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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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener

Published

3 days ago

June 14, 2026

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BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener—-Morocco stunned the five-time champions with an early breakthrough before Vinícius Júnior’s moment of brilliance earned Brazil a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group C.

Brazil were forced to settle for a point in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a spirited Morocco side held the South American giants to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco a deserved lead. The African side’s intensity and organization troubled Brazil throughout the opening stages.

Brazil responded through their star man Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute. The Real Madrid winger drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity and ignite the Brazilian supporters.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack and arguably created the clearer opportunities in the closing stages.

The result leaves Group C finely poised, with both teams earning a valuable point in what was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. While Brazil avoided an early setback thanks to Vinícius’ heroics, Morocco once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous sides on the international stage.

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BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal

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2 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

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BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal—-French champions edge Gunners 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to secure back-to-back European crowns.

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. PSG became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy in successive seasons.

Arsenal made the perfect start to the final when Kai Havertz fired the Premier League champions into an early lead in the sixth minute, giving Mikel Arteta’s side hope of winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

The holders responded in the second half, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, bringing PSG level and setting up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Arsenal defender Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, blasting his effort over the crossbar.

The victory caps another remarkable European campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who reached the final after eliminating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and entered the showpiece as defending champions.

For Arsenal, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to an otherwise historic season. Arteta’s men arrived in Budapest having won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached their first Champions League final since 2006, but they fell just short of completing a memorable double.

PSG’s triumph further cements their place among Europe’s elite, while Arsenal will be left to reflect on a campaign that brought domestic glory but ended in European heartbreak.

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