SPORTS

Uduka Ugbade, Babayaro & Others back Super Eagles’ Rohr squad for Zambia

Published

7 years ago

September 28, 2017

Uduka Ugbade, Babayaro & Others back Super Eagles’ Rohr squad for Zambia

Ex-internationals Nduka Ugbade and Emmanuel Babayaro on Wednesday praised Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for the calibre of players he invited for the October 7 Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Zambia in Uyo.

ALSO READ: Gernot Rohr Releases Eagles’ Squad For Nigeria Vs Zambia Match [See Full List] | 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria, Tunisia ‘94 Africa Cup of Nations winner Ugbade and Atlanta ‘96 Olympic Games gold medallist Babayaro said the players deserved their call-ups.

Former Nigeria defender Ugbade commended the inclusion of Leon Balogun, Mikel Obi and Victor Moses in the squad.

However, the former Golden Eaglets assistant coach warned the Eagles, who lead Group B on 10 points, against complacency in the clash against Chipolopolo, who are second on seven points.

Ugbade said, “I was particularly worried, given Moses’ recent performance for Nigeria and how important he has become to the national team.

“Moses has missed too many recent games and the Eagles suffered without him. I can’t remember the last time he had a poor game.

“It will be interesting to see him again combine well with Odion Ighalo, who also likes to dart into the wing, which will keep Zambian defenders busy all through the game.”

He added, “He (Mikel) scores the odd goals and his contribution will be massive, while Balogun is another player the Eagles cannot afford to do without against Zambia.

“His energy and probing runs deep from the Nigerian end of the pitch against Cameroon was exciting to see and he could be a genuine threat to Zambia, especially from dead-ball situations.He brings out the best in Troost-Ekong.”

Former Nigeria goalkeeper Babayaro said the inclusion of Hull City’s Ola Aina and Akwa United duo Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Afeez Aremu in the 23-man squad against Zambia was a welcome development.

He said, “The major surprise is the exclusion of Dele Alampasu and full back Tyronne Ebuehi from the main list.

“In my opinion, Aina has an edge over Ebuehi because of his physical style of play, an area where Ebuehi has yet to convince Rohr, although he is technically sound and extremely quick in turning defence into attack.

“Even though Rohr still views Shehu Abdullahi as his first-choice right-back, I think Aina will indeed give Abdullahi a strong fight for the team’s right back position.”

He hailed the return of Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi because of his creativity.

“It will indeed be an uphill task for the Zambians to pin the skillful player down to a position, as he is used to drifting wide every now and then,” Babayaro said.

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FOREIGN

World Number One Jannik Sinner Withdraws From The ATP Rolex Paris Masters 2024

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2024

Reporter

Jannik Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters 2024 | fab.ng

Tournament organizers announced on Tuesday that world number one Jannik Sinner (23) will not participate in the Paris Masters indoor event due to health issues.

The 23-year-old tennis star, who secured his position as year-end world number one in mid-October, suffers from an “intestinal virus contracted before he arrived in Paris.” French player Arthur Cazaux has moved up from qualifying to take Sinner’s place in the tournament draw.

Cazaux will compete against either fellow Frenchman Corentin Moutet or American Ben Shelton in his second-round match on Tuesday.

Sinner now focuses on the upcoming Masters in Turin, scheduled for November 10-17, which will feature the year’s top eight players. The Italian champion plans to defend his country’s title at the Davis Cup finals the following week in Malaga, Spain.

This is not an easy announcement to make. My team and I arrived early to prepare as best as possible, but unfortunately, I started feeling unwell during training and saw the doctor on Sunday. It turns out I’ve come down with a virus. I’m feeling better now, but I’m still not… pic.twitter.com/TjE1a3KZQu

— Jannik Sinner (@janniksin) October 29, 2024

The tennis star has dominated the 2024 season, claiming his first two Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open. His impressive performance includes seven tournament wins since the season began, with three Masters 1000 titles in Miami, Cincinnati, and Shanghai.

Recent developments have cast a shadow over Sinner’s achievements, as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has filed an appeal that could result in his suspension. The doping case emerged several weeks ago and remains unresolved.

Sinner’s relationship with the Paris indoor tournament has proven complicated. Last year, he withdrew from the competition before his second match, establishing a pattern that continues with this year’s withdrawal.

This latest setback interrupts what has otherwise been a remarkable year for the young Italian player, who has firmly established himself among tennis’s elite competitors through his consistent performances and major tournament victories.

Get more sports news here.

SPORTS

Vinicius Junior Believes Fighting Racism Led To Ballon d’Or Defeat

Published

4 days ago

October 29, 2024

Reporter

Vinicius Junior Believes Racism Led To Ballon d'Or Defeat | fab.ng

Vinicius Junior, the 24-year-old Brazil and Real Madrid forward addressed his second-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting on Monday. Sources close to the player revealed to Reuters that he plans to continue his fight against racism, regardless of how it might affect his chances of winning awards.

After finishing behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Vinicius shared his thoughts on social media platform X. “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” he posted, following Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Paris ceremony in anticipation of the Brazilian not winning the men’s award.

Vinicius Junior has reacted after finishing second in the vote for the Men’s #BallondOr. 🥶

Will he go on to clinch the award in 2025? ⏳ pic.twitter.com/Iz3pGP0PgK

— Flashscore.com (@Flashscorecom) October 28, 2024

His management team clarified to Reuters that the post referenced his anti-racism stance. They believe this activism cost him the award, stating that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”

Spanish authorities have convicted at least two individuals for racially abusing the Brazil international. This marked groundbreaking legal cases in the country.

Real Madrid celebrated other victories at the ceremony. The club won the Men’s Club of the Year award. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti received the Men’s Coach of the Year honour. This was after leading the team to European and Spanish league victories in a near-perfect season.

France Football, the award’s organizing body, has not responded to requests for comment. A panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries determines the award winners through their votes.

Real Madrid teammate Eduardo Camavinga expressed his support on X, writing: “FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.” Multiple Real Madrid players joined in solidarity, sharing photos of Vinicius with captions declaring “You are the best.”

FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌

My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p

— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024

Brazilian football legend Marta voiced her disappointment on Instagram through a video message. She stated: “I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognised as the best player in the world and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him?”

Vinicius Junior played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s successful campaign. He helped the team secure both the Champions League and LaLiga titles. His teammate, 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, also made significant contributions during his first season with the club, scoring an impressive 19 goals.

Bellingham’s outstanding performance extended to international duty, where he helped lead England to the Euro 2024 final. The young English midfielder secured third place in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Indeed, he demonstrated the remarkable impact both he and Vinicius have made on the field.

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Victor Olatunji Thrilled To Achieve Manchester City Dream Despite Sparta Prague Loss

Published

1 week ago

October 25, 2024

Reporter

Victor Olatunji thrilled to achieve Manchester City dream | fab.ng

Victor Olatunji, a 25-year-old Nigerian striker, fulfilled his childhood dream of playing against Manchester City, despite Sparta Prague’s 5-0 defeat in the UEFA Champions League.

After a promising 1-1 draw against Stuttgart, the Czech Republic team hoped to extend their unbeaten streak at the Etihad Stadium. However, they were no match for Pep Guardiola’s side, who dominated the game with goals from Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, John Stones, and Matheus Nunes.

⏰ FULL TIME

Our first loss in the @ChampionsLeague league phase ❌#acsparta | #UCL pic.twitter.com/0BQaH17pBT

— AC Sparta Prague (@ACSparta_EN) October 23, 2024

In an exclusive interview, Victor Olatunji admitted that he did not expect such a one-sided result. He emphasized that Sparta Prague fought hard but was ultimately outclassed by Manchester City. Nevertheless, he expressed immense satisfaction at having played against one of the world’s top clubs.

He said,

“It was a good game, a good test for us as well and tough luck for us, that’s how I would describe it.

“I did not expect this kind of result but we know this (Manchester City) are a good side and we played our game.

“We all know Manchester City but we tried to do what we needed to do but the result (did not go our way).

“It is every child’s dream and it has always been my dream to play against them and also to play for them.

“So, it’s a dream come true for me because I watched them play when I was very young.”

Before the game, Sparta Prague manager Lars Friis praised Pep Guardiola, calling him the world’s best coach.

“Pep is the best coach in the world and the best there has ever been,” he told the media.

“I’m not only talking about winning trophies but the way he has developed the game and invented systems.

“He has been a big inspiration for many coaches, many of them in the Premier League. It was the same for me in my early days.

“A lot of what goes on in the football world I believe comes from his head. It is a pleasure to play against a coach like Guardiola but when the game is on it is a game. But for me, he is the best coach we have ever seen.”

Out of this world! 🌎

🤯 @ErlingHaaland pic.twitter.com/zkDoUdPCCm

— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 23, 2024

Olatunji was substituted in the 60th minute for Albion Rrahmani after a lacklustre performance. He failed to record any shots on target or key passes and had a low number of touches and passes.

Despite not scoring against Manchester City, Olatunji remained undeterred. He acknowledged the exceptional quality of Guardiola’s squad and understood the difficulty of scoring against such a strong team.

“Of course, I am not disappointed not to have scored against them because that is how the game went. More importantly, I am happy that have played in this game.”

Sparta Prague has lost three of their last five matches, with only one win and one draw. Olatunji quickly dismissed any concerns about the team’s performance under manager Lars Friis.

“There is nothing wrong my team; we will surely bounce back.”

Olatunji has scored three goals in ten league matches this season. He has assured his fans that he will continue to perform well and contribute to the team’s success.

“What I can tell my fans is that they should expect more goals from me as the season progresses.”

Victor Olatunji joined Sparta Prague on a multi-year contract on July 17, 2023. Subsequently, he played a crucial role in the club’s qualification for the 2023-24 Champions League, scoring a late goal in a 4-1 comeback victory against Dinamo Zagreb.

Next, Sparta Prague will face Viktoria Plzen on Sunday, hoping to secure a much-needed win.

Check out more sports news here.