World number one Carlos Alcaraz qualified for the fourth round of the 2023 US Open following a four-set win over 26th seed Dan Evans. The Spaniard claimed a 6-2 6-3 4-6 6-3 win over his British opponent in their third round meeting.

Jannik Sinner ended Stanislas Wawrinka’s admirable run in the tournament, with the sixth seed claiming a 6-3 2-6 6-4 6-2 win over the veteran to book his place in the fourth round of the 2023 US Open.

Unseeded Italian Matteo Arnaldi defeated 16th seed Cameron Norrie in straight sets, sending him crashing out of the tournament. Arnaldi claimed a 6-3 6-4 6-3 win over the Brit to progress to the fourth round in Flushing Meadows.

Third seed Daniil Medvedev overcame Sebastian Baez in straight sets to qualify for the fourth round of the 2023 US Open. The Russian picked up a 6-2 6-2 7-6 win over his Argentine opponent.

Alexander Zverev came from a set down to defeat 19th seed Grigor Dimitrov and book his place in the fourth round of the competition. The German 12th seed secured his place in Round Four with a 6-7 7-6 6-1 6-1 win over Dimitrov.

In the women’s draw, World number two Aryna Sabalenka zoomed into the fourth round with a straight sets win over French star Clara Burel. Sabalenka claimed a 6-1 6-1 win over her opponent in their third round encounter.

Third seed Jessica Pegula defeated Elina Svitolina in three sets to book her place in the fourth round of the 2023 US Open. The American star claimed a 6-4 4-6 6-2 win over her Ukrainian opponent to progress.

13th seed Daria Kasatkina defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets to reach the Fourth Round of the 2023 US Open. She secured a 6-3 6-4 win to send her Belgian opponent crashing out of the tournament.

Fifth seed Ons Jabeur defeated Marie Bouzkova in three sets to qualify for the fourth round of the competition. The Tunisian had to fight back from a set down to overcome her opponent 5-7 7-6 6-3 in their clash.

Ninth seed Marketa Vondrousova defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova in straight sets to reach the Fourth Round in Flushing Meadows. The Czech star made light work of her opponent with a 6-2 6-1 win that saw her win the third round meeting.

The growth of grassroots sports and infrastructure will be the minister of sports development’s primary focus.

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, explained on Thursday why he has relocated his office to the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

He said he wanted to personally supervise what was going on in the sports centre and ensure that things were done correctly.

“I did a tour of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, and I insisted that instead of having my office at the Secretariat, my office as Sports Development Minister has to be at the stadium.

“I have taken that decision already. I have an assignment to make the ministry work, and we have to make it work. MKO Abiola Stadium is where we have 90 per cent of the departments of sports.

“The stadium is where we have all the federations’ secretariats, athletes, and footballers. For the purpose of coordination and to keep a watchful eye, it is imperative that my office be at the stadium.

“I don’t mind the challenges; what matters to me is the gain in the sports sector. I have also issued a memo to the permanent secretary that the remaining sports departments should be at the stadium,” he said.

Mr Enoh restated that his focus would be on the development of sports and how sports can be used for the development of the country.

“The focus as a sports minister is going to be in two folds; one is the development of sports, the other is grassroots development, infrastructure, and amenities at the grassroots level, where the real talents are domiciled.

“I want to see those talents from Ajegunle develop into elite sportsmen. We want to go to those places where there are fewer opportunities, or where people may not get the opportunity to express themselves.

“I want to provide, like, a basketball court for those in the hinterland and others. A lot of times, great boxers are not produced in high-brow areas but in local environments.

“I want to provide these things and not just say it, and at the end of my tenure, we want to count tangible things that have given us social inclusion, which will translate to sports development,” he said.

As part of his ongoing efforts to assess the state of major sports facilities in the country, Enoh inspected the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, on Thursday.

He started his inspection at the stadium complex, where he visited the National Institute of Sports, the boxing complex, the main bowl of the stadium, the sports medical centre, the indoor sports hall, and other facilities.

He also inspected the Games Village hostels, Legacy Pitch, and Power House, as well as the courts for different sports.

William Glenwright, the ICC General Manager of Development, made the statement in Lagos during the recent Tour of the Cricket World Cup Trophy

The International Cricket Council has described Nigeria as a priority member of the Council, given the upswing of cricket activities in the country in recent times.

William Glenwright, the ICC General Manager of Development, made the statement in Lagos during the recent Tour of the Cricket World Cup Trophy.

He said: “Nigeria is a priority member for us; a fast-growing country, and we want to learn from the cricket federation, the board, and the staff what they are doing that is so successful so that we can apply that elsewhere in the world for other members to be equally as successful as Nigeria.”

Mr Glenwright, made the assertion on the heels of Nigeria’s increasing recruitment of school-age kids into the game, upward progression of both male and female national teams, facility developments, and international awards it has racked up lately.

“This is also for us to better understand how the international community can better support Nigeria in their growth and aspirations,” he noted.

“They are very ambitious, they have bright plans for international cricket, and also the development of the game for men and women.

“We have a role to play in supporting them on that and this week we want to see how we can further assist them.”

Earlier, the World Cup Trophy, which was making a second Tour of Nigeria in four years, was in Abuja on Tuesday, where it was received by the Minister for Sports Development, John Enoh.

At the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, Patricia Kambarami, ICC Regional Development Manager – Africa, Eddy Fwamba, Trophy Tour Manager, and Rohit Poddar, ICC Member Services, were also on the ground to add colour to the carnival-like Tafawa Balewa Square atmosphere.

Elated Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, said at the event that hosting the Trophy has been worth it for the country, and it will further strengthen the resolve of those in the cricket family to drive the development agenda deeper.

“I’m super excited that this has happened. All the key stakeholders are here, and we have been recognized by ICC. You can see from the presence of the dignitaries here, that have oversight of African associate countries.

“From the feedback, it has been excellent, and everyone has come through for us right from yesterday (Tuesday) when the new honourable minister for sports development joined us despite just settling in office. We have shown that TBS and Lagos is the home of cricket.” He said.

The Trophy departed Nigeria on Thursday, 31 August for South Africa, the third African country it is meant to visit (after Uganda and Nigeria).

Photo Caption (L-R): Narasimhan Mahesh, Consul (Consular) and HOC, Consulate General of India, Lagos, Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation and William Glenwright, ICC General Manager, Development at the Trophy Tour private event in Lagos on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.

Dreams, they say hardly die. It is not for fun that 17 years ago, African Boxing Ambassador, Nigeria’s Bashiru Lawrence Ali’s (OON) dream of becoming Guinness World Record Boxing Champion has refused to die.

Many have given up on their dreams or even died with it, however, for Bash Ali, the man has remained on course until the mark is made.

There are many doubting Thomases, who have dismissed this dream with a wave of the hand, wondering if he wants to kill himself in the adventure.

For those who want to listen to themselves speak on the initiative, they would prefer he is stopped in his tracks.

Being a man of conviction that Bash is, he has said: I know that many people give up on their dreams and die with it but I am an EXTRAORDINARY MAN.

‘I will accomplish my dream and continue to fight till I am 70 years old, retire young and healthy with a lot of money and then go into politics and become the President of Nigeria’.

Many think he is on the path of damnation. But they do not know he has always been convinced beyond reasonable doubt of his capacity, capability and holding power in the game.

He has NEVER GIVEN UP ON HIS DREAM, neither has he ever GIVEN UP ON NIGERIA. His implicit faith in his capacity has never been in doubt; and that has remained incontrovertible.

It is annoying, some Nigerians have regrettablely curious opponents of anything good. They are supposed to support his ambition, but are strongly against it.

If Bash Ali were to be a white man living in the west, his dream and ambition would have seen the light of the day, despite the assertion of those against the dream.

Older persons desirous of fulfilling an ambition in the west and other saner climes, would have been supported without a second thought in order to rewrite boxing history.

Today, we are where we are and perhaps more shameful that dreams are hardly pursued on account of what people would say.

For those who do not believe, Champion Bash Ali will surely SHOCK the world by rewriting Boxing History and make all his fiercest CRITICS his most adored DISCIPLES.

You may do well to mark these words and get ready to be part of boxing HISTORY in the making. This has been a GOAL.

The initiative, if anyone cares to know has been privately driven. The Federal Government of Nigeria has NEVER given a KOBO since Champion Bash Ali embarked on the Guinness World Record Boxing Championship Fight initiative.

Rather, he has spent BILLIONS OF NAIRA of personal money. Anyone who doubts it is free to cross check.

We thought Bash Ali needs to be COMMENDED not CONDEMNED. But the choice is all yours to ast. You can bet AGAINST him on the fight night, but we dare say you will LOSE your money, because he is going to win.

The fact that Champion Bash Ali has continued to meet senior government officials and other critical stakeholders is to let the world know that he is ABLE to do it and CREATE history on his side.

The meeting was a moment for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) Cruiserweight champion, Bash Ali was to inform government that the proposed Guinness World Record boxing championship which is scheduled to hold for the first time on African soil, outside the United States is possible.

If you feel not perpetrated to the cause, there is something hanging out in the air: A chance to make HISTORY and place Nigeria’s Bash Ali in Guiness World Record beckons.

He is encouraged. It is on the way!

Before this sensational victory, the last time Nottingham Forest defeated Chelsea at the Bridge was January 1997 when they trounced the Blues 2-0.

Taiwo Awoniyi was instrumental in Nottingham Forest’s first victory of the season in the Premier League as he provided the assist that saw his team beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

That hard-earned victory was the first time in 26 years that Forest will be defeating Chelsea on their home turf.

Before this sensational victory, the last time Nottingham Forest defeated Chelsea at the Bridge was January 1997 when they trounced the Blues 2-0.

Even though Awoniyi was unable to score like he has done in the last seven Premier League games, his contribution was nonetheless pivotal as the Nigerian striker assisted teammate, Anthony Elanga to score his first goal of the season in the 48th minute.

Awoniyi’s compatriot, Ola Aina, was also in the thick of action; retaining his starter’s shirt in the Steve Cooper’s team.

After a barren first half, Forest found the breakthrough they needed when Awoniyi capitalised on Chelsea’s midfield gaffe.

He provided a pass to Anthony Elanga in the space and the former Manchester United player made no mistake, giving the visitors the lead three minutes Into the second half.

In the 56th minute, Nicolas Jackson had a first touch on the ball from Fenandes’ through pass but a Willy Boly last ditch tackle parried the ball sideways.

Chelsea tried hard to savage at least a point from the game but Nottingham Forest were solid enough to deny the Blues any share of the spoils.

Fulham punished at Etihad

Fulham after doing well against Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend were hoping to ruffle feathers again, this time against the high-flying Manchester City.

However, the Cityzens were ruthless at the Etihad Stadium where they walloped the London side 5-1 with Erling Haaland getting his first hat trick of the season.

It all started well as the visitors levelled up Julian Alvarez’s 31st minute spot-on goal from Erling Haaland’s assist two minutes later from Captain Tim Ream.

But the energy of Marco Silva’s led side was quick to drain at the cusp of the first half when Nathan Ake’s header to Phil Foden’s corner kick went to the bottom right corner of sluggish Bernd Leno.

After the protest from Fulham players, the goal then stood following a VAR decision.

Haaland then doubled the lead in the 58th minute and scored a penalty in the 70th minute before completing his hattrick with a kick to Sergio Gomez cutback pass in the 95th minute.

Tottenham return to winning ways

At the Turf Moor, Tottenham returned to winning ways after their shaky performances at the Carabao Cup against London side Fulham during the midweek.

Spurs gave themselves a befitting victory over newcomers Burnley, it ended 5-2 with Captain Son Heung-Min scoring his first hat trick of the season.

Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi has committed his next five years to London club, Fulham, in a deal that sees the midfielder return to London after a four-year absence.

The 27-year old made a deadline day switch from the Merseyside Blue in a £22 million deal, an amount lesser to what he was bought from Arsenal by Everton to join his former Manager Marco Silva at the Craven Cottage.

Having had a four-year spell with Everton where he was an integral part of the club helping them escape relegation last season under Sean Dyche, Iwobi will be teaming with Super Eagles’ colleague, Calvin Bassey at the London club.

Repay faith

Similar to his transfer to Everton from Arsenal in 2019, Iwobi told Fulham media that his move to London was as result of the trust Marco has for him seeing the plans of the Portuguese Manager, he knew that’s the best challenge he needs at the moment.

However, both parties, Marco and Iwobi, couldn’t gel well last time out as the manager was laid off five-month after the Nigerian’s arrival at Everton.

“Marco Silva spoke to me about the ambitions of the Club, and I’m on board. Hopefully I can bring something to the Club.

“And I hope I am able to repay the faith,” Iwobi said in his first interview with his new club.

He continued, “Four years in Everton but I felt like it’s a new challenge back home in London, I can’t just wait to see where my journey goes. Like I said, I am back home and can’t wait to see how this gets to play. It’s a new challenge and how Marco appreciates me as a player like come and express yourself, I am just going to get that running.”

While speaking about his contribution to the Fulham team, Iwobi, a regular with Everton during his three-year spell has 140 appearances scoring nine goals with 16 assists which accompany playing in multiple positions.

“I am an attacking minded player and I like to create chances and let my teammates score goals. As long as I am able to do that with the qualities we have in the team, I am sure we are able to get our way.”

“I am able to play in numerous positions and whichever works out for the team and I will just keep up 100%. I know a couple of players, Calvin is my little brother, born here and we have a good relationship from Arsenal.”

He further added that he and Nigerian defender, Calvin Bassey had spoken about the move a week before finalising the deal to the London side.

“I spoke to Calvin about Fulham the previous week and he tried to tell me to hurry up, I will wait for you. I will see him and I am sure I am going to message him when the whole thing is all done. He isn’t going to see me next week because of International trip but he will see me eventually.”

Iwobi concluded that he hopes to see Fulham playing in either of the UEFA competitions.

“Hopefully UEFA league or conference league, I see why not,” he quipped.

The 22-year-old Nigerian struck twice in last week’s win over Borussia Moenchengladbach while also netting in the German Cup once.

New signing Victor Boniface scored twice for the second consecutive week as Bayer Leverkusen blew Darmstadt 98 away 5-1 on Saturday.

The result meant Bayer Leverkusen made it three wins out of three league games for a perfect Bundesliga start.

The 22-year-old Nigerian struck twice in last week’s win over Borussia Moenchengladbach while also netting in the German Cup once.

He joined a month ago from Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium but has hit the ground running.

Boniface opened his account with a superb solo run and chipped in his finish in the 21st minute after driving past three defenders.

Darmstadt levelled through Oscar Vilhelmsson’s close-range header but Xabi Alonso’s team went back in front four minutes after the restart through Exequiel Palacios.

Boniface then bagged his second goal of the afternoon, slipping into the box and flicking the ball past the keeper from a tight angle after a quick passing move.

Jonas Hofmann’s 20-metre drive made it 4-1, killing off any chances of a Darmstadt comeback.

Substitute Adam Hlozek then slid in to add another and keep his team on a maximum of nine points from three matches.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye has assured that all the 20 clubs in the Nigerian flagship league get financial benefit for their participation in in the league.

He made the clarification following an earlier press release by NPFL Club Owners Association that the winner will get a minimum of N100 million and that there will be no take-off grant to the clubs.

Elegbeleye told Sports Village Square that although the take-off grant has not been paid to the clubs, payment shall certainly be made in the course of the league.

“This shall be before the league gets to the halfway mark,” the league boss remarked.

In the last season, each of the 20 clubs got N2 million take off grant when the league, played in abridge format commenced.

Teams will play the usual marathon this time around. The NPFL boss who is also the 2^nd Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation Board explained that the money for the take off grant is not available at the moment, but efforts are being made to get sufficient fund for the 20 clubs.

He also revealed that contrary to belief, it is not only the league champions that will be paid. “The money will trickle down as the interest of all the 20 clubs will be protected”, the league boss remarked.

Elegbeleye revealed that the emoluments of the match officials – referees and match commissioners – have been increased by 30% owing to the prevailing economic situation in the country.

Propel Sports Africa has done very well in getting a telecommunication firm to cough out money for the prize money to the champions and that the champions shall get more than the N100 million paid in the last season.

“The league must not just grow, it must be seen to be growing, hence we have to improve on  what we paid last season”, Elegbeleye remarked.

He pointed out that more windows of revenue are been constructed that will see all the clubs getting rewarded for their participation in the league.

“There will be more viewers of the Nigerian league through telephone subscription worldwide and that will raise enough revenue to grow the league, make it more transparent and also expand its scope,” said Elegbeleye.

Twenty years after becoming the first Nigerian club side to win the CAF Champions League, Enyimba begin a new adventure at the inaugural African Football League, facing Morocco’s Wydad Casablanca.

That is one of the four pairings in the fixture conducted this Saturday in Cairo, Egypt.

In other pairings, Tanzania’s Simba Sports Club will face Egypt’s Al Ahly while TP Mazembe of Congo will face Tunisia’s Esperance. Angola’s Petro de Luanda are drawn against South Africa’s  Mamelodi Sundowns.

The fixtures of the Inaugural AFL competition are structured on a home and away basis.

The competition starts with knock-out quarter finals and will be followed by the semi-finals and the final; all of which are played over two legs.

This historic Inaugural edition of the AFL will take place over four weeks, kicking off with the Opening Ceremony and the first match on 20 October 2023 in Dar es Salam, Tanzania.

The semi-finals will take place between 29 October and 1 November.

The final matches which will determine the winner of the Inaugural AFL competition will take place on 5 and 11 November 2023.

The Inaugural AFL is a precursor to the fully-fledged AFL competition which will feature the 24 highest ranked football clubs on the African Continent and will commence during the 2024/2025 football season.

All quarter-final fixtures:

With the Super Eagles’ last match day in the qualifying series of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations holding on Sunday next week, the kick-off of the Nigeria Premier League will now hold on Saturday 9 September.

Most clubs have adapted to playing on Sunday, but the NPFL has ruled that the 2023/24 NPFL season will kickoff on Saturday  across Nigeria.

All games will be played on Saturday because of the Super Eagles Africa Nations Cup qualifiers against São Tomé and Principe tie at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State slated for Sunday September 10

NPFL season kicks off in Ibadan with 3SC, Plateau United clash

This curtain-raiser fixture in Ibadan will be the only game to grace the opening day of the season,

The much-anticipated 2023/24 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season is set to commence with a mouthwatering clash between Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and former champions Plateau United.

As explained by the League organisers on Friday, the curtain-raiser fixture billed for Saturday, 9 September, will be the only game to grace the opening day of the season.

The iconic Lekan Salami Stadium in Adamasingba, Ibadan, will be the battleground where the first set of points for the season will be earned.

NPFL boss Gbenga Elegbeleye explained the rationale behind this decision, noting that it was influenced by the Super Eagles’ final AFCON qualifying match scheduled for Sunday, 10 September, in Uyo.

He said, “Some of our clubs prefer playing their home matches on Sundays to attract a full house of fans, and we cannot start from the first day with scattered fixtures; hence, all other games apart from the curtain raiser have been moved to the following weekend.”

Elegbeleye further emphasised that this decision is not alien as it aligns with the tradition established during the previous season under the then Interim Management Committee (IMC).

Last season’s opening day fixture was the match between Akwa United and Bendel Insurance in Uyo, with the other nine fixtures taking place the following weekend.

Elegbeleye, now the 2nd Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), stated, “It is one of the traditions we are bringing into the new league era.”

n an exciting development for football enthusiasts, the match in Ibadan will also be the first to be streamed on the new NPFLLive app, available on mobile phones and other devices.

The Lekan Salami Stadium authorities have ensured the stadium meets the necessary broadcasting requirements by completing the construction of a camera stand with a safe staircase for AI Camera crews and commentators.