Author: Nurudeen Obalola
Barcelona secured their 28th LaLiga title on Thursday night when they beat city rivals Espanyol 2-0, securing an unassailable seven-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid with two games left to play. Following a 4-3 loss at Barcelona on Sunday, Real needed to win their final three games and hope the leaders didn’t earn more than one point in the same period to maintain any mathematical chances of claiming the title. However, their slim title hopes were dashed when Lamine Yamal curled a superb shot into the back of the net in the 53rd minute, with Fermin Lopez securing the victory by…
The Flying Eagles of Nigeria’s quest for an eighth U-20 Africa Cup of Nations title ended on Thursday with a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in Suez, Egypt. After a goalless first half, the South Africans struck midway into the second period to earn passage to the final. Tylon Smith headed past a stranded Flying Eagles goalkeeper Ajia Yakub, who had replaced the injured Ebenezer Harcourt, in the 66th minute to send his side to the final. The Flying Eagles made several attempts to level the game but were thwarted by the South Africa goalkeeper with some excellent saves. It…
Former South Africa international Cornal Hendricks has died aged 37 after suffering a heart attack. Hendricks, who scored five tries in 12 appearances for the Springboks, died on Wednesday. The winger made his Test debut for the Springboks against Wales in 2014, having also played sevens for his country. Hendricks was forced to retire from professional rugby 10 years ago after being diagnosed with a heart condition. However, after receiving a second medical opinion, he returned to action with Pretoria-based Super Rugby side Bulls in 2019. He represented South Africa in rugby sevens between 2011 and 2014, earning selection for…
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi is out of an induced coma and is recovering well after undergoing urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury that could have been life-threating, according to reports from England. Mail Sport reported that the Nottingham Forest striker was receiving intensive care on Tuesday night after surgeons had started what was a complex operation. That procedure was completed on Wednesday as planned, and the Nigeria international is being monitored in the hospital. The outlet added that he was awake following the surgery and with his family. Awoniyi, 27, crashed into a post during Sunday’s 2-2…
By Nurudeen Obalola Victor Osimhen continued his stellar campaign on loan at Galatasaray on Wednesday night by scoring twice to lead the club to Turkish Cup triumph. The Super Eagles striker came alive in the second half and struck twice as Galatasaray defeated Trabzonspor 3-0 in the final to clinch a record-extending 19th Turkish Cup. Baris Yilmaz got Galatasaray off to a quick start, opening the scoring in the fifth minute against opponents they defeated 2-0 just four days ago in the Turkish Super Lig. Osimhen doubled Galatasaray’s advantage one minute into the second period and sealed the victory in…
The Super Falcons will be sporting a new design of jerseys for the Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) this year, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has revealed. The new Nike home and away shirts were revealed for the first time by the NFF on Wednesday ahead of the continental championship scheduled for Morocco in July. “New kit. Same pride. The Super Falcons new jersey is here — bold, fearless, and made for champions,” the NFF wrote on social media, along with pictures of the shirts. As usual, the home jersey is predominantly green, with the away version a…
Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been placed in an induced coma after undergoing abdominal surgery. The Nottingham Forest forward collided into a goal post during their 2-2 home draw against Leicester at the weekend and received treatment. He came back on and completed the match at the City Ground despite appearing to be in discomfort. Awoniyi was subsequently taken to hospital on Monday evening after complications were discovered by club medical staff. Forest confirmed earlier on Tuesday that Awoniyi was ‘recovering well’ from the procedure. It’s unclear whether or not Awoniyi will have another operation, but it’s understood the injury he had could…
Nottingham Forest have assured that Taiwo Awoniyi is in recovery after the Super Eagles striker underwent emergency surgery on Monday night. The Nigeria international was involved in a nasty collision with the post during Forest’s 2-2 English Premier League draw with Leicester City on Sunday, which required Monday’s surgical procedure. “Nottingham Forest can confirm that Taiwo Awoniyi is recovering well so far following urgent surgery on a serious abdominal injury sustained during Sunday’s match against Leicester City,” the club stated on Tuesday. “The seriousness of his injury is a powerful reminder of the physical risks in the game, and…
Flying Eagles head coach Aliyu Zubairu has commended his players for keeping their cool and eliminating Senegal under tense circumstances in their U-20 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash on Monday. Nigeria reached the U-20 AFCON semi-finals and secured a ticket to the FIFA U-20 World Cup after beating Senegal 3-1 on penalties in Ismailia, Egypt as the fixture ended 0-0 after extra-time. Goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt was the Flying Eagles hero against the defending champions, saving two of Senegal’s four kicks while his teammates converted all the three they attempted. “We prepared for all scenarios, including penalties,” Zubairu said afterwards.…
Andy Murray’s partnership with Novak Djokovic has come to an end after the pair announced they would no longer be working together. Djokovic shocked the tennis world in November when he revealed he had hired his former rival to lead his off-court team. But six months later the arrangement has come to an end, with Murray thanking the Serbian for the “unbelievable opportunity”. The PA news agency understands it was a mutual decision, with Djokovic having endured a difficult first part of the season, including losing his first match at his last two tournaments. Murray said: “Thanks to Novak for…