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Former Nigerian international Austin Jay Jay Okocha has stated that the result gotten from the super eagles and the black stars of Ghana in yesterday’s goalless draw is a fair result for the visitors Nigeria.
Speaking after the game, Okocha praised the team for their composure despite the overwhelming home crowd.
We were totally dominated in terms of the support. I think we have given ourselves a good chance going into the second leg.”
Okocha added that winning the second leg is a must for the Eagles.
the second leg will take place at the moshood Abiola stadium in Abuja on tuesday.
Former flying eagles of Nigeria head coach Abimbola Samuel, has urged the super eagles of Nigeria to remain focused in the quest of picking the all important ticket to quater as both teams meet in Abuja at the moshood Abiola stadium on tuesday.
Super Eagles in the first leg of the FIFA World Cup playoff on Friday night held the Black Stars of Ghana to a stalemate draw at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi with the return leg holding at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja next Tuesday.
Speaking exclusively to vcsports was , the former Sunshine Stars gaffer believes, “the Super Eagles must not take the match against Ghana for granted. All mercenaries should be put to work. All the players that will be selected for the match must be able to work that he deserves it on the pitch. We should not look down and allow the performance of Ghana at AFCON and the 0-0 draw to deceive us. Everybody want to be at the World Cup because the venue of this year’s World Cup is a special place to be.
Speaking about , Wilfred Ndidi’s absense, samuel believes that as a National team, we should have replacement for Ndidi. He’s one of the important player for the team but still insist on the plan B mechanism to cover up his absence.
AFCON 2021 third places finishers the indominatable lions of Cameroon are at the verge of missing out in in the Quarter 2022 FIFA world after suffering a shock 1 – 0 home defeat in the hands of 2019 AFCON champions Algeria .
former leicester city forward
Islam Slimani got the only goal of the game in the 40th minutes after heading in a set piece.
The Indomitable Lions will have to put Friday’s disappointment behind them when they face Algeria in the second leg on Tuesday.
And in another playoff tie in which was played simultaneously with the Cameroon vs Algeria fixture, Tunisia pipped Mali 1-0 away.
Am own goal by Moussa Sissoko was enough to give Tunisia the first leg win.
Five minutes from the end of the first half, things went from bad to worse for Sissoko as he was shown a straight red card.
Nigeria’s football federation’s president Amaju Melvin pinnick has sang praises to theMoroccan referee Redouane Jiyed for his brave call in Friday’s 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs between the Black Stars and Super Eagles..
the three time african champions nigeria believed that they had won a penalty 15 minutes from timeafter Black Stars midfielder Baba Iddrisu appeared to have handled the ball in the box.
But the decision was overturned after Jiyed consulted with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which was being used in an African World Cup play-off for the first time.
Pinnick believes the centre referee got his decision right as there was a foul on a Ghanaian player during the build up to the incident.
The two teams will meet in the second leg at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Tuesday
Manchester united super star christiano ronaldo continued his quest in closing in into the gap of becomming united all time goal scorers chat with his simple tap in against burnley last night .
With his strike against Burnley, Ronaldo is now one place above Taylor, whose haul would, of course, have been even greater had he not lost his life in the 1958 Munich Air Disaster.
Since returning to United earlier this season, Ronaldo has overtaken Andy Cole, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Brian McClair and now Taylor in our all-time scorers list.
Now in 14th position, Ronaldo will need another 15 goals to move ahead of 13th-placed David Herd.
The five-time World Player of the Year has scored 14 goals in 21 appearances in all competitions for United this season.
Man United’ All-Time scores list:
15th – Tommy Taylor (131) 14th – Cristiano Ronaldo (132) 13th – David Herd (145) 12th – Stan Pearson (148) 11th – Ruud van Nistelrooy (150 10th – Paul Scholes (155) 9th – Mark Hughes (163) 8th – Ryan Giggs (168) 7th – Joe Spence (168) 6th – George Best (179) 5th – Dennis Viollet (179) 4th – Jack Rowley (211) 3rd – Denis Law (237) 2nd – Sir Bobby Charlton (249) 1st – Wayne Rooney (253)
former Arsenal legend Ian Wright, has stated that the AFCON 2021 tournament sheduled for January 9th to February 6th 2022 in Cameroon is been given poor attention by the media.
Wright made his intentions known to the public through his official Instagram handle, where he noted that the coverage of the bi-annual tournament is completely faced with racism.
Meanwhile Ex Gunner’s captain and , Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira called for the tournament to be given more respect while Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp in November used disparaging remarks against the tournament but later said he was misquoted and that English language was not his first tongue.
The 24-team biennial competition begins on 9 January and will feature a host of Premier League and European stars.
However, the former England international wished Cameroon a successful hosting of the AFCON tournament despite call for the cancellation of the game due to Covid-19 and Omicron Variant.
Algeria defeated Senegal 1 0 in the 2019 Edition in Egypt which handed the desert foxes only their second continental triumph in 29 tears however the quest to defend her crown remains the key talking point as Africa awaits its moment of glory as the 33rd edition of the continents most prestigious competition welcomes the whole of Africa to Cameroon.
As the deadline draws closer it is important to remind prospective participants and potential sponsors that the deadline for registration of the Ibom Marathon Race remains November 30th 2021.
It has been very encouraging the reaction from participants, and sponsors, the deadline for registration was moved from the initial date to allow more persons who have indicated interest and plan to participate register.
The race is for all and it will meet up with global standards and properly reward participants.
The 25.34km marathon billed for the 18th of December 2021 will kick-off at Itam Junction by the Flyover and terminate at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo in Akwa Ibom State.
Winner of the male category will bag ₦1.5m, first runner up ₦1, second runner up ₦750k. While the winner of the female category will earn ₦1M, first runner up ₦750k and second runner up ₦500k.
Arsenal have continued their impressive form of late with an emphatic run with 7 wins and 2 draws in their last 9 games
the Gurners trashed leicester city at the king power stadium in the luch time kick off of match day fixture in the premier league today
first half goals from center back Gabriel Mangalish and Smithrowe ensured that mikel Arteta’s men left the king power with maximum points
leicester have been on a sentilating form of late beating manchester united and brentford in their last two premier league games scoring a total of six goals and conciding three in the process
Arsenals victory have now placed them five places of the top four and with a 2 – 0 victory it just gets better and better for the north london side
Nigeria center forward victor Osimhen has reinstated his over the sudden rising of form over his tremendous goal scoring prowess athis parent club Napoli .
the former Lille man, who is 22 years of age did scored ten league goals in 30 appearances last season after joining for a world record fee for an African player despite that run last season the Ex Charleroi man has already scored 7 goals in 5 games in all competitions and 6 goals in 4 Seria games so far this season.
Osimhen has been in remarkable form for the Partenopei this season following the arrival of new manager Luciano Spalleti.
Nigeria’s super falcons began their quest for success at the ongoing Aisha Buhari six nation invitational tournament held in Lagos south west Nigeria
however the host left it late to secure a 2 – 0 victory over their Malian counterparts with goals from Gift Monday in the 87th and 91st minute strike ensured that the 9th time AWCON champions begin their quest on a winning note.
the falcons will on Tuesday next week take on Morocco at the Onicon stadium in Lagos before taking on Cameroon in their final group game
France and Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba could return to Juventus when his contract at Old Trafford expires next June, according to the Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola.
Pogba has started the 2021-22 campaign in impressive form for the Red Devils, contributing seven assists in four appearances in all competitions.
The 28-year-old’s future with the 20-time English champions remains unclear, though, as his current deal is due to expire in 2022.
Raiola has suggested that his client could sign a new contract with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, but the well-known agent has also talked-up a return to Turin for the World Cup winner.
Pogba previously left Man United for Juventus in 2012 and spent four years with the Italian giants, winning four Serie A titles and two Coppa Italia crowns before returning to Manchester.
Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
Genk forward Paul Onuachu is totally focused on making further impact at the club after failing secure a big move to another team this summer.
Onuachu was linked with a number of clubs in Europe following an impressive campaign that saw him scored 33 goals in 38 league appearances for the Smurfs.
The Nigeria international struggled early this campaign but has rediscovered his best form with a number of impressive performances in recent outings.
The 27 year-old scored a late winner as Genk recorded a 1-0 away win against Austrian club Rapid Vienna in their UEFA Europa League clash on Thursday.
I was disappointed that I was not able to make a nice transfer this summer, but I have now closed that chapter,” he told Het Laatste Nieuws.
Former Nigerian hip hop super star and former member of the now defunct Remedies, Eedris Abdulkareem, is backing the Super Eagles to go all the way to win the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.
The Eagles will be hoping to clinch a fourth continental title at next year’s showpiece.
In the draw that was held few days back, the three-time African champions were drawn in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.
Speaking in an interview with vc sports, Abdulkareem however highlighted what could hinder the Eagles from achieving their target.
Of course we can with the array of talents we have but we need to stop politicising issues and allow the real talents that are ready to play.
“Nigeria’s problem has always been favouritism, but once that is out of the way, our Eagles will soar. I just want to urge the coach to pick the best players always.”
On his favourites club, the 47-year-old revealed that he is a fan of Chelsea.
Nigeria won the continent’s most prestigious price in 1980, 1994, 2013 respectively. she lost in the semi finals of the tournament in Egypt two years ago losing out to eventual winners Algeria
president of Rwanda Paul Kagame has expressed his disappointment over arsenal’s 2 – 0 humiliation in the hands of newly promote side Brentford city last night.
The Gunners lost 2-0 to Brentford who made their first top-flight appearance in 74 years.
Sergi Canos and Christian Norgaard were the heroes for Brentford as their goals in either half, secured the first win of the new campaign.
Arsenal suffered a shock 1 – 0 defeat in the hands of newly promoted side Brentford city in this season’s Corten raiser for the 2021/22 English premier league campaign .
goals from Goals from Sergi Canós and Christian Nørdgaard made it a dream Premier League debut for the Bees against a woeful Arsenal.
the bees last a played a premier league game during the 1946/47 season bringing to an end a 74 year weight for top flight return after failing to secure promotion in 9 attempt .
with this emphatic win over Arsenal they now go top with 3 points and a clean sheet for their efforts.
for manager Thomas frank staying in the division remains the focus for the Bees and he insist they are not carried away by the 2 – 0 triumph last night but rather remains a moral booster for his side
Former Atletico, and Manchester city forward Sergio Aguero has agreed to leave the camp nou after getting reports about the departure of club’s legent Lionel Messi.
The Catalan giants announced on Thursday that they would not be able to renew Messi’s contract due to their financial problems, and the attacker is now said to be on the verge of joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Aguero only joined Barcelona as a free agent this summer after seeing out his contract as city for a decade, and it is understood that the chance to play alongside his international teammate was a key reason for the striker making the move to Spain.
according to vc sports.sport. blog, the 33-year-old Argentine is now looking to leave Camp Nou and has instructed his lawyers to review the terms of the contract that he signed at the start of July.
The report claims that Aguero’s future at Camp Nou, where he has a deal until June 2023, ‘does not look good’, which will place a number of clubs on high alert
Barcelona will take on Juventus in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night before beginning their 2021-22 La Liga campaign at home to Real Sociedad on August 15.
Former IWERE FC, DYNAMITE FORCE David chimezieFC, and present WARRI WOLVES FC center back David chimezie has expressed joy of playing in Nigeria’s top flight as a dream come for him .
he made this known to VC . sports in an exclusive interview held on Tuesday morning .
CHIMEZIE is an indegene of WARRI SOUTH in DELTA state respectively he started his footballing carear at IWERE FC before joining dynamite force for one season before moving to parent club WARRI WOLVES.
and this is his first season with the DELTA based club side.
however the 18 year old made is debut against RANGERS and went on to score his only goal this season against ENYINMBA FC. on matchday 30 Tie in the NPFL .
David also reinstated the need that his side will avoid the drop come the end season after suffering a difficult campaign
wolves are currently 18th on the log with and with three games to go tensions are high and price of survival is as stake but for the teenager he believes his side has all it takes to stay as the fight for survival continues 12 points are up for grapps and it begins with their match day 36 tie Jigawa Golden stars Heartland on 37th and Ifeanyi Ubah on the last day.
Nasarawa United top scorer Silas Nwankwo has reinstated the need to finish the 2020/21 season as the league top scorer come the end of the season .
the 18 year old has already scored 16 goals so far this campaign and also one in the AIETEO cup and the Nasarawa teenage sensation believes he has all it takes to score 25 goals when the current campaign comes to an end.
only Akwa United’s Ufon Udoh has 23 goals in a single season mean while in the past few seasons several players in the NPFL have came close in breaking the jinks but couldnt they include the likes of Stephen Odey of MFM with 19, junior lokosa of Kano PIllars, 19 and Anthony Okpotu of Lobi stars with also 19 .
Nwankwo, who is a product of D Royal Academy of Lagos that produced Junior Ajayi Of Al Ahly played for Sunshine Stars before he joined Nassarawa United where he is making wave with his goal scoring prowess
Genk striker Paul Onuachu has returned to training after a move to West Ham United somewhat stalled.
It’s claimed that Genk are keen to sell Onuachu, seemingly sensing that now is the right time to sell the 27-year-old with his value so high.
They want a deal worth around €20million (£17million) for Onuachu, and he is keen to make a big move to the Premier League.
West Ham are leading the race, and his agent allegedly travelled to London last week in order to meet with clubs over a potential deal, but the Hammers have yet to make a bid.
Onuachu’s future is unclear, and after an extended summer break, he has returned to Genk training with his future up in the air.
West Ham are desperate for a new striker after letting Sebastien Haller leave in January, and Onuachu has become one of the main targets for David Moyes.
A giant striker at 6ft 7in tall, Onuachu smashed 35 goals in 41 games for Genk last season, winning the Belgian Cup in a stunning campaign.
The Nigerian’s future should be settled in the coming weeks, and West Ham may well be looking to strike a deal to bring him to England ahead of their Europa League campaign.
the sports Writer’s association of Nigeria rivers state chapter, did embark on a one-day sensitization seminar held at the Nuj complex Moscow Road in port Harcourt in collaboration with the Nigeria shooting sports federation NSSF.
the theme of the event was centered on unveiling shooting a millennial sport.
the event was highly graced by the commissioner for sports rivers state hon boma iyaye who was represented by the permanent secretary rivers state ministry of sports and also the president of the sports swriter’s association of Nigeria Sir Honor Serawo.
also gracing the occasion was the president of the Nigeria shooting sports federation Brig Gen Longdale o Adeoye along side the coach of the federation Samuel Effiong and members of the association all Marked the event.
however, the aim of the event was to educate the SWAN members in the state about the sport of shooting and to promote the sports to greater heights for better coverage and reportage among sports writers.
English side Leeds united have been told by Spanish side Huesca to pay the sum of £15million in order to get the signature of the star. and midfielder Kelechi Nwakali.
however Huesca are hopeful that the 23 year old Nigerian will be a very good business for the whites if they can meet up the sign off fee of 15 million euros according to reports from Spain.
Leeds United have reportedly been told they must pay £15million in order to sign Huesca midfielder Kelechi Nwakali.
Leeds have one major name in the door with Junior Firpo arriving to solve the left-back issue, while Amari Miller and Sean McGurk have also signed to bolster the under-23s.
With pre-season now underway for the Whites, the club need to push on with signings, including a midfielder that could potentially play in Kalvin Phillips or Mateusz Klich’s role.
Nigeria’s male basketball’s Head Coach Mike Brown believes his side will not just participate in this summers Tokyo Games for formality sake but ensures Nigerians and the world that his team will go to japan to win .
D Tigers are drawn in Group B alongside heavyweights Australia, Germany and Italy, at this summer’s games.
a group predicted by many as group of death, d tigers chief believes his boys are good enough to compete with the best teams in the tournament.
Brown is confident his players will do well in Tokyo.
the tournament will begin on July 23rd to the 9th of August 2021
English Giants Manchester United have made an improved bid for Borussia Dortmund forward Jadon Sancho.
United have tabled a restructured bid for the England rising star after seeing a first offer rejected by the German ‘s Borussia Dortmund.
United’s initial approach for the 21-year-old winger was worth an initial £67m plus add-ons which took the value of the offer to around £75m.
As well as wanting closer to a deal worth £86m, the Bundesliga side also wanted more of the money to be guaranteed against all odds as united edge classer in securing and finalizing this deal.
Dortmund wanted £108m for Sancho last year but their lower valuation this time around has helped bring the two clubs closer to reaching a deal.
With personal terms on a five-year deal and agents fees all but finalized, there is a belief an agreement can be finalized at the second attempt this summer.
Former Nigeria International has been named as Nigeria’s youths ambassador for grass root sports development in the country his appointment came yesterday at the Teslin Balogun stadium in Lagos from the directives of the federal government through the minister of youths and sports development Sunday Dare.
In his remarks Mikel the federal government and the sports ministry for finding him worthy for this position and promised to put his full support in rebranding Nigeria football and sports in general to a greater Hight.
the former Chelsea man made 14-year international career between 2005 and 2019, he played 91 times for Nigeria, scoring six goals.
Warri Wolves have announced the appointment of Ngozi Elechi as their new head coach
The appointment of Elechi was
made public on Thursday by a top official of Warri Wolves who added the new
coach will be unveiled next weekend.
The “Former coach of Go Round FC
and Yobe Desert Stars, Ngozi Elechi, has joined Warri Wolves as the clubs new
technical adviser,” Azuka Chiemeka, an official of Warri Wolves stated.
The onetime Jigawa Golden Stars
midfield maestro is taking over from Kester Ojo, who guided the Delta State
government-owned team from the Nigeria National League (NNL) back to the NPFL.
Warri Wolves were relegated from
the elite league in 2016 but they sealed their comeback with a victory over
Dynamite FC in the recent NNL play-offs.
He
will look to prove his critics wrong as he takes over at the Warri side because
his stints at the last two teams he handled, Go Round FC and Yobe Desert Stars
proved quite challenging.
He
led Go Round from the NNL to the NPFL, but was disengaged as the Omoku side
found life in the top league very tasking and finally got relegated under his
successor, Willy Udube. His rescue mission at struggling Yobe Stars did not go
well as the club was also relegated.
Enyimba’s winger and playmaker Anayo Iguala remains hopeful that the peoples Elephant can overturn their first leg CAF Confederations cup quarter finals bashing against Egyptian giants Pyramids FC as they tend to secure their passage into the semi finals of the competition.
the Eight time NPFL Champions suffered a 4- 1 demolition in Egypt last Sunday. and in other to secure their passage into the last four of this season’s tie the Aba landlords must ensure to to score three unreplied goals against the Egyptians a feet Iguala thinks his side can overturn despite their heavy bashing a week ago
However the star man is available for tomorrow’s clash against the Egyptians after missing the first leg due to suspension.
Defender Nabil Yarou is in for the tie as well after
missing the first leg because of passport issues.
However, Imo obot, Stanley Okorom, Samson Obi, and Sadiq Abubakar remain sidelined due to injuries.
Ex Manchester United forward Dimitar Berbatov has urged Nigerian born teenage sensation Shola Shoretire that he must work hard at the club so that he could fancy his chances to play for the first team.
Shoretire, The 17, came off the bench to make his senior debut against Newcastle at the weekend, playing the final minutes in what he described as a “dream come true”.
and the 17 year is on united ‘s squared short listed for tonight’s clash against real Sociedad United hold a 4-0 lead from the first leg, potentially giving Shoretire a chance of further action.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on an agreement with Portuguese giant Sporting Lisbon for teenage striker Tiago Tomas.
Tomas has already made 25 first-team appearances for Sporting this season, scoring five goals and two assists in the process.
The 18-year-old only signed a new long-term deal with Sporting last June, with the Portugal Under-19s international contracted to the Lisbon giants until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
However, according to The Sun, Arsenal are close to finalising a summer deal for Tomas, with the London club’s technical director Edu in talks with Sporting director of football Hugo Viana.
The report claims that the Green and Whites are ready to accept an offer in the region of £20m due to the current economic climate, with the coronavirus outbreak causing financial problems across the world of football.
Tomas, who is capable of operating in a number of different forward positions, has scored twice and registered two assists in 18 league appearances this season.
Japanese International Naomi Osaka has won the 2021 edition of the Australia Open with an outright victory over Americas Jennifer Brady in the final to win her fourth Grand Slam title.
mean while The 23-year-old is unbeaten in major finals after seeing off Brady 6-4 6-3 win in Melbourne.
Osaka edged the first set when Brady, in her first Grand Slam final, paid for some glaring errors in the final game.
Osaka has now won two Australian Open titles after also triumphing at Melbourne Park in 2019, with her other Grand Slam successes coming at the US Open in 2018 and 2020.
She has not suffered a defeat since February 2020 after victory over Brady was her 21st successive match win.
The Nigeria mixed martial arts federation, NMMAF through the Dynamite Fighting Championship, DFC Africa MMA has finalized plans to hold a fight night in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event which is scheduled for the 26th of December, 2020 in collaboration with Eddiz Wine Bar will feature mixed martial artist registered with DFC Africa.
Confirming the event, President of the Federation Ambassador Henry George explained that the contest is aimed at entertaining mixed martial arts faithfuls and will round off the year 2020.
He explained, “Yes, DFC Africa, we are having an event in Port Harcourt, in collaboration with Eddiz Wine Bar this Christmas, starting on the 19th then on the 26th which is Boxing Day, DFC is going to put up a fight. It is going to be a fight in Port Harcourt, so there is going to be joy in Mixed Martial following this event.”
Ambassador George who over the weekend received an award from News and Media Company Dez Mayorz as Sports Personality of the year, 2020, said the federation will meet next week to set up its calendar for next year while describing the award as thing of joy.
“We are meeting next weekend to finalize plans for next year, you know we are also looking at the international calendar so that it will not affect our national arrangements. To us it is a thing of joy because martial arts is beginning to gain prominence and recognition, looking at what is happening around the world in mixed martial arts in Nigerians making impact so back here at home too the awareness has grown, no wonder I was nominated and also came out winner of the category.”
The NMMAF Boss emerged winner of the Sports Personality of the year, 2020, beating competition from Super Eagles and Leicester City Defensive Midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Professional Bodybuilder, fitness model Ifesinachi Friday.
Former England under 17, and under 20 international Ike Ugbo has stated his allegiance to Nigeria after denouncing his chances to play for the three lions .
Ugbo who is 22 years of age was born and brought up in south London recognized his Nigerian roots
the chelsea young striker, is currently on loan at Belgian Pro League club Cercle Brugge and has represented England at various youth levels
Ugbo also scored once in three appearances as England’s U-20 side won the Toulon Tournament in June 2017.
He is now working towards acquiring clearance from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA).
The former Roda player has scored 10 goals in 16 league appearances for Cercle Brugge this season.
Heartland Fc goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa has visited the camp of the super eagles of Nigeria as they prepare for an AFCON 2022 double header tie against Sierra Leone, this weekend .
The Super Eagles will be hopping to continue their one hundred percent record in Group L when they take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Ezenwa, who was not named in the squad for the game as a result of his inactivity at club level visited the team’s Etherno Hotel base on Tuesday to demonstrate his support for the team.
Ezenwa was part of Super Eagles’ squad that came third at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Former Arsenal and Super Eagles winger and midfielder Alex Iwobi has expressed his happiness over the new intakes brought in into the team.
Midfield trio James Rodriguez, Allan and Allan Dacoure linked up with the Merseyside club before the start of the campaign.
The new arrivals have all featured in all of three Everton’s three Premier League matches so far and have helped the team to three victories in the league on the bounce
The 24-year-old is exited at the standard exhibited by the new arrivals and also added that he is making the most of the opportunity to share the dressing room with the elite players.
Super falcons forward Desire Oparanozie has expressed her joy over her name be named in the streets of Guingamp, in France
the Nigerian forward confirmed this through a photo published at her official twitter account .
Oparanozie joined Guingamp in 2014 from Turkish club Ataşehir Belediyespor and had a memorable time there.
The 26-year-old made 106 appearances and found the back of the net 45 times.
Ahead of the 2019–20 season, Oparanozie was named club captain and began her reign with a win over Metz on the opening day of the season.
And after six years at Guingamp Oparanozie signed a two-year contract with Dijon FCO on 30 June.
Oparanozie started her career at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women’s league and moved to Delta Queens in 2010.
She then spent two months on loan at Düvenciler Lisesispor in the Turkish Women’s First Football League in 2011, before returning to Delta Queens.
She joined Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg for the 2013–14 season signing a two-year contract.
At the end of the first half of the season, she left Wolfsburg and on 21 February 2014, ssigned for Ataşehir Belediyespor to play the second half of the season in the Turkish Women’s First Football League.
Also, Oparanozie is a four-time winner of the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018) with the Super Falcons and has appeared at three women’s World Cup (2011, 2015, 2019).
Arsenal will be aiming to pick all the needed maximum points as they travel away from home to take on newly promoted side Fulham.
Arsenal’s only defeat in the past 13 Premier League meetings was in a 2-1 at Craven Cottage in January 2012. The two sides have met once before on the opening day of a top-flight English Premier League season, with which the Gunners come from behind to win 2-1 in 2007.
Arsenal finished eight in the premier league last season and sealed it up with an emphatic 14th FA cup triumph in Wembley in August before adding to their trophy cabinet with an FA community shield victory over league champions Liverpool.
Fulham have lost their last five premier league meetings with Arsenal
conceding nine goals in the process including their most recent top flight campaign in the 2018/ 19 season.
Fulham have just avoided the drop only 12 of their previous 28 season and have gone on to lose their opening day fixtures in the premier league in the 2013/14, and 2018/ 19 seasons respectively.
finally this will interest you to know that Fulham’s forward Alexandrea Mitrovic has scored 49 goals for the club since joining from Newcastle in January 2018 only Aubameyang 54, Mo Salah 54, Jaymie Vardy with 50 have more goals than the Fulham’s forward this is something the Arsenal back line will watch out for as they travel away from home to take on Fulham in this season’s cotton raiser.
The Gunners are undefeated in all four of their previous opening Premier League matches versus newly-promoted opposition (W3, D1). Their last opening day league defeat against a promoted side was a 1-0 loss at Highbury to Bristol City in 1976.
They have not lost any of their last 24 matches in the month of September in all competitions (W19, D5) since a 3-2 home defeat by Olympiakos in the Champions League in 2015.
Arsenal have already won two trophies in their 29 matches under Mikel Arteta: the FA Cup and Community Shield.
They scored 56 Premier League goals last season, their lowest total since 1995-96.
LIVERPOOL VS LEEDS UNITED
English premier league Champions Liverpool will be eager to defend their title they cliched at the back end of last season.
the Read’s won their first league title in 30 years in a dramatic fashion after beating Chelsea 5 – 3 at Armfield.
the meeting between these two sides will be their first meeting since 2004, being their first in 16 years.
The last time these two met wasn’t actually that long ago. Back in 2016 these two sides drew each other in the EFL Cup, with Liverpool running out comfortable 2-0 victors – despite Kemar Roofe striking the post for Leeds.
While it was Jurgen Klopp‘s second season in charge at the Reds, things have changed drastically for both sides since.
Head to head
Over the years, it is safe to say that Liverpool have had the better of Leeds United, but that doesn’t mean the Whites have been without their moments.
On the run up to their relegation, Liverpool consistently had the upper hand over the West Yorkshiremen – including two 3-1s and a 4-0 thrashing in the early 2000s.
The last time Leeds pulled off a victory over the Merseyside club was back in 2001. Which just so happened to be a league double, with that famous 4-3 victory at Elland Road, and then a 2-1 away victory in the following April.
Liverpool boast one of the most impressive home records in world football. Unbeaten in the last 59 at Anfield, with 48 wins and 11 draws. To make matters worse, Klopp’s men are on a 17-match winning streak against newly promoted Premier League sides.
as we wait for this big clash between these champions can Leeds produce a shocker
PSG VS MARSELLE
PSG Marseille played so far 50 matches. PSG won 29 direct matches. Marseille won 11 matches. 10 matches ended in a draw. On average in direct matches both teams scored a 2.76 goals per Match.
PSG in actual season average scored 4.20 goals per match. In 2 (66.67%) matches played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 2 (66.67%) matches in season 2020 played at home was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
Marseille average scored 2.67 goals per match in season 2020. In 4 (66.67%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals. In 4 (66.67%) matches played away team was total goals (team and opponent) Over 2.5 goals.
After securing the throe and suffering a slim 1 – 0 defeat to Bayern in the champions league final the French champions also started the new campaign on a bad note with a shock 1 – 0 defeat at Strasbourg a fought night ago.
however with some notable absentees’ making their return to the side thamos tuchel’s men must ensure to pick up all the maximum points as they look to defend the league 1 title for a record 9th time
CRYSTAL VS MANCHESTER UNITED
Crystal palace will entertain Manchester united in an all-important premier league clash next Sunday.
palace won at old Trafford in august 2019 as they had the first win against united in 30 years.
however united won the reverse fixture at Selhorst park just after the lockdown.
Manchester United won 14 direct matches. Crystal Palace won 2 matches. … Crystal Palace average scored 1.75 goals per match in season 2020. In 0 (0.00%) matches played away was total goals (team and opponent) Over 1.5 goals.
CHELSEA VS BRIGHTON
Chelsea and Brighton meet for only for the 11th occasion in the league (seventh in the top-flight) and 14th overall.
Last season’s corresponding fixture was the first time we had dropped points against the Seagulls. Overall, we have won 11 of the 14 encounters in all competitions.
Amongst sides they have faced in English league football, Chelsea are the only team Brighton have failed to beat.
Brighton have lost 11 of their last 12 games against Chelsea in all competitions, conceding 26 goals and scoring three in return.
All five of Chelsea’s away wins against Brighton in all competitions have come under different managers: Dave Sexton, John Neal, Bobby Campbell, Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.
Brighton’s only victory against the Blues was in the third round of the FA Cup in 1932/33 (our first
North London Giants Arsenal have sent their birthday wishes to young winger Bukayo Saka who turned 19 today
The Gunners took to their verified Twitter handle to congratulate Saka.
Born in Ealing, Greater London, Saka attended Edward Betham CofE Primary School before Greenford High School.
He started his career with Arsenal’s Hale End academy and once he turned 17 years old, Saka was given a professional contract by Arsenal and promoted to the under-23 side.
On 29th November 2018, Saka made his senior debut for Arsenal in their Europa League match against Vorskla Poltava.
He came on as a 68th minute substitute for Aaron Ramsey. On 13 December 2018, he made his first full home debut for Arsenal in their Europa League match against FK Qarabag.
And on 1 January 2019, he made his debut in the Premier League in a 4–1 win against Fulham after coming on for Alex Iwobi in the 83rd minute.
Last season he was voted third in Arsenal’s Player of the Season award and has been shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
Ex Warri Wolves, Chippa United Super Eagles and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi has praise the fans for their on dying support and love shawered on him by the the fans and the club during his time out due to injury.
He vowed to come back stronger, and better after suffering from concussion in the game against Bidvest Wits,
Akpeyi collided with Bidvest Wits’ Mxolisi Macuphu while attempting to punch the ball away in the 43rd minute of the keenly contested encounter.
The 34-year-old received medical attention on the pitch before he was strechered off later.
Akpeyi is back on his feet again following the setback, but won’t make an appearance again for the Amakhosi this season.
He has made 25 league appearances for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam has commended new recruit Victor Osimhen to be an instant treat at the club
the 2015 under 17 world cup winner joined Napoli from French side Lille after a remarkable display during the 2019/ 2020 campaign
The 21-year-old Nigerian international scored 18 goals and recorded six assists in 38 appearances in all competitions during his one year spell at the club.
Osimhen is already on fire at Napoli after scoring six times in two pre-season friendlies for the club.
He had an a hat-trick in his first game for the club against L’Aquilla last week and followed that up with another three goals versus Teramo on Friday.
Ghoulam who is also an African believes his fellow African can score on a consistent basis for the club.
Napoli’s Manager and 2006 FIFA World cup winner Gennaro Gattuso has asked the clubs faithful’s not to get over-excited after the Nigerian International Victor Osimhen’ secured his first hat-trick yesterday/
Osimhen marked his first game in a Napoli shirt with a hat-trick against a fourth division club L’Aquila.
The game was Napoli’s second pre-season game after they had earlier thrashed Castel di Sangro 10-0. Osimhen was not in action against Castel di Sangro.
But Gattuso has warned fans of the club not to put pressure on the €80m signing from Lille.
Gattuso led Napoli to the Coppa Italia title last season after they shocked Juventus on penalties.
English Premier League champions Liverpool will go into today’s clash against ‘ Arsenal in a search for their first Community Shield title since 2006. at Wembley stadium.
Both teams go into this evening’s tie with 15 Community Shield titles for their efforts only Manchester United have more than both Arsenal and Liverpool.
United have won the community shield 21 times a record feet in which no other premier league side has achieved.
The Reds last tasted victory in England’s traditional curtain-raiser when they beat Chelsea 2-1 over
14 years ago inside the Millennium stadium in Cardiff, Wales.
Aside attempting to land a first Community Shield title for a long time, Liverpool hope to avenge the defeat they suffered in the hands of Arsenal, when both teams last met in the fixture in 2002.
Also, Liverpool, in last year’s tie lost 5-4 on penalties to Manchester City after regulation time ended 1-1.
For Arsenal, they’ve had a good run in the Community Shield after winning their last three fixtures in 2014, 2015 and 2017.
In 2014, Arsenal thrashed Manchester City 3-0, and defeated Chelsea in 2015 (1-0) and again in 2017 (4-1 on penalties).
South London side Crystal Palace has confirmed that their newest addition Eberechi Eze is ready to get his first start for the club as they entertain English second tier side Charlton Athletic in their second pre-season friendly today.
Eze pend a five year deal with the Eagles that will keep him at the club until 2025 he left Queens Park Rangers. on friday to join palace for a fee worth £16m upfront with £4m in potential add-ons.
however Nigeria lost kid went on to make 112 appearances for QPR, scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists for the club in four seasons for club
Nigeria’s winger Samuel Chukwueze has said he will be hoping to continue his fine form for his side Villarreal CF when they take on Laliga side Valencia in their their third buildup match at the Pinatar Arena on Friday on Friday August 28,
Chukwueze was in superb form despite being on the losing side when the Unai Emery’s team lost 3-2 to second division side, Tenerife in their second pre-season firiendly on Tuesday.
In a game played at the Estadio de La Ceramica yesterday, Villarreal new coach Unai Emery featured two sets of players in each half with Chukwueze featuring in the second half of the game.
Chukwueze then provided the assist for the Yellow Submarines’ equalizer followinga great move on the right by the Nigeria intermational setting up Paco Alcacer to score in the 54th minute.
Villarreal will also clash with Real Sociedad next Wednesday in their fourth preseason friendly match.
Barcelona super star and Argentine International Lionel Messi has made his intention known to Manchester city ‘s Boss Pep Guardiola about a potential move to join the citizens this summer from spanish side Barcelona.
however the citizens are among the favorites to sign the 33-year-old after receiving offers from Inter Psg and Juventus respectively .
Messi enjoyed tremendous success under Guardiola at Barca between 2008 and 2012, winning four of his six Ballons d’Or during that period.
Further more reports from spain has it that the sixth time world footballer of the year is in close talks with the Catalan coach Ronald Koaman about a potential move of rejoining his former Manager Pep at the Etihad in the coming days.
Messi’s contract stipulated that he could leave on a free transfer this summer, but Barca insist that clause expired in June and it may now be a case of City waiting for another 12 months before acquiring for the signature of the argentine to the Ethihad
Meanwhile neighbours Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be well positioned to move for Messi, while Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest.
Real Madrid’s left-back Marcelo is a doubt ahead of the first El Clasico of the season against Barcelona at the Nou Camp on Wednesday.
Marcelo picked up a muscle injury in Madrid’s 6-0 bashing against Galatasaray in the Champions League on November 6
.And while he has since recovered, head coach Zinedine Zidane is said to be wary of putting his player in a position where he could aggravate it.
And according to Marca, Marcelo has been ‘unable to train with team-mates’ and therefore will be forced to sit out the trip to the Nou Camp.
Marcelo has sat out Madrid’s last three matches with Ferland Mendy and Nacho stepping in to fill the left-back position.
Real Madrid and Barcelona go into the game level on points after 16 games with 35 points apiece, with the Catalans ahead on goals difference.
At the weekend Barcelona were forced to a 2-2 away draw against Real Sociedad while a late Karim Benzema goal secured a 1-1 away draw for Madrid against Valencia.
Zinedine Zidane has expressed confidence that Real Madrid will eliminate Liverpool should the pair get drawn to face each other in the Champions League round of 16.
Liverpool took another step in their bid to defend the Champions League as they beat Red Bull Salzburg 2-0 on Tuesday night to qualify into the first knockout round
.
Madrid were already through as runners-up after Paris Saint-Germain secured top spot in Group A, but they won their final match at Club Brugge nonetheless.
Now there is the possibility of Madrid facing Liverpool which would be a rematch of 2018 final when the two sides last met and the Spanish giants won 3-1.
Zidane, who quit Madrid five days after that win before returning in March 2019, has already started the war of words.
Meanwhile, Liverpool defender Andy Robertson believes everyone wants to beat Liverpool.
“Now, we know we are respected in Europe. No-one will want us but everyone who gets into the last 16 will fancy themselves. It is the toughest tournament.
“The teams you come up against are outstanding and will fancy themselves. Everyone does. Everyone is confident.
president of Barcelona Football Club in Spain Josep Maria Bartomeu has Come out to make his intentions known to the football world that the doors of the club is open to former manager Pep Guardiola if he chooses to make a return back to the catalan club vc sports reports.
However the Manchester City Boss had series of success during his first spell at the club ranging from 2008 – 2012 recording 14 trophies in 4 seasons an extraordinary achievement for the barca ex player before moving to Bayern in 2013 .
He spent 3 seasons with the German side wining the bundesliga and in the summers of 2016 Pep made a remarkable decision in which he has gone on to win the EPL title back to back in 2017/18 , 2018/ 19 season .
Guardiola won three league titles, two Copa del Rey and two Champions League trophies.
Guardiola is currently going through one of the toughest periods of his career with City as they currently sit in third place, and are 14 points behind current leaders Liverpool.
At the weekend City suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Manchester United, leaving their title defense in jeopardy .
The Citizens will hope to return back to winning ways after tasting defeat in the hands of neighbors United when they travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal.
Newcastle united continued their impressive form as they held champions Manchester city to a 2 – 2 draw at the st James park
it was the champions who took the lead midway through the first half as Raheem Sterling put the visitors in front with a sublime fine finish after a brilliant one two with David Silva which kept Newcastle’s goalkeeper Martin DUbradka helpless with both teams sharing the spoils at the break.
CIty restored their lead with ten minutes to go as Kelvin Debryne struck a sensational strike to restore the visitors lead however the home side had the final say of the afternoon as the former liverpol man Jojo shelvey broke the hearts of the city faithful’s with his cool finish inside the last five minutes earning an all important point for the marc piece
the results means that city remains in second place with Leicester yet to play until tomorrow as Newcastle move up to 12th on the table
Ex Nigeria international, Benedict Akwuegbu, has sympathised with FC Ifeanyi Ubah over the armed robbery attack on the team at Lokoja on their way to Kano for a match day 6 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, clash against Jigawa Golden Stars,
However The team, traveling with the club bus, was attacked by armed men who emerged from the bush at Kabba and started shooting sporadically at the bus, leaving the driver seriously injured..
Friday night, the driver had been given three pints of blood with club officials in a frantic effort to remedy the situation.
Akwuegbu described the incident as “seriously dangerous” to the game in Nigeria and heaped praises to God that no life was lost.
This will be the first meeting between the two teams this season. The Nuggets will be attempting to ride a five-game winning streak.
The Washington Wizards will be trying to move on from a 106-113 home loss to the Sacramento Kings, a game in which Bradley Beal contributed 20 pts (8-of-18 FG) to go along with eight assists.
Isaiah Thomas chipped in with 17 points (6-of-11 FG). Denver is coming off a 116-104 home win over Phoenix. Will Barton had 22 points (8-of-18 FG) and eight rebounds.
Paul Millsap was solid with 23 points (6-of-12 FG) and five rebounds. The matchup between Nikola Jokic and Bradley Beal promises to be one of the highlights of the game.
Both teams will be featuring their full roster with no crucial players sitting out the game. The Nuggets are coming off a back-to-back, while Washington will have a day in between games. The Nuggets have a superior rebounding squad better at rebounding than the Wizards, ranking 8th in the league with the DC at No. 24.
London based former Nigerian and World Wrestling Champion, Morris Atula has expressed his willingness to make Nigerian wrestlers best in the world.
Nicknamed Golden Warrior, Atula who was also a former Commonwealth Champion recently got full backing of Veteran Wrestlers Association ahead Federation elections coming up soon
Morris Atula
Morris Atula has declares that he has what it takes to boost Nigerian Wrestlers and Wrestling locally and internationally. “I quite accept the backing of Veteran Wrestlers Association of Nigeria as it’s my immediate constituency. It’s high time round pegs be on round holes of Nigeria Sports. The right results must come if quality ex Wrestlers blended with other sound individuals are elected into the next board of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation.
“Only quality ex Wrestlers can make Nigerian Wrestlers emerge World best in various categories. I have the solution to our Wrestling problems hence the National Sports Commission should encourage veterans to be at the forefront. We (NWF) would encourage regular zonal and inter state Wrestling Championships towards discovering and naturing of young and talented Wrestlers.
“Should our dream board get elected, there must be a very sound Technical Director and department to radically facilitate our projection of raising World champions regularly. We will fully get Sports loving corporate groups and individuals to be prominent in sponsorship of Wrestling programs and provision of Wrestling Mats in all state of the Federation, including FCT.
Atula who hinted of his readiness to relocate to Nigeria if he emerges NWF president further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for returning the National Sports Commission (NSC). “Big thanks to our Dear President. It was the NSC under quality Administrators that produced great Wrestlers and other Sports champions.
So good to have a seasoned Shehu Dikko as the Head. Better days are here for Nigerian Sports”, concluded the former Commonwealth Champion.
Head coach of the Edo state Rugby Association and former Technical Director of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Ntiense Williams has expressed joy over the commencement of the South-south rugby league which will take place in Benin City.
Williams made this known in a telephone interview with vcsports.sport.blog on Monday evening. He stated that the league will run between Tuesday, 15th October and Wednesday, 16th with participating teams expected to arrive on Monday and depart on Thursday, 17th.
Obong Ntiense Williams, Head coach of Edo state Rugby Associaiton
He added that Teams Rivers and Delta were already on ground while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa were being expected.
The experienced tactician revealed that the league is ongoing in Lagos, Kaduna and Kano while that of South-south will be of two versions — the men’s Fifteens (15 A-side ) and the women’s Tens (10 A-side) respectively.
He concluded that the tournament will serve as an opportunity to showcase the quality of rugby being played in the southern region of the country.
Port Harcourt based Nigeria professional football league side Rivers united maintained their one hundred percent start to the 2024/2025 season after securing a goalless draw in their away trip to Katsina United yesterday.
The result means that the pride of Rivers have failed to find the back of the net in only two occasions, against Bendel Insurance and Katsina United.
However, the Finidi George tutored side still sit at the summit of the log after picking 14 points, winning four and drawing two in the process .
The team will next host Shooting Stars of Ibadan on Thursday as they hope to get back to winning ways.
Rivers United Technical Adviser and Head Coach Finidi George has expressed joy over his team’s 2 – 1 victory against the 2021 Nigeria Premier Football League champions Akwa United earlier today. The former Enyimba gaffer made this known to vcsports.sport.blog during an exclusive interview shortly after the encounter at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt
According to him, there are no easy games in the league. He however charged the boys to take each game as they come. The victory shows that the Pride Of Rivers are unbeaten in their opening five games of the season securing wins against Lobi Stars, Heartland, Enyimba and Akwa united Respectively and recording a draw against Bendel Insurance in their opening game of the season.
Up next for the Port Harcourt based club side is a tricky tie against Katsina United which proves to be a mouthwatering encounter.
Rivers United have recorded 13 points from possible 15 in their opening five matches this season.
All is now set for a successful hosting of the forthcoming Lekki Classics scheduled to take place on the 28th and 29th of September, 2024. The organizers disclosed this to vcsports.sport.blog during an exclusive interview earlier today.
He said that 150 players were expected to grace the Lekki Classics this weekend as lots of cash prices await the respective winners who will cover themselves in glory.
Also gracing the event are two of Nigeria’s finest scrabble players, Enoch Nwali and Oluwatimilehin Doko.
The president of the Nigeria Aquatic Federation, Mrs Chinonye Aliyu has expressed her joy as she believes the National Youth Games currently going on at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba will be a perfect preparation for her federation as they prepare for the forthcoming Africa Swimming Championship slated for October 6th to 10th in Ghana
This is also the preparation for the Africa Zone 2 championships in Ghana.
The 8th Edition of the National Youth Games, was officially opened by the Honourable Minister of Youths and Sports Development Senator John Owan Enoh, today at the Stephen Keshi stadium in Asaba, Delta State.
The minister urged athletes, officials and the sports ministry to give proper attention to the youth games, while noting that the aim of the games was to discover talents and nurture them for future competitions.
He also added that the age limit for the games should be brought back to 17 years and below .
Over 36 sports will be competed by over 100 athletes across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. The games which will begin today will end on the 19th of September.
Port Harcourt based Nigeria Premier Football League outfit, Rivers United Football Club, has secured the signature of former Super Eagles gaffer Finidi George as its Technical Adviser on a two-year contract.
The Former Enyimba tactician once played for the defunct Sharks football club of Port Harcourt before going in search of greener pastures in Europe.
The Rivers born and ex Enyimba title winning coach went unto lifting the Dutch league title for three seasons (1993 to 1996) with AFC Ajax, where he also won the prestigious UEFA Champions League.
However, Finito, as he is fondly called by his fans won the 1994 AFCON, also representing Nigeria in the FIFA World Cup the same year. Back home, he guided Enyimba to their ninth NPFL title in the 2022/2023 season before going on to take the Super Eagles job, a position he left after a few months.
Finidi will replace the long serving Rivers United coach Stanley Eguma who left the club at the end of the season.
Goalkeeper of the Nigeria Beach Soccer National Team popularly known as the Super Sand Eagles, Godwin Tale has reiterated his commitment ahead of the forthcoming Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations qualifier which will hold later in the year.
The former Kano Pillars, Kaduna United and current Kebbi Beach Soccer Club man who started his playing career in 2014, got his first national team call-up in 2016, where he represented Nigeria in the Africa Beach Soccer Nations Cup in Lagos and later qualified the country for the 2017 World Cup in The Bahamas and the 2019 showpiece in Paraguay respectively.
Tale further thanked the Gusau – led NFF board for their undying support towards the development of the game in the country and urged the current administration to put proper structures in place that will develop the league so as to harness the talents that will represent the country in the future.
In a bid to unearth fresh talent and revitalize the sports, the inaugural Monimak Baseball and Softball Junior Championship is slated for June 14th-16th, 2024, at the Adewole Baseball Park in Ilorin, Kwara State.
According to Monisola Yemisi Makonjola, Acting President of the Nigeria Baseball and Softball Association, “This championship is designed to encourage and hunt for talent from the grassroots level, to drive our young ones to play this game and bring baseball and softball back to where it is supposed to be.”
Makonjola emphasized the importance of developing the sport in the state, stating, “Baseball and softball have been in existence for a long time since the 90s. It began in Ilorin with Kwara State producing the first baseball team to represent the country in the National Championships, and since then, Ilorin has been the hub of baseball and softball.”
With a clear vision for the sport’s future, Makonjola expressed the association’s ambition to popularize baseball, saying, “We want to try our best and make it the second football in the country because it’s a good game…it’s an American game, but now it’s coming to Africa.”
The championship aims to identify and develop young talent, prepare them for competitive events, and ultimately represent Nigeria in international competitions. Makonjola revealed, “Our aim is to hunt for talent, get our children prepared for the championship coming up in August. We will have to go round the state to pick the best to represent Nigeria…that’s why we’re catching them young, getting them prepared for the next tournament coming up.”
The event’s significance extends beyond Nigeria, as Makonjola revealed, “We’re hosting West African countries in August in preparation for the continental championship in December. Two African teams will be selected to represent Africa in the continental championship.”
The Monimak Baseball and Softball Junior Championship marks a significant milestone in the development of baseball and softball in Nigeria, with a focus on grassroots growth and talent discovery. The event promises to be an exciting showcase of young talent, paving the way for a brighter future for baseball and softball in the country.
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