AFCON2023: Imo Sports Commission Hails Super Eagles Composure, Professionalism

Published

8 months 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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Real Sociedad Star Martin Zubimendi To Join Man City In January?, After Turning Down Liverpool And Arsenal Down In The Summer

Published

20 hours ago

October 10, 2024

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Real Sociedad Star Martin Zubimendi To Join Man City In January?, After Turning Down Liverpool And Arsenal Down In The Summer—-Spanish international Martin Zubimendi could be set to join Manchester City in January as potential replacement for his Spanish NT teammate Rodri who will miss the rest of the current campaign through a serious injury he sustain against league contender Arsenal in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Zubimendi recently turn down down offers from Arsenal and Liverpool to stay at Real Sociedad and Liverpool is forced to move on without signing him, but Gravenberch has really played well in the same position he’s ought to play for Liverpool.
Arsenal is also force forced to sign his team mate Mikel Merino and now he might be all set to sign for Manchester City in a €60m deal to replace Rodri who’s set to be sidelined for the remainder of the current campaign.

Zubimendi is poised to be a perfect replacement for Rodri as he has same attribute as the Spanish international, he is able to dictate the game and also move the ball forward while receiving from the backline.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool could be disappointed if he joins Manchester City as they’ve really pushed enough to add the Spanish international to their team respectively but get turns down by the Midfielder.

Manchester City looks serious to get the deal done right before January transfer window opens and thats going to be a much perfect Rodri replacement as he has recently complained about too many games during and after his successful Euro2024 outing with Spanish National Team where he was awarded the player of the tournament and he is also in line to win the Ballon D’or.
If he wins the Ballon D’or he will becomes the second player from EPL to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 with Manchester United.

Manchester City looks favourite to sign Martin Zubimendi to replace injured Rodri.

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Chelsea Talisman Cole Palmer Named England Men’s Player Of The Year

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2 days ago

October 9, 2024

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Chelsea Talisman Cole Palmer Named England Men’s Player Of The Year—-In an exciting announcement made via England’s official X page on Tuesday night, Cole Palmer has been awarded the title of England Men’s Player of the Year for 2024.

The award, sponsored by EE, highlights Palmer’s exceptional contributions to the national team throughout the past year.

The post celebrated his achievement, stating, “Cole Palmer is your England Men’s Player of the Year connected by @EE. Congratulations, Cole!”

After joining Chelsea at the beginning of last season from Manchester City, Palmer has had a breakthrough year, playing a pivotal role in both domestic and international competitions.

His impressive performances have solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in English football, drawing attention for his skill, creativity, and impact on the field.

Palmer’s recognition as Player of the Year not only reflects his individual talent but also underscores the potential of a new generation of players representing England on the international stage.

Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how he will continue to develop and contribute to the national team in the future.

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