Solution FC of Anambra on Wednesday defeated Lobi Stars of Makurdi 2-1 in the ongoing Nigeria Federation/President Cup to end the Makurdi team journey in the competition.

The match played inside Enyimba International Stadium, Aba in Abia saw the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side exit the competition in the hand of Nigeria National League (NNL) team.

The first 45 minute ended goalless but Solution FC showed their intent to winning the match after the interval and their efforts was rewarded in the 51st minute through Emeka Oyuke.

Alexander Oche put the Makurdi team level in 78th minute, few minutes of his introduction to put smiles on the faces of their fans.

It was Solution FC that had the last laugh when Ahamefuna Chizoba restored the NNL team led on 85th minutes to send Lobi Stars packing.

Speaking after the match, Gabriel Ezema the Solution FC coach, said his team showed they are growing and that they can measure up in the NPFL.

The coach said the experience he acquired when he was with Rangers FC of Enugu for seven years help him a lot while playing against NPFL side.

Ezema said, “We have a good team and I just needed to transfer that experience and confidence in the players so that they can compete at the higher level.”

He said that Solution achieved something big by defeating Lobi Stars, describing the win as a good motivation for his team going into the second round of the NNL.

Speaking on their opponent NPFL position, he said that club performance in the match did not reflect their position on the league log.

“I think that Lobi Stars performance did not reflect their position in the ongoing Nigeria League because, they have a lot of experience, quality just that, things did not work out for them.

“Lobi had their moment in today’s match but they did not take it, just like we had ours and converted two, that is what football is all about,” Ezema said. (NAN)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, has urged FCT athletes and coaches preparing for the 2025 National Sports Festival to strive for victory.

Wike made the call while receiving the Torch of Unity for the 22nd edition of the festival, scheduled for May 16 to May 30, 2025, in Ogun .

The symbolic torch was presented to the minister by  FCT athletes and officials of the National Sports Commission at his office in Abuja on Wednesday.

The presentation followed the official inauguration of the torch by President Bola Tinubu .

The minister, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Chidi Amadi, advised the athletes and coaches to train hard to achieve excellence and win many medals for the FCT.

He expressed the FCT Administration’s commitment to youths’ empowerment and the development of sports in the territory.

Wikw urged the athletes to go out there with   determination to excel.

“Go out there and come back with results.

“We will be here waiting to receive the laurels, as many as you can come back with,” he said.

Wike further encouraged the coaches to impart their knowledge and skills effectively to the athletes, promising that exceptional performances would be duly recognised.

The minister, while emphasising the role of the  festival in fostering national unity, commended the efforts of all stakeholders to make the festival a success.

He particularly commended Mr Abdullahi Ango, the Mandate Secretary, FCT Youth Development Secretariat and the members of the National Sports Commission, for the good work they had been  doing for a hitch-free sports festival.

The Director of Sports, FCTA, Luka Istifanus assured the minister of adequate preparation to ensure the success of  FCT athletes at the festival.

Isitianus also called on the athletes to strive for victory and bring pride to the FCT.

The Torch of Unity, a traditional symbol of the festival, representing Unity, strength and sportsmanship, will continue its journey from the FCT to all the 36 states of the federation.  (NAN)

Paris Saint-Germain have knocked top seeds Liverpool out of the Champions League to reach the quarter-finals, 4-1 on penalties.

The feat was achieved thanks to two saves from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

The Italy international saved spot kicks from Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones, while Vitinha, Goncalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembele and Desire Doue converted for PSG who remain in the hunt for a first title in the elite event.

The last 16 tie was locked at 1-1 after PSG had cancelled out their 1-0 home defeat from last week through Dembele in the 12th minute at Anfield.

Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Inter Milan also reached the quarter-finals on Tuesday.