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AWC Qualifying: Nigeria stumbles again as Egypt, Algeria, Gabon maintain perfect start

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The African edition of the FIFA 2026 World Cup has continued to throw up surprises as Nigeria once again had to come from behind to draw 1-1 away against Zimbabwe courtesy of a second half equaliser through Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Group C match played on the neutral Butare, Rwanda, was sparked into life when Walter Musona’s 35-yard free-kick flew past the much vilified Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho and nested in the top right-hand corner in the 26th minute.

The star-studded Eagles with a squad made up of Europe-based players, had to wait till midway through the second half when Iheanacho slid in a cut-back from Moses Simon.

In a group made up of supposed minnows like Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Nigeria has managed to pick up two paltry points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in their first match on Thursday, and again failing to beat Zimbabwe in the second.

Meanwhile, Egypt maintained their 100% start in the qualifiers after beating Sierra Leone 2-0, with former Aston Villa midfielder, Trezeguet grabbing a goal in either half.

In other matches played, Algeria beat Mozambique 2-0 away in Maputo, with second half goals from Fares Chaibi and Ramiz Zerrouki seeing off the hosts in Group G, who had the better of proceedings before the break.

Gabon also made it two wins from two with a 2-1 away victory over Burundi in neutral Dar es Salaam in Group F.

Jim Allevinah set the Panthers on their way in the 35th minute by guiding in a cut-back, before Denis Bouanga made it 2-0 with seven minutes remaining when he slotted into an empty net from 45 yards out after an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana fell to him.

Abedi Bigirimana volleyed in to pull one back with three minutes left but Gabon held on to move top of the group.

Africa has a guaranteed nine qualifiers for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with all group winners booking a spot at the tournament with the qualifiers continuing on Monday, with Ivory Coast and Mali among the 12 sides that will be in action.

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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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AIU suspends Kenyan marathoner Josephine Chepkoech over alleged use of prohibited substances

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The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has provisionally suspended Kenyan half distance runner, Josephine Chepkoech, over alleged use of prohibited substances during the Barcelona Half Marathon held on February 17, 2013 in Barcelona, Spain.

The AIU, in a statement on Thursday, said Chepkoech was suspended following allegations of doping involving the prohibited substance, testosterone.

In the statement, the AIU said Chepkoech had been served with a Notice of Allegation for violating Article 2.1 and Article 2.2 of its anti-doping regulations.

“The AIU has provisionally suspended Josephine Chepkoech (Kenya) for Presence (Testosterone Metabolites)/Use of a Prohibited Substance (Testosterone),” the AIU stated.

Chepkoech ran a personal best marathon time of 2:22:38 in February at the Seville Marathon, but with the suspension, the record is not likely to stand.

The AIU said the move was part of its crackdown on prohibited substances in athletics which has seen a rising number of Kenyan athletes penalized.

The 35-year-old had made her marathon debut in 2018 at the Nairobi Marathon, dominating the women’s race with a winning time of 2:33:11.

Her provisional suspension means she cannot participate in any competition until a final decision is reached which could result in an acquittal or a formal ban.

She faces a two-year ban pending a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) appeal.

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