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: Saka Fires Arsenal Into First Champions League Final in 20 Years

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22 hours ago

May 5, 2026

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BREAKING: Saka Fires Arsenal Into First Champions League Final in 20 Years—-TCN reports that Arsenal have qualified for the 2026 UEFA Champions League final after a narrow victory over Atlético Madrid, with Bukayo Saka scoring the decisive goal.

Saka’s strike proved to be the difference as Arsenal secured a 1-0 win in the second leg, progressing 2-1 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in Spain.

The result sees the North London club reach the Champions League final for the first time in two decades, marking a significant milestone in their European journey.

Arsenal will now face either defending champions Paris Saint-Germain or German giants Bayern Munich in the final scheduled for May 30.

This will be only the second Champions League final appearance in Arsenal’s history. Their first came in 2006, when they were narrowly defeated by FC Barcelona.

The Gunners will now be aiming to go one step further and claim their first-ever Champions League title.

Developing story…

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Chelsea Losing Streak Hits Six as Forest Close in on Safety

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2 days ago

May 4, 2026

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Chelsea Losing Streak Hits Six as Forest Close in on Safety—-Chelsea’s miserable end to the season reached another damaging milestone as they slumped to a sixth consecutive league defeat, losing 3-1 to a resurgent Nottingham Forest side. The result marks the first time since November 1993 that the Chelsea have lost six league matches in a row, underlining the depth of their current crisis.

Already enduring their worst run since 1912, the Blues showed little sign of recovery as Forest struck early and never looked back. Taiwo Awoniyi opened the scoring inside two minutes, setting the tone for a dominant away performance. Forest doubled their lead from the penalty spot after Malo Gusto brought down Awoniyi in the box, allowing Igor Jesus to convert.

Awoniyi added his second of the night early in the second half, finishing from a low delivery by Morgan Gibbs-White to make it 3-0 and effectively end the contest.

The moment was further overshadowed by a worrying collision that saw Jesse Derry stretchered off and taken to hospital.

Chelsea’s frustrations continued to mount. Cole Palmer saw his first-half penalty saved by Matz Sels, while a potential goal from João Pedro was ruled out for offside after a VAR review.

Pedro did eventually provide a moment of quality, scoring a stunning stoppage-time bicycle kick from a Marc Cucurella cross to end Chelsea’s goal drought, which had stretched over nine hours of play. However, it proved to be little more than a consolation.

The Blues, currently under interim boss Calum McFarlane following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, have now gone without a Premier League win since January. Their recent defeats have been particularly heavy, with this result nearly marking a fourth 3-0 loss in five games.

Chelsea remain ninth in the table, now 10 points adrift of the Champions League places and increasingly at risk of slipping into the bottom half. Meanwhile, Forest’s impressive run under Vitor Pereira continues, with the club now unbeaten in seven matches and sitting six points clear of the relegation zone.

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