by Muhyideen Jimoh

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in style as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield.

First-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all but wrapped up a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

This was before Mohammed Salah’s 28th goal of a prolific campaign and a Destiny Udogie own goal made the scoreline emphatic.

Spurs briefly threatened to spoil a party that began hours before kick-off by taking an early lead through former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke but the Londoners put up little resistance as the Reds clicked into gear.

The title, secured with four games to spare, is only the Merseysiders’ second in 35 years.

It is also the first in that period they have been permitted to celebrate in front of fans after their 2020 success came during the COVID-19 pandemic

Nigeria’s Under-17 female football team, Flamingos, on Friday played a goalless draw with Algeria to qualify for the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.The 2022 bronze medalist, who were determined to win their last match of the qualifying series, absorbed the pressure of the Algerian girls in the return leg played at Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida.

Report says that the Flamingos battled for supremacy to be one of the countries to represent the continent in the World Cup in OctoberIn spite of the wintry conditions in Blida on the outskirts of the Algerian capital, Algiers, the Nigerian girls dug their feet into the ground and achieved a scoreless draw that qualified them for this year’s Women’s World Cup finals. Holding on to a 4-0 first-leg advantage, the 2002 bronze medalists adopted a calm and collected pattern that easily soaked up the pressure from the hosts.They then relied on fast breaks to try and pull the trigger on their opponentsAlthough they created better chances, the Flamingos failed to take advantage of their dominance in possession.They, however, collected the ticket to Morocco on a 4-0 aggregate win.The difference over two legs of the final round was a remarkable display in the opening leg by the Flamingos.The Flamingos will now be one of Africa’s five representatives (including hosts Morocco) at this year’s FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup finals taking place from Oct.17 to Nov 5.The final competition will feature 24 teams for the very first time.Since the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup competition was launched in New Zealand in 2008, Nigeria failed to make the finals only once.This was at the 2018 tournament hosted by Uruguay.(NAN)

Nigeria’s U-18 women’s handball team began their IHF Trophy Zonal Phase on Sunday with a resounding 53-21 win over Togo in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The team displayed ruthless dominance, particularly from the wings, securing a 21-8 lead by the end of the first half.

Nigeria maintained control in the second half, making it difficult for Togo to respond, and wrapped up the match with a commanding 53-21 scoreline.

Coaches John Uzor and Bukola Duru guided the team to play with intensity, utilising quick ball rotation and fast breaks to devastating effect.

Surprisingly, in spite of Nigeria’s dominant display, none of their players was named Most Valuable Player, with the award going to a Togolese player.

Coach Uzor said he wasn’t disappointed, adding that the comprehensive victory was more satisfying than individual accolades.

“I’m thrilled with the win. The girls followed our instructions perfectly, which allowed them to score many goals.

“Recognition or not, that’s not my concern. The result is what truly matters,” Uzor said.

Nigeria will face Burkina Faso on Monday at 9 a.m., while the U-20 team will play Togo at 3 p.m. (NAN)