Connect with us

Sports

FULL LIST: Nigeria, Host Nation In Group A Of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Draw

Published

on

The groups for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 have been unveiled in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

This marks the first time the Dominican Republic will host a FIFA tournament, set to take place from October 16 to November 3, 2024.

Advertisement

A late Saturday statement from the FIFA website on Sunday revealed this.

Flamingos, other African nations
Flamingos are drawn with the host nation while Kenya and Zambia are in Group C and D respectively.

READ ALSO: Two Police Officers Detained Over Civilian’s Death During Illegal Duty

Advertisement

Notably, Spain won the tournament in 2022 on their way to the extraordinary achievement of simultaneously holding the U-17, U20 and senior women’s titles – the first nation to do so.

Sixteen teams will compete to lift the trophy and follow in the footsteps of former champions DPR Korea, Korea Republic, France, Japan and Spain.

However, each of the 16 teams now know their group-stage opponents and subsequent pathways at the tournament, with the final set to take place on 3 November in the nation’s capital.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, hosts Dominican Republic have been joined in Group A alongside Ecuador, New Zealand and Nigeria, while reigning world champions Spain have been placed in Group B with USA, Korea Republic and Colombia.

Here is the full list for the four groups:
Group A:
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nigeria

Group B:
Spain, USA, Korea Republic, Colombia

Advertisement

Group C:
Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

Group D:
Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

READ ALSO: Court Orders Final Forfeiture Of Over N12.18bn Properties Linked To Emefiele

Advertisement

According to the statement, “This will be the Dominican Republic’s first appearance at a FIFA women’s showpiece, and it comes at a time when the national football scene is on a high.

“The nation was represented at the FIFA U-20 World Cup™ for the first time last year, and the men’s Olympic squad are primed for their maiden campaign in Paris 2024.

“Tickets for U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024 will go on sale on 27 August.”

Advertisement

Sports

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

Published

on

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”.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Sports

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

Published

on

Inter Milan president, Giuseppe Marotta, has said this week will be “crucial” if they want to sign Ademola Lookman from Atalanta.

The Nerazurri are very keen on signing Lookman to bolster their attack this summer.

Advertisement

However, negotiations between the two Serie A clubs have not been progressing smoothly.

READ ALSO:JUST IN: Chelle Drops Osimhen, Lookman From Super Eagles Squad To Play Ghana, Russia [Full list]

Marotta has now said in two or three days, they will try to get a deal done or move on to other transfer targets.

Advertisement

This week will be crucial for Lookman deal,” Marotta said.

“We are in talks for Ademola Lookman, we want him but we also respect Atalanta.

“In 2-3 days we hope to proceed and be able to get the deal done otherwise we will move on and focus on other players.”

Advertisement

Continue Reading

Sports

Guardiola Speaks On Returning To Barcelona

Published

on

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has ruled out any possibility of returning to Barcelona.

According to him, he has no plans to return to the Nou Camp in a professional capacity.

Advertisement

Guardiola came out of Barca’s famed youth system and went to make 382 appearances for the Blaugrana as a player, winning six league titles and a European Cup triumph.

READ ALSO:Transfer: Man Utd, Newcastle Battle To Sign Sesko

He was promoted to first-team manager in 2008 and worked with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta, as the LaLiga giants claimed three league crowns and a couple of Champions League triumphs.

Advertisement

Guardiola left in 2012 after 247 matches at the helm.

And he now emphatically ruled out a return, telling GQ: “It’s over. It’s over forever. It was very beautiful, but it’s over now.”

He added when pressed on a potential presidential post at Camp Nou: “Noooo! I’m no good at this.”

Advertisement

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending