Sports

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles stun host Argentina to qualify for U-20 World Cup quarterfinals

Published

1 year ago

June 1, 2023

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday night produced one of the shocks of the FIFA U-20 World Cup by beating host and one of the favourites, Argentina, 2-0 in the round of 16 to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Two second-half goals from Ibrahim Muhammad in the 70th minute and Rilwanu Sarki in the 90th minute saw the Ladan Bosso-tutored boys dump the South American giants out of the tournament.

The West Afrcans came into match as the underdogs after they suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brazil in their last group match, with many, including their country men writing them off, while many predicted a whitewash against an Argentine side that had scored 10 goals in their group.

However, Bosso and his boys proved bookmakers wrong by turning up in style to send the six-time champions out and avenging a final defeat Nigeria suffered in the 2005 edition which had the likes of Lionel Messi in the team.

From the kickoff of the match, the Flying Eagles showed great determination and an urge to make a mark on the game by exhibiting a combination of technical brilliance and tactical discipline, applying immense pressure on the Argentine defense right from the start.

Their efforts paid off when they broke the deadlock in the second half with a brilliantly executed goal despite the host having the greater possession and shots on target.

The goal not only boosted their confidence but also sent a clear message to their opponents that they were a force to be reckoned with.

With the Argentines trailing by the first goal, they poured forward looking for the equaliser but the Flying Eagles’ defense of Abel Ogwuche, Benjamin Frederick, Daniel Bameyi and Solomon Agbalaka stood firm and thwarted all attempts by the host to breach Chijioke Aniagboso’s goal.

Nigeria will now face either Korea Republic or Ecuador for a place in the semi-final of the tournament.

Click to comment

Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

13 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

2 days ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”