SPORTS
Spain-Argentina Finalissima in Qatar Cancelled
The Finalissima between Argentina and Spain has been cancelled because of the war in the Middle East.
European champions Spain were set to play Copa America champions Argentina in Qatar on 26 March.
Uefa said proposals to hold the match at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu, or play a two-legged game in Madrid and Buenos Aires, were rejected by Argentina.
Uefa said: “Due to the current political situation in the region, the Finalissima cannot be played as hoped in Qatar.
“Uefa explored other feasible alternatives but each ultimately proved unacceptable to the Argentinian Football Association.”
Uefa said: “Argentina made a counter suggestion to play the game after the World Cup but, as Spain has no available dates, that option had to be ruled out.
”The Spanish FA said it had “worked intensively” to get the game on in any format possible, whether in Spain or at a neutral venue.
It said: “Spain was prepared to play as it has always been stated. They set no conditions.
“Spain, together with Uefa, has offered all possibilities.”
On Saturday the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Formula 1 Grands Prix due to be held in April were cancelled.
Formula 1 said it is not safe to stage the races because of the conflict across the region.
The Finalissima, which is staged every four years and is organised by Uefa and the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol), was last won by Argentina at Wembley in 2022.
Guinea will face Nigeria’s Flamingos in the final qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Guineans defeated Niger Republic 3-0 in the second leg of their qualifying fixture in Conakry on Saturday.
They won the contest 8-2 on aggregate, following their 5-2 triumph in the first leg last week.
The winner of the Flamingos versus Guinea clash will qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Flamingos set up camp in Abuja for the clash with their fellow West Africans last week.
Newly appointed head coach, Akeem Busari invited 36 players to camp for the team’s preparation.
The Nigerian National League (NNL) side, Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, has trimmed its squad and retained a few quality players to push for promotion to the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Lobi Stars Chairman Simon Ikya made the disclosure in a statement signed by Austin Tyowua, Principal Media Officer to the club, and made it available to newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi.
Ikya said that the club took the decision after a meeting with all the players and technical staff at McCarthy Stadium, Makurdi.
The chairman explained that the decision was rooted in duty rather than dislike.
He stated that the players on the exit list would be granted clearance at the end of April once their entitlements were settled.
Ikya added that for those retained, there would be no room for laxity.
The chairman urged them to tighten their belts, keep the focus, and drive the Federation Cup campaign all the way to its final stop.
Meanwhile, the list of retained players was read out by the head coach, John Onuh.
The Kogi State Government has pledged to prioritise the development of basketball in the state to boost the sport’s profile and promote youth engagement.
The Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Monday Anyebe, made the pledge at the inauguration of the Kogi State Basketball Association on Tuesday in Lokoja.
Anyebe assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to the development of basketball under the administration of Gov.
Ahmed Ododo.Represented by the Director of Sports in the state, James Igah, the commissioner said the administration would focus on nurturing basketball, particularly in rural areas, to enhance youth development.
He added that the government would collaborate with the association to promote sports development across the state.
Anyebe urged the newly inaugurated executives of the association to come up with innovative ideas to advance the sport.
Responding, the Chairman of the Kogi State Basketball Association, Mustapha Abdullahi, reaffirmed his commitment to the growth of basketball in the state.
Abdullahi, who is also the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, commended the state government for its efforts in promoting sports development.
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