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‘Rangers’ Unbeaten Runs Raise Players’ Confidence’

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Rangers International FC of Enugu media officer says the club’s seven matches unbeaten runs in the ongoing Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) have raised the players’ confidence.
Rangers made its eight matches unbeaten in all competition and seven in the ongoing NPFL when they held Akwa United of Uyo 0-0 in the domestic league match day 19.
Speaking to newsmen in Enugu, yesterday Okolie said that the unbeaten run is as the result of existing unity among the players, technical crew and the management.
He noted that all in the club are happy that the results are now coming in and still believed that more are on the way.
“Though, we played out a goalless draw with Akwa Utd in our last match of the NPFL.
“It is better than losing away match in the ongoing NPFL and we still have some outstanding matches to pick points in the league.
“Our unbeaten run in the league has put confidence in the players that we can end the league well, compare to when we are losing matches week in, week out,” he said.
Speaking on the match against Akwa United, Okolie said that Rangers is gradually coming back to its best.
“It was by far the most difficult match prosecuted since the arrival of Coach Salisu Yusuf.
“Despite resting five players that started against Lobi Stars FC  in a rescheduled match day six of the NPFL, we could not lose.
“New boys, Ifeagwu Ojukwu and Israel Abia started the match and did not disappoint.
“This speaks volumes of the club management, coaches, players and a testimony that the continental slot will not elude us at the end of the season,” Okolie said.
However, the media officer was happy that the match ended on a good note in Uyo as the players came out unscathed.
He said that they were confident of picking three points from each of their clubs outstanding matches at home.
Rangers will on Wednesday in Enugu  trade tackles with Jigawa Golden Stars FC of Dutse in a rescheduled match day seven.
The Enugu based club occupied 18th position in the league with 17 points after 13 matches in the ongoing  Nigeria domestic league.

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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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