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WWC: Zambia taught footballing lesson as Japan put five past Copper Queens

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It was a day to forget for the Zambian female national team at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand as former champions, Japan romped to a 5-0 win over the Coach Bruce Mwape-tutored Copper Queens.

In the Group C match played on Saturday at the Waikato Stadium, Japan taught the Africans making their first appearance at the world stage a football lesson with a slick display of pass-and-move football producing three quick goals before the 77th-ranked Zambian ladies could settle down.

Japanese striker, Hinata Miyazawa scored twice and fellow forward Mina Tanaka found the net in the second half after having two earlier efforts called back for offside by VAR.

In the 71st minute, winger Jun Endo added the fourth and substitute Riko Ueki rounded up the pounding of the hapless Zambian ladies with the fifth goal from a penalty in stoppage time after Zambia goalkeeper Catherine Musonda had been red carded following reciept of two yellow cards.

Throughout the duration of the match, Zambia struggled to find its footing in its World Cup debut with star striker and captain, Barbra Banda isolated upfront and given tight attention by three Japanese defenders for much of the game, and ended the match without a single shot on target.

With the win, Japan, winners of the 2011 World Cup and runners-up in 2015,
joins Spain, who beat Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington on Friday, at the top of Group C ahead of their second match of the tournament against the Central Americans in Dunedin on Wednesday.

In the post match interview, Coach Mwape said:

“We have not played well this evening. It’s not the end of the world, I’m sure we can still come back and fight for a qualification spot.”

But with zero points and a five-goal deficit, it remains to be seen if the Copper Queens can make it out of the group with matches against tournament favourites, Spain and Costa Rica still to come.

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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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