The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Category: Sports

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  • LEADERSHIP THROUGH SPORTS: Founder’s Address at the Kick-off of YELI Soccer Tournament

    By Dr. Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani (Founder YELI)

    I am greatly delighted to do the kick-off of YELI SOCCER TOURNAMENT, a flagship of Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Initiative (YELI). YELI is my pet-project that seeks to give back to society through youth entrepreneurship and leadership development. As a sports enthusiast, married to a husband whose love for playing the round leather game is second to none, and mother of 3 boys who are unapologetic soccer fans, I feel elated standing here today.

    Looking back, as a child I watched my late father HRH Igwe Chukwuma Nwankwo, Igwe Naezuruoha I of Obinagu Uwani Akpugo, who owned a sport team called Olympic Football Club Enugu displaying the spirit of Sportmanship when his team won or lost a match. I can still remember him telling the coaches and players about team building. He always put in his best business acumen and community leadership ability in scouting, discovering and training of football talents in the then Anambra State. One of the outstanding product of Olympic Football team is Christian Chukwu popularly known as Chairman Chukwu, whose exceptional leadership skills as the captain of our National Team earned Nigeria her first African Nations Cup trophy in 1980. Another significant person is Senator Ken Nnamani who was the senate president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the 4th Republic. Agree or disagree, as popular opinions have it, Sen. Ken Nnamani’s leadership ability was the death sentence to the 3rd term ambition of the then Obasanjo regime in the year 2005.

    2. In the light of the above and in view of the myriad of leadership challenges facing the nation, YELI Soccer with the theme “Leadership through Sports” is an instrument we are using to train the youths on leadership skills. From available data, there is a strong correlation between leadership and sports.

    3. Let me reiterate, like the African celebrated writer Chinua Achebe, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely is a failure of leadership. There is nothing basically wrong with the Nigerian land or climate or water or air or anything else. The Nigerian problem is the unwillingness or inability of her leaders to rise to their responsibility, to the challenge of personal example which are the hallmarks of leadership”.

    The key characteristics, qualities, skills and attributes of a leader are inevitably found in sports. Effective sport men or women must have to display a higher degree of integrity and honesty. They are invariably good communicators, confident in their own ability and exude a positive attitude. Unfortunately these qualities seem to be in short supply in our country.

    4. On this note, I want to urge the coaches and players in this tournament to look at the skills and qualities that helped you to build a team of your best players on merit, and apply them to the way you lead in your family, community, church, business and offices. That is the magic formula our country needs; you may be surprised at the result.

    5. It is now my pleasure to kick-off this tournament to the glory of God.

    Thank You.

  • JUST IN: Graham Potter appointed new Chelsea coach

    Chelsea have appointed Graham Potter as its new manager following the sack of Thomas Tuchel, the former coach.

    Potter, who will take charge of Chelsea ahead of their game against Fulham this weekend, was handed a five-year contract.

    In a statement, Chelsea said, “Chelsea Football Club is delighted to welcome Graham Potter as our new Head Coach, joining us on a five-year contract to bring his progressive football and innovative coaching to the Club.

    “Potter is one of the most exciting coaches in the game, starting his journey in Sweden before bringing his talents to the English game over the past four seasons. The 47-year-old is educated to degree level in disciplines beyond sport and has combined these experiences to forge a collaborative, forward-thinking approach while developing attacking and winning football.

    “That has been in evidence during his time pat Brighton & Hove Albion, where he achieved that club’s highest-ever league finish last season. Along the way, he earned praise for his winning brand of football on the south coast, while proving flexible in tactics and formations to be a step ahead of opponents.”

    Potter is widely regarded as one of the most exciting managers in the English game and has spoken of his excitement after taking the next step in his career.

    Potter said: “I am incredibly proud and excited to represent Chelsea FC, this fantastic football club. I am very excited to partner with Chelsea’s new ownership group and look forward to meeting and working with the exciting group of players and to develop a team and culture that our amazing fans can be proud of.

    “I would also like to place my sincere thanks to Brighton & Hove Albion for allowing me this opportunity and in particular Tony Bloom and all the players, staff and supporters for their continued support during my time at the club.”

    Chelsea chairman Boehly said: “We are thrilled to bring Graham to Chelsea. He is a proven coach and an innovator in the Premier League who fits our vision for the Club. Not only is he extremely talented on the pitch, he has skills and capabilities that extend beyond the pitch which will make Chelsea a more successful Club.

    “He has had a major impact at his previous Clubs’ and we look forward to his positive impact at Chelsea. We look forward to supporting him, his coaching team and the squad in realising their full potential in the coming months and years.”

    (Daily Trust)

  • Super Falcons lose second international friendly match

    Super Falcons lose second international friendly match

    The Super Falcons of Nigeria have lost their second international friendly match against the United States Women’s National Team 2-1.

    The match was played in the early hours of Wednesday morning (Nigeria Time) in Washington DC.

    The first of the twin friendly between the two teams saw the USA team beat the Super Falcons 4-0 at Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City.

    USA took the lead in the game in Washington after Blessing Demehin put the ball into her own net before Uchenna Kanu equalized in the 50th minute to give the Nigeria team hope of nicking a win against the Americans.

    However, Rosemary Lavelle cut that hope short in the 66th minute when she headed in a cross from Megan Rapinoe to clinch yet another win for the Americans.

    The USA have now extended their winning streak against the ninth African champion to eight.

    The Super Falcons, however, had an improved performance from the 4-0 demolition they suffered in the previous friendly.

    This will be the first time in 22 years the Super Falcons will be scoring against the US team with the last time being the women’s football event at the Sydney 2000 Olympics with the scoreline ending 3-1 in favour of the world champions.

    Both teams have qualified for the 9th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals to be staged by Australia and New Zealand in the summer of next year.

    (Vanguard)

  • Lewandowski nets twice as Barcelona thrash Valladolid 4-0

    Lewandowski nets twice as Barcelona thrash Valladolid 4-0

    Lewandowski nets twice as Barcelona thrash Valladolid 4-0

    Robert Lewandowski scored twice for Barcelona in their 4-0 victory at the Nou Camp in La Liga on Sunday.

    The Poland striker, netting a brace for the second time, has helped the Xavi side claim back-to-back La Liga wins.

    Lewandowski opened the scoring in the 24th minute before netting a backheeled effort after the break.

    Young midfielder Pedri also scored before half-time and Sergi Roberto added a fourth in added time.

    (Ripples)

  • FIFA: Falconets beat Canada in U20 Women’s World Cup

    FIFA: Falconets beat Canada in U20 Women’s World Cup

    The Nigeria U-20 women ‘s team, the Falconets, will facd the Netherlands in the quarter-final phase of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup taking place in Costa Rica.

    The Falconets early Thursday morning rounded off their group stage campaign in style; beating Canada 3-1 at the Estadio Alajuela Morera Soto.

    Coach Chris Danjuma’s ladies had before now relied on late goals to secure slim 1-0 wins over France and the Korea Republic but the game against Canada was a completely different ball game.

    Interestingly, it was the Canadian girls that drew the first blood, albeit from an error in the Falconets’ defence.

    But two goals from the penalty spot by Esther Onyenezide and another goal in the second half by Chioma Olise saw the Falconets cruising to their biggest win so far in the ongoing tournament in Costa Rica.

    Head Coach Chris Danjuma said before the Canada tie that his girls would seek to win even though they had already booked their place in the last eight.

    For him, it was important for the Falconets to sustain their winning mentality following hard-fought victories over France and Korea Republic.

    That was exactly what the Falconets did.

    The Falconets nonetheless conceded their first goal of the competition in an accidental manner, following goalkeeper Omini Oyono’s poor management of a backpass from Jumoke Alani.

    The error granted Kala Novak a fortuitous goal in less than two minutes into the game

    “It was great for us to come back from that setback, and also conceding for first time in the tournament. We showed character and spirit, and that would be huge for us going forward in the competition,” the Falconets coach said after the match.

    After falling behind to the early Canada goal, Onyenezide, whose vicious curling shot earned all three points against the Korea Republic, drew the Falconets level from the penalty spot in the 24th minute.

    Defender Mia Pante who had handled the ball from a Blessing Okpe shot in the box gifted Nigeria a way back into the game.

    Onyenezide was on hand to shoot Nigeria into the lead, also from the spot, in the 32nd minute after Simi Awujo’s dangerous play against Mercy Idoko.

    As the Nigeria U20s ended the first half 2-1, nothing suggested the Canadians could mount a fightback in the second half, instead, it was the Falconets that increased their lead.

    Substitute Chioma Olise got Nigeria’s third goal as the Falconets finished top in Group C with nine points from three games.

    With Thursday’s outcome, the Falconets now have a quarter-final date with The Netherlands in Alajuela on Monday

    (Premium Times)

  • 22nd Commonwealth Games: Full List of Nigeria’s 12 gold medals all won by women

    22nd Commonwealth Games: Full List of Nigeria’s 12 gold medals all won by women

    22nd Commonwealth Games: Full List of Nigeria’s 12 gold medals all won by women

    Team Nigeria won the most medals in the 22nd edition of the Commonwealth Games, which concluded on August 8 in Birmingham.

    To beat the 1994 Victoria Games, the Nigerian team won 12 gold, nine silver, and 14 bronze medals. Women won all 12 gold medals.

    List of Gold Medalists

    -Amusan, Oluwatobiloba – 100m Hurdles

    The reigning world champion is now the Commonwealth Games champion. The 26-year-old won the 100m hurdles in 12.30 seconds, a games record.

    -Brume, Ese – Long Jump

    Brume maintained her enviable record of getting a medal in every tournament where she has represented Nigeria. She won gold at the Commonwealth Games with a 7.00m leap.

    -Women’s 4x100m Relay

    The quartet of Favour Ofili, Rosemary Chukwuma, Grace Nwokocha, and Amusan won gold in a new African record of 42.30s.

    -Mercy Genesis Miesinnei (50 kg)

    Genesis, 24, moved up to the 50kg weight class after winning gold at the 2015 All African Games in 2015.

    -Oborududu Blessing – Wrestling (68kg)

    The Olympic silver medalist, 33, successfully defended her gold medal from the Gold Coast Games.

    -Odunayo Adekuoroye – Wrestling (57kg)

    Adekuoroye won gold for the second time in the Commonwealth Games to make up for her Olympic disappointment in 2020.

    -Rafiatu Folashade Lawal – Weightlifting (59kg)

    Lawal, 25, has four gold medals from international tournaments, beginning with the African Games in Rabat in 2019; the 2021 African and Commonwealth Championships; and now gold at her first Commonwealth Games.

    -Adijat Olarinoye – Weightlifting (55kg)

    Olarinoye, 23, followed up her silver at the World Wrestling Championship in Tashkent, with her first Commonwealth Games gold.

    -Folashade Oluwafemiayo – Para Powerlifting (75kg)

    Oluwafemiayo, 37, won a gold medal in the Summer Paralympics in 2020. She also has gold medals from the World Championships in 2017, 2019, and 2021.

    -Eucharia Iyiazi – F55-57 Shot Put

     

    At 48, she is Team Nigeria’s oldest member, and she began her gold medal journey at the 2008 Olympic Games. She has bronze medals from the Olympic Games in 2012, 2016, and 2020.

    -Chioma Onyekwere – Shot Put

     

    Onyekwere, 28, was disappointed with her 21st-place finish at the World Championships in Oregon, but she more than made up for it with a gold medal in Birmingham, with a throw of 61.70m. Her career-best throw is 63.30m. The Mechanical Engineer is a triplet.

    -Goodness Nwachukwu – Discus Throw

    Nwachukwu, 23, won gold at the Commonwealth Games after winning gold at the 2021 Tunis WPA Grand Prix. She also broke her previous world record of 32.95m by setting a new one of 36.56m.

    (Premium Times)

  • Chelsea signs 18 year old Chukwuemeka for £20m

    Chelsea has signed 18-year-old midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa for £20m.

    Chukwuemeka, who starred in England’s Under-19 European Championship triumph in July, has agreed a six-year deal.

    He was left out of Villa’s pre-season tour to Australia after refusing to sign a new contract.

    “Its been quite hectic but I couldn’t get Chelsea out of my head the last few days so I’m just happy and relieved that it’s all done,” said Chukwuemeka.

    “I’m so excited and just can’t wait to get on the pitch, meet all the players and try to win games and trophies with Chelsea.”

    Chukwuemeka, who made 12 appearances for Villa last season, was contracted until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

    Last month Villa boss Steven Gerrard said Chukwuemeka had not signed a contract offer which had been in place “for some time”.

    He had been linked with Barcelona, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

    Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly said: “Carney is one of the most exciting young players in Europe so we are really looking forward to seeing him in action at Stamford Bridge.

    “We are delighted to be able to bring him to Chelsea and add such a talented young individual to our squad for the new season and beyond.”

    This summer Chelsea have brought in England forward Raheem Sterling from Manchester City for £50m and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli for £34m.

    (Sun)

  • Azpilicueta extends contract in Chelsea

    Cesar Azpilicueta has committed his future to Chelsea by extending his Blues contract until 2024.

    The Chelsea captain has added another two years to his west London stay, thwarting Barcelona’s long-running pursuit of the 32-year-old.

    The Spain full-back joined Chelsea from Marseille in 2012 and has swept the board of major club trophies since, with the 2021 Champions League and 2022 Club World Cup completing the set.

    The long-serving defender automatically triggered a one-year addition to his Chelsea deal at the back-end of last term, but has now committed to a more lasting extension to his Stamford Bridge tenure.

    Boss Thomas Tuchel was understood to be determined to retain Azpilicueta in light of Toni Rudiger and Andreas Christensen’s departures, especially given his leadership and influence at the Blues.

    “I am really happy to extend my stay at Chelsea, my home,” said Azpilicueta. “It is almost 10 years since I first arrived and joined the club, so I really feel the love and I am really excited for the new project we have in our hands.

    “I would like to say thank you to (Chelsea owners) Todd (Boehly) and Behdad (Eghbali) for giving me the opportunity to keep my journey at this amazing club and I am really looking forward to continuing our adventure.

    “I am a really proud captain and I hope we can share many good memories together.”

    Azpilicueta’s decision to commit to Chelsea will prove a major boost to Tuchel, with the Blues continuing to reshape both their defence and overall squad.

    Kalidou Koulibaly’s arrival adds genuine quality, steel and nous at centre-back, but Azpilicueta’s leadership and Premier League experience remain highly-prized commodities by Tuchel.

    Chelsea will continue to push to sign Marc Cucurella from Brighton, with Levi Colwill still likely to head in the other direction, either on loan or permanently.

    The Blues are understood to harbour interest in Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters too.

     

    Leicester’s Wesley Fofana is another target for Chelsea, but the Foxes’ valuation could prove prohibitive.

    Azpilicueta’s new deal will relieve an edge of pressure on the Blues’ recruitment, especially if Marcos Alonso goes on to complete his own long-mooted move to Barcelona later this summer.

    “We are so happy that Cesar is staying at Chelsea for a minimum of two more years,” said Chelsea chairman and co-controlling owner Boehly.

    (The Nation)

  • Usain Bolt salutes record breaker Tobi Amusan

    Usain Bolt salutes record breaker Tobi Amusan

    Retired Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt has congratulated Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, who smashed the world record in the Women’s 100 metres hurdles, to win gold at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon, USA.

    Bolt took to Twitter to tweet the message: “Congrats”, retweeting World Athletics tweet celebrating her feat.

    “We’re all in awe”, said World Athletics in another tweet.

    The feat by the 25-year-old meant that she made history as the first Nigerian to win a world title and an unprecedented world record in one day.

    Amusan first ran a blistering 12:12 seconds to shatter the world record of 12:20 seconds set by Kendra Harrison of U. S. in the semi-finals.

    She then followed up with a (+2.5) wind-assisted 12.06s in the final. She became the first Nigerian to win a world title and an unprecedented world record in one evening.

    The time in the final would however not be recognised as it was deemed to be well over the legal +2.0 wind assist allowed in Athletics

    The latest feat served as a big consolation for Amusan after a disappointing Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she narrowly lost the bronze medal to Jamaica’s Megan Tapper when she placed fourth.

    The record-breaking feat also enriched Amusan’s purse with 100,000 dollars (N165 million) as a bonus from the organisers.

    Amusan was the 2018 Commonwealth and 2018 African champion in the event.

    She is also a two-time African Games champion.

    She won the Diamond League Trophy in Zurich in 2021 in the 100m hurdles.

    In 2022, during Paris Diamond League, Amusan broke a record and became third in the world.

    Team Nigeria would go on to celebrate another podium finish in the Long Jump, with Ese Brume’s extraordinary effort.

    The Commonwealth and Africa record holder, long jumper Brume leapt over 7.02m to clinch silver medal, behind rival Malika Mihambo of Germany who jumped a record 7.12m for the gold medal.

    Brazil’s Oro Melo settled for Bronze with 6.89m jump. Brume won a bronze medal at the 2019 World Championships and the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

    (Sun)

  • Buhari celebrates Amusan, Brume over World Athletics feats

    Buhari celebrates Amusan, Brume over World Athletics feats

    Buhari celebrates Amusan, Brume over World Athletics feats

    President Muhammadu Buhari has celebrated the winner of the women’s 100m hurdles gold at the World Athletics Championship 2022, Tobi Amusan, thanking her for promoting Nigeria’s image on the world stage.

    Amusan, on Sunday, in Oregon, USA became the first Nigerian to win a gold medal at the World Athletics Championship, smashing a world record of 12.12 seconds she had set earlier in the night at the semi-finals with an improvement to 12.06 seconds at the final of the women’s 100m hurdles.

    The President also congratulated another star at the events, Ese Brume, who won the silver medal in the women’s long jump event.

    According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, the President said the achievements of the stars would encourage upcoming athletes to aspire higher.

    “President Muhammadu Buhari expresses heartfelt congratulations to Tobi Amusan for winning the women’s 100m hurdles gold for Nigeria at the World Athletics Championship 2022, setting a new world record in the semifinals of the athletic event and becoming the first Nigerian to win a World Championship.

    “The President joins millions of Nigerians in celebrating this outstanding feat by a compatriot and two-time African Games champion, who in one night stunned the athletics world with her superlative and stellar performance.

    “The President thanks the track superstar for making the Nigerian national anthem resonate again from the international podium, leaving the nation with the excitement and unforgettable memories of tears of joy and triumph; hope and victory; incredulity and belief.

    “President Buhari says the legendary career and achievements of the golden girl will continue to inspire the upcoming generations of Nigerian athletes to achieve spectacular success.

    “The President also commends Ese Brume for representing Nigeria with honour and pride, winning silver medal in the Women’s long jump event.

    “The President lauds Team Nigeria for displaying courage, integrity and good sportsmanship at the world stage, proving that with hard work and determination, success is achievable,” the statement reads.

    (Nation)

  • Napoli makes Plan B for Victor Osimhen

    Napoli makes Plan B for Victor Osimhen

    Napoli makes Plan B for Victor Osimhen

    Renowned transfer market guru Paolo Bargiggia claimed Serie A giants Napoli would be able to bring in a quality replacement should Victor Osimhen leave the Diego Maradona Stadium this summer.

    But Bargiggia insisted that despite all the reported interests in Osimhen, no club has submitted any bid for the Super Eagles forward.

    When asked if Napoli have a plan B in the event of allowing Osimhen to join another club, Bargiggia told 1 Station Radio (as per Tutto Napoli): “To date, there are no offers for the Nigerian.

    “De Laurentiis’ request would be around 130 million euros. There are plans because Napoli could never be caught unprepared on the transfer market, but currently no offers have been submitted.”

    Manchester United, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Arsenal were all credited with an interest in Victor Osimhen long before the transfer window officially opened.

    But none of the Premier League moneybags have firmed up their interest in the former Lille lad.

    Bayern Munich could still make a move for the 23-year-old forward after watching star man Robert Lewandowski leave for Barcelona.

    Osimhen, however, remains calm and committed to his contract at Napoli, with the Lagos-born striker currently in the club’s preseason camp in Dimaro.

    The 2022-23 Serie A season kicks off on Saturday, August 13. Napoli will play their first league match away to Verona on Monday, August 15.

    (Nation)

  • OFFICIAL: Sterling joins Chelsea in five-year deal

    Chelsea have announced the signing of England winger Raheem Sterling on a five-year contract.

    Sterling, who penned an emotional farewell message earlier on Thursday, was unveiled in Chelsea jersey via the club’s Twitter page.

    The pacy English striker brings more fire power to Thomas Tuchel’s side that has endured patches of goal droughts from its forwards.

    Sterling had spent the last seven seasons at Manchester City and has won four EPL titles, five League Cups and one FA Cup.

    The 27-year-old made 339 appearances for City in his seven years spell at the Etihad, netting 131 goals and making 74 assists.

    Sterling becomes second player to leave English Premier League champions Manchester City this summer, following the departure of Garbiel Jesus to Arsenal earlier in the week.

    He becomes Chelsea’s first signing this season under the new club ownership by a consortium headed by Todd Boehly, an American businessman.

    “I’ve obviously achieved a lot in my career so far, but there is still so much more to achieve and I’m really looking forward to doing that in a Chelsea shirt, under Thomas’s management,” Sterling said of his new adventure.

    “London is my home and where it all started for me, and it’s amazing I now have the opportunity to play in front of friends and family week in, week out at Stamford Bridge.”

    Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly described Sterling as “a serial winner”, saying “his signing is an important step in strengthening our squad.”

    (Peoples Gazette)