Author: Adejuyigbe Francis

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…

Andy Murray Trains at Wimbledon Amid Doubts Over Fitness. Britain’s Andy Murray practised at Wimbledon on Saturday as he tries to prove his fitness for what is expected to be his farewell at the All England Club. The 37-year-old, a two-time Wimbledon champion, underwent a procedure for a back issue last weekend, casting serious doubt on his participation in this year’s tournament. Scheduled to play his first-round singles match on Tuesday against Czech player Tomas Machac, Murray’s presence on the court is uncertain. “I’m just trying to do what I can, trying to keep progressing each day. Whether…

Egypt Triumphs at 2024 ITTF Africa Club Championships. Egyptian table tennis clubs ENPPI and Petrojet showcased their dominance by outperforming rivals from Tunisia and Nigeria, emerging as champions in the men’s and women’s events at the 2024 ITTF Africa Club Championships in Benghazi, Libya. The three-day tournament featured teams from Egypt, Nigeria, Tunisia, Ethiopia, and host country Libya, all competing for top honours. The ENPPI team, represented by Aly Ghallab, Mohamed Shouman, and Mohamed Aly Ahmed Salh, remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. Their closest match was against Tunisia’s Raquette d’Or Bizerte, which ended in a 3-2 victory for ENPPI.…

Host Germany Through to the Quarter-Finals with win over Denmark. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz found the back of the net as Euro 2024 hosts Germany progressed to the quarter-finals by defeating Denmark 2-0 in a match interrupted by a spectacular storm. The last-16 clash at Borussia Dortmund’s Westfalenstadion was halted for around 20 minutes late in the first half due to lightning, hail, and heavy rain. The game saw multiple interventions by the video assistant referee (VAR). Nico Schlotterbeck’s early header was disallowed by VAR, while Denmark’s hopes were dashed in the second half when Joachim Andersen’s goal…

Defending Champions Italy Bow Out of Euro 2024. Italy’s defence of their Euro 2024 title ended in disappointment as they were beaten 2-0 by Switzerland at Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Luciano Spalletti’s side failed to replicate the resilience shown in their comeback draw against Croatia, exiting the tournament with a lacklustre performance. Former England striker Gary Lineker described the team as the worst Italian side he had seen, echoing the sentiments of many fans and pundits. Italy, who won the World Cup at the same venue in 2006 and the European Championship in 2021, looked a shadow of their former selves.…