Sport

Rwandan Referee Makes History as First Female to Officiate at AFCON

By Web News 1118

Rwandan referee, Salima Rhadia Mukansanga made history as the first-ever woman referee to officiate in the Africa Cup of Nations when she blew the whistle for Zimbabwe’s surprise 2-1 victory over Guinea on Tuesday.

The 35-year-old, who had already served as the fourth official during the Malawi versus Guinea fixture, took charge of the Group B clash at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.

She led an all-female team of match officials with assistant referees Carine Atemzabong from Cameroon and Fatiha Jermoumi from Morocco running the lines and VAR being adjudicated by Moroccan Bouchra Karboubi.

Ahead of the match, CAF Head of Referees, Eddy Maillet said the historic moment was a result of CAF’s clear commitment and investment in improving and advancing the standard of refereeing in Africa.

Oluwakaoyde Banjo

Sport

Breaking: Ghana Crash Out of 2021 AFCON

By Web News 772

Four-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Black Stars of Ghana have crashed out of the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

Having registered just a single point in their first two games, Ghana’s hopes of advancing to the knockout stages were dashed when they trailed 2-0 to Comoros in their final Group C game played on Tuesday.

Despite being a man down after captain Andre Ayew was sent off for a reckless challenge on Comoros goalkeeper, the Black stars fought back to equalise before being pegged back again by a Ahmed Mogni 85th minute strike to give debutants Comoros a famous win.

Elsewhere, Gabon finished second behind Morocco in Group C to qualify for the knockout stages after playing a 2-2 draw with the Moroccan side.

Earlier, Senegal finished top of Group B to qualify for the knockout stages alongside Guinea, who finished second.

Malawi, who finished third, will wait to see if they are among the four best third-placed teams to reach the next round.

In today’s fixtures, already qualified Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on Guinea Bissau in their final Group D match, while Egypt tackles Sudan.

Oluwakayode Banjo

News Analysis

Straight Talk: Sports Development in Nigeria, How Far?

By Web News 1322

Super Eagles of Nigeria is currently making the country proud at the ongoing AFCON 2021 holding in Cameroon.

The team has qualified for the knockout stages of the 2021 AFCON tournament.

For analysis on the tournament and efforts at developing sports in Nigeria, tune in to Straight Talk on Premier FM 93.5, Ibadan on Monday at half-past six in the evening and you can also listen via internet streaming right here.

Our guest is the former media aide to Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan, Mr Jubril Arowolo.

Mosope Kehinde

Sport

AFCON 2021: Super Eagles Makes It 6 Points from 2 Games

By Web News 806

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for the second round of the Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021, as they defeated Sudan 3-1 in their second group D match. 

The win which was their second in as many games will help them breathe easier going into the final group stage match against Guinea Bissau. 

Samuel Chukwueze opened scoring three minutes into the game, smashing the ball home from a Moses Simon pass as they easily breezed into the Sudanese defence. 

Taiwo Awoniyi fortuitously got the second after a Troost-Ekong header bounced off the striker and beat the Sudanese goalkeeper who should have done a better job of denying him the goal. 

Moses Simon got the goal his performance deserved after a quick one-two with Taiwo Awoniyi.

Nigeria’s Moses Simon celebrating his 2nd half goal against Sudan at the 2021 AFCON

Sudan got their consolation goal via a spot-kick with striker Walieldin Khedr sending Super Eagles goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye the wrong way after Ola Aina was deemed to have fouled a Sudanese player in the penalty box following a VAR review.

Nigeria now tops Group D with six points from two games and are through to the second round of the competition

Maxwell Oyekunle

Sport

Iheanacho’s Brilliant Strike Seals Victory for Super Eagles Over Egypt

By Web News 771

Kelechi Iheanacho brilliant strike in the 30th minute was enough to hand the Super Eagles of Nigeria victory over seven time winners, Egypt in the Group D opener of the ongoing AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles, who had chances to double their lead in the second half, had to settle for a lone goal victory to secure their first 3 points of the tournament.

With Tuesday’s victory, Nigeria broke Egypt’s record, who were unbeaten in their last 16 group matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement, Speaker, house of representatives, Femi Gbajabiamilain says he is elated that the Super Eagles put up a superlative performance to defeat the Pharaohs of Egypt, who are considered one of the favourites of the tournament.

The Super Eagles next game is on Saturday against Sudan.

Oluwakayode Banjo

Sport

Super Eagles Departs Abuja For Cameroon

By Web News 899

Super Eagles will depart Abuja, for Cameroon via a chartered flight on Wednesday night.

According to the interim coach of Super Eagles, Austine Eguavoen, the team might have a friendly match with a Cameroon club in Garoua before their first match on January 11 with Egypt.

Meanwhile, Samuel Chukwueze has joined his teammates in Abuja ahead of their departure.

His arrival has increased the number of players in camp to 25.

Oluwakayode Banjo