positive for clostebol, a banned substance. Though the World Anti-Doping Agency found he had no intention to cheat, he accepted responsibility for his team’s error. He returned in time for the French Open and has since retained his world No. 1 ranking, highlighting his consistency and resilience. “He’s had a challenging year,” Cahill admitted. “The guy you see on court—so focused and precise—is also a fun, relaxed guy off court, always joking and messing around. We’re proud of the way he’s carried himself.” A Rivalry for the Ages Sinner and Alcaraz have now claimed eight of the last nine Grand Slam titles between them, with their rivalry shaping a new era in men’s tennis. And as Sinner hoisted the Wimbledon trophy aloft, he shared a knowing smile with Alcaraz, a silent nod to battles fought—and still to come. “It doesn’t matter how you win or lose,” Sinner said. “You just have to understand what you did wrong and work on that. That’s why I’m holding this trophy.” Source: By Harry Poole, BBC Sport

Mission X: Super Falcons to Play Zambia in Quarter-Final

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

Algeria’s Lady Fennecs successfully stifled the Super Falcons to earn a scoreless draw in their final group B match of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and earn a spot in the tournament’s quarter-finals for the first time ever. Head Coach Justine Madugu made eight changes to the squad that started against Botswana in Thursday’s 1-0 defeat of Botswana, with defenders Shukurat Oladipo, Miracle Usani and Sikiratu Isah, midfielders Christy Ucheibe and Jennifer Echegini, and forwards Francisca Ordega, Ifeaoma Onumonu and Chinwendu Ihezuo starting alongside goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Tosin Demehin and captain Rasheedat Ajibade. The intention was clear, which was to rest a lot of key players ahead of Friday’s potentially-explosive quarter-final encounter against Zambia’s Copper Queens. In Casablanca on Sunday, Algeria, like Botswana before them, threw women behind the ball in numbers, and stymied the play of the Super Falcons. However, Francisca Ordega was vibrant, as she was against Portugal in the friendly match in Lisbon last month. Her cross just before half time spilled to Ifeoma Onumonu, whose effort was blocked before it got to the brilliant goalkeeper Chloe N’gazi Boumrar. In the 52nd minute, a melee ensued in the Algerian box but the ball would not just not in, and three minutes later, Ordega, unselfishly, laid the ball in the path of Ajibade, who was double-teamed off the ball. Later on, Echegini, Ordega and substitute Esther Okoronkwo made efforts, but it ended scoreless and ensured the Lady Fennecs’ progress to the last eight.

WAFU B U20 Boys Tourney: Flying Eagles Spank Junior Cheetahs, Reach Semi-Finals

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago02 mins

The match began with a slow response from the Flying Eagles, as the Benin Republic team approached the game with intensity. This strategy paid off when Junior Olugbade scored a brilliantly executed free-kick into the bottom corner, giving the Junior Cheetahs the lead in the 24th minute. The scoreline was level going into recess, thanks to an equaliser from Mohammed Abdullahi. In the second half, the Flying Eagles quickly asserted dominance, demonstrating effective play within the box. A well-coordinated buildup led to a pass for Ezekiel Kpangu, who scored effortlessly, bringing the score to 2-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles. The team extended their lead to 3-1 when Imrana Mohammed skillfully navigated through the Junior Cheetahs’ defence and successfully placed the ball past the goalkeeper. As the match drew to a close, the Flying Eagles maintained their momentum with a strategic long ball for Imrana Mohammed, who then assisted Abdulahi Majid. Majid’s remarkable shot from outside the box resulted in the fourth goal of the match for the Flying Eagles. The game concluded with a score of 4-1 in favour of the Flying Eagles, and defender Odinaka Okoro was selected as the Man of the Match.

Chelsea Stuns PSG to Win FIFA Club World Cup

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Cole Palmer rang up two goals and one assist in a sensational first half and Chelsea toppled Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 to win the FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. Palmer scored in the 22nd and 30th minutes and Joao Pedro tacked on the third goal right before halftime, capitalizing on Palmer’s fine touch into the box. Robert Sanchez, meanwhile, saved six shots in his best showing of the tournament. Chelsea, who won the 2021 Club World Cup that featured only eight teams, battled past Portugal’s Benfica and Brazilian sides Palmeiras and Fluminense in the knockouts to face Paris Saint-Germain — six weeks removed from their first UEFA Champions League trophy. PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma made two saves on five shots on goal. The European champions had allowed just one goal in their first six matches of the Cup. The frustrated Parisians went down to 10 men in the 85th minute when Joao Neves pulled Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair, was caught on video review and shown red. Altercations spilled past the final whistle, and PSG coach Luis Enrique appeared to grab at Pedro’s neck while he and Donnarumma confronted Chelsea players. Cucurella made a crucial stop to keep the game scoreless in the 16th minute. Fabian Ruiz made a great pass across the box to Desire Doue, who could have shot it but instead tried a centering pass to a teammate that Cucurella intercepted. Six minutes later, Palmer — whose first attempt barely missed wide left in the eighth — got the scoring started. Malo Gusto picked up a wayward header from PSG’s Nuno Mendes and ran into the box. After a fancy dribble to create space, his shot was blocked right back to his feet, so he fed Palmer for a left-footer to the bottom left corner. Levi Colwill earned the assist on the second goal for his long ball downfield to Palmer. From there, Palmer calmly dribbled toward the center of the 18-yard line and fired the same low, left-footer for an identical goal. In the 43rd, Palmer tapped a pass between two defenders for Pedro, who popped his shot over a sprawling Donnarumma’s right shoulder. Sanchez dove to meet Neves’ stoppage-time header just before the goal line. His heroics continued in the second half, as he swatted away a shot by Ousmane Dembele from close range.