Sports

2014 AWC: Nigeria, Cameroon In Crunch Finals ’Morrow

Published

9 years ago

October 24, 2014

Cameroon will meet Nige
ria in tomorrow’s final of the African Women’s Championship after both teams won their semi-finals by a 2-1 scoreline.
It also means the pair have qualified for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Canada.
Nigeria overcame South Africa in Wednesday’s earlier kick-off, with a first-half brace from Asisat Oshoala setting them on their way to victory.
Jane Refiloe reduced the deficit for the South Africans but the Super Falcons held on.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon needed extra-time to beat Ivory Coast and reach the final for the first time.
Captain Christine Manie hit the winner in the 118th minute, heading in from a corner.
Only twice since the first African Women’s Championship in 1991 have Nigeria failed to win the trophy. Equatorial Guinea are the only other winners – in 2008 and 2012
Gaelle Enganamouit had opened the scoring for Cameron on 60 minutes, only for Ines Tia to equalise from close range.
Cameroon’s success in reaching the Women’s World Cup for the first time can transform the game in the country, according to their coach.
Enoh Ngatchu told Tidesports source: “We have more girls playing soccer, we are better organised – with this qualification, many things will change.”
He said he hoped members of his squad would benefit financially from their success so far – with professional contracts potentially on offer to some of his stars.
“Nobody expected us to reach this level,” he added. And it is clear he believes the Super Falcons of Nigeria are the favourites for Saturday’s showpiece, even though Cameroon’s record in the women’s game is a strong one.
“They’re still the best – but we’ll do everything possible to make the game difficult [for them] and grab the trophy,” he declared.
For eight-time champions Nigeria, winning back the trophy is only part of the challenge.
They want to translate continental dominance into success on the global stage – and in young striker Oshoala they may have the talent to do just that.
She was the top scorer in the recent U20 Women’s World Cup, in which Nigeria were beaten finalists – and has been in good form at this tournament in Namibia.
“I was at the Nations Cup two years ago in Guinea – but I didn’t play,” she told the BBC.
“[The U20 World Cup] has really upped my game – I was able to try one or two things and it came out fine, so I’m very happy.”
With Africa having three places at the senior Women’s World Cup next year, South Africa and Ivory Coast, the beaten semi-finalists here, still have a chance of making it with victory in the third-place match.

Dolphins players outsnarting an opponent during a Glo league matchs recently

Sports

Ghana Legend Names Okocha Africa’s Best

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Ghana star, Mohammed Kudus has named Nigerian legend Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha as his greatest African footballer of all time, drawing parallels between Okocha’s style of play and his own.
Kudus, currently plying his trade with West Ham United, praised Okocha for his exceptional skills and entertainment value on the pitch.
Okocha’s illustrious career includes numerous achievements such as winning the Goal of the Year award in Germany in 1993, multiple Nigerian Footballer of the Year titles, and being named the BBC African Footballer of the Year twice.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Kudus expressed his admiration for Okocha, emphasising the lasting impact of his creative flair and ability to entertain fans. He highlighted Okocha’s unique style of play as a source of inspiration for him as a young footballer.
”I will say Jay Jay Okocha. I will say explaining from my lens how I see creative players and entertain. That can never be washed away and the fans can never forget that,” Kudus told our source.
Despite joining West Ham United last summer, Kudus has quickly established himself as a crucial player for David Moyes’ side.
With stellar performances throughout the season, Kudus has garnered attention for his impressive contributions on the pitch. In his debut season, the midfielder has netted an impressive 13 goals in 38 appearances, solidifying his role as a key player for the club.

Sports

HFN Sets Deadline For League Registration

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

The Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) have called on teams that will participate in the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 to complete all documentary registration on or before May 4, 2024.
The Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 kick off with phase 1 to hold in Benin City, Edo State from May 12th to the 25th , 2024 and the HFN said all teams must document all their registration regarding player registrations, loans and transfers as soon as the 4th of May 2024 according to a statement addressed the officials of the twenty two participating teams by the Secretary General of the Handball Federation of Nigeria (HFN) Mr. Almu Umar Lambu.
“A total of 25 players and 4 officials shall be registered for the Season as there shall be no more registration in the Second Phase and all participating clubs should note that documentary registration of players, transfers and loans shall be completed on or before 4th May, 2024.” Mr. Lambu said.
Mr. Lambu also revealed that the HFN will hold an anti-doping seminar for players and officials during the course of the first phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2024 in Benin City, Edo State.
“Also Clubs should note that there will be Anti-Doping Seminar during the league to be organised by the HFN Medical and Anti-Doping Commission” Mr. Lambu concludes.
The top tier Handball league which is the biggest handball event in Nigeria, was to begin on April 28 through to May 11, 2024 but has now being shifted by two weeks by the Handball Federation of Nigeria for effective preparation in tandem with the sponsor Ardova PLC and will now hold from May 12 to 25, 2024.
Teams are expected to arrive Benin City on May 12, 2024 while hostilities will then begin the next day, May 13 through to May 24, 2024. Departure is May 25, 2024.

Sports

Athletics: Ofili, Nathaniel Qualify For Paris Olympics

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

The Tide

Favour Ofili and Ezekiel Nathaniel have booked their places to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Ofili won the women’s 200-meter event in day one of the Tom Jones Invitational on Friday, hosted by Florida at James G. Pressly Stadium in Gainesville.
The Port Harcourt, Nigeria, native blazed out of the blocks and clocked an event-winning time and No. 4 time in the world of 22.33 seconds (+1.4 m/s).
She defeated Anavia Battle who came through in 22.56s and Ida Karstoft in a new National Record of 22.60s
Her time dips under the Paris 2024 Olympics’ standard of 22.57 seconds, punching her ticket to the Olympics in her first season after turning pro.
It is her fastest time outdoors since 2022 where she set the Nigerian National Record of 21.96s the same year.
Nathaniel on his part shattered the Nigerian 400m Record at the Tom Jones Invitational, running a brilliant 48.29s.
The feat has seen Nathaniel automatically qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, surpassing the Olympic standard by almost half a second.
Chris Robinson of the United States won in a time of 47.95s ahead of Clement Ducos, who ran 48.26s.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s High Jump event, Nigeria’s Erhire Best won clearing a Season’s Best (SB) of 2.21m.
He defeated Riyon Rankin on countback, having needed just one attempt to clear the winning mark while Rankin took three tries. BJ Jennings was 3rd with 2.13m.