Monday 30 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 11 results, scorers

*Akwa United 1 Lobi Stars 0
Orok Akarandut (51st min)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Dakkada Int    1
Femi Ajayi-Dakkada (42nd min)
Fuad Ekelojuoti -Sunshine (90+ min)

*Katsina United 3 Jigawa Stars 2
Tasiu Lawal-Katsina (15th, 70th min)
Lukman Muhammed-Katsina (27th min)
Mannir Ubale-Jigawa (21st min)
Ali Maro Kalla-Jigawa (40th min)

*FC Ifeanyiubah 1 Heartland 0
Samuel Kalu (21st min)

*Abia Warriors 3 Plateau United 0
Emmanuel Ugwuka (28th min)
Guy Keumian (82th min)
Bello Lukman (87th min)

*Warri Wolves 2 Kwara United 1
Sunday Williams-Wolves (38th min)
Efe Yarhere-Wolves (52nd min)
Alao Danbani-Kwara (58th min)

*Adamawa Utd 0 Rivers United 2
Junior Osaghae (22nd min)
Malachi Ohawume (86th min)

*MFM FC, Lagos   vs Nasarawa United (pp)

*Enyimba               vs Wikki Tourists (pp)

*Enugu Rangers    vs Kano Pillars (pp)

Friday 27 December 2019

Fury, Wilder rematch holds Feb 22 in Las Vegas

WORLD Boxing Council (WBC) world heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder's rematch with Tyson Fury will take place in Las Vegas on February 22, 2020,
both fighters have confirmed.

Briton Fury, 31, drew with undefeated American Wilder, 34, in December 2018.
Wilder, whose WBC belt will be on the line when they meet at the MGM Grand, tweeted "there will be no more unanswered questions" and "I will finish what I started".


Fury told fans on Instagram to "watch me knock out Deontay Wilder".
Wilder said as long ago as June that an agreement had been signed for a rematch, but that it would take place after his fight with Cuba's Luis Ortiz, who he went on to defeat at the MGM Grand in November.


Fury survived two knockdowns by the American to earn a draw when they last met, in Los Angeles.


The Briton defeated Germany's Tom Schwarz in June, but suffered a cut eye in beating Sweden's Otto Wallin in September, which led to concerns a rematch with Wilder could be delayed.


Fury has said he would "love" to take up an offer to spar before the fight with fellow Briton Anthony Joshua, who holds the other three world heavyweight belts - the IBF, WBO and WBA titles.


Joshua made the offer because he felt Fury would be more likely than Wilder to agree to meet him for a unification bout if he won the WBC belt.


No fighter has ever held all four major world titles in the heavyweight division.

Caption:

Wilder (right) lands a punch on Fury, during their first meeting in December 2018.


Tuesday 24 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 11 fixtures

Sunday, December 29

Enugu Rangers    vs Kano Pillars  
FC Ifeanyi Ubah  vs Heartland   
Abia Warriors      vs Plateau United  
Warri Wolves      vs Kwara United   
Katsina United    vs Jigawa Golden Stars  
Enyimba                 vs Wikki Tourists  
Sunshine Stars    vs Dakkada Int'l  
Akwa United        vs Lobi Stars    
Adamawa United vs Rivers United  
MFM FC, Lagos    vs Nasarawa United


2019/20 NPFL Match Day 10 results, scorers

*Jigawa Stars 1 Enyimba 1
 Victor Mbaoma-Enyimba (6th minute)
Manir Ubale-Jigawa (42nd minute)

*Kano Pillars 1 FC IfeanyiUbah 0
Mustapha Musa (89th minute)

*Kwara United 1 Enugu Rangers 0
Christopher Nwanze (50 seconds)

*Plateau United 1 Warri Wolves 0
Uche Onwuasoanya (90th minute)

*Wikki Tourists 1 Abia Warriors 1
Jimoh Oni-Abia (30th minute)
Hassan Musa -Wikki (65th minute)

*Dakkada Intl 0 Akwa United 1
Orok Akarandut (17th minute)

*Rivers United 2 Sunshine Stars 1
Timileyin Ogunninyi -Sunshine (1st half)
Peter Ubakanma-Rivers (1st half)
Konan N’Gouan-Rivers (2nd half pen)

*MFM FC, Lagos 2 Adamawa United 0
Adeniji Adewole (1st half under 30 min)
Adeyinka Najeem (1st half under 30 min)

*Lobi Stars 1 Katsina United 0

*Nasarawa United 1 Heartland 0

2019/20 EPL MATCH DAY 16 FIXTURES

Thursday, December 26

Tottenham vs Brighton 1:30pm
Bournemouth vs Arsenal 4:00pm
Sheff United vs Watford 4:00pm
Aston Villa    vs Norwich  4:00pm
Everton         vs Burnley  4:00pm
Leicester City vs Liverpool 9:00pm
Chelsea          vs Southampton 4:00pm
C/Palace        vs Wesh Ham Utd 4:00pm
Man United      vs Newcastle    6:30pm
Friday, Dec. 27
Wolves vs Man City 8:45pm

Friday 20 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 10 fixtures

Saturday, Dec. 21
Jigawa Stars vs Enyimba
Sunday, Dec. 22
Kano Pillars vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Kwara United vs Enugu Rangers
Plateau United vs Warri Wolves
Wikki Tourists vs Abia Warriors
Lobi Stars         vs Katsina United
Dakkada Intl    vs Akwa United
Rivers United   vs Sunshine Stars
MFM FC, Lagos vs Adamawa United
Nasarawa United vs Heartland

Wednesday 18 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 9 results, scorers

*Heartland 1 Kano Pillars 1
Ugochukwu Leonard-Heartland (48th minute)
Nyima Nwagua-Kano Pillars (85th minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Kwara United 0

Chigozie Chilekwu (77th minute)

*Enugu Rangers 0 Plateau United 0

*Warri Wolves 1 Wikki Tourists 0
Victory Omodiagbe (6th minute)

*Abia Warriors 2 Jigawa Stars 1
Emmanuel Ugwuka (first half)
Jimoh Oni (first half)
Abdullahi Lala-Jigawa (49th minute)

*Enyimba 1 Lobi Stars 1
Samad Kadiri -Lobi Stars (77th minute)
Victor Mbaoma - Enyimba (78th minute)

*Katsina United 0 Dakkada Int. 0

*Akwa United 2 Rivers United 1
Akarandut Orok-Akwa Utd (10th minute)
Ngouan Konan-Rivers Utd (34th minute)
Samson Gbadebo-Akwa Utd (90+)

*Adamawa United 2 Nasarawa United 1

Idris Abubakar -Adamawa (40th minute)
Abubakar Lawal-Nasarawa (53rd minute)
Idris Abubakar-Adamawa (62nd minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 MFM FC 1


Israel Abia -Sunshine (58th minute)
Nojeem Adeyinka-MFM (90th minute)

Tuesday 17 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 9 fixtures

Wednesday, Dec. 18

FC IfeanyiUbah vs Kwara United
Heartland            vs Kano Pillars
Warri Wolves      vs Wikki Tourists
Enugu Rangers    vs Plateau United
Enyimba               vs Lobi Stars
Abia Warriors      vs Jigawa Stars
Akwa United        vs Rivers United
Katsina United     vs Dakkada Int.
Sunshine Stars     vs MFM FC, Lagos
Adamawa United vs Nasarawa United

Monday 16 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 8 results, scorers

*Dakkada Int. 2 Enyimba 1
Uribe Arit-Dakkada (75th minute)
Victor Mbaoma-Enyimba (85th minute)
Uribe Arit         -Dakkada ((90+ min)

*Kwara United 0 Heartland 1
Christian Pyagbara (60th minute)

*Plateau United 5 FC IfeanyiUbah 1
Abba Umar
Silas Nenrot
Mustapha Ibrahim
Bernard Ovoke
Tosin Omoyele
Ekene Awazie (IfeanyiUbah)

*Jigawa Stars 2 Warri Wolves 1
Kalla Ali Maro-Jigawa
Innocent Kingsley-Jigawa
Charles Upele-Wolves.

*Lobi Stars 1 Abia Warriors 0
Sikiru Alimi (second half)

*Rivers United 2 Katsina United 0
Michael Stephen
Ishaq Rafiu

*Adamawa United 0 Sunshine Stars 3
Israel Abia
Timi Ogunniyi
Sadiq Yusuf

*MFM FC, Lagos 3 Akwa United 0
Clement Ogwu (first half)
Alade Balogun (second half brace)

*Wikki Tourists 1 Enugu Rangers 1
Emmanuel Nwokeji - Rangers (39th minute)
Idris Mohammed Guda-Wikki (53rd minute)



Wednesday 11 December 2019

Adegbola wins 2019 OATC Club Championship


IBRAHIM Adegbola on Sunday won the Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club 2019 (OATC) Intra Club Tennis Championship.
The number three seed justified his rating when he defeated Yemi Asaleye 6-3, 6-1 in an exciting final played at the Grand Slam Arena court of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.


In a display of the spirit of sportsmanship, Asaleye, after the game presented a solar lamp made by Ashdam Ltd to his conqueror as gift.


The final was graced by the Chairman of the Oyo State Tennis Association, Alhaji Rasheed Oloyede, a former international player, among others.


To qualify for the final, Asaleye defeated Badmus Tolulope 6-4, 6-1 while Adegbola defeated number four seed Olatunde Oladimeji 6-0, 6-2.


Speaking with www.harmonysport.blogspot.com, Asaleye commended the executive council of OATC for organising the tournament, adding that efforts be intensified to ensure regular competitions for members of the Club.
Adegbola in his post-game remarks said "there is no victor, no vanquished" as he noted that the competition provided a forum for every member of the Club to compete in a relaxed atmosphere.
He stated that regular competitions would always attract members to the Club Arena.


Meanwhile, in the quarter-finals, Olatunde Oladimeji defeated Dolapo Bodunde 6-0, 2-1 retired, as Adegbola pipped Afolabi Ali 7-5, 6-0, Badmus Tolulope pipped Ken Obinna Odigwe 6-4, retired while Asaleye walked over Busari Tajudeen.


Captions:

Photo 1: Winner of the competition, Ibrahim Adegbola (left) and Yemi Asaleye, during the final on Sunday at the OATC Grand Slam Arena.

Photo 2: Finalist Yemi Asaleye (left), match umpire Dolapo Bodunde and the winner Ibrahim Adegbola, pose before the final at the OATC Grand Slam Arena.







Monday 9 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 7 results, scorers

*Abia Warriors 1Akwa Starlets 1
Jimoh Oni-Abia (50th minute)
Eso Archibong-Akwa (58th minute)

*Heartland 1 Plateau United 0
Chibundu Amah (73rd minute)

*Akwa United 4 Adamawa United 0
Ndifreke Effiong-6th, 14th 69th minute
Paul Obata 25th minute

*Kano Pillars 6 Delta Force 1
David Ebuka-Pillars 3rd minute
Abdullahi Musa-Pillars 20th minute
Auwalu Ali-Pillars 50th minute
Rabiu Ali-Pillars 61th minute
Chijioke Alaekwe-Pillars 77th, 87th minute
Bala Yahuza-Delta Force 58th minute

*Katsina United 1 MFM FC, Lagos 0
Tasiu Lawal 8th minute

*Sunshine Stars 4 Nasarawa United 2
Israel Abia-Sunshine (45th, 48th, 79th minute)
Chidi Solomon-Sunshine (second half)
Mohammed Manga Own goal (40th minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 2 Wikki Tourists 0
Tochukwu Anueyiagu-49th minute
Ikenna Cooper-85th minute

*Enugu Rangers vs Jigawa Stars (pp)
*Enyimba          vs Rivers United (pp)

Friday 6 December 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 7 fixtures

Sunday, December 8

IfeanyiUbah vs Wikki Tourists
Heartland     vs Plateau United
Kano Pillars  vs Delta Force
Abia Warriors vs Akwa Starlets
Warri Wolves  vs Lobi Stars
Sunshine Stars vs Nasarawa United
Katsina United vs MFM FC, Lagos
Akwa United    vs Adamawa United
Enugu Rangers vs Jigawa Stars (pp)
Enyimba            vs Rivers United (pp)

2019 Rainoil Tennis Open: Idoko, Imeh, Quadre, Agugbom land in semis

The dream of Thomas Otu to win the men's singles title at the ongoing Rainoil Tennis Open ended on Friday at the Lagos Country Club, Ikeja, as he lost to number eight seed, Emmanuel Idoko in the quarter-finals.
 

Otu, number four seed was a no match for the more experienced, Idoko, who tore him
apart  in two straight sets 6/1, 6/2.


Otu will now face defending champion and number two seed, Joseph Imeh, who triumphed over Timibra Godgift 6/2, 6/4 in another quarter-final fixture.


Number nine seed, Ajang Sylvanus title dream was also brought to an end as he lost to 15 seed Michael Chima 6/3, 6/4.


Chima's next opponent for a place in Sunday's final is number one seed, Sylvester
Emmanuel, who spanked wildcard entrant Peter Lawal 6/2, 6/0.


In the women's singles, top seed, Oyinlomo Quadre produced a flawless performance to beat fifth seed Patience Onebamhoin.


Quadre, who had beaten Onebamhoin 6-0, 6-0 at the Dala Championship two weeks ago, replicated same performance to land in the semi-final.


The 16-year-old will try to remain on course for a third national title this year, when she faces defending champion, Blessing Samuel in the semis today.


Samuel, seeded number three outclassed Ibironke Oladipo 6-0, 6-3. Having cruised
through the opening set, Samuel jumped to a 3-0 lead in the second set, but Oladipo rallied to 3-3, by forcing a break in the sixth game. The defending champion, Samuel, however, broke back immediately, before securing a decisive break in the ninth game to seal victory.


Second seed, Aanu Aiyegbusi eased past Stella Udokwelu 6-2, 6-1. Udokwelu escaped
a bagel in the second set by breaking in the third game for 1-2. Aiyegbusi later won
the next four games to close out the one-sided contest.


Aiyegbusi, who turned 26 a week ago, will on Saturday face 37-year-old Christie Agugbom for a
place in the women’s singles final.


Agugbom, a runner-up last year, defeated Omolayo Bamidele 6-0, 4-6, 6-2. Bamidele
had done well to bounce back and force a final set after being bagelled in the first set.
But her level dropped in the decider, as Agugbom powered to reach the last four.


The finals of the competition hold on Sunday, December 8 at the Lagos Country Club,
Ikeja, Lagos.
................
Caption:

Tournament's number one seed, Sylvester Emmanuel, can he stop hard-fighting Michael Chima in the semis on Saturday?
...............

Rainoil Tennis Open: Imeh, Oyinlomo Quadre advance

Men's singles defending champion, Joseph Imeh and Nigeria's number one player, Sylvester Emmanuel continued with their impressive runs at the ongoing Rainoil Tennis Open, recording victories in their respective games to land in the quarter-finals.
Playing in the third round fixture against his doubles partner, Christian Paul, who is seeded 13, Imeh had to dig in deep to win at 7/6 (3), 5/1(rtd) to move closer to the title race. It was a tight first set, however, Paul’s level tailed off in the second set as he retired due to an injury.
Imeh's opponent in the quarter-final will be Godsgift Timibra, who advanced at the expense of Clifford Enosoregbe. Enosoregbe had carved out an early break against Timibra in the third game of the first set at 1-2.
However, while serving in the fourth game, the former national champion double faulted for 40-40 and reacted quite angrily, hitting the ball to the other side of the court where it met Timibra.
It was a different ball game for Emmanuel as had an easy game playing against Paul Emmanuel who he outplayed in two straight sets of 6/3, 6/2, to keep his hope of adding the Rainoil Tennis Open crown to the CBN title he won in June.
Also through to the quarter-finals are Chima Michael and Thomas Out. Chima rallied
sensationally from a set down to knock out third seed, Uche Oparaoji, 3-6, 6-0, 6-4, while 4th seed, Otu outclassed Joseph Iyorovbe 6-0, 6-2 to remain in the title chase.
In the ladies' singles, tournament's number one seed, Oyinlomo Quadre produced a near-perfect performance to beat Loveth Donatus as she moved into the quarter-finals.
Bidding for her third straight national title, the 16-year-old who is also reigning CBN Senior Open champion, Quadre, dropped just a game in a comprehensive 6-0, 6-1 victory over Donatus.
Quadre faces fifth seed, Patience Onebamhoin, who advanced following a 6-1, 3-1 (rtd) win over Bukola Olowu, who retired due to injury midway through the second set.
Fourth seed, Christie Agugbom defeated youngster, Oiza Yakubu, 6-4, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals.
The contest – a repeat of their quarter-final encounter here last year, which Agugbom won – began with Yakubu breaking in the opening game of the first set, but Agugbom broke back immediately for 1-1. Both players would again trade breaks, before staying on serve until the 10th game, where Agugbom broke to take the set.
Also 2nd seed Aanu Aiyegbusi kept up her fine form as she eased past Toyin Asogba 6-3, 6-0 to also join the quarter-final train, while Ibironke Oladipo made light work of Amala Nwokolo, winning 6-1, 6-0.


Caption: Tournament's number one, Oyinlomo Quadre.



 

Monday 2 December 2019

2019 OATC Intra Club Championship: Asaleye, 7 others land in q/finals

One of the OATC top seeds, Yemi Asaleye at the weekend survived a scare from Princewill Solomon before he cruised into the quarter-final of the 2019 Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club 2019 (OATC) Intra Club Tennis Championship.

Asaleye on the opening day of the competition [November 30] lost the first set 2-6 before he rallied to a 7-6 victory in the second set decided at the centre court of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan. 


Asaleye having recovered fully from the initial shock proved his tactical supremacy over 'Fresh Prince' as he won the final set 6-1.


In the second game of the day, Dolapo Bodunde subdued hard-fighting Hadjh Ganiyu Salman to advance in the competition tagged 'End of the Year Tournament'.

 From left, Hadjh Salman; match umpire Olatunde Oladimeji and Dolapo Bodunde '4G', before their round of 16 game on Sunday.
 From left, Chris Obinna; match umpire Yemi Asaleye and Roger Ogbewe 'Officer', before their round of 16 game.
 From left, Hadjh Femi Yusuf; match umpire Barr. Leye Adepoju and Oladimeji Olatunde, before their round of 16 game.
From left, Yemi Asaleye; match umpire Barr. Leye Adepoju and Princewill Solomon, before their round of 16 game.

Dolapo '4G' won the first set 6-2 while Hadjh Salman fought back also to a 6-2 victory in the second set.
Having lost the first game in the final set, 4G rallied back to 2-1 lead before Hadjh Salman made it 2-2. 4G took off from there to eventually end the game 6-2 to book a  showdown with number four seed Otunba Oladimeji Olatunde in the quarter-final.


On Sunday, Ken Obinna Odigwe made mincemeat of his 'comrade in socials' Roger Ogbewe a.k.a. Officer with a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline in a match dubbed the clash of '33' and Goldberg, while Oladimeji Olatunde in the second game of the day triumphed over Alh. Femi Yusuf 6-0, 6-2.

Alhaji Tajudeen Busari on Monday defeated Mazi Collins Okofu 6-2, 6-1 in another Round of 16 game.

Ibrahim Afolabi survived a scare from Tunde Olajuwon 'Tunde Star' in another round of 16 clash which was played over two days. Tunde Star on Monday had won the first set 7-6 before the game was stopped due to poor visibility.

Afolabi however, on Tuesday won the second set also by tie break 7-6 and the final set 6-2 to land in the quarter-final of the competition.

Number three seed, Ibrahim Adegbola triumphed over Tokunbo Lashebikan 6-3, 6-4, while Badmus Tolulope recorded a 6-0, 6-2 victory over Dayo Egbemode to round off the round of 16 matches.
The quarter-final matches begin today also at the centre court. 
 
.................................
Caption: From left, Hadjh Tajudeen Busari; match umpire Ken Obinna Odigwe and Collins Okofu, before their round of 16 game.


From left, Ibrahim Adegbola; match umpire Collins Okofu and Tokunbo Lasebikan, before their round of 16 game.

QUARTER-FINAL PAIRINGS:

1. Ibrahim Adegbola vs Afolabi Ibrahim

2. Bodunde Dolapo '4G' vs Olatunde Oladiimeji

3. Badmus Tolulope vs Ken Obinna Odigwe

4. Alh. Taju Busari vs Adeyemi Asaleye


SEMI-FINALS:

Winner match 1 vs Winner match 2
Winner match 3 vs Winner match 4





2019/20 NPFL Match Day 6 results, scorers

*Nasarawa United 0 Delta Force 1
Solomon Enudi (34th minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Akwa United 0
Silas Nwankwo (60th minute)

*Akwa Starlets  1 Warri Wolves 0
Isaac George (75th minute)

*Wikki Tourists 1 Heartland 0

*Plateau United 0 Kano Pillars 0

*Rivers United  0 Abia Warriors 0

*Adamawa United 4 Katsina United 0

*Jigawa Stars     vs FC IfeanyiUbah

*MFM FC, Lagos    vs Enyimba (pp)

*Lobi Stars              vs Enugu Rangers (pp)

........................

Friday 29 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 6 fixtures

Sunday, December 1

Wikki Tourists vs Heartland
Plateau United vs Kano Pillars
Jigawa Stars     vs FC IfeanyiUbah
Rivers United  vs Abia Warriors
Akwa Starlets  vs Warri Wolves
Adamawa United vs Katsina United
Nasarawa United vs Kwara United
Sunshine Stars      vs Akwa United
MFM FC, Lagos    vs Enyimba
Lobi Stars              vs Enugu Rangers (pp)

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 5 results, scorers

*Delta Force 1 Plateau United 3
Kazie Enyinnaya-Delta (38th minute)
Uche Onwuasoanya-Plateau
Michael Ibeh-Plateau
Ibrahim Mustapha-Plateau

*FC IfeanyiUbah 0 Lobi Stars 0

*Enyimba 2 Adamawa United 0
Victor Mbaoma (brace)

*Enugu Rangers 0 Akwa Starlets 2
Femi Ajayi (18th minute)
Isaac George (44th minute)

*Warri Wolves 0 Rivers United 1
Stephen Gopey (37th minute)

*Kano Pillars 0 Wikki Tourists 0

*Akwa United 1 Nasarawa United 1
Ndifreke Effiong-Akwa United (45th minute)
Abubakar Lawal-Nasarawa      (54th minute)

*Heartland 1 Jigawa Stars 0
Ugochukwu Leonard (48th minute)

*Abia Warriors 1 MFM FC 0

*Katsina United 2 Sunshine Stars 0
.

Friday 22 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 5 fixtures

Sunday, November 24

Delta Force vs Plateau United
Kano Pillars vs Wikki Tourists
Heartland vs Jigawa Stars
IfeanyiUbah vs Lobi Stars
Enugu Rangers vs Akwa Starlets
Warri Wolves vs Rivers United
Abia Warriors vs MFM FC, Lagos
Enyimba vs Adamawa United
Katsina United vs Sunshine Stars
Akwa United vs Nasarawa United

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 4 results, scorers

*Wikki Tourists 3 Delta Force 1
Daniel Jackson (20th minute)
Promise Damala (35th minute)
Daniel Jackson (65th minute)
Ijioma Maxwell-Delta (89th minute)

*Jigawa Golden Stars 1 Kano Pillars 0
Yusuf Muhammad (7th minute)

*Lobi Stars 3 Heartland 0
Abdulwasiu Mahmud (1st half)
Sikiru Aluminium (1st half)
John Lazarus (1st half)

*Akwa Starlets 1 FC IfeanyiUbah 0   

*MFM FC, Lagos 1 -Warri Wolves 1
Moses Omoduemuke-Wolves (57th minute)
Adeniji Kabir Adewole-MFM (90+ minute)
   
*Rivers United 2 Enugu Rangers 1
Bamba Bakary-Rivers Utd ( 30th minute)
Ibrahim Olawoyin-Rangers (54th minute)
Malachi Ohawume-Rivers Utd (75th minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Enyimba 0
Anthony Omaka (10th minute)   

*Nasarawa United 1Plateau United 1
Anas Yusuf
Mustapha Ibrahim

*Adamawa United 1 Abia Warriors 1

*Akwa United 0 Katsina United 0

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 4 fixtures

Wed/Thursday, November 20/21

Wikki Tourists vs Delta Force  
Jigawa Golden Stars vs Kano Pillars
Lobi Stars vs Heartland   
Akwa Starlets vs FC Ifeanyi Ubah  
MFM FC, Lagos vs Warri Wolves   
Rivers United vs Enugu Rangers
Sunshine Stars vs Enyimba  
Adamawa United vs Abia Warriors  
Akwa United vs Katsina United  
Nasarawa United vs Plateau United 


Monday 18 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 3 results, scorers

*Warri Wolves 2 Adamawa United 0
Efe Yarhere (70th minute)
Sunday Williams (80th minute)

*Plateau United 2 Wikki Tourists 1
Daniel Jackson-Wikki (12th minute)
Mustapha Ibrahim -Plateau (33rd minute)
Abba Umar-Plateau (55th minute)

*Katsina United 1 Nasarawa United 0
Tasiu Lawal (64th minute)

*Kano Pillars 0 Lobi Stars 0
Douglas Achiv (62nd minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Rivers United 0
Chigozie Chilekwu (7th minute)

*Enugu Rangers 0 MFM FC, Lagos 1
Chuks Kenedinum (45th minute)

*Enyimba 3 Akwa United 1
Austin Oladapo-Enyimba (13th minute)
Stanley Dimgba-Enyimba (30th minute)
Samson Obi-Enyimba (33rd minute)
Mfon Udoh-Akwa Utd (39th minute)

*Heartland 1 Akwa Starlets 1
Femi Ajayi-Akwa (39th minute)
Samuel Nnoshiri-Hearland (63rd minute)

*Abia Warriors 1 Sunshine Stars 1
Fuad Ekelojuoti-Sunshine (19th minute)
Philip Auta-Abia (32nd minute)

*Delta Force 4 Jigawa Stars 1
Williams Nmesitionye-Delta (9th minute)
Mubarak Abdulsallam-Delta (37th minute)
Isaac Oduro-Delta (49th minute)
Otukhe Egbo-Delta (59th minute)
Ali Musa-Jigawa Stars (62nd minute)



Friday 15 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 3 fixtures

Sunday, November 17

Delta Force vs Jigawa Stars
Plateau United vs Wikki Tourists
Heartland vs Akwa Starlets
Kano Pillars vs Lobi Stars
IfeanyiUbah vs Rivers United
Enugu Rangers vs MFM FC, Lagos
Abia Warriors vs Sunshine Stars
Warri Wolves vs Adamawa United
Enyimba vs Akwa United
Katsina United vs Nasarawa United

Tuesday 12 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 2 results, scorers

* Jigawa Stars 0 Plateau United 1
Nenrot Silas (34th minute)

*MFM FC Lagos 1 IfeanyiUbah 1
Christian Nnaji-IfUbah (6th minute)
Adeniji Kabir-MFM (37th minute)

*Wikki Tourists 1 Nasarawa United 0
Sixtus Forsah (80th minute)

*Lobi Stars 4 Delta Force 0
Samuel Tiza (30th minute)
Sikiru Alimi (66th minute)
Abdulkareem Mumini (74th minute)
Douglas Achiv (81st minute)

*Katsina United 1 Enyimba 1
Tasiu Lawal-Katsina (3rd minute)
Martins Usule-Enyimba (43rd minute)

*Rivers United 1 Heartland 1
Christian Pyagbara-Heartland (15th minute)
Bakary Bamba-Rivers Utd (89th minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Warri Wolves 1
Charles Upele-Wolves (30th minute)
Israel Abia-Sunshine (36th minute)

*Adamawa United 1 Enugu Rangers 1
Dauda Madaki-Rangers (54th minute)
Sadiq Lawan-Adamawa (74th minute)

Akwa Starlets vs Kano Pillars (pp)
Akwa United   vs Abia Warriors (pp)

Monday 11 November 2019

Nigeria's Marylove wins Abuja J5 ITFgirl's title

Top seed, Marylove Edwards, overcame Blanche Minet of Ivory Coast 7-5, 3-6, 6-1 to win the girl’s title while Canice Abuse edged Musa Mohammed 7-6, 6-3 in an all-Nigeria affair to claim the boy’s title as the first leg of the NTF International Junior Championships was concluded over the weekend in Abuja.

Edwards, who was competing in her first ITF Junior title, triumphed after over two hours to claim her maiden ITF Junior title. And it was the same for Abua as he puts up a resolute display to beat his fellow Nigerian Mohammed.


Edwards and Abua thus became the third and fourth Nigerians to win an ITF junior title this year after Oyinlomo Quadre (Megrine, Tunisia, in April,and Cotonou in September) and Abayomi Philips (Accra, Ghana, in August).


NTF president Ifedayo Akindoju expressed delight over the performance of Nigerians with the country stretching it’s ITF Circuit triumph this year.


He however, pointed out there’s room for improvements.


Minet, though, drew first blood, breaking Edwards’ opening service game for 1-0. Momentum shifts would characterize the first set, with Edwards leading 3-2 and Minet finding an edge later on to break for 5-4. 


The Ivorian, however, couldn’t serve the set out, leaving Edwards to break right back and then, take the next two games to close out the set.


The top seed however lost her way in the second set, as Minet opened a 5-2 lead
before going on to secure the set.


The decisive final set had the US-based Edwards, who had a day earlier paired Minet
to claim the doubles title, raised her game to eventually prevailed.


For the boys crown, Abua wrapped up a superb week in which he didn’t drop a set, with a straight set victory over Mohammed.


Caption: Marylove Edwards.



Thursday 7 November 2019

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 2 fixtures

Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019

Lobi Stars vs Delta Force
Jigawa Stars vs Plateau United
Rivers United vs Heartland
Akwa Starlets vs Kano Pillars
Adamawa United vs Enugu Rangers
MFM FC, Lagos  vs IfeanyiUbah
Akwa United      vs Abia Warriors
Sunshine Stars   vs Warri Wolves
Nasarawa United vs Wikki Tourists
Katsina United     vs Enyimba

2019/20 NPFL Match Day 1 results, scorers

*Heartland 0 MFM FC, Lagos 1
Clement Ogwu 39th minute

*Plateau United 3 Lobi Stars 1
Nerot Silas-Plateau (12th minute)
Solomon Kwambe-Lobi (Own goal, 27th minute)
Sikiru Alimi-Lobi (32nd minute)
Amos Gyang-Plateau United (67th minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Adamawa United 0
Samuel Kalu (41st minute)

*Warri Wolves 1 Akwa United 1
Samuel Amadi-Wolves (2nd minute)
Mfon Udoh-Akwa (28th minute)

*Abia Warriors 2 Katsina United 0
Jimoh Oni (8th, 47th minute)

*Wikki Tourists 2 Jigawa Stars 1
Lala Abdullahi-Jigawa (15th minute)
Saidu Abubakar-Wikki (47th minute)
Idris Guda-Wikki (61st minute)

*Kano Pillars Rivers United 0

*Delta Force 1 Akwa Starlets 1
Bala Yahuza-Delta Force (78th minute)
Isaac George-Rivers Utd (50th minute)

*Enugu Rangers 1 Sunshine Stars 0
 

*Enyimba            3 Nasarawa Utd 1
Austin Oladapo-Enyimba (2 goals)



2019/20 NPFL Match Day 1 fixtures

Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019

Abia Warriors    vs Katsina United
Warri Wolves     vs Akwa United
Heartland            vs MFM FC, Lagos
FC IfeanyiUbah  vs Adamawa Utd
Enugu Rangers vs Sunshine Stars
Enyimba            vs Nasarawa Utd
Delta Force       vs Akwa Starlets
Kano Pillars      vs Rivers United
Plateau United vs Lobi Stars
Wikki Tourists  vs Jigawa Stars

Monday 7 October 2019

Lagos Open: Nigerian youngster Jebutu shines

Nigerian youngster, Emmanuel Jebutu, was the talk of the town following a 6-1,6-0 crushing of Bhanu Suthar of India as the qualifying round of the Lagos Open served off on Monday, at the Lagos Lawn Tennis, Onikan, Lagos.

Making his debut at a senior international tournament, Jebutu was at his best form brushing side the Asian in less than an hour.
“I did not believe I could give somebody 6-1, 6-0  in a tournament of this magnitude, even though it’s a qualifying match. To beat an Indian in my first ever match in the Lagos Open is something I’ll love to cherish.
I’ll now focus on the second round of the qualifiers and hope to go even better in the next phase.”
While Jebutu had a smooth sailing to the second round, it was not the best of performance from Sylvester Emmanuel, the Nigeria Tennis Federation top-ranked player wobbled through to the second round with a 6-3, 6-1 win over compatriot Godsgift Timibra.
The Port Harcourt-based Kodian Tennis Foundation player showed some promises with Emmanuel showing poor form as highlighted by the series of unforced errors.
The rustiness of the top Nigerian players was reflected in Thomas Otu's exit at the hands of Emmanuel Oche who won 5-7, 6-2, (14-12).
Other winners of the first round qualifiers are Amaud Sewanou of Benin,Darryl Hale of Great Britain, Alexey Dubinin of Russia, Mohammed Mohammed, Mathew Abamu both Nigeria,
The Women’s singles qualifiers were also played with Netherlands Emma van Popple, Sarah Adegoke, Aanu Aiuegbusi, Blessing Anuna, Serena Teluwo, Omolade Aderemi among those that progressed to the next round.
The second round matches hold on Tuesday, while the Main Draws (Singles and Doubles) also start on Tuesday.

Friday 23 August 2019

Anthony Joshua blasts Fury, Wilder

Anthony Joshua has called for Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder to fight better opponents, and claimed: "It shouldn’t be about anything else apart from the best fighting the best."

Joshua has previously explained how focusing on becoming undisputed heavyweight champion contributed to his shock defeat to Andy Ruiz Jr - a result he plans to avenge on December 7.
Joshua said on AJ: The Untold Truth: "I've taken on the world from my 16th fight, I've consistently done that. Then I'm fighting Ruiz Jr?


"Tyson Fury is fighting Otto Wallin but nobody talks about that. I fought Wallin as an amateur. [Wilder and Fury] are the cream of the crop and shouldn't be fighting those type of people.
"Look at the time frame of when I turned professional to when others did. And they don't want to fight me. It shouldn't be about anything else apart from the best fighting the best."


Joshua became world champion in his 16th fight after three years as a professional. Fury accomplished it in his 25th fight after seven years, whereas it took Wilder 33 fights and seven years.
He continued: "The guys who I'm supposed to fight are turning down the most lucrative offers in boxing.


"[Promoter Eddie Hearn] told me that when I win the belts: 'you will be in a position of power, nobody will dictate to you'.


"I give people the opportunity to fight in front of the biggest crowd, the biggest global audience, get the most publicity, earn the highest purse, and to become champion. They turn it down. Credit to Ruiz Jr."


Fury and Wilder drew a match-up last December with the WBC title at stake, and plan a rematch in February 2020 if they each win a fight in the meantime. Fury faces Wallin on September 14 and Wilder is expected to meet Luis Ortiz, who he has already beaten.


"I've got something to fight for now," Joshua said. "The guys I wanted to fight are tying themselves up for a year-and-a-half.


"They froze me out. Wilder has [agreed] his next fight with Ortiz, his next fight with Fury.
"We take on the best competitors in the division every time. We take challenges, and Ruiz Jr was the best of the crop that was available to me.


"Manuel Charr, Michael Hunter? How can I fight someone like Charr? I wanted the best, and Ruiz Jr was the best. If you want to win every fight, don't step into battle."


Joshua reiterated that his focus has renewed on regaining the IBF, WBA and WBO titles from Ruiz Jr.
"All eyes on Ruiz Jr. Nobody can talk to me about Wilder or Fury - that is irrelevant," he said.
"And nobody should talk to me about Wilder or Fury after I beat Ruiz Jr, because they have made it clear what they are doing. They have got the whole of 2020 booked up. Until they are free, nobody talk to me about Wilder or Fury."
...................................

Caption: Anthony Joshua, after his loss to Andy Ruiz, in June this year in New York.
 

I was unbeaten before Ruiz match in New York-------Anthony Joshua

I was never knocked out before Ruiz match-------Anthony Joshua

British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, has stated emphatically that he was not knocked out in


sparring before he suffered a defeat against Mexican's Andy Ruiz in New York.
Joshua in June this year suffered his first ever career defeat at the hands of Ruiz, which stunned many sports enthusiasts especially boxing buffs, as the former lost all his World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) titles on a night.
But during the build up for the boxing fight, Anthony Joshua was reported to have been hurt and the Englishman has rubbished the claims.
"Definitely not. I feel like people are more interested in their five minutes of fame. Even in sparring, everyone wants to be famous, rather than a good fighter.
"Silly stories about knocking me down and all that stuff. You can't even enjoy your training and work on things without someone trying to make up false allegations, and trying to get five minutes of fame.
"You bring someone into your training camp to do them a favour, you’re paying them, nothing like the knockdown rumour in that nature has happened, you beat them up in every round, then they go and do an interview,'' Joshua told Sky Sports.
Joshua is now preparing for a rematch with Andy Ruiz which is expected to take place in Saudi Arabia on December 7.
......................
REVEALED! Joshua agreed Pulev fight before Ruiz loss

ANTHONY Joshua had agreed to fight Kubrat Pulev at Wembley in November before his stunning first professional defeat at the hands of Andy Ruiz Jr, in New York in June this year.
It mean the Brit lost his world heavyweight belts but will look to get them back when
the rematch with Ruiz takes place in Saudi Arabia on December 7.
But it wasn’t meant to be like that for Joshua, it seems.
Joshua appeared to be on a collision course for a undisputed bout with Deontay Wilder before the defeat to Ruiz.
Pulev will fight the winner of the rematch having been named mandatory challenger by the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
It comes two years after Pulev was expected to face former champion Joshua in 2017 before pulling out due to injury.
And Pulev’s team has revealed that Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn had initially set up a fight against the Bulgarian for later this year.
“Eddie is running this heavyweight title like it’s his own private enterprise,” said Ivaylo Gotzev of Epic Sports.
“The bottom line is, Pulev originally fought an IBF eliminator over three years ago. He
was next in line with his IBF mandatory status."
....................................
Real story behind Ruiz victory------Joshua

ANTHONY Joshua has admitted it was a mistake to allow Andy Ruiz Jr to handle his world title belts before the Mexican beat him earlier this year.
Ruiz Jr stunned the boxing world when he knocked Joshua down four times on the way to a seventh round stoppage.
Prior to the bout in New York, Anthony Joshua allowed Ruiz Jr to playfully hold the World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation belts in a press conference.
But just two days later, Ruiz held the belts for real after getting up from the canvas to hand Joshua his first professional defeat.
And, with the rematch set for December 7 in Saudi Arabia, Joshua has admitted he shouldn’t have allowed Ruiz the chance to hold the belts before the fight.
"In hindsight, I would probably tell my fighter, as a psychological thing: 'don't give them away'," Joshua said on AJ: The Untold Truth.
"I always said previously that the belts didn't represent me. I was responsible, and a champion, before I had those belts.
"The belts can't dictate who I am, as a man. The belts can go but I still have a championship mind-set.
"Boxing means, to me, more than the belts. Boxing is about building a championship mindset."
Joshua and promoter Eddie Hearn have received criticism for taking the rematch to Saudi Arabia.
It’s been claimed that the bout will only take place in the country for financial reasons with Saudi Arabia previously hosting golf events and WWE.
But Hearn believes the rematch provides an opportunity to grow the sport of boxing.
"We had approaches from Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Qatar and Abu Dhabi," Hearn said.
"We wanted to go somewhere that believed in the sport of boxing, which had a vision.
“We already knew Saudi Arabia was for real and knew they were investing in the sport of boxing. That was very important for us.
"If Saudi Arabia is going to invest in these fights, with the population they have, with
the potential to grow the sport of boxing, you could be seeing a big change in the dynamics of the sport, which truly excites me.”
Hearn also dismissed the notion of Ruiz Jr vs Joshua 2 being sold to the highest bidder, insisting: “I can’t tell you that money had nothing to do with it but it was more
about the infrastructure and the fact they have done it before.
“We had to be very comfortable because we knew there would be criticism. And we
also looked at the bigger picture.
“If he wins this fight it opens up a whole new world for him and for boxing. It could change the sport forever.
“He’s always had the mindset of boxing all round the world. I expect him to box not just in Saudi Arabia but in Nigeria and in China.
“That’s an iconic global fighter, not just someone who boxes in Cardiff and Madison Square Garden.”
.....................
Why Ruiz may refuse Joshua rematch in Saudi

ANDY Ruiz Jr holds a “strong position” in his refusal to travel to Saudi Arabia for a world title rematch with Anthony Joshua.
That’s according to promoter Frank Warren, who believes the sequel is being held in the Middle East simply because of money.

Joshua and Ruiz fought back in June and the Mexican came out on top to shock the boxing world - winning AJ’s World Boxing Association (WBA), International Boxing Federation (IBF) and World Boxing Organisation (WBO) world titles in the process.
After months of back and forth over a rematch venue and date, it was announced last
week that Diriyah, a small town situated on the outskirts of Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, would host the mega-event on December 7.
Criticism of the event has been peddled by those questioning the morality of the fight
being staged in a country with questionable human rights laws.
And because of these doubts, Warren believes that Ruiz Jr holds a strong case for not
travelling to the Middle East, despite Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn’s belief that
‘The Destroyer’ could be stripped of his belts if he refuses to participate.
“Eddie has a point that he’s got a contract with him, but he’s got a real problem in saying he’ll be stripped of his titles,” he told talkSPORT.
“That’s not up to him at all, the titles belong to the governing bodies.
“The bottom line is, the US State Department advises its citizens not to go to Saudi Arabia for many reasons – the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, human rights issues, they’ve got a long paragraph on torture, cruel and inhumane treatment,
women’s rights and it talks about the risk of going to airports where terrorists may attack – that’s all on their official website
“His own government is telling him his life could be in danger.
“All this nonsense about having his titles taken away from him, that is nonsense.
“You can be sued for breach of contract, and he may have a point there, but it’s not an easy case, that’s for sure.
“He has a very, very strong position for not travelling.”
And when quizzed on why he thought Hearn was so insistent on staging the lucrative
rematch in Saudi Arabia, Warren had one answer.
“It’s because Eddie Hearn wants to broaden boxing’s appeal around the world,” he joked.
“No, of course it’s the money!
“Come on now, we all know what it’s all about. It’s purely about money, no more than
that.”
.........................


PHOTO 1: Joshua (left) on the defensive during the ill-fated clash with Ruiz Jr in New York, USA.
PHOTO 2: Joshua before the showdown with Ruiz leading to his first career defeat.

 

Tuesday 20 August 2019

Why Ruiz could be stripped of IBF belt

Reigning World Boxing Association, International Boxing Federation and World Boxing Organisation heavyweight champion, 
Andy Ruiz, Jr, could be stripped of one of his world titles if his rematch with Anthony Joshua goes ahead.
The Mexican-American boxer shocked the British heavyweight in June this year when he won with a seventh-round knockout.
The victory saw Ruiz take Joshua’s WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight titles at Madison Square Garden in New York.
An immediate rematch looks likely and promoter Eddie Hearn says it will be ‘finalised very soon’ for December 14 in the UK.
But World Boxing News reports that a spanner has been thrown into the works as Kubrat Pulev is the mandatory IBF challenger.
The Bulgarian is back from his ban for kissing a reporter after he completed a sexual harassment prevention course.
If the IBF call for that bout to happen, then it could either push the Joshua rematch, Ruiz could relinquish the belt or he could be stripped of it.
Bob Arum, founder and CEO of Top Rank, which co-promotes Pulev along with Epic Sports said: “We’ve been waiting patiently. The time is now.
“Andy Ruiz has an obligation to fight No1 mandatory IBF contender Kubrat Pulev.”
And Pulev himself added: “I was ready to face Anthony Joshua in November. Now I’m eager to challenge Andy Ruiz.
“I will fight Ruiz anywhere in the world. Let’s make it happen.”

 ........................
Caption: Ruiz deals with Anthony Joshua, during their heavyweight clash in June this year.


 

Monday 15 July 2019

Djokovic beats Federer in longest Wimbledon final

Novak Djokovic saved two championship points in Wimbledon's longest singles final to retain his title in a thrilling win over Roger Federer.

On a Centre Court, with an atmosphere that felt at times more akin to football than tennis, Djokovic won 7-6 (7-5) 1-6 7-6 (7-4) 4-6 13-12 (7-3).
As the clock ticked to four hours 57 minutes, Federer hit a ball high to hand the Serb victory.
The world number one has won 16 Grand Slams - and four of the last five.
"It's quite unreal," Djokovic said after winning his fifth Wimbledon title.
Federer, who at 37 was chasing a record-equalling ninth Wimbledon singles title, added: "It was a great match, it was long, it had everything. Novak, congratulations, man, that was crazy."
A highly anticipated final between two of the sport's greats always had the potential to go the distance - and this did that and more.
With fans unable to watch at times, while leaping to their feet and chanting at others, a nerve-jangling final set turned this into a classic.
When Federer had two championship points at 8-7, Djokovic held his nerve to save both and then break back, eventually taking it to the new tie-break at 12-12.
The Serb - who for extended periods of the match had been second best - had won the match's previous two tie-breaks and he did so again, snatching victory when Federer scooped a return high.
The Swiss had been seeking to become the oldest Grand Slam champion of the Open era but instead found himself part of a different record as the match time surpassed Wimbledon's longest final - the four hours 48 minutes of play in 2008 as he lost to Rafael Nadal.
"Like similar to '08 maybe, I will look back at it and think, 'well, it's not that bad after all'. For now it hurts, and it should, like every loss does here at Wimbledon," Federer said.
"Epic ending, so close, so many moments. Yeah, I mean, sure there's similarities [between this and 2008]. I'm the loser both times, so that's the only similarity I see."
The incredible fifth set lasted more than two hours - you could have fitted in two of Saturday's women's singles finals in the time of that set alone.
Down in the stats - but up in the match. Anyone looking only at the stats for this match would simply not fathom how Djokovic came out on top.
The Serb trailed the Swiss on first-serve points won, winners made, aces, break points converted, games won and total points won and led him on double faults.
But he won the key points - and none more so than in the final set.
A diving volley winner at 5-5 and 15-30 prevented Federer establishing two break points, while having let the Swiss take an 8-7 lead with an opportunity to serve for the match, he immediately broke back.
Ignoring the increasingly vocal "Roger, Roger" chants from the partisan crowd and the cheers for some of the top seed's double faults, Djokovic surged 6-3 ahead in the tie-break.
Wimbledon 2019: Blood, sweat & tears - the best Wimbledon final ever?
There was more drama when the final point had to be replayed after a Hawk-Eye challenge, but Djokovic finally celebrated victory - albeit in muted fashion - when Federer sent a forehand off the frame of his racquet.
There was no wild jumping up and down, just a smile to himself as he walked to the net to shake hands with Federer after becoming the first man to win a Wimbledon singles final having been down match point since 1948 when Bob Falkenburg saved three match points and came back to beat John Bromwich.
An emotional Federer looked over towards his wife and children in his box during the trophy presentation, perhaps an acknowledgement that less than four weeks from his 38th birthday his opportunities for more Grand Slams may be limited.
While the match will be remembered by many for its thrills, Federer said: "I will try to forget. I had my chances, so did he. We played some great tennis."
How Federer won on paper but Djokovic won the match
Djokovic
Federer
74%First-serve points won79%
10Aces25
54Winners 94
204Total points won218
29Total games won36

How the drama unfolded in fifth set

3hrs 25mins - A Djokovic backhand winner secures a break of serve for 4-2 lead
3hrs 31mins - Federer breaks straight back when Djokovic nets forehand
4hrs 7mins - Federer goes a break up at 8-7 with a forehand winner
4hrs 10mins - An ace brings up two championship points for Federer
4hrs 12mins - Djokovic saves both match points, then breaks back to level match
4hrs 39mins - Successful Federer Hawk-Eye challenge brings up break point, but Djokovic fends it off to lead 12-11
4hrs 47mins - Code violation for Djokovic for swinging his racquet towards umpire's chair
4hrs 48mins - First 12-12 final-set tie-break in Wimbledon singles begins
4hrs 55mins - Djokovic forehand brings up three championship points
4hrs 56mins - More drama as Djokovic successfully challenges a ball called out and point is replayed
4hrs 57mins - Federer skies a return and Djokovic wins his fifth Wimbledon title
Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer to retain his Wimbledon title in a final-set tie-break

Analysis

BBC Sport tennis commentator Andrew Castle: "What a treat this has been. The top seed triumphs and it can surprise no one. Novak Djokovic has beaten Roger Federer in the longest final in Wimbledon history. And he's beaten Roger Federer in all three Wimbledon finals that he has played him in. Roger Federer can look back with such pride on his effort."
Former British number one Tim Henman on BBC TV: "I am still in a slight daze on Roger Federer's behalf. Federer played all the tennis in the first four sets, he could have won all of them. And to then have two Championship points on his own serve, which is one of the most efficient. He tried to be bold on the second, but Novak Djokovic came up with the pass."
Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "It was a rollercoaster ride. It was amazing to see a tie-break in the end. There was nothing in that match in the end. You have to compliment both players. I was glad I got to witness this."

Caption: Djokovic lifts the Wimbledon trophy for the fifth time in his career.

Source: BBC.

Wednesday 26 June 2019

41st Senior CBN Tennis Open: Iloputa out as Babalola advances

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) junior tennis sensation, Godgift Timibra who is unseeded at the ongoing 41st CBN Senior Tennis Open created an upset on Wednesday when he sent
tournament's number nine seed Ikechukwu Iloputa packing with a 6-4, 6-4 scoreline.

Six-time winner, Abdulmumuni Babalola deployed his wealth of experience to outsmart Jebutu Emnanuel 6-1, 6-1 to advance to the quarter final as well. 


In another men's singles game, Nonso Madueke outclassed Leo Anthony 6-1, 6-0 while Christian Paul beat Oyo State's Adewale Samson 6-1, 6-3. 


Tournament's top seed, Sylvester Emmanuel triumphed over Tochukwu Eze, 6-4, 6-2 as number two seed Joseph Imeh stopped John Henry 6-3, 6-3.


In the ladies category, Oyinlomo Quadre, Bukola Olowu, tournament top seed, Blessing Samuel,  Blessing Anuna and number two seed, Christy Agugbom have also moved to the next stage of the competition. 


Meanwhile, women's single defending champion, Sarah Adegoke, won't defend the title due to other career engagements, thereby throwing the title open as a new champion must emerge this year.


On paper, it could be a two-horse race between Blessing Samuel who survived a scare from Omolade Aderemi and youngster Oyinlomo Quadre.


Caption:  Six-time winner, Babalola set to reclaim the CBN title he lost last year to Sylvester Emmanuel.


Friday 21 June 2019

2019 Aiteo Cup Round of 16 fixtures

Sunday, June 23

Cynosure FC vs Niger Tornadoes (Makurdi)

Warri Wolves vs Rivers United (Yenagoa)

Lobi Stars vs Abia Warriors (Akure)

Smart City vs Shooting Stars (Ijebu-Ode)

Bendel Insurance vs El-Kanemi Warriors (Jos)

Monday, June 24

EFCC FC vs Aklosendi FC (Lokoja)

Plateau United vs Calabar Rovers

Kano Pillars vs Kwara United

Wednesday 19 June 2019

Aiteo Cup: Round of 32 results

Shooting Stars 2 Katsina Utd  0
Warri Wolves   1 Ambassador 0
Smart City        3 Enyimba       2
Abia Warriors  2 Gateway       0
Rivers Utd        3 Akwa Utd    0
Lobi Stars         2 Rangers        0
EFCC FC           1 Sunshine       0
Kwara Utd        1 Crown FC     1
(Kwara win 5-4 on penalties)
Aklosendi FC    1 Nasarawa Utd 0
Bendel Ins.       4 Ekiti Utd         2
Tornadoes        1 Gombe Utd     0
El-Kanemi        3 PH City           0 (W/O)

Calabar Rovers 1 Wikki Tourists 1
(Rovers win 4-2 on penalties)

Monday 17 June 2019

Aiteo Cup Round 32 fixtures

Wednesday June 19, Thursday June 20

Rangers vs Lobi  Stars (Minna)
Gateway vs Abia  Warriors (Warri)
Ambassador (KD) vs Warri Wolves (Lokoja)
Rivers Utd vs Akwa Utd (Enugu)
Delta Force vs Cynosure (EB) (Portharcourt)
Gombe Utd vs Niger Tornadoes (Lafia)
Katsina Utd vs Shooting Stars (Abuja)
Kogi Utd vs Plateau Utd (Abuja)
ABS FC vs Kano Pillars (Lokoja)
EFCC vs Sunshine Stars (Edo University Iyamho)
Smart City (LG) vs Enyimba (University of Benin)
Crown FC vs Kwara Utd (Osogbo)
Aklosendi vs Nasarawa Utd (Makurdi)
Portharcout City vs El Kanemi Warriors (Abuja)
Calabar Rovers vs Wikki Tourists (Makurdi)
Ekiti United vs Bendel Insurance (Lokoja)

 




Saturday 15 June 2019

Anthony Joshua needs to change team after Ruiz humiliation----George Groves

The boxing world is still shaken from Anthony Joshua’s shock loss on June 1 to Andy Ruiz Jr at Madison Square Garden.

AJ lost his WBO, IBF, IBO and WBA (super) heavyweight titles on the night, but he has already invoked his rematch clause that is set to take effect in November this year.


Forer super middleweight world champion George Groves stopped by talkSPORT On Friday with Jim White and discussed how although AJ has had quite an easy route to the top, he always stepped up when it mattered.


“Anthony Joshua, he’s someone I’ve always had a lot of time for and a lot of respect for because he has a lot of opportunities that he hasn’t had to work that hard for, but he’s then always stepped up to the mark and delivered.


“He’s had the backing of Matchroom, who pretty much build their boxing around him as of late and they’ve dominated not just here in the UK, but in the States [too] with their DAZN deal, they’re doing fantastic.
“Sky Sports, they’ve got behind him. But, he’s always stepped up to the plate, he can’t let people make excuses for him. Talk about his lack of experience, his lack of amateur pedigree – he’s an Olympic gold medallist, do you know what I mean? He’s a unified world champion.”


Groves went on to talk about how AJ might be too afraid to make changes to his team in the wake of the defeat, even though there has been calls from Lennox Lewis and Frank Warren for the Watford-born star to ditch trainer Rob McCracken.


“I personally feel he’s got to make changes to his team. Whether he does that or not, I’m not sure. I’m not sure if he’s worried about the public backlash if he does that or if he just doesn’t have that in him.


“You know, I’ve been in that situation before where I knew I had to make changes internally with the team I was working with but I was too afraid of doing that because if it doesn’t come off, that’ll be another reason why you haven’t succeeded.”


On the rematch with Ruiz – which could still be held in the UK or US – Saint George feels AJ had to take it and many of the rumours of why Joshua underperformed in the original encounter could be plausible.


“He has to take the rematch with Ruiz. He’s not going to have the time to get his eye back in with a warmup fight or anything like that – he has the beating of Ruiz. He certainly does.


“He didn’t look right on fight night, he didn’t look right in the build up. The rumours out there that he got concussed in sparring or he had a panic attack in the changing room – I feel they are all viable reasons.”




Caption: Anthony Joshua (right) being outpunched by Ruiz, during their June 1 showdown in US.



Source: talksport.com/sport/boxing

Saturday 4 May 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 17 fixtures

Sunday, May 5

Group A:
Sunshine Stars   vs Wikki Tourists
MFM FC, Lagos vs Rivers United
Enyimba              vs Enugu Rangers
Kwara United     vs Lobi Stars
Katsina United   vs Remo Stars
Bendel Insurance vs Niger Tornadoes   
Group B:
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Go Round
Heartland                   vs Yobe Desert Stars
Akwa United     vs Nasarawa United
Kano Pillars               vs Plateau United
FC Ifeanyi Ubah     vs Delta Force   
Gombe United          vs Abia Warriors

Thursday 2 May 2019

My life, full of regret----Mike Tyson

Former world heavyweight champion Mike Tyson has spoken of his remorse at 'putting down a lot of fighters' during his storied professional career, reports www.dailymail.co.uk.

Tyson is regarded as one of the finest fighters ever to reign supreme in boxing's blue riband division but his notorious behaviour preceded him.

Following a turbulent childhood he built up a seemingly invincible aura during the mid to late 1980s but, after serving three years in prison for a rape conviction, he made a number of headlines for all the wrong reasons.

From biting Evander Holyfield's ear in their rematch in 1997 to making a series of inflammatory remarks towards Lennox Lewis ahead of their showdown five years later, Tyson says he is filled with regret.

Speaking on ITV's Good Morning Britain, the 52-year-old American said: "My whole life as a kid from 12 years old, I was just taught to beat people, break them down, humiliate them, break their will.

"But in actuality I was just a scared and insecure kid. I had no idea what I was doing but it felt good and everybody told me I was great at doing it.

"And so it led me on to be this guy, this tyrant, who had no self-respect, and said often some really bizarre and disrespectful things to opponents.

"As I look at everything, I did it wrong.

"My whole life was a regret. My whole life, my actions, my conduct, a lot of stuff I've done in my life, especially as a fighter.

"Putting down a lot of fighters just to become more of this renowned figure and stuff. I wish I didn't do that, I wish I hadn't said a lot of the things that I've said to other human beings."



Caption: Mike Tyson (left), during his clash with Lennox Lewis in 2002. Lewis came out victorious.

Monday 22 April 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 16 results, scorers

*Rivers United 1 Sunshine Stars 1
Ossy Martins -Rivers Utd (69th minute)
Ajibola Otegbeye-Sunshine (83rd minute)

*Wikki Tourists  1 Katsina United 0
Hassan Musa-66th minute

*Remo Stars 0 Niger Tornadoes 0

*Enugu Rangers 1 MFM FC, Lagos 0
Seka Pascal (26th minute) 

*Kwara United  0 Bendel Insurance 0

*Lobi Stars 0 Enyimba 0

*Yobe Stars 2 FC IfeanyiUbah 0
Phillip Auta (13th, 79th minute)

*Go-Round 2 Heartland 1
Sadiq Ololade-Go Round (38th minute)
Uche Oguchi-Heartland (51st minute)
Adeseun Adelani-Go Round (78th minute)

*Nasarawa United 5 El-Kanemi Warriors 1
Sanusi Ibrahim -Nasarawa (1st minute)
Sanusi Ibrahim -Nasarawa (30th minute)
Anas Yusuf -Nasarawa (32nd minute)
Ndala Isah -Nasarawa (52nd minute)
Sulley Mohammed-El-Kanemi (65th minute)
Emmanuel Ogbole -Nasarawa (88th minute)

*Plateau Utd 3 Akwa United 0
Jesse Akila-10th minute
Bernard Ovoke-58th minute
Amos Gyang -78th minute

*Kano Pillars 1 Gombe United 1
Rabiu Ali-Pillars (+45th minute)
Adamu Mohammed-Gombe (48th minute)

Tuesday 16 April 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 15 results, scorers

*Enyimba 2 Kwara United 0
Stanley Dimgba (3rd, 73rd minute)

*Katsina United 2 Rivers United 1
Tasiu Lawal -Katsina (18th minute)
Usman Barau -Katsina (51st minute)
Cletus Emotan -Rivers (68th minute)

*Niger Tornadoes 2 Wikki Tourists 0
Ahmadu Liman (24th, 60th minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Enugu Rangers 2

Seka Patrick -Rangers (29th minute)
Anthony Omaka -Sunshine (32nd minute)
Seka Patrick -Rangers (44th minute)

*Abia Warriors 1 Yobe Desert Stars 0
Ibrahim Olawoyin (81st minute)

*Akwa United 3-0 Kano Pillars
Ndifreke Effiong (17th minute)
Emmanuel Charles (52nd minute)
Kodjovi Dadzie (90th minute)

*El-Kanemi Warriors 1-0 Plateau United
Anthony Yeful (68th minute)

*Gombe United 1 Delta Force 0
Chukwudi Samuel (70th minute)

*Heartland 3 Nasarawa United 1
Nnamdi Egbujor -Heartland (10th minute)
Chukwudi Nwaodu -Heartland (42nd minute)
Joshua Akhabue -Heartland (61st minute)
Sanusi Ibrahim -Nasarawa (28th minute)

*FC Ifeanyi Ubah 2 Go-Round FC 0
Uche Ihuarulam (18th, 52nd minute)

*Bendel Insurance 0 Remo Stars 0

*MFM FC, Lagos 0 Lobi Stars 0

Friday 12 April 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 15 fixtures

Sunday, April 14

Group A:
Katsina United vs Rivers United
Niger Tornadoes vs Wikki Tourists
Sunshine Stars    vs Enugu Rangers
MFM FC, Lagos  vs Lobi Stars
Bendel Insurance vs Remo Stars
Enyimba               vs Kwara United
Group B:
Abia Warriors vs Yobe Stars
FC IfeanyiUbah   vs Go Round
Heartland       vs Nasarawa United
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Plateau United
Akwa United  vs Kano Pillars
Gombe United vs Delta Force

Monday 8 April 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 14 results, scorers

*Enugu Rangers 1 Katsina United 0
Seka Pascal (17th minute)

*Kwara United 1 MFM FC, Lagos 0
Olawale Abisoye-Own goal (54th minute)

*Rivers United 1 Niger Tornadoes 0
Wasiu Jimoh

Monday 1 April 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 13 results, scorers

*MFM FC, Lagos 1 Enyimba 1
Abdulrahmam Bashir -Enyimba (48th minute)
Chijoke Akuneto - MFM FC (65th minute)


 *Heartland 2 Kano Pillars 1
Okoko Emmanuel -Heartland (12th minute)
Rabiu Ali -Kano Pillars (23rd minute)
Ibrahim Idrissu -own goal (85th minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Plateau United 0
Uche Ihuarulam (76th minute)

*Sunshine Stars 1 Kwara United 0
Micheal Egbeta (60th minute)

Saturday 30 March 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 13 fixtures

Sunday, March 31

GROUP A:
Remo Stars vs Rivers United
Bendel Insurance vs Wikki Tourists
Niger Tornadoes vs Enugu Rangers
Katsina United vs Lobi Stars
Sunshine Stars vs Kwara United
MFM FC vs Enyimba
GROUP B:
Delta Force vs Go Round
Gombe Utd vs Yobe Stars
Abia Warriors vs Nasarawa United
FC IfeanyiUbah vs Plateau United
Heartland vs Kano Pillars
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Akwa United

Monday 25 March 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 12 results, scorers

Match played on April 23
 
*Bendel Insurance 1 MFM, Lagos 0
Kingsley Onovo (18th min)



Matches played on April 24

*Kwara United 1 Katsina United 0
Segun Alebiosu (35th min)

*Akwa United 1 Heartland 0
Cyril Olisema (64th min)

*Gombe United 0 El-Kanemi Warriors 1
Isiaka Olawale (90th min)

*Go Round 1 Yobe Stars 0
Adeseun Adelani (90+7 min)

*Enyimba 2 Sunshine Stars 1
Dare Olatunji -Enyimba (29th min)
Ifeanyi Anaemena-Enyimba  (70th min)
Isreal Abia -Sunshine (75th min)

*Enugu Rangers 5 Remo Stars 2
Bright Akpojuvwevwo - Remo (7th min)
Ifeanyi George-Rangers (36th min)
Godwin Aguda -Rangers (45th, 49th min)
Ajani Ibrahim -Rangers (60th min)
Chidera Ezeh (own goal, 83rd min)
Micheal Uchebo-Rangers (90th min)

*Niger Tornadoes 2 Lobi Stars 2
Aliyu Goyi Mohammed -Tornadoes (35th, 48th min)
Samad Kadiri -Lobi ( 52nd, 58th min)

*Plateau United 1 Abia Warriors 0
Mohammed Zulkiful (10th min)

*Rivers United 1 Wikki Tourists 2
Saidu Abdullahi-Wikki (17th min)
Hassan Musa-Wikki (23rd min)
Ossy Martins -Rivers (37th min)

Monday 18 March 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 11 results, scorers

*Wikki Tourists 2 Rivers United 0
Abba Umar -19th minute
Adesina Gata-70th minute

*Katsina Utd 1 Kwara United 0
Martins Usule -13th minute

*MFM, Lagos 0 Bendel Insurance 0
Olawale Abisoye -39th minute
Michael Ohanu  -58th minute

*Yobe Stars 2 Go Round 0
Phillip Auta (8th, 57th minute)

*Kada City 2 Nasarawa United 1
Maigishiri Mohammed -Nasarawa (61st minute)
Nura Mohammed -Kada (71st minute)
Kabiru Sanusi -Kada (90+5 minute)

*Abia Warriors 1 Plateau United 1
Oche Salefu  -Plateau (51st minute)
Paul Samson -Abia (67th minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 Kano Pillars 0
Uche Ihuarulam -66th minute

*Heartland 1 Akwa United 2
Ndifreke Effiong -Akwa Utd (4th minute)
Chidiebere Ajoku -Heartland (57th minute)
Mfon Udoh -Akwa Utd (72nd minute)

*El-Kanemi Warriors 0 Gombe United 0

*Sunshine Stars 0 Enyimba 0


Caption:Sunshine Stars' Dayo Ojo (left), being challenged by Enyimba's Ikouwem Udo-Utin, during their NPFL Match Day 11 clash at the Akure Township Stadium last Sunday.

Thursday 21 February 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 10 results, scorers

Group A:

*Kwara United 2 Niger Tornadoes 0
Nosiru Afeez
Lukman Binuyo

*Bendel Insurance 1 Rivers United 1
Ugwu Michael -Insurance (12th min)
Ossy Martins  -Rivers Utd (49th min)

*Enyimba         2 Katsina United 0
Ifeanyi Anaemena       (35th min)
Abdulrahmam Bashir (60th min)

*MFM FC, Lagos  2 Sunshine Stars 0
Adeniji Kabir
Michael Ohanu

*Enugu Rangers 2 Wikki Tourists 0
Micheal Uchebo -Rangers (60th, 78th min)
Abba Umar -Wikki (86th min)

*Lobi Stars  2 Remo Stars 1
Yaya Kone -Lobi (Brace)
Sunday Williams -Remo Stars


Group B:

*Nasarawa United 1 Yobe Stars 0
Isah Ndda (43rd min)

*Gombe United 0 Go Round 1
Henry Ochuba (7th min)

*Plateau United 0 Kada City 1
Sadiq Suleiman (81st min)

*Kano Pillars 2 Abia Warriors 0
Mohammed Gambo
Rabiu Ali

*Akwa United vs FC IfeanyiUbah 0
Mfon Udoh (40th min)

*El-Kanemi Warriors 2 Heartland 0
Ba’a kaka Kolo
Innocent Gabriel

Tuesday 19 February 2019

2019 FA Cup quarter-final fixtures

Swansea vs Manchester City

Watford vs Crystal Palace
Man United beat Chelsea to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals
Wolves vs Manchester United
Millwall vs Brighton

*The quarter final ties will take place between Friday, 15 March and Monday, 18 March.

Monday 18 February 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 10 fixtures

Wednesday, Feb. 20

Group A:

Kwara United vs Niger Tornadoes
Bendel Insurance vs Rivers United
Enyimba          vs Katsina United
MFM FC, Lagos  vs Sunshine Stars
Enugu Rangers vs Wikki Tourists
Lobi Stars        vs Remo Stars

Group B:

Nasarawa United vs Yobe Stars
Gombe United vs Go Round
Plateau United vs Kada City
Kano Pillars   vs Abia Warriors
Akwa United vs FC IfeanyiUbah
El-Kanemi Warriors vs Heartland


Wednesday 13 February 2019

2019 NPFL Match Day 9 results, scorers

*Abia Warriors 1 Akwa United 1
Chinedu Ozor opened -Abia Warriors (28th minute)
Mfon Udoh -Akwa United (33rd minute)

*FC IfeanyiUbah 1 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Emmanuel Ugwuka -35th minute

* Sunshine Stars 1 Bendel Insurance 1
Junior Osaghae -Insurance  (64th minute)
Anthony Omaka -Sunshine Stars (75th minute)

*Heartland 1 Gombe United 1
Chidiebere Ajoku -Heartland (32nd minute)
Chigozie Maurice -Gombe Utd (90th minute)

*Remo Stars 2 Kwara United 1
Mathias Ogwuche-Remo Stars ( brace)
Daberachi Anyanwu -Kwara United (45th minute)

*Go-Round 1 Nasarawa Utd 1
Ikechukwu Nwani -Nasarawa (26th minute)
Adeseun Adelani -Go Round (42nd minute)

*Niger Tornadoes 0 Enyimba 0

*Yobe Stars 0 Plateau United 0

Tuesday 12 February 2019

Fury set to agree to £20m title rematch with Wilder

Tyson Fury, as he turns towards New York for his world heavyweight title rematch, can feel entitled to keep a purse projected to reach three times the £7million he gave to charity after his epic first encounter with Deontay Wilder, reports dailymail.co.uk

The Gypsy King, having reconfirmed his extraordinary donation to Britain's homeless, is in the final stage of negotiation for a second Wilder fight which is expected to take place in the Big Apple on May 18.
Fury referred to his charitable gesture at a speaking engagement in Cardiff at the weekend and few will begrudge him pocketing his next big pay-day to prevent what he described as 'me probably ending up like all the old boxers... skint.'
Fury also revealed fears at the time that he might have been 'brain damaged' by the power of the blow which flattened him in the last round in Los Angeles in November, a brutal knockdown from which he miraculously regained consciousness - and his feet - to finish the fight.
US pay-per-view television revenue is expected to boost takings from Wilder-Fury II well above £50m.
Both teams have been fine tuning the deal to prevent their fight for Wilder's title going to rescheduled purse bids at WBC headquarters in Mexico City on Wednesday morning.
Fury's share, even if restricted to 40 per cent as the challenger, should exceed £20m.
Talks were delayed by discussion not only of the financial split but also the choice of venue.
Las Vegas was the first option but Fury's insistence on three neutral judges - following the controversial draw in the first fight - is contrary to the preference of the State Athletic Commission there for Nevada officials.
Fury's promoter Frank Warren is understood to be in New York finalising contracts with Wilder's co-promoters Shelly Finkel and Al Haymon, with the fabled Madison Square Garden earmarked for May 18 and an announcement imminent.
The same city, in this case using the Barclays Center, is pencilled in for Anthony Joshua's defence of his collection of WBA, IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight belts against Brooklyn-born Jarrell Miller.
Joshua's US debut has been hastened by the commitment of Wilder and Fury to fight each other again and the refusal of Dillian Whyte to take over the Wembley Stadium date of April 13, which had been set aside for AJ's next mega-night.
Joshua's clash with the big-punching Miller should also be confirmed this week.
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Caption:

Deontay Wilder moves away after he knocked Tyson Fury, down during their last December fight.


CAF Champions League: Can Lobi Stars survive at Wydad?

Nigeria's representatives in this year's CAF Champions League, Lobi Stars' hope of advancing to the semi-final of the competition will be ascertained on Tuesday night [February 12] as they take on Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco in the Match Day 4 group A game at Stade Mohammed V.

The West African side fell at home to the Moroccans a fortnight ago after Mohamed Nahiri scored the only goal of the encounter from the spot at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium in Enugu.
Lobi Stars veteran midfielder, Cletus Itodo who was an unused substitute in Enugu is confident that Lobi Stars can still pull their chestnut from the fire tonight.


"Really, we tried our best against Wydad Casablanca but they were the lucky team the last time because we also had one or two chances in the course of the match.


"The loss to Wydad in Enugu was a setback but we are going to bounce back; who says we can’t beat Wydad at home too?


"We need to readjust our strategy for the return leg and I’m still very confident that we can advance in this competition,” Itodo, 35, told CAFOnline.com.


Also, midfielder Oluwadamilare Ojo who was recruited from Enyimba equally believes Lobi Stars can turn the tables against the Moroccans on their home soil.


"We have accepted our loss in Enugu to Wydad in good faith and we just have to make amends in the return leg; it was not as if Wydad were better than us but their tactics worked for them and I believe we can definitely shock them in the second leg.”


“We can make amends in Rabat; If Wydad can beat us in Enugu, I believe we can definitely do same to them in Rabat and by the grace of God, we can," noted Ojo who scored via a lively volley for Enyimba against Mamelodi Sundowns in a 2016 CAF Champions League match in Johannesburg.


In the other Match Day 4 tie in group A, third-placed ASEC Mimosas of Cote d’Ivoire would host Mamelodi Sundowns at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan also on Tuesday night.

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Caption: Lobi Stars' veteran midfielder, Cletus Itodo.

Nimrod visit Customs team ahead Africa Club Championships

President of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation, Engineer Musa Nimrod has predicted a better outing for the Nigeria Customs Service team ahead of the 2019 Women's Africa Club Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Nimrod stated this when he visited the team at the National Stadium Package B, Abuja.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service for investing heavily in volleyball, just as he promised to give them the necessary support.
He urged the Customs team to give their best at the tournament by going beyond the quarter finals.
"It is worrisome that Kenya, Cameroon and other countries are going to challenge for the trophy, while Nigeria are not able to be in this level. I am aware of the plans of the Nigeria Customs for volleyball and I want you [players] to protect the interest of Nigeria at the Championships.
"You are not only representing the Customs Service but Nigeria as a whole; remain consistent and make sure you get to the final. You need to sacrifice for the country; remain calm in the camp and go for gold," Nimrod said as he added that the level of preparation for the tourney in Egypt is in top notch.
Meanwhile, newly-appointed female coach, Sunny Yunana hailed Nimrod for his unflinching support for the development of volleyball.
He said the presence of Nimrod was a morale booster for the players ahead of the African championships.
"We really want to appreciate the sports officer for making sure we began camping early enough and the Federation President [Nimrod] for his fatherly role in the transformation of volleyball in Nigeria. we promise to make the nation proud in Egypt,” Yunana said
.
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Caption: Engineer Musa Nimrod.