SPORTS

Juventus face AC Milan for fourth Italian Cup title in row

Published

6 years ago

March 1, 2018

Holders Juventus booked their ticket to the Italian Cup final for the fourth year in a row to set up a meeting with AC Milan after a 1-0 win over Atalanta in a semi-final second leg tie played in the snow in Turin on Wednesday.The first leg ended 1-0 in Bergamo thanks to an early Gonzalo Higuain goal, and Juventus also won the second when Miralem Pjanic slotted in a 75th-minute penalty awarded after Blaise Matuidi was fouled in the box.

The three-time holders will play AC Milan who battled past Lazio 5-4 on penalties in the Stadio Olympico after their semi-final remained goalless after extra time.

Nikola Kalinic almost scored the winner after 117 minutes but sent the ball over the bar when alone in front of goal, sending the game to penalties.

AC Milan could thank the saves of teenage goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma for a spot in the final in Rome on May 9 with centre-back Alessio Romagnoli scoring the winning penalty.

“It was a night of suffering. This is a very young team, we must get them back to being the team that made the fans dream,” said Milan coach Gennaro Gattuso.

The win extends Gattuso’s unbeaten streak with AC Milan to 13 games, with six straight wins.

But the former AC Milan midfielder insisted there was too much talk about him and how he has turned around the team.

“I’m not a tactical guru. I’m just a lucky guy.”

Five-time winners Milan last won the Cup in 2003, with their last final in 2016.

Earlier Juventus took on Atalanta, whose Serie A game Sunday was snowed off, with light snowfall still in the Allianz Stadium.

“Compliments to the lads for what they did tonight and are doing this season,” said coach Massimiliano Allegri.

‘Not an obsession’
It will be a record 18th final for Juventus with Allegri’s side bidding for a 13th Cup in total.

“We will play in a historical stadium, but it must not become an obsession,” continued the Juventus coach of their bid for a record fourth Cup crown.

“In the first half we had difficulty closing them down, after the break Douglas Costa started playing in a centre-forward role and that broke the game open.”

Higuain missed out as he recovers from a sprained ankle.

Atalanta had come out firing with Alejandro Gomez sending over the bar with Gianluigi Buffon tested as he latched on to Josip Ilicic’s deflected cross pushing over the top.

Gomez thought he had scored the equaliser for Atalanta after the break with Buffon off the line, lobbing the Juventus captain, only for the ball to bounce off the outside off the post.

The breakthrough came when Juventus were awarded a penalty when Matuidi went down under pressure from defender Gianluca Mancini, with Pjanic slotting in to the fury of Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

“That penalty was non-existent,” blasted Gasperini as his side missed out on their bid for just a second Cup title after 1963.

AC Milan and Lazio battled for 220 minutes in total between the San Siro and the Stadio Olympico in a tie between two ambitious sides who have rediscovered their form in Serie A and the Europa League.

Lazio threatened early with AC Milan staying in the game thanks to Donnarumma who tipped over a Ciro Immobile shot within the first five minutes and then denied Sergej Milinkovic-Savic with his legs.

Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha also did well to clear off Suso after a quarter-of-an hour, but almost created an own goal by badly clearing Hakan Calhanoglu freekick.

Both sides had their chances in the second half with Milinkovic-Savic again missing in the final minute.

After their gruelling match both sides face tough weekends in Serie A with Lazio hosting Juventus and AC Milan a derby against city rivals Inter Milan.

MUSIC

Snoop Dogg To Carry The Torch In The Final Stages Of The 2024 Olympics In Paris

Published

3 days ago

July 24, 2024

Reporter

Snoop Dogg to carry torch in the finals of 2024 Olympics | fab.ng

Snoop Dogg, the famous rapper, has been selected to carry the Olympic torch for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is an unusual choice, as torchbearers are typically athletes or public figures. The Paris Olympics Committee made this surprising announcement recently.

They chose Snoop Dogg because of his worldwide influence and cultural importance. This decision has excited fans all around the globe.

The committee released a statement expressing their happiness about Snoop Dogg’s participation. Snoop Dogg will carry the torch during the final part of its journey to the Olympic Stadium. The statement read,

“We are thrilled to announce that Snoop Dogg will be one of the final torchbearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics. His influence transcends music, impacting global culture and inspiring millions of young people. Having Snoop Dogg carry the torch embodies the spirit of unity and diversity that the Olympics stand for, bridging generations and celebrating the vibrancy of contemporary culture alongside our rich traditions.”

Snoop Dogg is a well-known rapper. He is famous for his charming personality. He has made many contributions to the music industry over the years. After hearing the news about carrying the Olympic torch, Snoop Dogg was very excited. He decided to share his feelings with his fans. He used his social media accounts to express his happiness about this opportunity.

“It’s an honour to be part of this historic event. Carrying the Olympic torch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to represent my fans and the spirit of unity in Paris,” he stated.

Snoop Dogg as a torch bearer at the 2024 Olympics Games shows how the games are changing.

The Olympics are now including modern celebrities to appeal to more people. The torch relay is an important Olympic tradition. It represents peace, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit. Having Snoop Dogg carry the torch will likely attract a lot of attention. It will add a new and modern element to the ceremony. This choice fits with the Paris Olympics’ aim to celebrate different cultures and include all types of people.

Many fans have shared their happiness about this decision on social media. They think it’s a good idea. Some people believe that including Snoop Dogg will make the Olympics more interesting for younger people. It might help them feel more connected to the event.

People around the world are looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Snoop Dogg’s part in the torch relay will probably be a big highlight. His unique personality will add something special to the celebration. It will show how the Olympic Games bring people together from all over the world.

This event will be an important moment in Olympic history. Snoop Dogg is getting ready to bring his special style to the Olympic ceremony. His participation will make the torch relay different from previous years. It might change how people think about who can be part of Olympic traditions.

The Olympic committee will share more information about this event as it gets closer. Interested people should watch for news updates. They can learn more about how Snoop Dogg will be involved in the ceremony. This unusual choice for a torch bearer shows that the Olympics are trying to connect with all kinds of people, not just sports fans.

Check out more updates here.

SPORTS

Nigeria Vs Brazil: Time And Where To Watch The Super Falcons’ 1st 2024 Olympics Game

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigeria vs Brazil: where to watch 1st 2024 Nigeria olympics | fab.ng

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are preparing for their first game in the 2024 Olympics against Brazil. Football fans in Nigeria are eagerly anticipating this event. The Olympics will take place in Paris, France.

The women’s football tournament is a major part of the Olympic Games. It will last for two weeks. The Super Falcons’ opening match is scheduled for July 25th. They are placed in Group C for the tournament.

Preview and History of Nigeria vs Brazil

Nigeria and Brazil have a history in Olympic football. They last faced each other in the 2008 Olympics. In that game, Brazil won with a score of 3-1. The Super Falcons are looking to change this outcome in their upcoming match.

Nigeria’s group in the Olympics is challenging. They will face not only Brazil but also Spain and Japan. To progress to the knockout stages, Nigeria will need to perform exceptionally well.

The Super Falcons have shown promising form recently. They performed well in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team reached the knockout stages of that tournament. They achieved a notable victory against Australia. In another impressive performance, they held England to a draw before losing in a penalty shootout.

Since the World Cup, Nigeria’s women’s team has maintained a strong record. They have not lost any competitive matches. This unbeaten run has boosted their confidence as they return to the Olympic stage.

Super Falcons of Nigeria Olympic 2024 Team

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi.

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, Chidinma Okeke.

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne.

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Chinonyerem Macleans.

Brazil’s Olympic 2024 Team

Goalkeepers: Lorena, Tainá

Defenders: Tarciane, Rafaelle, Thais Ferreira, Antônia, Tamires, Yasmin.

Midfielders: Ana Vitória, Duda Sampaio, Yayá.

Forwards: Adriana, Gabi Nunes, Gabi Portolho, Jheniffer, Kerolin, Marta, Ludmila.

Nigeria and Brazil’s Olympic History

Nigeria’s Recent Performances

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have shown the potential to challenge any team in Group C. They had impressive results in the recent World Cup. Nigeria defeated Australia and drew against Canada and the Republic of Ireland. They only lost to England in a penalty shootout.

Brazil’s Olympic Success

Brazil has a strong Olympic record in women’s football. They won gold in 1996. They also secured silver medals in 2004 and 2008.

Nigeria’s Olympic Journey

Nigeria has won the African championship nine times. Their last Olympic appearance was in China in 2008. In that tournament, they lost all three group matches. They were defeated by North Korea (0-1), Germany (0-1), and Brazil (1-3). Brazil went on to win silver that year.

Nigeria’s Best Olympic Performance

Nigeria’s most successful Olympic campaign was in Athens in 2004. The Super Falcons finished sixth after reaching the quarter-finals.

Nigeria vs Brazil: Preparation and Match Details

Recent Friendly Match: In preparation for the Olympics, Nigeria played a friendly against Canada. They lost this match.

Upcoming Olympic Match: Nigeria will face Brazil at the Bordeaux Stadium in France. The match is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024. It will start at 6 PM Nigerian time.

Broadcast Information: Fans can watch the game on Supersport.

Check here for more sports updates.

NEWS

2013 AFCON Winner, Mikel Obi Opens Up On Recent Surgery

Published

4 days ago

July 23, 2024

Reporter

Mikel Obi opens up on recent surgery | fab.ng

Mikel Obi, a former star player for Chelsea Football Club, has recently shared information about why he had to undergo surgery. The surgery was performed on his hamstring, a group of muscles at the back of the thigh. Mikel, widely regarded as a legend of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, ended his professional football career in 2022.

Since retiring from the sport, Mikel has embarked on a new venture. He has started a podcast called “ObiOne.” There, he discusses various topics related to his life and career. This podcast serves as a platform for him to connect with fans and share his experiences.

Mikel’s football career was notably successful, especially during his time at Chelsea. He played for the London club from 2006 to 2017, a period of 11 years during which he won numerous trophies and accolades. After leaving Chelsea, Mikel moved to China to play for Tianjin Teda.

In the latter part of his career, Mikel played for several other clubs. He had stints at Stoke City in England, Trabzonspor in Turkey, and Middlesbrough back in England. These experiences in different leagues and countries added to his rich football career before he decided to retire.

Regarding his recent surgery, Mikel Obi…

…explained that it was necessary due to a hamstring problem he experienced. This issue arose after he participated in a novelty match, typically a friendly or exhibition game often played for charitable causes or entertainment.

Mikel said on his podcast, “I tore my hamstring, I think it’s old age catching up with me. I was involved in an exhibition game with some celebrities.

“We woke up in the morning, didn’t warm up, didn’t stretch properly, then we woke up in the morning to go play dodgeball.

“I was just trying to run past the .ball, and I slipped. As soon as I fell, I just fell my hamstring tear. It was so painful, I was on the floor.

“It was the most painful injury I ever experienced because I’ve never torn my hamstring pretty bad before. The pain was 10/10, and it was so painful that I was on the floor for almost 20 minutes.”

The fact that Mikel needed surgery after such a match suggests that the injury was significant enough to require medical intervention, even though he is no longer playing professional football.

Mikel shared videos on social media showing his physical therapy sessions. These videos documented his recovery process. He needed the therapy so he could heal from his injury.

After completing the rehabilitation, Mikel has now fully recovered. He is back to normal activities and able to walk without issues. His recovery appears to have been successful, allowing him to return to his routine.

Get more sports news and updates here.