Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

Ronaldo in Tears but Portugal Prevail in Dramatic Shootout to Reach Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals. Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after his penalty was saved in extra time, but Portugal still progressed to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 with a dramatic shootout victory over Slovenia. Portugal’s captain saw his penalty saved by Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, prompting emotional scenes as his team-mates consoled him while fans chanted his name. However, Ronaldo recovered to score his country’s first penalty in the shootout. Goalkeeper Diogo Costa then made three consecutive saves, and Manchester City’s Bernardo Silva netted the winning kick,…

Kennedy Boboye Wins NPFL Coach of the Month Award. Sunshine Stars head coach, Kennedy Boboye, has been named the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Coach of the Month for May/June. Boboye’s exceptional performance during this period earned him the prestigious accolade, outshining competitors such as Bayelsa United’s Meremu Okara, Niger Tornadoes’ Majin Mohammed, and Rangers’ Fidelis Ilechukwu. Under Boboye’s leadership, Sunshine Stars delivered impressive performances, showcasing tactical prowess and resilience. His strategic acumen and ability to motivate his team were key factors which propelled Sunshine Stars from relegation spot to a respectable mid-table finish. In the same period,…

Nigeria Tennis Federation Opens Camp for 2024 Davis Cup. The Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) has announced the official opening of its camp for Nigerian players participating in the 2024 Davis Cup. This information was disclosed by the NTF Secretary-General, Shammah Makpa, during an interview in Abuja. The Davis Cup, which is an Africa Group III qualifying round, is scheduled to take place from July 15 to 20 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. Makpa highlighted the federation’s extensive preparations for hosting the event. “This is our first time hosting the event in Abuja, and the NTF…

Late Own Goal by Vertonghen Sends France into Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals. A late own goal by Jan Vertonghen secured France’s place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 at Belgium’s expense. The match, which lacked quality and excitement for much of its duration, seemed destined for extra time. However, with five minutes remaining, a shot by substitute Randal Kolo Muani deflected off Vertonghen, sealing the 1-0 victory at Düsseldorf Arena. France, despite missing several chances, managed to break through due to this stroke of luck. Even captain Kylian Mbappe, known for his clinical finishing, missed opportunities he would typically convert. Belgium…

Ecuador and Venezuela progress into quarter finals of Copa America. Ecuador secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa America on Sunday with a tense 0-0 draw against Mexico, while Venezuela topped Group B with a convincing 3-0 victory over Jamaica. In a nerve-wracking encounter in Glendale, Arizona, Ecuador only needed a point to advance on goal difference. Despite a furious late onslaught from Mexico’s ‘El Tri’, Ecuador managed to hold on and book their spot in the last eight. Meanwhile, Venezuela showcased their dominance against Jamaica, securing the top position in Group B. Their impressive 3-0…

Echeta Leaves Rivers United, Seeks Move Elsewhere. Deputy Echeta has parted ways with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Rivers United. Echeta, who joined the former NPFL champions at the start of the 2023-24 season from Bendel Insurance, has decided to seek new opportunities. Reports indicate that Echeta’s departure was prompted by disagreements with the club’s management. The specifics of the dispute have not been disclosed, but it has led to the midfielder ending his brief stint with Rivers United. Echeta’s move to Rivers United had been seen as a significant acquisition for the club, but his tenure…

Kwara United to Compete Better in NPFL Next Season – Titiloye. Kwara United chairman, Kumbi Titiloye, has shed light on the team’s underwhelming performance during the 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Titiloye attributed the poor showing to late preparations, which hampered the team’s effectiveness throughout the campaign. Additionally, he highlighted that the players struggled to adapt to playing on the natural grass of the Kwara State Sports Complex in Ilorin. “Late preparations affected our performance, and the players also had difficulty adjusting to the natural grass pitch,” Titiloye explained. Kwara United returned to their home…

Spalletti to Continue as Head Coach of Italian National Team. Luciano Spalletti will remain at the helm of the Italian national football team, confirmed to lead the squad at least until the 2026 World Cup. The 65-year-old coach has expressed his commitment to rejuvenating the team. “My mission is to make this team even younger,” Spalletti stated, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. Despite crashing out of the Euros at the round 16 against Switzerland, the Italian football federation has reiterated that the former Napoli head coach will remain as the national team head coach. Since taking over, Spalletti has overseen…

Spain Set Up Blockbuster Quarter-Final Tie with Hosts Germany After Easing Past Georgia. Spain has secured a quarter-final showdown with Euro 2024 hosts Germany, following a 4-1 victory over Georgia. Despite an early scare, Spain managed to overcome the debutants at Cologne Stadium. Georgia took a surprise lead in the 18th minute when Spain defender Robin le Normand inadvertently poked Otar Kakabadze’s cross into his own net. However, Spain’s persistence paid off as Manchester City’s Rodri equalised with a powerful shot into the bottom corner, beating Georgia’s impressive goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. Spain continued to dominate and took the…

Jude Bellingham’s Late Heroics Propel England to Euro 2024 Quarter-Finals. Jude Bellingham became the youngest player to score for England in a European Championship knockout match with a stunning stoppage-time goal, as the Three Lions came from behind to beat Slovakia 2-1 and advance to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. After a series of lacklustre performances in the group stage, Gareth Southgate’s side was in dire need of a convincing display to rekindle hopes of securing their first major trophy in 58 years. However, England’s start against Slovakia was far from promising, with defensive vulnerabilities evident as Dávid Hancko…

Denmark’s Joachim Andersen Slams VAR After 2-0 Defeat to Germany. Denmark defender Joachim Andersen has voiced his frustration with the officiating during their Euro 2024 match against Germany, which ended in a 2-0 defeat for his team. Andersen criticised the decision to award a penalty against him, which he believes was unjust and significantly influenced the outcome of the game. The Crystal Palace player also had a goal disallowed by the video assistant referee (VAR) during the match in Dortmund. “It was crazy and not a penalty at all,” Andersen said, according to EuroFoot. “I can’t run around…

Argentina Secure Top Spot in Copa America Group A with Win Over Peru. Argentina defeated Peru 2-0 on Saturday to secure the top spot in Group A in the Copa America 2024. The match, held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, saw Lautaro Martinez shine by scoring both goals for the Albiceleste. Martinez opened the scoring with a well-placed strike, giving Argentina the lead. He then doubled their advantage with a second goal, ensuring a comfortable victory for his team. With this win, Argentina have asserted their dominance in Group A, advancing confidently to the next stage of the…