Sport

2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Ex-Ajax star, Jerge Hoefdraad dies after being Shot in the Head at a Party

Former Ajax footballer Jerge Hoefdraad has died after being shot in the head at a party in Amsterdam-Zuidoost. The 35-year old was trying to break up an argument at a party on Sunday, August 1, when he was shot, according to his former club. Despite being rushed to hospital and having urgent treatment, his situation remained critical and he sadly did not survive. Dutch outlet De Telegraaf report that Hoefdraad died on Monday, August 2, from the serious injuries that he sustained. Hoefdraad began his career at Ajax alongside the likes of Ryan Babel and Urby Emanuelson, going on to play for RKC Waalwijk, Almere City, Telstar, Cambuur before signing for ASC De Volewijckersearlier this year. Cambuur wrote on their official Twitter account: "It is with great sadness that we...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Arsenal Start £34m Transfer talks with Real Madrid over star player Marco Asensio

Arsenal football club of England are in talks with Real Madrid over a shock move for star forward, Marco Asensio. Liverpool and Tottenham are also interested in the 25-year-old winger but according to a report by Todo Fichajes, the Gunners are leading the way. The report says Arsenal, have already entered negotiations with the La Liga giants with the deal reported to be worth £34m. Asensio was born in 1996. After starting out at Mallorca, he signed with Real Madrid in November 2014, being consecutively loaned to his former club as well as Espanyol. Upon his return, he has gone on to win several honours, including two Champions League and two La Liga trophies. Asensio made his senior debut for Spain in 2016. He represented the nation at the 2018 World Cup. Apart from the im...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Female Kickboxing Head Coach found dead in Kwara hotel room

The Head Coach of Kickboxing Association in Ogun State, Olufunke Ogunsuyi, has died. Ogunsuyi, popularly called ‘Big Fish’ was found dead in her hotel room in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Saturday, July 31. The desceased was participating in the Kwara Zonal and Invitational Kickboxing Championship organised by the State Government. She officiated in the competition and also fielded two athletes. Ogunsuyi, who hailed from Ijebu-Ode, was a former kickboxing champion and graduate of Physical and Health Education (PHE) and Sports Psychology. It was gathered that search for the late coach began after she failed to appear at the stadium at 12 noon when all the other officials were supposed to converge for the commencement of the final ceremony of the competition. Several cal...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Lewis Hamilton Fears he’s suffering with long Covid after Dizziness on Podium

Formula 1 star, Lewis Hamilton has admitted his fears he may be struggling with long Covid after he felt dizzy on the podium at the Hungarian GP on Sunday August 1. The British racer finished third in a dramatic race in the Hungarian capital. Five racers were forced to retire on the first corner after a red flag was waved following a mass pileup. Max Verstappen was involved in the crash, and he was able to finish the race. Hamilton produced one of the best races of his career to move from last place up to third, but struggled to stand on the podium. "I just gave it absolutely everything right until that last lap. I am so exhausted afterwards. One of the weirdest experiences I've had on the podium," Hamilton said after the race. "I think [Covid] is lingering there. I reme...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Chelsea Put Ballon d’ Or Contender, Jorginho, other Players for Sale

  2021 possible Ballon d’ Or contender, Jorginho, is among nine players up for sale at Chelsea this summer transfer window, The Express UK reports. Other players up for sale are Tammy Abraham, Kepa Arizabalaga, Emerson Palmeri and Fikayo Tomori. The rest of the players on the list are Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Antonio Rudiger and Michy Batshuayi. Chelsea are keen to sell the players in a bid to raise funds for their manager, Thomas Tuchel, to sign new players this summer ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The Champions League winners are eager to improve on their fourth-placed finish in the Premier League last season and want to bring in some fresh faces to do so. The Blues have identified Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Inter Milan’s Romelu...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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UEFA Announces 2021/2022 Europa League Draws [See full fixtures]

  The 2021/2022 UEFA Europa League play-off draw took place on Monday, 2 August 2021. The Europa League play-off draw was streamed live via UEFA’s website at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. The teams were drawn into ten fixtures, with the winners advancing to the group stage. The fixtures will be finalised on 10 and 12 August with the completion of the third qualifying round for the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League. Below is the Europa League play-off draw: Randers (DEN) vs Galatasaray (TUR) / St Johnstone (SCO) Rapid Wien (AUT) / Anorthosis Famagusta (CYP) vs Zorya Luhansk (UKR) Jablonec (CZE) / Celtic (SCO) vs AZ Alkmaar (NED) Fenerbahçe (TUR) vs Neftçi (AZE) / HJK Helsinki (FIN) Mura (SVN) / Žalgiris Vilnius (LTU) vs Sturm Gr...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Chelsea vs Villarreal: Tuchel explains new roles for Pulisic, Hudson-Odoi

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has explained his decision to play Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic as wing-backs ahead of their UEFA Super Cup game against Villarreal on August 11. According to the German, it is his plan B. Hudson-Odoi and Pulisic played in that position as the Blues beat Arsenal 2-1 in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. Chelsea are currently without Ben Chilwell, Emerson Palmieri and Reece James, who were given extended holidays after participating in Euro 2020. Cesar Azpilicueta is still unfit, while it’s unclear if Marcos Alonso is nursing an injury. “Yes, maybe [Pulisic will play in that position against Villarreal]. “He played there with me at Dortmund — and we have played many times like this with Callum [Hudson-Odoi]. Marcos [Alonso] was n...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tokyo Olympics: Blessing Oborududu chases Silver, Gold after Qualification for final in wrestling

Nigeria’s Blessing Oborodudu has booked her place in the final of the women’s wrestling event at the ongoing Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Japan. Oborududu defeated Battsetseg Soronzobold of Mongolia 7-2 to reach the final of the 68kg gold medal contest on Monday. She will now face Americans Tamyra Mensah-Stock in the final. Mensah-Stock had defeated Ukraine’s Alla Cherkasova in the other semi-final. Oborodudu had defeated Azerbaijani’s Elis Manolova and Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan to advance to her first Olympic semi-finals. The 32-year-old’s qualification guarantees Team Nigeria a silver or gold medal at Tokyo Olympics.

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Barcelona Sanction Midfielder’s transfer as player leaves training camp

  Alex Collado has been given permission by Barcelona to leave the club’s training camp in Germany as he seeks to secure a move away from the Camp Nou this summer before the transfer window shuts later this month Barcelona confirmed that Collado was given the go-ahead to leave the camp to sort out his future in a post via their Twitter handle on Sunday following their pre-season 3-0 win over VfB Stuttgart on Saturday. “Alex Collado is leaving the team’s training camp, with permission from the club, pending a resolution over his future,” Barcelona tweeted. The attacking midfielder, who can also operate on the wings, made it clear to the Barcelona hierarchy that he had no interest in playing for Barcelona B squad this season. The 22-year-old was keen to get minutes wi...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard makes Olympic history as the first trans woman to Compete in Weightlifting event

New Zealand’s Laurel Hubbard has made Olympic history as the first openly transgender woman to compete in the Games. The 43-year-old, who transitioned in 2012, was competing in the 87kg+ category but failed to record a single valid 'snatch' lift in Tokyo. She crashed out of the Olympics today after making history as the first trans woman to compete in a solo event. She overbalanced on her opening weight of 120kg, taking the bar behind her shoulders. Hubbard's second effort of 125kg was ruled invalid on a majority decision by the referees. The third attempt was almost a repeat of the first, ruling Hubbard out of medal contention. The milestone comes 18 years after the International Olympic Committee first created a policy to allow transgender athletes to participate. Rather t...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tokyo Olympics: US women’s soccer team misses out on gold after Semifinal Loss to Canada

The US Women's National Team have lost to Canada in the Olympic semifinal, a major upset for the US team ranked number one in the world for female football. The  1-0 which occurred on Monday, August 2, in Japan, from Jessie Fleming's penalty ends the US' bid for the gold medal. The game was scoreless at the half. The U.S. team's goalie, Alyssa Naeher, had to come out of the game in the 30th minute after colliding with U.S. defender Julie Ertz. They were both trying to stop a Canada ball right in front of the U.S. goal. Naeher was down on the turf for at least four minutes as medical staff treated her. She stayed in the game, but only for the next few minutes. Naeher felt pain the next time she kicked the ball and raised her hand up to be substituted. She was replaced by ba...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Harry Kane Fails to return to Tottenham training amid interest from Man City, Chelsea

Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, on Monday, failed to turn up for the club’s pre-season training amid interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, Sky Sports reports. The England captain was due to return to the Tottenham training ground [Hotspur Way] on Monday following a short holiday after Euro 2020. Kane was due for various tests, including for COVID-19 and to assess his basic fitness levels. He had told Tottenham back in May he wanted to leave the club this summer. Following Kane’s comments, Manchester City made a £100m bid for him at the end of June. Kane is valued at upwards of £120m and Tottenham are keen to keep him despite the 28-year-old believing he has a gentleman’s agreement with the club’s chairman, Daniel Levy. His contract with Spurs will expire in 2024 and...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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2021/2022 UEFA releases Champions League play-off Draws [Full fixtures]

The 2021/2022 UEFA Champions League play-off draw took place on Monday, 2 August, 2021. The Champions League play-off draw was streamed live via UEFA’s website at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland. The 12 teams were drawn into six fixtures, which will decide the last slots in the group stage. Below is the Champions League play-off draw: Champions path; FC Salzburg (AUT) vs Brøndby IF (DEN) CFR 1907 Cluj (ROU) / BSC Young Boys (SUI) vs Ferencvárosi TC (HUN) / SK Slavia Praha (CZE) Malmö FF (SWE) / Rangers FC (SCO) vs Olympiacos FC (GRE) / PFC Ludogorets 1945 (BUL) FK Crvena zvezda (SRB) / FC Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) vs GNK Dinamo (CRO) / Legia Warszawa (POL) League path; AS Monaco FC (FRA) / AC Sparta Praha (CZE) vs KRC Genk (BEL) / FC Shakhta...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Ancelotti Puts Real Madrid squad up for sale, excludes five players

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is ready to sell his entire squad, except for five players in this summer transfer window, as he looks to bolster his team ahead of next season. Express UK reported on Monday that Real Madrid is in need of money to allow Ancelotti to bring in his own signings, with one player, in particular, being lined up. Ancelotti is desperate to create money to bring in his own players, meaning the majority of the Los Blancos squad could be available. The likes of Eden Hazard, Toni Kroos and Gareth Bale are all still on Real Madrid’s books and are, no doubt, on huge wages. The trio could all leave Santiago Bernabeu before the end of the summer if the right offer comes in. The players Ancelotti won’t sell this summer are Karim Benzema, Thibaut Court...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Ballon d’Or 2021: Zola names player to win award over Messi

Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola has said that Brazilian-born Italian midfielder, Jorginho would be a more deserving Ballon d’Or winner than Lionel Messi this year Jorginho helped Chelsea to win the Champions League this season and followed that up with a stellar Euro 2020 campaign with Italy. Jorginho’s two European trophy wins for club and country have propelled him into contention for the richest individual prize in world football. However, Messi is once again one of the favourites for the award, after winning his first ever international trophy with Argentina. But according to Daily Mail, Zola reckons Jorginho is the rightful choice for the award. “Should they give it to Jorginho? It would be deserved. “He gives concrete balance and pace to his teams. I was lucky to h...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tottenham vs Arsenal: Arteta provides fresh injury update on Thomas Partey

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta has provided the latest injury update on Thomas Partey ahead of his side’s pre-season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur on August 8. Partey sustained an ankle injury in the first half of Arsenal’s pre-season 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday at Emirates. The Ghanaian international was forced off and replaced by Granit Xhaka. When asked about the extent of Partey’s injury, Arteta said at his post-match press conference: “I just had a talk with the doctor. “He will have a scan tomorrow. “At the moment it’s not looking good because he was in pain and he could not continue which for Thomas is pretty unusual”

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Patrick Vieira tells Crystal Palace board to sign Arsenal star

Crystal Palace manager, Patrick Vieira, has recommended the signing of Arsenal winger, Reiss Nelson, to the club’s board. The Sun reports that Vieira is looking to strengthen the wide areas of Crystal Palace’s attack and a season-long loan for Nelson is being considered. Vieira is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old England youngster. Nelson was unable to secure a regular role under Arsenal head coach, Mikel Arteta, last season, making just nine appearances for the Emirates club in all competitions. It’s understood that Arsenal are willing to let Nelson leave in order to help fund a move for a new attacking midfielder. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have already secured one Premier League loan deal this week as they brought in Chelsea midfielder, Conor Gallagher for the season. ...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Ballon d’Or 2021: Players Positioned to win Award Named

Italy and Juventus stars, Federico Chiesa, Giorgio Chiellini, and Chelsea’s Jorginho, have been named possible favourites to win this year’s Ballon d’Or. Lionel Messi of Argentina and Barcelona and Italy goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma are also among the list of favourite players hoping to grasp the prestigious individual award this year. A former Barcelona sporting director, Ariedo Braida believes that Chiesa should be given the France Football’s coveted award if he “keeps improving” following his performance in the recently concluded Euro 2020. “He’s already won the Euros with Italy, so if he keeps improving like this, Chiesa can have ambitions to win the Ballon d’Or in future, too,” he told Tuttosport. Jorginho on his part has insisted that he deserves to win the 2021 B...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Akwa United Crowned Champions after MFM Win

Akwa United have been crowned champions of the 2020/2021 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season, following their 5-2 win over MFM FC on Sunday. The Promise Keepers have secured the title with one round of fixture left. Charles Atshimene netted a hat-trick as the hosts crushed the Olukoya Boys, who have failed to win in eight games away from home. The thrilling game sealed Akwa United’s position at the top of the NPFL table with 71 points after 37 matches. They are now nine points ahead of second-placed Nasarawa United, who take on Enugu Rangers on Monday. The triumph secured the Promise Keepers’ first-ever top-flight crown in their 25-year history and it is added to their trophy cabinet which has two FA Cups (2015 and 2017) and the Nigeria Super Cup (2016)....

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Arsenal vs Chelsea: Mikel Arteta speaks on Ben White’s performance after 2-1 defeat

Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, has commented on the club’s new signing, Ben White’s performance in his debut in a friendly 2-1 defeat against Chelsea on Sunday. Arteta said he was ‘very pleased’ with White’s display for Arsenal against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. Arsenal signed White in a £50million deal from Brighton last Friday. The England international came off the bench against Chelsea to play the second half of the 2-1 loss and he made an amazing block to stop a certain goal from Hakim Ziyech. Two goals from Kai Havertz and Tammy Abraham gave Chelsea the win against Arsenal as Granit Xhaka’s strike was not enough for the Gunners. Speaking on White’s display against Chelsea, Arteta said at his post-match press conference, “I’m really pleased. “I think the club has sh...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Amusan Misses Out on Women’s 100m Hurdles Medal

It was another miss for Team Nigeria on Monday at the ongoing 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo as medal hope Tobiloba Amusan failed to deliver. Amusan, running from Lane 6 in the women’s 100 metres hurdles final at the Olympic Stadium finished fourth after a time of 12.60 seconds. It was 0.05 of a second behind Megan Tapper of Jamaica who clocked 12.55 to sneak in on the bronze medal from Lane 9 just with a dip of her head. The 24-year-old Nigerian’s performance was indeed an improvement, having ran 12.72 in round one and 12.62 in the semi-finals, But she was up against qualitative opposition. Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn who holds the Olympic record of 12.26, set in the semi-finals on Sunday, won the event’s gold medal with a time of 12.37. World record-holder Kendra Ha...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Nigeria plans building next generation of athletes – Dare

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says Nigeria has started building a new generation of athletes who will take the country to new heights. Dare, who spoke on the sidelines of the Tokyo Olympics in Japan, canvassed for support for consistent training and development of the country’s athletes. “Nigeria should keep the plan that brought us here (Japan). It’s not just about medal winners but as many that meet the qualification standards in their chosen sports, experience matters at the Olympics,” Dare said. “Most of the medal winners have been to two or more Olympics. I saw how lack of experience robbed two of our young and talented athletes of medals; Elizabeth Anyanacho in taekwando, Uche Eke in gymnastics and Esther Toko in rowing, who eventually secured a ...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Arsenal vs Chelsea: Tuchel Reacts as Blues win 2-1

Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, has admitted that his squad is not at their best physically, following a hard fought 2-1 win over Arsenal in a pre-season friendly on Sunday. Kai Havertz gave the Blues the lead at the Emirates after being played in by Timo Werner. Granit Xhaka came off the bench to head in the equalizer for the Gunners, but Tammy Abraham latched on to a poor pass from Hector Bellerin to grab the winner. “I thought we played well in the first half, but then in the second half things became more difficult because we made a lot of changes. We are happy. “We are not in the freshest state physically at this moment, this is normal in pre-season, but we still managed to get the win which is very pleasing. “It was quite an open game, both sides had chances, but ove...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tokyo Olympics: Japan Eliminate D’Tigress to Qualify for Quarter-finals

Japan have reached the quarter-finals in the women’s basketball, following a 102-83 win over Nigeria on Monday in the final pool play game. Saki Hayashi scored 23 points as the Asians outclassed the D’Tigress. Yuki Miyazwa added 19 points for the hosts, bringing it up to a total of 19 3-pointers in the game. Japan were up 30-22 after the first quarter, but Nigeria cut its deficit to 38-36 before Japan scored 13 straight points to take control. Japan led 51-38 at half time and didn’t take off their foot off the pedal in the second half as the West Africans failed to get back in the game. Nigeria (0-3) became the latest African country to not win a game in the Olympics. They were the last team from the continent to be victorious in the Ol...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Egbe Lauds Bayelsa over Aiteo Cup feat

Ebi Egbe, CEO, Monimichelle Group, has congratulated Bayelsa United for reaching the final of the 2021 Aiteo Cup. Bayelsa beat Rivers United 1-0 at the Agege Stadium, Lagos on Friday to set up a final clash against Nasarawa United at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on August 8. Egbe also hailed Governor Duoye Diri for his sporting strides, adding that Bayelsa had never had it so good. “What Bayelsa is doing now in sports should not come to anybody as a surprise; Diri was a former sports commissioner in Bayelsa. He knows the sector and we can see the heights Bayelsa has attained in sports,” Egbe said. “At Edo 2020 Bayelsa shocked everybody by finishing third. Talking about Aiteo Cup, it might be a double for Bayelsa. Bayelsa Queens are also in the final after beatin...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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AFN unveils new Anti-Doping Commission Members

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has announced a seven-man Medical and Anti-Doping Commission headed by Professor Ken Anugweje. Tonobok Okowa, president of the federation, made the announcement Sunday in Tokyo, venue of the ongoing Olympic Games. Others members of the commission are Dr Paul Onyido, Dr Femi Ayorinde, Dr Effi Usen and Dr Bukola Bojuwoye, as well as a yet to be appointed Technical Director of the federation, while Inwang Mfon is the commission’s secretary. Okowa said the announcement of the members of the new commission became very necessary to ensure the country was removed from the unwanted categorisation as one of World Athletics member federations with the highest doping risks. “The commission has been charged with the responsibility of ensuring Nigeria i...

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2Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Chelsea beat Arsenal 2-1 in Pre-season Friendly

Chelsea have defeated Arsenal in their pre-season charity friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. In the game, Kai Havertz gave Chelsea the lead in the 26th minute. Granit Xhaka brought Gunners level in the 69th minute while Tammy Abraham restores Chelsea’s advantage after Héctor Bellerín’s error in the 71st minute. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham are competing in a mini pre-season round-robin tournament called The Mind Series. Funds raised from the three games will be split between mental health charity Mind and the clubs’ respective foundations. Chelsea have played two friendlies so far this summer, beating Peterborough and Bournemouth, and saw their training camp in Ireland disrupted by a positive Covid-19 case. Also, Arsenal have had their preparations hampered b...

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Juventus close in on Kaio Jorge deal with Santos

The 19-year-old is set for a bargain move to Turin as his club look to avoid losing him on a free transfer in December Santos striker Kaio Jorge is set for a summer move to Juventus as the Italian giants close in on a transfer for the young gem. Goal understands that Juve have agreed terms with Santos for the 19-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of 2021. Kaio could travel to Italy as soon as Thursday to complete his switch to the Serie A giants.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Giroud scores four minutes into AC Milan debut following €2m transfer from Chelsea

  The Frenchman didn't take long to make his mark in his first outing for the Italian giants against Nice Olivier Giroud scored four minutes into his Milan debut following his €2 million switch from Chelsea earlier this summer. Giroud signed a two-season contract with the Rossoneri upon his arrival at San Siro earlier this month, bringing to an end his four-year spell at Chelsea. The 34-year-old was handed his first appearance for Stefano Pioli's side in a pre-season friendly against Nice on Saturday, and didn't take long to make his mark.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Differing paths, same expectations: Winning all that matters for USMNT & Mexico in Gold Cup final

The CONCACAF rivals brought different types of squads to this summer's tournament, but are now on a collision course once again It has been just 56 days since the last time the U.S. men's national team and Mexico faced off with one another in what was a classic that seemingly ushered in a new chapter in one of international soccer's great rivalries. But, in those 56 days, the two rivals have gone down different paths. The USMNT sent its stars home, giving them an extended vacation to rest up and recover as the program looked to deepen its player pool.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Dias is becoming a ‘real captaincy candidate’ at Manchester City, says Dunne

The former defender thinks the Portuguese star has all the necessary qualities to inherit leadership duties at Etihad Stadium in the coming years Ruben Dias is fast becoming a "real captaincy candidate" at Manchester City, according to Richard Dunne. City spent £65 million ($90m) to bring Dias to Manchester from Benfica last summer, and the Portuguese justified the club's initial investment in his talent by playing a key role in their run to a fifth Premier League title. Dias struck up a formidable partnership with John Stones at the back as Pep Guardiola's side finished with the best defensive record in the division, and Dunne believes he can reach even greater heights in the coming years.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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AFC Leopards’ Shikanda: FKF should donate deducted points to Kariobangi Sharks

The Ingwe boss scoffs at the decision by FKF to suspend him and further says they don't want points that have been taken away AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda has laughed at the decision taken by Football Kenya Federation to deduct them three points for skipping the Mashemeji derby against Gor Mahia on Saturday. The two Kenyan giants decided to skip the game at Thika Stadium as they demanded the federation gives them their money from grants and also prize money for playing in the final of the FKF Shield Cup. But on Sunday, FKF confirmed they had deducted three points each from the two biggest clubs in the country as punishment and further fined AFC Leopards Ksh 6 million for being the home team and Gor Mahia Ksh 4 million for being the away team.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Xhaka is staying at Arsenal’ – Arteta confirms Roma move is off

The Swiss star was expected to hook up with Jose Mourinho in Italy - but that is no longer happening Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Granit Xhaka’s proposed move to Roma is off - and that he expects the midfielder to be a "key member" of the team this year. Earlier in the summer, the defensive midfielder seemed destined to link up with Jose Mourinho at the Serie A club, though last week reports started to circulate that Xhaka would remain with the Gunners. Xhaka recently returned to training before scoring in Arsenal's 2-1 friendly defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, with Arteta's comments coming after the match.

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Akwa United secure maiden NPFL title after thrashing MFM

  The Promise Keepers thrilled their fans in Uyo on Sunday by securing the Nigerian top-flight crown with an emphatic win Akwa United have won the 2020-21 Nigeria Professional Football League title after they defeated MFM FC 5-2 in their penultimate fixture of the season on Sunday. Charles Atshimene stood out for the hosts at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium as his hat-trick of goals helped crush the Olukoya Boys, who are winless in their last eight matches on the road. Atshimene opened the scoring in the 24th minute followed by Alimi Adebayo's own goal on the stroke of half-time which gave Kennedy Boboye's side a two-goal lead at the half-time break.  

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2Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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‘This is the season I hit the ground running’ – Chelsea’s Loftus-Cheek feeling ‘really fit and strong’ after Fulham loan spell

The England international is confident that he can make an impact at Stamford Bridge after putting his injury struggles behind him Ruben Loftus-Cheek says he is feeling "really fit and strong" after his loan spell at Fulham and has promised that "this is the season I hit the ground running" at Chelsea. Loftus-Cheek initially broke into Chelsea's senior squad seven years ago, but has since struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI. A serious Achilles injury halted his progress significantly in 2019, and after over a year on the sidelines the Blues decided to send him out on loan to Fulham for the duration of the 2020-21 campaign. He continues to feature in pre-season action for the Blues, though, and manager Thomas Tuchel has said "he can decide his own future" b...

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tokyo Olympics: Nigeria Suffers major blow as Adegoke Fail in men’s 100m final

Nigeria’s Enoch Adegoke on Sunday failed to deliver at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, as he pulled up injured in the men’s 100 metres final. The 21-year-old sprint star had delighted his compatriots by storming into the event’s final earlier in the day to raise hopes for the much-awaited medal after series of a disappointment for Team Nigeria. DAILY POST reports that Adegoke had qualified with a time of 10.00 seconds in second place from semi-final 2. It was achieved moments after teammate Usheoritse Itsekiri had failed to qualify after finishing seventh in semi-final 1 with 10.29 secs. Even then, it was more assuaging for Team Nigeria after Divine Oduduru’s disqualification in the event in round one on Saturday. Adegoke’s failure meant another big medal hope failure f...

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Tokyo Olympics: Three Nigerian athletes qualify for finals

A total of three Nigerian track and field athletes have qualified for the finals at the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games in Japan. They are Enoch Adegoke, Tobi Amusan and Ese Brume. Adegoke qualified for the final of the men’s 100m heat at the ongoing 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games in Japan on Sunday. The 21-year-old finished second (10.00s) in heat 2 of men’s 100m, just behind Zharnel Hughes, who kept the British hope alive by winning the second semi in 9.98seconds. Amusan, meanwhile, qualified for the Women’s 100m Hurdles final. She advanced to the next round of the competition on Saturday after winning Round 1 (Heat 3), running from lane four. The 24-year-old crossed the finish line at 12.72s ahead of Jamaica’s Thompson Yanique, who timed 12.74s and Skrzyszowska Pia of...

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

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Arsenal vs Chelsea: All you need to know about Sunday’s preseason friendly, TV schedule

Arsenal will take on Chelsea in a pre-season friendly game this afternoon. The two Premier League giants go head-to-head again, exactly one year after they clashed in the FA Cup final. On that occasion, the Gunners saw off their London rivals 1-0. The Blues were managed by Frank Lampard for the defeat at Wembley. Lampard has since been replaced by Thomas Tuchel, who went on to win the Champions League final against Manchester City. Tuchel however lost to Mikel Arteta’s men at Stamford Bridge as the 2020/2021 season wrapped up. Today’s game is part of a mini pre-season round robin tournament called the Mind Series, which also features Tottenham Hotspur. Funds raised from the three games will be split between mental health charity, Mind, and the clubs’ respective founda...

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

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Tottenham’s youngest ever player and goal scorer Devine signs first professional contract

The teenage midfielder has committed his future to the north London outfit through to 2024 Tottenham's youngest ever player and goal scorer Alfie Devine has signed his first professional contract.Devine has been handed a new three-year deal at Spurs after turning 17 on Sunday, and will remain in north London until 2024. The English midfielder scored on his senior debut for Tottenham last season, making history in the process, and will hope to establish himself in the first-team squad under new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo in 2021-22.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Hopefully they’ll see more of it’ – Bafana Bafana star Tau reacts after maiden Brighton & Hove Albion goal

The 27-year-old has presented his case to be considered for more playing time following an impressive performance on Saturday South Africa forward Percy Tau hopes Brighton and Hove Albion fans will witness more of his goal celebrations after scoring during a pre-season friendly match against Luton. The Seagulls won 3-1 at Kenilworth Road with Tau registering his name on the scoresheet and put up an impressive display. It was the Bafana Bafana star’s first-ever goal for Brighton after he started playing for the club in January following some loan stints in Belgium.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Barcelona ban Lionel Messi

Barcelona have banned captain, Lionel Messi, from participating in the club’s training. AS reports that Messi will not be training at Barcelona until he signs a new contract with the Camp Nou club. The Argentina captain has been a free agent since July 1. Despite an announcement that the Barca number 10 would sign a five-year contract, the deal is yet to be signed. Due to Barcelona’s financial struggles, Messi has been forced to accept a pay cut in order to remain at the club. The deal will reportedly see Messi take a 50 per cent pay cut. Messi’s previous contract expired on June 30, meaning that he has been a free agent since July 1 but he is unlikely to agree terms elsewhere. Messi is currently enjoying an extended holiday after representing his country at the Copa A...

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘You have made the nation proud’ – Zambia’s Lungu hails Daka and Mwepu after debut goals

The Head of State takes to his social media pages to praise the two Chipolopolo players after they scored in a friendly Zambia President Edgar Lungu has praised strikers Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu after they both scored for their teams – Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion – in pre-season on Saturday. Daka, who signed for the Foxes from Red Bull Salzburg, was the star player against Queens Park Rangers as he fuelled a 3-3 comeback win, first scoring to make it 2-2 before winning a penalty which was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho. On the other hand, Mwepu, who signed for Brighton also from Red Bull Salzburg, scored in the 3-1 win against Luton Town, a game which saw South Africa’s Percy Tau find the back of the net.  

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘Benrahma has been waiting on that one for a year’ – Moyes on Algerian’s strike

The ex-Brentford winger's goal helped the Hammers get another pre-season win against his former side head of the Premier League campaign West Ham United manager David Moyes was impressed with Said Benrahma's strike that sealed the 1-0 win for his charges against Brentford in a pre-season friendly on Saturday. The Algeria international struck in the 66th minute against his former team to ensure the Hammers continued with their fine form in pre-season. It was his second consecutive goal for the Londoners after also getting his name on the scoresheet in the 6-2 win over Celtic.  

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

‘The reports were very stressful’ – Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Moukoko reveals he wanted to quit football

The teenage striker has opened up on his meteoric rise to fame at Westfalenstadion while outlining his goals for the new season Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko has revealed he wanted to quit football due to pressure after bursting onto the senior stage. Moukoko was drafted into Dortmund's first team as a 15-year-old in January 2020, having scored a staggering 88 goals in 141 games for the club at academy level. In November that year, the striker became the youngest player in Bundesliga history when making his debut one day after his 16th birthday and has since nailed down a role in the squad, but his rise to prominence hasn't all been plain sailing.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Wanyama’s CF Montreal suffer defeat to Inter Miami after Higuain double

The Argentine striker popped up with two second-half goals to help the Phil Neville-led side return to winning ways Gonzalo Higuain scored two second-half goals to help Inter Miami beat Victor Wanyama's CF Montreal 2-1 in a Major League Soccer match on Saturday. Captained by Kenya international Wanyama, Montreal took the lead courtesy of Joaquin Torres, but two defensive blunders in the second half allowed the Argentine forward to score to give Miami a first win since May 16 Wilfried Nancy’s men had won their last two games against Miami this season, without conceding a goal, and they started strongly as Mathieu Choiniere set up Torres to score the opener in the 20th minute.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Van Dijk return doesn’t mean Liverpool will ‘automatically win the league again’, warns Carragher

The former Anfield favourite is wary about the Netherlands international being rushed back too soon after a lengthy spell on the sidelines Jamie Carragher has warned that Virgil van Dijk's return doesn't mean Liverpool will "automatically win the league again".Van Dijk made his first appearance for Liverpool in nine months in their friendly clash with Hertha Berlin last week, having missed the majority of the 2020-21 campaign due to a serious knee injury. The 30-year-old is still working his way back to full fitness after surgery and Carragher doesn't want to see him rushed back onto a competitive stage too early, with the Reds set to open their latest Premier League campaign away at Norwich City on August 14.

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Iheanacho and Daka were ‘exceptional’ – Rodgers raves about Leicester City strikers

The Foxes boss was full of praise for the Nigeria and Zambia internationals after they both scored in a pre-season game Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers has labelled new signing Paston Daka as a “natural striker” after his partnership with Kelechi Iheanacho helped his team to come from behind to secure a 3-3 draw against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday. The Foxes found themselves trailing at half-time after Charlie Austin scored for QPR in the 45th minute, and they were 2-0 down courtesy of a 55th-minute strike from Yoann Barbet. City then started their comeback in the 75th minute when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall fired home a loose ball to reduce the deficit before Daka, who signed for Leicester from Red Bull Salzburg, slotted home his maiden goal to make it 2-2

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1Aug By Ajiboye IfeoluwaNo Comments

Sport

Allegri backs Premier League-linked Ramsey to be a ‘really important player’ for Juventus

The Bianconeri boss talked up the talents of the Welsh playmaker after seeing him star in a friendly victory over Monza Massimiliano Allegri has backed Premier League-linked midfielder Aaron Ramsey to become a "really important player" for Juventus, while playing down talk of a potential return to Turin for Miralem Pjanic. Much was expected of Ramsey when he joined Juve on a free transfer following his departure from Arsenal in the summer of 2019, but he has since struggled to prove his worth amid persistent fitness issues. The 30-year-old only played 22 Serie A games for the Bianconeri in 2020-21 and is now being tipped to head back to England, with Tottenham and Wolves reportedly interested in his services.

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Ebonyi Football Fans Celebrate Nwankwo Kanu at 45

Football fans in Ebonyi on Sunday celebrated the birthday of former Nigerian international and Arsenal legend, Nwankwo Kanu. The former Super Eagles skipper turned 45 on Sunday. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 1993 FIFA U-17 world cup winner, fondly called “Papillo’’ by his fans had 86 caps for Nigeria. The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club of Owerri’s talisman scored 13 goals for Nigeria in an enviable career that spanned from 1994 to 2010. Kanu is a recipient of the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), an Olympic Games football gold medalist and had illustrious club careers with Ajax Amsterdam of Holland, Arsenal and West Bromwich Albion of England. Defunct Ebonyi Angels FC of Abakaliki Defender, James Onele, said that Kanu thrilled soccer fans a...

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1Aug By MosesianNo Comments

Sport

Jamaica’s Thompson-Herah Eyes Olympic Double in 200m

Elaine Thompson-Herah sets out to follow up her Olympic 100 metres gold medal in the 200m on Monday with the athletics world wondering how much faster she can run. The 29-year-old Jamaican sprint queen stormed to victory in the 100m on Saturday, eclipsing Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 33-year-old Olympic record by 0.01sec with a time of 10.61sec. The win left Thompson-Herah firmly on course to repeat her 2016 Rio Olympics 100m-200m sprint double, for what would be an unprecedented women’s “double-double”. The victory also left hanging the question of how much Thompson-Herah has left in the tank — and whether more records might be within reach. Thompson-Herah would almost certainly have clocked a faster time on Saturday had she not started celebrating well before the finish line,...

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