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NWFL Super 6: Bayelsa, Rivers Bag 1st Wins, Confluence Bounce Back

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The 2023/2024 Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership Super Six witnessed thrilling actions on Matchday 2, with Bayelsa Queens and Rivers Angels both securing their first victories of the tournament.

Both teams boosted their chances in the race for the domestic title this season with the wins on Monday.

In a related development, Confluence Queens bounced back from their Saturday’s opening-day humiliation at the hands of Edo Queens to claim a crucial win, adding more excitement to the competition.

Bayelsa Queens 1-0 Nasarawa Amazons

Hosts of the 2024 NWFL Premiership Super Six, Bayelsa Queens, recorded their first win of the tournament with a narrow 1-0 victory over Nasarawa Amazons at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, on Monday.

The Solid Babes had an early chance to take the lead when Odo Bibiana’s effort struck the crossbar in the seventh minute, much to the relief of Domo Okara’s side and the home fans.

After a goalless first half, the match appeared to be heading for a stalemate until a last-minute drama unfolded, which saw substitutes Mercy Omokwo and Mercy Itimi combined to break the deadlock in the 90th minute.

Itimi converted Omokwo’s long ball to secure the win.

This victory lifted Bayelsa Queens to four points from two games, positioning them well in the title race.

They will next face Confluence Queens on Wednesday, while Nasarawa Amazons will aim for their first win against Rivers Angels.

Edo Queens 1-2 Rivers Angels

Rivers Angels also claimed their first win of the playoff tournament with a 2-1 victory over Edo Queens in a South-South derby where all three goals were scored in the first half at the same venue.

Florence Alexander opened the scoring for the Jewels of Rivers in the 11th minute with a free kick that was surprisingly spilled by Edo Queens’ goalkeeper Ijeoma Uzoma.

The Ogbonda Whyte’s side doubled their lead in the 28th minute when Valentina Uroko inadvertently turned the ball into her net. Edo Queens responded quickly, reducing the deficit through Emem Essien, who dribbled past her marker before beating keeper Ademola Morufa.

Despite a disallowed goal from Deborah Odiagbe in the 59th minute and a similar fate for Sefiat Idris’ strike, Rivers Angels held on for the win.

This triumph moved them level on four points with Bayelsa Queens at the top of the log. Rivers Angels will next face Nasarawa Amazons, while Edo Queens aim to return to winning ways against winless Heartland Queens.

Heartland Queens 0-2 Confluence Queens

Confluence Queens returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over debutants Heartland Queens, bouncing back from their 5-1 defeat to Edo Queens in the tournament opener.

Goalkeeper Sylvia Echefu, returning from national team duty, provided a boost by keeping a clean sheet and restoring confidence in Confluence.

After a drab goalless first half, Merit Offor broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 76th minute, scoring her second goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Offor was replaced by Feranmi Odutade, who made an immediate impact by heading in the second goal just a minute after her introduction.

This result saw Confluence Queens climb up the standings to fourth with three points and renew their hopes for the first ever title.

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Belgium Appoints Rudi Garcia As National Team Coach

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The Belgian Football Federation has named Frenchman Rudi Garcia as the new head coach of the national team, following the sacking of Domenico Tedesco after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign.

In a statement released on Friday, the federation confirmed the appointment of the Underworld former Napoli, Lyon, and Roma manager, who will be formally introduced to the press later in the day.

READ MORE: Nuri Sahin Fired As Borussia Dortmund Head Coach

Garcia’s task will be to rejuvenate the Red Devils after their early exit from the European Championship and underwhelming performances in the Nations League.

Belgium recently parted ways with Tedesco, who had been in charge since February 2023.

The Italian-German coach was brought in to rebuild the squad following the departure of the country’s celebrated “golden generation” under Roberto Martinez but failed to deliver the expected results.

The team now faces a critical relegation play-off against Ukraine in March, before beginning their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a trip to North Macedonia in June.

Garcia brings a wealth of experience, having coached top European clubs such as Marseille and Lyon.

He also made his mark at Lille between 2008 and 2013, leading the French side to a Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double in 2011.

However, his most recent role at Napoli in 2023 ended in disappointment after just five months.

 

 

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Nuri Sahin Fired As Borussia Dortmund Head Coach

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Borussia Dortmund have sacked head coach Nuri Sahin after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Bologna in Tuesday’s Champions League match, marking the club’s fourth consecutive defeat in all competitions.

The decision follows a string of poor performances that have left the club in 10th place in the Bundesliga, 20 points adrift of league leaders Bayern Munich.

Sporting CEO Lars Ricken expressed that the club had “lost faith” in Sahin, explaining that the decision was painful but necessary.

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“We have unfortunately lost faith that we will achieve our sporting goals,” Ricken said. “We value Nuri Sahin and his work very much, we hoped for a long collaboration, but after the game in Bologna, this was unavoidable.”

Sahin, who had been promoted to head coach in the summer following his role as assistant to Edin Terzic during Dortmund’s surprise Champions League final run last season, acknowledged the disappointment.

“Unfortunately, I was not able to live up to Dortmund’s sporting ambitions at this point in time. I wish this special club all the best.”

The defeat against Bologna caps a difficult season for the club under Sahin’s stewardship.

Despite their strong showing in last season’s Champions League, where they lost to Real Madrid in the final, Dortmund have struggled in the Bundesliga and were eliminated from the German Cup by Wolfsburg.

Their away form, in particular, has been disastrous, with only four wins and nine losses in 15 matches away from the Westfalenstadion.

Dortmund’s leadership, which has historically favored former players in managerial roles, now faces the task of finding a suitable replacement for Sahin.

German media reports suggest potential successors could include Erik Ten Hag, the former Manchester United boss who has been spotted attending Dortmund games recently, or Roger Schmidt, formerly of Benfica and Bayer Leverkusen.

In the interim, U19 coach Mike Tullberg has been appointed to take charge of the first team, starting with Saturday’s home match against Werder Bremen.

The sacking of Sahin is the latest chapter in a turbulent managerial history for Dortmund since the departure of Jurgen Klopp in 2015, with the club having cycled through eight different head coaches in that time. Only Lucien Favre managed to stay longer than two years.

Sahin’s tenure as manager was a significant moment for Dortmund, as he was one of the club’s own, having come through the ranks and played over 270 games for the team, including being part of the squad that won the 2011 Bundesliga title.

However, his time at the helm of the senior team has proven to be short-lived as Dortmund now seek a new direction.

 

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Man City Sign Brazilian Teenager, Vitor Reis For £29.6M

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Manchester City have completed the signing of 19-year-old defender Vitor Reis from Brazilian club Palmeiras, the Premier League champions announced on Tuesday.

The Brazilian youth international joins on a four-and-a-half-year deal for a reported fee of £29.6 million ($36.2 million).

Reis, a right-footed centre-back, expressed his enthusiasm about joining the English giants. “I’m excited to join Manchester City, one of the biggest clubs in the world,” said Reis.

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“Everyone has seen the amazing achievements in recent seasons, and I want to make my mark as we seek more trophies. Working with Pep Guardiola is something every young player wants to do, and I know he can help me to develop into the best player I can be.”

City’s director of football, Txiki Begiristain, highlighted the qualities that attracted the club to Reis.

He said, “Vitor Reis is one of the most promising young defenders in the world, and we’re delighted to have been able to bring him here. He is excellent on the ball and outstanding in the air — he has all the attributes needed to be one of the best.”

The signing of Reis is City’s second addition of the January transfer window, following the arrival of Uzbekistan international Abdukodir Khusanov.

Reports indicate that the club is also pursuing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush before the window closes.

Manchester City, currently fifth in the Premier League table, have faced challenges this season due to a series of defensive injuries.

However, the team showcased their attacking strength with a dominant 6-0 victory over Ipswich on Sunday.

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