Sports
Barcelona Claims La Liga Title After Winning Espanyol
Barcelona has won La Liga for the first time since 2019 by winning Espanyol 4-2 on Sunday, wrestling the title back from rivals Real Madrid.
The Catalan giants clinched their 27th Spanish championship at the home of their neighbours, with scenes turning ugly at full time as celebrating Barcelona players were chased from the field by pitch invaders.
Robert Lewandowski struck twice for Barcelona, along with goals for Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, while Javi Puado and Joselu pulled two back late on for the hosts.
Barcelona have endured a troubled period on and off the pitch in recent years but their triumph signals significant improvement, with coach Xavi Hernandez winning his first major trophy since taking over in November 2021.
President Joan Laporta’s rebuild was widely criticised last summer in light of the club’s perilous financial situation.
Early Champions League elimination was a blow, but the club won the Spanish Super Cup in January, before sealing La Liga glory with four games to spare.
“It’s a magnificent feeling, (of) work well done,” Xavi told Movistar.
“Ten months of work and sacrifice. The fans deserve it, the club, it gives us stability and security that things are being done well.
“We sealed La Liga with a fantastic game, we were brilliant.”
Xavi did not spring any surprises with his line-up and Barcelona’s first team took to the pitch with one goal firmly in mind, the end finally in sight.
They conjured an electric display, one of their finest this season, to seal their triumph and leave their city rivals 19th, four points from safety with four matches remaining.
Barcelona broke the deadlock after 11 minutes with a well-worked goal, finished off by Lewandowski for his 20th of the season in La Liga.
Ronald Araujo played an inch perfect long pass for left-back Balde, who blazed past Espanyol defender Oscar Gil and crossed for Lewandowski to bundle home from close range.
Gil was beaten by Balde again for the second goal, this time scored by the young left-back after Pedri darted to the byline and scooped an inviting cross to the back post.
It was Balde’s first goal for Barcelona, capping a superb breakthrough season for the youngster, who has phased veteran defender Jordi Alba out of the side.
Espanyol goalkeeper Fernando Pacheco tipped away a Lewandowski effort as Barcelona poured forward, with the hosts battling not to be blown away.
‘Can’t lack respect’
It worked for a while, but visitors grabbed the third before half-time when Raphinha put the ball on a plate for Lewandowski to roll home.
The Polish striker’s arrival from Bayern Munich was a key part of last summer’s rebuild and despite a dip in the second half of the season, has paid the Catalans back in goals.
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen made a sublime save to deny former team-mate Martin Braithwaite from close range in stoppage time at the end of the first period.
Kounde headed home the fourth early in the second half from Frenkie de Jong’s perfect chipped pass as Espanyol’s defence crumbled yet again.
Some Espanyol fans headed for the exits early while others demanded the board resign, including aiming one unsavoury chant at the club’s Chinese owners.
Ter Stegen denied Puado when through on goal, determined to earn a La Liga record-equalling 26th clean sheet of the season in the top flight.
However moments later the Espanyol forward found himself through on goal once more and this time scored with a sublime lob — small consolation in the face of Espanyol’s defeat and Barcelona’s glory.
Joselu pulled another goal back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late.
Xavi’s side celebrated at full-time, to the anger of Espanyol fans, who invaded the pitch, with Barcelona players sprinting down the tunnel to escape.
“The celebration is normal, but I know we’re not at home and we can’t lack respect,” added Xavi.
“I know it’s difficult to control but I told them the best thing would be to get inside now.”
AFP
Sports
Enugu Gets Hosting Right for 2026 National Sports Festival
Our plan includes delivering a brand-new Games Village and completely renovating the stadium to meet modern standards.
The Federal Government (FG) and the Enugu State Government have officially signed a host state agreement for the 2026 National Sports Festival, which will take place in Enugu State.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday by the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, on behalf of the FG, and Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State. This formalized Enugu’s hosting rights for the 23rd edition of the festival.
The signing ceremony was held at the Enugu Government House.
Governor Peter Mbah expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission and other stakeholders for entrusting the state with the prestigious event.
He assured the public that Enugu would deliver a remarkable and unforgettable experience for athletes and sports enthusiasts nationwide. We deeply appreciate the trust placed in us and the significance of this award,” said Governor Mbah.
“I commend the commission for deeming Enugu deserving of hosting the 23rd National Sports Festival.
We are committed to discharging our responsibilities effectively and upholding the legacy of our forebears.We have already hit the ground running.
Following the announcement, we mobilized our team to begin work on revamping the Awgu Games Village and other facilities. Our plan includes delivering a brand-new Games Village and completely renovating the stadium to meet modern standards.
“By the end of this year, we are confident visitors will be highly impressed. Beyond renovations, we are building additional facilities to ensure a world-class experience for athletes and spectators, leaving a lasting legacy in the sports world,” he added.
Hon. Olopade, in his address, praised Enugu’s compelling bid, the state’s existing infrastructure, improved security, and Governor Mbah’s commitment to enhancing sports and social amenities.
These factors, he said, influenced the decision to award Enugu the hosting rights for the 2026 festival, following the 2024 edition set to be hosted by Ogun State.
Sports
NFF Unveiling Eric Chelle As Super Eagles’ Coach Today
The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, was quoted on Sunday as saying that the Coach had all it takes to succeed.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) will this morning present to the public the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Éric Chelle.
A statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications on Sunday said the event is holding at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja by 11 a.m.
Chelle’s appointment was confirmed last week Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee, following a recommendation by the football ruling body’s Technical and Development Committee.
The 47-year-old will mount one of the hottest seats in world football, but President of the NFF, Ibrahim Gusau, was quoted on Sunday as saying that the Coach had all it takes to succeed.
“The Franco-Malian embodies the fresh energy, new thinking and positive attitude with which the Federation desire the Super Eagles to confront their remaining six matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“We appreciate the fact that Nigerians are very passionate about the game of football, and that is the reason for the different tones of reactions following the appointment of Coach Chelle.
“However, the NFF hereby appeals to Nigerians to come together and support him, as we believe he has the qualities to achieve success with the Super Eagles.
“The NFF will give him all the support that he needs to succeed in the job,” Gusau said
At Monday’s unveiling, the NFF will also disclose the names of Coach Chelle’s assistants, with the crew to shepherd the Super Eagles B at next month’s African Nations Championship in East Africa.
This is before focusing squarely on the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign, beginning with the matches against Rwanda (away) and Zimbabwe (home) in March.
Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, has paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos.
The two-time world heavyweight champion also present an autograph glove to the President, signed “To the Great Asiwaju Jagaban Borgu of Africa, Bola A Tinubu.”
This was sited in a post by Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Mr. Dada Olusegun.
He wrote, “Champ @anthonyjoshua pays Homage to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at his residence in Lagos. Presents him with his autographed glove.”
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