Sports Archives | Page 40 of 111

Marc Guehi Rushed to Hospital after Palace FA Cup Win

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and team-mate Adam Wharton were unable to join their club’s FA Cup victory celebrations after both were rushed to hospital from Wembley Stadium. Both Guehi and Wharton featured in the starting line-up for the prestigious match at the national stadium. The Eagles clinched their first-ever major honour by triumphing over favourites Manchester City. The solitary goal of the match was netted by Eberechi Eze, 16 minutes into the game, following a brilliant counter-attack from Palace. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a crucial penalty save towards the end of the first half, diving low to his right to deflect Omar Marmoush’s spot-kick. There was controversy earlier in the half when Henderson could arguably have been shown a red card for handball. Captain Guehi had to be substituted 57 minutes into the game after sustaining an injury to his eye, while Wharton was taken off towards the end after blocking a Kevin De Bruyne shot with his head. Despite his injury, Guehi managed to lead his team up the iconic Wembley steps to hoist the FA Cup trophy aloft after the final whistle and celebrate on the pitch with his team-mates. However, the 24 year old was subsequently rushed to hospital in an ambulance due to fears he had fractured his eye socket, with the defender also reporting slight loss of vision. Thankfully, tests have indicated that he has not suffered a fractured eye socket, reports the Mirror. It remains uncertain whether he will be fit to participate in Palace’s final two Premier League matches of the season. Newcastle United have tracked Guehi for some time, with several transfer bids turned down last summer. The Magpies are thought to be keen to revisit a deal this year, with the defender’s contract due to expire in 12 months.

CAF, European Union Conclude Historic Partnership

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

CAF and the European Union today concluded a historic partnership agreement that will see EU to sponsor the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 and 2027, the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 and the CAF African Schools Football Championship. The agreement was signed today by CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Mr Jozef Síkela in Cairo, Egypt. Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Our Partnership reflects the mutual commitment of CAF and the European Union to the development and growth of African Football, schools and Youth Football and the expansion of the cultural, trade and investment relationships between our two continents. “I would like to express my gratitude to the President of the European Union Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Jozef Síkela and the EU for this exciting Partnership.”

Taiwo Awoniyi Shares Health Updates

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

Nigerian international Taiwo Awoniyi has issued a statement on social media after waking up from an induced coma. The Nottingham Forest striker suffered a serious abdominal injury after colliding with a post late in Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw against Leicester City at the City Ground last weekend. He received treatment before returning to the pitch for the final minutes of the match. Awoniyi later underwent surgery and was placed into an induced coma before undergoing another operation on Wednesday. On Sunday, Awoniyi release a statement on Instagram. It read: “This season has been one of the most difficult of my career but through it all, I have felt the love. “With the grace of God, I am grateful to still be here, to still be fighting, to still be smiling, and to be in good spirits. “To my teammates, coaches, staff and the entire Forest family, thank you for your well wishes, seeing you all on your visit to the hospital lifted my spirits more than words can say. “Wishing the boys the very best in these last two games, keep believing and keep pushing. I’m with you all the way and I can’t wait to be back out there with the boys doing what I love. “To my family, friends and football fans, thank you for the support, and to everyone back home in Nigeria who has checked in on me, prayed for me and left kind words, thank you. “I see them. I feel them. And I carry them with me every day as I recover.”

Davido, Asa to Star at 2025 Gateway Games Opener

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Nigerian musician David Adedeji Adeleke professionally known as Davido and Bukola Elemide also known as Asa will tonight thrill sports fans to frenzy at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Sports Festival tagged; Gateway Games 2025. The opening ceremony slated to hold at the new refurbished MKO Abiola Sports Arena, is expected to treat over 10,000 athletes, officials and fans with the hospitality of the Gateway State. A Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Chief Bukola Olopade, who was the Commissioner for Sports the last time Ogun State hosted the Mini Olympics in a post on his Twitter handle congratulated the State on the organistion of a World class event. “Let the Games begin. “This is our own Olympics and from start to finish, the festival must portray that global feel, both in competition and organisation. “This is why the National Sports Commission and the Ogun State Government have put up a World class event to mark the Opening ceremony later today by 5pm. “Two of Nigeria’s top Music icons Davido and Asa will be performing live at the MKO Sports Arena. “Beyond the aesthetic people will be seeing today, which confirms to everyone what I have been saying that Ogun will host the best Festival, we are also determined to ensure that people witness the best throughout the Games,” the astute Sports Administrator assured.

Lamine Yamal Agrees New Barcelona Contract

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago05 mins

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has confirmed that Lamine Yamal has agreed a contract extension with La Blaugrana, while Frenkie de Jong is also in talks over a renewal. Hansi Flick’s men are currently in party mode after securing the La Liga title, triumphing 2-0 over Espanyol on Friday to officially eliminate Real Madrid from first-placed contention. La Blaugrana are now simply completing the formalities of their top-flight campaign, as they host Villarreal on Sunday before travelling to Athletic Bilbao next weekend in the final gameweek of the campaign. With the crown already wrapped up, attentions are turning to a busy summer of spending, selling and signing, and the powers-that-be at Camp Nou are working to tie down their prized assets to new contracts. Ballon d’Or contender Yamal has been one of the first in line for new terms, having enjoyed another extraordinary campaign with 42 direct goal involvements in 53 matches, 17 of his own and 25 assists. Two years on from making his Barcelona debut under Xavi at the age of 15, the still-teenage Yamal is already considered one of the best players of the world, even at his tender age. As things stand, however, the Euro 2024 winner could become a free agent at the end of next season, and there were rumours of Paris Saint-Germain submitting a sensational nine-figure bid for his services last year. Manchester City and Liverpool are also said to have been casting a watchful eye over Yamal’s situation, waiting to see whether the 2007-born talent could become available due to Barcelona’s delicate financial situation. However, Barca president Laporta has now confirmed that Yamal has put pen to paper on a new deal, and all that is left is the announcement, telling reporters: “Lamine Yamal’s contract renewal has already been agreed upon. Now all that remains is the official signing.” As well as tying down Yamal for another few years, Barcelona are doing their utmost to extend the terms of De Jong, whose long-term future has been the subject of intense speculation for a couple of years now. Then-Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag relentlessly pursued his former Ajax protege in the summer of 2022, and Barcelona even accepted an offer from the Red Devils, but De Jong refused to leave. De Jong initially struggled for starts under Flick, but he made the first XI for all of Barca’s games in the Champions League knockout rounds, and Laporta has confirmed that talks are ongoing to prolong his deal beyond 2026. “We’re working on renewing Frenkie de Jong’s contract. For sure he’s very excited to stay and we’re absolutely determined to do whatever it takes to ensure he stays,” the 62-year-old added. While Barcelona are working to keep De Jong in Catalonia, La Blaugrana are supposedly prepared to listen to offers for as many as eight players in the summer transfer window.

Bayelsa Queens Crowned NWFL Premiership Champions

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago06 mins

Bayelsa Queens have emerged as champions of the 2024/2025 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership following a dominant 4-1 victory over Naija Ratels on the final day of the Super Six playoffs held at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne. Their triumph capped an extraordinary finale that saw an unprecedented four teams — Bayelsa Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, Edo Queens, and Remo Stars Ladies — in contention for the title going into the final day, showcasing the increasing competitiveness of the league. The Prosperity Girls produced a commanding display to secure their sixth league title in history. Vera Samuel starred with a brilliant hat-trick in the 28th, 61st, and 67th minutes, while Mega Cynthia added a fourth in the 47th minute. Tumininu Adeshina had momentarily brought Naija Ratels level in the 42nd minute, but Bayelsa’s quality proved decisive. In another Super Six clash, Rivers Angels defeated hosts Remo Stars Ladies 2-1 as Titilayo Aweda struck twice in the 27th and 48th minutes for the Port Harcourt side, while Aisha Animashaun scored a consolation goal for Remo Stars in the 70th minute. Remo Stars ended fifth on goal difference, tied on points with Rivers. Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons and Edo Queens battled to a goalless draw, a result that saw Nasarawa finish as runners-up with nine points, while Edo placed third with eight points after an intense five-day contest. The final Super Six standings saw Bayelsa Queens on top with 10 points, followed by Nasarawa Amazons (9), Edo Queens (8), Rivers Angels (7), Remo Stars Ladies (7), and Naija Ratels (0), who finished without a point. For their triumph, Bayelsa Queens received a ₦10 million grand prize. Nasarawa Amazons earned ₦6 million as second-place finishers, while Edo Queens were rewarded with ₦4 million. The remaining teams—Rivers Angels, Remo Stars, and Naija Ratels—each received ₦1.5 million. The trophy presentation was conducted by Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, wife of the Ogun State Governor, alongside NWFL board members, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Sports, and President of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation, Daniel Igali, as well as hosts and chairman of Remo Stars, Kunle Soname. NWFL Chairperson Nkechi Obi hailed the competition as the most fiercely contested Super Six yet and praised Bayelsa Queens for their championship-winning effort and consistency throughout the season. “This was arguably the most competitive Super Six we’ve witnessed. Bayelsa Queens showed experience, grit, and attacking flair. The NWFL continues to set new benchmarks, and this season proves we are moving in the right direction,” she said. Honourable Kunle Soname, President of Remo Stars and host of the tournament, lauded the organisation and atmosphere of the Super Six, describing it as a milestone in the growth of women’s football in Nigeria. “Hosting the Super Six has been a landmark moment for us. The energy, organisation, and quality of play have been incredible. We’re proud to have contributed to this historic phase of women’s football in Nigeria,” he said. Bayelsa Queens will now go on to represent Nigeria at the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers in Côte d’Ivoire, with aspirations of returning to the continental stage and qualifying for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club Championship. Individual honours from the tournament included Jenat Akekeromowei of Nasarawa Amazons, who was named Most Valuable Player after netting 13 goals this season, including four in the Super Six. Remo Stars Ladies’ Bolaji Olamide finished as Top Scorer with 15 goals in 19 matches, while her teammate Charlotte Adjei was named Best Goalkeeper of the Season. Adjei’s stellar performances were further rewarded with a ₦200,000 cash prize from the Judith Chime Foundation.

Breaking: Eberechi Eze Fires Crystal Palace to FA Cup Victory

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago01 mins

Crystal Palace won the first major trophy in their history as they beat Man City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Eberechi Eze gave the Eagles an early lead when he swooped home Daniel Munoz’s cross from the right hand side. City had a chance to level from the penalty spot, but Dean Henderson expertly saved Omar Marmoush’s effort. Daniel Munoz then had a second goal disallowed but Palace held firm to mark a memorable day.

Egypt 2025: Flying Eagles Seek Bronze Compensation against Young Pharaohs

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago07 mins

Seven-time champions Nigeria and hosts and four-time champions Egypt will both fight hard for the bronze medals when they clash in the third-place match of the ongoing Africa U20 Cup of Nations finals in Cairo on Sunday. Both teams were rated by pundits to emerge from their semi-final clashes, but the result went the other way and they are now due to play the losers’ final at the 30 June Air Defence Stadium in downtown Cairo. Morocco and South Africa will tango in a repeat of the 1997 Final, which the Atlas Cubs won 1-0 in Meknes. It is the fifth time that Nigeria, who won the title in 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989, 2005, 2011 and 2015 will be playing for the bronze medals. For Egypt, it will be the fourth time. Both have won the bronze medals three times previously. Also, both Nigeria and Egypt contested the 2005 Final in Cotonou, with the Flying Eagles coming out top following a 2-0 win. Isaac Promise (of blessed memory) scored both goals. As hosts in 1995, after losing their semi final tie to Cameroon in Kaduna, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 1-0 in Lagos to pick up the bronze medals. In 2009 in Rwanda, the team led by Haruna Lukman defeated South Africa’s Amajita 2-1 to place third in the competition. In 2013, in Algeria, the Flying Eagles defeated Mali 2-1 to finish third after losing 0-2 to Egypt in their semi final clash at the Stade Omar Oucief in Aïn Témounchent. Six years ago, following a penalty-shootout defeat to Mali in the semi finals, the Flying Eagles again lost on penalty shootout to South Africa in the third-place match. Egypt’s first African U20 title was in 1981 (when the competition was played on home-and-away basis), after they defeated Cameroon 3-1 on aggregate. Both teams travelled to Australia to represent Africa at the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup). Cameroon had earlier beaten Nigeria 4-2 on aggregate in the penultimate round. The Young Pharaohs won their second title at the inaugural tournament-format finals, which Egypt hosted and which involved six countries, in 1991. Their third title came 12 years later in Burkina Faso, when they defeated Côte d’Ivoire 4-3 after extra time at the Stade 4 August in Ouagadougou. Egypt won their fourth title 10 years later. Ghana, the 1999 world champions, were the victims. Regulation and extra time finished 1-1 at the Stade Ahmed Zabana in Oran, before the Young Pharaohs claimed the gong after winning the penalty shootout 5-4. Nigeria’s first participation in the Africa U20 Cup of Nations was in 1979, when the team led by Sylvanus Okpala lost 1-2 on aggregate (0-1 in Conakry and 1-1 in Lagos) to Guinea and thus failed to qualify for the second edition of the global finals staged by Japan. The Young Pharaohs, who lost by the odd goal to North African rivals Morocco in the second semi-final on Thursday, have also won the third-place match at the competition thrice previously. They defeated Ethiopia on two occasions, 3-0 in Mauritius in 1993 and 2-0 when Ethiopia hosted eight years later. Their third win came in South Africa in 2011, when they defeated Mali’s Aiglons. Nigeria and Egypt clashed in a group stage game two years ago, with the Flying Eagles victorious following Solomon Agbalaka’s powerful first-half header. Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu may ring changes in the squad for Sunday’s game. The gaffer voiced his disappointment with the playing body following Thursday’s defeat to the Amajita. Injured first-choice goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt is still under observation and would need a second assessment at Saturday night’s official training, to determine if he will be fit to return to the battlefield. Captain Daniel Bameyi, Odinaka Okoro, Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu are the probables for rearguard. Israel Ayuma has had an impressive tournament and should start in midfield, alongside any two among Sulyman Alabi, Simon Cletus, Divine Oliseh and Auwal Ibrahim. Clinton Jephta, Kparobo Arierhi, Tahir Maigana, Bidemi Amole, Precious Benjamin and Mendos Rickson are available for selection in the forward-line.