Sports

2026WCQ: Zimbabwe Shatter Nigeria’s Dreams, South Africa Beat Benin

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2025

Zimbabwe held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, shattering the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the competition.

Victor Osimhen scored in the 74th minute before Zimbabwe pegged Nigeria back in the 90th minute.

Coming off the back of a 0-2 win over Rwanda on Friday, the Super Eagles were hopeful of reviving their World Cup dreams after faltering in their first four matches in the qualification race.

Against the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria began the match with a wave of chances to take the lead. But some brave defending and wastefulness from the visitors prevented Eric Chelle’s side from finding the net.

Nigeria intensified their quest for a goal but found it hard to break down the Zimbabwean defense. However, in the 74th minute, the Super Eagles had a breakthrough! Expectedly, Osimhen connected neatly to a Simon Moses low cross to nod home in the far post. 1-0 to the Super Eagles!

However, Zimbabwe almost levelled things up just immediately after Nigeria’s defence was cut nabbing. Only the crossbar saved the Super Eagles from conceding.

Nigerian looked like scoring another one, but Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi could not place his shot well when through on goal. The Super Eagles later paid for it as the defenders failed to snuff out a late Zimbabwean attack. Tawanda Chirewa beat goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali in his near post in the 90th minute to break Nigerian hearts.

With the draw, Nigeria are still rooted in fourth place with seven points from six games.

Meanwhile, South Africa cruised to a 0-2 win over the Benin Republic in another Group C match in the qualification race, a victory that take them closer to reaching the World Cup. The Bafana Bafana have a comfortable lead at the summit of the group, having gotten 13 points from six games. They are five points ahead of second-place Rwanda, who drew against Lesotho.

Only one team is guaranteed an automatic slot from the nine groups in the African qualification series. The four best losers go for a play-off, a prerequisite for an inter-continental playoff.

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

1 day ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.

Sports

Enabulele Lauds Okpebholo’s Bold Reforms As Edo Sports Witnesses Revival

Published

5 days ago

April 30, 2026

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for what he described as a bold and transformative approach to sports development.

Speaking on efforts to reposition sports in the state, Enabulele noted that with Okpebholo’s visionary leadership, the sector has witnessed renewed growth.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, the Edo Sports Commission boss attributed the progress to the governor’s strategic policies and sustained commitment to youth development, which he said have laid the foundation for a more structured and results-driven system.

“His Excellency has demonstrated clear vision and genuine commitment to sports development. The level of support we are receiving has significantly repositioned Edo as a competitive force in national sporting events,” he said.

He explained that targeted investments in grassroots development are already producing results, with a growing number of young talents being identified and nurtured across multiple disciplines.

“We are deliberately building from the grassroots. A large percentage of our athletes today are homegrown, which speaks to the sustainability of our development model,” Enabulele added.

The Commission, he noted, is also shifting away from an over-reliance on football to a broader multi-sport focus.

Edo State, he said, is now recording improved performances in athletics, combat sports, and other emerging areas.

“Our goal is to strengthen all sports. The results are beginning to show across different disciplines, and this is only the start,” he said.

Enabulele further pointed to ongoing improvements in sports infrastructure and athlete welfare as critical factors in sustaining performance and encouraging wider participation among young people.

“We are building a system that will endure. With the continued support of the governor, Edo is on course to becoming a dominant force in sports at both national and international levels,” he stated.

He expressed confidence that the current momentum would translate into greater achievements for Edo athletes, reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to excellence, discipline, and long-term development.