Sports
Qatar 2022 W/Cup: S’Eagles Fall Short
The Super Eagles last night at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja added to the frustration and disappointment of Nigerians, especially football fans as they came short in their quest to secure one of the tickets to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to hold later this year. The Eagles, under the tutelage of Augustine Eguavoen lost out to perennial rivals, Black stars of Ghana 1-1 aggregate on away goal rule. The first leg had ended scoreless four days before in Kumasi, Ghana.
It was a huge blow to the expectations of many Nigerians who were already looking forward to seeing the nation fly her flag in Qatar among other top footballing nations in the Asian country. Indeed, the Super Eagles have themselves to blame for their inability to scale the Ghanaian hurdle. The match in Abuja was delicately poised after a barren draw in the first encounter and coach Eguavoen and his lieutenants knew what was at stake and exactly what to do to berth in Qatar.
However, a vapid and lethargic team performance played into the hands of the Black Stars as they out foxed a disjointed and lackadaisical Eagles team. Interestingly, the Nigerian team got all they asked and wished for the game as Nigerians turned out in their numbers to support them. The Federal Government even had to declare a half day holiday and tickets were purchased and distributed to people to ensure that the stadium had the desired atmosphere. But the team failed to keep its own side of the bargain.
The Super Eagles had come off the starting blocks in a blast, giving a false sense of hope that they were in mood for business only to fizzle out even before the game took shape. Barely 11 minutes into the game, another keeper howler gifted the Black Stars the lead and precious away goal as Francis Uzoho allowed Thomas Partey’s shot from the edge of the box to beat him. Though the lead lasted for 10 minutes before Skipper William Troost Ekong pulled the Eagles level from the spot via the VAR penalty decision, the Super Eagles only flattered to deceive from then on.
It was indeed a display that lacked cohesion, urgency, leadership, strategy, tact and technique from the players and bench of Nigeria. Even a raft of substitutions failed to change the tide and eventual outcome with the Ghanaians digging in to secure what they have. In their defensive setup, the Black Stars were a far better sight to behold when they attacked and showed that they were a unit that wanted the game more.
In the end, the Super Eagles and indeed Nigerians would rue the missed opportunity to be at the 2022 world cup and what might have been. Again, the performance and not necessarily the result has exposed the deficiency of the country’s bench and other missing ingredients the national team needs to weave a formidable unit, despite abundance of talent.
Elswhere, Mohammed Salah and Egypt will join Nigeria to watch the 2022 world football fiesta on television after Senegal once again proved too difficult for them. Sadio Mane netted the decisive penalty in the shootout as African champions Senegal defeated Egypt 3-1 on penalties following a 1-0 victory in Dakar and a 1-1 draw on aggregate, to reach their third World Cup finals.
Just over three weeks after netting the winning spotkick as the Teranga Lions defeated the Pharaohs on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Yaounde to win their first continental crown, Mane sent Senegal to Qatar, with Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah missing his penalty in the shootout.
As at press time, it was looking good for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who was leading Algeria 1-0 to be at 1-1 aggregate.
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 agoEuropean Giants Circle For Osimhen
-
Sports4 days ago
Four Private Clubs Gain Promotion To NPFL
-
Sports4 days agoW/Cup Qualifier: Flamingos In Impressive Opener
-
Sports4 days agoTennis Event Boosts Grassroots Development Push
-
Sports4 days agoChelle Confirms Financial Issues in Eagles Contract Discussion
