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
Tunisia Sack Coach Lamouchi after 5-1 Defeat by Sweden
Former coach Mounher Kabairer is expected to be appointed in an interim capacity as new coach in time for Tunisia’s next World Cup tie against Japan on June 20.
Tunisia have sacked coach Sabri Lamouchi after they were trounced 5-1 by Sweden in their opening World Cup group game.
Lamouchi thus becomes the first coach to be sacked at the ongoing World Cup.
He was only in charge of the Carthage Eagles for five matches.
Former coach Mounher Kabairer is expected to be appointed in an interim capacity as new coach in time for Tunisia’s next World Cup tie against Japan on June 20.
Sports
Cabo Verde Stun Spain 0: 0
Nobody gave Cabo Verde a shot. One of the smallest nations – in terms of both land mass and population – to ever reach the World Cup were debuting against the title favourites.
Cabo Verde penned an A-grade upset in A-Town. The tiny islanders and FIFA World Cup™ debutants held title favourites Spain. In a testament to its magnitude, the Blue Sharks’ hero, 40-year-old goalkeeper Vozinha, began the game with 46,000 followers on Instagram and finished the day with five million.
Nobody gave Cabo Verde a shot. One of the smallest nations – in terms of both land mass and population – to ever reach the World Cup were debuting against the title favourites.
It was consensually a question of not if Spain would win, but by how many goals.
Ultimately the net didn’t ripple once, a herculean defensive performance and some superb saves from 40-year-old Vozinha secured Bubista’s boys a sport-shaking point.
The one bright spark for Luis de la Fuente’s side was Lamine Yamal, who rose from the bench in the 71st minute and electrified.
The 18-year-old genius could not, however, deny of the greatest days in Cape Verdean history.
Sports
IR Iran hold New Zealand 2:2 in Los Angeles
New Zealand’s bid for a first World Cup victory rolls on to their next Group G assignment against Egypt on 21 June.
IR Iran denied New Zealand a first FIFA World Cup™ win after twice coming from behind to draw their Group G opener at Los Angeles Stadium.
After Mehdi Taremi tested Max Crocombe in a lively opening, Elijah Just went one better to give the All Whites the lead with a low, drilled finish.
Chris Wood was instrumental in the breakthrough goal and the big striker was at it again moments later as he found Sarpreet Singh, who forced an unconvincing save from Alireza Beiranvand.
Iran responded in kind through Taremi, whose 20-yard strike crashed against the upright before the first hydration break.
The pause seemed to work in favour of Amir Ghalenoei’s team, who returned with greater intent and quickly found an equaliser.
Ramin Rezaeian broke through the defensive line and calmly finished with the outside of his boot past Crocombe, bringing the score to 1-1.
New Zealand restored their advantage early in the second half when Wood released Just for a clipped finish over the advancing Beiranvand.
However, Iran weren’t behind for long.
Goalscorer Rezaeian turned provider, delivering an inch-perfect cross for Mohammad Mohebbi to power a header in off the inside of the post.
There was no separating the teams in the closing stages, with Wood heading straight at Beiranvand in added time.
New Zealand’s bid for a first World Cup victory rolls on to their next Group G assignment against Egypt on 21 June.
Iran, meanwhile, face Belgium, with all four sides locked on one point apiece after Matchday 1.
Tinubu Extends Tenure of Customs Boss Adeniyi by Six Months
IGP Disu Appoints CSP Anietie Iniedu As New Force PRO
EFCC Arrests Nigerian-American Over N434m Vehicle Import Fraud
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoEFCC Arrests Aviation Inspector, Two Others for Alleged Cash, Gold Smuggling in Kano
-
News3 days agoJAMB releases 2026 UTME original result slips for printing
-
Business3 days agoNaira Exchange Rates Wednesday June 17
-
Business3 days agoEnugu Air, airport concession to support state’s $30bn economy goal –Commissioner
-
News3 days agoNigeria, Cameroon sign border security pact
-
News3 days agoFG launches FreeTV for millions of Nigerians
-
News2 days agoUK Court Acquits Alison-Madueke, Ayinde and Agama of Bribery Charges
-
International2 days agoBREAKING: Details of US-Iran peace deal emerge