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NSC backs Awoniyi’s Kwara Kiddies League initiative

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By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has thrown the Commission's weight behind Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi and his grassroots football development programme, the Kwara Kiddies League. Dikko made the pledge when he received the Nottingham Forest forward on a courtesy visit to the Commission's headquarters in Abuja.  Awoniyi was accompanied by former Super Eagles striker Anthony Ujah. During the meeting, Awoniyi presented Dikko with an official Nottingham Forest jersey and outlined his vision for expanding opportunities for young football talents through the Kwara Kiddies League and other youth-centred sports development initiatives. The NSC Chairman praised the Super Eagles star for investing in grassroots sports and contributing to the development of future generations of Nigerian athletes. Dikko assured Awoniyi of the Commission's commitment to providing the necessary support and enabling...
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Idahosa lauds NSC for giving scrabble a new platform to grow

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By Maxwell Kumoye  The President of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Bright Idahosa, has praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for what he described as a deliberate effort to create opportunities for sports that have consistently delivered international success for Nigeria. Speaking on the inclusion of scrabble in the maiden National Intermediate Games in Lagos, Idahosa said the decision represents a major boost for the sport and a significant investment in the next generation of Nigerian scrabble players. He noted that the competition provides a valuable avenue for discovering young talents and exposing them to organized competition at an early stage. "The National Intermediate Games have opened a new chapter for scrabble development in Nigeria. For a sport that continues to produce champions and represent the country with distinction, this kind of support is both encouraging and necessary," Idahosa said. "Every successful sporting nation builds...
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Chalobah earns late England World Cup call-up after Livramento injury blow

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By Trust Ittai      England have made a late change to their World Cup squad, with Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah drafted in to replace injured Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento ahead of the Three Lions' opening match of the tournament. Livramento, 23, was forced to withdraw after sustaining a calf injury during training on Sunday. Medical assessments and scans conducted on Monday confirmed that the Newcastle defender would be unable to participate in the World Cup. Under FIFA regulations, teams are permitted to replace injured players in their final 26-man squads up to 24 hours before their first group-stage fixture, provided the injury is deemed significant. England begins their Group L campaign against Croatia on Wednesday. The Football Association confirmed that Chalobah will join England's base camp in Kansas City, while the remainder of the squad travel to Dallas for their tournament opener. Livramento's place in the squad had already been und...
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Customs, CNS Spikers glow as thrilling matches illuminate Day 2 of CGC Volleyball Premier League

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By Maxwell Kumoye    The second day of the 3rd CGC Volleyball Premier League produced a blend of dominant performances and nail-biting five-set encounters as teams battled for supremacy in both the men's and women's categories. In the women's division, defending contenders Nigeria Customs Service maintained their impressive form with a commanding straight-sets victory over VIP & Partner. Customs controlled the contest from start to finish, winning 25-20, 25-11, 25-20 to secure another important victory. One of the most exciting matches of the day saw Anambra Queens edge Excelsior VC 3-2 in a fiercely contested encounter.  After sharing the opening four sets, Anambra Queens held their nerve in the deciding set to claim a dramatic 16-14 victory and seal the match. CNS Spikers were ruthless against Fire Service, cruising to a comprehensive 3-0 win. They dominated every set, winning 25-8, 25-15 and 25-14 to underline their title credentials. NSCDC recovered fr...
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Mbappe breaks France goal record in World Cup win over Senegal

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By Maxwell Kumoye    France began their FIFA World Cup campaign in winning fashion as Kylian Mbappe etched his name into the history books with a record-breaking brace in a 3-1 victory over Senegal in New Jersey. The Real Madrid star became France's all-time leading scorer, taking his tally to 58 international goals and moving one ahead of former record holder Olivier Giroud. After a frustrating first half in which Senegal looked the more dangerous side, Mbappe finally broke the deadlock in the second period with a clinical low finish.  France then doubled their advantage through Bradley Barcola before Senegal gave themselves hope when Ibrahim Mbaye reduced the deficit. However, Mbappe had the final say, unleashing a stunning long-range strike deep into stoppage time to seal the victory and secure all three points for Les Bleus. Senegal's Lions of Teranga had threatened to upset the former world champions early on. Nicolas Jackson came closest when his powerfu...
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Renard takes charge of Tunisia after Lamouchi exit

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...The atmosphere was very good – Renard By Trust Ittai      Tunisia have turned to experienced French coach Hervé Renard in a bid to revive their campaign after the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi, the first managerial casualty of the tournament. Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following Tunisia's disappointing opening defeat to Sweden, a result he described as "painful." Speaking before his departure, the 54-year-old admitted that "way too many mistakes" contributed to the loss, as Sweden's attackers repeatedly exposed weaknesses in Tunisia's defence. The Tunisian Football Federation wasted little time in appointing Renard, a highly respected coach with an impressive international résumé.  The 57-year-old is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach and famously guided Saudi Arabia to a stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Renard later took charge of France's women's national t...
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Renard takes charge of Tunisia after Lamouchi exit

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...The atmosphere was very good – Renard By Trust Ittai      Tunisia have turned to experienced French coach Hervé Renard in a bid to revive their campaign after the dismissal of Sabri Lamouchi, the first managerial casualty of the tournament. Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following Tunisia's disappointing opening defeat to Sweden, a result he described as "painful." Speaking before his departure, the 54-year-old admitted that "way too many mistakes" contributed to the loss, as Sweden's attackers repeatedly exposed weaknesses in Tunisia's defence. The Tunisian Football Federation wasted little time in appointing Renard, a highly respected coach with an impressive international résumé.  The 57-year-old is a two-time Africa Cup of Nations-winning coach and famously guided Saudi Arabia to a stunning victory over eventual champions Argentina at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Renard later took charge of France's women's national t...
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Messi hat-trick fires Argentina past Algeria, equals World Cup scoring record

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...Messi escapes punishment for a horrible challenge on Algeria defender Aissa Mandi By Maxwell Kumoye    Lionel Messi marked his historic 200th appearance for Argentina in unforgettable fashion, scoring a hat-trick as the reigning world champions launched their FIFA World Cup title defence with a commanding victory over Algeria at Kansas City Stadium. The 38-year-old superstar produced a masterclass to inspire Argentina to a hard-fought win in their opening Group J fixture, while also writing another chapter in football history. Messi's treble took his World Cup finals tally to 16 goals, drawing him level with Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the competition's all-time leading scorer.  The achievement came on a landmark night when the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also became the first player ever to feature in six World Cup tournaments. Argentina, seeking to become only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup crown, were forced to work hard aga...
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Haaland brace powers Norway past Iraq in World Cup return

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By Maxwell Kumoye      Erling Haaland marked his FIFA World Cup debut with a brilliant two-goal performance as Norway defeated Iraq 4-1 in their opening Group I match at Boston Stadium, securing a winning return to football's biggest stage after a 28-year absence. The prolific striker continued his remarkable international scoring form, taking his tally to 57 goals in 51 appearances for Norway, although he was denied a hat-trick by a superb late save from Iraqi goalkeeper Jalal Hassan. Norway faced a determined Iraqi side making its first World Cup appearance in 40 years, and the Asians matched their European opponents for much of an entertaining first half. After a competitive opening period, Norway broke the deadlock just 58 seconds after the first-half hydration break. Defender David Moller Wolfe surged down the left flank and delivered a low cross that Haaland slid home at the far post to give Norway the lead. Iraq responded impressively and deservedly dre...
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Enekwechi claims shot put silver as Walaza, Eseme shine in Ostrava

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By Maxwell Kumoye      Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi delivered another strong performance on the international circuit ahead of the Commonwealth Games Trials, finishing second in the men’s shot put at the prestigious Golden Spike meeting in Ostrava, Czech Republic, on Tuesday.  South Africa’s Bayanda Walaza and Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme produced impressive times in the men’s 100 metres at the same competition. Enekwechi, one of Africa’s leading throwers, recorded a best effort of 21.43m to secure the runner-up position behind Italy’s two-time world medallist Leonardo Fabbri, who retained his Golden Spike title with a winning throw of 21.91m. The Nigerian star once again demonstrated his consistency at the highest level, holding off a quality field and continuing his preparations for the major championships later in the season.  Enekwechi has remained one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers in the throwing events and his latest podium finish furth...
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