Sports

Aribo, Bassey, Balogun: Three Nigerian stars on the verge of Europa League history as Rangers battle Frankfurt

Published

2 years ago

May 18, 2022

The trio of Nigerian soccer stars, Joe Aribo, Calvin Bassey and Leon Balogun, all of Rangers of Scotland, are on the verge of history when the ‘Gers battle German Bundesliga side, Eintracht Frankfurt, in the Europa League final at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium in Seville, Spain, on Wednesday night.

The Nigerian internationals are just 90 minutes, or maybe 120 minutes, away from history on the European continent as they will become the first three players from the same country to lift Europe’s second continental trophy.

The value of the Nigerian stars to Rangers cannot be downplayed as they have proven time and time again to be indispensables for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side.

Aribo may be about the most important player of the trio as his involvement in open play demonstrates the 25-year-old’s effect on van Bronckhorst’s men who need him to deliver a strong performance in Wednesday’s decider.

Calvin Bassey may not have scored as many as Leon Balogun’s two goals in their Europa League campaign, yet the versatile left sided defender has arguably played a more significant role in their run to the final.

The 22-year-old has started all but two of Rangers’ games, fulfilling dual roles and becoming a reliable head at the heart of the defence.

Only captain and fellow defender James Tavernier has outdone Bassey’s 30 interceptions, although that comes with the caveat that the Englishman has played more than the Nigeria international who edges every teammate for tackles plus interceptions in their run to the final.

On and off the ball, Bassey is blessed with an underrated passing range which he showcased in their quarter-final turnaround against Sporting Braga where his sensational pin-point pass from deep inside his half found Kemar Roofe on the edge of the area, forcing Vítor Tormena to bring down the frontman inside the area.

Balogun may not be a regular starter in the team but the versatile defender always gives the team a calmness in the heart of defence whenever he is called upon. And he always delivers and steals forward once in a while to nick in the odd goal here and there.

The Nigerian trio has contributed to six of Rangers 22 goals in the run up to the final, which is 27 percent of the Scottish outfit’s strikes in the competition.

For all their rich history, only a European Cup Winners Cup success in 1972 accounts for Rangers’ sole continental triumph in their 150-year history but victory against Frankfurt will banish the hurt of losing the Premiership title to Celtic and see them match their fierce rivals for European titles won.

And most importantly, victory will place the three Nigerian soccer stars in the history books of the Scottish giants.

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Sports

Domestic worker sues Pitso Mosimane, wife following debilitating injuries

Published

2 hours ago

April 25, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Former Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Al Ahli of Egypt coach, Pitso Mosimane, and his wife, Moira Tlhagale, have been sued by their domestic worker after a severe injury at the home of the couple led to disabilities.

The domestic worker, domestic worker Dorothy Sikirivao, filed the lawsuit against Mosimane who is the current head coach of Abha Club of Saudi Arabia, claiming the sum of R5.7-million at the Johannesburg High Court after suffering from severe injuries he sustained in a mishap at the couple’s residence in April 2021.

According to reports by Sunday World, Sikirivao had a serious fall at the Mosimane’s home while clearing debris, with the accident allegedly leaving her with “catastrophic spine-related injuries, leading to a significant reduction in her mobility and affecting her reproductive health.”

The reports stated that medical specialists diagnosed Sikirivao with multiple injuries, including blood clots in the brain, shoulder dislocation, various bone fractures, and severe pressure on the spinal cord.

“The domestic worker claims the injuries were exacerbated by the demanding nature of her duties and the couple’s insistence that she return to work soon after the accident,” the tabloid wrote, quoting Sikirivao legal documents

“This was because of the tedious nature of the work she did and the potential of aggravating the injuries. The injuries she sustained from the said accident were of such a nature that exacting physical labor will aggravate them.”

The documents explained that initially, Mosimane and Tlhagale covered Sikirivao’s medical expenses but reportedly ceased payments without explanation.

“Despite being granted a month of sick leave following the incident, Sikirivao alleges she was coerced into resuming work, which worsened her condition.

“The plaintiff, post the said accident, was also prognosed to be in a situation where the plaintiff may never be able to carry a pregnancy and fulfil her desire to have her biological children except through an expensive and legally cumbersome process of surrogacy.

“Furthermore, she may face ongoing health complications due to the accident. The compensation Sikirivao seeks includes R1.7-million for loss of income, R2-million for past and future medical expenses, and R2-million divided equally for the loss of amenities of life and for pain and suffering,” the legal documents added.

Sports

Zambian FA boss, Gen.Sec arrested over alleged laundering of K341,902

Published

1 day ago

April 24, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

President of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), Andrew Kamanga, has been arrested along with the Secretary-General and two other persons over an alleged money laundering running into K341,902.

The country’s Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), which made the arrest, said in a statement on Tuesday through its Assistant Public Relations Officer, Sydney Katongo, that Kamanga was jointly charged with FAZ General-Secretary, Reuben Kamanga.

Katongo named the other individuals arrested as Madalitso Kamanga and Jailous Siame, residing in Woodlands Chalala and Mumbwa Road respectively, and will be jointly charged on several offenses including obtaining money by false pretenses.

The DEC spokesman said other offenses were obtaining pecuniary advantage by false pretense and conspiracy to defraud government.

“DEC investigations revealed that the suspects while acting together, obtained K341, 902.00 from the Government of the Republic of Zambia under false pretenses,” Katongo said in the statement.

He stated that money was purportedly allocated as allowances for Madalitso Kamanga and Jairous Siame to attend the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), however, the allowances were transferred into their personal accounts with Madalitso and Jairous getting K170, 951, while they also individually obtained return tickets valued at K99,980.

“It was discovered that the funds were disbursed to two individuals under the guise of being FAZ officials, necessitating their attendance with the advance party for AFCON,” Katongo said.

He added that investigations revealed that neither Madalitso nor Jairous held official or executive positions within FAZ.

“This fraudulent activity transpired between January, 1 and February, 15, 2024, coinciding with the dates of the Africa Cup of Nations held in Ivory Coast from January, 13, to February, 11, 2024.

“The suspects are currently finalising bond processes and will appear in court soon. The DEC underscores its unwavering commitment to combating money laundering offenses within Zambia,” Katongo assured.

“The Commission will continue to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in money laundering schemes, ensuring accountability and justice for all,” Katongo added.