Sports
Go Round Secures Point In Maiduguri
El-Kanemi Warriors were held to a 2-2 by Go Round FC of Umoku in one of Nigeria Professional Football League Match day 17 , played at the Sports Complex in Maiduguri, at the weekend.
The hosts began with an early incursion by Kabir Balogun, which saw the visitors clearing succession of shots with goalkeeper, Godwin Dede and Ebuka Akobundu the big performers in defence for the away team
Chinedu Ohanachom had also combined well with Sani Abbani before the latter’s acrobatic kick was kept out by Dede.
GO Round made their first attempt at goal through Sadiq Ololade Rilwan, whose low strike was saved by George Michael seven minutes from start.
El-Kanemi came close to scoring in the 15th minute, Balogun blasted wide from close range having received a through pass from Sunday Anthony.
Three minutes later, Sunday Anthony curled in from a free kick to send the home fans into massive jubilation, it was indeed a superb curler that left Dede rooted.
It became more interesting with the hosts leading by a lone goal, the visitors came out stronger, Akobundu turning his defence into attack with several crosses. While Chiebonam Nwogbaga and Onukwube had wide attempts.
Warriors almost doubled their lead on 26 minutes when Sani Abbani took out two defenders from a jinking run, but his shot was deflected into corner by unrushing Dede.
Go Round levelled scores a minute before half an hour as Nwogbaga Chiebonam converted a free header from Philip David’s perfect delivery. Nwogbaga was cautioned afterwards for pulling out a corner flag in a jubilant mood.
Both teams made more frantic efforts as the game headed for the interval, Sunday Anthony and Yeful were involved in close range strikes which was kept out by goalkeeper Dede.
At the other end, Nwogbaga almost stole the show with another free header off Akobundu’s delivery that missed target by few inches, which was the last chance of the first half.
El-Kanemi Warriors took the lead once more with their first attempt at goal. Ohanachom’s header was poorly cleared by Philip David before Jamiu Alimi blasted home from close range to make it 2-1.
Alimi was subsequently shown a yellow card for kicking at the corner flag.
The visitors responded ten minutes later with a well taken shot by Stanley Worlu who capitalised on a defensive error by Maamo Joseph to put his side on level terms for the second time.
On the hour mark, the Omoku landlords almost went ahead in the game, this time Onukwube provided for Nwogbaga after El-Kanemi goalkeeper George Michael went down, but the delivery was slightly higher than the waiting head of the lanky striker.
Razaq Aliyu in a bid to get his team back in front headed from Sunday Anthony’s corner, kudos to Dede who parried into safety. Yeful’s bullet strike was also saved in the process.
It became a lengthy second half when Go Round goalkeeper Dede was injured twice in the final moments of the game. He was knocked down in an aerial collision at one time and later collided with Ohanachom.
But every other attempt by the hosts was either saved by Dede or wasted by the Warriors until the final whistle.
El-Kanemi Warriors have moved temporarily to the top of NIgeria Professional Football League Group B table with 29 points and await the outcome of other matches yesterday.
Sports
European Giants Circle For Osimhen
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
Sports
Tennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
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.
Sports
W/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
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.
-
Maritime4 days agoCustoms Deploys Seven Patrol Vessels, Boost Waterway Anti-smuggling
-
Sports4 days agoFinancial Issues Stall Chelle’s Eagles Contract Talks
-
Sports4 days agoNFF mourns ex-Eagles striker Eneramo
-
Sports4 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports4 days agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports4 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports4 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
-
Sports4 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
