Sports

Europa: Super Eagles star Lookman ends Leverkusen’s unbeaten run with hat trick

Published

1 month ago

May 23, 2024

Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, has become the first Nigerian footballer to score a hat trick in a European cup final after his three goals ended Bayern Leverkusen’s unbeaten run in all competitions this season.

The Nigerian star also etched his name in history as he handed his Italian club, Atalanta, her first ever European Cup title, as well as becoming the first player to score a hat-trick in a European final for 49 years.

The Bergamo-based side which has long existed l in the shadows of nearby giants AC and Inter Milan, have now enjoyed a golden era under Gian Piero Gasperini, reaching the Champions League on four occasions, and now have silverware to show for it.

Leverkusen which made a name under Xabi Alonso with a habit of late fightbacks in their fairy-tale run to winning a first-ever Bundesliga title without tasting defeat and reaching the Europa League final, were put to the sword with Atalanta’s direct play and pacy attackers.

Atalanta’s more purposeful play in the opening stages was rewarded after just 12 minutes when Davide Zappacosta got to the by-line and Lookman caught Exequiel Palacios napping to fire into the top corner at the back post.

The former Everton, Leicester City, Fulham and RB Leipzig striker was to be Leverkusen nemesis when he slammed in his second goal of the night after he nutmegged Granit Xhaka before curling a powerful shot into the far corner.

The final blow was a thunderbolt finish from the 26-year-old Lookman as he skipped past Edmond Tapsoba and blasted into the top corner on his weaker left foot.

With the win, Atalanta became the first Italian side to win the competition since Parma lifted the UEFA Cup in 1999.

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Sports

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay makes history at Tour de France

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Unheralded Eritrean cyclist, Biniam Girmay, on Monday, made history by becoming the first Black African rider to claim victory in a Tour de France stage.

Girmay crossed the finish line ahead of tour favourites, Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie, completing the stage in 5 hours, 26 minutes, 48 seconds.

Girmay won stage three of the 2024 Tour in Turin after a crash in the peloton, three kilometres from the finish, dashed Mark Cavendish’s hopes of becoming the Tour’s record-breaking stage winner for yet another day.

The 24-year-old Girmay who rides for the Intermarché-Wanty team, had already won a stage in the 2022 Giro d’Italia and of the Belgian classic Gent-Wevelgem, and took his first Tour success after sprinting ahead of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie.

Speaking after the race, the Eritrean said:

“Ever since I started cycling, I’ve always been dreaming of the Tour. But to win in my second Tour, in a big bunch sprint, is unbelievable. It means a lot, personally for me, and for the continent.

“I remember my father really liked to watch the Tour every July. He always showed us the Tour de France on TV. One day, I asked him if it was possible to be part of the Tour, and he said: ‘Keep going and everything is possible.’

“Today, everybody will believe African riders can succeed in the World Tour. We must be proud, now we are really part of the big races, now it’s our moment, our time.”

Girmay’s victory came on the third day and the longest stage of this year’s race, spanning 230.8 kilometers (roughly 143 miles) between Piacenza and Turin.

Girmay had previously achieved a milestone in Italy two years ago by winning a stage at the Giro d’Italia, making him the first Black African to secure a victory in a Grand Tour, which includes the Giro, the Tour de France, and the Spanish Vuelta.

Sports

Samuel Eto’o threatens to sue CAF after match-fixing hearing

Published

2 days ago

July 1, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has threatened to institute a lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a disciplinary hearing over match-fixing allegations against him.

The Cameroonian football legend announced the threat after he was invited for questioning over the allegations.

The ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan striker has been a subject of match-fixing allegations in his capacity as head of the FECAFOOT after he was accused of having orchestrated the promotion of a team owned by a close associate of his.

Apart from the match-fixing allegations, Eto’o is also accused of spreading false information, making threats, inciting violence and abusing power, in a scalding report sent to FIFA.

According to the report, Eto’o was charged by CAF over the alleged offences and on Wednesday, June 26th, he appeared before a disciplinary panel.

Though the outcome of the hearing are yet unknown as CAF is yet to publish an official statement, Eto’o says he is not satisfied with the process and will be seeking redress in court.

“I have mandated my lawyers to file a complaint against CAF and for responsibilities to be established,” Eto’o said while addressing journalists.

“It was too easy to tarnish everything I had built during these few years in the world of football. CAF launched a press release much too early. This is unacceptable behaviour.”