Sports

Nigeria Vs Chile: Five Talking Points From Clash

Published

4 years ago

October 18, 2022

Editor

Nigeria’s U-17 Women’s football team on Monday defeated Chile 2-1 in the third match of Group B at the Kalinga Stadium to book their place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing U-17 Women’s World Cup finals in India.

Stand-in captain Blessing Emmanuel scored an early goal for Flamingos in the fourth minute, following an assist from Opeyemi Ajakaiye to give Nigeria the lead.

Bisola Mosaku added the second in the 82nd minute to guarantee Nigeria a place in the last eight despite Rovemer Tali converting a late penalty for Chile.

The win earned the Flamingoes a place in the quarter-finals, with a date against the United States on Friday.

PUNCH takes a look at some of the other talking points of the game.

Trademark salute

As was the case against Germany and New Zealand in their first two games, coach Bankole Olowookere and his girls carved a niche for themselves at the ongoing tournament in India with their trademark salute celebration.

At every goal scored, the girls would rush to the technical crew’s corner to salute the coach and his assistants, to the delight of spectators at the two stadiums they played in. The celebration has become so loved and one of the commentators during the game said, “Aye, yes. Salute to the boss.”

Shooting at will

The 2-1 scoreline against the North Americans didn’t paint the true picture of the Flamingos shooting prowess, thanks to the heroics of the Red Ones goalkeeper, Catalina Alvarado, who made a series of saves to keep the scoreline minimal.

The Flamingos had a total of 27 shots, with 13 of them on target, but managed to convert only two of them.

Fans treated to ‘Buga’

The Flamingos had local support on Monday, with Nigerians living in Bhubaneswar coming out to cheer the young ladies to victory against Chile.

The crowd was treated to popular Nigerian track ‘Buga’ by Kizz Daniel, which was played for the Nigerian girls when they scored.

Unrelenting Olowookere

The game on Monday was important match for both teams, Nigeria needed at least a draw to advance to the quarter-finals, while Chile needed a win.

But the Nigerians put up an impressive outing to claim all three points. Despite taking a two-goal lead into the last 10 minutes of the encounter, coach Bankole Olowookere was unrelenting and continued to dish out instructions and screamed from the touchline every minute to keep his girls focused.

Pidgin English, Yoruba take centre stage

The Nigerian girls were very vocal all through the entire 90 minutes of the game, communicating in the languages best understood by them, with Pidgin English and Yoruba taking centre stage.

The North Americans were equally very loud on the pitch of play, making use of their official language, Spanish.
PUNCH

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

13 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

2 days 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

6 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.