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Imo Sports Commission Hails Super Eagles Composure

AFCON2023: Imo Sports Commission Hails Super Eagles Composure, Professionalism

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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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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United

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Tottenham Agree Club-Record £100m Deal for Sandro Tonali From Newcastle United—-Spurs have reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the Italy international, with Roberto De Zerbi landing his top midfield target in a blockbuster deal worth up to £100 million.

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a club-record £100 million deal with Newcastle United to sign Italian midfielder Sandro Tonali, in what is set to become one of the biggest transfers of the summer window. The agreement is understood to be worth an initial £92.5 million, with a further £7.5 million in performance-related add-ons.

The 26-year-old is expected to sign a long-term contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after agreeing personal terms. Tonali is reportedly set to become one of the club’s highest-paid players, with manager Roberto De Zerbi playing a pivotal role in convincing his fellow Italian to make the move to North London.

De Zerbi identified Tonali as the cornerstone of his midfield rebuild, believing the Italy international possesses the technical quality, leadership and tactical intelligence needed to transform Spurs into Premier League and UEFA Champions League contenders. The pair share a close footballing philosophy, with sources indicating Tonali was persuaded by De Zerbi’s long-term vision for the club.

Tonali joined Newcastle United from AC Milan in 2023 for around £55 million and quickly became one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders. Although his first season in England was interrupted by a 10-month suspension for breaches of betting regulations, he returned strongly and helped Newcastle end their long wait for major silverware by winning the Carabao Cup before re-establishing himself as one of the league’s elite central midfielders.

For Newcastle, the sale represents a substantial profit and provides significant financial flexibility as the club continues to reshape its squad. Reports suggest Eddie Howe’s side are already targeting replacements, including Hoffenheim winger Bazoumana Touré and Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi, while also exploring further additions before the new season begins.

The acquisition of Tonali signals Tottenham’s intent under De Zerbi. The Italian midfielder is expected to become the centerpiece of a revamped Spurs side aiming to challenge for domestic honours and compete strongly in Europe. Once the medical and final paperwork are completed, Tonali will officially become Tottenham’s most expensive signing in the club’s history, eclipsing all previous transfer records.

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16

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JUST IN: Folarin Balogun Scores but Sees Red as USA Beat Bosnia to Reach World Cup Round of 16—-The USMNT defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0 in Santa Clara to book a last-16 clash with Belgium, but the victory was overshadowed by Folarin Balogun’s controversial red card after the striker had opened the scoring.

The United States booked their place in the Round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a determined 2-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, overcoming the dismissal of star striker Folarin Balogun to continue their impressive run on home soil.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side endured a nervy start at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as Bosnia threatened through Ermedin Demirović, forcing goalkeeper Matt Freese into two excellent early saves. Despite Bosnia’s bright opening, the hosts gradually settled into the contest, dominating possession and creating the better opportunities.

The breakthrough came just before halftime in the 45th minute. A high press forced Bosnia into surrendering possession near midfield, and after Malik Tillman’s attempted pass deflected kindly into Balogun’s path, the Monaco striker calmly slotted a left-footed finish beyond the goalkeeper to score his third goal of the tournament. The strike made Balogun only the third American player to score three or more goals in a single FIFA World Cup.

The match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun was shown a straight red card following a VAR review. Referee Raphael Claus upgraded the incident to serious foul play after reviewing Balogun’s challenge on Bosnia defender Tarik Muharemović, leaving the United States to play the remainder of the match with ten men. The dismissal means Balogun will miss the Round of 16 clash against Belgium through suspension.

Despite the setback, the Americans showed tremendous resilience. With Bosnia pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Malik Tillman produced a moment of brilliance in the 82nd minute, curling a superb free-kick into the top corner to double the lead and effectively seal qualification. Matt Freese completed an outstanding evening by preserving his clean sheet with several key saves late in the contest.

The victory sends the United States into the Round of 16, where they will meet Belgium in Seattle in one of the standout ties of the knockout stage. However, Pochettino will be without his leading scorer after Balogun’s dismissal, a significant blow as the co-hosts aim to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2002.

While Balogun’s evening ended in disappointment, his goal proved crucial in setting the United States on course for victory. Combined with Tillman’s spectacular free-kick and a disciplined defensive display, it was enough to keep the Americans’ World Cup dream alive as they prepare for their toughest test yet against Belgium.

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