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2023 WWC: Super Falcons tries Canada for size in make or mar clash

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The Super Falcons of Nigeria will kickstart their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup with a make or mar clash against Canada in a Group B encounter with hopes of getting a positive result.

The match, scheduled for the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, Melbourne, Australia, will kick off at 3:30 am Nigerian time on Friday, July 21.

The Super Falcons which is taking part in her ninth world cup tournament will be hoping to better her quarter final placing which is the best the team has ever attained in the history of the tournament.

The team which has the enviable record of attending every edition of the Women’s World Cup will have a tough task against the Olympic champions, Canada, who stand 33 places above Nigeria in the FIFA rankings, making the North Americans the firm favourites for the match.

The 11-time African champions have only made it past the group stage twice, and reached the quarterfinals once in 1999; and with only four wins in 26 World Cup games, face a tough challenge ahead.

In previous encounters, Canada have had the upper hand against the African ladies with two wins in five meetings, albeit both in friendlies.

The Super Falcons held Canada to a 3-3 draw in their first World Cup match in 1995 and in the 2011 edition, Nigeria secured a 1-0 victory with Perpetua Nkwocha’s 84th-minute goal.

However, in another friendly in April 2022, the two teams played out a 2-2 draw which many saw as a positive sign for the Coach Randy Waldrum-tutored side.

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Tobi Amusan sets world-leading time at Jamaica Athletics Invitational

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World 100m hurdle record-holder, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, was the cynosure of all eyes as she stole the show at the maiden Jamaica Athletics Invitational held in Kingston, where she ran a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds to defeat home favorite and reigning world champion, Danielle Williams, who came in second with 12.46, and USA’s Christina Clemens, who finished third in 12.54 seconds.

The 27-year-old Amusan’s impressive display in the Jamaica Invitational marked a significant and brilliant comeback following her recent setback at the Suzhou Diamond League late last month where she was disqualified due to a false start.

With the victory, the Nigerian athlete fondly “Tobi Express” by her fans, has once again claimed the top spot in the world rankings, surpassing American Tonea Marshall, who previously held the world lead with a time of 12.42 seconds in late April.

While reacting to the feat, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, took to his official X handle to congratulate Amusan whom he called a pace-setter, while wishing she repeats the feat at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you,” the Minister wrote.

In another tweet, he said:

“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!

“You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd.

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Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

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An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display

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