Sports

Olympics: Sport minister backs Blessing Oborududu to win gold

Published

2 months ago

August 5, 2024

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has urged Blessing Oborududu to go all out and clinch gold for Nigeria in the Women’s Wrestling event at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games.

This is coming on the heels of the veteran wrestling sensation securing a spot on Monday in the semifinals of the Women’s freestyle 68kg wrestling event.

“Blessing Oborududu has shown incredible resilience and skill throughout her journey.

“After winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she has the experience and determination to go for gold this time.
“We believe in her abilities and are cheering her on to make Nigeria proud once again,” Enoh said.

The minister assured her that the whole nation was solidly behind her in her quest to better the silver she won in Tokyo 2020.

“Blessing, you have already made history and inspired countless Nigerians with your strength and perseverance.

“Now, it’s time to aim for the gold medal, the entire nation is behind you, and we are confident that you have what it takes to reach the top of the podium.

“Go out there and give it your all, we are with you every step of the way,” Enoh added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oborududu delivered a commanding performance, defeating France’s Koumba Larroque 6-2 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal bout.

The match saw Oborududu overcome a challenging start, as she initially trailed her opponent.

She, however, demonstrated her resilience and skill, taking a 3-2 lead before ultimately sealing the victory with a 6-2 scoreline.

Notwithstanding the enthusiastic support for the home favorite from the French crowd at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, the Nigerian maintained her composure and clinched the win.

NAN reports that Oborududu will at 8 pm on Monday face Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan in the semifinal.

The matchup is a rematch of their encounter at the Yasar Dogu championship in 2022, where Oborududu triumphed with a 3-2 victory to win the gold medal.

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

10 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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

Published

10 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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

Published

10 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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.