Sports Archives | Page 23 of 63

Eguavoen, Chelle hit Ikenne-Remo for Eagles B, as draw holds Wednesday

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has arrived at the Ikenne-Remo camp of the Super Eagles B alongside new Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the latter’s agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima. The trio flew aboard a ValueJet Airline CRJ 700 aircraft from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, and then headed for the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the fabled Ogun State town. On Monday, at Chelle’s unveiling, President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau had clarified that Chelle will only be with the Eagles B in supervisory role, while the trio of Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa who qualified the team for the African Nations Championship will remain essentially in charge of the team’s preparation and participation at the tournament. Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday evening. Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, is on ground in Nairobi ahead of the ceremony that will hold at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 6pm Nigeria time. CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu will be assisted at the draw by Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa and Kenyan legend McDonald.Mariga. The names of a total of 19 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Algeria, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar will be in the pots for the draw ceremony.

CAF postpones CHAN 2024 to August 2025

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025. Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities, are at the levels, necessary for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. “I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.” CAF will be conducting the Draw of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 in Nairobi, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 20h00 Nairobi Time. The exact date in August 2025 of the commencement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 will be announced by CAF in due course.

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Iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre to CHAN 2024 final draw

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kenya will host the draw for the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2024 on Wednesday night. The much-anticipated draw will commence at 20h00 local time (17h00 GMT / 19h00 Cairo). It will feature local East African legends Hassan Wasswa (Uganda), Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania) and McDonald Mariga (Kenya), the latter having been born and raised in Nairobi, as draw assistants. Co-hosts Kenya are making a debut at the CAF African Nations Championship finals, while Uganda and Tanzania have already had a taste of the tournament. Among countries that will headline Wednesday’s draw are defending champions Senegal and two-time winners Morocco. The 32-story KICC will be a fitting stage for what will be a glittering draw ceremony. The building boats an amphitheater and the Tsavo Ballroom, the largest conference chamber of its kind in East Africa. An iconic piece of architectural mastery located at the heart of Kenya’s capital city, the KICC is renowned for its striking cylindrical design and panoramic views of the city. Completed in 1973, it is not only a hub for international conferences, exhibitions, and events but also a symbol of Kenya’s modernity and cultural heritage. It is only befitting that the capital’s signature building stages the draw as the country hosts a continental football tournament for the first time in its history. Nairobi is a major commercial hub in East Africa and known for its tech innovation. It is the regional headquarters for several huge multi-national companies. Nairobi also has several famous, established football clubs who play in the country’s elite league and CAF Interclub competitions, such as Gor Mahia, AFC Leopards, Tusker and Mathare United.

2024/25 NWFL Premiership MD1 Preview: South-South derbies set to headline opening matchday

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago011 mins

The 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership season is set to kick off on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, with an exciting slate of fixtures across eight centres in the country. The opening matchday promises a fierce start, with two South-South derbies taking centre stage, alongside other thrilling matchups as teams begin their quest for glory. Group AEdo Queens vs Abia Angels – Benin City The official opening Star Match of the new season set to be broadcast on NTA and Startimes will feature defending champions, Edo Queens, hosting Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Edo Queens, who claimed their maiden league title last season, also triumphed in the West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League and reached the final of the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League, ultimately finishing in fourth place. Under coach Moses Aduku, who has been handed a contract extension, the club’s primary focus will be to build on last season’s successes and defend their league title. In contrast, Abia Angels will be hoping to avoid another relegation battle after narrowly escaping the drop last season, surviving by a whisker on goal difference. With Adanna Nwaneri, a former Super Falcons defender, now at the helm, the Umuahia-based side will aim to improve on last season’s performance and start the campaign on a positive note. Edo Queens has been dominant in recent encounters, winning two of the last three league meetings, but Abia Angels pulled off a shock 1-0 victory in Benin City during the 2022/23 season. Ekiti Queens vs Heartland Queens – Ado Ekiti For the first time in top-flight history, Ekiti Queens and Heartland Queens will face off at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium in Ado Ekiti. Ekiti Queens managed to narrowly avoid relegation last season, while Heartland Queens defied expectations by qualifying for the Super Six from Group A. Despite their struggles at the Super Six, Obi Ogbala’s side will be aiming to build on that experience and continue their growth. Ekiti Queens, under new coach Jacob Vandhi, will be hoping to improve on last season’s performance and avoid another relegation battle. Confluence Queens vs Remo Stars Ladies – Anyigba Another exciting matchup features Confluence Queens and Remo Stars Ladies at the Anyigba City Stadium in Kogi State. Confluence Queens finished second in Group A last season, securing a Super Six spot but struggled to make an impact in the playoffs. Their opponent, Remo Stars, had a solid debut season, finishing fifth in Group B, and have been in good form recently, winning the Ogun State FA Cup and reaching the semi-final of the 2024 President Federation Cup. Their success in the Sheroes Cup adds further confidence as they prepare for the new season. Nasarawa Amazons vs Dannaz Ladies – Lafia Nasarawa Amazons will begin their campaign with a home match against Dannaz Ladies at Lafia City Stadium. The Solid Babes finished top of Group A last season but couldn’t replicate that success in the Super Six. They will be determined to return to the Super Six playoffs, starting with a strong result against Dannaz Ladies, who had a commendable debut season in 2023/24, finishing just outside the playoff spots. Group BRivers Angels vs Ibom Angels – Port Harcourt The first of two South-South derbies on Matchday 1 sees Rivers Angels host Ibom Angels in Port Harcourt. Rivers Angels came agonizingly close to claiming an eighth league title last season, finishing second in the Super Six by a single point. With new coach Tosan Blankson in charge, they will be eager to go one better this season and secure that elusive title. Meanwhile, Ibom Angels return to the top flight after a successful promotion campaign, and their new coach, Edwin Okon, will be looking to make a strong start as they aim to retain their top-flight status. Adamawa Queens vs Naija Ratels FC – Gombe In a Northern derby, Adamawa Queens host Naija Ratels at the Pantami Stadium in Gombe. Both teams finished on 17 points last season, with Adamawa Queens emerging victorious in their last encounter, winning 2-0. Naija Ratels, however, will be determined to bounce back and improve on their mid-table finish, aiming for a spot in the Super Six this time around. Benue Queens vs FC Robo Queens – Lafia In a David vs Goliath encounter, newly promoted Benue Queens will face FC Robo Queens at Lafia City Stadium. Benue Queens, fresh off their return to the top flight, will be hoping to make a statement in their debut season. Under the guidance of experienced coach Liadi Bashiru, they will be looking for a positive result to set the tone for their maiden top-flight campaign. On the other hand, FC Robo Queens, perennial contenders in the league, will be hoping to secure a victory to relaunch their bid for a return to the end of the season’s Championship Super Six tournament. Bayelsa Queens vs Delta Queens – Yenegoa The second South-South derby of the day sees Bayelsa Queens host Delta Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenegoa. This fixture is one of the most anticipated of the opening matchday, given the fierce rivalry between the two teams. Delta Queens have had the upper hand in recent encounters, winning three of the last eight meetings, while Bayelsa Queens have managed just one victory. Both teams now have new coaches at the helm, with Tosan Blankson guiding Bayelsa Queens and Peter Dedevbo taking over at Delta Queens. This match will set the tone for both teams as they embark on their league campaigns. With so many exciting fixtures on the horizon, Matchday 1 of the 2024/25 NWFL Premiership promises to deliver plenty of action as teams jostle for early points and set their sights on achieving their season goals. Pep Guardiola reportedly splits from wife Cristina after 30 years together 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…

NWFL launches new era with weekly Premiership Star matches broadcast on TV

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) is ushering in a new era under its visionary leadership, with a renewed focus on attracting sponsorships and transforming women’s football in Nigeria. The 2024/2025 NWFL Premiership kicks off with an electrifying Week 1 Star Match between holders Edo Queens and Abia Angels at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 6 PM. This landmark opener will be broadcast live on NTA Sports 24 and StarTimes, signaling the league’s commitment to bringing women’s football to the forefront. Speaking about the league board’s new direction, NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi emphasized the board’s dedication to innovation and growth:“We are determined to create a league that is both competitive and commercially viable. The introduction of live broadcasts and floodlight matches is a step toward making the NWFL a household name across Nigeria and beyond.” She added, “This season, fans can expect weekly star matches on TV, showcasing the incredible talent we have in women’s football. Our goal is to inspire and attract the support needed to elevate the game to new heights.” As part of the new strategy, the NWFL will feature weekly star matches broadcast live on TV, ensuring fans nationwide can connect with the league’s best moments. Additionally, floodlight matches will debut this season, adding an exciting dimension to matchdays and enhancing the viewing experience. This bold step is designed to enhance the league’s visibility, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of female footballers. The NWFL is committed to building a commercially viable and globally recognized league, setting a new benchmark for women’s football in Africa.

Tyson Fury announces retirement from boxing

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Boxing great Tyson Fury has announced his retirement from the sport following consecutive defeats to unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Talk of either an Usyk trilogy or a fight against Anthony Joshua surrounded the immediate future of the ‘Gypsy King’, but the 36-year-old has instead opted to retire, putting an end to an iconic career. “Hi everybody, I’m going to make this short and sweet,” said Fury in a video posted to Instagram. “I’d like to announce my retirement from boxing, it’s been a blast. I’ve loved every single minute of it. “I’m going to end with this, Dick Turpin wore a mask. God bless everybody, see you on the other side.” Fury went toe-to-toe with Usyk for the first time in Riyadh in May last year. He suffered his maiden professional defeat via split decision, a victory which granted the Ukrainian undisputed status. Fury sought revenge on his heavyweight counterpart when the pair locked horns in a rematch in December, but Usyk again emerged victorious via unanimous decision. The Englishman was frustrated by the scoring, having felt that he had done enough to win the rematch, saying Usyk received a “bit of a Christmas gift from the judges”. And when pushed to reveal future plans following the Saudi Arabia showdown, Fury was non-committal. “I’m having some time off,” he said. “I might do, I might not. Who knows? We’ll talk about that next year.” The back-to-back defeats saw speculation mount over Fury’s next move, with a fight against fellow Briton Joshua hotly tipped for 2025. Speaking at The Ring Magazine Awards last week, Joshua himself encouraged the bout, saying: “It has to happen this year.” Fury initially announced he would retire in 2022 following victory over Dillian Whyte, but U-turned on the decision, returning to action to defeat Derek Chisora in December that year. He then went on to defeat Francis Ngannou via split decision in October 2023, before taking on the Usyk double-header the following year. Fury’s retirement brings an end to a glittering career in the ring, which saw him claim WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles after ending Wladimir Klitschko’s long-standing dominance in the heavyweight division with victory over the Ukrainian in 2015. He would soon go on to vacate the titles as he temporarily stepped away from the sport – and he returned to the ring in 2018 with victory over Sefer Seferi. Among his iconic fights, an epic trilogy with Deontay Wilder stands out. The pair fought out a thrilling draw in 2018, before Fury went on to claim back-to-back knockout victories over the American in 2020 and 2021. Fury retired with an imperious record of 34 victories to just two defeats, both coming against Usyk. The Englishman retires having never suffered defeat via knockout.

NFF unveils Super Eagles new head coach

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago05 mins

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has categorically stated that football is solely played for goals scoring. Chelle pointed this out at his unveiling ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Stadium, Abuja on Monday. “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best. “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau reiterating his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment. Gusau said he is enamoured by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days, and is banking on him imbibing the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. “I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself. “Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way.” Gusau disclosed that the tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Chelle has also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand. He will be with the Super Eagles B – which is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – only in a supervisory role. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF. “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy. On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr. Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job. “The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF. The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.” Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, said he is excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

NFF to unveil Éric Chelle as Super Eagles’ Head Coach on Monday

Our Reporters3 months ago3 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation will on Monday in the Federal Capital, Abuja present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Mr. Éric Sékou Chelle. The event has been scheduled for the Media Conference Room of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, by 11am. Chelle’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee. The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said on Sunday that the Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. “We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle. However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles. “The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job.” At Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa, before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March. Chelle, who took Mali’s Aiglons within breathing distance of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, left his job at top Algerian side MC Oran – 1989 African Champions’ Cup finalists – to team up with the Super Eagles.