Sports
2013 AFCON Qualifiers: Lone Star Denies Super Eagles In Monrovia
Liberia and Nigeria played out a 2-2 draw on a bumpy pitch at the Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia.
Omega Roberts stunned the Super Eagles with a goal after just eight minutes.
But the lead was short-lived as Nosa Igiebor found the equaliser just six minutes later.
Ike Uche then put the visitors in front from the penalty spot after the impressive Victor Moses was brought down inside the box.
A goalkeeping howler by Vincent Enyeama allowed Sekou Oliseh to score Liberia’s second deep into the second half.
Zambia with work to do after narrow win over Uganda
BBC Sport reviews Saturday’s final-round first-leg qualifiers for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia 1-0 Uganda
Christopher Katongo’s first-half strike has handed the reigning champions a slender advantage ahead of what will surely be a tough return leg in Kampala.
The Zambian goal came after 20 minutes, an easy tap-in from the skipper following Davies Nkausu’s long throw.
Uganda threatened little and will feel relieved to head home trailing by just a lone goal.
Katongo had an effort ruled out for offisde. The Chipolopolo also hit the post during a long spell of domination, as they went hunting for a second.
Uganda have not lost at home since 2004. This tie is far from over.
CAR 1-0 Burkina Faso
Burkina Faso will have to come from behind in their final round qualifier for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 1-0 to Central African Republic in Bangui on Saturday.
‘The Stallions’, who have been regular participants at AFCON tournaments in recent years, succumbed thanks to a first half goal from the host team’s Vianney Mabide.
They will try to turn the tie on its head in the second leg in Ouagadougou next month.
For CAR, who shocked former African champions Egypt in the previous round, this result puts them on course to qualify for their first ever Nations Cup finals.
Gabon 1-1 Togo
A late equaliser from Emmanuel Adebayor – on his return to the Togo team – gives them the upper hand after a dramatic finale in Libreville.
Meeting for only the second time in a competitive fixture, the 2012 co-hosts Gabon proved stubborn opponents and did well to initially keep the Sparrow Hawks at bay.
It was Gabon who finally broke the deadlock, when veteran striker Daniel Cousin powered in a header with around 15 minutes remaining.
But Adebayor, back after yet another self-imposed exile, struck moments later to set up an intriguing second leg in Lome next month.
Ghana 2-0 Malawi
A goal in each half handed the Black Stars a comfortable victory in Accra, leaving Malawi with much to do in the return leg.
Christian Atsu gave Ghana the perfect start, settling any nerves with the opener after just eight minutes.
With Malawi sitting deep and seeking to soak up Ghana pressure, the hosts were made to work for their second, which fell the way of Anthony Annan only six minutes after the interval.
Malawi’s cause was not helped when James Sangala was dismissed in the latter stages, and they now face a big ask if they are to reach the Cup of Nations finals for only the third time in their history.
Sierra Leone 2-2 Tunisia
Tunisia twice came from a goal down to severely dent Sierra Leone’s hopes of reaching their first Nations Cup finals since 1996.
The Leone Stars led through Azerbaijan-based Sheriff Suma after only seven minutes.
They held that advantage until midway through the second period, whereupon Fateh Gharbi beat Christian Caulker with a left-foot shot following a fine move.
Alhassan Kamara headed in what he felt must have been the winning goal just five minutes before the end, only for Youssef M’sakni to equalise two minutes later.
Ivory Coast 4-2 Senegal
Ivory Coast came out on top in the clash of the titans but they had to twice come from behind against a determined Senegal.
A late surge by the Ivorians – beaten finalists earlier this year at the 2012 Cup of Nations – ensured they go to Dakar for the return leg with a bit of breathing space.
Dame N’Doye opened for Senegal, before Salomon Kalou punished the visitors just before the break to level matters.
The home crowd was hushed once again when Papiss Cisse hit Senegal’s second on the hour mark, before the Elephants stormed back with goals from Gervinho, Didier Drogba (pen) and Max Gradel.
Drogba also had a late goal disallowed for handball.
Cape Verde 2-0 Cameroon
Cape Verde recorded arguably one of their greatest-ever results as they triumphed 2-0 at home to the four-times champions Cameroon.
The second leg awaits, but goals from Ricardo – his first at international level – and Djaniny will have the minnows believing that they can reach the Cup of Nations finals for the first time in their history.
Without Samuel Eto’o, it seems, Cameroon are finding goals hard to come by, but it is goals they so desperately need in the return leg if they are to avoid missing successive Nations Cups for the first time since 1980.
Mali 3-0 Botswana
Mali trounced Botswana 3-0 in Bamako on Saturday to give themselves a great chance of making it to South Africa next year.
France-based Cheick Diabate put the home side in front after 27 minutes when he converted a penalty, before Mahamadou Ndiaye added a second just before the hour mark.
Modibo Maiga sealed victory 20 minutes from time as Mali’s superiority in all areas of the game left the Zebras chasing shadows.
A three-goal cushion means the Eagles, who finished third at this year’s finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, head into the return leg in Gaberone with no major fears.
For Botswana, the result was another reality check for a team that made its debut at the continental showpiece this year and promised to do it again in South Africa next year.
Sports
Amusan places third in Diamond League opener
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
Sports
Falcons To Tackle Senegal in Pre-WAFCON friendly
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Sports
Okpekpe Road Race Unveils Partners, Appoints Dr. Bojuwoye
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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