Sports
Nigerian Duo Pilot Leicester’s EPL Charge
It would appear that former English Premier League (EPL) Champion, Leicester, who were relegated to the Championship last term detest a long stay in the second tier of English football.
The team retained the bulk of the players who helped them earn respect while life at the top flight of English football lasted.
Little wonder, their quest for regaining promotion is being led by the Nigerian duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
Between them, they have been zealously contributing to their team’s great start to the season.
On his part, Ndidi’s bright start to the season saw him win the Leicester City Goal of the Month award for September.
Perhaps, what tells the story of his form for the season better is that he was also nominated for the PFA Championship Fans’ Player of The Month award for the same month.
Playing in a more advanced No.8 role under Maresca has seen the Nigerian midfielder become more of a goal threat for the Foxes.
His new role has seen him weigh in with a–four-goal-contribution (three assists and a goal) in 12 league game for the season.
At this stage, only fellow countryman, Iheanacho, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jamie Vardy and Kasey McAteer have had more goal contributions than the former Genk midfielder, for the Foxes, this season.
For Iheanacho, he is Leicester’s joint leading scorer in the Championship with five goals from 13 games so far.
The 26-year-old has a shot accuracy of 61 percent and goal conversion rate of 33 percent.
From his blistering form of four goals in his last five games, it is obvious that the Foxes stands a chance in every game with him scoring.
Recall that the last time Leicester came up from the Championship, they won the EPL title within two years, beating Arsenal FC to the second spot.
While that dream looks an even bigger stretch this time around, Leicester and Maresca are showing there are reasons for the fans to be excited about the rest of this season and beyond, on the pitch.
Their exiting start to 2023/24 season has seen the Foxes currently top the Championship table with 36 points from 13 games, five points ahead of Ipswich Town who have played a games less.
The only blemished by one blot on the copy book for the Foxes is the 1-0 defeat to Hull City on September 2 despite controlling large periods of the match.
The Foxes are currently on a nine-game winning streak in the Championship after Enzo Maresca’s team recorded their 12th league win in 13 outings in midweek – a 1-0 victory over Sunderland at the King Power Stadium.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Akwa Ibom State.
Details shortly…………
The Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment and socioeconomic growth through a strategic partnership with The Athletics School Games (TASG)
The TASG is an annual sporting event bringing together young athletes from private schools in Lagos, Biztellers reports.
The initiative aligns with the NGX Group’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus on community development, underscoring the Group’s belief in nurturing well-rounded future leaders through sports, discipline, and teamwork.
Held on Saturday, March 22nd, at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, the event provided a dynamic platform for students to showcase their athletic talent while cultivating essential life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and leadership, qualities critical for success in today’s competitive global economy.
The involvement of NGX Group extends beyond sponsorship, reflecting a deliberate strategy to support initiatives that bridge education, leadership, and economic opportunity.
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Head, Group Communications and Partnerships at NGX Group, Clifford Akpolo, emphasized the significance of the partnership: “As a key institution in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, NGX Group understands that sustainable development begins with investing in human capital. Our support for The Athletics School Games goes beyond sports, it is about equipping young Nigerians with the discipline, teamwork, and determination needed to excel in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. This initiative is a cornerstone of our broader mission to foster a resilient economy powered by capable, well-rounded individuals.”
On his part, the event’s initiator, Seun Akinbohun, highlighted TASG’s role in unlocking opportunities for young athletes: “This initiative is designed to create pathways for athletes to excel and be discovered by scouts. There are so many opportunities for kids in TASG, and I am glad we are contributing to their development. We have expanded the event to include more participants, age categories, and flexibility. I am excited to bring the experience from the first edition into the second, with a larger technical committee and more experienced personnel.”
The event featured a wide range of track and field competitions, including sprints, relays, long-distance races, high jump and long jump. Beyond medals and trophies, the games emphasized personal growth, resilience, and the value of teamwork, qualities that extend far beyond the sporting arena into leadership and professional development.
By collaborating with organizations like TASG, NGX Group continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s future workforce. This partnership exemplifies how private sector engagement in youth development can create lasting socioeconomic impact, aligning with NGX Group’s vision of a more inclusive and sustainable economy.
The Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) torch tour continued through Edo State with the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa and the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Honorable Amadin Enabulele and Festival Ambassador, Patience Igbiti on hand to receive it.
The Festival Torch which commenced the tour of the nine mandate states of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Bayelsa State, is part of events the organisers are using to create awareness for the games which holds in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from April 1-8.
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About 3000 Athletes will be competing for honours in 17 sporting events with an age restriction of not over 25 years of age.
The competition will hold at five venues including the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo Township Stadium, Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre, Itam West Secondary School and Ultrafit Sports Club.
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