Sports

National Women’s Cricket Title: Alli Hails Akpata As Edo State Sports Commission Honours Women Cricket Team

Published

8 months ago

November 4, 2024

The Executive Chairman of Edo State Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli, has commended the the state Cricket team for making the state proud after emerging champions at the National Women Cricket Championship in Abuja.

He also commented the Chairman, Edo State Cricket Association and President, Nigeria Cricket Federation Mr Uyi Akpata for the investment and commitment.

The Edo Sports Commission boss gave the commendation during a reception ceremony organised by Sports Commission in honour of the victorious Edo women Cricket team who returned from Abuja recently with the national title.

Receiving the team with the national women gold cup and other two trophies they earlier won in the month of October, the Edo Sports Commission boss said that he was not surprised that the state cricket team won the national women championship title.

He showered praises on the girls; their coaches and all the stakeholders in the Edo Cricket Association with a special appreciation for the hard work and huge investment by the president, Mr Uyi Akpata.

“You are welcome back home. We are proud of you girls and your chairman. To us as a Commission, we are not surprised by your achievements. When you consider all the investments and resources Mr Uyi Akpata has committed to the development of Cricket in the state and nation, you would not expect anything less than good results like this. We are thrilled by your performance and expect more laurels.

“When the governor gave us a target to discover 2000 athletes (raw talents) annually, we did not have any headaches because Uyi Akpata is on ground. He made our job easier for us as he expanded the Edo Cricket programme and delivered over 2000 to us through cricket alone.

“Akpata is a wonderful selfless man who has been doing a great job for our state and country through cricket. For us to have about nine or ten athletes in the National Cricket teams is not a mean feat. It means the team is good. Kudos to our cricket team and the chairman, Uyi Akpata.”

Alli rewarded the champions with N1.Million for doing the state proud.

Edo State‘s cricket team emerged champions in the 2024 Nigeria Cricket Federation’s National Women’s Championship on Sunday, October 27,2024 in Abuja after beating Akwa Ibom by 89 runs in the final match on Sunday, October 27,2024 to claim the National Women Championship title.

Peace Usen of team Edo was named player of the match after taking five wickets in four overs, conceding just six runs and achieving one maiden over.

In the second innings, Edo’s impressive performance saw off all Akwa Ibom batters in just 12 overs, restricting them to a mere 39 runs.

Sports

Pogba Signs For Monaco, Hoping To Revive Career

Published

2 hours ago

June 28, 2025

Editor

Paul Pogba has signed a two-year deal with Ligue 1 side Monaco to return to football after a near two-year absence, the club announced on Saturday.

The 2018 World Cup winner has made only 12 appearances across the last three seasons due to injuries, an 18-month doping ban and an extortion case in which he was the victim.

Pogba failed a drugs test in August 2023 after a match for Juventus and has been free to return to football since March, although his contract at the Italian giants had been terminated last year.

The midfielder will now play club football in Ligue 1 for the first time in his professional career.

“I am determined to get back on the pitch, mentally ready, physically ready, it’s just a matter of time,” the 32-year-old told French television last weekend.

Pogba played in the Le Havre youth team before signing for Manchester United in 2009.

He made only a handful of first-team appearances for the three-time European champions before signing for Juventus in 2012.

Pogba won four consecutive Serie A titles in Turin before rejoining United for a then-world record 105 million euros ($123 million).

He moved back to Juventus three years ago but struggled with a series of injuries.

In 2024, his brother Mathias was sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in a plot to extort 13 million euros from Pogba in 2022.

Pogba has scored 11 goals in 91 appearances for the France national team, playing a starring role and scoring in their World Cup final victory over Croatia seven years ago.

His new club Monaco will play in the Champions League next season after finishing third in Ligue 1 last term.

Sports

Chelsea Set To Offload Jackson, Madueke, 8 Others [See list]

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Chelsea are reportedly planning a major squad overhaul this summer, with as many as 10 players facing the exit door, according to The Athletic.

Among those who could be sold are Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson, and Christopher Nkunku, as the club aims to raise funds for new signings and streamline their squad ahead of the new season.

Also on the list of potential departures are Djordje Petrovic, Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, Axel Disasi, Raheem Sterling, Carney Chukwuemeka, and newly signed Renato Veiga.

Many of these Chelsea players spent last season out on loan and may now be moved on permanently.

The club’s transfer strategy is geared towards meeting key summer objectives, with player sales expected to provide the financial muscle needed to reinforce specific areas of the squad.

Chelsea have already made moves in the transfer market, including the €35.5 million acquisition of Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

His arrival could push Jackson further down the pecking order, with the striker now being considered for a potential sale.

One of the top targets for the Blues is Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, who is seen as a potential replacement for Madueke on the wing.

While Chelsea are keen to trim their squad and raise funds, the departures of Jackson, Madueke, and Nkunku will largely depend on the calibre of offers they receive from interested clubs.

As the Blues prepare for a demanding new season, the coming weeks could see a flurry of transfer activity at Stamford Bridge.

Sports

Brighton Sign Super Falcons Goalkeeper Nnadozie From Paris FC

Published

1 day ago

June 27, 2025

Editor

Brighton & Hove Albion have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie on a free transfer from Paris FC.

The 24-year-old will officially join the club on 1 July, following the expiration of her contract with the French side.

Nnadozie brings a wealth of experience to the Seagulls, having earned 55 caps for Nigeria since making her senior debut in 2018.

She also boasts significant European pedigree, having featured in 16 UEFA Women’s Champions League matches for Paris FC between 2022 and 2025.

Brighton head coach Dario Vidosic praised the new arrival, saying: “She’s a talented and commanding goalkeeper who will bring consistency and confidence to our defensive line.”

He added: “We’re confident she’ll add both depth and drive to a squad already full of ambition as we continue to build for next season.”