World number two Carlos Alcaraz needed four sets to defeat Lorenzo Sonego and reach the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. The Spaniard claimed a 6-4 6-7 6-3 7-6 win over his Italian opponent in their clash.

World number three Daniil Medvedev showed great fighting spirit to come back from two sets down and win against Emil Ruusuvuori in their second round meeting. The Russian won the match 3-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 6-0 to book his third round qualification.

Eighth seed Holger Rune was stunned by unseeded Frenchman Arthur Cazaux in four sets as he crashed out of the tournament. Cazaux won their meeting 7-6 6-4 4-6 6-3 to reach the third round in Melbourne.

Sixth seed Alexander Zverev needed five sets to overcome unseeded Lukas Klein in their 2024 Australian Open meeting. The German star won the encounter 7-5 3-6 4-6 7-6 7-6 to book his passage into the third round.

Casper Ruud needed five sets to defeat Max Purcell in their second round meeting. The Norwegian 11th seed won the match 6-3 6-7 6-3 3-6 7-6 to reach the third round.

In the women’s draw, world number one Iga Swiatek eased her way into the third round with a win over Danielle Collins in three sets. The Polish star claimed a 6-4 3-6 6-4 win over her opponent to reach the next round.

Fifth seed Jessica Pegula was stunned by Clara Burel, who defeated her in straight sets to qualify for the third round of the 2024 Australian Open. The unseeded Frenchwoman won the match 6-4 6-2 to progress.

One-time US Open champion Emma Raducanu has crashed out of the 2024 Australian Open at the hands of Wang Yafan. The Chinese star needed three sets to dispatch of Raducanu 6-4 4-6 6-4 and reach the third round.

Third seed Elena Rybakina lost to Anna Blinkova in one of the most dramatic matches in female tennis ever. Blinkova needed three sets to defeat her opponent, doing so with a 6-4 4-6 7-6 scoreline to qualify for the third round.

Elina Svitolina defeated Viktoriya Tomova in straight sets 6-1 6-3 to reach the third round of the 2024 Australian Open.

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has cautioned his Super Eagles teammates of the dangers underrating Guinea-Bissau in their upcoming fixture at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Osimhen made this remarks after Nigeria’s 1-0 victory against Cote d’Ivoire in their second game of the tournament, one that will be key in the race for a spot in the next round. The Eagles were rated second-best ahead of kickoff vs the hosts but put in a special performance to emerge victorious, thanks to a William Troost-Ekong well struck spot kick goal. 

Jose Peseiro tutored Eagles will conclude the group stage when they face Guinea-Bissau at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, on Monday, January 22, 2024 .

Despite Guinea-Bissau being on the brink of elimination after consecutive defeats in their opening two games, Osimhen stressed need for the Super Eagles to approach the game with determination and avoid underestimating their opponents.

“We aim for a strong performance against Guinea-Bissau. They will undoubtedly approach the game with determination, and we won’t underestimate any team, considering what they’ve done to qualify,” Osimhen said.

He highlighted the previous encounters between the two teams in the qualifiers, acknowledging the strength of Guinea-Bissau. In the qualifiers, Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria at home, while Nigeria secured a victory in the away match.

“We met them in the qualifiers and know how strong they are. They defeated us at home, while we also beat them away. So, we are expecting a tough game against them. We will do our best to win,” Osimhen added.

The Super Eagles will look to build on their momentum and secure another victory in their final group stage game against Guinea-Bissau as they aim to progress further in the AFCON 2023 tournament.

A draw or win vs Guinea Bissau will confirm Nigeria’s progress to the knockout round in Cote d’Ivoire.

Super Eagles striker Sadiq Umar has addressed the controversy surrounding injury that led to his withdrawal from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) squad.

Sadiq clarified the situation, stating that he never faked his injury and followed the guidance of the Super Eagles medical team.

The 26-year-old striker, who had been in impressive form for his club Real Sociedad, making headlines with two remarkable goals just before the AFCON, was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury. The Super Eagles’ medical team indicated that he would be sidelined for at least three weeks.

However, a video shared by Real Sociedad showed Sadiq Umar training at the club’s facility, raising questions about the severity of his injury with the forward even playing 18 minutes in Real Sociedad’s recent Copa Del Rey match against Osasuna.

The controversy intensified, especially after Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro mentioned that he relied on information provided by the team’s medical staff.

In response to the situation, Sadiq Umar has clarified that he did not fake his injury and followed the instructions given by the medical team.

The statement read; “It’s imperative for me to address the message I have received from fellow Nigerians, accusing me of pretending to be injured to leave the national team just before the start of the AFCON and return to my club.

“Here is a comprehensive explanation on the situation during the friendly game against Guinea. I experienced a significant impact from two Guinean defenders leading to a penalty is a favour for Nigeria.

“Despite the medical team recommending substitution for preventive measures, I insisted on continuing to play and complete the game. The following day, my knee was swollen and the Eagles medical team conducted a thorough examination revealing a meniscus injury.

“The manager decided to replace me based on the medical assessment, considering uncertainties about my fitness for the AFCON.”

“Upon returning to my club, I underwent thorough examination and the medical team revealed that I had only suffered a bruise and as a result I was cleared to resume training. I give special thanks to Allah and my club Real Sociedad for supporting my swift recovery and resuming to play.

“Representing Nigeria is always my priority. I will never take it for granted. I would gladly accept it if I could return to the team. I am sad that I’m not with the team but happy for the winning. I extend my best wishes to the Eagles in the ongoing AFCON.” he concluded.

Sadiq will be aiming to regain his spot in the starting lineup when Real Sociedad faces Celta Vigo on January 20 while the Super Eagles prepare for their last group game vs Guinea Bissau on Monday, January 22, 2024.

The clarification from the striker should help address the concerns raised by fans regarding the circumstances of his AFCON withdrawal.

Super Eagles assistant coach, Finidi George, says discipline and tactical switch in formation earned the team victory over Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

After a pulsating match, Finidi told the Newsmen in Abidjan that the boys played to instructions in a very tactical game against the hosts.

“We are very happy with the victory but nothing has been done yet.

“It was a tactical game, we switched formation and had to defend most of the time and use counter-attacks from the flanks.

“It’s a team (Cote d’Ivoire) that is very good on the ball, so we had to sit back a bit, close the spaces and go on counter-attacks,” he said.

The coach said despite the win, the boys will not get carried away but will work harder in their next match against Guinea Bissau on Monday.

“We will keep our cool in the next match because nothing has been achieved yet, we go all out again,” he said.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently second in Group A will face Guinea-Bissau on Monday at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny in Abidjan for their third and final round of Group A matches from 5pm

William Troost Ekong’s  second-half penalty gave Nigeria a 1-0 win over Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, turning up the heat on the host country whose hopes of reaching the last 16 remain in the balance.