Sports

Despite losing 100m hurdles title, NOC expresses solidarity with Amusan

Published

2 years ago

August 26, 2023

Tobi Amusan

Despite losing 100m hurdles title, NOC expresses solidarity with Amusan

The Board of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has reached out to offer Tobi Amusan, some comforting words in the light of the race yesterday in Budapest where she lost out in the finals, placing 6th in 12.62 secs.

The NOC in a statement by Tony Nezianya, it’s public relations officer, on Saturday, August 26, said: “Although you may have faced disappointment in failing to defend your 100-meter hurdle, we want you to know that all is not lost.

“We are consoled that your 12.12 seconds World record set at Oregon, U.S., is intact. We know you have been under considerable pressure lately. Do not lose your focus as the 2024 Paris Games are still a year ahead of you.”

A statement by Nezianya on behalf of Habu Gumel, president of the NOC, noted that the outcome is not the end of the world, nor does it define your talents or abilities.

It stated: “Competing at such a high level comes with its fair share of ups and downs, victories and setbacks. It is through these challenging moments that we grow and discover our true resilience.

“Tobi, you have shown incredible strength throughout your career, and this setback will only serve as another stepping stone on your path to success.”

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It urged to “Remember, the most successful athletes have faced defeats but have managed to bounce back even stronger. It is during these difficult times that you develop the mental fortitude and discipline necessary to overcome obstacles.

“Take this experience as an opportunity to learn, refocus, and refine your strategies for future races.

“You are an inspiration to countless individuals who look up to your incredible athletic journey. Your unwavering commitment to your sport and your ability to rise above adversity is truly remarkable. We do not doubt that you will bounce back, stronger than ever before.

“Take some time to reflect, recharge, and surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, and coaches. They will be there to encourage and uplift you throughout this process. Remember, you are not alone in this pursuit of greatness.

“We believe in your exceptional talent and boundless potential. You have proven time and time again that you have what it takes to succeed. Embrace this setback as an opportunity for growth and use it to fuel your fire. Your comeback will be nothing short of extraordinary.

“Stay strong, Tobi. Your best has yet to come.”

Realnews reports that Amusan was under a provisional suspension over whereabouts; the ban was lifted just two days ahead of the start of the Budapest World Championships. This must have had some considerable negative impact on her performance.

Despite losing 100m hurdles title, NOC expresses solidarity with Amusan

Sports

Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory

Published

2 days ago

March 17, 2025

Trends Admin

Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory

Newcastle United clinched their first domestic trophy in 70 years with a stunning 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday. Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a historic win, igniting celebrations among the club’s passionate supporters.

Defender Burn put Newcastle ahead just before halftime, powering in a header from a corner to send the black-and-white-clad fans into raptures

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Buoyed by their lead, Newcastle doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute when Swedish forward Isak coolly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.

Premier League leaders Liverpool pulled one back deep into stoppage time through Federico Chiesa, but it was too little, too late as Eddie Howe’s side held firm to lift their first major domestic trophy since 1955.

Newcastle stun Liverpool to secure Carabao Cup victory

Sports

EPL: Merino header gives Arsenal slim win over Chelsea

Published

2 days ago

March 16, 2025

Trends Admin

EPL: Merino header gives Arsenal slim win over Chelsea

Chelsea’s challenge for a place in next season’s Champions League faltered in a toothless 1-0 defeat at Arsenal on Sunday as Fulham beat Tottenham 2-0.

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of a disappointing contest at the Emirates as Arsenal pulled clear in second place and to within 12 points of runaway leaders Liverpool.

Chelsea badly missed the presence of the absent Cole Palmer due to illness as they meekly surrendered to a damaging defeat for their hopes of a top-four finish.

The Blues remain in fourth for now but have five sides from Manchester City in fifth to Aston Villa in ninth within four points of Enzo Maresca’s team.

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Arsenal have struggled badly for goals since the loss of Kai Havertz to a season-ending injury has forced midfielder Merino into a makeshift centre-forward role.

The Spanish international proved the match winner from a corner as he looped a header from Martin Odegaard’s delivery inside the far post on 20 minutes.

Chelsea barely threatened but were nearly gifted a route back into the game when David Raya fumbled Marc Cucurella’s shot and the ball trickled wide.

At the other end, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez made a brilliant stop to prevent Merino doubling Arsenal’s lead with the best effort of the second half.

But the game petered out with little goalmouth action as a limp performance will do little to quieten the critics of Maresca’s style of play among the Chelsea support.

EPL: Merino header gives Arsenal slim win over Chelsea

Sports

Chelsea beat Man City to win Women’s League Cup

Published

3 days ago

March 16, 2025

Trends Admin

Chelsea beat Man City to win Women’s League Cup

Chelsea edged past Manchester City in the Women’s League Cup final to win their first trophy under Sonia Bompastor and keep their bid for a historic quadruple alive.

Bompastor has exceeded expectations since succeeding Emma Hayes as head coach last May, winning 26 of her 28 games.

Mayra Ramirez netted an early opener for Chelsea, bundling in a rebound that bounced off City skipper Laia Aleixandri at Derby County’s Pride Park.

Aoba Fujino levelled after the break with a stunning strike, but an own goal by Yui Hasegawa restored Chelsea’s lead and ended their three-year losing streak in League Cup finals.

“It feels great, for sure. I’m really happy,” Bompastor said.

“From the beginning of the season we said we are going to be ambitious and when you have the opportunity to win a first title that is always really positive so I am really happy for that reason and I am really proud of my players.”

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City, who were playing their first game under interim boss Nick Cushing following Gareth Taylor’s sacking five days ago, dominated play after Chelsea’s opener.

But they were unable to find a way through during the first half as Chelsea’s solid centre-back paring of Millie Bright and Nathalie Bjorn stood firm, limiting City’s chances to ambitious efforts from the edge of the box.

Chelsea appeared to regain control after the interval, but Fujino’s powerful strike flew past Hannah Hampton and into the roof of the net before Hasegawa’s own goal handed momentum back to Bompastor’s side.

They remain in the hunt for the Champions League and FA Cup, while they have all but secured a sixth successive Women’s Super League (WSL) title, sitting eight points clear at the top of the table with six games remaining.

This final marked the start of an intense 12-day battle, with Chelsea and City playing each other four times in a row.