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2024 Olympics: Tinubu approves full budget for Team Nigeria

The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, said on Monday that President Bola Tinubu has approved the entire budget estimate submitted for Nigeria’s participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

Enoh, who did not mention the amount approved, said this on Monday at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, while handing over the Team Nigeria athletes to the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NOC and PCN are expected to take care of the team till the end of the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, in France.

The Olympics is scheduled to take place between July 26 and Aug. 11, while the Paralympics will take place from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

The Minister said that the approval of the entire budget submitted for the Olympics and Paralympics was a sign of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the development of Sports in the country and his resolve to showcase Nigeria’s talents at international events.

”Part of what the president of our country has done was to approve the entire budget that was submitted for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

”We, therefore, have no excuse to fail because we heard stories of Olympics after Olympics, where there were requests for certain amounts of money were made and certain amounts were approved.

”But in this case, the President has approved the entire budget, so, it is up to us and the athletes to try to reciprocate that gesture and encourage the president to do more

”This event, ordinarily is supposed to be hosted by the President and Commander-in-Chief, as the grand patron of sports in Nigeria. It is important that we state this fact and I stand here as the Minister of Sports representing the president.

”The President has continued to provide support and it took President Bola Tinubu to conclude things that have lasted over 20 years in the sports sector,” Enoh said.

According to the minister, there is no better time to surpass our record at previous Olympics especially the 1996 Games where Nigeria won two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

”We must overcome our performance in Atalanta 1996 and we want to do so in a clean way; there is no better time to do so than now.

”We promised leadership and to tackle the challenge of anti-doping.
We try to fulfil the charter of the International Olympics Committee that requires a formal handover of athletes that have qualified for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

The Minister commended the NOC and the Nigeria Paralympic Committee for qualifying athletes in 12 Olympics and four Paralympics sports respectively for the Paris 2024 Games.

He said that the athletes have benefited from high-calibre coaching and technical support ahead of the games.

”Beyond those preparations, our sports men and women were part of the Commonwealth Games in 2022, competed in the African Games and also competed in the various international championships to get to where we are today.

”These are part of comprehensive efforts by the Olympic and Paralympic committees as well as the Ministry of Sports Development applying the available resources to make sure that our preparations are tight.

Enoh said henceforth preparation for the next Olympics and Paralympics would commence immediately after the 2024 Paris Games.

Also speaking, Chargé d’affaires, French Embassy in Nigeria, Jean François Hasperie, urged the athletes to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in France.

”Tolerance, resilience, discipline are the qualities needed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

He urged Team Nigeria to ensure podium finishes in all the sports the country would participate in.

Habu Gumel, President of NOC, assured the Federal Government that that Team Nigeria would do the country proud at the Games considering the level of preparation and funds already committed to the Games.

Gumel urged the Federal Government to make budgetary provisions for Olympics preparation on yearly basis to avoid fire brigade approach.

NAN reports that sports wear for Team Nigeria, specifically designed for the 2024 Paris Games, was unveiled at the event which saw sports administrators and Olympics-bound athletes in attendance

Football

Osimhen urges Galatasaray to maintain winning momentum

Victor Osimhen has urged his Galatasaray teammates to maintain their winning momentum after beating Tottenham 3-2

Victor Osimhen has urged his teammates at Galatasaray to maintain their winning momentum following their 3-2 victory against Tottenham Hotspur in a UEFA Europa League group encounter in Turkey on Thursday evening.

Osimhen was on fire as he scored two goals which helped Galatasaray to secure a highly important victory against ten-man Tottenham.

Osimhen despite an earlier injury scare during the preparation for the game started against Tottenham and he justified his starting shirt by netting a brace within the space of eight minutes.

The striker said afterwards that the victory against Tottenham was important for Galatasaray and insisted he and his colleagues will keep fighting for each other.

“Tottenham was a very difficult opponent. We made our preparations accordingly. I want to congratulate my team. I would also like to thank our fans who supported us from the first moment to the last,” Osimhen told the GSTV YouTube channel.

“Of course, the two goals were important for me. On the other hand, I hope Mauro’s injury is not serious. This victory was important for us. 

“It was important for us to win against Tottenham who played well and fought until the last moment. We need to continue our momentum.

“We need to think about each match individually. Right now, we will focus on our league match. There will be an international break. 

“We will make our preparations. We will care about every opponent. We will show our quality and fight for each other. We will fight for victory every time,” the striker concluded.

Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, started the match with a formidable attacking duo of Osimhen and Mauro Icardi. 

However, it was left-back Yunus Akgun who opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a well-struck shot from outside the box.

Tottenham got their equaliser in the 18th minute through teenager, William Lankshear who became their youngest goalscorer in major European competition since Harry Kane (18y 140d) who netted against Shamrock Rovers in the 2011-12 UEFA Europa League.

Osimhen thereafter took over proceedings in the 31st minute, converting a precise pass from Dries Mertens. 

Just eight minutes later after being set up once again by Mertens, the Super Eagles striker got his brace with a controlled volley that left Tottenham goalkeeper, Fraser Foster helpless.

Osimhen had a few more goalscoring chances to bag a hat-trick but he fell short with a header while he also saw a shot blocked. 

Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, the 25-years-old forward has scored two goals and contributed two assists in three Europa League matches. 

Osimhen has, however, scored six goals and rendered four assists in eight games across all competitions for the Turkish Super Lig club.

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Football

Flying Eagles is work in progress—Zubairu

Flying Eagles head coach, Aliyu Zubairu says the men’s national U-20 football team is still a work in progress.

Zubairu stated this on Monday in Ilorin at a meeting with members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kwara Chapter.

The gaffer noted that in spite of their victory in the WAFU B championship in Togo, critical areas in the team still needed improvement.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Flying Eagles’ hard-earned victory in Togo secured Nigeria’s place in the U-20 AFCON billed for South Africa in January, 2025.

The U-20 AFCON will also determine the continent’s representatives for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.

“I’m somewhat dissatisfied with our defence; we were conceding goals consistently. This vulnerability cannot be overlooked on a larger stage,” he stated.

Zubairu decried the fact that the team had limited time to prepare for WAFU B championship, while stressing the need for adequate preparation for future tournaments.

“I had just 37 days from my appointment to the WAFU B tournament, and we retained only three players from the previous squad, necessitating the recruitment of new talents,” he explained.

He also acknowledged the interest from eligible players outside Nigeria, asserting that “We will not hinder their participation and are committed to selecting those with the necessary skills.”

The coach revealed that plans were underway for an early training camp ahead of the U-20 AFCON, while underlining the importance of securing a spot in the World Cup.

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Football

Real Madrid Fans Club in Jigawa suspends member over ‘disloyalty’

Real Madrid Fans Club in Kwalam, Jigawa, has suspended a member, Abbati Soja, over alleged misconduct and lack of loyalty to the club.

A statement by the club’s Chairman, Garzali Nfari, and Secretary, Aliyu Tabulet, indicated that Soja was punished for remarks considered “discouraging” after the Spanish soccer giants lost 4-0 to bitter rivals Barcelona in a La Liga encounter.

According to the statement, Soja made a statement to the effect that Real Madrid would not achieve much this season.

“That sentiment affected the morale of other members.

“The suspension, effective from Oct. 28, following a meeting of the Fan Club’s Executive Council; he remains suspended till May 28, 2025. That day coincides with the end of the football season,” it said.

The decision has sparked debate among fans, raising important questions about loyalty in sports fandom

Some have suggested that such strict actions may prove counter-productive at a time fan clubs worldwide are striving to grow their base and promote inclusivity.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 4-0 in front of their fans at the Bernabeu in the first El Clasico of the season on Oct. 26.

The win moved Barcelona six points clear of Real Madrid after 10 games in the season.

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Conte warns Napoli players about dangerous Lookman

Antonio Conte has warned Napoli players about how dangerous Ademola Lookman could be as they face Atalanta l

Napoli manager, Antonio Conte has sounded a note of warning to his players about how dangerous Ademola Lookman could be as they face Atalanta in a Serie A game on Sunday.

Conte, according to Football Italia has warned Napoli that if Arsenal had to make tactical sacrifices to deal with Atalanta, then so will they on Sunday, saying it is not possible for them to underestimate the match.

The Partenopei are running away at the top of the Serie A table and have won every match except for a single draw away to Juventus since the opening weekend.

As for La Dea, they have won four on the bounce domestically, scoring 15 goals and conceding two.

Worthy of note is Lookman’s wonderful performances so far this season with the Nigerian international having scored five goals and contributed as many assists in 11 games across all competitions for Atalanta.

As such, Napoli gaffer, Conte has warned his players about Lookman even as he is planning to make use of a five-man defence in their Serie A game versus Atalanta.

“This is a big danger, because Atalanta are a strong team, they won the Europa League by ending Bayer Leverkusen’s season-long unbeaten record,” said Conte in his press conference.

“It is not possible for Napoli to underestimate this match. If anything, it could be Atalanta who underestimate us, seeing what happened last season. You all keep telling me it is an advantage not playing European games, but I warn you it is a disadvantage because we don’t have such a deep squad.”

He also noted that when Atalanta drew 0-0 with Arsenal in the Champions League, the Gunners made tactical sacrifices.

“It was Matteo who gave me the idea to drop down if needed when under attack. Against Atalanta, Arsenal put Thomas Partey on Ademola Lookman to form a five-man line, sometimes Arsenal also brought Saka and Martinelli deep.

“There is an evolution, you attack in one way and defend in another. It’s not just about defenders but the whole team working together to defend.

“I have really drummed the tactical issues into the players ahead of this game and we’ll see what happens.”

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PSG keen on Lookman to replace Mbappe

PSG are reportedly keen on signing Ademola Lookman to replace Kylian Mbappe

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly keen on signing Ademola Lookman to replace Kylian Mbappe who joined Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.

Lookman looks a sure bet to make his departure from Atalanta in the nearest possible future with PSG looking like his next port of call in his growing football career.

In fact, the 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee and Super Eagles winger is almost certain to leave the Serie A club during the coming winter transfer window come January 2025 following interest from the Premier League but the biggest interest is from PSG.

Lookman who won silver medal at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria in Ivory Coast earlier this year has been on the radar of London-based Premier League side, West Ham United.

The skillful winger also has interest from three other clubs in the Premier League but it is more certain that they alongside West Ham will find it difficult to compete with PSG for his signature, according to Football Insider.

Reports have suggested that the Irons are ready to swoop for the Nigerian international in January, however, sources say there will be “huge interest” from Europe in the 27-year-old Super Eagles attacker.

According to a report from top French media outlet, L’Equipe, PSG will be the frontrunner for the forward if he becomes available in the coming months.

He finished 14th in the Ballon d’Or rankings for 2024 after leading the Italian side to the Europa League trophy last term.

Lookman has already hit five goals and contributed five assists in 11 games across all competitions for Atalanta this season.

The forward who is under contract with La Dea until June 2026 hit 17 goals and notched 10 assists in 45 appearances across board during the 2023/24 season.

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Manchester United appoint Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag

Manchester United have finally confirmed the appointment of Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim as the new manager at Old Trafford.

United sacked Erik ten Hag on Monday following a dismal start to the season, and immediately opened talks with the 39-year-old Amorim about replacing the Dutchman.

The club were willing to pay a €10m release clause to sign their top target before encountering issues over further compensation to acquire Amorim’s assistant coaches, leading the appointment to drag out all week

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