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Rio 2016: Reasons Why Team Nigeria Failed

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Reactions have continued to trail the performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2016 Olympic Games, held in Rio, Brazil.

Nigeria, which returned from the preceding Games, London 2012 could only manage a single bronze medal courtesy of “Dream Team VI,” in the male football event.

Apparently, this can be described as a disappointing outing for the country in the quadrennial world sports fiesta.

In his reaction, ace sports analyst and blogger, China Acheru said “considering the level of preparation by the Nigerian athletes, it was a good outing in Rio.”

According to him, to compete in Olympic Games and win a medal is not what one should do in one or two years, adding that preparation for an Olympic medal is a project of six years or more.

“In my opinion, I think Team Nigeria performance in Rio was good, considering their level of preparation.

“Besides, no reasonable person expected Nigeria to win any kind of medal at the Games,” Acheru said.

Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Bayelsa State, Loveday Herbert on his part said Team Nigeria performed below expectation, adding that they did not even prepare for the games at all.

The SWAN boss, blamed the Federal Government over its inability to release fund to commence early preparation by Team Nigeria.

According to him, governments at almost all levels do not have a good policy that can improve sports development in the country. He noted  that inadequate preparation can only bring disappointment for the nation.

“Nigeria never prepared for Rio 2016 Olympic Games, everybody knows that if you must do well in any competition, you must prepare early in all ramifications,” Herbert said.

He suggested that the ministry should produce a blue-print containing sports development policieis and programmes.

In his reaction, another sports writer and analyst with Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), datonye Fred Alambo said Team Nigeria performed badly.

He explained that Nigeria will continue to fail if they failed to plan, adding that he was not surprised at the abysmal failure of the country’s team at the Olympics.

“It is a shame that we cannot produce one gold medal in Rio 2016, this is real under performance.

“We will continue to fail if we fail to plan. Honestly, it is too bad that up till now, the sports ministry has no grassroots sports programmes, no master plan to develop sports.

In fact the major problem is that there are a lot of non-challant attitudes by our sports administrators,” Fred said.

 

Tonye Orabere

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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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