Sports Archives | Page 33 of 111

NFF Commiserates with Kano State Government Over Death of Athletes in Auto Crash

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago42 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed grave sorrow and grief over the death on Saturday of 22 Kano State athletes who lost their lives in an ato crash on their way from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State. “The Nigeria Football Federation and the entire Nigeria football family are in a period of mourning over the demise of these athletes in such tragic circumstances. We mourn deeply with the Kano State Government and all the good and great people of Kano State, on this sad incident” President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON) said on Sunday. The athletes died 50 kilometres to the city of Kano when their vehicle veered off the road and crashed into a river. “Our hearts are with their families, friends, loved ones and associates. We pray that the Almighty Allah will grant them eternal rest, and also comfort those they have left behind, as well as the Kano State Government and the people of Kano State in general.”

Handball Federation Mourns Kano Athletes Loss In Auto Crash

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago43 mins

President of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, Mr. Samuel Ocheho, has commiserated with the Kano State Government and the Kano Sports Commission on the demise of some members of the Kano State’s contingent who were returning from the National Sports Festival (NSF) which just concluded Ogun State. According to reports by the Federal Road Safety Corp, the buses of the Kano State Sports Commission were involved in a fatal road crash on Saturday along the Kano-Kaduna highway which claimed the lives of 22 persons including athletes, journalists and administrators. Others were reportedly injured and taken to the hospital. Ocheho, who expressed shock, said the Nigeria Handball mourns with the family of the deceased and prayed for comfort to bear the loss. In a heartfelt statement, Ocheho extended his deepest condolences to the Kano State Government, the Sports Commission, and the bereaved families. He remarked, “This is an immeasurable loss not only to the families and the state but to the entire Nigerian sports community. Those that lost their lives embodied the spirit of dedication and unity that we seeks to promote.” He further stated, “On behalf of the Handball Federation of Nigeria, I offer our heartfelt sympathies. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may their families find strength during this difficult time.” Also, Mr. Jibril Saidu Ojih, an executive member of HFN representing the North-Central Zone and the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Handball Association, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the Kano State Government, the families of the victims, and the entire people of Kano State, said the incident is a tragic reminder of the risks athletes and officials face while representing their states in sporting events. He prayed that the Almighty grant solace to the bereaved families and a speedy recovery to those injured.

Nigeria Secures Top Italian Coach for 2025 African Fencing Championships

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago54 mins

As part of the strategic four-year partnership between the Nigerian Fencing Federation (NFF) and the Italian Fencing Federation (Federazione Italiana Scherma, FIS), a top-tier Italian coach will arrive in Lagos this June to work with the Nigerian team ahead of the 2025 African Senior Fencing Championships, which will take place from June 25 to 29 in Lagos. The partnership, signed in December 2024, aims to accelerate the development of fencing in Nigeria through technical support and knowledge exchange. The deployment of an elite Italian coach is one ofthe key deliverables of this collaboration. Riccardo Bardine, a highly respected figure in the international fencing community, will lead a two-week intensive training program for Nigerian coaches and athletes. Bardine is a certified fencing coach, strength and conditioning expert, and Paralympic sports specialist. He studied Sport Science and completed his fencing education at the prestigious Club Scherma Pisa Antonio Di Ciolo—one of the world’s most renowned fencing institutions. Bardine brings a wealth of experience, having coached at elite clubs such as Circolo Scherma La Spezia and Club Scherma Rapallo. He has also served on the coaching staff of Italy’s U17 National Épée Team and has trained top-level athletes in both foil and épée disciplines. As a former athlete, Bardine boasts an impressive résumé: a bronze medal at the Italian U23 Foil Championships, a silver at the National Team Championships (B Series, promoted to A Series), and two selections for the Junior National Épée Team at World Cups. He is also a certified Olympic weightlifting coach and specializes in physical preparation for both able-bodied and Paralympic athletes. Beyond the training camp, Bardine will lead the technical crew of TeamNigeria during the African Championships in Lagos. President of the Nigerian Fencing Federation, Adeyinka Samuel, expressed his excitement about the development, emphasizing the federation’s commitment to growing the sport and enhancing the capacity of both athletes and coaches. “This is one of the many benefits of our international partnership with a top fencing nation. Bringing a coach of Bardine’s caliber to Nigeria is not only cost-effective but also impactful, as it allows our coaches and athletes, both local and foreign-based, to learn directly from a world-class expert,” Samuel said. “We remain committed to seeking more support from both the private and public sectors as we work toward our ultimate goal: qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles,” Samuel said.

Champions League Final: Expect PSG to Dominate Possession, but Inter Could Still Prevail

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago42 mins

In the build-up to Saturday’s UEFA Champions League final, one prediction seems almost certain: Paris Saint-Germain will dominate possession against Inter Milan. PSG have averaged 60.1% possession across 16 matches this season — higher than any team except Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Inter, by contrast, have controlled just 47% of the ball, ranking below 22 of the 36 teams in the competition’s league phase. However, as history shows, possession doesn’t guarantee victory. Manchester City’s Champions League campaigns in previous years serve as a reminder, and the 2022 final — when Liverpool, favourites over Real Madrid, lost despite dominating the ball — is a cautionary tale. The odds at ESPN BET give PSG a 60% chance of lifting their first European Cup, while Inter have a 40% chance of claiming a fourth title. Inter’s strategy will likely mirror Madrid’s in 2022: sit deep, absorb pressure, and rely on key moments of brilliance to decide the match. PSG will keep the ball, but Inter’s counter-attacking prowess could prove decisive. As the football world counts down to the final in Istanbul, attention turns to the stars who could define the night. In that spirit, we’ll rank the 30 best players set to shape this season’s Champions League final — a showcase of talent, strategy, and the fine margins that separate triumph from heartbreak.

Super Eagles Lift Unity Cup in London

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago63 mins

Christantus Uche converted the winning penalty as Nigeria beat Jamaica 5-4 in a shootout to win the Unity Cup, defending the title they won 19 years ago. The friendly tournament was hosted at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium and staged for the first time since 2004, when the Super Eagles first got their hands on the trophy. They did so again here, as after a 2-2 draw in normal time the shootout began with six perfect penalties. Jamaica’s Dwayne Atkinson then stepped up and smashed his effort off the top of the bar and over. Amari’i Bell made no mistake with his spot-kick to keep Jamaica in it, but Uche had the decisive moment as he calmly slotted home to start the Nigerian celebrations. It had been an entertaining 90 minutes in west London, with the six yellow cards and several flashpoints suggesting both teams were viewing this as much more than just a post-season friendly. Moses Simon put Nigeria in front inside ten minutes, finishing from close range after Cyriel Dessers had put a dangerous ball into the middle, but Jamaica were level almost immediately. Renaldo Cephas was a constant threat throughout the match and he created the equaliser, charging down the left wing and producing a superb cross for Kaheim Dixon to provide the finishing touch. It remained level heading into the break, before Nigeria again made a quick start to a half. Samuel Chukwueze initially appeared to be crowded out when the ball came to him on the edge of the box, but the AC Milan star worked it onto his left foot and drilled a finish into the bottom corner. Jamaica equalised for a second time just after the hour mark and in familiar fashion. Cephas broke free out wide and his delivery was once again perfect, with Jonathan Russell the man to this time fire beyond Stanley Nwabali. Nigeria looked the more likely to find a later winner as they won a succession of late corners, before Wilfred Ndidi then sent an effort whistling past the post in stoppage-time.

Flying Eagles Face Tough Test at 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago62 mins

The Flying Eagles, Nigeria’s U-20 national football team, are gearing up for a challenging group stage at the upcoming 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile. The tournament’s group-stage draw, recently announced by FIFA, has placed Nigeria in Group F alongside Norway, Colombia, and Saudi Arabia, promising a thrilling set of fixtures for the West African giants. With a reputation as a powerhouse in youth football, the Flying Eagles have consistently been a key talent pipeline for Nigeria’s senior national team, the Super Eagles. The squad will be aiming to build on their proud history and deliver a strong performance on the global stage. The 24-team competition will showcase the best of young football talent, and the Flying Eagles are determined to make their mark and push for a deep run in the tournament. Fans across Nigeria will be hoping the team can replicate the feats of past generations and bring glory home once again.

Why Real Madrid paying to sign Trent Alexander-Arnold early is unprecedented

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago62 mins

Real Madrid’s decision to pay approximately €10 million (£8.4 million) to secure Trent Alexander-Arnold’s early release from Liverpool—just a month before his contract was set to expire—is a rare and strategic move in modern football. Typically, clubs allow players with expiring contracts to leave on a free transfer, especially when the remaining time is minimal. However, Real Madrid’s urgency stemmed from their desire to have Alexander-Arnold available for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, which commences on June 18, 2025. His Liverpool contract was due to end on June 30, making him ineligible for the tournament unless an early agreement was reached This proactive approach is unprecedented, particularly for a player who was on the verge of free agency. It underscores Real Madrid’s commitment to fielding a competitive squad for the Club World Cup, a tournament offering significant financial incentives, with potential earnings up to €100 million for the winners Moreover, the move highlights Real Madrid’s long-term planning. With veteran right-back Dani Carvajal facing injuries and advancing in age, securing Alexander-Arnold not only addresses immediate concerns but also ensures a seamless transition for the future. The club’s willingness to invest in an early transfer, despite the player’s impending free-agent status, reflects a strategic blend of short-term necessity and long-term vision

Liverpool Confirm €35m Deal for Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago62 mins

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of Dutch defender Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, after triggering his €35m (£29.5m) release clause. The 24-year-old right-back, who can also operate as a winger, will join Liverpool on a six-year contract, with the fee to be paid in three instalments. The deal will be officially completed when the summer transfer window opens on Sunday. Frimpong, a key figure in Leverkusen’s 2023/24 German domestic double-winning campaign, scored five goals and provided 12 assists in 48 appearances last season. He previously contributed 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions in the 2022/23 season, underlining his attacking impact from the right flank. Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, is understood to be a strong admirer of Frimpong’s versatility, work rate, and offensive capabilities, viewing him as a crucial addition to the squad. Frimpong’s arrival will bolster Liverpool’s options at right-back and on the wings ahead of the new season. Frimpong’s transfer will also see his former club, Celtic, benefit from a sell-on clause potentially worth £5m. The Scottish side had sold him to Leverkusen for up to £11.5m in January 2021, having initially signed him from Manchester City’s academy in 2019.