Sports

Boxing: Gov Abiodun hails Joshua’s victory over Franklin

Published

1 year ago

April 2, 2023

Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has hailed the Nigerian-born British heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua, for out-punching Jermaine Franklin, in a bout on Saturday.

This is contained in a statement in Abeokuta on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin.

Abiodun described the victory of the Ogun state indigene and former international boxing champion as a great comeback and heart-warming.

The governor noted that Joshua, with his latest feat, had made Nigeria and Ogun proud once again.

Abiodun pointed out that Joshua did not allow his past defeat to dampen his spirit, rather, he rose from the setback and proved to the world that the champion in him never died.

While calling on Joshua to use his latest triumph in the ring as a spring for a superb comeback, the governor urged him not to relent, but continue to work hard in order to regain his pride of place in the world of boxing.

He described the heavyweight boxer as a shinning star of the state and great model to the youth, saying his administration would continue to put in place world-class sports facilities to ensure more Joshuas evolved from Ogun.

Abiodun further congratulated him and declared that his administration would continue to support him in his endeavour to dominate the boxing world once again.

The governor, however, expressed optimism that the feats recorded by Joshua at the international level would continue to inspire many upcoming professionals, particularly sportsmen and women, not to be discouraged by temporary defeats and setbacks.

Abiodun charged him to continue to be a worthy ambassador of the country in general and Ogun in particular, to the teeming youths and upcoming boxers who look up to him for inspiration.

Sports

Transfer: Akpom tipped to leave Ajax this summer

Published

1 day ago

May 18, 2024

NewsDirect

Chuba Akpom is expected to leave Eredivisie giants Ajax Amsterdam at the end of the season.

Akpom joined the former European champions from Sky Bet Championship club, Middlesbrough last summer.

The 28-year-old has, however, struggled for regular time at the club and has been linked with a return to England.

According to Ajax insider, Lentin Goodijk, the Nigerian-born striker could leave the club before the start of next season.

“I don’t think he will accept sitting on the bench. Certainly not if serious clubs come for him, which I expect,” Goodijk was quoted as saying by Soccernews.

“It could easily take until August when the Premier League clubs start to panic a bit. Then they all have it on the list. If he can be picked up for €15m.

“That is absolutely nothing for Premier League clubs.”

Sports

Juventus sack Allegri after Italian Cup triumph

Published

2 days ago

May 17, 2024

NewsDirect

Massimiliano Allegri has been dismissed by Juventus just two days after steering the team to victory in the Italian Cup.

Recall that the Turin club triumphed over Atalanta 1-0 in Rome, with Dusan Vlahovic securing an early goal.

However, Allegri’s behaviour marred the celebrations as he was ejected for ranting at match officials and dismissing the sporting director.

The Italian Football Federation’s disciplinary tribunal has since opened an investigation into Allegri’s conduct.

On Friday, Juventus officially announced Allegri’s departure in a statement via their website.

“Juventus announces that it has relieved Massimiliano Allegri of his position as head coach of the men’s first team,” Juventus’ statement partly read.

“The club wishes Massimiliano Allegri good luck in his future endeavours.”

Sports

LaLiga Awards: Full list of nominees out as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Girona dominate

Published

4 days ago

May 15, 2024

NewsDirect

LaLiga has revealed the shortlist for their upcoming end-of-season awards ceremony, which includes four categories and the team of the season.

The winners will be announced on May 28 at the KAFD Globe Soccer European Awards in Sardinia.

Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Player of the Year award, but Girona also has two nominees, with Artem Dovbyk and Aleix Garcia in the running.

Barcelona’s Robert Lewandowski and Antoine Griezmann from Atletico Madrid are also shortlisted for the prestigious award, with Takefusa Kubo, Kirian Rodriguez, Isco, and Alexander Sorloth in the mix.

The Young Player of the Year award has nominees under the age of 23 and is dominated by Girona and Barcelona. Among the candidates are newcomers Pau Cubarsi and Lamine Yamal, along with Miguel Gutierrez, Savio, and Yan Couto from Barcelona. Kubo and Rodrygo from Real Madrid, Johnny Cardoso from Real Betis, Javi Guerra from Valencia, and Nico Williams from Athletic Club are also named.

For Goal of the Season, there are eight nominees, including Vinicius, Joao Cancelo, Saul Coco, Aitor Ruibal, Jesus Areso, Lamine Yamal, Joao Felix, and Memphis Depay.

The Coach of the Year award is the final category, with Carlo Ancelotti, Michel Sanchez, Diego Simeone, Ernesto Valverde, and Marcelino Garcia Toral all nominated.