Sports
Ahead of FIFA World Cup: First lady Remi Tinubu to host Super Falcons
The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, alongside top government functionaries, will attend the send-forth dinner of the Super Falcons ahead of the team’s departure for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place over a period of one month, starting from July 20 to August 20.
In a statement on Thursday, Head of Communications of the NFF, Ademola Olajire, noted that the dinner, organised by the country’s football body, will be held on Saturday at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja.
“We are expecting the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Ismaila Abubakar, as well as other top sports officials.
“A good number of the team as well as technical and administrative officials are expected alongside the rank and file of the NFF led by the President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi.
“The event at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel will also attract corporate chieftains, members of the diplomatic corps, and a range of football stakeholders.
“On Sunday, the nine-time African champions will depart the shores of Nigeria for a 15-day camping programme in Australia, before they enter into camp for the tournament beginning from July 20 to Aug. 20,” Olajire noted.
Nigeria’s first match of the finals is against Canada, at Melbourne’s Rectangular Stadium, on July 21 before clashing with Australia and the Republic of Ireland on July 27 and July 31, respectively, at Lang Park in Brisbane.
NAN reports that Australia and New Zealand 2023 will be the biggest-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup finals in history, as it welcomes 32 teams—the same number as featured in the men’s finals in Qatar last year.
It is also the first to be hosted by two countries as well as the first-ever FIFA senior competition to be hosted by two nations in two different confederations: Australia in the Asian confederation and New Zealand in Oceania.
Nigeria’s captain, Onome Ebi, will be one of the oldest players at the tournament, at 40, alongside Brazil’s Marta and Canada’s Christine Sinclair.
The three women will be featured in their sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament.
According to the NFF, 24 hours before the Send-Forth at the Transcorp Hilton, the Australian High Commission will host the Falcons to a dinner, courtesy of the Ag. High Commissioner, Her Excellency Leanne Johnston.
NAN reports that the Super Falcons are in Group ‘B’ alongside Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Ireland.
Nigeria has previously played the Canadian and Australian women’s national teams at the FIFA World Cup.
The Canadians have been unable to defeat Nigeria at the World Cup, drawing 3-3 in 1995 and losing 1-0 in 2011.
Nigeria’s meeting with Australia at the FIFA World Cup in 2015 ended in a 2-0 victory in favour of the Australians.
(NAN)
Sports
Standard-Times Newspaper Publisher, Ayo Fadimu Sets for Induction into Abeokuta Sports Club
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Standard-Times Newspaper, Mr. Ayo Fadimu, is set to be inducted into the prestigious Abeokuta Sports Club on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Established in 1904, Abeokuta Sports Club is recognized as the oldest social club in West Africa, originally founded as a relaxation hub for members of the West African Command Headquarters.
The club has evolved into a gathering place for elites in the region, while its membership comprises prominent public figures, including influential politicians, business moguls, and respected professionals from various sectors.
Mr. Fadimu’s upcoming induction is a testament to his significant impact in the field of journalism and media in Nigeria, as Standard-Times Newspaper has been lauded for its commitment to ethical journalism, factual reporting, and public enlightenment.
The induction ceremony is anticipated to be a high-profile event, attracting dignitaries, club members, media personalities, and well-wishers from various sectors across the country.
In anticipation of the ceremony, Mr. Fadimu expressed his gratitude thus: “Being recognized and considered for membership in such a historic and respected institution is truly an honor.
The Abeokuta Sports Club represents a legacy of excellence and service and I look forward to joining hands with other esteemed members in promoting the club’s legacy and social impact”.
Beyond inducting and celebrating Mr. Fadimu’s personal accomplishments, the event also highlights the Abeokuta Sports Club’s enduring commitment to excellence, community leadership, and recognition of individuals who have made notable contributions to society.
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has announced venues and dates for the quater-final of the President Federation Cup.
Plateau United and Rangers will clash at the Area 3 Stadium in Abuja.
The encounter between Akwa United and Kwara United will be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.
Abakaliki FC abd Nasarawa United will lock horns at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, while Wikki Tourists and Ikorodu City clash is billed for the Bwari Stadium in Abuja.
All the matches will kick-off at 4pm on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.
The winner of the competition will represent Nigeria in the CAF Confederation Cup next year.
Sports
U-20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Coach Unveils 24- Man Squad
The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.
Head coach of the U-20 national team, Flying Eagles, Aliy Zubairu, has unveiled a 24-man squad for the upcoming U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the 2025 U-20 AFCON will take place from April 27 to May 18.
Zubairu named first-choice goalkeeper, Ifeanyi Harcourt, defender and captain, Daniel Bameyi, midfielder Sulaiman Alabi, and forward Kparobo Arierhi in the squad.
The squad is a blend of home-based and foreign players who have intensified training in Abuja ahead of the tournament.
Some of the top foreign-based players invited include: Emmanuel Chukwu, Precious Benjamin, all of German outfit TSG Hoffenheim and Kparobo Arierhi (Lillestrom SK, Norway).
The Flying Eagles, who are seven-time African champions and two-time FIFA Under-20 World Cup runners-up, will depart Nigeria on Sunday for Cairo in a bid to clinch an eighth continental title.
The team is scheduled to play a series of warm-up matches in Egypt before their group opener against Tunisia on May 1.
They will then face Morocco on May 4, followed by a clash against Kenya on May 7 to wrap up the group games.
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