Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu is optimistic his team will have a good outing in the Nigeria Professional Football League next season.

Ilechukwu said the Flying Antelopes have all it takes to challenge for the title.

He admitted that the team needs some improvement but assured that the players are ready for the new season.

“We are still building, and I am optimistic that we shall be ready to hold our own should the season kickoff today,” he told the club’s media.

“Our game against Enyimba, I give it to them as they have been together for a longer period. At the same time, I commend my players for the way we played in containing them.

“Enyimba possessed more balls in the game, but we created more scoring chances but took only one. In all, I am satisfied with the output of my players ahead of the new season.”

[DailyPost]

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is hosting members of the female football team, the Super Falcons, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Super Falcons crashed out of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, having lost through penalties to the English team last Monday.

The First Lady, who held a similar meeting with the victorious Nigeria female basketball team, D’Tigresses, last Monday, has since been encouraging female sports by urging them on.

Nigerian track and field athlete, Tobi Amusan, has been cleared by the World Athletics to compete in the World Championship starting this weekend in Budapest, Hungary.

Amusan’s chances of participating at the Budapest 2023 World Championships had been hung in the balance as she was undergoing the doping investigation.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) did not include her name in the upcoming competition as the world’s athletics body had not confirmed her.

The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) initially suspended the 26-year-old for missing three consecutive tests but has now given her the nod to represent Nigeria at the World Championship.

She appeared before the jury Thursday and got a favourable verdict.

Amusan ran the fastest time ever in the hurdles at 12.12 seconds in the semi-final of the women’s 100m hurdles and in the final she recorded 12.06, it was adjudged to the wind aided. The stunning delivery left the world spellbound.

And ahead of the Budapest 2023 contest she is the woman to beat, but her suspension in July cast a shadow on her quest to retain the title. She had posted a 12.34 seconds after a slow start to the season.

Nia Ali leads the world ahead of Budapest athletics showpiece with 12.30 seconds. Jasmine Camacho-Quinn and Kendra Harrison have 12.31 season best.

After protracted negotiations between Napoli and the agent of Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen, reports have emerged that a deal has been agreed upon with the striker now set to sign a new contract with the Serie A champions.

Recently, Napoli’s head coach, Rudi Garcia, confirmed that the Nigerian would extend his stay in Naples, ending the speculation surrounding the striker’s future.

“I want Osimhen to be happy. The club and the player have executed commendable efforts. He’s an essential driving force for us; we rely on his goal-scoring capabilities,” Garcia said.

“Once the agreement is official, he’ll be able to focus solely on his on-field contributions, a prospect that I find preferable.”

Details published by Italian publication, Football-Italia, on Saturday, revealed that the Nigerian has been offered a new three years contract extension that includes a release clause at €150m and a salary at €10m (N8.4bn) per season.

This new deal is expected to run to June 2027 and will see his wages sky-rocket to €10m per season from his current €5.5m including bonuses and a portion of his image rights.

Football-Italia added that the release clause is set to be at two different levels, one for clubs outside of Italy and one specifically for the Saudi Pro League, reaching €150m.

Osimhen recently helped Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years and also became the first African to win the Capocannoniere (Serie A Top Scorer Award).

The striker also broke a 14-year jinx of being the first player since Zlatan Ibrahimovic to win the Scudetto and the Capocannoniere same season.

His impressive performance received interest from numerous clubs this summer, including Manchester United, PSG, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Chelsea and several Saudi Pro League sides like Al-Hilal.

While various prominent European clubs faltered in their pursuit, the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal seemed poised for success.

Al-Hilal made not one but two bids for Osimhen and offered an alluring salary package that would have rendered him the highest-earning African footballer in history.

However, President Aurelio De Laurentiis and Osimhen were always focused on continuing their rapport together at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

The 24-year-old forward was again on target during Napoli’s 2-0 victory against Apollon Limassol in a recent friendly match on Friday.

Michelle Chinwendu Alozie, defender for the Nigerian Super Falcons and Houston Dash, has revealed her crush on Super Eagles player Alex Iwobi.

The American born revealed this during a virtual interview with Pulse after being asked which male footballer on the Nigeria Super Eagles team she admires.

A photo of Super Falcons defender, Chinwendu Alozie, credit ; Aloziee/Instagram
The interviewer asked:

“I’ll ask you this question, but you can decide to waive it; just as we’ve got some tempting, beautiful, good-looking ladies in the national team, we’ve got the same thing when it comes to the Super Eagles of Nigeria. Have you got any crush among those players?”

She replied:

“I will say Alex Iwobi”

The 26-year-old rose to fame in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.

Her response has however sparked reactions among Netizens

One uthredofmercia wrote: “with the thunderbolt speed she use answer that question pretty sure something must have been cooking behind the scenes ,I no trust this girl she too fine abeg?”

Ohams4PeterObi reacted: “End of discussion.

@alexiwobi come and carry your property.”

Chidubem_OH said: “She didn’t even waste time ??”

Froblematichild wrote: “The swiftness in her response ??, Michelle alozie don break plenty people hearts now.”

Watch the video below:

Former heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua has defeated Robert Helenius in a seventh-round knockout.

This serves as a huge boost for the Nigerian ahead of his fight with Deontay Wilder in Saudi Arabia next year.

Helenius dragged the match to the seventh round before Joshua won through a Knock Out.

In the round, as soon as Joshua landed the knockout punch, he immediately jumped out of the ring.

Conor McGregor hugged him and poured some Guinness down his neck.

Hopes of seeing the Nigerian-born British boxer reclaim his lost heavyweight boxing titles against Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk was dashed after he lost to the Ukrainian in August 2022.

It was a dramatic day for the co-hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup, Australia, as they escaped France’s battle in the quarter-finals to qualify for their first semi-final in the history of the tournament.

After a goalless 120 minutes of action, France and Australia who the Super Falcons of Nigeria beat 3-2 in the tournament’s group stage, settled for a thrilling penalty shootout.

The quarter-final clash at the Brisbane Stadium recorded a massive 12 goals from the two teams via the penalty shootout.

Australia won 7-6 in the shootout that exceeded expectations with its dramatic turns. Cortnee Vine scored the game-winning penalty kick after Vicki Becho had hit the post for France.

Mackenzie Arnold of Australia made a total of four saves in the shootout, including two against Kenza Dali after the latter moved off the line for the first stop and necessitated a retake.

After Eve Perisset’s save, Arnold herself had an opportunity to give Australia the victory with a penalty kick as the fifth shooter, but she missed the post as the roughly 50,000 Australians in attendance felt every emotion imaginable.

Eventually, the hosts managed to push themselves through to their first-ever semifinal of a Women’s World Cup after the thrilling penalty shootout.

In the semi-finals on August 16, at 11:00, the co-hosts will take on either England or Colombia at Sydney’s Stadium Australia.

Manchester United Football Club has opted to postpone the decision regarding the return of young talent Mason Greenwood, as the team takes a considerate approach by consulting its Women’s World Cup players. The decision, which was initially anticipated to be revealed ahead of Monday’s match against Wolves, will now be disclosed at a later date.

Sources indicate that the club is prioritizing open communication and collaboration among its players, acknowledging the valuable perspectives of their Women’s World Cup contingent. This approach aligns with Manchester United’s commitment to fostering a harmonious and inclusive environment across all levels of the organization.

Greenwood’s return to the squad has been a topic of anticipation among fans and football enthusiasts alike. The English forward has exhibited immense potential and skill, earning him a significant place within the team. While supporters await his return, the club’s willingness to engage with its Women’s World Cup players showcases a dedication to holistic decision-making that takes into account the insights and experiences of all members.

As the team prepares for Monday’s encounter with Wolves, the spotlight remains on the collaborative efforts being undertaken by Manchester United’s management. This move not only exemplifies the club’s respect for its players but also underscores the significance of comprehensive and thorough decision-making processes.

Manchester United’s decision to consult its Women’s World Cup players is indicative of the club’s progressive and inclusive approach, which extends beyond the pitch. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and consideration, the club aims to strengthen its unity and enhance its decision-making strategies for the betterment of the entire team.

For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to official Manchester United channels and trusted sports news sources.

Source: MailSport