Sports
Flying Eagles of Nigeria Begins Hunt For Maiden World Cup Against Dominican Republic
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria has begun their hunt for a first U-20 World Cup trophy when they face the Dominican Republic in their opening fixture at the 2023 edition of the tournament.
Nigeria have reached the final of the age-grade competition twice – in 1989 and 2005 – and will be aiming to take it a step further when Sunday’s clash begins at the Estadio Malvinas Argentina in Mendoza.
En route to the championship, Nigeria finished third at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and are among four teams to represent the continent in the South American nation.
The Africans are favourite against Walter Benítez’s side and know that a win over them will place Nigeria in good stead to qualify from a Group D that includes Brazil and Italy.
Although Nigeria have played 13 times in the competition against their rivals who are making their debut, Coach Ladan Bosso admits that the clash won’t be an easy game. He, however, believes the Pre-Tournament season have infused confidence in the squad.
“As I stated earlier, we are happy with the results from the two friendly matches we played in Buenos Aires,” the NFF quoted him as saying.
“We won one against an Argentina club and then drew with the Colombia U20 team that’s also taking part in this tournament. Those are not bad results.
“More than anything else, what the results have done is give us confidence that we can get the job done. Victory over the Dominican Republic on Sunday will stabilise our winning mentality.
“It is a factor that matters in championships and that is why we are determined to win on Sunday.”
Italy-based Victor Eletu, who later teamed up with the squad, is expected to provide much-needed depth to the Flying Eagles’ side.
Nigeria is likely to parade the Chijioke Aniagbosos in goal with Daniel Bameyi, Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Frederick, and Solomon Agbalaka at the back.
Ibrahim Muhammad, Samson Lawal, and Jude Sunday are expected to be picked for the fixture.
Time for Nigeria vs Dominican Republic U-20 Match
https://twitter.com/CAF_Online/status/1660317880481722368?s=20
Nigeria’s game against Dominican Republic at the U-20 World Cup 2023 will begin at 7:00 pm (WAT).
After the match, the Flying Eagles’ next tie is against Italy on May 24 before they take on Brazil three days later.
Sports
Mohamed Salah quitting Liverpool after nine historic years
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club. The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.
Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year career at Anfield.
The 33-year-old Egyptian international confirmed the decision via a video message shared on his social media accounts.
Salah, who joined Liverpool from AS Roma in June 2017, recently signed a two-year contract extension but will now depart following an agreement with the club.
A statement on Liverpool’s official website read:
“Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the 2025/26 season. The forward has reached an agreement with the Reds that will see him close a remarkable nine-year chapter at Anfield.”
The Egyptian forward was instrumental in Liverpool’s recent Premier League title success under manager Arne Slot, contributing 29 goals and 18 assists during the campaign.
However, he has struggled to replicate that form this season, registering just 11 goal involvements, including five league goals.
Sports
NBF Kida’s board to remain in office until October , says FIBA
In a letter signed by FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, the world governing body outlined its position following weeks of disputes and petitions from stakeholders over the legitimacy of the current board and the timing of elections.
Photo: D’Tigers against Guinea during the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifier | Photo Credit: FIBA
FIBA has confirmed that the current board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBF) led by Musa Kida will remain in office until October 2026.
In a letter signed by FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis, the world governing body outlined its position following weeks of disputes and petitions from stakeholders over the legitimacy of the current board and the timing of elections.
After reviewing the situation, FIBA confirmed that the current board’s mandate remains valid until October 15, 2026, effectively dismissing calls from some stakeholders for an immediate dissolution of the leadership.
FIBA explained that it had reviewed extensive correspondence from various parties and taken into account its previous involvement in governance issues affecting Nigerian basketball, which have historically intensified during electoral periods.
“Over recent weeks, FIBA has received extensive correspondence from various stakeholders regarding the governance of the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) and the timing of its upcoming elections,” the letter, addressed to Kida and secretary general Olabisi Afolabi-Oluwayemi, read.
“As you are well aware, since 2017 FIBA has closely monitored the governance issues of NBFB, which tend to become very contentious during the electoral year.”
The governing body also referenced past sanctions imposed on Nigeria, including the withdrawal of the women’s national team from the World Cup and disciplinary measures taken before the situation was stabilised in 2022 through its intervention.
Sports
Int’l friendlies: 15 players open Eagles camp in Turkey
The early arrivals include midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.
The Super Eagles’ camp in Antalya, Turkey, opened yesterday with fifteen players as preparations begin for this month’s international friendlies against Iran and Jordan.
The national team camp officially opened on Tuesday, with coaches and team officials arriving earlier in the day at noon to put finishing touches to arrangements ahead of the players’ arrival.
Providing an update, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed that 15 players had reported to camp following the late arrival of forward Samuel Chukwueze and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
He said that an advance delegation, which departed Nigeria on Monday, had already set the groundwork for a smooth camping exercise.
The group included assistant coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu, alongside medical staff and the kit manager, all tasked with ensuring that facilities and logistics were in place.
The early arrivals include midfielders Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alex Iwobi, defenders Emmanuel Fernandez, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel, as well as forwards Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Philip Otele and Collins Yira Sor.
Goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Adebayo Adeleye have also linked up with the squad, while midfielder Frank Onyeka completes the list of players already in camp.
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