Sports

Colombia proved to be a tough opponent, but England emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing a spot in the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.Despite not playing their best football in the tournament, the European champions showcased a more well-rounded performance against Colombia in front of a hostile crowd in Sydney.Displaying strength in defense and diligence in attack, the Lionesses capitalized on two strokes of luck after goalkeeper Mary Earps allowed a cleverly executed lob in the first half.Lauren Hemp scored the equalizer just seven minutes after Leicy Santos took advantage of Earps' mistake, thanks to a fumbled routine save by Colombia goalkeeper Catalina Perez under pressure from Alessia Russo.Russo, who had only scored once in the World Cup prior to the quarter-fin...

The 2023/24 Premier League season for Arsenal began with a victorious 2-1 performance at home against Nottingham Forest. Although the scoreline suggests a close match, Arsenal dominated for large periods.Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka both found the net in the first half, and Arsenal seemed to be in control, with Nottingham Forest's attack lacking any bite.However, late in the game, Nottingham Forest substitutes Taiwo Awoniyi and Anthony Elanga joined forces to score a goal, leading to a tense finale for the Gunners. Arsenal had high hopes of challenging for the title this season.Prior to kick-off at the Emirates Stadium, there was a 30-minute delay due to issues with a new ticket entry system. Nevertheless, the match eventually started and followed a predictable pattern.However, the con...

Reports connecting Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, and speculation of Neymar potentially returning to Barcelona, have been the recurring themes of the transfer market in recent years.This summer, however, in addition to these developments, the rise of a significant force – the Saudi Pro League – has caused a sensation in the transfer market.The stage was set late last year, after a groundbreaking deal worth $200m-per-year sealed the transfer of one of football's biggest names, Cristiano Ronaldo, from English powerhouse Manchester United to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia during the January 2023 transfer window.Ronaldo's former Real Madrid teammate and the current Ballon d'Or winner, Karim Benzema, attracted attention with his move from the 14-time Champions League winners to Al Ittihad, one of fo...

Australia, one of the co-hosts, has achieved a historic milestone by reaching the semi-finals of the 2023 Women’s World Cup after an exhilarating penalty shoot-out against France at Brisbane Stadium.After a goalless 120 minutes, the Matildas emerged victorious with a remarkable 7-6 win in the shoot-out, which was filled with mind-boggling drama and unexpected twists.It was Cortnee Vine who ultimately sealed the victory for Australia with a well-taken spot-kick, after Vicki Becho hit the post for France.Australia's goalkeeper, Mackenzie Arnold, played a crucial role in the shoot-out, making a total of four saves - including two from Kenza Dali. Notably, Arnold had to retake a penalty after moving off the line for her initial save.In a dramatic turn of events, Arnold herself had the chanc...

According to Jose Alvarez on El Chiringuito TV, it is reported that Brazilian international Neymar has reached a consensus with Barcelona in the current transfer window. The two sides have reached an accord on a two-year agreement worth €13 million per annum.Neymar's potential move to Barcelona depends on his ability to persuade Paris Saint-Germain to terminate his contract.Neymar has had a mystifying career thus far. While he has demonstrated his ability to be the unquestionable top player in the world, personal issues and fitness concerns have been obstacles for him. Although these were not problems during his time at Barcelona, they have arisen since he joined Paris Saint-Germain.In a record-breaking deal worth €222 million, the 31-year-old moved to Parc des Princes. However, despite...

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has officially stated that their star midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, will be sidelined for several weeks due to a recurring hamstring injury sustained during their 0-3 triumph over Burnley on Friday.The Belgian was substituted off the field after a mere 24 minutes into their first Premier League game of the season against Burnley.Guardiola disclosed that the player experienced a relapse of the injury he endured in the Champions League final against Inter back in June. “Regrettably, he has been injured once again. It's a problem in the same area, as he told me, just like in the Champions League final. It's a shame because he had made a good recovery, but now he will be absent for a while. Hence, we need to reflect, consult the medical team, an...

The 2023–24 Nigeria National League (NNL) season will commence in September.In a conversation with reporters during the relegation playoffs in Kano, NNL chairman George Aluo revealed the aforementioned information.Later this month, league stakeholders will convene to determine the league's format.During the 2022–23 NNL season, an abridged league format was utilized, and Heartland emerged as the champions in the Championship playoff."We congratulate the teams that maintained their position in the NNL," Aluo informed journalists at the Mahaha Sports Complex."We anticipate reconvening in September when the league begins. We bid farewell to the relegated teams and wish them better luck in the future."

 Tobi Amusan, the reigning champion and record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, is set to represent Nigeria at the upcoming World Athletics Championships.Earlier this week, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) issued a list of 26 athletes who will compete for Nigeria at the world championship, scheduled from August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.However, there was a noticeable absence of Tobi Amusan's name on the list, even though Ese Brume, the silver medalist from last year's championships, was included. The list featured 11 male and 15 female athletes.Surprisingly, on August 10, 2023, Tobi Amusan's name was added to the list.This information was shared by sports journalist Latifat Adebayo-Ohio through a post on 'X', stating, "Tobi Amusan has officially been registered by World...

The Benue State Football Association (BSFA) has praised the appointment of its compatriots into the different permanent and temporary committees established by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).A roster of the committees disclosed by the NFF Communications department on Tuesday indicated that up to three Benue State – born football veterans including BSFA Chairman Barr. Paul Edeh, top-ranking NFF executive board Rt Hon Margaret Icheen and Mrs Margaret Aku were announced to serve in five committees.While Rt. Hon. Icheen historically became the first Benue native to be enlisted in three Committees simultaneously as the Chairman Protocol and Ceremonial, Vice Chairperson Finance and a Member Establishment committees, Barr. Edeh, a well-known philanthropist and the sole founder of two wo...

Taiwo Awoniyi will not participate in Nottingham Forest's Premier League encounter against Arsenal on Saturday, as stated by manager, Steve Cooper.The Nigeria international recently resumed practice after recuperating from an ankle injury.Cooper, during his interaction with the media before his team's journey to the Emirates Stadium, confirmed that Awoniyi will not be part of his squad for the match."Felipe, undoubtedly. Moussa is just about regaining fitness, and so is Taiwo, so the match probably comes too early for them," the Welsh tactician was quoted by NottinghamshireLive.Awoniyi was the top scorer for the club in the Premier League last season with 10 goals.However, his national teammates, Ola Aina and Emmanuel Dennis, are available for the match.