Sports Archives | Page 35 of 111

Car Collides With Pedestrians Near Liverpool Victory Parade

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago33 mins

A man has been detained after a car collided with pedestrians in Liverpool city centre during Liverpool FC’s Premier League victory parade. Emergency services descended on Water Street after Merseyside Police were contacted just after 6pm on Monday with reports of the incident. The car stopped at the scene and a man was detained. The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary are being kept updated about the events, the PA news agency understands. People were injured in the incident, with images capturing someone being taken away on a stretcher and a man walking with his arm around a police officer for support. Footage showed police cordons in place around the heavily littered road, with a large police presence, ambulances and a fire engine also at the scene. A spokesperson for the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) said: “We are currently assessing the situation and working with other members of the emergency services. “Our priority is to ensure people receive the medical help they need as quickly as possible.” Liverpool Riverside MP Kim Johnson, whose seat includes the city centre, said: “I sincerely hope all those involved are safe and get home to their loved ones soon.” While a spokesman for Liverpool City Council confirmed the local authority is liaising with police about the incident. Liverpool FC held an open-top bus parade to celebrate its Premier League triumph, with fans lining the streets along the 10-mile route. Councillor John Hughes estimated in excess of one million people were attending, beating the 750,000 present for the 2019 Champions League parade. Hundreds ignored police advice not to climb on structures – or adhere to the ‘no pyro’ request – as every vantage point, ranging from multi-storey car parks, scaffolding, rooftops, on top of petrol stations, traffic lights and lamp posts, was taken.

Villa Denied Champions League Spot After Controversial Loss to Man United

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago62 mins

Manchester United dashed Aston Villa’s Champions League dreams with a 2-0 win on the final day of the Premier League season, a match marred by controversial refereeing decisions that left Villa furious. Despite United’s struggles throughout the season, they surprisingly dominated the opening half against a Villa side fighting for a top-five finish. Villa’s hopes were further dented when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez received a red card just before the break. Villa thought they had snatched a lifeline in the 72nd minute when Morgan Rogers bundled the ball into the net, but referee Thomas Bramall controversially ruled it out for a foul on United’s goalkeeper, Altay Bayindir. Moments later, Amad Diallo headed United into the lead, compounding Villa’s frustration. A late Christian Eriksen penalty sealed the result, leaving United in 15th and Villa to settle for a Europa League place despite a season that had promised so much more. Villa’s manager Unai Emery was left fuming after the final whistle, while United ended a poor season on a rare high, albeit with questions over the refereeing that shaped the game’s outcome.

Super Eagles, Super Falcons Camps Bubble!

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago53 mins

Ahead of different international friendly games, the camps of Nigeria’s senior teams (Super Eagles and Super Falcons) have come alive with most invited players already in. As at 18: 55hrs on Monday, 18 of the 23 Super Falcons invited for the friendly matches against Cameroon (31st May at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo and 3rd June at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta) had arrived at the team’s Am2pm Hotel in Ijebu-Ode. At about the same time, on the same day, 22 of the 26 Super Eagles invited for the Unity Cup Invitational Tournament in London had arrived at the team’s Doubletree Hilton Ealing. The Eagles take on the Black Stars of Ghana at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford on Wednesday, 28th May and then play a second match at the same venue on Saturday 31st May. The opponent will be determined by their result against the Black Stars, and the result of the 27th May clash between Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago. SUPER FALCONS IN IJEBU-ODE Rasheedat Ajibade, Michelle Alozie, Toni Payne, Francisca Ordega, Omorinsola Babajide, Rofiat Imuran, Oluwatosin Demehin, Olamide Bolaji, Josephine Mathias, Sikiratu Isah, Jennifer Echegini, Osinachi Ohale, Amarachi Odoma, Morufa Ademola, Miracle Usani, Emem Essien, Blessing Ilivieda, Linda Jiwuaku SUPER EAGLES IN LONDON Ahmed Musa, Simon Moses, Kelechi Iheanacho, Semi Ajayi, Frank Onyeka, Nathan Tella, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Igoh Ogbu, Wilfred Ndidi, Bruno Onyemaechi, Junior Harrison Nduka, Sodiq Ismaila, Waliu Ojetoye, Ifeanyi Onyebuchi, Papa Daniel Mustapha, Saviour Isaac, Collins Ogwueze, Sikiru Alimi, Adamu Abubakar, Stanley Nwabali, Samuel Chukwueze

Oshodi Seeks Re-Election as ITTF Executive Vice President

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago14 mins

Nigeria’s Wahid Enitan Oshodi will be among 17 global candidates vying for eight available positions as Executive Vice Presidents of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on Tuesday, May 27, in Doha, Qatar. The election will take place during the ITTF Annual General Meeting. All candidates have been vetted and approved by the Nominations Committee following the ITTF Electoral and Appointment Regulations, following their meeting on March 6, 2025. Oshodi, one of four incumbents seeking re-election, is widely regarded as a strong contender due to his significant contributions during his first term on the Executive Board. His leadership and diplomacy have earned him respect within the global table tennis community. In 2024, Oshodi was elected President of the African Table Tennis Federation (ITTF Africa), further cementing his influence in the sport. He played a pivotal role in resolving tensions between World Table Tennis (WTT) and the athletes’ community, enhancing his reputation as a unifying figure. Other candidates for the Executive Vice President positions include: Hajera Hajee (South Africa), Robert Jjagwe (Uganda), Ayman Ali (Sudan), Beatrice Romanescu (Romania), Paul Calle (Ecuador), Ichiro Hoshino (Japan), Imre Kovacsics (Hungary), Veli Ozan Cakir (Turkey), Alaor Azevedo (Brazil), Alaa Meshref (Egypt), Anthony Moore (Australia), Liu Guoliang (China), Stefano Bosi (Italy), Princess Zeina Rashid (Jordan), Virginia Sung (USA) and Ryu Seungmin (South Korea). Meanwhile, Andrew Mudibo (Kenya), Elhajji Monqid (Morocco), and Lotfi Guerfel (Tunisia) have withdrawn their candidacies. In addition to the Vice Presidential race, the ITTF Presidential election will also take place, featuring three candidates: incumbent Petra Sörling (Sweden), Khalil Al-Mohannadi (Qatar), and newcomer Mohamed El Hacen Ahmed Salem (Mauritania). Sörling, the first female ITTF President, was elected in 2021 during a turbulent period marked by the global pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Her tenure has been credited with stabilising the federation’s finances and promoting unity through sport. She also became the first ITTF President to earn a seat on the International Olympic Committee (IOC), a milestone that has elevated the sport’s global profile. Backed by major sporting nations, Sörling is seeking a second term to build on the momentum of the past four years and continue advancing the sport worldwide. The ITTF, with 227 member associations, remains the largest sports federation globally, and the upcoming elections are expected to shape the future of table tennis for years to come.

Chelsea Clinch Champions League Spot with Narrow Win Over Nottingham Forest

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago61 mins

Levi Colwill’s second-half header sealed a vital 1-0 win for Chelsea over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, securing their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League. In a tense encounter, Colwill rose highest to meet a corner and nod home the winner shortly after the break. The goal was enough to hand Chelsea all three points and guarantee their top-four finish, completing a remarkable turnaround under Mauricio Pochettino. Forest, on the other hand, had golden chances to draw level, with Chris Wood spurning two clear-cut opportunities that could have altered the outcome. Despite their loss, Forest will compete in the UEFA Conference League next season, marking their return to European competition after a long absence. Chelsea’s win marks a significant step forward in their rebuild, while Forest can take pride in a campaign that sees them secure a spot on the continental stage.

Oliseh Bags Int’l Football Association Board Appointment

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago31 mins

Former Super Eagles manager and captain Sunday Oliseh has been appointed a member of the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Oliseh broke the cheering news on his official twitter handle now X on Monday. He wrote; “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)! “IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide. “Honoured to contribute to its mission!” Recalled Oliseh played 55 international matches and scored 4 goals for Nigeria, and played at the 1994 and 1998 FIFA World Cups. Oliseh was also part of Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal winning team of 1996.

SWAN Hails Kunle Soname’s Drive To Transform Nigerian Sports, Remo Stars’ Maiden NPFL Win

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago56 mins

The National leadership of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has paid a courtesy visit to business mogul and sports philanthropist Mr. Kunle Soname, Chairman of Remo Stars FC, Bet9ja, ValueJet, and Portuguese club CD Feirense, to commend him for his leadership, sports development efforts, and the recent historic achievement of Remo Stars Football Club clinching their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title. The courtesy visit to Mr. Soname’s office at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne, Ogun State, on the sidelines of the Gateway 2024 National Sports Festival on Saturday. This reflects SWAN’s resolve to collaborate with key stakeholders in the private, public and corporate sectors to drive professionalism, visibility, and sustainable development in the Nigerian sports ecosystem. In his remarks, SWAN National President, Mr. Isaiah Benjamin, applauded Mr. Soname not only for his club’s title-winning success, but also for his broader impact on Nigerian sports, youth empowerment, and investment in sports media infrastructure. “Mr. Soname’s influence on Nigerian sports is profound. His vision and investments go beyond club football to grassroots development, sports business, and media innovation. Through brand initiatives like Valuejet, Bet9ja, Team 33 Productions, he continues to shape the way Nigerian sports are presented, broadcast, and consumed,” said Mr. Benjamin. Mr. Benjamin also acknowledged Mr. Soname’s unwavering support for sports journalists across the country, noting his significant role in helping to raise professional standards and build capacity within the industry. “You have also expanded your footprint to the global stage through CD Feirense in Portugal, this stands as an enduring testament to what vision, courage, and consistency can achieve. “In you, we see not just an inspiring story, but a lasting legacy, one we are proud to be associated with. Beyond your support for countless young talents and your establishing one of Nigeria’s leading production firms, Team 33 Production, we are equally excited by your recent launch of a new radio station,” he said Benjamin said SWAN was proud to identify with Soname’s impacts and glad to bestow him with one of the highest honours of the association in recognition of his good works. He said SWAN, as the voice of Nigerian sports would continue to advocate for growth of the sector, and partner with those who believed in its limitless potential. “It is in this spirit that we formally extend to you our invitation to serve as Grand Patron of SWAN. It signífies a bridge between professional sports journalism and transformative private sector leadership anchored in mutual respect, national pride, and a commitment to excellence. “Among our national priorities are the launch of a welfare driven cooperative for journalists, the establishment of our permanent National Secretariat in Abuja, and the celebration of SWAN’s 60th Diamond Jubilee Anniversary. “In particular, we are enthusiastic about the possibility of adopting Valuelet as SWAN’s official airline at a subsidised, negotiated rate alleviating the burden on our hardworking, card carrying members,” he said. In response, Mr. Soname expressed gratitude to SWAN for the recognition and reiterated his belief in the power of sports journalism to drive positive change in the sporting landscape. He further acknowledged the importance of strengthening partnerships with the sporting media umbrella, particularly as Nigeria continues to build its reputation in global sports. “I’m humbled by this visit and the kind words from SWAN. Remo Stars’ journey is a result of commitment and collective effort, and I truly value the role the media has played in amplifying that story,” Mr. Soname said. “I am committed to working with SWAN, within my capacity, to support efforts aimed at rebuilding and repositioning the image of the sports media in Nigeria. I also deeply appreciate the media for their tireless efforts in promoting not just Remo Stars, but Nigerian sports as a whole.”

Gateway Games 2024: Teams, Players Battle for 46 Gold Medals in Table Tennis

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago43 mins

Participants in the table tennis event of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged Gateway Games 2024, will be vying for a total of 46 gold medals up for grabs. The table tennis competition features athletes across three categories: able-bodied, para-athletes, and deaf athletes. Seven gold medals are available in the able-bodied category, while deaf athletes will contest for five gold medals. Para-athletes will compete for a whopping 34 gold medals across various events, including singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team events. In the able-bodied category, athletes will compete in singles (for men and women), doubles (for men and women), mixed doubles, and team events (for men and women). Deaf athletes will contest in singles (men and women), doubles (men and women), and mixed doubles. Para-athletes will participate in four team events—men’s classes 1–5 and 6–10, and women’s classes 1–5 and 6–10. There will also be 18 singles events for men and women, eight doubles events, and four mixed doubles events. Delta State dominates the seeding lists for both able-bodied and para-athlete categories. Fatimo Bello of Delta State is the top seed in the women’s singles, while Bayelsa’s Olajide Omotayo leads the men’s singles. Lagos and Oyo States top the seedings in the deaf singles events. According to the tournament referee, Lajide Ranti, this year’s tournament promises to be thrilling, especially with the inclusion of Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) by the National Sports Commission (NSC). Lajide said: “We are going to witness top-class table tennis, especially from players who recently featured in the ITTF World Championships in Doha, Qatar. The knockout format of this year’s tournament will make it even more exciting and competitive. I hope we can conclude all matches before the closing ceremony on May 29,” Ranti said. “The turnout of teams has been impressive, even from states that haven’t traditionally featured in the table tennis events of the NSF. Beyond the medals, I believe the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF) will be able to discover new talents for future development,” he added.