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Women W’Cup: History as African trio hit last 16

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With the group stage matches of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup concluded on Thursday, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Banyana Banyana of South Africa, and the Atlas Lionesses of Morocco gave Africa a historic three-placement in the next stage of the tournament.

This is the first time in history that three African countries have made it to the last 16 of any FIFA World Cup competition at the same time.

It was reported on Monday that the Super Falcons played a nail-biting goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland to advance to the knockout stage. Nigeria prior to that, defeated co-hosts Australia 3-2 in a thrilling encounter after playing out a goalless draw against the much fancied Olympic champions, Canada, to qualify for the round of 16, finishing second in the Group B table, ending the group stage undefeated.

After losing 6-0 to Germany on July 24, Morocco fought back on Sunday with a 1-0 win against South Korea. In a thrilling game on Thursday, the Atlas Lionesses defeated Colombia 1-0 to book a slot in the round of 16, finishing second in Group H.

African champions, the Banyana Banyana of South Africa, started their campaign with a 2-1 loss against their more illustrious opponents Sweden but bounced back holding Argentina in a 2-2 draw. The relentless team fought hard to secure a 3-2 win over Italy on Wednesday. South Africa finished second in Group G.

Subsequently, after England beat China 6-1 on Tuesday, it was confirmed that Nigeria would face the Lionesses in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the round of 16 on Monday.

Women’s W’Cup last 16 fixtures (PC: World Cup)

Here are the fixtures of the teams that will be playing in the last 16;

Switzerland vs Spain (Saturday, August 5)

Netherlands vs South Africa (Sunday, August 6)

Japan vs Norway (Saturday, August 5)

Sweden vs USA (Sunday, August 6)

Australia vs Denmark (Monday, August 7)

France vs Morocco (Tuesday, August 8)

England vs Nigeria (Monday, August 7)

Columbia vs Jamaica (Tuesday, August 8)

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Benue Governor Alia dissolves Lobi Stars FC board

The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

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Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the Board and Management of the state-owned Lobi Stars FC, Makurdi.

Lobi Stars FC were relegated last season after a 27-year stay in the Nigeria Premier Football League, following a run of poor performances.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the governor’s approval of the dissolution in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

The move was described as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the club for “greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance” in the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions,” the statement read.

Governor Alia directed that “all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.”

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Davido Chairs Osun Sports Trust Fund

“Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment. His intervention would attract funds that would impact Osun sports positively.”

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Davido and Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke. Photo Credit: X

The Osun State Government has appointed Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund.

The government said that the move was aimed at raising funds to transform the state sports sector.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium, assuring that the upgraded facility will meet Olympic standards upon completion.

The Guardian Nigeria reports that the state deputy governor, Kola Adewusi, who doubles as the Commissioner for Sports, said the state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is determined to transform the stadium into a world-class sports arena that will not only host national events but also attract international competitions.

He said, “Ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium to meet Olympic standards — a project that will be completed in the shortest possible time.

“I am pleased to inform you that plans are in advanced stages towards the establishment of the Osun State Sports Commission, which will serve as a central body for sports administration, development, and policy implementation.

“Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment. His intervention would attract funds that would impact Osun sports positively.”

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Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out

Dembele, 28, has been out since injuring a hamstring while on international duty with France in early September.

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Dembele

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was on Monday included in Paris Saint-Germain’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League after a six-week injury layoff.

According to AFP, Dembele’s return for Tuesday’s league stage game will come as a welcome boost for coach Luis Enrique, whose side has been struggling with injuries this season.

Dembele, 28, has been out since injuring a hamstring while on international duty with France in early September.

He had been recuperating at a specialist clinic in Qatar and returned to training last week.

He missed out on PSG’s entertaining 3-3 draw against Strasbourg on Friday but could play some role in Germany as the European champions seek to make it three wins out of three in the Champions League so far this season.

Leverkusen centre-back Loic Bade, Dembele’s teammate in the France squad, told reporters Monday there was “no secret recipe” to stopping the PSG forward, calling him “a complete player with several qualities”.

“He won the Ballon d’Or — of course he’s got a lot of quality. He’s good with both feet. I don’t think he’s got a weak side,” Bade said.

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