Sports Archives | Page 50 of 111

Long Premier League Weekend on GOtv: Top Teams Eye Vital Wins in Tightening Race

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Premier League action continues over the Easter long weekend, with clubs across the table battling for European places and survival. With five Champions League spots now available to English clubs, the race for the top five heats up.. On Saturday, all eyes will be on the late kick-off between Aston Villa and Newcastle United at 5:30 PM. Newcastle, currently third, are the league’s most in-form side with six straight wins, including a dominant 5–0 midweek victory over Crystal Palace. Their forward line, led by Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon, has hit peak form, while their midfield trio continues to dictate play. Villa, just one point behind in seventh, are also on a four-game winning run. With Champions League qualification within reach for both sides, the clash could be season-defining. Earlier at 3:00 PM, Manchester City visit Everton hoping to extend their winning run after a comeback 5–2 win over Palace. Pep Guardiola’s side are closing in on a top-two finish. Simultaneously, Brentford face Brighton, Crystal Palace host Bournemouth, and West Ham play Southampton. Sunday offers another wave of key matchups. Arsenal travel to Ipswich Town at 2:00 PM, aiming to recover from two league draws despite a confidence-boosting win over Real Madrid in Europe. Ipswich, rooted deep in the relegation zone, held Chelsea last weekend and are still fighting for survival. Manchester United host Wolves, looking to halt a poor run, while Chelsea visit Fulham with a top-five spot in sight. At 4:30 PM, Liverpool travel to Leicester City in a tie that could impact the European qualification picture. The weekend concludes on Monday at 8:00 PM with Tottenham Hotspur taking on Nottingham Forest. Spurs remain in the Champions League chase and will look to take full advantage of the fixture. Catch all the Premier League matches live on SuperSport Premier League (Channel 65) with GOtv.

Morocco 2025: Flamingos Seek high-margin win to assure World Cup ticket

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Bankole Olowookere said on Friday that Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, will aspire to win big in their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against their Algerian counterparts on Saturday, in order to reduce the pressure ahead of next week’s return leg duel in North Africa. “We have been working very hard to correct the lapses noticed in our last matches (against South Africa), and we believe we are in good form to achieve a handsome win here and then go all out in the second leg in Algeria,” Olowookere told thenff.com. “I have always told the girls that no two matches are the same, so the fact that we beat South Africa home-and-away does not mean we will rest on our oars in this final round. We have to keep our feet on the ground, and keep working harder, bonding better and aiming higher. Our mission is to pick the FIFA World Cup ticket, and go to Morocco to make Nigeria proud.” Saturday’s encounter comes up at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne-Remo, where the Flamingos turned back South Africa’s Bantwana 2-0 following a 3-1 hammering of the latter in Pretoria. It is also the same venue where the Super Falcons defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0 in a friendly match in October last year. Olowookere will unleash forward Harmony Chidi (now on 16 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including the 13 she scored on the way to the finals in the Dominican Republic last year), midfielder Shakirat Moshood (who scored four goals at the last FIFA World Cup finals in the Dominican Republic and also opened the floodgates against South Africa in Pretoria) and Aishat Animashaun (who was among the scorers against the Bantwana last month) on the Algerians in order to achieve his objective. The return is scheduled for the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algeria) on Friday, 25th April. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals will take place in Morocco, 17th October – 5th November.

Maguire’s Extra-Time Header Seals Stunning 5-4 Win as Man Utd Complete Epic Europa League Comeback

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago01 mins

Manchester United pulled off one of the most dramatic comebacks in European football history, defeating Lyon 5-4 at Old Trafford to secure a 7-6 aggregate win in the Europa League quarter-final. United initially took control with a 2-0 lead but were stunned as Lyon fought back to go 4-2 up midway through the second half of extra time, leaving the home side on the brink of elimination. However, in a thrilling final push, United roared back with three quick goals, capped off by Harry Maguire’s decisive header that sealed the victory. The dramatic turnaround sent the crowd into a frenzy and booked United’s place in the semi-finals, keeping their European hopes alive in unforgettable fashion.

Zubairu Picks Bameyi, Jephta, Arierhi, 21 Others for U20 Africa Cup of Nations

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Head Coach Aliyu Zubairu has selected first-choice goalkeeper Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi Jojo and forward Kparobo Arierhi among a squad of 24 for this year’s Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt. The tournament gets underway in 10 days. Defenders Adamu Maigari and Emmanuel Chukwu (based in Germany), midfielders Caleb Ochedikwu (based in Croatia) and Simon Cletus, and forwards Clinton Jephta, Divine Oliseh and Precious Benjamin (based in Germany) are also picked. The seven-time African champions and two-time World Cup runners-up will depart the shores of Nigeria for Egypt on Sunday, where they are expected to play a couple of friendly matches before their opening match of the competition against Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday, 1st May. Three days after the clash with the Tunisians, the Flying Eagles will take the pitch against Morocco (also in Cairo) before rounding off their group phase experience against Kenya on Wednesday, 7th May. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. 24 FLYING EAGLES FOR EGYPT 2025: Goalkeepers: Ifeanyi Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos); Rufai Abubakar (Mavlon FC); Soliu Ajia Yakub (FK Novi Pazar, Serbia) Defenders: Adamu Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Odinaka Okoro (Sporting Lagos); Daniel Bameyi (Bayelsa United); Emmanuel Chukwu (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Chigozie Michael Ihejiofor (Katsina United) Midfielders: Caleb Ochedikwu (NK Uljanik Pula, Croatia); Israel Isaac Ayuma (NK Istra, Croatia); Simon Cletus (Mavlon FC); Sulaiman Alabi Jojo (El-Kanemi Warriors); Auwal Ibrahim (Akwa United); Shafiu Adamu Duguri (Wikki Tourists) Forwards: Precious Benjamin (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Germany); Ezekiel Anthony Kpangu (Inspire FC); Divine Oliseh (Forster Academy); Clinton Jephta (Enyimba FC); Bidemi Amole (Real Sapphire FC); Tahir Maigana (Wireless FC); Theophilus Mendos Rickson (Niger Tornadoes); Kparobo Nathaniel Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway); Matthew Kingsley (Kings FC); Yushau Armiyau (Katsina United)

Ancelotti: My Real Madrid Future Could End Tomorrow

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Following Real Madrid’s elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, manager Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future at the club. In a post-match interview, Ancelotti stated, “I could be done at Real Madrid tomorrow,” but emphasized his gratitude towards the club regardless of any decision about his tenure. Sky Sports Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss at the Santiago Bernabéu resulted in a 3-2 aggregate defeat, marking a significant downturn for a team that has won the competition twice in the last three seasons. Currently, they trail Barcelona by four points in La Liga with seven games remaining. Amidst this backdrop, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is reportedly intensifying efforts to appoint Ancelotti as the national team’s head coach. Sources indicate that Diego Fernandes, a prominent Brazilian businessman, is facilitating discussions between Ancelotti’s representatives and the CBF. Ancelotti, who extended his contract with Real Madrid until 2026, has previously expressed a desire to honor his commitments with the club. However, the recent Champions League exit and ongoing speculation about his future have fueled discussions about a potential move to manage Brazil. As Real Madrid faces challenges in both domestic and European competitions, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Ancelotti’s next steps, whether he continues at the helm of Los Blancos or embarks on a new chapter with the Brazilian national team.

Mikel Arteta Reveals Pep Guardiola Phone Call Before Arsenal Knocked Out Real Madrid

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he spoke with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Real Madrid, which secured their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in 16 years. Arteta, a former assistant to Guardiola at Manchester City, said the phone call took place a day before the second leg at the Santiago Bernabéu, where Bukayo Saka’s 68th-minute goal sealed a 3-2 aggregate win for the Gunners. Speaking after the match, Arteta said, “I spoke with Pep yesterday. He’s been here so many times with City, so of course I wanted his perspective. He knows this Madrid team very well and gave me some advice on how to manage the transitions and the pressure moments.” The two managers share a close friendship, with Arteta often crediting Guardiola for shaping his football philosophy during his time at the Etihad. Their clubs could now face each other in the semi-finals if Manchester City overcome Bayern Munich in their own quarter-final tie. Arteta added, “He wished me luck and said, ‘Be brave.’ That stuck with me. We were brave tonight, and I’m proud of the boys for the way they fought.” The win marks a major milestone in Arteta’s managerial career and adds to speculation that Arsenal are emerging as a real European powerhouse under his leadership.

Arsenal Knock Out Real Madrid, Advance to Champions League Semi-Finals

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago02 mins

LONDON – April 16, 2025 — Arsenal have booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after a dramatic victory over Real Madrid, eliminating the 14-time champions from the competition. In a high-stakes second-leg clash at the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners delivered a confident and composed performance to edge past the Spanish giants, securing a historic result for the North London club. The aggregate score sealed Arsenal’s progression, marking their first semi-final appearance in over a decade. The match was filled with intensity and tactical battles, but Arsenal’s clinical finishing and solid defense ultimately proved decisive. Real Madrid, despite their pedigree and attacking threats, were unable to break through Arsenal’s well-organized back line. Manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and discipline, stating, “To beat a club like Real Madrid on this stage is a huge moment for us. I’m incredibly proud of the players and the fans who created a special atmosphere tonight.” Arsenal will now prepare for their semi-final matchup, with hopes of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006. More updates to follow as the Gunners continue their European quest

Gabon Striker Boupendza Dies after 11th Floor Fall

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago03 mins

Gabon international striker Aaron Boupendza has died at 28 following a fall from the 11th floor of a building in China, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) said on Wednesday. Boupendza, who joined Zhejiang FC earlier this year, was in good form with four goals in six matches. “At 28, Boupendza is remembered as a great striker who left a lasting impression at the African Cup of Nations in Cameroon (in 2022),” FEGAFOOT said in a statement. “Trained at CF Mounana and Bordeaux in France, the Gabonese striker joined the Chinese league after a brief spell in Romania. “FEGAFOOT and the great family of Gabonese soccer offer his biological family their sincere condolences in this difficult time.” Authorities in China have launched an investigation to find out whether the fall was an accident, suicide, or the result of foul play, media reports in Romania said. There was no official confirmation for the cause of death. Born in Moanda, Boupendza joined French side Bordeaux in 2016, spending most of his time on loan at other French clubs. In 2020 he signed for Turkish side Hatayspor, and was top scorer in the Super Lig in 2020-21 before moving on to Al Arabi, with whom he won the Qatar FA Cup, and Al Shabab in the Saudi Pro League. Spells in the USA with FC Cincinnati and Romania’s Rapid Bucharest followed ahead of his move to China in January. “It is with great sadness that I learn of the tragic death of Aaron Boupendza, a talented centre-forward who brought honour to Gabonese soccer,” Gabon President Brice Oligui Nguema said. “I offer my sincere condolences to his family and friends. May God bless his soul.”