Sports

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

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2023

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)

Sports

Remo Stars win Nigerian champions for the first time

The club will now represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with this season’s eventual runners-up, while the third-placed team will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Remo Stars made history on Sunday having won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title for the first time in their history.

The Sky Blue Stars defeated Niger Tornadoes courtesy of a late goal by Adebayo Olamilekan, becoming the first privately-owned club since Udoji United in 1996 to be crowned champions.

They achieved the feat on the 59th birthday of their owner, Kunle Soname, a businessman with interests ranging from aviation to the gaming industry.

They have now amassed an unassailable 68 points from 35 matches, 10 points clear of their closest rivals Rivers United, with three rounds of matches remaining this season.

They had finished as runners-up in the league in the past two seasons.Founded 15 years ago as FC Dender in Nigeria’s commercial hub of Lagos, the club moved to neighbouring Ogun State and rebranded as Remo Stars in 2011.

The club will now represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with this season’s eventual runners-up, while the third-placed team will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Sports

Man City sink Forest to reach third successive FA Cup final

City can look forward to a showdown with Palace at Wembley on May 17 after the Eagles won 3-0 against

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in their third successive FA Cup final after cruising to a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side took an early lead through Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol’s second-half goal sealed a comfortable semi-final success.

City can look forward to a showdown with Palace at Wembley on May 17 after the Eagles won 3-0 against

Aston Villa in the other semi-final on Saturday.Their 14th FA Cup final appearance gives City a chance to win the competition for the eighth time and the third since Guardiola arrived in 2016.

City lost to Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup final after beating their cross-town rivals in the 2023 showpiece.

Guardiola is hoping to salvage a turbulent season by lifting the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. City, who sit fourth in the league with four games left, will go into the final as favorites after thrashing Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium earlier in April.

Sports

Liverpool Crowns Premier League Champions With 5-1 Win Against Tottenham

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions with their 5-1 win against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side needed a minimum of one point to secure the title and match Manchester United’s record of 20 league crowns, and strikes from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, as well as a Destiny Udogie own goal, sealed the deal.

“This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it in,” captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports after the game.“I was desperate to win it for (the fans) and all the fans around the world, and for us as well.”