Sports
Edo Queens Win Maiden NWFL Premiership Trophy
For the first time in their history, Edo Queens have emerged as the champions of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.
The Benin City-based team clinched the title in dramatic final-day showdown following a 1-1 draw against Bayelsa Queens at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Matchday Five of the 2023/2024 Super Six on Sunday.
Despite needing a win to secure their position regardless of other results, Moses Aduku’s side managed to top the standings.
They had to keep an eye on the match between seven-time champions Rivers Angels and Super Six debutants Heartland Queens in Nembe, which also had title implications.
Bayelsa Queens nearly took the lead in the sixth minute when Mary Anjor’s cross was mishandled by Mercy Omokwo, who missed an open net. This miss proved costly as Edo Queens capitalized on a corner kick in the 29th minute, from which Emem Essien scored an acrobatic goal from inside the six-yard box.
At half time, with the match between Rivers Angels and Heartland Queens still goalless, both teams in Yenagoa intensified their search for a decisive goal.
Four minutes into the second half, Bayelsa Queens equalized through Zainab Olopade, who converted a free kick following a foul on Anjor near the box.
In Nembe, Rivers Angels took the lead in the 72nd minute with a goal from Olamide Adugbe, which shifted the table in their favour.
This put pressure on both teams in Yenagoa to find another goal to reclaim the top spot. Bayelsa Queens needed more goals to surpass their South-South neighbors.
However, Heartland Queens played spoilers for Rivers Angels as substitute Emmanuella James scored from a goalmouth scramble, equalizing on the dot of 90 minutes. This twist returned the title race in favor of Edo Queens.
Ultimately, both deciding matches ended in 1-1 draws, securing the league title for Edo Queens for the first time.
On their part, Rivers Angels missed out on their chance to win a record-breaking eighth title to finish second, while Bayelsa Queens also fell short of claiming their sixth title to end in third after successes in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2018, and the 2021/2022 seasons.
Edo Queens will now represent Nigeria at the 2024 West Africa Zone B (WAFU-B) Women’s Champions League Qualifiers, with the opportunity to qualify for the fourth edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
In addition to the giant trophy, the Benin Arsenals received a cash prize of 10 million naira after securing 10 points. The first runners-up, Rivers Angels, were awarded 5 million naira, edging out Bayelsa Queens, who received 3 million naira, due to their superior goals scored despite both teams being tied on nine points.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa Amazons edged Confluence Queens 1-0 in the last game of the Super Six in Yenagoa.
It took Regina Omede’s second-minute goal to separate both sides in the North Central Derby.
Nasarawa Amazons finished fourth with seven points, ahead of fifth Heartland Queens and sixth Confluence Queens, who both ended the tournament with three points each.
On individual awards, FC Robo Queens’ Folashade Ijamilusi, who scored eight goals this season, won the season’s top goal scorer award ahead of Goodness Osigwe (Edo Queens) and Ojiyovwi Kesiena (Nasarawa Amazons), who both scored seven goals.
Rivers Angels’ Morufa Ademola was voted the goalkeeper of the season after her heroic efforts led the Jewels of Rivers to a second-place finish at the season-ending Super Six.
The Fair Play award went to the hosts Bayelsa Queens, who finished third.
Erik ten Hag has signed off at Manchester United, after being relieved of his duties as Manager of the club, with an emotional letter to fans and employees.
From the letter, the sacked manager wished the club well. “I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory,” he stated.
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He wrote, “Dear fans,
“Let me start by thanking you. Thank you for always being there for the club. Whether it was at a game far away or a tough match at Old Trafford, your support has been unshakeable. The atmosphere at Old Trafford has always been electrifying, thanks to you. I felt it many times. Also in away games, it gave the team and me an incredible feeling to hear the United chants taking over the opponents’ stadiums, whether the game was in England, Europe or during the summer tours.
“I always enjoyed meeting Manchester United fans throughout the world. Walking the streets and being able to chat with fans in England, Europe, Asia, Australia, the USA – you inspired me and radiated a strong sense of unity. That’s what makes United supporters so special.
“I want to thank you for giving me this feeling and for your support. I also want to thank the staff in every department of the club for their unwavering support in good times and bad.
“We won two trophies – achievements that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Of course, my dream was to bring more trophies to the cabinet. Unfortunately, that dream has come to an end.
“I wish all Manchester United fans nothing but success, trophies and glory. Your support and the warmth I received from everyone at the club helped me feel at home.
“Thank you for this chapter in my life.
“Erik”.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) has postponed Real Madrid’s La Liga away game against Valencia, initially scheduled for this weekend, due to catastrophic flooding that has claimed more than 95 lives in eastern Spain.
The suspension announced on Thursday also extends to Villarreal’s home match against Rayo Vallecano, as well as three second-division matches involving teams from flood-affected areas.
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The RFEF acted at La Liga’s request to delay these matches, following devastating flash floods that have impacted the Valencia region.
“It has been agreed to postpone matches that were to be played in professional and non-professional competitions, both in 11-a-side football and in indoor football (in the Valencia region),” the federation stated.
The federation had already postponed several midweek Copa del Rey first-round matches, including Valencia’s tie against Parla Escuela, in response to the widespread destruction.
As Spain mourns the lives lost, a moment of silence will be observed this weekend at football matches nationwide, including the league leaders Barcelona’s Catalan derby against Espanyol on Sunday.
Nigeria international, Peter Olayinka is set to miss significant game time after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury, Red Star Belgrade has confirmed.
The forward sustained the injury during last week’s UEFA Champions League match against AS Monaco, forcing him off the field early.
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In an official statement, the Serbian club revealed that Olayinka had surgery in Finland, performed by a renowned specialist.
“Peter Olayinka was successfully operated on in Finland by a famous doctor, following an Achilles tendon injury he suffered in Monaco,” Red Star’s statement read.
“The surgery went smoothly, and we now await his recovery period to assess his return timeline. We wish him a swift recovery and hope to see him back on the field soon.”
Olayinka, who has contributed two goals and two assists across six league appearances this season, is expected to be sidelined for six to nine months as he recovers.
His absence will be felt both by Red Star Belgrade and Nigeria’s national team, where he has been a valuable asset.
The extended recovery period means Olayinka will miss much of Red Star’s season and a portion of Nigeria’s upcoming international fixtures.
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