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Fans Seek Consolidation Of Nation’s Triumph

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Football fans in Ebonyi State have urged the relevant authorities to use the country’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in South Africa to redress issues militating against football’s growth.

The Super Eagles on Sunday beat the Stallions of Burkina Faso 1-0 to clinch victory after 19 years of trophy drought.

Sparks of celebrations were recorded throughout Abakaliki as fans, both young and old moved into the streets to celebrate all through the night.

Director of Sports in Ebonyi, Dr Emmanuel Utobo, commended the Eagles for the victory, noting that it showed the country was on the right path to reclaim its football glory.

“The victory though surprising, is a soothing balm to the long years of agony of soccer fans in the country as result of declining state of its football.

“We should, however, know that the revamping process of our football is not yet over as more work needs to be done,” he said.

A Football Administrator, Chief Jude Anigbo, attributed the success in South Africa to the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in football administration in the country.

“Since all warring parties in the Nigerian Football Association (NFA) leadership debacle sheathed their swords, the Aminu Maigari-led board has concentrated on discharging its duties.

“This victory should be used as a springboard to take necessary actions to ensure the country returns fully to its football glory days,” he said.

A Footballer, Chima Nwali, called on Coach Stephen Keshi to jettison all plans of quitting his job but conclude his rebuilding process.

“Keshi has succeeded at an early stage of this process and should not listen to any advice to quit when the ovation is loudest.

“Abandoning the team at this tender stage will allow another coach to reap the fruits of his labour, he should cooperate with the NFA to solve problems bedeviling our football,” he said.

Chief Ifeanyi Ikpa, a Timber Merchant, called for a stop on experimentation as the country has got the nucleus of a strong national team.

“This team is an embodiment of character, commitment and tenacity as only areas of noticeable defect should be corrected.

“Attention must shift immediately to the World Cup qualifiers as over stretching the celebrations might prove costly,” he said.

Mrs Grace Udo, a civil servant, called on the nation’s leaders not to politicise the victory but evolve policies that would enhance the development of football and other sports.

“Many problems are still bedeviling sports in the country such as poor funding, maladministration, poor coaching techniques, lack of basic facilities and others.

“Efforts should be intensified to solve these problems and make sports to attract the much needed private sector investment,” she said.

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European Giants Circle For Osimhen

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Victor Osimhen will be the centre of attention as several of Europe’s biggest clubs send scouts to yesrerday’s Intercontinental Derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, with the Nigerian forward set to play a decisive role in the Super Lig title race

Representatives from Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Juventus were expected to be present at Rams Park, underlining the scale of interest in both the fixture and its standout performers.

Reports in Turkish media indicate that the derby will serve not only as a key moment in the domestic title race but also as a platform for transfer discussions and strategic collaborations between clubs.

According to those reports, top European sides have secured places at the stadium with a dual purpose.

“Europe’s leading representatives will be present at the stadium within the framework of both player transfer and cooperation,” ,” Milliyet reported.

“Real Madrid, Barcelona, among many clubs, including Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Napoli and Juventus, have made reservations for today’s match.”

Osimhen was expected to be among the primary players under observation, alongside teammates Baris Yilmaz and Gabriel Sara, with scouts closely monitoring their performances in one of the most high-profile fixtures in Turkish football.

The report further noted, “Victor Osimhen, Yilmaz and Sara were at the top of the watch list and that the interest would mainly be in these players.”

It also highlighted broader discussions beyond player recruitment, stating, “Apart from this, ideas will be exchanged for strengthening relations between the clubs and new joint agreements.”

The Nigerian striker’s presence came at a crucial point in the season, with Galatasaray holding a four-point lead over second-placed Fenerbahce and knowing that victory would all but secure the league title with three matches remaining.

Osimhen recently returned from injury, making a brief appearance in the cup defeat to Genclerbirligi after missing four games, a period during which Galatasaray’s form showed signs of inconsistency.

His absence coincided with a mixed run of results in April, where the league leaders recorded two wins, one draw and one defeat, including a loss to Trabzonspor and a draw at home to Kocaelispor.

Defensively, Galatasaray have also shown vulnerability, conceding in each of their last six matches across all competitions, a concern ahead of a fixture that could define their campaign.

The derby follows disappointment in the Turkish Cup, where Galatasaray suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to Genclerbirligi, while Fenerbahce were also knocked out after a 1-0 loss to Konyaspor

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Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push

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A tennis tournament held in honour of Olusola Odumosu, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps FCT Command, has been described as a major step towards grassroots sports development and youth engagement.

The three-day competition, staged at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, began midweek , last week and ended on Friday, attracting young players across different categories.

On the court, top-ranked player Canice Abua won the men’s singles title after a hard-fought 7-5, 6-4 victory over Lucky Danjuma, who is ranked fourth nationally.

In the boys’ category, Unity Alex defeated Khaleed Dalha in straight sets to win the title, while Salvation Alex triumphed over Opeyemi Olademeji to win the girls’ singles event.

Odumosu, who marked his birthday with the event, said the initiative was designed to uncover young talent and strengthen the foundation of tennis development in Nigeria.

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W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener

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Nigeria’s U-17 women’s team, the Flamingos, opened their preparations for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers with a dominant 6-0 victory over Generation Next in Abuja as head coach Akeem Ishola Busari continues to shape his squad.

The emphatic win came during a 60-minute friendly at the Goal Project at the weekend, where the Flamingos took control early and led 4-0 at half-time before the match was halted in the 54th minute due to heavy rain.

Goals were spread across the squad, with Shavih Istifanus opening the scoring inside the first minute, followed by a brace from Tobiloba Sarafa in the 10th and 23rd minutes.

Harmony Chidi added the fourth in the 28th minute, while Aminat Adebisi struck just before half-time and Precious Paul completed the scoring early in the second half.

The match forms part of a busy training camp in Abuja, where Busari has invited 36 players as Nigeria step up preparations for their second-round qualifier against Guinea.

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