Sports
Work On S’Eagles, Owolabi Charges Eguavoen
Former International, Felix Owolabi, is happy with the Super Eagles’ goalless score line in the match against Ghana’s Black Stars, provided it would spur the team to beat the Ghanaians on Tuesday at the M.K.O Bashorun Abiola Stadium to secure the ticket to Qatar 2022.
Nigeria, on Friday, held hosts, Ghana, to a barren draw in the first leg of the World Cup play off at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi. Both teams will clash again on Tuesday for the football Mundial qualification.
Speaking to Tidesports source on Saturday, Owolabi said that the Eagles’ midfield was non-existent in the first duel, adding that for Nigeria to beat Ghana, it must make sure the midfield functions and connects properly with the strikers.
“What is more important in the first leg was that the boys were able to hold their own by not losing to the Ghanaians in away fixture. It was a 50/50 match chance for both teams in Kumasi but to me the draw was a win to us.
“My advice to the boys now is that they should not allow it to get into their heads. They should get ready for the second leg and play better than they did in Kumasi. In the first leg, the Ghanaians attacked more than our boys did, probably, that was part of the plans of the coach to ensure at least a draw, if they can’t win,” he said.
The former Eagles’ attacker added, “This time around, on Tuesday, I expect the boys to come out and attack, qualify and get us on the train to Qatar 2022. It will be a disaster as far as I am concerned if Nigeria fails to claim the ticket to join other countries going to the World Cup.
“The coach needs to work on every department of the team, particularly, the midfield linking the attack. The coaching crew needs to do plenty of work in the midfield because it was absent in the first leg that I watched.
“Osimhen did not have a single shot on target because there were no supplies from the midfield throughout the duration of the match. We need midfielders, who could collect the ball from the defenders and distribute it to the attackers.
“A midfielder, who is possessive and can create space for Osimhen to score goals for us. Strikers can only score goals when they are being supplied with balls. We should also work on set pieces to get goals in case we don’t have the opportunity to do that during run of play.
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.
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