Sports

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

Published

2 years ago

June 23, 2024

Editor

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.

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.

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.

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

Group C:
Korea DPR, Mexico, Kenya, England

Group D:
Japan, Poland, Brazil, Zambia

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.”

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.