Sports Archives | Page 22 of 111

Ex-Arsenal Star Thomas Partey Charged With Rape

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Former Arsenal footballer Thomas Partey has been charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. The offences are reported to have taken place between 2021-2022, the Metropolitan Police said. The charges involve three women, with two counts of rape relating to one woman, three counts of rape in connection to a second woman and one count of sexual assault linked to a third woman. The Ghanaian international denies the charges and “welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name”, his lawyer said. The charges follow an investigation by detectives, which started in February 2022 after police first received a report of rape. The 32-year-old’s contract with Arsenal ended on Monday after playing with the team since 2020. Det Supt Andy Furphy, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our priority remains providing support to the women who have come forward. “We would ask anyone who has been impacted by this case, or anyone who has information, to speak with our team. You can contact detectives about this investigation by emailing CIT@met.police.uk” Mr Partey, of Hertfordshire, is expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 5 August. In a statement, his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire said: “Thomas Partey denies all the charges against him. “He has fully cooperated with the police and CPS throughout their three-year investigation. “He now welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name. “Given that there are now ongoing legal proceedings, my client is unable to comment further.” Mr Partey joined Arsenal for £45.3m from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, made 35 top-flight appearances last season and scored four goals as the London club finished second in the Premier League. He also played 12 times in the Champions League as the Gunners reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Paris St-Germain. Overall, he made 130 Premier League appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side, scoring nine goals. Mr Partey has also made more than 50 appearances for Ghana’s national team, and most recently played at World Cup qualification matches in March.

SWAN Wants FG To Immortalise Ex-Super Eagles’ Goalkeeper Peter Rufai

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed grief over the demise of Super Eagles legendary goalkeeper Peter ‘Dodo Mayana’ Rufai. SWAN President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, in a statement on Friday in Abuja, through the Association’s Secretary-General, Amb. Ikenna Okonkwo, described Rufai as a patriot who made Nigeria proud as his legacies linger. The number one Sports Writer in Nigeria while remembering the footprints of hardwork, dedication and abundant results credited to Rufai over the years, called on the Federal Government to make plans to immortalise the late Sage in any memorable way possible. “It’s our desire and I believe that of entire Nigerians that immortalising Peter Rufai will among other things serve as a source of inspiration for younger generation,” he said. President Benjamin then commiserated with his immediate family members, football and entire sports fraternity for the loss of a rare soccer figure. He said, “On behalf of the entire Sporting Media in Nigeria, I wish to commiserate with the family, and indeed concerned Football and Sports Stakeholders over the death of our legend. “Yes, Peter Rufai served Nigeria meritorious, mostly during his playing days, but I fill his advice and experience were still needed for a more prosperous sports development, but the reason for his departure from this side of life at this time is only known or determined by God Almighty. “May his soul continuously find rest in eternity.” Rufai’s life time, especially in his active playing days as a footballer is one filled with numerous success stories. From the clubs he featured for, to the Senior Men National team, he made an indelible impacts which will hardly be forgotten.

8th African Nations Championship: Chelle Names Nduka, Daniel, Yusuf, 32 Others

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Eric Chelle has named 35 players, among them captain Junior Harrison Nduka, Papa Mustapha Daniel and forward Anas Yusuf in the provisional list of Super Eagles B for the 8th African Nations Championship taking place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda next month. First-choice goalkeeper Henry Ani is also called, alongside defenders Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Mohammed Kabiru and Uzondu Harrison, midfielders Saviour Isaac and Haddi Haruna, and forwards Sunday Megwo, Adamu Abubakar and Godwin Obaje. Goalkeepers Kayode Bankole and Ebenezer Harcourt, defenders Sodiq Ismaila and Stephen Manyo Egbe, midfielder Adam Aminu, and forwards Atule Joseph and Temitope Vincent have also been invited. Nigeria, 2018 runners-up, are housed in group D of the 19-team tournament, alongside Cup holders Senegal, Sudan and Congo. The Super Eagles will play their first two matches of the competition, against Senegal and Sudan, at the Amman Stadium on the island of Zanzibar, before taking on Congo at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. All invited players have been instructed to turn up at the Remo Stars Sports Institute, Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State on Monday, 7th July with their international passports and current club license. 35 PLAYERS FOR SUPER EAGLES B CAMPING IN IKENNE-REMO Goalkeepers: Henry Ozoemena Ani (Enyimba FC); Kayode Bankole (Remo Stars); Nurudeen Badmus (Kwara United); Lawal Mustapha (Shooting Stars); Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos) Defenders: Sodiq Ismaila (Remo Stars); Waliu Ojewole (Ikorodu City);C Bankole Afeez (Kwara United); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Uzondu Harrison (Ikorodu City); Junior Harrison Nduka (Remo Stars); Mohammed Kabiru (Kwara United); Ngengen Leonard (Ikorodu City); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Rangers International); Steven Mayo Egbe (Rivers United) Midfielders: Adebayo Olamilekan (Remo Stars); Adejoh Ojonugwa (Abia Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Rangers International); Musa Zayyad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Haddi Haruna (Remo Stars); Otaniyi Taofik (Rivers United); Papa Daniel Mustapha (Niger Tornadoes); Adam Aminu (Kano Pillars); Michael Tochukwu (Remo Stars) Forwards: Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Adamu Abubakar (Plateau United); Shola Adelani (Ikorodu City); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Ijoma Anthony (Abia Warriors); Atule Joseph (Enyimba FC); Ayomide Cole (Ikorodu City); Sunday Megwo (Abia Warriors); Aniekeme Okon (Rivers United); Godwin Obaje (Rangers International)

Birmingham City Signs Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahce

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Birmingham City have signed Nigeria international full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel on a three-year deal following the conclusion of his contract at Fenerbahce. The 27-year-old moves to St Andrew’s after making 178 appearances in four and a half years for the side now coached by Jose Mourinho following his move from Queens Park Rangers in January 2021. Osayi-Samuel, who can play as a right-back, wing-back and as a winger, becomes Blues’ fourth signing this week following the arrivals of Demarai Gray, Tommy Doyle and James Beadle as they prepare for life back in the second tier after securing the League One title last season. He has made 22 appearances for Nigeria since his debut in 2022, and was part of the squad which finished runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Having made his professional debut for Blackpool at the age of 17, Osayi-Samuel was part of the squad which won promotion from League Two via the play-offs in 2017. Osayi-Samuel went on to make 103 Championship appearances for QPR after moving to Loftus Road in the summer of 2017, adding to the six appearances he made in the second tier for Blackpool during the 2014-15 season. “I want to play in the Premier League and show everyone what I can do,” Osayi-Samuel told Birmingham’s website., external “Coming to Birmingham City now is another step for me, an opportunity to show everyone where I’ve been for the last four years.”

Mission X: Super Falcons Are Favourites as 13th Women AFCON Begins in Morocco

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Nine-time champions Nigeria loom larger than any other participant as the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations finals begin in the Kingdom of Morocco on Saturday. Winners of the inaugural edition that their country hosted in 1998, the Super Falcons also took home the diadem in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, and look forward to the thirteenth edition with confidence but without being sardonic. Home-boy Coach Justine Madugu has taken the option of the good-old-wine-and-fresh-fruits-from-the-vineyard selection approach, and is satisfied that he has a team that can hold its own right from the first match against Tunisia on Sunday. “We are very focused on our realisable and achievable target of Mission X. The girls are ready and are showing real hunger for victory and team spirit is high. We are looking forward to our first match on Sunday against Tunisia,” Madugu told thenff.com after the Falcons strolled past West African rivals Ghana in their last pre-tournament friendly on Sunday. Victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses in Abeokuta and a scoreless draw with Portugal in earlier friendlies have buoyed the spirit and gait of the Super Falcons. Nigeria’s squad drips with talent, experience and purpose, with Africa’s best for the second year running, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie the rock that most teams will find too difficult to crack. Defender Osinachi Ohale has decades of experience and provides the spine for a rearguard that includes hardworking and efficient young ones like Ashleigh Plumptre, Tosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Sikiratu Isah, Miracle Usani and Shukurat Oladipo. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade has traversed the gamut of the Nigeria women teams, and her sterling contributions make it appear like she has always been there. “For us, effort is everything. We’ll demonstrate what we’re capable of and continue to build on our existing strengths. We have an incredible group of talented players. We’re all excited to be here. We know it won’t be easy but we’re committed to showing up as our best selves,” Ajibade said during a webinar organized by CAF last week. That pool of ‘talented players’ also include fellow midfielders Deborah Abiodun and Jennifer Echegini, as well as the bustling Toni Payne and hard-as-nails Halimatu Ayinde and Christy Ucheibe. Questions by some pundits over the inclusion of Francisca Ordega were quashed by her delightful outing against Portugal in a friendly in Lisbon on 23rd June, as she created excellent opportunities for fellow attackers and rocked the crossbar from 27 yards. Her experience, smarts and energy, and those of Asisat Oshoala, will be worthwhile to spur the likes of Rinsola Babajide, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, Ifeoma Onumonu and Folashade Ijamilusi to mow down the opposition. The Super Falcons will also be hugely motivated by a $1million winner’s prize – the biggest-ever in the history of the competition. The CAF also announced on Thursday that the runners-up will earn $500,000, with the third-placed and fourth-placed teams going home with $350,000 and $300,000 each. SUPER FALCONS FOR 13TH WAFCON FINALS: Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton Hove & Albion, England); Tochukwu Oluehi (Shualat Alsharqia FC, Saudi Arabia); Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons) Defenders: Osinachi Ohale (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy); Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA); Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia); Sikiratu Isah (Nasarawa Amazons); Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey); Miracle Usani (Edo Queens) Midfielders: Rasheedat Ajibade (just finished contract with Atletico Madrid, Spain); Halimatu Ayinde (FC Rosenburg, Sweden); Deborah Abiodun (Dallas Trinity, USA); Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint Germain, France); Toni Payne (Everton Ladies, England); Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal) Forwards: Francisca Ordega (Ittihad Ladies Club, Saudi Arabia); Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachucha Club de Futbol, Mexico); Ifeoma Onumonu (Montpellier FC, France); Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada); Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC, USA); Omorinsola Babajide (Coasta Adeje Tenerife Egatesa, Spain); Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China); Chioma Okafor (University of Connecticut, USA)

23rd African Fencing Championships Fallout: Akinyosoye Emerges as Nigeria’s Highest-Ranked Fencer

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Following a standout performance at the 23rd African Fencing Championships, Oluwafolayemi Akinyosoye has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer globally. The latest rankings released by the International Fencing Federation (FIE) earlier this week place Akinyosoye at 65th in the men’s senior sabre category. Akinyosoye, a quarterfinalist in the individual men’s sabre event, stunned spectators by defeating top seed and Olympic silver medallist Fares Farjani of Tunisia in a tense preliminary round bout, edging him 5-4 at Charterhouse Lagos. The 20-year-old UK-based athlete, who previously represented England at cadet and junior levels, has now overtaken Inkosi Brou as Nigeria’s top-ranked fencer. Despite being displaced in the senior rankings, Brou remains Nigeria’s highest-ranked junior fencer, holding the 23rd position globally. The US-based athlete, and grandson of former NAFDAC DG Prof. Dora Akunyili, continues to be a key figure in Nigeria’s fencing development. In the senior men’s epee category, Mahadi Idongesit leads the Nigerian contingent at 206th, followed by Wisdom Okanlawon (209), Mahathir Idongesit (212), and Adegbola Babade (215). For senior men’s foil, Oritsematosan Egbesemirone is ranked 116th, with Olumuyiwa Ige (502) and Alex Aninyei (504) also making the list. Among the women, 13-year-old Peluola Akinbamiro is Nigeria’s sole representative in the senior women’s foil rankings, placed at 441st. In senior women’s epee, Adebodunrin Thomas leads at 186th, followed by Sara Idongesit (190) and Somtochukwu Eribenne (530). Team rankings also saw a boost. The Nigerian women’s epee team, which finished fifth at the African Championships, is now ranked 36th globally. In the senior men’s team rankings, Nigeria holds 43rd in epee and 28th in foil. President of the Nigeria Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, described the rankings as a reflection of the country’s growing potential in the sport. “Hosting the African Championships was not just about welcoming international athletes; it was about empowering our fencers to improve their global standing,” Samuel said. “These rankings open doors for our athletes to participate in more international tournaments and enhance their chances of qualifying for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.” He added, “We are excited about this development and hope it will attract the support needed from both the private and public sectors, especially following the success of the 23rd African Championships.”

Omotayo, El-Beiali Lead African Charge in WTT US Smash 2025

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

African table tennis stars are set to make their mark at the WTT US Smash 2025, with Nigeria’s Olajide Omotayo and Egypt’s Mohamed El-Beiali spearheading the continent’s campaign in the preliminary round of the prestigious tournament. The event, which runs for 11 days (July 3 to 13) at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, is the first WTT Grand Smash to be held on American soil and boasts a prize pool of $1.55 million. Omotayo, the 2019 African Games champion, returns to the international stage with a challenging opener against wildcard Victor Xie of the United States. The Nigerian, currently ranked 162nd in the world, will rely on his experience and ranking advantage over the 777th-rated Chinese-born American when they clash on Friday, July 4. Now based between the United States and France, Omotayo faces a tough path to the main draw, where elite global stars await. His performance will be closely watched as Africa seeks representation among the tournament’s top contenders. Joining him in the preliminary round is Egypt’s El-Beiali, who will face Slovenia’s Deni Kozul. El-Beiali’s compatriot, Mahmoud Helmy, is set to take on American Ved Sheth, while Algeria’s Mehdi Bouloussa will battle Sweden’s Kristian Karlsson. Benin Republic’s Abdel-Kader Salifou rounds out the African men’s singles lineup with a match against Spain’s Juan Perez. In the women’s singles, Egypt’s Yosura Helmy stands as the sole African representative in the preliminary round, facing American Mandy Yu. Meanwhile, top African players, including Nigeria’s Quadri Aruna and Egypt’s Omar Assar, have secured spots in the main draw of the men’s singles. Egypt’s trio of Hana Goda, Dina Meshref, and Mariam Alhodaby will also begin their campaigns directly in the women’s singles main draw. Excitement is building among global stars ahead of the tournament. Men’s singles world champion Wang Chuqin of China expressed his enthusiasm: “Las Vegas often hosts world-class sports events. I’m looking forward to showcasing myself in such a unique atmosphere where sports and entertainment meet.” Sweden’s Anton Kallberg echoed the sentiment: “There’s so much buzz about visiting Vegas, so I just want to see and feel all of it.” American star Lily Zhang, a frequent visitor to Las Vegas, shared her anticipation: “The city has everything — it hosts all the big events and has glitz and glamour.” Homegrown talent Kanak Jha added, “There’s no city in the world like it. So many experiences, great vibes, and stimulation.” As the WTT US Smash 2025 kicks off, African players will be looking to make a strong impression and advance to the main draw, where the world’s best will battle for glory in one of table tennis’ most exciting arenas.

Liverpool Star Diogo Jota Killed in Car Crash in Spain at 28

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Liverpool forward and Portuguese international Diogo Jota has tragically died in a car accident in Spain at the age of 28, authorities have confirmed. According to Sky Sports News, the Guardia Civil in Zamora confirmed Jota’s death following a fatal crash that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday on the A-52 motorway in Cernadilla, Zamora province, in Spain’s Castilla y León region. Also killed in the accident was Jota’s younger brother, André Silva, aged 26, who played for Penafiel, a Liga Portugal 2 side. Authorities said the accident occurred at 12:30 a.m. local time (11:30 p.m. BST). The vehicle reportedly burst a tyre while overtaking, veered off the road, and subsequently caught fire. The tragic news comes less than two weeks after Jota’s wedding to his long-time partner. The couple shared three children, making the loss even more devastating for the family and football community. Jota, known for his dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess, was a key player for both Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. His untimely death has sent shockwaves across the global football landscape, with tributes pouring in from teammates, clubs, fans, and football federations worldwide. The football world mourns the loss of one of its brightest talents, whose career and life were cut tragically short. Further details about funeral arrangements and tributes are expected in the coming days.