Sports

Falconets Edge Tanzania 3-2 On Aggregate To Reach Final Round

Published

3 weeks ago

November 19, 2023

Editor

Nigeria women’s national U-20 football team, the Falconets, on Sunday, edged Tanzania 3-2 on aggregate to progress to the final round qualifiers for the 2024 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that goals from Janet Akekoromowei and Comfort Folorunsho gave Nigeria a 2-1 win against Tanzania in the second round, second leg qualifying match in Abuja.

Both teams had battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg match played at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam on November 12.

The game played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium saw the Falconets give the fans something to smile about.

The 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists, who have never been absent from the global finals, swarmed the visitors from the first blast of the whistle.

But poor marksmanship on the part of former U17 team striker Opeyemi Ajakaye robbed them of an early goal.

Akekoromowei eventually put Nigeria in front after 16 minutes, when she rifled home from the edge of the box after an intelligent pass from Taiwo Afolabi.

Five minutes later, the East Africans were at parity, when goalkeeper Shukura Bakare dropped the ball from an innocuous-looking free-kick 35 yards out and Jamila Mnunduka bundled the ball over the line.

Nigeria would have been ahead in the 25th minute, but defender Shukurat Oladipo’s well-struck free-kick from 40 yards was parried away by goalkeeper Zulfa Ally Makau.

Ajakaye failed to make hay with another opportunity in the 33rd minute.

On the hour mark, defender Comfort Folorunsho broke the spell of a 1-1 draw for Nigeria’s national teams in recent weeks.

This was when she leaped highest to head home from Afolabi’s cross after a couple of touches from a corner kick.

The win for the Falconets ensured that they edged their Tanzanian counterparts 3-2 on aggregate to reach the final round.

The Falconets will now take on Burundi in the final round of qualifiers, to determine one of Africa’s flagbearers at next year’s global championship in Colombia.

Sports

Why I No Longer Have Whatsapp Group With Messi, Neymar – Suarez

Published

10 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Former Barcelona striker, Luis Suarez has explained why he no longer has a Whatsapp group with his former Blaugrana attacking teammates Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Suarez, along with Messi and Neymar, formed one of the most fearsome attacking troickas in history during their time together at Barca.

During the ESPN Bola de Prata ceremony, the Uruguay international spoke about the Whatsapp group he used to have with Messi and Neymar (as per ESPN):

“We had a WhatsApp group, but Leo changed his number.

“Ney also changed his number. … They change all the time, so we lost it. … But we talk a lot individually.”

Suarez is set to leave Brazilian club Gremio as a free agent following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

The 36-year-old scored 26 goals and provided 17 assists in 53 games across competitions for Gremio.

Sports

EPL: Ian Wright Hits Out At Man Utd Star For Disrespecting Hojlund

Published

11 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Arsenal legend, Ian Wright has hit out at Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot for not setting up Rasmus Hojlund in the Red Devils’ Premier League 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday.

During the encounter, Dalot, who was played in by Antony in the 67th minute, opted to shoot from a tight angle rather than find Hojlund.

Hojlund, who is yet to find his first league goal, was in a central area and would’ve had a simple close-range finish if the ball came his way.

But instead of cutting the ball back for the Denmark international, Dalot fired the ball into the side netting.

Speaking on Match of the Day, Wright claimed Dalot’s decision showed a lack of respect towards Hojlund.

Wright said: “It was for me, when I saw that it was Dalot, and at 1-0, we are talking about Hojlund’s come on now and he wants his chance.

“This is good play from them. He gets in, he’s got to square this. He’s got to square it to him.”

He continued, “I think the total lack of respect for him. Look, he’s had a shot from the most ridiculous angle.

“He’s upset with himself. But he doesn’t even look for Hojlund, has a ridiculous shot. And Bournemouth score a minute later. Hojlund, he’s got to be pulling him up in the dressing room about that.”

Sports

EPL: Why Everton Beat Us 2-0 – Cheslea Coach, Pochettino Opens Up

Published

11 hours ago

December 10, 2023

Editor

Chelsea head coach, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested why his team lost 2-0 against Everton in Sunday’s Premier League tie.

Pochettino watched as two goals from Lewis Dobbin and Abdoulaye Doucoure gave Everton all three points against the Blues at Goodison Park.

Speaking at his post-match interview after the game, Pochettino said his team lacked concentration during the encounter against Sean Dyche’s side.

“There are 11 players on the pitch that need to perform. The problem is why we arrive in this situation, it is difficult to explain,” Pochettino said.

“We know why we are dealing with this. Newcastle lose 3-0 and Everton was much better and credit for Everton but today I think we were better than Everton and we feel disappointed and frustrated.

“It is not only to dominate and play well but we cannot show this lack of concentration. We were punished too much today, too many positive things, I know it is difficult to talk about positive things in the position.”

Chelsea have now dropped to 12th position on the Premier League table after the defeat against Everton.