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National Sports Festival remains good investment in youths, ex-NOC official says

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Elias Gora, a former Secretary-General of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), says the biennial National Sports Festival (NSF) remains a good investment in ensuring Nigerian youths are positively engaged.uuuu

Gora told newsmen in Lagos on Monday that the Festival could however be improved upon to discover more talents for Nigeria.

He emphasised on the need to also use the Festival to continue to promote peace and unity in the country.

“It is an investment, and it has kept the youths busy. Other youths who watched would have been motivated.

“So, with the height of insecurity in the country, such distraction is needed.

“I was part of the officials and one thing I understand is the fact that these youths will rather focus on what they enjoy doing. They can’t be bothered about anything.

“If we can instill in them that we are one Nigeria, I believe the future is bright.

“If they believe in the future of this country, issues of insurgency and banditry will be things of the past,” he said.

Gore then appealed to officials to ensure they helped youths uphold the essence of the Festival by its founding fathers.

“Human error is inevitable in all walks of life, but we can try to make it minimal.

“There is rivalry obviously because it is a competition. So, it is allowed. But as officials we should pay attention.

“What I do not understand is the rivalry between some states that use to be under the same government.

For instance, Edo and Delta. It was almost toxic. But sports should promote peace. The rivalry was not healthy,” he said.

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UCL: He’s dangerous – Emmanuel Petit warns Arsenal about RC Lens star

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Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit has warned the Gunners about a ‘really dangerous player’ in the RC Lens squad ahead of both teams’ UEFA Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

Arsenal go into the Group B clash, having won three of their four games so far.

Mikel Arteta’s side will qualify for the Champions League last 16 if they avoid defeat against the French Ligue 1 side.

However, Petit believes Lens forward Elye Wahi could hurt Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

“Lens had a great result at the weekend, beating Clermont Foot 0-3,” Petit told Lord Ping.

“They are starting to show the signs of the team that surprised so many people in France last season.

“Arsenal are very difficult to beat at home, but if they can play with the same spirit as they did in the opening group game, they can cause Arsenal problems. In football, if you have a chance, you have to take it.

“Elye Wahi, the Lens striker, he scored at the weekend, and he is a really dangerous player. He is an individual that Arsenal will have to keep an eye on because he has the quality to hurt them.”

UCL: He’s dangerous – Emmanuel Petit warns Arsenal about RC Lens star

Former Arsenal star, Emmanuel Petit has warned the Gunners about a ‘really dangerous player’ in the RC Lens squad ahead of both teams’ UEFA Champions League tie on Wednesday night.

Arsenal go into the Group B clash, having won three of their four games so far.

Mikel Arteta’s side will qualify for the Champions League last 16 if they avoid defeat against the French Ligue 1 side.

However, Petit believes Lens forward Elye Wahi could hurt Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.

“Lens had a great result at the weekend, beating Clermont Foot 0-3,” Petit told Lord Ping.

“They are starting to show the signs of the team that surprised so many people in France last season.

“Arsenal are very difficult to beat at home, but if they can play with the same spirit as they did in the opening group game, they can cause Arsenal problems. In football, if you have a chance, you have to take it.

“Elye Wahi, the Lens striker, he scored at the weekend, and he is a really dangerous player. He is an individual that Arsenal will have to keep an eye on because he has the quality to hurt them.”

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2024 WAFCONQ: Super Falcons won’t underrate Cape Verde – Payne

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Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has said the team will not underrate Cape Verde in Thursday’s 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying contest.

Nigeria will host Cape Verde in the first leg of the final qualifying round tie at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, on Thursday.

A big win will make the reverse fixture slated for Praia next week Tuesday a mere formality.

Cape Verde are not a big name in women’s football on the continent.

Payne, however, stated that the Falcons can’t afford to take their fellow West Africans for granted.

“I haven’t heard much about them, they are a little bit unknown in terms of how they play. We will see some videos to know more about them,” Payne told NFF TV.

”We just build on what we normally do and focus on ourselves. Our way of playing is keeping the ball. We can’t afford to take them for granted.

“We believe if we have the ball it will be difficult for the opponent to score. We will try and stick to our plan and get a win.”

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EPL: Amazing cross – Havertz hails Arsenal teammate after latest win

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Arsenal star Kai Havertz has hailed teammate Bukayo Saka for his assist, which enabled Mikel Arteta’s side to beat Brentford 1-0 in a Premier League clash over the weekend.

Recall that Saka delivered a delightful cross from the right flank, dissecting Brentford’s defence.

An unmarked Havertz headed home from close range at the back post to give the Gunners all three points against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.

“These late winners are nice and then to celebrate in front of the fans it was a good feeling for sure,” Havertz told Match of the Day.

“The cross was amazing and I thought maybe why not do this run and the ball was perfect and I scored.”

The win over Brentford moved Arsenal to the top of the Premier League table with 30 points from 13 games.

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