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Ibadan Durante Wins Lagos International Polo Tournament, 2024 Silver Cup—-As Lagos Polo Tournament climaxed with the 2024 Silver Cup, Ibadan Durante on Sunday emerged  winners in a fiercely contested final match on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-member Ibadan Durante team defeated the Kano MSR sponsored by BUA Group 7 1/2 – 4.

The 2024 Lagos International polo tournament Silver Cup which is the 120th edition, was sponsored by Coronation Group Ltd, and had its grand finale at the Lagos Polo Club, SW Ikoyi, Lagos.

The Coronation Group Limited sponsored prestigious Lagos polo fiesta that marked its 120th anniversary, galloped with fanfare on Feb. 13 and ended on Feb. 18, at the historic Lagos Polo Club, Ribadu Road.

The well attended tournament had a record 14 teams from across all the major polo centres in the country that campaigned for honours in which Ibadan Durante emerged as the overall winners

 

Rita Alakija captain of Ibadan Durante in middle with cup as winners of Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup held at Lagos Polo Club Ribadu Road Ikoyi
Rita Alakija, Captain of Ibadan Durante, (M) , with cup as winners of Lagos international polo tournament, 2024 Silver Cup held at Lagos Polo Club Ribadu Road Ikoyi

 

An excited Captain of the Ibadan Durante, Rita Alakija, who was the only female in the team’s final, expressed joy winning the tournament in its remarkable year.

“I am excited winning this tournament this year and it’s remarkable for us winning because this is what we wanted.

“Our opponent gave us a brave fight, but we are able to get it right, ” she said.

The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and member of Ibadan Durante, Carl Alakija, commended the organisers of the tournament adding that he was impressed with the growth of Polo sport in Nigeria.

“It’s really good to come and win here all the way from Ibadan and of course, we are proud winners.

“It’s a tough tournament for us, for me, I have been playing Polo since I was younger, but I played last in the tournament about four years ago.

“I am back to play alongside and support my sister, Rita and Carl, because we know that Kano MSR are tough to play against because they run well.

“Polo is fast improving in Nigeria with many upcoming players, all we can do is to give them chance or opportunities to impress, ” he said.

Sadiq Rabiu, Captain of Kano MSR, said that the winners deservedly won the cup.

“Our opponent played very well and they are deserving winners.

“The organisation of the tournament is very good and commendable, we now have lots of youngsters coming on board especially from Abuja and Lagos.

“We will make sure we encourage more people to come and enjoy and play polo in Nigeria, ” he said.

NAN reports that Carl Alakija won the Most Disciplined Player of the tournament while Koye Ige won the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

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

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Paris Saint-Germain Knock Out Liverpool from UCL

 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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Atlético Madrid Edge Barcelona 3-2 on Aggregate to Reach UCL Semi-Finals

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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