By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu

Budding athletes at the Federal Government College (FEDCOL), Ijanikin, near Lagos showed their class at the school’s 45th inter-house sports competition on Saturday, with Oduduwa House coming tops.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oduduwa House beat six other houses in the school, clinching 15 gold, eight silver and nine bronze to lift the diadem.

However, Nnamdi Azikiwe House got 11 gold, eight silver and eight bronze to place second, while Moremi House won seven gold, 10 silver and seven bronze to place third.

Similarly, Macaulay House clinched five gold, nine silver and 10 bronze to come fourth while Danfodio House got four gold, five silver and six bronze to place fifth.

El-Kanemi House won four gold, three silver and three bronze to place sixth, while Jaja House won no gold but got two silver and three bronze medals to come last in the competition.

The competition, held at the school’s playground, is a yearly event to keep students fit and make them to hone their skills for future exploits in sports.

In the junior girls’ 100 metres competition, Onyinye Mbagwu, representing Macaulay House, came first in 13.88 seconds; Precious Okeke, also from Macaulay House placed second in 14.08 seconds.

Amarachi Nwadinma of Moremi House came third in 14.57 seconds, while Chizaram Njoku of El-kanmi House finished fourth in 15.10 seconds.

In the senior girls’ event, Gift Ogochukwu of Moremi House out-smarted others to clinch first position in 12.80 seconds, Olayemi Akanbi of Macaulay House came second in 12.81 seconds, while Alimat Ligali of Oduduwa House was third in 12.98 seconds.

Chikaima Nwanyanwu from Macaulay House came fourth in 13.01 seconds with Christabel Okeoma from Nnamdi Azikiwe House finishing fifth in 13.06 seconds.

In the junior boys event, Kehinde Bello from El-Kanemi House came first in 13.07 seconds while Daniel Mmakwe of Nnamdi Azikiwe House placed second in in a time of 13.07 seconds.

Yau Shuaibu from Macaulay House came third in 13.56 seconds; Victor Obilor of Moremi House was fourth in 13.75 while Anthony Okeke from Jaja House finished fifth in 14.12 seconds.

Speaking to NAN at the end of the competition, some of the participants expressed their desires to excel in sports in the near future.

Gift Ogochukwu, first prize winner in the senior girls’ event, said that she started preparing for the competition the same week the school opened for the second term.

The 13-year-old, said that going to represent the country at the Olympics was her dream, adding, “I want to be known in the world like Blessing Okagbare.”

Kehinde Bello, who elicited spectators’ admiration with his zig-zag running style, said that he planned to improve on his skills.

NAN reports that medals, certificates and trophies were given to winners at the inter-house sports, which featured different events.

Earlier, the Director/Principal of the college, Ms. Tofunmi Akamo, while speaking at the event, urged parents not to discourage children from taking to sports as careers.

She described sports as a lucrative and quick-rewarding enterprise that young persons could embrace to make the difference in their lives.

Akamo said that the competition was introduced in Unity Schools by the Federal Ministry of Education as part of efforts to foster healthy minds in healthy bodies.

“It is also a way to enhance social interaction among students who come from different social backgrounds and

it provides opportunities for relaxation, entertainment and recreation for our pupils,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Silas Nwoha

By Emmanuel Afonne

The Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) says arrangement were on to ensure its athletes participate in the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.

Secretary-General of the federation, Davies Oludare, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja that they were looking to qualify for the Olympics the second time.

Nigeria’s maiden participation was at the Tokyo 2020.

It would be recalled that the 2020 Olympics hosted in Tokyo, Japan was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that affected activities across the globe.

Uche Eke qualified to represent Nigeria at the Olympics after winning a bronze medal at the African Championships in Cairo, Egypt in 2021.

“We are planning to go for qualifiers towards the middle of this year and we are looking at where we have strength,” Oludare said.

He said that the federation was considering which countries to attend qualifiers as there were lots of them lined up.

Oludare also said that the federation would be participating in individual events and was looking at its areas of strength.

“We want to be realistic and as such looking at three to four athletes for qualification; they are the athletes we are seeing to attain international standard and we have watched them for years.

“And the countries we are looking at are Egypt, Turkey, any West African countries.

“We are also looking at Azerbaijan or Paris, because we are concerned about training with good facility ahead of the qualification,” Oludare said.

He regretted that the African Games scheduled to be hosted by Ghana would not be a platform for Gymnastics Olympics qualification.

NAN reports that Ghana is not affiliated to the International Gymnastics Federation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

French football is bracing itself for a major shakedown as both the president of the French Football Federation (FFF) and the women’s head coach are expected to resign from their positions on Tuesday.

Noel Le Graet, who has been head of the FFF since 2011, will be at the centre of Tuesday’s executive committee meeting.

He has already taken a step back amid a legal investigation into alleged sexual and moral harassment and a damning audit commissioned by the Sports Ministry.

Should he refuse to step down, the 81-year-old Le Graet could be brought before the FFF’s disciplinary committee or the executive committee could resign to force new elections.

“Given the failures in governance, his seriously inappropriate behaviour towards women, I can only agree with the conclusion of the report.

“That he no longer has the legitimacy to administer and represent French football,” Sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera said earlier this month.

Le Graet also came under fire when he made dismissive comments about France great Zinedine Zidane after extending men’s coach Didier Deschamps’s contract until 2026.

And he could be followed into the abyss by the women’s coach, Corinne Diacre.

Diacre’s position has become untenable since team captain Wendie Renard said last week that she would not play at this year’s Women’s World Cup to preserve her mental health.

Fellow internationals Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Kadidiatou Diani followed suit soon after her announcement, all saying they were taking a step back from the national team.

Renard, who is widely considered one of the best defenders in women’s football, played for France in international games against Norway, Denmark and Uruguay earlier this month.

According to a media report, Renard will not play for the national team as long as Diacre is in charge.

The 48-year-old Diacre, who in 2014 became the first French woman to coach a men’s team when she took charge of then Ligue 2 side Clermont, was appointed France head coach in 2017.

Renard was stripped of the captaincy by Diacre following their quarter-final exit at Euro 2017, before regaining it in 2021.

Diacre had previously attracted criticism from other French players, including Gaetane Thiney and Sarah Bouhaddi.

The coach was also criticised at the European Championship in England last year for leaving out influential senior players in her squad of 23.

These are Amandine Henry and Eugenie Le Sommer, their all-time leading goalscorer with 86 goals.

France were eliminated in the semi-finals by Germany.

“I can no longer support the current system, which is far from the requirements of the highest level,” said Renard.

The Women’s World Cup takes place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20.(Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

By Ijeoma Okigbo

Nigerian champions Rivers United of Port Harcourt on Sunday defeated hosts DC Motema Pembe of Angola 1-0 in a Group B Match Day 3 tie of the CAF Confederation Cup.

The result of the game played at the Estádio 11 de Novembro stadium in Talatona, Angola means the Nigerian side lead the group having secured six points from three matches.

The 2022/2023 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) winners made efforts to open scoring early in the game but were thwarted by the solid defence of their opponents.

They however suffered the exit of Ebube Duru, who was shown the red card after a second bookable offence in the 42nd minute.

It was not until the game’s 52nd minute that Paul Acquah gave them relief by scoring the match winner off a rebound, for the visitors to snatch the maximum three points.

The Nigerian team will host the Angolan side in the reverse fixture on March 8 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

Manchester United on Sunday produced a superlative performance to defeat Newcastle United 2-0 in the League Cup (Carabao Cup) final match at the Wembley Stadium.

The defeat dashed the hopes of Newcastle United to claim a first domestic trophy for nearly 70 years.

A header by Casemiro followed by an own goal by Sven Botman late in the first half silenced the hordes of Newcastle United fans.

They had flocked to the capital city full of optimism, but Manchester United went on to lift the trophy for a sixth time with relative ease.

Much of the build-up was about Newcastle United’s first appearance in a major final since 1999.

There has been an uptick in their fortunes instigated by Eddie Howe since a 2021 Saudi Arabia-led takeover.

But Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United side are now back on track after their last trophy —— the Europa League, under Jose Mourinho in 2017.

This is however the team’s longest wait for silverware since 1983.

Bruno Fernandes, who was denied a third goal in stoppage time, said: “It has been an amazing period, first trophy of the season, but we want more. It is not enough for this club, we want more and we need more because our standards demand more.

“For me it was about winning trophies and finally we did it. I am satisfied, but I want more. I want much more.”

Newcastle United were stunned when Brazilian Casemiro met a superb Luke Shaw free-kick in the 33rd minute to head past Loris Karius.

The goal was allowed to stand after a VAR check for offside.

Six minutes later, Newcastle United were left totally deflated when the in-form Marcus Rashford was played in down the left and his shot deflected over a helpless Karius.

It initially appeared to be his 17th goal since the World Cup, but it was later credited to the unfortunate Botman.

Kicking towards their fans in the second half, Newcastle United roused themselves into action and pinned a leggy-looking Manchester United back at times.

But they rarely looked like scoring.

Newcastle United’s fans, who had created a sea of black and white with give-away plastic flags at the stadium’s west side during the closing minutes, left the stadium before the presentation.

The Tyneside club has now lost each of their last nine matches at Wembley, a run that began in the 1974 FA Cup final.

Manchester United, who beat FC Barcelona midweek to reach the last-16 of the Europa League and are still in contention in the English Premier League title race, were not at their best.

But they managed the game expertly once they got in front of goal.

Newcastle United were full of energy in the early part of the game, with Allan Saint-Maximin looking dangerous whenever he got the ball.

But the team’s lack of goals in recent months made them look so ordinary.

“No complaints with how we played, obviously the scoreline does not say that, and that is where football can be cruel.

“I’m sorry we couldn’t deliver for the fans today,” Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe said. (Reuters/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole

The Flying Eagles beat Mozambique 2-0 in Ismailia on Saturday to qualify for the quarter-finals of the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Nigerian under-20 male side scored two sumptuous goals in the first-half through Samson Lawal and Ibrahim Muhammad to secure second place in Group A.

The record seven-time champions of the competition thus moved to six points while Senegal top the group with nine points following their 4-0 thumping of hosts Egypt in Cairo.

The Nigerians dominated possession at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia and it came as no surprise when they sealed the comfortable victory at full-time.

Muhammad tested the Mozambican goalkeeper with a speculative shot from distance after five minutes to demonstrate the intentions of the Flying Eagles.

Kimiss Zavala was well positioned to gather the effort as the Young Os Mambas weathered the early Flying Eagles’ pressure.

They continued to pile pressure on Mozambique with Haliru Sarki and Muhammad providing width to the Nigerian attack.

The Nigerians created half-chances through Sarki whose half-volley came off a Mozambican defender after 20 minutes.

Zavala also pulled a smart one-handed save to deny Ayuba Abubakarr from giving the Flying Eagles the lead.

Also, the lively Muhammad played in Abubakarr who controlled the ball with his back to goal before firing straight at Zavala who made himself big.

Nigeria broke the deadlock through Lawal after 32 minutes with a stupendous strike from distance to beat the helpless Zavala.

The forward latched on to a quick interchange of passes between full-back Augustine Njoku and Sarki before beating Zavala with a powerful strike.

The Flying Eagles doubled their lead four minutes before half-time through Muhammad’s sumptuous strike from outside the area.

Muhammad Aminu cut in from the left to release the Cartagena FC striker who had a touch to set himself up before beating Zavala to make it 2-0.

The second half was an even contest with Mozambique playing on the break while Nigeria rang changes to give playing time to other members of the squad.

Substitute Jude Sunday saw his ferocious effort turned over by the busy Zavala 10 minutes into the second half.

Another Nigerian substitute, Olamilekan Adams, forced a save from Zavala as Ladan Bosso’s charges pushed more men forward.

The Young Os Mambas’ only real opportunity came late on through substitute Jose Rabelina Zavala close range effort.

The Flying Eagles join Senegal in the quarter-finals of the competition, while Egypt and Mozambique crash out. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Gambia on Friday defeated Zambia 2-0 to book their place in the quarter-finals of the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

The Young Scorpions netted twice in the second half to secure victory which was their second in Group C.

Cape Town City forward Kajally Drammeh fired the Young Scorpions in front midway through the second half before captain Alagie Saine wrapped up the result with a late penalty.

The West Africans dominated the match and created numerous chances in the first half to put the match beyond the Young Copper Bullets.

Gambia Coach, Abdoulie Bojang, kept faith with the same team that started against Tunisia in their first match of the group, as Slavia Prague winger, Ebrima Singhateh, had most of the chances for Gambia but the youngster could not convert.

The former Real de Banjul protege was presented with the first opportunity of the match inside three minutes when he collected a loose ball outside the Zambian box only for his effort to be blocked for a corner.

The Young Copper Bullets started the second half better with Derrick Bulaya, forcing a save from Pa Ebou Dampha in the Scorpions goal.

The Gambia made a double change bringing in Modou Marong and Muhamed Sawaneh for Ebrima Singhateh and Real de Banjul’s Alieu Gibba.

The duo helped the Young Scorpions going forward with Marong partnering Adama Bojang in attack while Muhamed Sawaneh slotted in the three man midfield.

Gambia scored the opener after 63 minutes through Cape Town City star Kajally Drammeh’s close range tap in.

Modou Marong headed forward a long ball from goalkeeper Pa Ebou Dampha behind the Zambia defense which allowed Adama Bojang to race through and the Steve Biko forward had a touch to set Drammeh for the breakthrough goal.

Gambia continued to enjoy possession and got their second goal from the penalty when Marong was brought down by Tembo.

Captain and Man of the Match for the second time Alagie Saine slotted home the spot kick sending Tembo the wrong way and firing the two-time bronze medalists to the quarter-finals with a game to spare.

The result means Gambia have an unassailable lead in Group C. They will play Benin Republic in their last group match while Zambia face Tunisia.

Tunisia and Benin Republic had played out a goalless draw in an earlier encounter played at the Haras El Hodoud Stadium in Egypt. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Emmanuel Afonne

Habu Gumel, President of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), has urged sports federations in the country to step up preparations for the three major games Nigeria would be attending this year.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three major Games include the African Games to be staged by Ghana.

The others are the Africa Beach Games to be hosted in Hammamet, Tunisia and the World Beach Games scheduled to hold in Bali, Indonesia.

The Africa Beach Games will serve as a qualification event for the Bali Games.

Tony Nezianya, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NOC, in a statement on Friday quoted Gumel as saying Nigeria should be adequately represented with victory in mind.

Gumel added that this was important since the Games had been approved by the Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development.

”The Ministry has approved Nigeria’s participation in those Games and has sought the assistance of the NOC to accredit athletes and officials for those events.

”We need to prepare well to win gold, since our last gold medal was at the 1996 Atlanta Games,” he said.

The NOC President also said the African Games scheduled for Ghana from Aug. 4 to Aug. 14, 2023 was still within the cards.

He added that a more acceptable date would be decided within the next couple of weeks.

“The African Union (AU) has set a committee to fix actual dates. When this is done, there will be an announcement to that effect.

“The Games are important because they will be an Olympic qualifier for most events in the Olympic Games.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Olawale Alabi

Congo coach Marie Madienguela says the Red Devils have to be tight in midfield after being held to a 2-2 by Uganda in the ongoing Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Congo scored in the second half to share the spoils after Uganda had gone 2-1 up in the first half.

Josna Loulendo put Congo ahead with a brilliant header before goals from Titus Ssematima and Saidi Mayanja put the Hippos ahead.

“I think the players did well today and the match was at a good level and I am proud of them. We will do our best to win our next match,” Madienguela said.

Congo were reduced to 10n men, following the red card shown to captain Claude Ngongara towards the end of the first half.

“I think it was very bad to get the red card in the match but we will deal with it in the next match.

“I want to say the Ugandan team played very well from the first minute and we have to do more in the middle of the pitch to win our next match,” Madienguela added.

Earlier, South Sudan defeated Central African Republic (CAR) by a lone goal to seal a historic win and boosting their chances of qualifying for the quarter-finals.

Winger Paul Jawa won and converted a penalty against CAR to secure the win for the Young Bright Stars, their first ever win at the U-20 AFCON. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Silas Nwoha