Sports
Super Eagles Come From Behind To Draw Russia
A depleted Super Eagles side sign off from international duty with a draw in Moscow.
Nigeria came from behind to earn a draw in a first-ever senior international match against Russia.
The Super Eagles arrived in Moscow full of confidence after winning the Unity Cup in west London last week, though they can perhaps take even more confidence at securing the result without several key names such as Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina.
Those absences did open the door for the likes of Victor Boniface and Christantus Uche to impress, but it was Tolu Arokodare who made the most of the opportunity and has staked a claim to start the crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa later this year.
As for Valery Karpin’s Football Union of Russia, who have been suspended by FIFA and UEFA since October 2022, it’s the first time they have failed to win since October 2023 – a run that stretched eight games.
The hosts took the lead just before the half hour mark and slightly against the run of play, though the creation of the goal – albeit fortuitous – was sublime.
Danil Krugovoy got forward from left-back and sent in a teasing cross intended for teammate Nikolay Komlichenko in the middle. However, Semi Ajayi couldn’t help but get the final touch as he sent the ball into his own net.
Just over a week ago, Ajayi forced an own goal at the right end as Nigeria beat Ghana in the Unity Cup semi-final but on this occasion, luck was not on his side.
Despite not creating much either side of the goal, the Super Eagles were unlucky to be behind at the break.
As Fisayo Dele-Bashiru raced clean through, he looked certain to equalise but Paris Saint-Germain’s backup goalkeeper Matvey Sofanov showed no signs of a Champions League final hangover by making a wonderful save to keep out the effort.
Russia should have doubled their lead early in the second half when Viktor Melekhin was left unmarked following a free-kick. But with just Maduka Okoye to beat, he side-footed an effort high and wide.
That miss would comeback to haunt the hosts as Nigeria substitute Arokodare showed his best Osimhen impression by pouncing on a rare mistake from Safonov to equalise.
In truth, Russia had the best chances to win the game but Nigeria goalkeeper Maduka Okoye made two fine saves – including one at full stretch to keep out Aleksey Batrakov’s effort that was destined for the bottom corner – whilst Dmitri Barinov blazed over right at the end.
Standard.co.uk
Nigeria continued its impressive campaign at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship on Friday, recording another dominant performance as the team finished the day with five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, BSNSports.com.ng reports.
Competing in Oran, Team Nigeria once again displayed remarkable strength and technical quality across several weight categories, reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s leading forces in para powerlifting.Nigerian athlete profiles
In the women’s 41kg category, Anifat Ganiyu secured gold after a commanding display that set the tone for the team’s successful outing.
Nigeria’s medal haul continued in the women’s 50kg category, where Ajiboye Rukayat delivered a gold medal-winning performance, while compatriot Nworgu Esther claimed silver in the same event.
In the women’s 73kg category, Ani Chiamaka added another gold medal to Nigeria’s tally with an outstanding performance.
The standout moment of the day came in the women’s 79kg category, where Rita Ferdinard produced a record-breaking performance to secure gold and set a new African record.
Rita successfully lifted 138kg to clinch the gold medal before improving her mark with a 148kg lift. She then raised the bar further and made history with an impressive 154kg lift to establish a new African record, drawing applause from spectators and officials at the championship.
In the men’s 88kg category, Riluwan Idris Sabo contributed to the medal haul with a bronze medal finish.
At the close of Friday’s events, Team Nigeria had amassed a total of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, further underlining the nation’s strong presence at the continental championship ahead of the remaining events.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has dismissed all speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future, insisting the striker’s situation remains unchanged despite growing transfer rumours.
Osimhen has been strongly linked with a summer move to Spanish giants Real Madrid and Barcelona ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Osimhen Not For Sale
Ozbek maintained that the Turkish Super Lig champions are not willing to consider any offers for the Nigeria international.
“We are not considering selling Osimhen. Osimhen is an important player for Galatasaray, Ozbek told HT Spor
“We are not considering selling an important player in our championship race. Putting a price on someone you don’t intend to sell is like counting your chickens before they hatch. We don’t have such a thing in mind.
“Osimhen is making the second-generation Galatasaray fans happy.”
The 27-year-old initially joined the Yellow and Reds on loan from Serie A club Napoli in 2024, before the move was made permanent last summer.
The powerful striker registered 26 goals, and four assists in 30 league appearances to help Okan Buruk’s side win a domestic double in the 2024/25 season.
He also claimed the top scorers’ prize for the season, enhancing his profile as one of the best strikers in the world.
Osimhen scored 22 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions this season, playing a key role in helping the club retain the Süper Lig title and reach the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
Return To International Scene
The former Lille star was named in Nigeria’s squad for next month’s international friendlies against Poland and Portugal by head coach Éric Chelle earlier this week.
Osimhen is making a return to the Super Eagles fold after missing the team’s friendlies against Iran and Jordan in March.
Al Nassr captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, has finally won the Saudi Pro League title.
They were confirmed champions on Thursday, thanks to a 4-2 win over relegation battlers Damac.
The title race had gone down to the final day after Al-Nassr dramatically dropped points against Al-Hilal the previous week.
Jorge Jesus’ side knew there could be no mistakes against a Damac side fighting for survival at the other end of the table.
Ronaldo was on the scoresheet, as his brace helped Al Nassr secure the title ahead of rivals Al Hilal.
Sadio Mane opened the scoring in the first half, before second half goals by Kingsley Coman and Ronaldo’s double sealed the victory.
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