Sports Archives | Page 26 of 111

Mission X: Super Falcons Land in Casablanca

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

The delegation of Nigeria’s title aspirants, Super Falcons, will arrive in Morocco’s economic capital, Casablanca on Wednesday night from the Portuguese capital, Lisbon. The delegation will comprise 22 players and team officials. China-based forward Folashade Ijamilusi and USA-based Asisat Oshoala are already in Morocco’s economic capital. The nine-time African champions played a gutsy game to hold their Portuguese counterparts to a scoreless draw in a friendly at Lisbon’s Estádio José Gomes on Monday evening. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defender Shukurat Oladipo and veteran forward Francisca Ordega each had a game to remember. Nigeria’s first match of the 13th Africa Cup of Nations finals will be against Tunisia’s senior women national team at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, 6th July, before other games against Botswana and Algeria in the group phase. The Super Falcons have never failed to reach the last four at the Women Africa Cup of Nations, since it was launched as the African Women Championship in 1998. Winners in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2016 and 2018, the Falcons made the last four in 2008, 2012 and 2022.

Uzodimma Appoints Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Devt.

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago01 mins

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma has appointed Olympic Gold Medallist, Mr. Emmanuel Amuneke as Grand Ambassador for Sports Development in the State. The State Governor announced the appointment while presenting his State of the State address to Ndi Imo State at the Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) Chamber. Governor Uzodimma explained that the 1994 African Footballer of the Year Player has inspired sports development in the state, especially in the establishment of the Imo Dream Team. He said: “His experience and leadership has inspired the Imo Dream Team. Our support has not stopped at appearances, we have committed resources to sports infrastructure, coaching programs and grassroots scouting, creating a pipeline for future champions.”

Tottenham Lines Up £68m Move for Eberechi Eze

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Tottenham are turning their attention to Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze as Thomas Frank looks to make a statement signing this summer. Eze, who is believed to have a £68m release clause, guided Crystal Palace to the first piece of major silverware in the club’s history last season, scoring in the FA Cup final as Oliver Glasner’s side upset Manchester City at Wembley in May. Eze’s release clause has attracted a number of potential suitors, including long-term admirers Tottenham, to the 26-year-old’s availability, and the lure of Champions League football at Spurs could be enough to convince Eze to join, with Palace still unsure whether they’ll be granted access to the Europa League following their FA Cup win. Tottenham looked at Eze last summer but never submitted a firm bid according to Palace chairman Steve Parish. They now, however, look set to return for the England international, with Frank keen to make a statement of intent after arriving from Brentford.

Maduka Okoye Bags Enugu State Sports Ambassadorial Role

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Super Eagles and Udinese of Italy goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye has been appointed as Enugu State Sports Ambassador. The State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah made the announcement via his official Twitter now X handle on Wednesday. According to him, “Today, I had the pleasure of receiving the Super Eagles and Udinese star goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, at the Lion Building. “A true son of Enugu, Maduka is not just making us proud on the national and global stage, he is also poised to give back. He shared his vision to launch a charitable foundation and establish a football academy right here in Enugu, to inspire young talents, nurture future stars, and touch lives. “In recognition of his achievements and commitment, I’m proud to appoint him as an Ambassador of Enugu State. He will serve as a role model to our children, especially those in our Smart Green Schools, and inspire a new generation of dreamers and achievers. “To support his football academy, I have committed to providing land for the project. I also invited him to participate in the next edition of Enugu International Marathon, which will feature elite runners from around the world. “At the heart of our vision is the youth – their talent, passion, and future. And with proud sons like Maduka Okoye, Enugu is truly rising.”

World Fencing Bigwigs Set to Attend 23rd African Championships in Lagos

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago02 mins

Top officials from the International Fencing Federation (FIE) are set to grace the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place in Lagos, Nigeria, from June 25 to 29, 2025. Leading the FIE delegation are Vice President Novak Perovic and Secretary General Gulnora Saidova, alongside other global dignitaries. The five-day, 12-event tournament will be hosted at Charterhouse Lagos in Lekki, with Olympic and World Champions expected to compete. The event underscores Nigeria’s growing prominence in the international fencing community. Among the high-ranking officials already in Lagos are Ndaiye Mbagnick, President of the African Fencing Confederation, and Patricia Aiyenuro, President of the British Fencing Federation They will be joined by key figures from the Nigeria Fencing Federation, including Adeyinka Samuel, President; Babatunde Soyoye, Chairman of the Board; Obinna Anyanwu, Vice Chairman; and Rachael Samuel, Vice President. According to the organisers, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will officially open the tournament on Wednesday, June 25. Over 150 athletes from across the continent will compete for glory, with host nation Nigeria aiming to end its medal drought on home soil. The management of Charterhouse Lagos has assured participants of a world-class experience in a welcoming and professional environment. “A professional, welcoming, international facility with high-level organisation, efficiency, and a world-class experience. We aim for visiting fencers to be impressed, possibly surprised, and to take away a lasting impression of just what can be achieved here in Lagos, Nigeria,” said Angela Hencher, Chief Operating Officer, Charterhouse Lagos.

Africa’s Top Fencers Light Up Lagos for 23rd African Championships

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago06 mins

Lagos, Nigeria’s vibrant commercial capital, is set to host over 150 of the continent’s finest fencers for the 23rd African Fencing Championships, taking place from June 25 to 29, 2025. This prestigious five-day, 12-event tournament will unfold at Charterhouse Lagos, the first British independent school in West Africa. The event will be officially declared open by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday, June 25. This year’s championship promises high-stakes drama and elite competition, with 50 women and 100 men from 18 nations vying for continental glory. It also marks another milestone for Charterhouse Lagos, which successfully hosted Nigeria’s first Fencing World Cup in 2024. The action kicks off on Wednesday, June 25 at the Centre of Excellence, with athletes competing in both individual and team events. The tournament will feature a thrilling mix of regional, continental, Olympic, and world champions. Preliminary rounds will build up to intense medal showdowns, highlighting a dynamic blend of rising stars and seasoned veterans. Stars to Watch With medallists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games competing in every category, fans can expect fierce rivalries and world-class performances. Picking a favourite will be no easy task as Africa’s elite fencers clash in a celebration of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Men’s Épée The men’s individual épée promises a fierce contest, headlined by Mohamed El-Sayed of Egypt, the 22-year-old bronze medalist from Paris 2024 and defending African champion. He’ll face stiff competition from his younger brother, Mahmoud El-Sayed, the reigning world junior champion. Also in the mix is Shamel Youssef (ranked 10th in junior men’s épée), alongside fellow Egyptians Osama Eslam and Elkord Houssam. Egypt’s dominance in this category makes them the team to beat in the men’s team épée. Women’s Épée Defending champion Alexandra Ndolo of Kenya, a 38-year-old Germany-based fencer, will be aiming to retain her title. She faces strong challenges from Tunisian and Egyptian contenders in what promises to be a tightly contested event. Men’s Sabre In the men’s sabre, all eyes will be on Ferjani Fares of Tunisia, world No. 3 and silver medalist at Paris 2024. He’ll be challenged by Egypt’s Mohamed Amer (2024 African champion) and Adham Moataz (2024 silver medalist). Nigeria’s rising star, 17-year-old Brou Inkosi, will also be in the hunt, adding local excitement to the mix. Women’s Sabre Defending champion Lorina Essomba of Cameroon will need to be at her best to fend off a strong Egyptian contingent. Expect fast-paced action and tactical brilliance in this category. Men’s Foil Egypt’s Mohamed Hamza, the defending champion, will face a major challenge from compatriot Tolba Abdelrahman, the current world junior No. 1. Their potential gold medal clash could be one of the highlights of the tournament. Women’s Foil Egypt’s Yara Elsharkawy, 26, is the one to beat. After clinching double gold (individual and team) at the 2024 African Championships in Morocco, she returns to defend her titles in Lagos. Team Events Egypt remains the dominant force in both men’s and women’s team events, especially in foil and épée. Their women’s squad will aim to retain titles across all three weapons: foil, épée, and sabre. Tunisia’s men’s sabre team, the reigning champions, will need to be at their best to fend off a star-studded Egyptian lineup. Home Team Spotlight: Nigeria Nigeria’s 12-man squad heads into the African Fencing Championships with a determination to break their medal drought at the continental showpiece. For many team members, the tournament presents a crucial opportunity to earn valuable ranking points in their quest to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The team features a dynamic blend of foreign-based and homegrown talent and stands out as one of the youngest contingents in the competition. Leading the charge is Inkosi Brou, Nigeria’s highest-ranked fencer, whose presence adds both experience and excitement to the youthful lineup.

Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria, Switches Allegiance to Turkey

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Favour Ofili, the Nigerian-born sprinting talent who recently broke the women’s 150-meter world record, according to world media, has officially transferred her athletic allegiance to Turkey, less than three months before the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The 22-year-old LSU alumna, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s brightest track prospects, is said to have made the switch in response to what she described as years of mistreatment and mismanagement by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). According to reports first shared by Jamaica-based journalist Kayon Raynor, Ofili completed her nationality change on May 31, 2025, notifying the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) of her decision. Raynor cited sources within the TVJ News Centre, noting that Ofili had expressed “growing frustration” with the Nigerian athletics authorities. In one social media post, Raynor wrote, “She has switched allegiance to Turkey as of May 31. According to impeccable sources, 22-year-old Ofili has advised the Athletics Integrity Unit of her frustration with the Nigerian Athletics Federation.” Ofili’s decision reportedly stems from a pattern of administrative issues, including her controversial omission from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to delayed doping test confirmations. More recently, she was left out of the 100m event at the Paris 2024 Olympics and only competed in the 200m final, where she placed sixth. Although Ofili has yet to make a formal public statement, sources close to the athlete suggest her decision was not financially motivated. Nonetheless, the move aligns with a broader trend, as Türkiye has been actively recruiting elite international athletes in recent years. Reports indicate that the country has offered incentives of up to $500,000 in its drive to attract top-tier talent. Ofili joins a growing list of athletes who have opted to represent other nations amid dissatisfaction with their home federations. At the time of this report, World Athletics still lists her as representing Nigeria, although the change is expected to be updated soon. In May, Ofili stunned the global athletics community by setting a new world record in the women’s 150m event at the Adidas Atlanta City Games. She clocked 15.85 seconds, breaking the previous record of 16.23 seconds held by Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo. With her switch to Turkey now confirmed, all eyes will be on Ofili as she prepares to represent her new country at the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo.

Mission X: Super Falcons Impressive in Scoreless Draw With Portugal

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

Reigning Africa’s best goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie had a game to remember forever as Nigeria’s Super Falcons provided both flair and steel in a 0-0 draw with hosts Portugal in a pre-WAFCON friendly match in Lisbon on Monday. The nine-time African champions, aspiring boldly for a 10th title, only arrived in Portugal less than 24 hours before the encounter, but advertised no signs of fatigue or lassitude as they stood up to the Portuguese in a game that indicated readiness to battle for the continental crown in Morocco. A back pass by Christy Ucheibe allowed Diana Silva sight of the Nigeria goal in the 6th minute, but her shot spurned the ball away from goal. In the 9th minute, Nnadozie plucked the ball off the air from a pull-out, and at the other end, the fabulous Francisca Ordega cut into the box and found captain Rasheedat Ajibade, whose smart turn and shot nearly wrong-footed goalkeeper Ines Pereira. Nnadozie pulled off another epic save in the 24th minute, and as the home girls launched onslaught after onslaught, only Nnadozie’s heroics and stonewall defending by the Falcons kept the scoreline even. Just before half time, Nigeria could have taken the lead against the run of play, but Rinsola Babajide overhit the ball from an opportunity that presented itself after Ordega had been foiled with a last-ditch effort. In the second stanza, Africa’s number one pulled off three world-class saves within a spate of four minutes, denying the dangerous Jessica Silva, Fatima Pinto and Andreia Norton. The injection of Ifeoma Onumonu, Ashleigh Plumptre and Halimatu Ayinde rejuvenated Nigeria’s game, and as the Falcons took control, Ordega’s brilliant move and pass into the box in the 64th minute went begging. The Falcons revved the engine to dominate the final 20 minutes, during which the vibrant Ordega rattled the crossbar from distance and Onumonu just fell short of squaring past the goalkeeper from another inspired Ordega cross. At the end, the Super Falcons gave a good account of themselves, and left the Portuguese fans stunned with an elegant outing at the Estádio José Gomes. The Nigeria contingent will depart from Lisbon for Casablanca on Wednesday, where they will take on Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly match on Sunday. Their first match of the 13th Women Africa Cup of Nations comes up on Sunday, 6th July against Tunisia in Casablanca.