Naija News: Sport

Africa: Nigeria, One Year After Elections

2011, Nigerians began casting ballots in the first of what would be four days of voting for legislators, governors, and a president. Tensions were high. Voting that had been scheduled one week earlier was abruptly canceled just hours before polls were to open. We did not know for certain whether months of careful election preparations would result in a process Nigerians considered fair and credible or a rerun of the deeply flawed 2007 presidential elections. Skeptics were everywhere; and many said good elections could not be held. Nigerians had a different idea. They waited in line for hours. They stuck around after the polls closed to ensure that every ballot was counted. They monitored polling places and compilation centers by the thousands, and they sent text messages reporting any irregularities they observed. Click on the picture to continue

Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts

Nigeria’s Ekundayo beats British John Thain to win Euro IBF title

England-based Nigerian boxer, Larry ‘The Natural’ Ekundayo has won the European International Boxing Federation title by defeating his British opponent, John Thain in London on Friday night.

Ekundayo won the prestigious European belt at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, the home of British boxing through a unanimous decision.

The Nigerian boxer in an impressive performance was adjudged the IBF champion with all three judges scoring him as the winner.

The victory over Thain has made Ekundayo the highest ranked Nigerian boxer in the world and also position him for a world title shot.

In a fight that lasted 12 rounds, Ekundayo showed class as he outboxed Thain who suffered from a broken nose and was left bleeding for about six rounds.

Among supporters at the ringside was the Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Amb. George Oguntade and members of ‘Team Ekundayo.’

Khomeini Bukhari, Director of Africa, Peel Aston Global and a member of Team Ekundayo, in a statement on Saturday, commended the pugilist for doing his country proud. “Larry Ekundayo did fantastic, I am so proud of him and so should Nigeria be. Larry worked so hard for this day, we his team have seen his struggles paying off. We have worked very hard to help get Larry to this opportunity, it hasn’t been easy, we are happy that he had made Nigeria very proud,”he stated.

The new IBF champion had before the fight promised to defend the title in Nigeria saying, “After the heartbreak of the World Cup, I hope to win the IBF title this week, so as to bring to Nigeria the international sporting success that we can all cheer about. Once I win, I would love to defend it on Nigerian soil.”

Ben Gray, Ekundayo’s commercial agent had also disclosed that the boxer would visit the country to thank his supporters.

“When Larry wins this prestige’s IBF title, he would have conquered Europe, in addition to being African Champion. This belt is the equivalent of winning the UEFA cup in football; Once he wins, he will be coming to Nigeria to thank those who have supported him throughout his journey to the top, as well as celebrate with the people of Nigeria,” he stated.

Super Eagles match against Algeria, a must win, says Owolabi

Lagos – As the Super Eagles prepare for the second group qualifier for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, an ex-international, Felix Owolabi says the team has to win Algeria to be in a comfortable lead. Owolabi said on Thursday in Lagos that Eagles’ successful outing in Zambia was a morale booster for the team.

LONDON OLYMPICS: Nigeria is out of men’s 4x400m relay

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Tuesday confirmed that Nigeria’s 4x400m men’s relay team will not compete at the London Olympics.

This is contrary to the statement by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN) on Monday which listed the team among the country’s contingent to the Games.
The Nigerian 4x400m relay team is made up of Saul Weigopwa, Abiola Onokoya, Isah Salihu, Tobi Ogunmola, Segun Ogunkole and Godday James.
The team ran 3:02.39 to win the gold medal at the just concluded 18th African Athletics Championships on Sunday in Porto Novo, and they were wrongly informed that the team made the cut for the Olympics.
However, the IAAF on Tuesday released the list of 16 teams that have qualified to participate in the event in London and Nigeria was not included in the list.
According to the IAAF report, “the qualification period for the men’s and women’s 4x100m and 4x400m relays at the Games of the XXX Olympiad, London 2012 ended on Monday 2 July. The IAAF is pleased to confirm the following 16 teams, per each of the four relays, which have qualified to compete, are as follows…”
Until the victory in Port Novo, Nigeria was ranked out of the top 20 nations but moved to the 18th on the list following last Sunday’s personal season’s best performance in Benin republic.
South Africa and Kenya will be flying the continent’s flag in the London games which will kick-off in a few weeks.
Meanwhile Nigeria still stands a chance to make the games if two of the qualified countries drop out of the event at the quadrennial Games on their own volition.
Nigeria will thus not be competing in the men’s 4x400m relay at the Olympics.
Victory in past relays have accounted for some of the nine medals Nigeria has won in the athletics event of the Olympic Games.

Nigeria moves 2 places up in Fifa ranking, Brazil slump out of top ten

Nigeria has moved two places up in new Fifa rankings for footballing nations to rank 58^thin the world.
Nigeria’s rise on ranking table released on Wednesday, is aided by the victories recorded by the Super Eagles in the month of June against Rwanda and Kenya and a draw with Malawi.

Brazil slumped to 11th in the Fifa rankings, their lowest ever position, while tiny Tahiti surged 41 places after their astonishing win at the Oceania Nations Cup.
Brazil dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since the rankings began in 1993 following defeats to Mexico and Argentina in friendlies last month.
Performances at the just concluded Euro 2012 had an impact on places, with winners Spain staying top, semifinalists Germany moving up a spot to second and runners-up Italy, jumped from 12th to sixth.
Moving in the opposite direction, Netherlands slumped from fourth to eighth after their first-round exit at Euro 2012.
Under the complex system used to calculate the rankings, 2014 World Cup hosts Brazil dropped on the rankings for not playing any competitive international match since last year’s Copa America when they were knocked out in the quarterfinals.
Uruguay remained the highest-ranked South American side at third followed by Argentina in seventh.
Africa’s highest team is Cote D’Ivoire in 16th.
Tahiti’s shock win at the Oceania Nations Cup lifted them 41 places to 138th though they are still short of their record 111th ranking they achieved in 2002.
Nigeria is ranked 10^th in Africa with Cote D’Ivoire and Ghana leading the African football fraternity in first and second positions respectively.

Spain are champions again.

The Spaniards set new world record in football, defending the European cup while reigning as world champions.

Spain are champions of european football after beating Italy by 4 goals to 0. David Silva and Jordi Alba scored in the first half while substitutes Fernando Torres and Juan Mata completed the demolishing of the Italians.

Fernando Torres and Juan Mata came on as substitutes to finish the Italian job

The Spaniards achieved the record of being the first team ever to win the European championship back to back while winning the world cup in-between.

The Spaniards only conceded one goal in Euro 2012, same number they conceded in the 2010 world cup in South Africa.

Chelsea devour Barcelona again

BARCELONA (AFP) – Ten-man Chelsea reached the Champions League final after drawing 2-2 with holders Barcelona in their semi-final final second leg clash here on Tuesday to progress 3-2 on aggregate.
First-half goals by Sergi Busquets and Andres Iniesta plus the sending off of Chelsea captain John Terry looked to have sealed Barcelona’s place in the final.

Chelsea's Spanish forward Fernando Torres (up) vies for the ball with Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes before scoring during the UEFA Champions League second leg semi-final football match Barcelona against Chelsea at the Cam Nou stadium in Barcelona on April 24, 2012. AFP PHOTO

However, a goal late in the first-half by Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Ramires levelled the match on aggregate with Chelsea ahead on away goals.
Lionel Messi missed a penalty early in the second-half and despite incessant pressure a mixture of the woodwork and goalkeeper Petr Cech held them at bay before Fernando Torres levelled the match on the night in the dying seconds.
The downside for Chelsea will be that Terry, Ramires and Branislav Ivanovic will be suspended for the final as the latter two picked up bookings that rule them out of the clash.
Chelsea will play the winner of Wednesday’s semi-final between Real Madrid and Bayern Munich – who hold a 2-1 first leg advantage – in the final on May 19.

Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola claims Chelsea are now favourites to reach the Champions League final after the holders were beaten at Stamford Bridge.
"I would say the favourites are now Chelsea because winning 1-0 at home is a very good result for them," claimed Guardiola after Wednesday's first leg.
However, counterpart Roberto di Matteo insists the tie remains in the balance.
"I don't think this makes us favourites," said Di Matteo. "It's 50-50 for both teams to go through."
Didier Drogba scored with Chelsea's only shot on target in first-half stoppage time to give them a 1-0 advantage to take to the Nou Camp for the semi-final second leg, a lead earned despite Barcelona enjoying 72% of possession.
Before his side's victory, Di Matteo insisted Chelsea would have to produce two "perfect" performances to reach their second Champions League Final and despite having a one-goal advantage to take to Spain he forsees a tough return leg next Tuesday.
"I am very pleased with this result but it is only half-time," added the Italian. "Nothing has been decided yet and we need to play another game like this one if we are going to get through.
"You know what to expect when you play in the Nou Camp. It is going to be very difficult and we still have to believe we might get a goal out there.
"It is a tough game for any opposition that goes to Barcelona and we will have to give our best again. We are delighted with the result and performance of the team.
"Barcelona have a unique style of playing and with the quality players they have we had to get the balance right. Collectively, it was a great defensive performance.
"Sometimes it feels like they have 20 players. We watched Barcelona against AC Milan and Real Madrid, top European clubs, and they did exactly the same to them.
"They had a lot of attempts on target, as they always do, which means you need to be clinical when you get your chance, which we were when Didier scored."
Di Matteo also believes Wednesday's result answers the Blues' critics, who have claimed some of their more experienced players' influence was fading.
"In the past, a lot of people have had the opinion that our boys were over the line and too old to play at this level," he said. "It was not just Didier, but a lot of players in our squad, that they said couldn't play two games in such a short period of time.
"They gave their answer on the pitch tonight."
Barcelona, who created 24 chances without scoring, now face a tough task to turn the result around to go through and face either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich in next month's final in Munich.
Guardiola was asked if he felt, in football terms, that Barcelona had been "mugged" after placing Chelsea under so much possession, only to come away empty-handed.
"If football is about counting possession we would win every game," he said. "The game is about putting the football in the goal.
"It is the most difficult thing in the game. The challenge now is to create 24 chances again but maybe we will need to show more adventure and risk a bit more."
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

A total of 51 Nigerian athletes have so far qualified for different competitive events at the forth-coming London 2012 Olympic Games.

This was disclosed in a press statement issued yesterday by Julius Ogunro, the Special Adviser to the Supervising Minister of Sports Alhaji Bolaji Abdullahi.

A break down of the various events Nigeria has qualified to field athletes reveals that 21 female athletes have qualified for the track and field events while 17 males would join them. Other events which Nigeria has also qualified for include canoeing, taekwondo, swimming, wrestling and power-lifting, table tennis and paralympic table tennis.

Andre Villas-Boas sacked by Chelsea

LONDON (AFP) – Andre Villas-Boas has been sacked by Chelsea after less than a season in charge at Stamford Bridge, the Premier League club announced in a statement on their website on Sunday.

Former Chelsea midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, who had been working as Villas-Boas's assistant, has been appointed interim manager until the end of the season.

Villas-Boas, who arrived from Porto in June 2011, has paid the price for a dismal run of results that left Chelsea in fifth place and on the verge of elimination from this season's Champions League after a 3-1 defeat at Napoli in the last 16 first leg.

The 34-year-old also had strained relationships with several of Chelsea's senior stars, including England midfielder Frank Lampard, and a woeful run of results — including just one win in their last seven matches and only three from their last 12 in the League — forced owner Roman Abramovich to act.

The final straw came on Saturday as the Blues suffered a lacklustre 1-0 defeat at West Bromwich Albion thanks to a late winner from Garth McAuley.

"Andre Villa-Boas has parted company with Chelsea Football Club today," the Chelsea statement read.

"The board would like to record our gratitude for his work and express our disappointment that the relationship has ended so early.

"Unfortunately the results and performances of the team have not been good enough and were showing no signs of improving at a key time in the season.

"The club is still competing in the latter stages of the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as challenging for a top-four spot in the Premier League, and we aim to remain as competitive as possible on all fronts.

"With that in mind we felt our only option was to make a change at this time.

"With immediate effect Roberto Di Matteo has been appointed first team coach on an interim basis until the end of the season."

The Super Eagles of Nigeria could only manage a score less draw against the Amavubi’s of Rwanda in a 2013 Nations cup draw in Kigali.

Home based player Ejike Uzoenyi came close to scoring in the first 45 minutes, but struck the bar. The Super Eagles who lacked creativity in the midfield,struggled to cope with the energy Rwanda in the middle of the pack.
Three local base players Ejike Uzoenyi of Rangers,Azubuike Egwueke of Warri Wolves and Geofrey Oboebuna of Sunshine Stars all started the game. In a World Cup qualifier against this same Rwanda,Nigeria drew 1-1 in 2005.
The second leg will be played on June 15 in Nigeria, after a series of friendly games against Peru and Gabon.

English Premier League side, Arsenal, are finalising plans for a pre-season visit to Nigeria this summer.
Officials from the London club are in Nigeria to inspect more facilities across the country for the tour, scheduled for August.
Organisers, DanJan Sports, and Arsenal officials also met with some fans of the North London side.
"It's been a lovely time here, the energy level is absolutely unbelievable," Arsenal's Marketing Director, Angus Kinnear.
Kinnear added: "We are still inspecting potential facilities in different states and the fans are excited about the tour.
"Essentially, the connection with the fans has been amazing.
"Arsenal went to Asia last year and what we've seen on the ground here is encouraging.
"Like we've emphasised, there is a strong desire to connect with our fans in Africa and the first step starts in Nigeria."
The club traditionally hosts an annual pre-season tournament at the Emirates Stadium, but they opted to postpone the event for a year because of the 2012 London Olympics.
As part of their preparation for the 2012/13 season, the club have opted to connect with their huge fan base in Africa, by visiting the continent.
John Okusi of DanJan Sports said: "Arsenal has got a huge fan base in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, so far everything is going well.
"They've been to several states and officials are excited about the prospect of hosting the club here.
"There are only few things to be sorted out."
On a lighter note, Kinnear revealed how the fans stunned him with their reaction to the North London derby victory against Tottenham Hotspur.
"The celebration and mood of the fans was shocking." Kinnear said.
"They celebrated that victory more than what I've ever experienced in London.
"It's amazing and I'm touched. The passion is incredible."
Interestingly in July 2008, DanJan Sports brought two other English clubs, Manchester United and Portsmouth, to the Nigerian capital Abuja for pre-season friendly.
Manchester United took on Portsmouth before Pompey then played against Nigeria Premier League side, Kano Pillars.

Henry loves to stay with Arsenal

Thierry Henry admits he hasn't ruled out the possibility of another return to Arsenal after scoring a dream winner in the final seconds at Sunderland.

Henry has been on loan with the Gunners from New York Red Bulls since January but he will head back to America after Arsenal's Champions League second round first leg trip to AC Milan on Wednesday.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was keen to take Henry on loan this season as he lost strikers Gervinho and Marouane Chamakh to African Nations Cup duty.

The 34-year-old, who became an Arsenal legend during his first spell with the club, has mostly been used as a substitute this time, but he has still made an impressive impact and the French star hinted he could be back again if Wenger needs him.

Asked if there might be a possibility of another return next season, he replied: "You can never say never, right?

"You need to ask the boss. I don't know. I have always said it, it's kind of difficult for me to say no. If they need some help one day, I will be around."

Henry could yet sign off with a match-winning display against Milan, but if Saturday's strike goal at the Stadium of Light proves his final goal for Arsenal it was the perfect way to sign off.

Arsenal has become Henry's great love following his remarkably successful eight-year stay in north London and he admitted he felt like a child again when he scored the winner.

"Just like a kid who came on and scored his first goal for the team he loves, that's exactly how I felt, really like a kid," Henry told BBC Sport.

"When it comes to Arsenal, I always feel something special. At the end of the day, I was there at the end of the move, but I just want to help.

"That's all I wanted to do. I said it right from the start – I didn't want to be a hero or whatever, just like one of the guys in the dressing room."

Henry struck in the first minute of stoppage time, turning fellow substitute Andrey Arshavin's cross past keeper Simon Mignolet from close range to complete a dramatic Arsenal fightback.

However, the striker played down his role and he added: "When you come on as a sub, you want to help your team and change the game anyway, anyhow, and it did happen.

"A lot of the time, the guy who puts the ball in the back of the net will always get the credit, but the cross from Andrey Arshavin was perfect.

"You can always miss, but it was going to be very difficult to miss that one, so you have to give him a lot of credit for that one.

"I was just there at the right time and I finished it, so that's the most important thing.

"Obviously, I stayed a bit longer with the Arsenal fans at the end because I knew it was the last game for me in the Premier League, so I just wanted to say, 'Thanks, that's it'."

LONDON (AFP) – Sir Alex Ferguson branded Luis Suarez a “disgrace” as the racism feud between Manchester United and Liverpool exploded once more in a stormy Premier League clash at Old Trafford.
Two goals from Wayne Rooney saw United score a 2-1 victory which sent the champions back to the top of the table, one point clear of Manchester City who face Aston Villa on Sunday.
But the result almost became a footnote to another acrimonious encounter between the two bitter rivals, with Suarez lighting the fuse before kick-off after refusing to shake United captain Patrice Evra’s hand.
Suarez’s pre-match snub came as he returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for the first time since his eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra during the two clubs’ meeting at Anfield in October.
Evra later reportedly attempted to confront Suarez over the incident at half-time, sparking a melee in the tunnel which required the intervention of police and stewards.
A disgusted Ferguson lashed out at Suarez after the game, saying the Uruguayan had tarnished the reputation of Liverpool and should never play for the club again.
“I couldn’t believe it. I just could not believe it,” Ferguson said.
“I had a chat with Patrice this morning and he said he was going to shake his hand. He said ‘I have nothing to be ashamed of.’
“(Suarez) is a disgrace to Liverpool Football Club. He shouldn’t be allowed to play for Liverpool again.
“The history that club’s got, he could have caused a riot. It was terrible what he did. It was a terrible start to the game and it created a terrible atmosphere.”
Ferguson meanwhile said Evra was unwise to celebrate in front of Suarez at the final whistle. “He shouldn’t have done that,” Ferguson said.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish later insisted he had not seen the handshake snub but lost his cool with a television interviewer at the suggestion it had led to the half-time tunnel bust-up.
“I never knew he didn’t shake his hand. I will take your word for it. That is contrary to what I was told,” Dalglish said.
“It’s bang out of order to blame Luis Suarez for anything that happened today, how many bookings were there? The fans had a bit of banter,” added Dalglish, who later cancelled his post-match press conference.
United claimed all three points when Rooney struck twice in three minutes early in the second half.
The England striker volleyed in his first from close range on 47 minutes after Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson inadvertently flicked on a Ryan Giggs corner.
Rooney then made it 2-0 in the 50th minute after a Jay Spearing blunder let in Antonio Valencia.
United remained firmly in control for the remainder of the half but a lapse in concentration saw Suarez pull a goal back for Liverpool to set up a nervous final 10 minutes.
Liverpool substitute Charlie Adam swung a free-kick into the United box and when Ferdinand failed to clear, the ball fell invitingly to Suarez, who jabbed home from close range

Showing posts with label Sport. Show all posts

Saturday, 14 July 2018

Nigeria’s Ekundayo beats British John Thain to win Euro IBF title

07:01 Sport No comments

England-based Nigerian boxer, Larry ‘The Natural’ Ekundayo has won the European International Boxing Federation title by defeating his British opponent, John Thain in London on Friday night.

Ekundayo won the prestigious European belt at the York Hall, Bethnal Green, the home of British boxing through a unanimous decision.

The Nigerian boxer in an impressive performance was adjudged the IBF champion with all three judges scoring him as the winner.

The victory over Thain has made Ekundayo the highest ranked Nigerian boxer in the world and also position him for a world title shot.

In a fight that lasted 12 rounds, Ekundayo showed class as he outboxed Thain who suffered from a broken nose and was left bleeding for about six rounds.

Among supporters at the ringside was the Nigerian High Commissioner to United Kingdom, Amb. George Oguntade and members of ‘Team Ekundayo.’

Ben Gray, Ekundayo’s commercial agent had also disclosed that the boxer would visit the country to thank his supporters.

Super Eagles match against Algeria, a must win, says Owolabi

04:33 Sport No comments

LONDON OLYMPICS: Nigeria is out of men’s 4x400m relay

07:25 Sport No comments

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) on Tuesday confirmed that Nigeria’s 4x400m men’s relay team will not compete at the London Olympics.

Nigeria moves 2 places up in Fifa ranking, Brazil slump out of top ten

07:24 Sport No comments

Spain demolishes Italy to win EURO 2012 final

09:05 Sport No comments