Sports
Super Falcons lose 1-3 to Japan, bow out of Paris Olympics
Super Falcons lose 1-3 to Japan, bow out of Paris Olympics
Super Falcons of Nigeria have crashed out of the 2024 Paris Olympics after losing 3-1 to Japan to make it three loss in three games.
Japan began the match with intense pressure, immediately pinning the Super Falcons back.
In the seventh minute, Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie made a superb save to deny the Japanese. The relentless pressure continued, with Osinachi Ohale making a crucial block nine minutes later.
The Asian champions broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute, thanks to Chelsea forward Maika Hamano.
Ten minutes later, Mina Tanaka doubled Japan’s advantage, further demonstrating their dominance.
Nigeria responded with a goal three minutes before halftime, with PSG’s new signing Jennifer Echegini pulling one back for the Super Falcons.
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However, Japan’s Hana Kitagawa restored the two-goal cushion in stoppage time with a sublime free kick.
The second half saw the Super Falcons controlling possession as Japan adopted a defensive stance, focusing on counter-attacks.
In the 52nd minute, Japan was awarded a penalty after Rasheedat Ajibade was judged to have pulled an opponent in the box. However, following a VAR review, the decision was overturned.
Despite their best efforts, Nigeria ended the match at the bottom of Group C, failing to secure any points from their three games.
Japan’s victory solidified their position at the top of the group, showcasing their strength and resilience throughout the tournament.
Super Falcons lose 1-3 to Japan, bow out of Paris Olympics
Sports
Chelsea 1-0 victory against Leicester boosts top four hopes
Chelsea 1-0 victory against Leicester boosts top four hopes
Chelsea boosted their bid to qualify for the Champions League as Marc Cucurella’s rocket sealed a 1-0 win over Leicester.
Cucurella struck in the second half at Stamford Bridge to lift Chelsea above Manchester City into fourth in the Premier League.
It was only Chelsea’s fourth victory in their last 12 league games as they responded to boss Enzo Maresca’s challenge to win all their remaining home matches.
Maresca believes that should be enough to ensure Champions League action, but Chelsea will have to improve on a spluttering performance against second-bottom Leicester.
Cole Palmer missed a penalty for Chelsea and was later substituted, making it seven league games without a goal or assist amid criticism of the England forward’s frustrated body language.
Maresca left Leicester at the end of last season after leading them to promotion and the Foxes look destined to return to the Championship without him.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have lost five successive league games and sit six points from safety.
Chelsea legends Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Dennis Wise, Kerry Dixon and Ron Harris were on the pitch before kick-off to celebrate the club’s 120th anniversary.
This was far from a highlight moment in Chelsea’s illustrious history however.
Victor Kristiansen’s clumsy challenge pole-axed Jadon Sancho, earning Chelsea a first half spot-kick.
Chelsea 1-0 victory against Leicester boosts top four hopes
Sports
Flamingos defeat South Africa 3-1 in U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier
Flamingos defeat South Africa 3-1 in U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier
Nigeria’s Flamingos secured a 3-1 victory over South Africa in Pretoria on Saturday in the first leg of the second round of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Harmony Chidi netted a brace, while Shakirat Moshood also found the back of the net, putting the Flamingos in a strong position to advance to the final qualifying round.
Moshood opened the scoring in the 20th minute, before Chidi doubled the lead in the 41st minute from the penalty spot.
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South Africa were awarded a penalty of their own, which Katlego Malebana converted in the 47th minute to make it 2-1.
The Flamingos will host South Africa in the second leg at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, on March 15.
The winner of the tie will move on to the final qualifying stage, where they will face either Botswana or Algeria.
Four African teams will qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, set to take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8, 2025.
Flamingos defeat South Africa 3-1 in U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier
Sports
EPL: Amorim’s wife unhappy in Manchester United
EPL: Amorim’s wife unhappy in Manchester United
Maria João Diogo, the wife of Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, is reportedly unhappy with her life after swapping Lisbon for Manchester, according to The Sun.
She married Amorim in 2013 and relocated to England with their two children when he succeeded Erik ten Hag in November.
However, Maria has struggled to acclimate to life in the north-west of England.
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According to reports from the United training ground, Maria, a renowned interior designer and businesswoman in her own right, is having difficulty adjusting to Manchester owing to the rain, wind, and dark evenings.
She is not the first partner of a player or staff member at the club to express dissatisfaction with the city.
After joining Manchester United for £59.7 million from Real Madrid in 2014, Ángel Di María’s wife, Jorgelina Cardoso, had a negative view of the club after only 11 months.
EPL: Amorim’s wife unhappy in Manchester United
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