Sports Archives | Page 22 of 63

Super Eagles’ goalie, Okoye risks four-year ban

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Udine Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into Nigeria and Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, as the goalkeeper is suspected of illegal betting practices and could risk a ban from all competitions for at least four years. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, betting agency Sisal reported unusual gambling patterns detected by its algorithms, as people placed an abnormal amount of bets on the likelihood of Okoye being booked during Udinese’s away clash at Lazio in March of 2024, with the goalkeeper receiving a yellow card for time-wasting after 64 minutes. Such a warning sparked suspicions in the public prosecutor, who is also looking at the role of Diego Giordano, a 40-year-old owner of the Biffi pizzeria in Udine. The pink newspaper explained that the restaurant owner is also under investigation, as it’s alleged that a verbal agreement regarding the bet was made at the pizzeria and later executed at a Sisal betting outlet in the city, just a few days before the meeting between Lazio and Udinese. If found guilty, Okoye could face a ban from all competitions for at least four years, in addition to potential legal consequences. However, the player’s legal representatives have denied all allegations, claiming that the accusations are unfounded and lack any substantial evidence. The goalkeeper is now out of action after undergoing wrist surgery, with the club recently signing Egil Selvik as a precautionary measure.

Solskjaer named Besiktas new coach

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been named new coach of Besiktas. The former Manchester United manager has been out of football since his sacking in December 2021. Solskjaer said at his presentation: “It’s great to be here. “It’s very nice to see so many people who care about this fantastic football club. “I’ve had a very nice first meeting with the members of the board. “I’m really looking forward to this – it’s fantastic to be in this beautiful city.” Besiktas axed Giovanni van Bronckhorst last month. The Black Eagles currently sit sixth in the Super Lig table.

NFF to strengthen partnership with Mini-Football team

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has initiated a collaboration with the mini-football team aimed at creating a strategic partnership that is expected to benefit both entities. This initiative is part of the NFF’s broader commitment to enhance football development and governance in Nigeria. On Friday, representatives from the mini-football team visited the NFF headquarters in Abuja, where they met with the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, MON. During the meeting, Dr Sanusi highlighted the importance of maintaining professionalism within the federation and emphasized the necessity for the NFF’s operations to align with the regulations established by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Dr Sanusi reiterated the NFF’s primary role in overseeing and regulating football activities in Nigeria, clarifying that all related events must receive the appropriate approvals and sanctions from the federation. He stressed the need for compliance with the standards set forth by FIFA and CAF, underscoring the importance of adhering to global practices in football governance. The mini-football team included Alhaji Umah Yusuf Datti, Ambassador Paul Chukwudi Maduakor, Chief Agu Chukwuemelie Lambert, Ambassador Sheriff Mulade and Fabian Edaba. Their presence underscored a collective effort to advance football governance and foster collaboration within various levels of the sport in Nigeria. This partnership between the NFF and the mini-football team represents a pivotal move towards enhancing football governance and development in the country. The NFF is committed to engaging with stakeholders to achieve its objectives.

Sports

CAF unveils new CHAN 2024 logo, trophy

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a new logo and Trophy for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda. The new look for the tournament brings a fresh identity and emphasises its deep-rooted connections to African football and culture. It comes with a new CHAN 2024 trophy that features a sleek, contemporary design, combining gold and silver elements, representing the prestige and growing stature of the tournament. A significant detail is the 54 distinct lines encircling the trophy, symbolizing the 54 African nations united with a map of the continent at its core. This element underscores the championship’s celebration of diversity and unity across the continent. Each line represents the foundation of African football, a pathway carved by our passion and skill, a tribute to our players and our dreams. The new trophy stands as a powerful symbol of African football’s ongoing progress and our shared passion for the game.

CHAN 2024: Nigeria draws Champions Senegal, Congo, Sudan

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Super Eagles B team otherwise known as the CHAN Eagles has been drawn against defending champions, the Teranga Lions of Senegal in Group D of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2024. The Nigeria will also slut it out with Congo and Sudan for the knockout stages of the tournament. The Daniel Ogunmodede lads are expected to opening their campaign in the competition against Falcons of Jediane of Sudan. Nigeria secured their place in the CHAN 2024 finals by overcoming Ghana in the qualifiers. The Super Eagles recorded a 3-1 aggregate victory, with captain Junior Nduka playing a pivotal role by scoring a crucial goal. Ogunmodede has inspired confidence with his declaration that the Super Eagles “need to fight to win the competition.” His tactical expertise and motivational skills will be critical in Nigeria’s quest for their first CHAN title. Nigeria’s best CHAN outing came in 2018 when they reached the final but were narrowly defeated. They have reached the semifinals twice in their previous three appearances, underlining their pedigree in the competition. The Groups Group AKenyaMoroccoAngolaDR CongoZambia Group BTanzaniaMadagascarMauritaniaBurkina FasoCAR Group CUgandaNigerGuineaQ2Q1 Group DSenegalCongoSudanNigeria

Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

Rivers, University of Port Harcourt partner as Team Rivers gear up for 2025 NSF

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The Rivers State Ministry of Sports and University of Port Harcourt have reached a partnership which will see Athletes of the State camp and train at the facilities of the Institution ahead of the participation of Team Rivers at the upcoming 2025 National Sports Festival. Speaking at a brief ceremony to seal the partnership at the University of Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Barr. Chris Green described facilities at the Institution as some of the best, not just in Nigeria, but across the continent. He added that he was confident that the benefits of the alliance will be latent and positively affect the chances of Team Rivers emerging as Nulli Secundus amongst the committee of States at the upcoming NSF. “We have the rare privilege of having the University of Port Harcourt here in Rivers State and what you have been doing in this school is such that other Universities (in the country) should emulate,” Barr. Green, a three time Sports Commissioner in Rivers State, said. “The facilities and equipment you have here and the manner in which you have maintained them (to consistently remain in optimum conditions) has made us come here. “And in line with our policy to develop Sports at grassroots level, most of the athletes with us at Team Rivers are products of the University of Port Harcourt,” he added. On his part, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill expressed excitement at the pardtnership, noting that the Institution will always welcome Athletes of Team Rivers with open arms. “This University will always partner with the Rivers State Government and we are pleased and honoured that the Sports Ministry has chosen us, yet again to camp their athletes for the NSF,” Professor Georgewill stated. Afterwards, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner and his team also paid a courtesy call to the management of the Sports Institute of the University of Port Harcourt with a member of the contingent, foremost Sports administrator, Professor Ken Anugwege acknowledging the importance of the interaction. “This visit is important as this (Uniport Sports Institute) is the facility and it is our earnest hope and desire that this partnership ends in positivity for Rivers State,” he said.

Guardiola splits from wife Cristina after 30 years

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has split from his wife Cristina Serra after 30 years together. Barcelona-based outlet Sport reported that the long-term couple called it quits in December. Pep and Cristina are said to have been living separate for the past five years, with the manager remaining in England while Cristina returned to Barcelona where she runs her fashion company. Pep and Cristina are believed to have met when they were 18 while the decorated manager played for Barcelona, but only married in 2014. They share three children together – Maria, 24, Màrius, 22, and Valentina, 17. It comes amid a dip in form for reining Premier League champions Manchester City, who found themselves struggling to remain title contenders for the season. The Sky Blues are hoping that a run of three wins on the bounce in all competitions will help to revive their season after a series of disappointing results.