Sports

How vilified Onana became Man Utd’s hero

Published

7 months ago

October 25, 2023

Cameroon and Manchester United goalkeeper, Andre Onana jumped from a much vilified zero to a hero when he ensured that the English club earned three crucial points with a last-gasp penalty save in United’s UEFA Champions League match against FC Copenhagen on Tuesday night.

Onana has been one of the most criticised United players with less than inspiring performances since joining the club, with most of his blunders turning out to be costly for the club both in the EPL and in Europe.

But on Tuesday night, the Cameroonian goalkeeper secured United’s first win in the Champions League this season as he saved a Copenhagen penalty in the 97th minute, just seconds before the full-time whistle, thereby turning from zero to hero when it mattered.

With the heroic save, the former Inter Milan shot-stopper managed to somewhat redeem himself after an error-prone start to his time with the Red Devils.

The 27-year-old Onana has conceded 20 goals in 13 matches for Man U, which has made most of the club fans to take on him despite the confidence coach Erik ten Hag has in his goal tender.

Speaking on Onana, the manager said:

“He showed personality. He knows that before he was not at the levels his skills are. He didn’t match his skills and he could do better.

“I think Saturday against Sheffield United was a very good performance and today as well. Don’t forget his save after half time on the counterattack.”

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Sports

Tobi Amusan sets world-leading time at Jamaica Athletics Invitational

Published

18 hours ago

May 13, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

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.

Sports

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

Published

3 days ago

May 11, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

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