Sports
S’Africa’s Amajita Dominates Flying Eagles … 8-Nation Tourney
South Africa’s Under-20 team, Amajita beat Nigeria’s Flying Eagles 1-0 to bundle them out of the 8 Nation Tournament match at Cape Town Stadium early in the week.
It was a game dominated by South Africa, who missed a lot of opportunities, until Jerry Mxabo put one away at the end.
The early stages of the game were tight with neither team able to gain the upper-hand. Nigeria looked to expose South Africa with aerial balls from out wide, but the host nation did well to get numbers around their opponents.
There was a half chance for Aminu Umar after 21 minutes, but he dragged a low drive just wide.
At the other end, Amajita’s build-up play showed promise, but they lacked the killer ball needed to unlock the Nigeria defence.
It was the Flying Eagles who had the better chances on goal – Uche Agbo not too far off with a glanced header and then the same player setting up Christian Obinna, but with only the keeper to beat Obinna blazed his effort over the bar.
Into stoppage time and Amajita had half a chance, but Jerry Mxabo was unable to get enough on a back post header.
The South African side came out firing on all cylinders after the break, causing the Nigerian defence all kinds of problems with some incisive play around the box.
This time, however, it was the final touch that was missing as Mxabo shot over the bar, while Mbongeni Gumede sent a header marginally wide.
Mxabo then had his header tipped around the post by Chukwunenye Okanki, before Snethemba Ngidi had a goal disallowed for what seemed to be a handball call.
There was a rare chance for the Flying Eagles when Simon Innocent sent a 25-yard effort just off target.
It was Amajita who remained the bigger threat on attack as they continued to attack with pace and determination.
The reward came in the 85th minute, as Mxabo finally got his finishing right, volleying home after Kgosietsile Ntlhe’s excellent back-post ball.
The Flying Eagles exited the tournament without a point after losing to Ghana and Argentina, previously.
President, Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, has once again mandated all athletes looking to represent the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to attend the Nigerian Trials, which hold from June 16 to 18 inside the main bowl of Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin-City.
Making his stance clear in Monday’s release by the athletics body, Okowa commended the athletes for their determination to qualify for the Olympics.
He said, “The athletes have shown commitment, determination, and desire to succeed in their careers by picking Olympic qualifications. They deserve our collective appreciation.”
He added, “The athletes would be picked in accordance with their performances at the trials because it would largely determine who goes to Paris for the Olympics.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Yusuf Alli, says the state is waiting to welcome athletes for the trials.
He said, “We are the hosts of the national trials, and athletes and spectators are welcome.”
The trials are expected to throw up the best of Nigeria’s athletes based at home and abroad for the Olympic Games in Paris in July.
Nigerian track and field star, Favour Ofili, has set her sights on the upcoming national Olympics trials after she pulled off a stunning victory in the women’s 100m at the New York Grand Prix, defeating a stellar field that included Olympic champion Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica last Sunday.
The 21-year-old clocked a season-best 11.18secs to take the win, America’s Morolake Akinosun was second in 11.20secs while her compatriot Aleia Hobbs ended in third place in 11.21secs.Thompson-Herah, the Tokyo Olympics 100m and 200m gold medalist, could only manage ninth place in 11.48secs as she continues to search for her best form this season.
“Just like practice, stay calm and just go, finish your transition because that’s the issue, and whatever happens will happen. I wanted to get the standard here and I give God glory for the win,” Ofili told Tidesports source after the race.
“For the trials, stay calm and just do what I know how to do, go back and do some training before I go back home for the national trials.”
The Olympic trials are scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State from June 16 to 18. The trials will serve as the selection of the nation’s athletes for both the Senior Africa Athletics Championships, holding between June 21 and 28 in Douala, Cameroon and the Paris 2024 Olympics, which hold from July 26 to August 11.
The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), at the weekend, said the annual Olympic Day celebrations would be held on June 29 across the country.
The Olympic Day is a global event that commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Movement, founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.
Speaking with news men, the Secretary-General of the NOC, Babatunde Popoola, said this year’s celebration holds special significance as it precedes the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
It’s where Nigerian athletes will compete and inspire the world with their achievements.
“Olympic Day is a chance for people of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of the Olympic Games in their own communities.
“It is an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of physical activity and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect,” Popoola said.
Popoola said that NOC had received positive responses from various states and stakeholders, and preparations were well underway for the nationwide celebration.
He added that no fewer than 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated their plans to organise activities for the event.
The states are: Abia; Anambra; Bayelsa; Delta; Edo; Enugu; Ebonyi; Lagos; Kogi; Gombe; Jigawa; Kebbi; Kano; Kwara; Taraba; Imo; Ondo; Plateau; Rivers; Nasarawa and Osun
Also speaking, the Chairman of the NOC Sport For All Commission, Abdul Ibrahim, said that Olympic Day was a special day to come together, move together, and learn about the Olympic values.
“We encourage everyone to participate and experience the joy that only sport can bring,” he said.
According to him, a series of activities have been lined up in Lagos, with fitness clubs at the National Stadium Complex and the general public gearing up to take part in the global event.
“The celebration will conclude with the presentation of diplomas signed by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach.
The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel and other dignitaries will officially flag off the event in Abuja,” he added.
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