SPORTS

Nigeria Can Win World Cup If Women Are Treated Fairly, Says Onome Ebi

Published

8 years ago

April 11, 2017

Onome Ebi has been a mainstay in the Super Falcons for over a decade. The defender has been part of the successes and failures of the team within and outside Africa since she made her debut in the FIFA World Cup in 2003. Fielding questions from SAMUEL IFETOYE, Ebi, who recently signed for Temple Management Company to manage her career, spoke on her career progression plans, the injury she sustained at last year’s African Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) and other issues in Nigerian football.

Onome Ebi

Are you now fully recovered from the injury you had in Cameroun?
For now, I will give myself a 70 per cent fitness level by His grace. The doctor gave me a six-month recovery period after a successful surgery in Abuja, which is due for May or June and by then I should have recovered fully. But while recuperating, I did not relax, since it was my arms, but my legs and every other part of my body were fully fit and working.

Have we seen the last of Ebi in national colours?
No, I am still very much around. I saw people reacting to my posts on the social media, asking me if I had retired. My answer is I am not retiring yet. I am still much in the game. For now, I am trying to get myself back to fitness and strengthen my hand. I have been visiting schools, trying to inspire children, who may want to play football. I have been to four schools now and hopefully I should be back to the game I love passionately.

When the new season’s transfer opens, I hope to secure a club through my representative, the Temple Management Company, because they are really working hard towards that. I do not want to go to a club where I will go today, then move tomorrow. Moving from one club to another within a short period of time is not an ideal thing. I have been made to understand that I need to move to a club that I love. My targets are United States, China, especially an English speaking country and I pray that it materialises.

There were stories about the bad treatment the authorities meted to the Super Falcons after the Nations Cup, which you won. Have they settled all your allowances?
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid every kobo owed us at the AWCON. But what I did not like was the way we were treated after winning the cup. Though it has always been like that and we have been fighting for a change from the usual way. But I believe that with the coming of the new Independent Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), Aisha Falode, on board of the NFF, change seems imminent to our plight.

I hear the new board of the NWFL is working hard to bring changes to female football in Nigeria. And I believe it will certainly touch us too at national team because the Super Falcons is the women team representing Nigeria and I believe what happened at the last Nations Cup would definitely not repeat itself again. I am already looking forward to that. I have met the new chairperson once but we have not been able to discuss anything yet.

Do you support the argument that the men and women national teams should be treated equally in terms of bonuses and other entitlements?
Be it female or male football, I do not see any reason why the female players should be treated differently from their male counterparts. But due to the mentality of humans, they classify us, saying that football is for men and not for women. I want to say here that things really have to change. For there to be fairness, at least what the male national team is getting should be closer to what we also get. If they are given $100, we should be getting something between $70 and $80, which I think is fair enough. I want to plead to the NFF, even to Nigerians to support this course. We really need to get something close to the men because It is only when that is done that we can feel recognised.

Even after winning the Nations Cup in Cameroun, the way we were welcomed was nothing to write home about. If only they could just carry us along, we are not asking for parity with our male counterparts… but at least let it be closer so that we too may feel loved. Currently, we see Super Falcons as every other team, like the local teams. We do not feel like the name Super Falcons that was given to us after achieving so much success at the African level. I am pleading that they should carry us along like our male counterparts. The gap between us is just too much. I believe if the gap would be bridged, winning the World Cup would be a possibility. I believe strongly that it is achievable.

Source: www.Naijalifemagazine.com

SPORTS

Everton Confirm Majority Takeover By Friedkin Group To End Moshiri Tenure

Published

3 hours ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

Everton confirm majority takeover by Friedkin Group | fab.ng

The Friedkin Group has acquired a 94.1% stake in Everton, becoming the Premier League club’s new majority owner. The American group paid over £400 million to end Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent tenure.

The Premier League has approved the agreement reached in September. This makes Everton the 10th club that Americans own in the division.

“Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club,” said incoming Executive Chairman Marc Watts.

“We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this.

“While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Club Statement: Everton Football Club acquired by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, part of The Friedkin Group. 🔵

— Everton (@Everton) December 19, 2024

Dan Friedkin leads the Texas-based Friedkin Group and owns Serie A club Roma. The club has a reported net worth of £6.16 billion. Friedkin will serve as Everton’s board chairman, while Watts will manage the club’s operations.

The American group put forward a list of priorities for Everton. They aim to strengthen the first team, develop the academy, improve the women’s side, and enhance the club’s global reputation.

Dan Friedkin wrote an open letter expressing his pride about becoming Everton’s new majority owner.

Dan Friedkin writes to Evertonians following our takeover completion. ✍️🔵

— Everton (@Everton) December 19, 2024

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group,” the 59-year-old said.

“Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.

“Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.

“We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”

Everton’s first match under new ownership will take place against Chelsea on Sunday, December 22nd. Members of the new ownership group are expected to attend the match.

Check out more sports updates here.

SPORTS

Ademola Lookman Named African Footballer Of The Year, Barbra Banda Picks Up Women’s Award

Published

2 days ago

December 17, 2024

Reporter

Ademola Lookman named African Footballer of the Year | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, 27, was awarded the prestigious African Footballer of the Year title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This happened at their awards ceremony on Monday.

Lookman’s exceptional performances throughout the year earned him this honour. Particularly, his remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final is where his Italian club, Atalanta, triumphed over Bayer Leverkusen in Dublin this past May.

Additionally, Lookman played a key role in Nigeria’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) earlier in the year. He helped the team reach the final in the Ivory Coast.

During the tournament, Ademola Lookman scored three goals.

“This award is a blessing, to be recognised as best player in Africa is something incredible,” he said.

“Four years ago my career fell down but now I’m here as the best player in Africa. Don’t let your failures stop your dreams.”

Lookman won the African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing strong contenders such as Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Guinea’s Serhou Guirassy, Ivory Coast’s Simon Adingra, and South Africa’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

When the stars align, they spell 𝐀𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐥𝐚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐦𝐚𝐧. 🌟

Ladies and gentlemen, your Men’s Player of the Year! 🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/xtHxJozThj

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

A panel of national team coaches and captains determined the award, though the voting tallies have not been released yet.

This achievement makes Lookman the seventh Nigerian player to win the prestigious award, following in the footsteps of last year’s winner, Victor Osimhen.

He joins a distinguished list of past Nigerian winners, including Nwankwo Kanu (who won twice), Emmanuel Amunike, Victor Ikpeba, and Rashidi Yekini.

In other award categories, Zambia’s Barbra Banda was named African Women’s Player of the Year.

Shining bright as always! 🌟

𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚 is the Women’s Player of the Year after a season of stellar performances!#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/OIhXql2dgf

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 16, 2024

Despite being excluded from the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals due to gender eligibility issues, Banda was cleared by FIFA to compete in the 2023 Women’s World Cup and went on to play in this year’s Paris Olympics.

Men’s awards:

Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (NGR)

Club Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (RSA)

Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (SEN)

Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (CIV)

National Team of the Year: Ivory Coast

Club of the Year: Al Ahly (EGY)

Best X1: Andre Onana (CMR); Achraf Hakimi (MAR), Kalidou Koulibaly (SEN), Chancel Mbemba (COD); Mohammed Kudus (GHA), Sofyan Amrabat (MAR), Franck Kessie (CIV), Yves Bissouma (MLI); Mohamed Salah (EGY), Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman (both NGR)

Women’s awards:

Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (ZAM)

Club Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (FAR Rabat/MAR)

Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (NGR)

Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (MAR)

Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe/COD)

National Team of the Year: Nigeria

Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

Best XI: Andile Dlamini (RSA); Michelle Alozie, Osinachi Ohale (both NGR), Lebohang Ramalepe, Karabo Dlamini; Linda Motlhalo (all RSA), Rasheedat Ajibade (NGR), Ghizlane Chebbak (MAR); Barbra Banda (ZAM), Asisat Oshoala (NGR), Tabitha Chawinga (MAW)

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SPORTS

Harry Maguire Says Manchester United’s Win Over City Is The Start Of A ‘Positive Journey’

Published

3 days ago

December 16, 2024

Reporter

Harry Maguire speaks on win over Man City by Man United | fab.ng

Harry Maguire, 31, expressed optimism following the dramatic victory over Man City by Man United. He called it a “statement” win that will boost the team’s confidence.

The victory comes as United continues adapting to a new system under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The match at the Etihad saw Man City initially take the lead through Josko Gvardiol’s precise header, putting them on track for a crucial win. However, United’s resilience shone late in the game.

Captain Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 88th minute, converting a penalty earned by Amad Diallo. Moments later, Diallo delivered a stunning 90th-minute goal to secure the win for United.

The result marked Ruben Amorim’s biggest success since taking over from Erik ten Hag last month. Furthermore, it signals growing momentum as Man United adjusts to his strategies and tactics.

Maguire highlighted the impact of such a win in fostering belief and unity within the squad as they navigate the transition under their new manager.

“It’s been a difficult start to the season for us and not much for our fans to cheer about,” said defender Maguire.

“It was a great performance in the end to come here and have 50-50 of the ball, have the same amount of shots as them.

“It’s not been like that in recent years, so it’s an improvement but still a long way to go.”

AMAD DIALLO PUTS MAN UNITED AHEAD IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 🌟 pic.twitter.com/Q3I684gEDz

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 15, 2024

Arsenal and Nottingham Forest ruthlessly exposed Manchester United’s defensive frailties this month. This inflicted painful Premier League defeats that have left the once-storied club languishing in an uncharacteristic 13th place.

“Obviously, we had back-to-back defeats in the Premier League. So to come here and to put a statement down is really important for our confidence and the belief of where we’re going and where Ruben’s going to take us,” said Maguire.

“I’m sure it’s going to be a positive journey.”

Manchester United’s triumph exposed Manchester City’s ongoing performance crisis. This further extends their winless streak to eight defeats in their last 11 matches across all competitions.

Rubén Amorim, the newly appointed manager, has already witnessed two of those losses since taking charge. This includes a notable period that included his remarkable 4-1 Champions League victory with Sporting Lisbon before his move to Manchester.

His transition to Man City has coincided with the team’s continued struggles. Also, it highlights the challenging period the club is currently experiencing.

“I think you can see we have a good structure, a good style of play, the way that he wants us to work,” Maguire said of the new manager’s impact.

“But, yeah, I think his demands, he’s tactically very good. He’s proven that he’s a winner.”

Check out more sports updates here.