Sports
Morocco Edges Nigeria in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach AFCON 2025 Final
In a tense and tightly contested semi-final clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, host nation Morocco advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final after a 4-2 victory over Nigeria in a penalty shootout, following a gripping 0-0 draw through 120 minutes of regulation and extra time.
The match, a heavyweight showdown between the Super Eagles and the Atlas Lions, remained goalless despite moments of intense pressure from both sides.
Nigeria, who entered the knockout stages with a perfect record and prolific scoring form, struggled to break down Morocco’s resolute defense, managing only a handful of shots across the entire contest.
Morocco, buoyed by a passionate home crowd in Rabat, dominated large periods but couldn’t convert their chances, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali producing key saves to keep the Super Eagles alive.
As the game headed to penalties, drama unfolded. Yassine Bounou, Morocco’s world-class shot-stopper, emerged as the hero once again, making crucial saves from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Morocco’s takers — including Neil El Aynaoui, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Achraf Hakimi, and the decisive Youssef En-Nesyri — converted confidently to seal the win.
The result sends Morocco into their first AFCON final since 2004, where they will face Senegal on Sunday in a bid to claim their first continental title in 50 years (since 1976).
For Nigeria, the defeat marks another painful penalty shootout exit, ending their hopes of a fourth AFCON crown and first since 2013.
The Super Eagles will now prepare for the third-place playoff against the loser of the other semi-final. Morocco’s progression keeps the dream alive for the hosts, who have shown defensive solidity and composure under pressure throughout the tournament.
Sports
Committees hit the ground running for 8th Kwara State Sports Festival
The committees is entrusted with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and executing a peaceful, transparent and impactful festival involving all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Kwara State Sports Commission has inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC), the Local Organising Committee (LOC), and 12 sub-committees to oversee the successful hosting of the 8th Kwara State Sports Festival, the state’s flagship sporting event.
The 8th Kwara State Sports Festival is scheduled to hold from August 21 to 29 at the George Agbazika Innih Stadium Complex, Ilorin, with activities commencing daily at 9:00 a.m.
The committees was inaugurated by the Executive Chairman of the Commission, who doubles as the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee (MOC), Bola Mogaji.
The sub-committees inaugurated include the Ceremonial, Publicity and Media, Technical, Security, Accreditation, Accommodation, Feeding, Venues, Power and Transportation Committees
The committees is entrusted with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and executing a peaceful, transparent and impactful festival involving all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Mogaji charged members of the committees to hit the ground running by working within the stipulated timeframe and developing realistic budgets that would ensure the successful achievement of the festival’s objectives.
He commended the State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for his consistent investment in sports development, noting that the approval for the staging of the 8th edition of the festival reflected the governor’s passion and commitment to the advancement of sports in Kwara State.
Sports
Katsina United player declared dead found alive in mortuary
Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.
•Ozor Chinedu
Katsina United defender, Ozor Chinedu, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday was found alive in hospital following his death report.
The 18-year-old, recently signed from Kano Pillars, slumped on the pitch in the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead.
Katsina United subsequently issued a condolence statement, while clubs including Heartland and Kano Pillars mourned the player on social media.
However, in a dramatic twist, mortuary staff at Katsina General Hospital later observed movement in his body.
He was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on oxygen.
Media officer of Katsina United, Nasir Gide, confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.
Sports
NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers to be sold for $12.5bn – Report
Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The Los Angeles Lakers — one of the most successful teams in NBA history — are being sold to former Disney CEO Bob Iger and investor Joshua Kushner in a deal valuing the team at $12.5 billion, ESPN reported Wednesday.
The sale, which would mark a record-breaking price, comes only about a year after billionaire Mark Walter agreed to buy a controlling interest in the team in a then-record $10 billion deal.
Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
Walter’s purchase, reported in June last year, ended the Buss family’s 46-year reign over the NBA giants.
The Lakers have won 17 NBA championships, second only to the Boston Celtics.The team has been home to some of the league’s biggest superstars including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant.
LeBron James, the NBA all-time scoring leader, just left the squad for the Philadelphia 76ers after spending eight years and winning one title with the Lakers.
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