African Games: Flying Eagles Lose opening Match To Uganda

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March 9, 2024

The Ugandan U20 side showcased remarkable resilience and skill, securing their victory with Kiza Usama opening the scoring in the 33rd minute.
Despite a valiant effort from Nigeria’s Sadiq Muhammad, who scored in the 37th minute, Uganda’s determined performance sealed the unexpected result.

Ivan Irinibabazi struck in the 81st minute to send in the Ugandans into ecstasy as they held on in the remaining minutes to seal the famous win.

Meanwhile, in the first Group B encounter, former champions Senegal clinched a hard-fought 1-0 win over South Sudan.
The decisive goal came from Mamadou Lamine Sadio in the first half, highlighting Senegal’s prowess and experience in continental competitions.

This marked South Sudan’s inaugural appearance in the football competition of the African Games, while Senegal, boasting a rich history in the tournament, proved their mettle as former champions.

Senegal’s lineup featured several players promoted from their U17 World Cup-winning squad under the guidance of coach Serigne Saliou Dia, who also leads the team in the ongoing competition in Accra.

The victory sets Senegal on course for further success in the tournament as they aim to add another title to their illustrious record.

With these thrilling encounters setting the stage alight, anticipation mounts for the next fixtures. Nigeria is set to face South Sudan in their upcoming group game on Monday, while Uganda prepares to take on Senegal in what promises to be another electrifying matchup.

Super Eagles Coaching Job: NFF Throws The Gates Open, Advertises Vacancy

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Emenike Agu

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March 9, 2024

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is not head-hunting for a successor to Jose Peseiro as head coach of the Super Eagles.

Rather the Nigerian football governing body has thrown open the position of the Nigeria’s national team coach.

The position of the Super Eagles coach became vacant following the expiration of the extended contract of Jose Peseiro who has also opted not to continue with the job.

He led the Super Eagles to the final match of the last Africa Cup of Nations, surpassing the semi-finals target set for him.

Initially, there were speculations, even in the media, that the NFF technical director, Austin Eguavoen has assumed the position of caretaker manager, the NFF did not issue any official public communication regarding this.

However, the NFF has now advertise the position on its official website, thenff.com.

The advert reads: “Are you a passionate football coach ready to take on the challenge of leading the national team?

“The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF)is pleased to announce openings for the position of Head Coach for Senior men’s National Football Team Super Eagles.”

The NFF asked the applicants to submit ‘relevant coaching qualifications‘ which the NFF did not elaborate on.

The applicants are also supposed to show proven experience at the elite level of football management. Additionally, the applicant has to show a successful track record in leading teams and also a knowledge of African football. They are to submit their applications to jobs@thenff.com

African Games: Nigeria’s Falconets Down Morocco In Opening Game

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Emenike Agu

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March 9, 2024

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In a captivating start to the women’s football event at the 13th African Games, Nigeria’s women national U-20 football team, the Falconets on Friday, March 8, 2024, demonstrated their dominance by securing a 2-0 victory over Morocco in their opening match .

As the defending champions following their gold medal triumph in Rabat in 2019, the Falconets entered the game with confidence and determination. Led by coach Christopher Danjuma, the Nigerian side showcased their prowess on the field, controlling the game from the outset.

Chioma Olise provided an early breakthrough for Nigeria, opening the scoring after just 19 minutes of play. The Falconets maintained their relentless pressure, and their persistence paid off when Addo Yina doubled the lead in the 40th minute, further solidifying their advantage.

Despite their commanding first-half performance, the Nigerian ladies were unable to extend their lead in the second period, ultimately settling for a 2-0 victory against Morocco at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

Meanwhile, in the men’s football event on Friday, March 8, hosts Ghana faced a formidable challenge as they were held to a goalless draw by Congo. Despite the home advantage, Ghana struggled to break down the resilient Congolese defense, resulting in a stalemate.

Gambia and Benin Republic aslo played a 0-0 draw in the late-kickoff on Friday.

Recall that on Thursday, Nigeria’s male representatives, the Flying Eagles suffered a 1-2 loss to Uganda.

With these initial results setting the stage for an exciting football event at the 13th African games, teams from across the continent are poised to compete fiercely for the prestigious title at the African Games.

Stunning K.O! Anthony Joshua Floors Francis Ngannou In Second Round

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Emenike Agu

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March 9, 2024

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In a breathtaking display of power and precision, Anthony Joshua has left the heavyweight division reeling with a stunning second-round knockout victory over Francis Ngannou in Saudi Arabia.

The 34-year-old Joshua wasted no time asserting his dominance, flooring the UFC champion with a ferocious assault early in the first round.

Despite a brief resurgence from Ngannou, Joshua’s relentless onslaught proved too much for the 37-year-old, culminating in a decisive knockout blow in the second round that left Ngannou sprawled on the canvas.

Cameroonian fighter Ngannou toppled to the canvas after the destructive final punch from 34-year-old Joshua, as the crowd in Riyadh’s Kingdom Arena erupted.

Dazed and hurt, Ngannou managed to recover and exchanged words with Joshua, as the victor urged him “not to leave” boxing despite his crushing defeat.

The victory marks Joshua’s fourth consecutive win in 11 months, propelling him ever closer to his ambition of reclaiming a world title. With speculation mounting over a potential showdown with the winner of Fury’s upcoming bout against Oleksandr Usyk, Joshua remains firmly focused on his quest for heavyweight supremacy.

In a career-defining moment, Joshua’s knockout victory over Ngannou underscores his status as one of boxing’s most formidable competitors. With his sights set on future challenges, Joshua’s legacy as a true heavyweight champion continues to grow.

For Ngannou, the crushing loss to Joshua comes after a very-impressive boxing debut vs Tyson Fury.

Unlike the ‘controversial’ loss to Fury in 2023, Ngannou was overwhelmed by another African blood and will make his MMA return later in the year with less spotlight on his boxing adventure.

As the dust settles on this historic showdown, boxing fans around the world eagerly await Joshua’s next move in what promises to be an electrifying chapter in the sport’s illustrious history.

Flying Eagles Fall To Uganda At African Games

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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In the men’s football competition at the 13th African Games in Ghana, the Flying Eagles of Nigeria were beaten 2-1 by the Hippos of Uganda in their Group B match, at Accra’s University of Ghana Sport Stadium.

Uganda’s U-20 side showed its intentions early, opening the scoring in the 34th minute through Arafat Usama. Three minutes later, Nigeria’s U-20 team equalised courtesy of a strike from Sadiq Isiyaka to give the Flying Eagles a glimmer of hope.

However, Ivan Irinibabazi struck in the 81st minute to send in the Ugandans into ecstasy as they held on in the remaining minutes to seal the famous win.

Flying Eagles coach, Ladan Bosso, after the match said the team will correct the mistakes noticed ahead of their next match.

Nigeria will face South Sudan in next Group B game on Monday, while Uganda will take on Senegal in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.

The excitement continues on Friday as hosts Ghana go head-to-head with Congo, while Gambia clashes with Benin, offering fans a feast of footballing action at the African Games.

Nadal Abandons Latest Comeback With Indian Wells Withdrawal

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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FILE PHOTO: Australian Open — FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2023 Spain's Rafael Nadal looks dejected after losing his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the U.S. REUTERS/Carl Recine/File Photo

Rafael Nadal abandoned his planned ATP Tour comeback at the Indian Wells Masters, saying he was not ready for the demands of tournament tennis on the eve of his opening match in California.

The Spanish icon’s bombshell decision came four days after the 37-year-old lost a Las Vegas exhibition to compatriot and world number two Carlos Alcaraz.

Nadal missed almost all of the 2023 season with abdominal and other injuries and has played only the Brisbane International this season, where he suffered a flare-up of a hip injury.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion had been due to open at Indian Wells on Thursday against Canada’s former Wimbledon finalist Milos Raonic.

“It is with great sadness that I have to withdraw from this amazing tournament at Indian Wells,” Nadal said in a statement.

“I have been working hard … but I don’t find myself ready to play at the highest level at such an important event.

“It is not an easy decision, it’s a tough one as a matter of fact but I can’t lie to myself and lie to the thousands of fans.

Indian Wells tournament director Tommy Haas expressed disappointment at Nadal’s withdrawal.

“We wish him continued healing and hope he can be back in action again soon,” Haas said. “He is one of the all-time fan favorites here, and we hope to see him back in Indian Wells again in the future.”

On Sunday, Nadal had given an encouraging performance in his Las Vegas clash with Alcaraz.

After suffering a muscle tear in Brisbane in January, Nadal withdrew from the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the season.
He then scrapped plans to return to action at the Qatar Open in February, saying he was “not ready to compete.”

Injuries have been a recurring theme of Nadal’s record-breaking career, a by-product of his all-action, brutal-hitting style that has led to serious knee, wrist and foot problems.

During his career, Nadal dominated the French Open, where he won 14 of his majors, his first arriving just days after his 19th birthday in 2005, his last in 2022 making him the event’s oldest champion.

He is a four-time champion at the US Open, won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, and is a two-time winner at the Australian Open — with 13 years spanning his first triumph at Melbourne Park in 2009 and his second in 2022.

Wednesday’s withdrawal at Indian Wells will stoke inevitable speculation about the Spaniard’s retirement date.

In January however Nadal declined to confirm that 2024 will be his last season, backing away from earlier hints he may quit the sport this year.

“The problem about saying that’s going to be my last season is I can’t predict what’s going on 100 percent in the future,” he said in Brisbane in January.

“You never know what’s going on, you know? I can’t predict how I’m going to be in the next six months. I can’t predict if my body will allow me to enjoy tennis as much as I enjoyed the past 20 years.”

He admitted though that he had contemplated retirement during his lengthy injury absence from the sport last year.

‘Rust’ Armourer Found Guilty Over Deadly On-Set Shooting

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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The armourer who loaded the gun that killed a cinematographer on the set of the Alec Baldwin movie “Rust” was convicted Wednesday of involuntary manslaughter.

A jury in New Mexico took just over two hours to find Hannah Gutierrez guilty of the death of Halyna Hutchins in October 2021 during the filming of the budget Western.

A 10-day trial heard that Gutierrez had been ultimately responsible for using live rounds on set, a red line across the industry.

The court had also heard how she had repeatedly failed to adhere to basic safety rules, leaving guns unattended and allowing actors — including Baldwin — to wave weapons around.

“This is not a case where Hannah Gutierrez made one mistake and that one mistake was accidentally putting a live round into that gun,” prosecutor Kari Morrissey told the jury in her closing argument Wednesday.

“This case is about constant, never-ending safety failures that resulted in the death of a human being and nearly killed another.”

Hutchins was hit by a live round fired from the Colt .45 that Baldwin was holding for a scene inside a wooden church on the New Mexico set. The same bullet wounded Director Joel Souza.

Baldwin has repeatedly denied responsibility, insisting he did not pull the trigger.

Ballistics experts have dismissed the claim, saying the gun could not have discharged any other way.

His own involuntary manslaughter trial is expected in July.

The tragedy sent shockwaves through Hollywood and led to calls for a complete ban on the use of weapons on movie sets.

Industry insiders, however, insisted that rules were already in place to prevent such incidents, and that those working on “Rust” had not followed them.

Dave Halls, the film’s safety coordinator and assistant director who handed Baldwin the loaded gun, agreed to a plea deal with prosecutors last year and was sentenced to six months’ probation.

Hutchins’ parents welcomed the verdict against Gutierrez.

“We look forward to the justice system continuing to make sure that everyone else who is responsible for Halyna’s death is required to face the legal consequences for their actions,” they said in a statement released through their Los Angeles-based lawyer.

Filming of “Rust” was halted by the tragedy, but completed last year on location in Montana.

The cinematographer’s widower, Matthew Hutchins, who has already settled a wrongful death suit with “Rust” producers, served as an executive producer.

No release date has been set for the movie.

‘Dune: Part Two’ Races to $97 Million at International Box Office

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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Director Denis Villeneuve’s otherworldly sequel has generated $97 million from 71 overseas markets, bringing its global tally to a promising $178.5 million. Those worldwide revenues include $81.5 million from North American theaters, where it landed the biggest domestic opening weekend of the year.

The movie, starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya, has been embraced in the U.S. and Canada. But the backers of “Dune 2” need overseas audiences to keep the ticket sales flowing as freely as spice on the desert planet of Arrakis. That’s because Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment spent $190 million to produce and roughly $100 million more to promote the film to global audiences. Those hefty fees mean the tentpole will require outsized admissions to turn a profit.

At this rate, though, the second “Dune” already looks well positioned in its box office run. It helps that the movie has been especially popular in Imax and other premium large formats, which cost more than the average ticket and accounted for 48% of initial sales.

In 2021, the original “Dune” was hobbled in North America because it debuted simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max. But the film was granted a traditional run at the international box office. (Well, as traditional as it gets at a time when many countries still had capacity restrictions in place due to the pandemic). Even with those limitations, “Dune” powered to an impressive $324.8 million overseas and $402 million globally.

The sequel marks the largest opening weekend of Villeneuve’s career in all 71 markets, meaning it improved upon the first film in every territory. “Part Two” enjoyed the biggest international start in the United Kingdom with $11.8 million, followed by France ($9.6 million), Germany ($9.1 million), Korea ($6.9 million) and Australia ($6 million). It has yet to open in China or Japan, two major overseas markets.

Positive word-of-mouth and interest in all things Imax should keep the ticket sales flowing for “Dune: Part Two.” Based on the second half of Frank Herbert’s massive book, the story continues the mythic quest of Chalamet’s Paul Atreides, who seeks safety in the desert after powerful royals betray his family. Austin Butler, Florence Pugh and Christopher Walken join the sprawling cast of Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Josh Brolin and Stellan Skarsgård.

Table tennis: Nigeria, Egypt clash in African Games finals

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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Nigeria will face Egypt in the men and women’s table tennis team event finals on Friday at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.

The two seeds in the team events lived up to expectations from the group matches to the knockout rounds, outclassing their opponents on their way to the finals.

The Nigerian men’s team, led Quadri Aruna, also had Omotayo Olajide, Amadi Omeh and Taiwo Mati in their ranks.

Aruna spearheaded the Nigerians to a comfortable 3-1 win over Tunisia in the semi-finals at the Accra Conference Centre on Thursday to set up another epic final against the Egyptians.

For the women’s team event, Nigeria had a smooth ride to the final with a convincing 3-0 win over South Africa in the semis, while the Egyptian ladies, like their male counterparts, had a jolly ride to the final, where they will face an Offiong Edem-led Nigerian side.

In their last meeting at Rabat 2019, Egypt prevailed in the men’s event to dethrone Nigeria, while the Egyptians have dominated the women’s event in the last three editions of the continent’s showpiece sports spectacle.

Meanwhile, South Africa made history in the women’s event as the Danisha Patel-inspired side claimed their first ever medal at the African Games after settling for a bronze medal with an all-important quarter-final win over hosts Ghana.

The quarter-final win over Ghana was what Patel needed to become the first South African player to lead the female team to a medal at the African Games.

Cricket: Nigeria ready for Namibia test after Tanzania draw

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Emenike Agu

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March 8, 2024

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Nigeria senior women’s cricket team, the Female Yellow Greens, will hope to keep their 2023 African Games campaign on track when they face Namibia on Friday in their second Group A game at the Achimota Cricket Oval in Accra.

Leke Oyede’s side got off to a great start on Thursday with a draw against their recent fierce rivals Tanzania, but the third meeting between the two sides could not be concluded due to rain.

In the first innings, the Tanzanians, who won the toss, managed 58 runs for the loss of three wickets in 10 overs.

The Female Yellow Greens did not bat in the game.

Meanwhile, Namibia are currently leading the group, one point ahead of Nigeria and Tanzania.

The 17th-placed side in the ICC rankings took a big scalp off the highest-ranked team in Africa, South Africa (5) by one run in DLS method.

The Namibians had posted 89 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs before the weather also threatened the game. In the second innings, South Africa had 29 runs for the loss of four wickets in six overs and they fell short in the application of the method designed to calculate the target score for the chasing team.

Cricket is being played at the African Games for the first time since the continental showpiece started in 1965.