Sports
AYC Qualifiers: Eagles Beat Clinton Academy 6-1
The Flying Eagles have in
Abuja thumped Clinton Football Academy of Lagos 6-1 in a test game.
The test match was part of preparations for the team’s final round of qualifiers for the 2015 African Youth Championship (AYC) in Senegal.
The national under-20 male football team will host Lesotho on August 16 in a first leg clash, with the return slated for Maseru two weeks later.
The test match at the FIFA Goal Project pitch saw Taiwo Awoniyi and Tunde Adeniji both grabbing a brace each, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Mustapha Abdullahi scored one each.
Taiwo Awoniyi put the Flying Eagles ahead after just eight minutes.
Six minutes later, Kelechi Iheanacho doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after Awoniyi was brought down on his way to goal.
A minute after he was denied from point-blank range by goalkeeper Faith Oje, Awoniyi grabbed his brace in the 22nd minute courtesy of an assist by Musa Yahaya.
Adeniji made it 4-0 two minutes after the interval when he was set up by Sulaiman Abdullahi.
Anu Egundipe pulled a goal back for Clinton Academy in the 61st minute, when he fired past goalkeeper Dele Alampasu after a blunder by skipper Musa Muhammed.
Adeniji completed his brace in the 74th minute with an assist from Chidiebere Nwakali.
Mustapha Abdullahi wrapped up the emphatic win 10 minutes from time with a fine individual goal as he ran halfway down the pitch before slotting home.
Flying Eagles’ coach Manu Garba told newsmen after the match that even though his team scored six goals, he was not too satisfied with the team’s overall play.
“This is our first game after a long time, but we have to be more clinical in front of goal after the numerous chances we created.
“At this level, we cannot afford to throw away begging chances,’’ he said.
Garba however said he was happy that all 35 players invited had reported to camp.
“The team will work very hard to correct all errors before our AYC final qualifying round first leg match,’’ he said.
Sports
… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup
Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights firmly on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players as the team aims to get their faltering qualifying campaign back on track.
Unveiled to the media in Abuja on Monday, Finidi, who succeeded the outgoing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, wasted no time in laying out his immediate priorities, two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite. You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” Finidi told reporters on Monday.
Recognising the importance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger emphasised the significance of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations), and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
Nigeria currently finds itself in third place in their qualifying group, with just two points from as many games, while South Africa sits second with three points.
Finidi, who has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year, acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team of a country with over 200 million people.
However, he exuded confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, stating, “I have a tough skin.”
While his salary remains undisclosed, the 53-year-old coach expressed a willingness to prioritise performance over immediate financial rewards.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro.
“Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” Finidi said.
Sports
I’m Not Under Pressure, I’ve Tough Skin – Finidi
New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has underlined that the word pressure is not in his dictionary and appealed for support from key stakeholders including the media.
Speaking after his unveiling yesterday in Abuja, the former Enyimba of Aba coach said; “In life you cannot be afraid. As you see me here, I am a quiet person but I’m not afraid of anything. The worst you can get in football is not getting the result, the best you can get is winning all the time, and I will try my best to make sure that the team functions properly and we start winning games.”
On whether is under pressure to justify his appointment, the coach stressed; “Pressure, I don’t think I have it. I have that tough skin and I want to plead you guys, the media we need your support.
“What is in the contract is boldly written, what the NFF wants and Nigeria in general, but for me personally my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the World Cup. AFCON qualifiers definitely will be coming up soon, but the major step for me is these two games that we have.
“If we can win against South Africa and Benin, we will set the tone.”
During the unveiling ceremony, the NFF confirmed that ex-Super Eagles striker; Daniel Amokachi and Abiden Baruwa will be the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach respectively.
The first assignment for Finidi, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Sports
Amusan Becomes World’s Fastest Woman, Sets New Track Record
Nigerian sprint icon Tobi Amusan has become the world’s fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles after running a world-leading 12.40 seconds.
In a thrilling race, the world record holder secured the victory, leaving behind Danielle Williams, the world champion, who clocked her best time of the season at 12.46 seconds. Following closely was American Christina Clemons, claiming the third spot with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This triumph means the Nigerian athlete has now claimed the top spot globally, surpassing American Tonea Marshall’s previous record of 12.42 seconds set in late April.
Tobi Amusan’s impressive win arrives just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
John Enoh, the minister of sports development, on his X handle congratulated Amusan over the feat.
Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!
You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons.
“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time! You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd in 12.54s,” he wrote.
“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you.”
-
Rivers3 days ago
Don Urges Fubara To Be People-Oriented In Governance
-
Featured3 days ago
We Inherited Huge Debt -Fubara …As Gov Otti Inaugurates Aleto-Ogale-Ebubu-Eteo Road Project
-
Rivers1 day ago
Ongoing Elele-Omoku Road Awarded At N80bn – RSG
-
News1 day ago
Celebrate, We’re Liberated, Fubara Tells IYC …Says Detractors Now Victims Of Their Ploys
-
Politics3 days ago
Plan To Marry Off Orphans: FG Sues Niger Speaker
-
Niger Delta1 day ago
Forum Unveils Vision, Commends Diri On Project Execution
-
Business1 day ago
NCDMB Recommits To Support On Local Capacities
-
Business3 days ago
PoS Operators Take CAC To Court