Sports
Africans Go Goal-Wire In Europe
With three hattricks by Ivory Coast’s Wilfried Bony in
Holland Algeria’s Sarber Khalifa in France, and Nigeria’s Derrick Ogbu in
Belgium and braces from Guinea Bissau’s Ivanildo Cassama in Portugal and
Algeria’s El-Arbi Soudani, African strikers painted European leagues with goals
at the weekend. In
France
Gabon striker, Pierre Aubameyang continued his fine form for
Saint Etienne by scoring another goal at the weekend in his side’s 4-0 win over
10-man Nancy.
He is now the league’s joint-third highest goal scorer with
five goals. Nigeria’s Simon Zenke was sent-off in the 68th minute for Nancy,
who have lost seven out of their eight games so far this season.
Despite leading at half-time, reigning champions Montpellier
lost 3-2 to Evian, with Tunisia striker Saber Khalifa scored a hat-trick
including an 89th minute winner.
Khalifa has also scored five league goals this season.
Senegal striker Souleymane Camara was on target with his fourth of the campaign
scoring Montpellier’s second.
Cape Verde striker Ryan Mendes was on the score sheet for
the first time in Lille’s 2-0 home win over Ajaccio.
Valenciennes lost a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 away at
Toulouse with the Algeria midfielder Foued Kadir scoring the opening goal for
the visitors in the 12th minute.
Mali’s Cheick Diabate scored for the second weekend in a row
with his 68th minute equaliser for Bordeaux who drew 1-1 at Brest.
England
Youssouf Mulumbu helped heap the pressure on QPR manager
Mark Hughes. The DR Congo international scored the third for West Bromwich
Albion in their 3-2 win over the struggling London club. Morocco’s Adel Taarabt
had earlier given QPR some hope with his second goal in as many games.
Arouna Kone set Wigan on their way to a surprise point at
home to in-form Everton. The Ivorian, who has now scored three Premier League
goals, gave his side the lead with a header. The match ended 2-2.
Mohamed Diame scored his first goal for West Ham as they
stole the lead at home to Arsenal. The Senegalese was booked for his goal
celebration and was then lucky to escape a second booking moments later with a
reckless challenge on Mikel Arteta. Arsenal responded to win 3-1.
The Netherlands
Wilfried Bony grabbed a hat-trick for Vitesse Arnhem as they
drew 3-3 with Heerenveen, including a 79th minute penalty to salvage the point
for his side. The goals mean the Ivory Coast forwars is the joint highest
marksman with eight goals so far.
His compatriot Sekou Cisse put Feyenoord ahead in the ninth
minute as his side drew 2-2 at Groningen.
Spain
Although Getafe played out the last six minutes without
their top striker Abdelaziz Barrada, who was sent off, his side managed to
secure all the points with a 1-0 win away at Real Zaragoza. Zaragoza’s Ivory
Coast midfielder Romaric Ndric had been sent off after just nine minutes as his
side finished the match with nine men.
Another Moroccan Youssef El Arabi scored from the penalty
spot to give Granada the lead in their 2-1 away win at Real Mallorca.
Nigeria’s Obafemi Martins played the entire game and scored
the only goal of the match in the 22nd minute for Levante who edged out
Valencia.
Germany
DR Congo’s Cedric Makiadi put Freiburg in front in the 36th
minute as his side defeated Nuremburg 3-0 at home, to help lift his side to
11th in the league, with their first win in four games.
Senegal striker Mame Birmam Diouf, helped Hannover 96
salvage a point at home in a 1-1 draw with Borussia Dortmund. He came on as a
substitute in the 67th minute to equalise with four minutes remaining with his
first goal of the season.
Belgium
Mali midfielder Mamoutou Ndiaye fired home for Gent in added
time at the end of the first-half to give them the lead away at Beerschot. But
the home side equalised in the 60th minute through Senegal striker Elimane
Coulibaly. The game finished 2-2 as both sides grabbed goals in the last 10
minutes.
Nigeria striker Derick Ogbu ended his goal drought with his
first goals of the season scoring a hat-trick for Leuven who beat Charleroi
4-0. Gambia’s Ebrahima Sawaneh scored the other goal for Leuven, to take him to
eight goals for the season.
Central African Republic striker Mouhamadou Habib Habibou
scored for the second weekend in a row to help his side Zulte-Waregem beat
Cercle Bruges 3-1, despite playing the last 20 minutes with 10 men.
There was anguish for Senegal defender Ibrahima Gueye whose
last-minute own goal meant his Lokeren side had to share the points in a 2-2
draw with Lierse. Earlier South Africa midfielder Ayanda Patosi had scored to
give Lokeren a two-goal lead before half-time.
Cameroon striker Ernest Nfor sealed victory for Kortrijk in
the 70th minute as they defeated 10-man Mechelen 2-0. Senegal’s Boubacar
Dialaba was sent-off in the 28th minute for Mechelen.
Another Cameroon players Aloys Nong found the back of the
net in the 59th minute to equalise for Mons who drew 2-2 with Waasland-Beveren.
DR Congo’s Dieudonne Mbokani was not so lucky as he missed a
penalty and a chance to equalise for Anderlecht who lost 2-1 to 10-man Standard
Liege in the big Belgian derby.
South Africa defender Calvin Ngongca saw only 14 minutes of
action for Genk as he was sent-off in his side’s 1-1 draw at league leaders
Club Bruges.
Turkey
Senegal’s Lamine Diarra scored the only goal of the game as
his side Antalyaspor edged out Gaziantepspor 1-0.
Sivasspor came from two goals down to force a draw at home
thanks to two goals in the last 10 minutes with the Nigeria striker Michael
Eneramo scoring the equaliser in the 87th minute.
Senegal striker Moussa Sow scored the opening goal for
Fenerbahce in their 3-0 win over arch-rivals Besiktas.
Portugal
Somali sensation Liban Abdi gave Olhanense the lead in the
2nd minute in the eight-goal thriller at Sporting Braga which finished 4-4.
Guinea Bisaau’s Ivanildo Cassama scored twice for Olhanense.
Vitoria Guimaraes came from a goal down to beat Academica
2-1 thanks to two second-half goals by Algeria striker El-Arbi Soudani.
Ukraine
There was only one African on target but in style as a
hat-trick by Mali striker Dramane Traore helped Metalurh Donetsk hammer Kryvbas
6-2.
RUSSIA
Anzhi Makhackala have moved to the top of the table for the
first time after beating Dinamo Moscow 2-0 with Samuel Eto’o sealing victory
with three minutes remaining. The Cameroon striker has taken his tally for the
season to seven goals.
Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa scored the opening goal in the Moscow
derby as his side CSKA defeated Spartak 2-0.
China
Mali captain Seydou Keita scored one of the goals while
Peter Utaka from Nigeria scored ther other two as Dalian Daerbin beat Beijing
Guoan 3-1. Utaka is the second highest scorer in China with 19 goals.
Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba was on once again on
target for Shanghai Shenhua who lost 4-2 to Guizhou Renhe.
Zambia striker James Chamanga now has 11 goals for the
serason, after scoring twice for Dalian Shide, but it was not enough as his
side lost 3-2 away at Liaoning Whowin.
His compatriot and national team captain Christopher Katongo
scored in the 71st minute for bottom of the table Henan Jianye, but his side
also lost going down 3-1 to Hangzhou.
Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun believes the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF) will set a new benchmark for future editions of the multi-sports event.
Apart from being the first host state to house all participating athletes under one roof, the Governor assured contingents, spectators, and residents of maximum security during the NSF, which will take place in Ogun State from May 16 to 30.
During a parley with journalists in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun highlighted that Babcock University has been chosen as the games village.
Over 10,000 athletes and officials will compete at the games in Ogun State. The Governor also named former Green Eagles captain, Segun Odegbami, as Grand Sports Ambassador, emphasising the state’s readiness to break new ground with the sporting fiesta, which has revitalised all its sporting facilities.
“As the Gateway State, we want to set the pace for others to follow. For the first time in NSF history, all participating athletes and officials will be accommodated under one roof, just like it is done globally. They will be well catered for, with high standards of security and safety. Shuttle buses will convey athletes to their venues daily, and we will ensure the roads are clear for them during the games. We are excited to host the NSF and aim to make Gateway 2024 a benchmark for future games because, as the Gateway State, we want to lead while others follow,” the Governor said.
Abiodun also mentioned that the state government would use this opportunity to build a sports economy for the state. “Ogun’s business circle will experience a bumper harvest during the event, with major hotels fully booked and petty traders making brisk business,” he said.
If the grassroots development of Nigerian sports is to be actualized, the private sector would play a pivotal role. The Chairman of National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko said while speaking at the grand finale of the MTN Champs Season 3 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium Uyo on Friday.
The NSC Chairman commended the organisers, partners, and participants of the MTN Champs for their outstanding contributions to the growth of academicals and grassroots athletics in Nigeria.
His words, “The MTN Champs is a shinning example of how private sector collaboration can drive youth development and sports excellence across the country. Mr. President places so much premium on grassroots development of sports. You will see this in the fact that he appointed an SSA on Grassroots Sports Development. That is why we are very deliberate in ensuring that sports are developed right from the grassroots. We are aggressively pursuing the revival of our school sports. It is a mandate that we must carry out.
“Over the years, we have had issues with our conveyor belt of talents. That is why we find it hard to replace ageing talents. We have set out to ensure that there is regular supply of talents from the grassroots. We can’t do this alone without the involvement of the private sector. This is why I must commend MTN for their consistency in this project. This is really the way to go. I am sure that the talents discovered here will serve this nation in a long while to come. We need more of such initiatives. Kudos to MTN.”
He noted that the MTN Champs aligns perfectly with the Commission’s RHINSE strategic framework, which prioritises results, holistic development, Inclusion, nationwide impact, sustainability, and engagement in all sports development initiatives.
“The MTN Champs has demonstrated the transformative power of education and grassroots sports programmes. It is a model of how strategic partnerships with the private sector can unearth young talents, inspire communities, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Mallam Dikko stated.
The NSC Chairman reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting similar initiatives that align with the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigerian Sports (RHINSE) framework, particularly those focused on creating structured pathways for young athletes to grow into elite performers while receiving education and life skills training.
He further reiterated NSC’s commitment and objectives to provide all the enablers to drive grassroots sports and creating a professional pathway for growth as evidenced with the NSC introduction of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) to compete at the 22nd National Sports Festival, Ogun State under the sponsorship of the commission as the 38th State and the ongoing collaboration with Federal Ministry of Education towards the revival of school sports.
Mallam Dikko applauded MTN Nigeria for setting a commendable template for corporate participation in sports and encouraging other private sector organisations to emulate this example by investing in sustainable developmental sports programmes that empower Nigerian youths and promote national unity.
The NSC Chairman was joined by the Chief Finance Officer of MTN Nigeria, Mr. Modupe Kadiri, the Secretary to the Akwa Ibom State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah and other dignitaries
The MTN Champs, in its 3rd season, a nationwide school and grassroots athletics competition, witnessed widespread participation from students across Nigeria and served as a platform to identify and nurture the next generation of champions.
On the sidelines of the programmes, the NSC Chairman engaged with MTN executives on further areas of possible collaboration between the two organisations in the advancement of sports in Nigeria. Subsequently MTN reaffirmed its commitment to continued support of the sector.
Court documents obtained by our correspondent reveal that Omo-Agege’s lawsuit, filed on Monday, names the National Sports Commission, International Olympic Committee, Nigeria Olympic Committee, Rtd. General Kenneth Minimah, Mr. Akinyele Oladapo, World Boxing, and the Board of Nigeria Boxing Federation as defendants in the case.
The legal action primarily challenges the controversial affiliation with World Boxing, which Omo-Agege claims was executed without proper consultation with stakeholders and board members.
In the nine-point suit, Omo-Agege seeks several declarations, including that “the inclusion of Nigeria Boxing Federation as a member of World Boxing by the defendants is illegal, void, and not in compliance with the Articles of Association of Nigeria Boxing Federation, and therefore Nigeria Boxing Federation still remains a member of International Boxing Association.”
The interim president also asked the court to declare that Minimah “is no longer the president of Nigeria Boxing Association, parading himself as the president of Nigeria Boxing Association after being suspended by the International Boxing Association and already completing his tenure.”
A key component of the lawsuit is Omo-Agege’s claim that the November 11, 2023 meeting that led to his suspension was “illegal, null and void and all decisions made in the said meeting are invalid and inconsequential.” He maintains that as the former vice president, he became the rightful interim president when Minimah’s tenure expired.
The plaintiff is seeking “an order of mandatory injunction restraining the 4th defendant (Minimah) from further parading himself as the President of Nigerian Boxing Federation” and “an order of perpetual injunction restraining World Boxing from further naming Nigeria Boxing Federation as one of its members.”
Additionally, the lawsuit asks the court to order all defendants to recognise Omo-Agege as the interim president of the federation.
The legal action comes just days after the African Boxing Confederation officially lifted Omo-Agege’s suspension in a formal letter dated April 26, signed by AFBC Interim Secretary General Yohannes Brehane.
“The African Boxing Confederation is writing to formally inform you that, during its Board of Directors meeting held on February 9, 2025, the matter of your suspension was reviewed and resolved. The Board has decided to lift your suspension with immediate effect,” the letter stated.
In the court documents, Omo-Agege alleges that the move to World Boxing “was as a result of the International Olympic Committee’s pressure through the NOC by the machination of World Boxing.”
He claims that a letter was written to all African federations “mandating all International Boxing Federations across the world, especially Africa, to withdraw their membership from the International Boxing Association and join World Boxing as members.”
The factional leadership has significantly affected Nigeria’s boxing performance, with athletes expressing concerns about preparation and administration.
The lawsuit also contains allegations of financial misconduct, claiming that “monies belonging to the NBF have been expended fraudulently” by Minimah and Oladapo, including partial payment of athletes’ allowances and diversion of funds to private accounts.
The case, which has been filed through the law firm of Karina Tunyan (SAN) & Co, is expected to further complicate matters for Nigerian boxing, which has already struggled with administrative challenges affecting athlete preparation and performance at international competitions.
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