football Archives | Page 6 of 13

Kano appoints Ahmed Musa Sports Ambassador

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Former Super Eagles’ skipper Ahmed Musa has been appointed as Sports Ambassador for Kano State. The Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Baffa Bichi in a letter on Wednesday congratulated the former Leicester City player on his appointment. “It is my singular honour to formally convey to you that His Excellency, Governor Abba K. Yusuf of Kano State has approved your appointment as Kano State Sports Ambassador with effect from 24th July, 2024. “The decision to appoint you into this exalted position of trust and confidence was predicated upon your professional competence, track record of excellent performance, vast experience, dedication to the development of sporting activities and provision of humanitarian services in the State. It is hoped that you will bring these sterling qualities to bear on your new assignment. “It is my ardent prayer that your appointment as Kano State Sports Administrator will assist the Government significantly in attaining the objective of promoting the overall sporting activities espadrilles it relates to our home based clubs and players. “While congratulating you over this well-deserved appointment, it is my sincere hope that you will live above board and justify the confidence reposed in you by the Government. I pray that Gods in His infinite mercy accord you the wisdom and determination ti execute the assignment diligently and to the expectation of the administration. “Accept my sincere congratulations on this well-deserved appointment and prayers of good will,” the Secretary to the Governor stated. In his response Musa wrote; “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Sports Ambassador for Kano State! “This opportunity is a quite humbling, and I’m excited to work towards empowering the youth and promoting sports development across the state. “Kano has a rich sporting heritage, and I can’t wait to contribute to building a brighter future for our athletes and communities. “Thank you to the Kano State Government ably led by @Kyusufabba for this incredible responsibility & opportunity. “Together, we’ll inspire the next generation to achieve greatness both on and off the field. “Let’s make history!”

NPFL: Ideye close to Rivers United move

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago04 mins

Rivers United manager, Finidi George has hinted that former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye is close to joining his team. Ideye was recently seen training with Rivers United and watching their games from the stands. In an interview with the media, Finidi said he is open to Ideye joining the NPFL club. “Yea, there is every likelihood that he will join us. He wants to give back. That is the most important thing. He has that hunger. We’ve seen that in Ahmed Musa. “If he is willing to do that, I think I will welcome him. He is giving back, We can’t pay him. “Brown is a player I’ve known for years, and his experience speaks for itself. We thought it would be beneficial for our players, especially the younger ones, to learn from someone who has competed at the highest level. “It wasn’t just about his skillset, but the professionalism and work ethic he brings to the table. That’s something every team needs, especially as we aim for greater success this season.” Finidi emphasised that the players are already benefiting from Ideye’s time at the club. “The impact has been immediate. You can see the younger players trying to impress, learning from his movement, his tactical awareness, and his ability to handle pressure. Brown is very approachable, and he’s been open to giving advice and sharing his experiences in Europe and with the national team.” Finidi added that Ideye’s ability to remain calm and focused under pressure has been one of the biggest takeaways for the squad. “It’s not every day that our younger players get to interact with someone who’s played in the Premier League and at the World Cup. “It’s crucial for Nigerian football. When players like Brown, who have had successful international careers, come back and stay involved with local teams, it raises the standard. It also shows the younger players that they can aspire to reach those heights. “This isn’t just about Rivers United; it’s about Nigerian football as a whole. The more veterans stay engaged, the more our domestic league grows in quality and competitiveness. “It sends a powerful message to the players when someone like Brown takes time out to not only train but also support them during a match,” George said. “It shows them that they are worth watching that their progress matters. It’s a huge source of inspiration.” The striker once played for Ocean Boys of Bayelsa in the Nigerian league between 2006 and 2007, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances.

UCL: Boniface misses Brest showdown

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Bayer Leverkusen centre-forward Victor Boniface has been ruled out of Champions League clash against Ligue 1 team Stade Brestois 29. The Nigeria international was involved in a car accident this weekend. Speaking to the media at Guingamp’s Stade du Roudourou – where Brest are playing their Champions League home games – Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso provided some updates on Boniface. “We learned about his road accident on Sunday morning”, Xabi Alonso said in his press conference transcribed by L’Equipe. “Fortunately, it wasn’t too serious. He has small cuts on his foot and hand. In a way, he was very lucky. But he hasn’t trained normally since and we’re going to give him a few days to recover from this emotional shock.” The Spaniard understands that Boniface’s absence will be a matter of days and not weeks. Asked about Brest, who have on their two UCL games so far, against Sturm Graz and Red Bull Salzburg, Xabi Alonso expects a very demanding and intense game against Eric Roy’s Pirates. “Brest have a very precise idea of their game, it is a very competitive team. They have a lot of desire, but we are ready for that and we will play our football.”

U-17 World Cup: Nigeria set up USA quarterfinal clash

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Shakirat Moshood’s 89th minute strike from 24 yards earned Nigeria all three points against a heroic Dominican Republic side in the two team’s final match of Group A at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup on Wednesday morning. The win ensured that Nigeria will battle USA in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Playing for the first time in Santo Domingo, the barnstorming Nigerians found the going tough under driving rain against a determined host nation, and could not make an overwhelming ball possession count until Moshood, now with four goals, unleashed a rocket from outside the box. Captain Renata Mercedes and goalkeeper Rondon led a famous resistance against one of the elites of the competition, and the hosts deserved praise for their pushback that ensured the Flamingos made nothing out of 16 corner kicks. Coach Bankole Olowookere made three changes to the starting line-up, bringing in Rokibat Azeez, Blessing Ifitezue and Ramotalahi Kareem in place of Onyedikachi Ekezie, Peace Effiong and Harmony Chidi. He restored Effiong and Chidi after the hour, but it took a special effort from Moshood, scorer of the tournament’s fastest goal, to break the hearts of the hosts. Victory means the Flamingos top their group, three points better than second-placed Ecuador, who walloped New Zealand 4-0 to finish with six points and set up a clash with Spain on Sunday. Caprice Chiuchiolo netted a brace.

Kano Pillars in auto crash

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

Kano Pillars Under 19 team on Tuesday was involved in a road accident in Jos, Plateau State. The club’s Media & Communication Directorate in a statement on its official X handle, revealed that several players and drivers sustained various degrees of injuries. “It is with deep sadness that we announce that the Kano Pillars FC U-19 team bus was involved in a road accident earlier today while en route to the New Jos Stadium for their Matchday 5 fixture in the inaugural U-19 Youth League against Plateau United U-19. “Several players and the driver sustained injuries in the unfortunate incident and have been promptly taken to the hospital for medical attention. “Thankfully, no fatalities have been reported at this time, and the medical team is closely monitoring the situation. “We extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to everyone affected and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. “Thank you for your understanding and support during this difficult time,” Kano Pillars stated.

Dominican Republic 2024: Flamingos shoot into quarter-finals

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago03 mins

Nigeria’s Flamingos continue to prove to the world that their third-place finish at the last edition of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals was no fluke, as they earned a handsome 4-0 win over Ecuador on Saturday to reach the quarter-finals of this year’s competition in style. With the 4-1 win over New Zealand in their first match, the Flamingos have scooped maximum six points in their first two matches, with eight goals for and only one against, and are surely in the last eight, ahead of their final group phase encounter against host nation Dominican Republic on Tuesday night. Energetic playmaker Shakirat Moshood, who scored one of the tournament’s fastest goals with her 80-second strike against New Zealand on Wednesday, sent the very busy goalkeeper Maria Rodriguez the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 26th minute, after Captain Taiwo Afolabi was impeded in the box. Pacy forward Peace Effiong, who had seen her shot thwarted by the right leg of Rodriguez in the 18th minute, was disconcerted to see her effort again foiled by the big goalkeeper on the half hour. Harmony Chidi, scorer of 13 goals in the qualifying series, rocked the crossbar just before the half-time whistle as Nigeria, once more, broke forward. In the second half, Chidi finally found her first goal of the tournament, picking her spot cleverly in the 54th minute to score after a pass by Aishat Animashaun. Peace Effiong took the cue, to also score her first goal of the competition, latching on to a faulty clearance of a backpass by substitute goalkeeper Pozo. Nigeria got her fourth goal in added time, as Moshood picked her spot to lash home after Chidi found her from the right. The Flamingos will take on the host nation on Tuesday night.

Hurghada, Egypt ready for CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations kick-off

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago02 mins

The awe-striking coastal city of Hurghada – the largest city in the red sea in Egypt – will host the kick-off match of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations Egypt 2024 this weekend. The opening match will be played on Saturday, 19 October 2024 with hosts Egypt in action at 16h30 Egypt time (13h30 GMT) against Ghana. Morocco and Tanzania will play at 15h00 (12h30 GMT). Senegal are the defending champions – having won the trophy last year in Vilankulos in Mozambique. For the sixth edition of the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to kick-off this weekend, eight African Nations will be divided into two groups. The Groups: The top two teams from the tournament will earn a coveted spot in Africa’s first ever FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Seychelles 2025. This will bring Africa’s numbers at the World Cup to three. Group A: Egypt, Morocco, Tanzania, Ghana Group B: Senegal, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritania

Osimhen opens up on Galatasaray move

Our Reporters6 months ago6 months ago05 mins

Victor Osimhen has expressed his satisfaction with his decision to join Galatasaray on loan from Napoli. Despite receiving offers from other clubs, Osimhen chose Galatasaray due to the club’s ambition and the convincing approach from the coach. He was drawn to the opportunity to play alongside experienced players like Mauro Icardi and contribute to the team’s success. “I had plans to stay there and wait for three or four months and leave in January, but I think for me it was fair also to stay there because I wouldn’t let anyone decide for me,” Osimhen told TRT Spor, from the Galatasaray training centre. “It was important for me to stay there since I didn’t get the deserved move that I really preferred. “When I received the call from the Galatasaray coach, it was really convincing. He said what he wanted to do this season and what he wanted to achieve. I could see what he had set for himself as a man, a coach, and a father. I think I fit in this plan and coming to a team with already a lot of quality players with great ambition, as a footballer it was easy to come. “When I came I could see how serious Galatasaray are as a club. For me it was the right decision, but also for my family and my daughter. Coming to a city like Istanbul, one of the best in the world. It was easy. So far so good, I’m really happy about my decision. I want to contribute and win something important here.” Osimhen has quickly adapted to Galatasaray, scoring two goals and providing four assists in his first four games. He has formed a good partnership with Icardi and is focused on helping the team achieve their goals. Osimhen’s decision to join Galatasaray was influenced by several factors, including the club’s prestige, the opportunity to play in a major league, and the personal recommendation from his idol, Didier Drogba. “I would like to thank Galatasaray fans as I remember how they welcomed me,” he added. “I am not a player who puts myself before the team. My ambition was to add and contribute to the quality the team already has,” continued the Nigerian forward.” There were fears that Osimhen would struggle to adapt at Galatasaray playing with another big personality like Mauro Icardi, but the opening games suggest otherwise. “I have great respect for Icardi and what he’s done for football and Galatasaray,” he said. “He’s a big legend here. We’ve seen how me and him can work well on the pitch. But for me, I don’t care about being the best scorer in the league. I want to score, assist and help the team when I have the chance, [help] in defence and attack, just like the coach needs me to do, but collective success is what’s paramount.” Osimhen already has two goals and four assists in four games for the Lions and has firmly established himself as a fan favourite. Galatasaray play Antalyaspor next away from home on Saturday 19 October, Osimhen is expected to return after recovering from a small injury.