Sports
Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi and Favour Ashe Miss Out on 100m Finals at Paris 2024 Olympics
Nigerian sprinters Kayinsola Ajayi and Favour Ashe fell short of securing spots in the men’s 100m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Sunday, with both finishing sixth in their respective semi-final races, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
After advancing from the heats on Saturday, expectations were high at the Stade de France as the two athletes aimed to continue Nigeria’s success in the event, following Enoch Adegoke’s finals appearance in Tokyo 2020.
Ashe, who qualified for the semi-finals as the last non-automatic qualifier, had a strong start but couldn’t maintain his pace. Jamaica’s Oblique Seville won the first semi-final with a personal best of 9.81s, while world champion Noah Lyles finished second in 9.83s.
Ajayi, the 19-year-old Nigerian who impressed in his heat on Saturday, clocked 10.16s in the second semi-final, which was insufficient for a finals berth. South Africa’s Akani Simbine won this semi-final with a time of 9.87s, and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo secured the second automatic spot in 9.91s. Reigning Olympic champion Lamont Marcell Jacobs, whom Ajayi had beaten in the heats, finished third with a season’s best 9.92s but did not qualify automatically.
Ajayi, the newly-crowned Nigerian men’s 100m champion, had previously set a new personal best of 10.00s at the Luzern Athletics Meet in July. In his debut NCAA season, Ajayi achieved notable successes, including winning the SEC 60m title and placing third at the NCAA Championships.
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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