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AFCON Finals: Key Moments Grom First Half Of Nigeria Vs Ivory Coast

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It was quite a stunning first-half game in the finals of the ongoing 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations in, Ivory Coast.

The host nation, Ivory Coast, took much of the possession with six total attempts at goal while half of them were on target.

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In the 8th minute, Ivorian player, Simon Adingra burst into the box and only had the keeper to beat, but sent a poor shot well over the crossbar.

READ ALSO: AFCON Finals: Obi Cancels Abidjan Trip, Mourns Wigwe, Others

Two minutes later, former Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie asked for some medical attention with his painful gestures. The extent of his injury was yet to be discovered at that time.

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At the 14th-minute mark, a corner from Max Gradel was intercepted by the Nigerian defence.

A rough tackle by Victor Osimhen in the 27th minute made the referee blow his whistle for a foul which prompted a reaction from Coach Jose Peseiro who was stunned as referee Dahane Beida showed him a yellow card.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabili was forced into action in the 34th minute to thwart Simon Adingra’s attempt.

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READ ALSO: AFCON Final: Nigeria Vs Cote d’Ivoire – Preview, Team News, Kick-off Time

He found himself some space after latching on to a pass and unleashed a shot to the right post but couldn’t beat the keeper. The referee and his assistant both pointed at the corner flag.

Seven minutes away from half-time, Nigeria’s captain, William Troost-Ekong jumped higher than an Ivorian defender before nodding the ball into the top-left corner of the post.

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In added time, Seko Fofana had a good opportunity from long range. His shot was directed towards the middle of the goal, but Nwabili was alert and made a comfortable save.

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PHOTO: Okocha Hosts Ex-coach Clemens Westerhof In Lagos

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Nigerian football icon Jay-Jay Okocha recently hosted his former Super Eagles coach, Clemens Westerhof, at his Lagos home.

Westerhof, who posted photos from the visit on Instagram on Friday, called it an “unforgettable night of my life” and thanked Okocha for his warm hospitality.

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Westerhof, a Dutch national, managed the Nigerian national team from 1989 to 1994.

READ ALSO:AFCON 2021: Jay Jay Okocha Names One Player Nigeria Didn’t Miss

Under his leadership, the Super Eagles won their second Africa Cup of Nations title in 1994 and made their FIFA World Cup debut the same year, impressively topping a group that included Argentina, Bulgaria, and Greece.

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Okocha made his national team debut during Westerhof’s tenure and later became one of Nigeria’s most iconic footballers.

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Transfer: Atalanta Hold Lookman Back From Inter Milan Move

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Nigerian forward Ademola Lookman has again told his Italian side, Atalanta, about his desire to leave this summer.

The camp of the Super Eagles’ forward conveyed the player’s decision to the club on Tuesday after Inter presented a written proposal of €42m plus €3m add-ons.

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Atalanta are insisting on €50m valuation for the Nigerian international and there is no green light to the move as of now, according to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano.

READ ALSO:Inter Milan Give Deadline For Ademola Lookman Deal, With Transfer On Verge Of Collapse

Meanwhile, as earlier reported, Lookman’s international teammate, Victor Osimhen will land in Istanbul on Wednesday with medical scheduled for Thursday at Galatasaray.

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Meanwhile, Álvaro Morata has been waiting for Osimhen’s arrival so as to leave the club and did not train with the team on Tuesday. The Spaniard wants to join Italian side, Como.

Ronano reports that Morata has no intention to stay at Galatasaray and is only keen on the Como move.

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‘She Has Placed Edo On Global E-Sports Map’ – Enabulele Celebrates Bezi On New GWR Feat

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Edo State Sports Commission has applauded Bolade Bezi for her remarkable achievement in setting a new Guinness World Record in E-Sports.

Bezi completed an extraordinary marathon of 57 hours, 10 minutes, and 5 seconds playing the popular video game “God of War”.

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The feat was officially recognized during a ceremony held at the Media Centre of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, expressed admiration for Bezi’s resilience and groundbreaking accomplishment.

In a statement issued by his Media Officer, Mr. Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele congratulated Bezi and praised her determination, focus, and passion for E-Sports.

READ ALSO: WAFCON Final: Super Falcons Produce Stunning Comeback To Defeat Morocco, Win 10th Title

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“I must celebrate Bolade Bezi for her commitment and dedication to setting this new world record.

“Since the event commenced on Friday, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience and passion for E-Sports,” Enabulele said.

He noted that the officially recorded gameplay time was 49 hours, 0 minutes, and 14 seconds, surpassing the previous record set by Peer Bresser and Jimmie Smets in Cologne, Germany, on November 8–9, 2017, which stood at 24 hours, 15 minutes.

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“Bolade Bezi’s accomplishment in achieving the longest video game marathon in the hack-and-slash genre is truly commendable. She has not only shattered the previous record but also placed Edo State on the global E-Sports map,” he added.

READ ALSO: Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele

Enabulele emphasized that the milestone is a source of immense pride for Edo State and Nigeria.

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He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting youth engagement in constructive ventures like E-Sports, which he described as powerful tools for personal growth and social development.

This achievement aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire and empower our youth, steering them away from social vices and toward meaningful pursuits. It reflects the aspirations of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for sports development in Edo State,” he stated.

READ ALSO: FRSC Lacks Power To Seize Drivers’ Licences, Vehicles, Court Rules

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In her remarks, Bezi, a clinical physiologist, said her motivation for undertaking the intense marathon was to raise awareness about mental health, particularly depression and anxiety—two of the most widespread mental health issues today.

“This challenge was physically and mentally demanding. Sleep deprivation was the biggest obstacle, but I am grateful to God for making it possible. We are also using this platform to show that E-Sports is a viable and growing sport in Edo State,” she said.

Bezi expressed deep appreciation to Enabulele and the leadership of the Edo E-Sports Association, led by Ovebedaro Dean Bezi, for their unwavering support throughout her journey.

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