Sports
Super Eagles Secure Quarter-Final Spot With Win Against Cameroon
In a thrilling showdown on Saturday, Nigeria clinched a decisive 2-0 victory over arch-rivals Cameroon, securing a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals.
Ademola Lookman stole the spotlight by netting both goals, with the first coming in the 36th minute after Victor Osimhen’s relentless attacks on the Cameroon defense.
Despite an early setback with Semi Ajayi’s goal being disallowed through VAR, Nigeria’s defensive prowess held strong, denying the Indomitable Lions any breakthrough.
Lookman sealed the deal in the 90th minute, captivating the 22,085 fans at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.
Having secured their place in the quarter-finals, Nigeria is set for a showdown next Friday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan against Angola, who previously triumphed over Namibia with a 3-0 victory.
With Osimhen’s formidable leadership on the forefront, the Super Eagles are emerging as a formidable contender, posing a serious threat to reigning champions Senegal in their pursuit of a fourth continental crown.
This fixture holds the essence of a Cup of Nations classic, as the first three of Cameroon’s five titles were secured through victories over Nigeria in the final.
The inaugural triumph occurred in 1984 at the very stadium where this clash unfolded, with a Roger Milla-led side staging a memorable comeback to win 3-1.
However, Nigeria claimed the upper hand in the most recent encounter, prevailing in the last 16 in Egypt five years ago.
Entering this match as favorites against Rigobert Song’s Cameroon, the current Super Eagles side showcased their prowess by smoothly progressing through the group stage unbeaten.
In contrast, Cameroon faced a more challenging path, needing a stoppage-time goal against Gambia to secure their advancement.
In a notable decision, Cameroon opted for Fabrice Ondoa of Nimes, a French third-tier side, over the recognizable name of Andre Onana from Manchester United, marking his second consecutive absence from the starting lineup.
Vincent Aboubakar, the team’s captain and primary goal threat, started on the substitutes’ bench, having missed the entire first round due to injury.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s coach, Jose Peseiro, strategically reintroduced key players William Troost-Ekong, Ademola Lookman, and Alex Iwobi.
The trio, rested in the previous match against Guinea-Bissau, returned to action.
Iwobi, particularly noteworthy for his winning goal in the 2019 encounter, added an element of experience to the Nigerian lineup.
Sports
Obi’s Inspiring Christmas Message Of Hope For Women’s Football
The Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Nkechi Obi, has delivered an inspiring Christmas message, celebrating the board’s achievements in 2024 while expressing hope and determination for the future of women’s football in Nigeria.
Reflecting on the milestones of the past year, Obi extended heartfelt gratitude to players, coaches, fans, and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication to the league’s growth and success.
The experienced sports administrator described 2024 as a year of breaking barriers, strengthening structures, and laying the groundwork for even greater accomplishments.
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“As we celebrate Christmas and reflect on another remarkable year, I want to express my profound gratitude to everyone who has been part of the NWFL’s journey,” Obi said.
“To our players, your passion, talent, and resilience are the heart of this league, inspiring us to aim higher. To the coaches, officials, sponsors, and supporters, your commitment to advancing women’s football in Nigeria has been invaluable.”
Obi emphasized the values of love, unity, and hope that Christmas embodies, drawing parallels to the collaborative spirit driving the league forward. She encouraged stakeholders to celebrate the progress made and remain optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“The 2024/2025 season promises to be one of growth, excitement, and greater inclusivity,” she added.
“Together, we will continue to push boundaries and ensure women’s football reaches its full potential in Nigeria. I wish you all a joyful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May the season bring peace, love, and renewed inspiration for us all.”
Her message not only celebrates the successes of the past year but also sets a tone of optimism and collaboration for 2025, reaffirming the NWFL board’s commitment to excellence and progress.
Sports
Australian Tennis Champion, Max Purcell Faces Doping Suspension
Australian doubles champion, Max Purcell has been provisionally suspended after admitting to a violation of anti-doping regulations, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) announced on Monday.
The 26-year-old, ranked 12th in the world for doubles, confessed to using a “prohibited method” and voluntarily entered a provisional suspension beginning December 10.
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The ITIA confirmed the suspension took full effect on December 12, stating, “Time served under provisional suspension will be credited against any future sanction.”
As a result of the suspension, the 26-year-old is banned from competing in, coaching at, or attending any tennis events sanctioned by the sport’s governing bodies.
This suspension rules him out of January’s Australian Open, where he was expected to be a strong contender.
Purcell’s career highlights include winning the 2022 Wimbledon doubles title with fellow Australian Matt Ebden and this year’s US Open doubles crown alongside Jordan Thompson.
In a statement, Tennis Australia clarified that the violation concerned a prohibited method rather than a banned substance.
“The International Tennis Integrity Agency confirmed the breach relates to the use of a prohibited method, rather than the presence of a prohibited substance.
“As the matter is currently under investigation, it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” it said.
The ITIA did not provide further details regarding the breach but noted that investigations are ongoing.
This case comes amid increased scrutiny over doping in tennis. Recent incidents include Polish world number two Iga Swiatek and Italian top-ranked player Jannik Sinner.
Swiatek received a one-month sanction earlier this year after testing positive for a banned heart medication, though the violation was deemed unintentional.
Meanwhile, Sinner was cleared after twice testing positive for traces of the steroid clostebol, though the World Anti-Doping Agency has appealed the decision.
Both Swiatek and Sinner are set to compete in the Australian Open, beginning January 12.
Sports
CAF Awards: GTI Congratulates NFF, Lookman, Others
Strategic partners to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), GTI Group has congratulated the football ruling body on the successful achievements of Nigerian footballers at the just concluded CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco where Super Eagles dare-devil striker Ademola Lookman was crowned the African Player of the Year.
Head of Media and Publicity, GTI, Andrew Ekejiuba, in a statement in Lagos, expressed great hope that the efforts of the NFF at restructuring and repositioning football development in the country has begun yielding the desired results.
Biztellers reports that CAF awards event also witnessed the back-to-back emergence of Super Falcons goaltender, Chiamaka Nnadozie as CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while the Super Falcons carted home the Women’s National Team of the Year award.
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Ekejiuba reiterated that the Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF is gradually returning the country to the glorious years when Nigeria dominated the award and was once ranked 5th best soccer-playing nation by the world football ruling body FIFA.
“The achievements of our Nigerian players at the just concluded CAF Award is a testament to the abundance of talents in the country and the clear vision of Alh Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF board to ensure that these players realise their ambition to become the best in the continent and beyond.
“Therefore, GTI congratulates the Awardees for bringing honour to Nigeria,” he said.
“As strategic partners to the Nigeria Premier Football League, GTI’s relentless effort with the NPFL Board has helped to lay a solid foundation for a prosperous elite league that will eventually attract the best legs locally and internationally. Also, by focusing on transparency, infrastructural development and security, GTI and NPFL are creating a sustainable environment where football can thrive”.