COVID-19: Osimhen pulls out of AFCON 2021 – Newstrends
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COVID-19: Osimhen pulls out of AFCON 2021

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Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen has pulled out of the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) slated for Cameroon in January, sources told TheCable.

Earlier on Thursday, TheCable reported that the 22-year-old Napoli striker tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time in the year.

There have also been disagreements between Napoli and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the match fitness of Osimhen, who was recently listed in Augustine Eguavoen’s 28-man AFCON squad.

The former Wolfsburg player is also still recovering from a facial injury he sustained during an Italian league game.

But a source close to the player told TheCable that Osimhen has informed Eguavoen to drop him from the squad going to Cameroon for the biennial tournament so he “could fully recover from his injury”.

Another source also said Osimhen opted out of the tournament to allow peace to reign between his club and the NFF.

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“Osimhen has made a call to Eguavoen to pull out of the Nations Cup due to all the back and forth over his release for the tournament,” the source told TheCable.

“He is tired from all that’s been happening over his release for the AFCON.

“Yesterday, he was supposed to have left for his club to show his loyalty and to also play the Juventus match on January 6 but his PCR test came back positive.

“He feels devastated because since he came into Nigeria, he’s been keeping safe but now he tested positive. He has to recover first.”

Another source also told TheCable that the former Lille player pleaded with the Super Eagles interim coach, NFF president, and sports minister to allow him honour Napoli’s clash with Juventus before the AFCON.

“Osimhen left Napoli for Nigeria so as to discuss with Eguavoen, Pinnick and Sunday Dare to allow him play the Juventus match before coming for the AFCON,” the source added.

“The boy loves his nation and as well his club in Naples. So, he needs to let go of the AFCON for peace to reign. And for him to focus on his career.

“He is still young and will have so many opportunities to play other AFCON in the future.”

Osimhen was part of the 2019 bronze AFCON winning side in Egypt.

The Cable

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U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos to face USA after beating hosts Dominican Republic 1-0

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U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos to face USA after beating hosts Dominican Republic 1-0

A late strike from Shakirat Moshood earned Nigeria’s Flamingos a 1-0 win against hosts Dominican Republic, in their final Group A game at the FIFA U-17 women’s World Cup in the early hours of Wednesday.

The Flamingos thought they have taken the lead on 15 minutes but Moshood strike was ruled out for an offside after VAR review.

In the 28th minute Flamingos captain Taiwo Afolabi fired from distance to force a save from Dominican keeper.

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With 10 minutes left in the first half Dominican Republic went close to opening the score following defensive mixup by the Flamingos but the effort was taken.

In the 74th Adegoke almost gave the Flamingos the lead unfortunately she missed a sitter.

The deadlock was eventually broken in the 89th minute thanks to Moshood whose strike from distance ended at the back of the net.

The Flamingos will now face their United States counterpart in the quarterfinal bout of the tournament.

 

U-17 WWC: Nigeria’s Flamingos to face USA after beating hosts Dominican Republic 1-0

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Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

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Carloha announces Chery SUV gift for NAPE Charity Golf Tournament winner 

 

Ultimate winner of the forthcoming NAPE Charity Golf Tournament holding in Abuja will drive home Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, a superlative sport utility vehicle.

Carloha Nigeria, one of the major sponsors of the event, disclosed this in a statement issued in Lagos.

The golf tournament is scheduled to take place at the prestigious IBB Golf & Country Club, Abuja, on October 26, 2024.

Carloha, franchise holder and assembler of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, said its sponsorship of the tournament was part of its commitment to fostering sports development in the country.

Part of the statement read, “Chery is offering its flagship SUV, the Tiggo 8 Pro as the ultimate prize for any player who achieves a hole-in-one during the tournament.

“This event promises to be an unforgettable experience for golf enthusiasts and those passionate about positively impacting our community.”

It specifically noted that the highlight of the tournament would be the incredible hole-in-one winning feat attracting a prize of Chery Tiggo 8 Pro generously provided by Carloha without insurance premium coverage for the tournament.

This prize is said to underscore Chery’s support for sporting initiatives in Nigeria and reflect the brand’s passion for nurturing talent and promoting community engagement through sports.

Director of Sales for Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Joseph Omokhapue, said, “We are glad to be one of the major partners in the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament, and offering an amazing prize for the hole-in-one with Tiggo 8 Pro represents Chery’s dedication to supporting sports in Nigeria, as well as enhancing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament, making it an event to remember.

“More importantly, this gesture is one of the many ways Carloha is contributing to the underprivileged in our society by associating with the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.”

By participating in this prestigious event, Golfers have the chance to showcase their skills and also contribute to a worthy cause.

Proceeds from the tournament would go towards supporting local charities, creating a lasting impact on the lives of those in need, the statement added.

The Tiggo 8 Pro, according to the firm, is renowned for its luxury, cutting-edge technology, stylish design, dynamic performance, and it perfectly embodies Chery’s dedication to excellence for on and off-road experience.

The Tiggo 8 Pro features an elegant, high-tech electronic gearshift system that provides effortless and precise control, enhancing safety performance and ease of operation, adeptly tailored for the diverse terrains of Nigeria.

It urged golfers and sports enthusiasts to get ready to swing for success at the NAPE Charity Golf Tournament.

“We look forward to seeing you at the IBB Golf Country Club as we come together to make a difference, promote sports development in Nigeria, and celebrate the Chery brand,” it stated.

As part of its commitment to make vehicle ownership easy and affordable for all, Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometers, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 24/7 services and parts support nationwide.

This ensures that owners can enjoy their Tiggo 8 Pro with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.

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Vinicius Jr will win Ballon d’Or, says Ancelotti

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Vinicius Jr will win Ballon d’Or, says Ancelotti

Minutes after Real Madrid fans were singing for Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d’Or, the Brazil forward insisted he wanted to “stay at the club forever”.

The Brazilian scored a sensational hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday to help his side come from 2-0 down to win 5-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

He could not have timed his treble better with the Ballon d’Or, widely regarded as football’s most prestigious individual trophy, awarded on Monday, 28 October.

After the match, Real manager Carlo Ancelotti called Vinicius Jr “an extraordinary character” and insisted he “will win the Ballon d’Or” based off his performances last season.

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The talk is that the 24-year-old is the favourite to win the prestigious accolade having led Real to a La Liga-Champions League double last season, scoring in the Champions League final and also later being named as the competition’s best player.

Off the pitch Vinicius Jr won the second ever Socrates Award last year, given to the footballer who has performed the best humanitarian work worldwide.

Many on social media feel the race for the Ballon d’Or has already been won after rumours emerged that Nike are to release special Mercurial Vinicius Jr, external golden boots two days after the ceremony.

Either way, Vinicius Jr’s performance against Dortmund in the Champions League league phase can only help his cause.

Vinicius Jr will win Ballon d’Or, says Ancelotti

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