AFCON2023: Imo Sports Commission Hails Super Eagles Composure, Professionalism

Published

2 years ago

February 8, 2024

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AFCON2023: Imo Sports Commission Hails Super Eagles Composure, Professionalism—-The Imo Government has hailed the Super Eagles for their composure and professionalism which saw them through to the final of the on-going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote D’Ivoire.

The Chairman, Imo Sports Commission, Mr Eleazar Ogbonna, said this in a statement in Owerri on Wednesday.

Ogbonna, who conveyed the compliments of the Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, commended Nigeria’s goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali and striker, Kelechi Iheanacho, for their penalty strikes.

He commended Imo-born Iheancho for his calmness and professional attitude, having missed all the games until the semi final match against South Africa, where he kept his cool to convert the last penalty that sent Nigeria to the final.

“We are proud of the Super Eagles and particularly happy that our son, Iheancho, was instrumental in the closing period of a very tight and tough football match for Nigeria.

“His performance and that of other Imo born athletes who have continued to make the state and the nation proud is the reason Gov. Hope Uzodimma is diversifying his Shared Prosperity mantra to empower our talented youths.

“The sports commission will continue to carry the message and put the programmes to positive use.

“We, however, urge the Super Eagles not to rest on their oars but to stay focused and more dedicated till the trophy is lifted ,” he said.

Nigeria, three-time AFCON champions, on Wednesday at Bouake, Cote D’Ivoire, beat the Bafana Bafana of South Africa 4-2 on penalties, after the scintillating semi final encounter ended 1-1 in regulation and extra times.

Williams Troost-Ekong gave the West African giants the lead in the second half from the penalty spot after reigning African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, was brought down in the penalty box.

The South Africans, however, pegged back five minutes to the end through Mokouena’s penalty after what would have been Osihmen’s second goal of the tournament.

“And Nigeria’s second of the night was rulled out as VAR brought play back for Yusuf Ayila’s foul inside the box prior to the goal.

Nwabali, in goal for Nigeria, totally demystified South African captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams, who was heavily relied upon following his historic four penalty saves in their quarter final game.

Nwabali instead, became the hero with double penalty saves that was followed by Kelechi Iheancho’s last kick to seal Nigeria’s emphatic run into the final.

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ousmane Dembélé Hits Brace as Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL—-Ousmane Dembélé starred with a brace as Paris Saint-Germain secured a 2-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield, sealing a dominant 4-0 aggregate win to reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals.

The French forward proved decisive on the night, scoring twice to end Liverpool’s European campaign and send the defending champions into the last four for a third consecutive season.

Liverpool’s night was further marred by a serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who was forced off in the first half with what appeared to be a severe leg issue, raising concerns over his availability for the remainder of the season.

Manager Arne Slot made bold selection calls, leaving Mohamed Salah on the bench initially, though the forward was introduced early following Ekitiké’s injury and nearly made an instant impact.

Despite flashes of pressure from Liverpool, PSG remained composed and dangerous on the counter. Dembélé broke the deadlock in the second half with a fine curling effort before adding a second in stoppage time from a Bradley Barcola assist.

Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback were also dashed when a penalty awarded for a challenge on Alexis Mac Allister was overturned following a VAR review.

The defeat confirms a disappointing end to Liverpool’s European campaign, while PSG continue their title defence and will face either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid in the semi-finals.

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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2 days ago

April 14, 2026

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Ademola Lookman On Target as Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals—-Atlético Madrid booked their place in the UEFA Champions League semi-finals after edging Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate, despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their quarter-final clash.

Barcelona made a blistering start at the Metropolitano, with Lamine Yamal opening the scoring early before Ferran Torres doubled their lead inside 24 minutes to level the tie on aggregate.

However, Atlético responded through Ademola Lookman, whose crucial strike restored his side’s aggregate advantage following their 2-0 first-leg win.

Diego Simeone’s men then held firm under intense pressure, with Barcelona’s hopes taking a major hit when Eric García was sent off for bringing down Alexander Sørloth as he raced through on goal.

Despite late attacking changes from coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona were unable to find the third goal needed to force extra time, as Atlético battled through a tense finish.

The result sees Atlético Madrid reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2017, keeping alive their dream of winning the competition for the first time in their history.

They will now face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals.

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