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Algerian footballer Youcef Atal goes on trial in France over ‘hateful’ Gaza post

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Algerian international footballer, Youcef Atal, was on Monday put on trial by French authorities on charges of inciting hatred after he reposted a video which showed a Palestinian preacher threatening Israel with a “black day”.

Atal, a defender with Ligue 1 side Nice, had shared the video on his Instagram account which has 3.2 million followers, shortly after the attack by Hamas militants on Israel on October 7 in which 1,139 people were killed.

Following the video, his club quickly suspended him until further notice, while the professional football league banned him for seven matches.

In the footage of the video, Palestinian preacher, Mahmoud Al Hasanat, talked about the plight of children in Gaza before issuing the threat.

French prosecutors said they also identified another extract in the video where Al Hasanat called on God to “send the Jews a black day”, and “steady the hands” of Gaza inhabitants if they should “throw stones”.

The 27-year-old defender quickly deleted the post and issued an apology after a backlash. Prosecutors are probing the incident for alleged “justification of terrorism”.

That angle of investigation was later dropped after watching the video and questioning the player, while a fresh charge of “incitement to religious hatred” was preferred against him.

Apart from the French prosecutors, two other associations, the International League against Racism and anti-Semitism (Licra) and the Jewish Observatory of France, have also brought civil actions against Atal, and if he is found guilty, he could be sentenced to up to one year in prison and fined 45,000 euros ($49,000).

He has also been under judicial supervision with a ban on travelling abroad except to play professional football.

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Super Falcons star Nnadozie wins best goalkeeper in France

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Super Falcons of Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has entered the history books as she became the first female African player to win best goalkeeper award in France.

Nnadozie was on Tuesday, named the best goalkeeper in France by the National Union of Professional Footballers.

Nnadozie received recognition for her 2023–24 season-long brilliant performances for Paris FC where she posted regular woman of the match performances.

The Nigerian international won the individual title by defeating a formidable competition that includes Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of PSG, Chloe N’Gazi of FC Fleury, and Kinga Szemik of Stade de Reims.

Last month, the 23-year-old also won the title of top goalie in the French D1 Arkema women’s league.

Nnadozie’s exploits in saving penalties have also solidified her place among the world’s top goalkeepers, saving seven penalties, the most by any goalie in Europe.

The Super Falcons keeper has made a name for herself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers after relocating to France in 2020 and the award is reward for her sterling performances.

Nnadozie took to social media to celebrate the award with a message that said:

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this award. Thanks to the organisers @tropheesunfp for recognizing my efforts and presenting this prestigious award to me.

“A big thanks to @parisfc_feminines , the club president, the entire team staff , the fans and my wonderful teammates.

“Your belief in me and my work is a tremendous source of motivation.

“Receiving this award is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition. Your support means the world to me.

“Can’t thank my family enough for their prayers and support. My naija Giants, Una pikin Dey loyal , big love ❤️🇳🇬.”

Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Nnadozie has been the top penalty specialist and has made the most saves from her position among elite goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s top European leagues.

She has made five saves during her team’s run in the Women’s Champions League, and she has two in the league.

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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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