Author: Tumininu Yussuf
Former Super Falcons captain Desire Oparanozie has said she is satisfied with Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening game of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). However, she requested the need for improved finishing, sharper midfield control, and better team coordination as the competition progresses. The Falcons kicked off their campaign with a convincing performance in the Group B fixture. The nine-time champions created several chances and dominated the North African side, but were wasteful in front of goal and occasionally disjointed in midfield transitions. “Convincing win, but more to do” – Oparanozie Oparanozie told reporters…
Nigeria’s Super Falcons interim head coach, Justin Madugu has assured that the team will continue to improve as the tournament progresses, insisting that every player in the squad remains important and will be given a fair chance to contribute. The Super Falcons have shown signs of promise under Madugu’s leadership, and the coach has now stated that performances will continue to evolve as the competition unfolds. “Every player is of great importance” – Coach Madugu on Super Falcons Squad Speaking after the team’s recent match, Madugu stated the importance of squad unity, fairness in selection, and transparency in team decisions.…
Spanish traffic police in Zamora province say “all the evidence” indicates that Diogo Jota was behind the wheel of a Lamborghini that crashed and burst into flames on the A‑52 motorway near Palacios de Sanabria in the early hours of Thursday, killing the 28‑year‑old Liverpool forward and his 25‑year‑old brother André Silva. “Everything also points to a possible excessive speed beyond the speed limit of the road,” — Zamora Traffic Police statement Officers confirmed tyre marks were analysed “about 100 m (330 ft) from the moment of impact” and that Jota was “probably speeding” when a suspected tyre blow‑out occurred during an overtaking manoeuvre. An…
Chelsea’s £55 million signing, João Pedro scored twice against his former club Fluminense on Wednesday night, sealing a 2‑0 semi‑final victory that sends the Blues into Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final against either Real Madrid or Paris Saint‑Germain. The 23‑year‑old Brazilian, who joined from Brighton only six days ago, was handed a first start by head coach Enzo Maresca with striker Liam Delap suspended. João Pedro repaid that faith, becoming the first Chelsea player since 2016 to score a brace on his competitive debut. 18′ — 1‑0: João Pedro collected a loose ball 25 metres out and rifled an unstoppable drive beyond goalkeeper Fábio. 66′ — 2‑0: Cutting in…
Former national 400 m hurdler, Henry Amike has described Favour Ofili‘s decision to switch her international allegiance from Nigeria to Turkey as “a major loss” and “an embarrassment” for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). “One of the Greatest Athletes of All Time” In a recent interview, Amike said Ofili’s exit robs Nigeria of one of its brightest talents. “I must be very honest about the outcome of what we had in respect of our great athletes in the person of Ofili and what Ofili stands for in this country.” “Ofili is one of the greatest athletes of all time because she holds…
Kanyinsola Ajayi has sent another warning shot to the sprinting world, lighting up the track at the Meeting International Sotteville-lès-Rouen. The 20-year-old Nigerian sprinting monarch stormed to a personal best-equaling 9.92 seconds (+1.7 m/s) to win the men’s 100m and set a new meeting record at the Stade Jean Adret. Ajayi’s explosive run dethroned the long-standing 10.02s meeting record set by Trinidad and Tobago’s Keston Bledman in 2015. A Quality Field Humbled by Kanyinsola Ajayi Ajayi didn’t just win, he dominated a loaded field that included: Emmanuel Eseme (10.04s) Mamadou Fall Sarr (10.10s) Eugene Amo-Dadzie (10.16s) Rohan Browning (10.16s) Jerome…
Nigerian wrestling champion, Esther Kolawole delivered a resounding performance at the Grand Prix of Spain, clinching gold in the 62kg category in the final of the competition. The reigning African champion demolished her opponent American wrestler Haylie Jaffe 10-0 by superiority in a one-sided final on Saturday, completing a perfect tournament run without conceding a single point. This win is a huge upgrade for the 22-year-old, who took bronze in the same tournament last year, and now stands as one of Nigeria’s top medal hopes heading into the World Championships in Croatia later this year. Esther Kolawole Ruthless Run to…
Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi shattered the African men’s shot put record with a massive throw of 22.10 metres to become the first African athlete to breach the elusive 22-metre mark. This record-breaking event took place on Saturday at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic. The throw, achieved on his second attempt, earned him third place in what many are now calling the most competitive shot put event in athletics history. The ninth leg of the 2025 Diamond League, held at Hayward Field in Eugene, witnessed an unprecedented five men going over 22m; a feat never before seen in a single competition. “I Just Wanted…
Super Falcons forward, Rinsola Babajide has described her first goal for Nigeria as a moment of “big relief” after helping the team to a 3-0 win over Tunisia in their opening match of the 2024 WAFCON. Babajide, who also provided an assist for Asisat Oshoala’s opener, made a memorable tournament debut on Sunday night at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca. Her first-half stoppage-time goal doubled Nigeria’s lead and put her on the scoresheet for the first time in national colours. “A Big Relief… I Was Always Missing That First Goal” – Babajide Rinsola on Debut Goal Speaking after the…
Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has shared her excitement after making a competitive return in Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their Group B opener at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco. The Ittihad Ladies centre-back, who was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet and creating key chances from the left side of defence, described the win as an ideal start to the campaign. “Three Goals and a Clean Sheet” – Plumptre Reflecting on the match, Plumptre admitted there were nerves heading into the team’s first tournament game but was full of praise for the performance…
