Nigeria’s Volleyball Teams Get Automatic Qualification For African Games

Published

3 years ago

January 5, 2024

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Nigeria’s Volleyball Teams Get Automatic Qualification For African Games—-The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) on Friday said the country’s male and female volleyball teams had qualified for the 13th edition of the Ghana 2024 African Games.

The Technical Director of the federation, Martin Melandi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the National Stadium Surulere Lagos.

He said the automatic qualification was due to the failure of Benin Republic to honour its match engagements.

He said the inability of Benin Republic to fund travel expenses of its teams was given as reason for not honouring the engagements.

“This is Zone three for West Africa. We were supposed to play against Benin Republic, we got their assurance but they withdrew at last minute.

“Ali Yaro, Zonal President of West Africa, has written to the Confederation of African Volleyball that Nigeria’s volleyball teams have qualified automatically.

“So, we had to organise exhibition matches for them with some selected Lagos players. This is their first game since they entered camp, I’m optimistic that with subsequent friendlies they will perform well,” he said.

NAN reports that the men’s team led by Moses Gana defeated Lagos State selected volleyball team 3-0 in a best of three games 30-28, 25-21, 25-22.

Gana told NAN that his was certain subsequent matches would be tough for the team’s opponents.

Gana, who was named captain of the team, said he was not under pressure.

“All we want to do is win, I’m glad we won against Lagos with a narrow margin, which I believe is as a result of the fact that this is our first match since we entered camp.

“There’s no pressure at all being the captain of the senior team, it doesn’t put me under any pressure. I captained my local team for 10 years and I captained the U-21 national team. So it’s a familiar terrain.

“There has been tremendous development in volleyball since 2021, I believe my team and I will perform optimally,” Gana said.

NAN reports that the 2024 Ghana Africa Games is scheduled to start from March 8 to March 23.

This is the second time in history that the games will be decentralised, as three cities in one country will host the event.

The three cities chosen for these functions are Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast.

The Head Coach of the Men’s team, Musa Baba-Musa, said he would have preferred if Benin Republic had played the matches.

He reiterated his confidence in his team and their ability to make the country proud at the African Games.

“I wish they were able to make the trip, that would have further helped us assess the players in a more competitive set up.

“They started slow in this friendly match mainly because this is the first match. We’re still expecting our foreign based players to join the team. I’m optimistic that they will make us all proud in Ghana,” he said.

Ijeoma Ukpabi, the captain of the women’s team said she was optimistic that the team would do the country proud at the games.

“We’re training hard. This is the first time we’re having a blend of the young and old in the team, so the girls are pumped up and ready.

“We have a great bond, we’ve played together in several tournaments. So, we understand one another on the court, we just have few new players and they are blending in well,” she said.

NAN reports that the women’s team defeated Lagos State’s selected players 3-0, 25-9,25-10 and 25-12.

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BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football

Published

5 days ago

November 5, 2026

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BREAKING: After 23 Years Cristiano Ronaldo Announces Retirement From International Football—-The Portugal captain brings an extraordinary international career to an end after announcing he will hand over the iconic No. 7 shirt following the November international break, leaving behind 234 appearances and a record 146 goals.

Football legend Cristiano Ronaldo has officially announced his retirement from international football, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious 23-year career with the Portugal national team.

The 41-year-old forward confirmed his decision on Thursday, November 5, 2026, through an emotional video message shared on his social media platforms, revealing that he will hand over Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt after the November international break.

Ronaldo’s announcement marks the end of one of the most remarkable international careers in football history, having represented his country since making his senior debut in August 2003.

In his farewell message, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner reflected on the privilege of representing Portugal for more than two decades.

“The day has come to hand back the number 7 shirt of our national team,” Ronaldo said, acknowledging the responsibility and pride that came with wearing the famous jersey for 23 years.

Ronaldo Retires as International Football’s Greatest Goalscorer

Ronaldo leaves international football holding the records for the most appearances and goals in men’s international history.

The Al-Nassr forward made 234 appearances for Portugal, scoring an extraordinary 146 goals during his 23-year international journey.

His remarkable numbers place him at the summit of international football, having consistently delivered goals and memorable performances across multiple generations of the Portuguese national team.

He also represented Portugal at six FIFA World Cups and became the first player to score at five different editions of the competition.

Euro 2016 Triumph Remains His Greatest International Achievement

One of the defining moments of Ronaldo’s international career came in 2016 when he captained Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title.

Despite being forced off through injury during the final against France, Ronaldo remained involved from the sidelines as Portugal secured a historic 1–0 victory after extra time through Éder’s memorable goal.

He subsequently guided Portugal to UEFA Nations League glory in 2019 and again in 2025, adding two more major international honours to his collection.

Those achievements cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in Portuguese football history.

A Difficult Final Chapter for the Portugal Captain

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after a turbulent period surrounding his relationship with Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus.

The forward’s final chapter with the national team had attracted considerable attention following reports of disagreements during the previous international window.

However, his decision to retire brings an end to a career that has been defined by extraordinary achievements, individual records and an enduring commitment to representing his country.

Ronaldo’s Club Career Continues at Al-Nassr

Although his international journey is coming to an end, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from professional football.

The Portuguese superstar remains contracted to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where he continues to pursue further goals and trophies at club level.

His international retirement will allow Portugal to begin preparing for life without their long-serving captain, while the responsibility of wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt will eventually pass to another generation.

End of an Extraordinary Era

For more than two decades, Ronaldo carried the hopes of an entire nation, delivering unforgettable goals, historic victories and moments that helped transform Portugal into a major force in international football.

From his emotional debut in 2003 to lifting the European Championship trophy in 2016, his journey with the national team has been filled with remarkable milestones.

Now, at 41, one of football’s greatest careers at international level is reaching its conclusion.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal legacy:

International appearances: 234
International goals: 146
Major trophies: Euro 2016, UEFA Nations League 2019 and 2025
International career: 2003–2026
World Cups: Six appearances

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Liverpool Suffer Istanbul Heartbreak as Arsenal Survive in Czechia and City Edge Leipzig

Published

6 days ago

November 4, 2026

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Liverpool Suffer Istanbul Heartbreak as Arsenal Survive in Czechia and City Edge Leipzig—-Liverpool surrender two leads to lose 3–2 against Fenerbahçe, while Arsenal hold off Slavia Prague and Erling Haaland inspires Manchester City to a dramatic victory in Germany.

Wednesday night delivered contrasting fortunes for England’s representatives in the UEFA Champions League, as Liverpool suffered a disappointing 3–2 defeat against Fenerbahçe in Istanbul, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague, and Manchester City edged RB Leipzig 3–2 in a five-goal thriller.

The three encounters produced late drama, impressive individual performances and crucial points in the Champions League league phase, with Liverpool becoming the only one of the three English sides to leave the night empty-handed.

Liverpool Throw Away Two Leads in Istanbul

Liverpool suffered their first defeat of this season’s Champions League campaign after surrendering two leads in a dramatic 3–2 loss to Fenerbahçe at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.

The Reds made a promising start and took the lead in the 25th minute through teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni, who found the net with a deflected effort to register his first senior goal for the club.

However, Fenerbahçe responded four minutes later when Mason Greenwood’s free-kick took a significant deflection before beating Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson to restore parity.

Liverpool continued to search for another breakthrough and eventually regained the advantage in the 69th minute through substitute Alexander Isak, who marked his introduction with a close-range finish after connecting with Cody Gakpo’s delivery.

But the visitors’ defensive problems returned almost immediately.

Archie Brown capitalised on a defensive misunderstanding to equalise for the Turkish side in the 73rd minute before Vedat Muriqi completed the turnaround six minutes later, heading home to give Fenerbahçe a 3–2 lead.

Liverpool were unable to find another response, suffering a damaging defeat that ended their perfect start to the European campaign.

Arsenal Survive Late Scare to Beat Slavia Prague

Arsenal maintained their unbeaten Champions League campaign with a 2–1 victory over Slavia Prague in Czechia, although the Gunners were forced to withstand a nervy finish.

Mikel Arteta made six changes to his starting line-up following the weekend victory over Liverpool, but his side quickly demonstrated their attacking quality.

Noni Madueke opened the scoring in the ninth minute after receiving a clever pass from Viktor Gyökeres before calmly finishing past the Slavia goalkeeper.

The Swedish striker then turned goalscorer in the 38th minute, combining with Mikel Merino before producing a composed finish to double Arsenal’s advantage.

Arsenal dominated much of the first half but struggled to maintain the same control after the interval as Slavia Prague increased their attacking pressure.

David Raya produced important saves, while Gabriel Magalhães made crucial goal-line clearances to preserve the visitors’ advantage.

Slavia eventually pulled one back through Wiktor Nowak in the 90th minute, setting up a tense finish.

However, Arsenal held on through stoppage time to secure their third victory of the Champions League campaign and collect another valuable three points.

Haaland Rescues Manchester City in Leipzig Thriller

Manchester City produced a dramatic comeback performance to defeat RB Leipzig 3–2 at the Red Bull Arena, with Erling Haaland scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

City took the lead in the 37th minute when Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba inadvertently turned Nico O’Reilly’s cutback into his own net.

However, Leipzig responded immediately after the restart, with Ridle Baku equalising in the 49th minute to bring the home supporters back into the contest.

Manchester City restored their advantage in the 58th minute through Enzo Fernández, who finished after receiving a pass from Iliman Ndiaye.

The hosts refused to surrender, and Antonio Nusa levelled the score again in the 61st minute, making it 2–2 and setting up an exciting final half-hour.

With the contest finely balanced, Haaland stepped forward to deliver the decisive moment.

The Norwegian striker arrived at the far post in the 78th minute to convert Elliot Anderson’s excellent cross, giving City a 3–2 advantage.

Leipzig pushed for another equaliser, but Pep Guardiola’s side held firm to secure an important away victory and continue their positive Champions League campaign.

Contrasting Nights for England’s Champions League Representatives

The results provided a mixed European night for English football.

While Arsenal and Manchester City collected maximum points from difficult away fixtures, Liverpool were left frustrated after allowing Fenerbahçe to come from behind twice before scoring the winning goal.

Arsenal’s victory strengthened their position in the league-phase standings, while City’s dramatic success demonstrated their attacking resilience.

For Liverpool, however, the defeat in Istanbul represents a setback, with Andoni Iraola’s men needing to address their defensive vulnerabilities ahead of their remaining European fixtures.

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