After stints with four English clubs, namely, Chalton Athletic, Everton, Fulham and Leicester City, Ademola Lookman finally found a home in Bergamo, after his €15 million move to Atalanta. He has been inspiring since moving to the Serie A club, scoring 32 goals in two seasons. Prior to his Italian move, his best scoring season in the Premier League was eight goals. However, the highlight of his Atalanta career so far is his hat-trick in the final of the Europa Cup against Bayer Leverkusen last May. It therefore came as no surprise when he was listed in the 30-man nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or award, the only African player on the list

Wandsworth-born Nigeria international, Ademola Lookman, has transformed his football career since moving to Italy, picking up a trophy with Atalanta. He seems to be finally reaching his potential even as he starred for Atalanta against Arsenal on Thursday in the Champions League.

There are four London-born players on the 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or, and three of them were on the pitch when Arsenal played Atalanta in northern Italy on Thursday night. You can probably guess two quite easily: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are among the most recognisable faces in the European game.

As for the third? Well, few observers of Premier League football would ever have expected Lookman to be named among the best 30 players on the planet. But there he is, the Wandsworth-born former Charlton Athletic winger, featuring on perhaps the most prestigious list in world football.

Not so long ago, Lookman was probably best known by English football supporters for his failed “Panenka” penalty attempt for Fulham in November 2020. The 95th-minute effort, with his side trailing 1-0 at West Ham United, was one of the Premier League’s worst ever spot-kicks. “You can’t take penalties like that,” fumed Scott Parker, his manager.

These days, however, Lookman has a far more impressive claim to fame. Not only as the sole African player on this year’s Ballon d’Or list, Lookman now represents Nigeria, having enjoyed a successful youth career with England but also as the match-winning sensation of last season’s Europa League final.

Lookman’s three goals for Atalanta, against a Bayer Leverkusen side that had not lost in 51 matches, represented one of the greatest hat-tricks in the history of European football. It was not just the fact of the hat-trick – the first in the final of a major UEFA competition since 1975, but also the quality of it: the first and third strikes were extraordinary in their execution.

“The first two goals were for his club,” said former England international Joe Cole, on punditry duty that night. “The third was for the streets.” Another ex-England player, Owen Hargreaves, stood up in the commentary box and applauded when Lookman converted the third, smashed into the top corner with his left foot.

That night in Dublin provided the most vivid illustration of Lookman’s technical skill, which was honed on the streets of Peckham and Camberwell. Unlike Saka, his opponent on Thursday, Lookman had no schooling at a slick Premier League academy and no elite-level coaching as a child. Before joining Charlton at 16, he had only played Sunday league football.

A consequence of this unusual journey, perhaps, is that Lookman’s football is a little more raw and unrefined than those from an academy background. This makes it all the more spectacular when he shines, as he did in that final in May and again just a few days ago in Serie A, when he produced a brilliant goal and assist against Fiorentina.

Until that victory last Sunday, it had been a strange start to the season for Lookman. He had interest from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the window, which contributed to him being dropped from the squad for the start of the league campaign. “He had difficulties in the transfer market but we told him to stay calm,” said Berat Djimsiti, the Atalanta defender, at the weekend.

Now back in the team and back on form, Lookman represents one of the most obvious threats to Arsenal, alongside Italian striker Mateo Retegui. Lookman scored 32 goals in his first two seasons in Italy, after a loan spell at Leicester City, and knows what is required of him under long-serving manager Gian Piero Gasperini.

It is clear that Lookman has benefited from finding stability, at last, in his senior career. Before moving to Atalanta from RB Leipzig in 2022, he had never spent two full consecutive seasons at one club. At Everton, Leipzig, Fulham and Leicester he showed glimpses of his talent and creative ability, but without demonstrating real consistency. Prior to moving to Italy, the most goals he had ever scored in a single season were eight.

“Lookman is a top player today, but he was not before,” said Gasperini at the end of last season. “He was strong, but tended to light up in flashes and at other times would disappear from the game. He was the same in training sessions. What he did in the last few weeks feels like his maturity.”

Lookman is a quiet man who evidently cares deeply about where he came from. Growing up in London, he was the man of the house from a young age – his father lived in Nigeria with one of his sisters, while he lived in England with his mother and other sister. A professional life in football was never guaranteed and he worked hard in school, achieving impressive GCSEs, before his path to Charlton suddenly opened up.

From London to Lombardy, it has not been a straightforward journey for Lookman. The talent was always there, though, and at Atalanta he has finally found an environment in which he can thrive.

Culled from The Telegraph of London

Arsenal will tomorrow travel to the Etihad, home of Premier League defending champions, Manchester City, in a game that, as seen by many, will go a long way in deciding where this season’s title tilts to. The Citizens and Gunners sit first and second respectively on the log with two points separating them. A win for Pep Guardiola’s side will further extend their lead to five points, while Mikel Arteta will overtake his former teacher with a first win at the Etihad Stadium since taking over the helm of the North London side. Both sides did not have a dream start to their Champions League opener as they could only muster goalless draws against their Italian opponents. However, while Arsenal would be boosted by their win over arch rival, Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, City would want to protect their perfect start to the season. It is expected to be an explosive game, but wherever the table turns, it would however be a good game for the neutrals to enjoy

 A battle of the behemoths headlines this weekend’s Premier League action, as last season’s top two – Manchester City and Arsenal, scrap it out in what is already a top-of-the-table showdown.

Both titans return to domestic duty on the back of goalless draws versus Italian opposition in the Champions League, as the Citizens were held by Inter Milan, while the Gunners needed more David Raya heroics to nab a point off of Atalanta BC.

A little over 12 months ago, the irrepressible Rodri broke the Nerazzurri’s resistance to propel Man City to their long-awaited slice of Champions League glory, but the omnipotent fulcrum and the hitherto unstoppable Erling Haaland had no answer to Inter’s defensive might in midweek.

Indeed, Man City’s latest quest for European supremacy kicked off with a goalless affair against their 2023 final opponents, who also benefitted from the Premier League champions’ profligacy – particularly in the air, with Ilkay Gundogan guilty of spurning a brilliant aerial opportunity.

That stalemate with Simone Inzaghi’s men brought a swift end to the hosts’ perfect start to proceedings in 2024-25, but their 100 per cent Premier League record remains intact thanks to their latest Erling Haaland-inspired comeback against Brentford last weekend.

Moving onto an astonishing nine goals for the season with just four games done and dusted – breaking the previous record held by Wayne Rooney, Haaland, who rejected an offer of compassionate leave after the death of a close family friend, replied to Yoane Wissa’s early opener in classic Haaland fashion to keep City two points clear at the summit.

The Citizens’ winning sequence in the top flight now stands at a striking 13 matches – unlucky for some and they could now become the first team in English football history to win each of their first five games of the season in five separate campaigns, but there are no prizes for guessing who they last dropped points against.

Twenty-four hours after Man City were held goalless by an Italian team sporting black and blue, Arsenal shared the exact same fate as their Premier League title nemesis, although Mikel Arteta’s men once again found themselves in debt to Raya and his astounding athleticism.

Guessing correctly to keep out Mateo Retegui’s penalty was one thing, but the ex-Brentford man managed to quickly spring back into action and claw the Italian’s headed rebound off the line, as the Gunners left Bergamo with a respectable Champions League point in the bag.

Both Arteta and Robbie Savage gushed over one of the “best saves” they had ever seen at the Gewiss Stadium, and Arsenal’s point against a team that tore Liverpool and Bayer Leverkusen to shreds should not be sniffed at, but Arteta’s Martin Odegaard-less men never really looked like scoring themselves.

The same was true at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, until the latest Nicolas Jover set-piece special ended with Gabriel Magalhaes earning Arsenal the North London derby bragging rights, keeping them second in the standings and above Newcastle United on goal difference.

Displaying a particular fondness for gritty away displays in recent times, Arsenal could now make Premier League history on their travels by becoming the first side not to fall behind in 12 successive road matches in the competition, having not trailed in any of their last 11 away from home.

Arteta’s team produced a quintessentially dogged display to hold Man City goalless at the Etihad in Easter, prior to which a deflected Gabriel Martinelli winner lifted their Citizens curse in a 1-0 Emirates victory, but not since January 2015 under Arsene Wenger have the Gunners left the Etihad as the victors.

in Sports Development, Says LSSC DG

The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, has expressed satisfaction with the level of performance of the state athletes in the ongoing National Youths Games, stating that the state will continue to take a leadership position in sports development.

Speaking on the performances of the athletes, at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State, Fatodu reiterated the commitment of the state in sports development, reassuring that the government will continuously provide an enabling environment for the newly discovered athletes to thrive and further expose them to competitions in their various sporting activities.

Fatodu disclosed that the athletes’ impressive performances at the Games have been really exceptional from swimming, deaf athletics, boxing to hockey and that wherever they are competing, they have raised the bar of the state in sporting excellence.

“So, what we can actually do is to continue to move forward, motivate the young people. There’s an aspect of psychology that is very, very important in boosting their confidence and ensuring that they stay on course.

“Those are some of the things that we have observed in terms of energy, in terms of zeal, commitment and capacity. They are truly fit for the purpose.”

The Director General further said the team needed to look at the side of motivation in terms of speaking to them during the course of the game, in terms of positive disposition when the game is going.

“I believe that going forward, we will continue to move in that direction. Lagos has always been a place of sporting excellence. We will continue to take the leadership position, so that other states in Nigeria will emulate what Lagos State is doing.”

• Convenes Olympic Games audit and review meeting

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The federal government has announced the composition of a seven-man panel to investigative the farcical outing of the Nigerian contingent to Olympics Games and the Paralympics in Paris this year.

The Director (Information and PR), Ministry of Sports Development, Mrs Kehinde Ajayi, announced the decision in a statement yesterday, in addition to summoning an Olympic Games audit and review meeting.

The investigative committee, according to the statement, will be inaugurated at 11 a.m. on September 25 at the Media Centre,  MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, most likely by Sports Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh.

The statement emphasized that the committee : “In its quest is to investigate various negative exposures to the country during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games”.

The committee is to be chaired by the Group Managing Director, Complete Communications Limited, Dr Mumuni Alao (South-west).

Other members are Aliyu Mohammed(North-west); Hajia Rakiya Muhammed (North -central), Godwin Enakhena (South-south);  Dr Abubakar Ango(North-east) and Christy Opara(South-east). Victor Okangbe (South-south) is to serve as the Secretary.

The committee’s terms of reference will be provided at the inauguration.

In the same dimension, the Federal Ministry of Sports Development has convened the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Post Games Audit and Review meeting for September 24.

According to Mrs Ajayi, those summoned to the meeting are: the President and Secretary General of Nigeria Olympic Committee(NOC) and Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).

Also summoned are the Presidents, General Secretaries,  Technical Directors and coaches of all 12 sports Nigeria featured at the Olympics  as well as all four sports to the Paralympics

Others are members of the Ministerial Podium Performance Committee and Heads of Technical Departments of the Ministry .

The meeting will be held at the Media Centre, Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja from 11 am.

Anthony Joshua bids to become a three-time world champion tonight when he faces IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois.

The pair will go head-to-head in front of a sold out Wembley Stadium and it will be preceded by an exciting undercard.

Since losing to Usyk for a second time in 2022, Joshua has rebuilt himself into a heavyweight knockout machine with his last three fights being stoppage wins.

Dubois has also become a credible contender in the heavyweight division, with his recent victories over Jarrell Miller and Filip Hrgovic gaining plenty of plaudits.

With both Joshua and Dubois not afraid to go toe-to-toe in the centre of the ring, fans should expect a heavyweight thriller in the English capital.

IBF heavyweight champion, Dubois is feeling confident ahead of his meeting with Joshua and vows to make the Olympian look a ‘fool’ at Wembley Stadium.

Joshua may already be a two-time world champion, but he believes there is still a lot to give in his boxing career when speaking on DAZN’s Off the Cuff.

The build-up to this fight began with a heated face-off between Joshua and Dubois who came too close to starting the fight early.

Joshua will come into Wembley on his best run in years. The former heavyweight champion appears to have regained some of his 2017/18 form over the last 12 months, dispatching Francis Ngannou with ease in his last fight and building on a dominant display over Otto Wallin in Saudi Arabia in December.

The addition of former Tyson Fury trainer Ben Davison to his corner appears to have helped AJ discover his confidence, and few fighters on the planet look as strong as him right now.

Meanwhile, Dubois comes into today’s fight following one of the biggest wins of his career.

The Brit scored an impressive TKO victory over Filip Hrgovi in Saudi Arabia in June, which saw him win the  the vacant IBF Heavyweight Championship. This was his second notable win in Saudi in six months following his victory over Jarrell Miller in December.

Premier League defending champions, Manchester City,  will welcome runner-up, Arsenal, to the Etihad Stadium this weekend for what has become the biggest fixture of the Premier League in the last two seasons.

The Citizens have won their opening four matches and will be keen to extend their two-point lead over second-placed Arsenal. The match will be live on DStv ch 203 and GOtv ch 66, at 4:30 pm tomorrow, and will also be available to DStv Access and GOtv Jolli customers.

In the Turkish Super League, Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, will have his first taste of the Intercontinental Derby when his new club, Galatasaray, face Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe today in one of the biggest rivalries in club football.

Osimhen will hope to cement his name in derby folklore with a goal this weekend. The encounter will be live on ESPN (DStv ch 218 and GOtv ch 67) at 6 pm today.

Samuel Chuwueze’s AC Millan will take on arc rivals, Inter Millan, in the first Millan Derby of the Serie A season, hoping to stop a run of bad results in the derby.

With the addition of veteran striker Alvaro Morata and the trickery of Chukwueze, Pulisic and Leao, Milan stand a good chance against their rivals. Watch the action live on DStv 207 ch and GOtv ch 64.

Duro Ikhazuagbe 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles maintained their 39th spot in the September FIFA Ranking released on Thursday afternoon by the world football governing body.

The three-time African champions dropped just a spot to now be ranked  in the sixth place in the continental grading for the month behind African football powers;  Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, and Tunisia.

Ranked behind Nigeria in the African Top 10 include; Algeria, Cameroon, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the 7th to 10th placement. 

In the period under review, Super Eagles defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in an AFCON 2025 qualifier in Uyo and were held goalless in Kigali by Rwanda. Nigeria saw a marginal drop in points, losing 0.91, taking them from 1498.93 to 1498.02.

Super Eagles 2026 World Cup qualifying group rivals, South Africa are ranked outside the Top 10 in the 11th spot while Nigeria’s subregional arch rivals Black Stars of Ghana are ranked in lowly 14th spot. The Ghanaians are having a bad patch following their AFCON 2025 qualifying round defeat by Angola and draw to Niger Republic.

At the global level, there was no change in the Top 10 as  Argentina are holding to the top spot, with France, Spain, England, Brazil, Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, Colombia, and Italy occupying the places.

Nigeria will have a busy time ahead next month as the Super Eagles battle Libya back-to-back in the AFCON 2025 qualifiers.

The next FIFA rankings are due to be released on October 24, 2024

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Super Eagles forwards, Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface fired blanked for their respective clubs in the first round matches of the UEFA Champions League last night. 

In the earlier kickoff, Boniface failed to replicate his Bundesliga form as his Bayer Leverkusen hammered Feyenoord 4-0 away in the Dutch city. Boniface was replaced after 62 minutes.

In Italy, Lookman also failed to find the back of the net against visiting Arsenal. The game ended goalless with the Gunners hoping to pick all points in north London.

It was not all gloom for Nigerian players last night as George Ilenikhena snatched a big win for Monaco against Barcelona.

French player Maghnes  Akliouche snatched the led for Monaco barely 16 minutes into the clash with the Catalans. But teenager Lamine Yamal restored parity in 28th minute.

But Ilenikhena got the winner in the 59th minute for Monaco’s perfect start to their UEFA Champions League campaign. He cashed on a defensive catastrophe to fire the goal in his Champions League debut game.

RESULTS 

Feyenoord 0-4 Leverkusen 

C’Zvezda 1-2 Benfica 

Atalanta 0-0 Arsenal 

Monaco 2-1  Barcelona 

Atlético  2-1 RB Leipzig

Brest    2-1 Sturm Graz 

*Oborevwori harps on unifying benefit of sports

Omon-Julius Onabu  in Asaba

Hosts Delta State has won the 8th edition of the National Youth Games (NYG), with a total of 111 medals comprising of 46 gold, 31 silver and 34 bronze, at the end of competition yesterday.

Lagos State emerged second with a total of 65 medals, made up of 26 gold, 20 silver and 19 bronze, while Edo State was third with 18 gold, 13 silver and 28 bronze, totalling 59 medals.

With this victory, Delta has maintained its supremacy in youth sports in the country, being the only state that has won the annual tournament since inception 11 years ago.

Delta State, which also hosted the games in 2023, will host two more editions of the competition.

Apart from Rivers State that was absent, 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) participated in the games which started on 9th September, 2024 with President Bola Tinubu formally declaring the games open.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the games yesterday at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori reiterated his administration’s commitment to the development of sports and sporting infrastructure in the state in order to promote sports education and create an avenue for youths to thrive.

The governor who was represented at the occasion by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, noted that the state’s commitment to the development of sports infrastructure was advised by the fact that games underscore the power of sports to unite and promote friendship.

Oborevwori said, “As we bring the games to a close, let us continue to nurture our young talents, invest in grassroots sports development and provide opportunity for our youths to excel.

“Here in Delta State, we are committed to developing as well as promoting sports, education, and creating a platform for our youths to thrive.

“I charge you all to continue to earnestly crave for excellence as you grow to become ambassadors of our nation and to inspire others with your achievements.”

The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, who was represented by the Director, Grassroots Sports Development, Mr Patrick Okeke, said that the National Youth Games has become a veritable avenue for sport talents discovery, which would greatly enhance sports development in the country.

The Nigeria Cricket Federation has announced her team for the forthcoming ICC U19 Women T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier scheduled to kick off in Kigali, Rwanda, on Sunday, September 22nd, 2024.

Piety Lucky, Nigeria’s teenage Cricket Star, and a prominent member of the bronze- winning women’s team at the African Games in March 2024, will captain the Nigerian side.

According to the General Manager of the federation, Emeka Igwilo, the Nigerian team was camped in Benin, Edo State for over a month with the technical crew at the High-Performance Center in the state.

“The young ladies representing the country are some of the best talents in their ranks, and with the level of preparations they were exposed to, we are confident they would put up a good performance at the event,” observed the NCF General Manager.

Other members of the Nigerian squad include; Agboya Peculiar, Adekunle Shola, Amusa Kehinde, Akhigbe Anointed, Ude Lilian, Chukwuonye Christabel, Peace Usen, Bassey Deborah, Eguakun Omosigho, Igbinedion Victory, Inyene Ubong, Memeh Naomi, and Oguai Beauty.

Nigeria is grouped with Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Malawi in Group ‘B’, while host Rwanda will battle  Namibia, Kenya, and Uganda in Group A’.

Nigeria will open the chase for the sole African World Cup ticket at the event with a tie against Tanzania on Sunday, September 22nd. They will follow up with a Zimbabwean encounter on Monday, September 23rd, before a final group game on Wednesday, September 25th, against division two winners Malawi.

The top two teams from the round-robin will qualify for a semifinal place, which will be held alongside the finals on Saturday, September 28th, and Sunday, September 29th. 

All the games will be hosted at the twin pitches of the Gahanga Cricket Stadium in Kigali.

Former Kenyan top-batter, Sarah Bhakita, and Nigeria’s longest-serving women’s national team captain, Sarah Etim, are the coaches attached to the Junior Yellow-Green at the event.

As preparations for 2024 Nigeria Cup Golf Tournament gathers momentum, organisers of this year’s edition have promised a fun-filled week-long competition for sponsors and participants.

Speaking at a pre-event press briefing on Wednesday, Chairman, 2024 Nigeria Cup Organising Committee, George Etomi, said the spirit of harmony through recreation which the club is known for will be the focus of this year’s competition, adding that every member of the Ikoyi Club community will take part in this year’s edition.

According to him, 2024 Nigeria Cup will officially tee off on Saturday with kid golfers taking turn on the course while Sunday, October 22, has been reserved for a segment of the competition tagged ‘Golf for Good Event’.

On Monday, Caddies will have their way on the golf course before lady golfers will play on Tuesday.

A special Nigeria Cup Kitty has been fixed for Wednesday, September 25th.

N1million is expected to be won by the best player in the professional category while the second placed among professional golfer will go home with N750, 000.00. The sum of N500, 000 00 is up for grab for the second runner-up in the professional category.

“On Thursday, the organising committee will host Sponsors, Guests and Veteran golfers. Saturday, September 28th is the grand finale and the day a new Nigeria Cup winner will be crowned.”

Etomi who said all necessary arrangements have been made to ensure the competition goes as planned, thanked sponsors for their support for Nigeria Cup.

Mike Makinde, who shots 67-net in last year’s edition, is the tournament’s defending champion.

The two finalists for the 2024 edition of the 1XBET Community Football Championship emerged yesterday after the two pulsating semifinal matches that ended in shootouts at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena on Lagos Island.

Gunners Link FC who defeated Emaljus FC 6-5 in a nail-bitting encounter after regulation time deadlocked goalless, will face giant-killing FC Bethel in the 1XBET Cup final slated for next Thursday September 26, 2024 at the same venue.

To reach the final, FC Bethel who in the quarter finals sent packing defending champions SBL FC, also survived the semifinal shootouts with favorites Emiloju FC 4-3. Regulation time also ended goalless like the first semifinal played earlier.

With improved mouth-watering N20 million prize money at stake in this edition, the final match slated for next Thursday promises to be the anticlimax of the 2024 tournament.

The two losing semifinalists will battle for the third place consolation prize earlier before Gunners Link and FC Bethel take to the field for the final game.

Meanwhile, the sponsors of the championship, 1XBET and the organisers, Match International Limited, have perfected plans for a memorable final day of the 2024 edition. 

Speaking yesterday after the semifinal matches, Chief Executive Officer of Match International Limited, Engr. Waidi Akanni, promised football fans and stakeholders that the final next day matches  will be the talk of the city despite last year’s razzmatazz.

“Last year, we gave fans a never-like before entertainment of pure football and music but they should watch out what we have in stock next Thursday,” observed the former Super Eagles player.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the Ibadan Marathon billed for November 2 will boost local businesses, create jobs and strengthen community bonds.

He asserted this in Ibadan during a world press conference on the marathon, a joint initiative between the Oyo State government and Savvy Events to position the state as a hub for sports, commerce and entertainment, in line with his infrastructural development and youth empowerment agenda.

He said the initiative will promote health and fitness and showcase the beauty of the vibrant city.

 “The Ibadan Marathon is an opportunity for runners, families, and spectators to unite in celebration of sportsmanship and community spirit. Through this event, we demonstrate our commitment to public health, active lifestyles, and progress,” Makinde, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wosilat Adegoke, said.

He highlighted the 42.195km marathon’s role in promoting Ibadan’s cultural heritage, attracting visitors from across Nigeria and beyond and spurring economic growth.

The CEO of Savvy Events Limited, Miss Arinola Idowu, said the 2024 event was designed to celebrate the city’s unity, strength, and rich history.

She said the event aimed to support small businesses, engage youth and elevate the city’s brand.

This maiden edition will feature a 42.195km race and a 10km fun run. The routes have been certified by Grade A measurer Norrie Williamson and World Athletics, offering an exciting journey through Ibadan’s iconic landmarks.

 Both races, with the marathon starting at 7 a.m and the fun run at 10 am, will conclude at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on November 2.

Duro Ikhazuagbewith agency report

Nigerian forward, Victor Olatunji, recorded a goal and an assist as Sparta 

Prague secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the first round of the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night.

It was a perfect return to the Champions League for Sparta Prague who have been away from the tournament for almost 19 years. The Czech champions

last appearance in the competition proper came in December 2005 when they finished last in a group containing Arsenal, Ajax and FC Thun.

The 25-year-old Olatunji  became only the third African player to score and assist in his UEFA Champions League debut, following in the footsteps of Daniel Cousin in 2007 (for Rangers against Lyon) and Serge Aurier in 2015 (for PSG against Shakhtar). He’s the first Nigerian player to achieve this feat.

After such a long wait Sparta needed just 107 seconds to take the lead at home to Salzburg through Kaan Kairinen’s effort on the rebound.

Olatunji however doubled Sparta’s advantage shortly before half-time with a fine volleyed effort.

Then, in the second half, Olatunji supplied the assist for Qazim Laci for Sparta Prague’s third. In his 58 minutes of action, Olatunji registered two goal attempts, 14 touches, and won four of his seven duels. The game eventually ended 3-0 in Sparta Prague’s favour.

Sparta’s win was their first in the Champions League proper since beating Lazio 1-0 in December 2003.

Elsewhere, another debutants, Bologna, ended their first ever Champions League match with a hard-fought point claimed in the goalless draw at home to Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk.

The Italian side last played in Europe’s elite competition when they lost in the preliminary round of the 1964-65 European Cup.

In the other matches of the night, Manchester City were held to a goalless draw by Inter Milan while PSG managed a lone goal win over Girona in Paris.

Club Brugge lost 0-3 at home to last year’s losing finalist, Borussia Dortmund.

Celtic FC had a goal feast at home with a 5-1 demolition of visiting Slovan Bratislava while Bologna and Shakhtar Donestsk settled for a goalles draw. Action resumes tonight with FC Barcelona and Arsenal away in Monaco and Atalanta respectively.

RESULTS 

Bologna 0-0 S’Donetsk 

Sp’Prague 3-0 Salzburg 

Man. City 0-0 Inter Milan 

PSG 1-0 Girona 

C’Brugge 0-3 Dortmund 

Celtic 5-1 Slo’Bratislava 

TODAY

Feyenoord v Leverkusen 

C’Zvezda v Benfica 

Atalanta v Arsenal 

Monaco v Barcelona 

Atlético  v RB Leipzig

Brest     v Sturm Graz 

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka is available to play in his side’s opening Champions League tie at Atalanta tonight as manager Mikel Arteta targets more progress in the competition.

Saka was taken off late on in Sunday’s derby win at Tottenham as Arteta said he “could not continue”.

“Yes he was able to train today (Wednesday), he completed most of the session and he is available,” said the Gunners boss before Thursday’s match against last season’s Europa League winners.

Captain Martin Odegaard has been ruled out with a “quite significant” ankle injury but fellow midfielder Declan Rice is back after being suspended for the victory against Spurs.

Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori has also returned after injury, with Arsenal playing Atalanta prior to Sunday’s Premier League trip to Manchester City, who drew goalless with host Inter Milan at home on Wednesday.

Asked whether having a day less preparation than City before their match was a disadvantage, Arteta added: “Hopefully not.

“We have so much energy from what happened on Sunday, it was great. We have recovered a few players which is very important for us as well, and we’re playing in a competition that we absolutely love, so we’re looking at the positives.”

Arsenal were knocked out at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League last season following defeat by Bayern Munich and Arteta hopes his side can learn from that.

Against an Ademola Lookman inspired Atalanta, the London Gunners have so much to do tonight to steady their campaign in this first round.

The Super Eagles forward who missed Atalanta’s first three games of the 2024/2025 season due to transfer talks, scored a goal and contributed an assist as Atalanta defeated Fiorentina 3-2 at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday.  It was Atalanta’s second win of the Serie A season.

*Lagos, Edo in frenzy battle for second spot in final table

Although, some events are yet to be concluded, host, Delta State, yesterday emerged champions of the 8th National Youth Games after extending its lead on the medals table.

  With 42 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze medals, athletes and officials of Team Delta were in celebration mood at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, on Wednesday. 

  As at yesterday evening, Team Lagos had overtaken Edo in the battle for the second spot. Team Edo had maintained the second position from Day 2 of the competition, but dropped to third on Tuesday evening. While Team Lagos had 16 gold, 12 silver and 16 bronze medals, Edo had 15 gold, 7 silver and 17 bronze as at Wednesday evening.

  Last year, when Delta hosted the 7th edition of the Games, the state topped the medals table with 51 gold, 34 silver and 11 bronze medals, with Team Lagos on second spot with 21 gold, 19 silver and 21 bronze. Edo finished third last year with 21 gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze. 

  Bayelsa State, which finished fourth last year with 20 gold, 7 silver and 16 bronze was on the fifth spot, yesterday behind Team Kwara. 

While Kwara had 10 gold, 7 silver and 8 bronze on the table as at yesterday, Team Bayelsa had 9 gold, 11 silver and 12 bronze. 

The situation might change today, as Bayelsa was expected to dominate the wrestling event, which just started Wednesday afternoon.

  Director General of Delta Sports Commission, Festus Ohwojero, declared, yesterday, that Team Delta would still win more gold medals before today’s closing ceremony. The state is eyeing medals in Thursday’s athletics event.

  “We topped the medals table with 51 gold last year. Now, we are having 42 gold, which means the Games is more competitive this year. As at now, 32 states have medals unlike last year when it was about 27 states. Apart from Rivers State, all other states and the FCT attended this year’s Games,” Ohwojero stated.

  Delta has won all editions of the National Youth Games from 2016 till date.

  In some of the events concluded Wednesday, Team Delta won gold in the paraathletics boys t46/47 event through Toheeb Olawale. Akwa Ibom grabbed the silver, while Bauchi settled for the bronze.

  In female Handball, Delta won the Gold, while Sokoto grabbed the Silver and Edo Bronze.

  Team Kaduna put up a brilliant performance, grabbing two gold and one silver medals, yesterday. Kaduna recorded the feat in Beach Volleyball Girls (Gold), Cricket boys (gold) and Beach Volleyball Boys (Silver). 

  Thursday’s boys football final will be between Delta and Abia State, as Edo failed to show up for their semifinal with Delta at St. Patrick College, Asaba, yesterday. Team Edo was said to have protested over the decision of the screening committee to restate four Delta players back into the Games.

In a stunning display of dexterity, perseverance, and grit, Team Lagos has swept all four gold medals available in the boxing competition at the 2024 National Youth Games. Team Lagos U-15 puglist’s dominance across the weight categories marks a historic achievement for Lagos in youth sports, particularly boxing.

The gold medal run began with Agboola Oyindamola’s victory in the 40kg female category. Bello Olamide Lawal followed suit, claiming gold in the 42kg male category. Yakubu Sofiat clinched the top spot in the 42kg female category, while Bolarinwa Michael capped off the clean sweep with his triumph in the 44kg male division. 

These outstanding performances reflect the state’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, with the potential for these athletes to thrive on both national and international stages.

This success underscores the continued efforts of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritised sports development. Significant investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives under his leadership have resulted in not only talent identification and development but also inspired an era of sports excellence. 

Speaking on the team’s success, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the young boxers for their dedication and discipline. 

He emphasised that these victories serve as a foundation for future achievements, both nationally and internationally.

Olawale Ajimotokan  in Abuja 

The federal government has said it plans to support and export the 1,000-year-old Dambe sports, a Northern Nigeria cultural heritage.

The SA M&E and Heritage to Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Roshan Nanayakkara, disclosed this during the Dambe Warriors SuperFight 03 held recently in Abuja.

Nanayakkara said the ministry intends to increase its support for the traditional combat sports because it is one of the few unique Nigerian art and practices.

“Dambe sport is ancient and is traditional value to the Northern Nigeria people. We want to support its export and exposure because it is one of the few unique Nigerian arts, just as you have the Japanese Sumo, we want to have Dambe on the global stage.

“All of the world needs to recognise that arts belong to the nation, that it originated from Nigeria, which exported it to influence culture all over the world,” Nanayakkara said.

He added that the project is already embedded into Destination 2030 Initiative of the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, which is in full support of the project that every one recognises is an experience Nigeria wants to share to the whole world to buy into it.

“Dambe is an initiative accepted all over Northern Nigeria, but we want an activity that is accepted and practiced all over Nigeria. We need to support it and take ownership for it,” Nanayakkara concluded.

*2nd Phase of National Women’s League to start on Sunday

The sponsors of the annual National Women’s Basketball League, Zenith Bank PLC, are delighted about the progress of the game in Nigeria, especially in the women cadre.

Zenith Bank has been the sole sponsor of the national women’s league for about two decades and the competition has produced many super stars who also developed over the years to represent Nigeria at continental and global events.

It is on record that the national Women’s team, D’Tigress has won the AfroBasket competition for four consecutive years while the team shocked the world two years ago at the basketball World Cup.

At the recently concluded Olympic Games in France, D’Tigress also showed so much guts by beating highly rated teams like Australia  and Canada to earn a berth in the quarterfinal of the event. The team’s coach Rene Wakama, was named the best coach of the global event.

It is also instructive to note that Murjanatu Musa, one of the key players of the team at the Olympics in Paris was the MVP of the 2022 event of Zenith Bank’s National Women’s Basketball League.

The Group Managing Director and CEO of Zenith Bank, Adaora Umeoji, says the outfit is always delighted that the investment in basketball is fast yielding positive fruits.

Umeoji said: “We are really happy that the women national team, D Tigress, are  catching up with the rest of the world with our products in the league as part of the success story.

“The fast growth of the game will further propel up to do more just as we are happy with the ongoing league across the country. We charge all participants to put in their best efforts so that they will also become national team stars in the nearest future.”

Meanwhile, the second phase of the 2024 NBBF/Zenith Bank National Women’s Basketball League is scheduled to start on September 22nd in two centres.  

The Phase 2 will take place in Enugu and Abuja respectively from September 22 to 28 with National finals taking place at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos between October 13 and 19.

Record title holders, First Bank, won all their games in the Atlantic Conference Phase 1 decided in Akure just as Customs Basketball team also won all their games in the Savannah Conference decided in Lafia, Nasarawa State.  

Former Italy and Juventus striker Salvatore Schillaci, a star of the 1990 World Cup on his home soil, has died at 59, his former clubs Inter Milan and Juventus said yesterday.

Schillaci led Italy to their third-place finish in 1990, winning the Golden Boot for his six goals during the tournament, including in the semi-final against Argentina and their third-place victory over England.

“A football icon is leaving us, a man who has entered the hearts of Italians and sports fans around the world,” Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni posted on X.

“Salvatore Schillaci, known by everyone as Toto, the striker from the magic nights of Italia ’90 with our national team. Thanks for the emotions you gave us and for making us dream, celebrate, embrace, and wave our national flag. Bon voyage, champion.”

The Sicilian’s wide eyes as he celebrated his goals became one of the enduring images of that World Cup.

Schillaci was awarded the Golden Ball as player of the tournament and was later named as the runner-up for the 1990 Ballon d’Or men’s player of the year award, behind World Cup winning captain Lothar Matthaus of West Germany.

He had started Italy’s opening World Cup game as a substitute but came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over Austria.

After the excitement of 1990, Schillaci scored only one more goal for Italy and did not appear for them at any other major tournaments.

A small, bustling striker, Schillaci, nicknamed “Toto”, had been a late developer, spending the early years of his career playing in the lower leagues for Sicilian club Messina.

He was the top scorer in Serie B, the Italian second division, in 1988-89, earning him a move to Serie A giants Juventus.

“We immediately fell in love with Toto. With his desire, his story, his passion,” Juventus said in a statement.

“We at Juve were lucky enough to get excited about him before, in that incredible summer of 1990, the whole of Italy did.”

Schillaci helped Juventus to claim the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in 1989-90 before winning the latter trophy again four years later with Inter Milan.

Serie A President Lorenzo Casini paid tribute to Schillaci.

“He was a champion who lit up the “magic nights” of Italia 90,” he said.

“His desire to reach the top levels in soccer has been and will remain a source of inspiration for so many youngsters pursuing their dream of playing in Serie A.”

He then became the first Italian player to play in Japan’s J.League and won the league title with his club Jubilo Iwata in 1997.

He retired from football in 1999.

*Moses Simon listed as Nantes’ Player of the Month of August 

Duro Ikhazuagbe with agency report

Ademola Lookman’s stock has continued to rise in Italy as he has been named in the Serie A team of the week for the just-concluded game week. 

The Super Eagles forward who missed Atalanta’s first three games of the 2024/2025 season due to transfer talks as he wanted to take his trade to French champions PSG, returned to action last week on a winning note.

Lookman scored a goal and contributed an assist as Atalanta defeated Fiorentina 3-2 at the Gewiss Stadium on Sunday in their second win of the Serie A season.

It was this flying start of Lookman who singlehandedly gave Atalanta their UEFA Europa trophy last season that ensured he has been named in Serie A Team of the Week.

According to Soccernet.ng, the former Leicester City man completes a Serie A forward line that consists of Romelu Lukaku and Florian Thauvin.

The midfield has Christian Pulisic, Youssouf Fofana, Iling Junior Samuel, and Mateo Zaccagni. Then the defence is made up of Denzel Dumfries, Theo Hernandez, and Alessandro Buongiorno. The starting eleven is completed by Napoli goalkeeper Alex Meret.

Lookman’s Super Eagles teammate, Samuel Chukwueze who has been on the fringe at AC Milan failed to get a mention in the prized squad of the hottest players in the Italian topflight at the moment.

Elsewhere, another Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon was named Player of the Month for August by his French Ligue 1 club FC Nantes.

The 29-year-old Nigerian  forward returned from injury in March to lift Nantes at the start of the new season.

In the month under review, he scored twice against AJ Auxerre and Montpellier.

Nantes won both games.

*Mbappe scores first UCL goal in Real Madrid’s defeat of Stuttgart 

Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane scored four goals to become England’s top scorer in Champions League or European Cup history in a demolition of Dinamo Zagreb.

Kane’s fourth – his third penalty of the game – was his 33rd Champions League goal as he passed Wayne Rooney’s old record of 30.

The quadruple also marked his 50th, 51st, 52nd and 53rd Bayern goals in just 50 games for the club.

Another London-born player, France winger Michael Olise, scored twice on his Champions League debut.

Bayern Munich are the first team to score nine goals in a Champions League game.

Kane gave Bayern the lead with a penalty after Aleksandar Pavlovic was fouled, sending goalkeeper Ivan Nevistic the wrong way.

Raphael Guerreiro scored a fantastic half-volley before Olise, the summer signing from Crystal Palace, headed in Joshua Kimmich’s cross.

Bayern brought on Sven Ulrich for the injured Manuel Neuer at half-time and he conceded twice in five minutes before touching the ball – with Bruno Petkovic and Takuya Ogiwara beating him to make it 3-2.

But Bayern took control again – with Kane scoring a rebound after Kimmich’s shot was saved – and Olise slotting into an empty net.

England’s Kane then scored his second spot-kick after a dubious handball decision from the video assistant referee.

And he netted a hat-trick of spot-kicks, and his fourth goal overall, after Alphonso Davies was fouled.

Leroy Sane came off the bench to smash in from 20 yards and Leon Goretzka headed in their ninth.

Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry and Kane also had goals disallowed for offside.

This is the joint second highest scoring Champions League game ever, level with Monaco’s 8-3 win over Deportivo La Coruna in 2003. The record remains Borussia Dortmund’s 8-4 win over Legia Warsaw in 2016.

Thomas Muller came on for Bayern for his 152nd Champions League appearance, passing Barcelona legend Xavi as the player to make the most appearances for a single club in the tournament.

Kane has scored nine goals in five games for Vincent Kompany’s Bayern this season, also hitting a hat-trick in Saturday’s 6-1 win at Holstein Kiel.

Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe scored his first Champions League goal for defending champions Real Madrid in a hard-fought 3-1 win over Stuttgart at the Santiago Bernabeu.

France forward Mbappe, who was making his debut in Europe’s elite competition for Los Blancos, opened the scoring 20 seconds into the second half.

Aurelien Tchouameni’s sweeping pass found the run of Rodrygo on the right and the Brazilian unselfishly squared the ball for Mbappe to tap in.

RESULTS 

Juventus 3-1 PSV 

Young Boys 0-3 A’Villa

AC Milan 1-3 Liverpool 

Real Madrid 3-1 Stuttgart 

B’Munich 9-2 Di’Zagreb

Sporting 2-0 Lille

TODAY

Bologna v S’Donetsk 

Sp’Prague v Salzburg 

Man. City v Inter Milan 

PSG v Girona 

C’Brugge v Dortmund 

Celtic v Slo’Bratislava 

THURSDAY

Feyenoord v Leverkusen 

Crvena Zvezda v Benfica 

Atalanta v Arsenal 

Monaco v Barcelona 

Atlético Mad. v RB Leipzig

Brest v Sturm Graz 

Championship side Preston North End stunned Premier League Fulham winning 16-15 on penalties the Carabao Cup third round.

Ryan Ledson scored the winning penalty after Timothy Castagne blazed over the bar for Fulham.

Super Eagles midfielder, Alex Iwobi was on the score sheet in the shootouts.

Fulham’s Jorge Cuenca and Preston’s Kaine Kesler Hayden had earlier seen their own misses cancelled out.

Preston’s success came via the longest shootout in League Cup history, eclipsing the previous record set by Derby County and Carlisle in 2016 when the Rams won 14-13.

A record 6,000 local and international runners from across the African continent and Nigeria have registered for the third Lotus Bank Abeokuta 10km Run slated for September 28, 2024.

Organisers of the race , Nilayo Sports Management Limited, is gunning for a bronze label status for the Road race.

The Chief Operating Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mr. Ebidowie Oweifie, noted that the theme of this year’s edition of the Abeokuta 10km Race titled ‘For Greatness’ is meant to commemorate the birthday anniversary of the Egba paramount ruler, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo 111. 

The 10km Run will flag off at Iyana Oloke at 6am and finish at The Alake Palace, Abeokuta.

Kenya’s Peter Nwaniki is the men’s race defending champion at a time of 28 minutes 14 seconds, while Shamila Kipsirir also of Kenya is the women’s defending champion. Nigeria’s race men’s defending champion is Francis James at 31 minutes 08 seconds, while the women’s defending champion is Patience Daylop at 36 minutes 31 seconds.

Lotus Bank, FEBBS Premium Water, Fatgbems Petroleum Limited and Cash Token will sponsor this edition of the Abeokuta10km Race.

Edo-born cycling revelation, Divine Ogbe, on Tuesday clinched another gold medal for Team Edo in the ongoing National Youth Games holding in Asaba,Delta State to increase the heartbeat state’s medal haul after finishing tops in the female point road race.

The precious medal is the third gold Divine Ogbe has won for Edo State in the Asaba 2024 Games.

Divine Ogbe with her achievements in the 2024 Youth Games has proven to be a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s cycling environment.

Also yesterday, the Edo athletic team did not end their eventful day without taking something good home as Seth Adindu won gold in the Men’s Discuss and set a national record in the Para-Athletics. Team Edo also won a silver  medal in  the 4×100m female race.

Similarly, Miracle Udoh won gold medal for Edo in the 40kg  Judo Boys to add value to the state’s performance.

In Chess, Eguavoen Henry Oghogho won a silver medal for Edo  on board 3 while nine-year-old Zita Agusionu and Ayeni Fareedah won silver and bronze  medals respectively on board 3a and 2 respectively in the female categories. 

Meanwhile, the semifinals football match between team Edo and Delta  has been postponed. 

The postponement was as a result of team Edo’s insistence and demand for Delta team officials to present proper required documents for the identification of four new players they introduced into their team. 

Team Edo officials suspected a foul play hence their insistence on using the prescribed means of identification documents.

No date has yet to be announced by the organisers for the rescheduled match.