SPORTS
FG Names Ighalo National Principal Cup Ambassador
By Orkula Shaagee, Abuja
Former Super Eagles and Manchester United striker, Jude Odion Ighalo has been named as an Ambassador of the National Principal’s Cup.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Youth and sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare when the player paid him courtesy visit at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja yesterday.
According to the Minister, the courtesy visit at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Abuja is deliberate and symbolic to showcase the ongoing rehabilitation of the stadium.
“It gladdens our heart in the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development where we have the mandate for sports development when we see our great players excel in all parts of the world; this gives us a sign of national pride.
You have stood tall with very good players around the world, I hope that other great internationals, not just football stars will follow your footsteps by identifying with us on how to move forward. Your profile and exploits in the field of play speaks a lot and I think the climax in your career is the bold step you took to join Manchester United. I’m more excited that you played for the Under 20, under 23 and the super Eagles in a very remarkable way. You have served this country faithfully and you will continue to be a good Ambassador of this country.It is of note that the Principal’s Cup which had been abandoned for 25 years was revived recently. The 2021 edition was just concluded in April with about 250 schools participating. This year’s edition is a test run to bring it back gradually. Right now we not only have a Principal’s Cup but a National Principal’s cup. As we roll into the second edition we will be looking at 2500 secondary schools participating.”
Note that Principal’s Cup used to be the engine room that supplied most of our best players and it speaks to the heart of Grass root Sports Development. To give it life, we came up with Flagship Ambassadors of the Principal’s Cup with Daniel Amokachi, Joseph Dosu, Mary Onyali, Tajudeen Disu picked as Ambassadors. You have also been appointed as National Principal’s Cup Ambassador to motivate our young students”.
Ighalo established a football academy in Lagos where he also runs an orphanage.
In his response Ighalo said; “it’s a great privilege to see you sir, and I have been following up what you’ve been doing, granting me a chance to see you means alot to me. For the first time we’ve seen sports moving forward as business in Nigeria with your push and initiatives. Thank you so much for what you ate doing for sports Development.”
He assure that he would be available to play in the ex stars game when the rehabilitation of the stadium is completed.
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football has released a list of items prohibited across all tournament stadiums.
According to the guidelines cited on CAF’s website on Monday, the rules are aimed at ensuring fan safety throughout the competition.
Fans attending AFCON 2025 matches in Morocco will be subjected to security screening.
They are advised not to bring prohibited items into stadiums to ensure safety, order and a smooth match-day experience.
Below is the list of items fans are advised to leave at home before entering AFCON stadiums:
Alcoholic beverages, Illegal substances and drugs, Weapons and sharp objects, Fireworks and pyrotechnics, Glass bottles or containers, Flammable materials, Racist, violent or discriminatory banners, Unauthorised political, religious or commercial signs, Drones and animals, Large umbrellas and oversized hats, Professional cameras and recording equipment, Musical instruments and loud horns, Radio-emitting devices (except mobile phones) and Heavy or large bags.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has disclosed that the team are still a work in progress following his expensive overhaul of the squad since last season.
The Spanish tactician made this known after the Citizens thrashed Crystal Palace 3-0 in Sunday’s Premier League game.
In a chat with the club’s website, Guardiola stated that the team are in a better position than last season.
“Many things we have to improve.
Madrid gave me a lot of things, that still we are not ready, not in mentality but in how to approach certain games. They are young some of the players. But 3-0 here is a big statement for us.“When you win in the past, you believe the past was perfect, always brilliant, always the red carpet.
When we won with 100 points, all the things we achieved, we had a lot of games like today. The resilience was part of that.“There are moments that you struggle. Madrid was not the perfect game, but it was a step. We fought unbelievably to achieve that.
“We are in a better position than last season. We are close in the competitions we are in.”
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer will not feature in the Blues’ Carabao Cup quarter-final against Cardiff City, head coach Enzo Maresca has confirmed.
The match is set for Tuesday at 8 pm in the Welsh capital, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Palmer recently returned to action after a spell out with groin and toe injuries and scored in Chelsea’s weekend victory over Everton at Stamford Bridge.
However, Maresca, in his press conference on Monday, explained that the young forward is being carefully managed to avoid overexertion.
“I’ve already said many times in press conferences that we have many players who need to be protected. Cole is one of the players who deserves to be protected right now.
In this moment, he’s not available to play two games in three days. So, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s game, but should be fine for the weekend,” Maresca said.The Chelsea coach also praised Cardiff City and their manager, Brian Murphy, highlighting the challenge the Blues will face:
“They are top of the league, playing nice football and winning games. I know Brian and know he is doing a good job. This will be a dangerous game for us, and we need to pay attention and be careful tomorrow. We have the opportunity to achieve something important, which is to reach the semi-final of this competition.”
Chelsea will hope to progress to the last four while keeping key players fresh for the Premier League schedule.
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