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Nigeria Vs South Africa: We Will Frustrate Nigeria And Shut Their Fans Up, Says S’Africa’s Coach

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Nigeria Vs South Africa

Ahead of the AFCON qualifying match against Nigeria (Nigeria Vs South Africa), Stuart Baxter, South Africa’s coach, says the home fans in Akwa Ibom will be key to the outcome of the encounter.

The Super Eagles have only lost once in twelve games against South Africa but Baxter believes his team can triumph if the Eagles are unable to have their way in the first 20 minutes of the game.

Once that happens, he said the fans will voice their discontent.

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“If the first 20 minutes are not what they had hoped‚ then immediately the crowd will make their displeasure felt‚ then they will be baying for blood,” Baxter told The Sowetan.

“And I think that will be advantage us. I think we’ve got to shut the crowd up. That’s one of our big jobs. If we let the crowd get excited‚ and Nigeria enjoy the game‚ then I think that’s going to be a big plus for them.

“I think if we can turn that around and frustrate them a bit‚ and be better than they think‚ and have more to say than they think‚ then maybe the crowd could be a bit of a negative for them.

“I think that’s important. And maybe if Nigeria could have chosen‚ they might not really have wanted to play us in the first game at home.

“Because then there is the scenario that if they lose they’re going to be under tremendous pressure from the beginning.

“So we have to use that. With the mental part of the game‚ the boys have to feel that this is one where we can spoil the party a bit. We can make it difficult for Nigeria.

“It will be big. The critical phases of the game are always important‚ and I think the first period in this game is a big one.

“Because that will either bring the crowd into the game‚ or it will take them out a bit.

The coach said South Africa’s qualification for the 2015 AFCON at the expense of the Super Eagles has helped reduced the perceived psychological advantage.

“I think that having been there and having gone through it‚ it gives the players a sense of calm. I don’t think we fear Nigeria as much as respect them‚” the coach said.

“The players have gone there‚ they’ve gone through the mill so to speak. They’re thinking that they have gone there‚ and maybe if they had hung on they could have gotten the result.”

SPORTS

Chidi Okezie’s Gold Medal Inspiration: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold

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Chidi Okezie: Egbunike Inspired Me To Win Gold Medal | Fab.ng

In 1987, Nigerian athlete Innocent Egbunike stormed onto the international scene. At the All-African Games, he clocked a phenomenal 44.23 seconds in the 400 meters, setting a new Games record. This electrifying performance grabbed headlines worldwide and solidified his position as a track star.

However, Egbunike’s feat hasn’t been replicated in recent decades. Since his win, Nigerian runners haven’t managed to claim the top spot in the 400 meters at the All-African Games. The closest they’ve come is four silver medals—two by the late Sunday Bada (1991 and 1995), Clement Chukwu (1999), and Tobi Ogunmola (2011).

Nigerian athlete Chidi Okezie emerged victorious in the 400-meter race at the recent All-African Games, clocking an impressive 45.06 seconds. While most eyes were on the pre-race favorites, Muzala Samukonga and Tidiane Diouf, Okezie remained under the radar.

Despite the dominance of Samukonga and Diouf throughout most of the race, Okezie surged forward with a powerful kick in the final curve. This surge propelled him past his competitors and ultimately to victory. It was a performance that not only secured him the win but also a season and personal best time.

For over three decades, Innocent Egbunike’s 1987 All-African Games record of 44.23 seconds loomed large. Since then, Nigerian runners have only managed silver medals. Okezie, however, has emerged as a serious contender, inspired by the legendary Egbunike.

“Egbunike is a role model for me,” declared Chidi Okezie. He expressed his desire to break Egbunike’s record. Even on race day, Egbunike’s motivational words fueled Okezie’s performance.

This victory marks a significant step for Nigerian athletics. Chidi Okezie’s determination and inspiration from Egbunike are a powerful combination. With his sights set on surpassing the long-standing record, Chidi Okezie’s future in sprinting appears bright. The wait for another Nigerian gold medalist in the 400m at the All-African Games may finally be over.

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SPORTS

African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead

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African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead | Fab.ng

The 13th edition of the African Games concluded today, marking the end of a thrilling competition that saw Africa’s top athletes battle it out across three Ghanaian cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. Notably, 53 out of 54 African nations participated, showcasing a remarkable display of unity and sporting spirit. Only Cape Verde was absent from this prestigious event.

Egypt continued its impressive reign at the African Games, securing the top spot on the medal table. The nation’s athletes delivered a dominant performance, amassing a significant number of medals. This victory further cements Egypt’s position as a powerhouse in African sports.

Originally planned for August 2023, the African Games faced a delay due to unfinished facilities and marketing hurdles. Despite the setback, Ghana, the host nation, rose to the challenge and delivered a remarkable championship in March 2024.

The Games kicked off with a dazzling opening ceremony held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium. This spectacular event celebrated Africa’s vibrant culture, incredible athletic talent, and rich diversity. The ceremony captivated audiences with stunning displays of color, intricate choreography, and powerful symbolism. It perfectly embodied the spirit of unity and friendship that defines the African Games.

African Games: Nigeria And Egypt Take The Lead | Fab.ng

On the athletic front, Team Nigeria dominated the track, sprinting to an impressive 11 gold medals alongside 6 silver and 4 bronze, for a total of 21. Despite their wrestling and weightlifting prowess, Nigeria couldn’t overcome Egypt’s overall strength.

Egypt claimed a staggering 186 medals! This included a whopping 100 gold medals, showcasing their incredible depth across various sports. They were followed by Nigeria with a respectable 114 medals, including 43 gold.

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South Africa secured a strong third place with a balanced haul of 32 gold, 32 silver, and 41 bronze medals. Rounding out the top 10 were Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana (the host nation!), Morocco, Mauritius, Ethiopia, and Kenya. This diverse group of countries displayed the immense talent and athletic excellence brimming across Africa.

While Egypt stole the spotlight, the Games were a true celebration of African athletic talent. Athletes from across the continent showcased their skills, determination, and passion in a wide range of sporting disciplines. From the velocipede (Portuguese for speed) of the track events to the finesse of gymnastics and the power of weightlifting, the competition displayed the incredible diversity of African athleticism.

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SPORTS

Tobi Amusan Bags Women’s 100m Hurdles In African Games

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Tobi Amusan Bags 100m Hurdles In African Games | Fab.ng

Nigerian track and field superstar Tobi Amusan dominated the first round of the women’s 100-meter hurdles race at the 13th African Games in Ghana. She blazed through the competition, leaving her opponents in the dust. Clocking in at an impressive 13.03 seconds, Amusan secured a spot in the semifinals with ease. This win adds to her already impressive winning streak this year, following her victory in the 60-meter hurdles just two months ago in France.

Nigerian runners fought hard but didn’t quite clinch gold at the African Games on Tuesday! In the men’s 100-meter dash, Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme stole the show, crossing the finish line first with a time of 10.14 seconds. Usheoritse Itsekiri of Nigeria gave it his all but came in second at 10.23 seconds. Namibia’s Hainuca Gilbert also put in a strong performance, snagging the bronze medal with a time of 10.25 seconds.

The story was similar in the women’s race. Gambia’s Miriam Bittaye dominated the track, securing the gold medal in 11.36 seconds. Nigerian sprinter Olayinka Olajide delivered a powerful run, earning the bronze medal with a time of 11.55 seconds. Liberia’s Alyse Miccoy wasn’t far behind, grabbing the silver medal at 11.49 seconds.

Owing to her victory at the African Games in Ghana, experts predict Tobi Amusan will continue to shine throughout the rest of the competition, potentially claiming the gold medal for Nigeria.

Even though Nigeria didn’t win gold this time, their athletes showed incredible speed and determination on the track. It was a close race, and they should be proud of their podium finishes.

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