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USWNT legend Megan Rapinoe to retire at end of 2023 season

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United States forward Megan Rapinoe announced Saturday that she will retire from professional soccer at the conclusion of the 2023 National Women’s Soccer League season.

The 11-year league veteran and U.S. women’s national team standout will play her final regular-season match at Seattle’s Lumen Field on Oct. 6 against the Washington Spirit.

Rapinoe, 38, is preparing to compete with the two-time defending champion USWNT in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which runs from July 20 to Aug. 20 in New Zealand and Australia.

Rapinoe also confirmed Saturday that this will be her final World Cup.

“I’ve been able to have such an incredible career, and this game has brought me all over the world and allowed me to meet so many amazing people,” Rapinoe said in a statement to U.S. Soccer.

“I feel incredibly grateful to have played as long as I have, to be as successful as we’ve been, and to have been a part of a generation of players who undoubtedly left the game better than they found it. To be able to play one last World Cup and one last NWSL season and go out on my own terms is incredibly special.”

Megan Rapinoe has won numerous trophies throughout her career. PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
Rapinoe joined the OL Reign during the NWSL’s inaugural season in 2013 and holds the club records for goals (48) and assists (25) in 109 matches.

She has won three NWSL Shields with the Reign and earned one Best XI and two Second XI selections. She is also the league’s all-time leader with 13 penalty kick goals.

Internationally, Rapinoe has earned 199 caps and a 2012 Olympic gold medal along with the World Cup victories in 2015 and 2019. In 2019, she was named Best FIFA Women’s Player and won the Ballon d’Or Feminin.

Rapinoe has 63 goals and 73 assists with the USWNT while compiling a record of 157-14-28.

“I want to thank my family for being by my side all these years,” Rapinoe added. “Thanks to all my teammates and coaches all the way back to my first days in Redding, on to college at the University of Portland and of course thanks to U.S. Soccer, the Seattle Reign and especially Sue [Bird], for everything.

“I will forever cherish the friendships and support over the years in this game, and I am beyond excited for one last ride with the National Team and the Reign.”

“She’s so key for this team on and off the field,” USWNT left back Crystal Dunn said. “I did tell her at the beginning of this year that I have no idea if this is your last one, but I’m going to do whatever it takes to get myself into a place where I can help this team win. And obviously send her off the way that she deserves, which is the queen that she is.”

An outspoken advocate for equal pay in women’s soccer and supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, President Joe Biden last year awarded Rapinoe the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor.

“Pino’s always just been a huge advocate for this team. She’s been a backbone of this team. And so whether it’s going through the equal pay fight, going through standing up for marginalized communities and backgrounds, she’s someone who is going to stand up for that when it’s not always a popular opinion,” USWNT captain Alex Morgan said.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL: Rangers In Ijebu Ode To Humble Sunshine At Home Ground 

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Reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International F.C are already in the ancient city of Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state flly set to maintain the fine form that has seen the team win three matches out of four played since its ouster from the money-spinning, CAF Champions league as they engage Sunshine Stars F.C of Akure at their adopted ground.

Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode, would be hosting this match day 6, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture which will be the twentieth time that both sides would be clashing in the top flight with the ‘Flying Antelopes’ enjoying an edge with eight victories as against four for the ‘Owena Whales’ with seven encounters ending in draws in the first nineteen matches.

Still basking in the win over Abia Warriors in an ‘Oriental Derby’ at the weekend in Enugu, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu led side will be hoping to push for a good result against the coach Kennedy Boboye’ wards who are very strong at their adopted home ground with Chinedu Nwosu, Seth Mayi and others firing from all cylinders for the Akure side.

With the expected presence of reliable midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye, Isaac Saviour and Ugwueze Chinemerem in the middle of the pack to service the attacking line, the visitors are in for a real deal as they target to improve on their 4th position on the log while the home side will be looking to catch up with the early pace setters.

Fans can expect an energetic atmosphere at the Dipo Dina Int’L Stadium, even as Rangers’ latest attacking sensation, Silas Nenrot said, “I am really glad to be in Rangers. A very big club with high prospects. I want to be part of history by making a big contribution towards retaining the trophy won last season and this starts with this weekend’s game in Ijebu-Ode. Sure, the league is a marathon but we have our eyes on getting the maximum points because we have being working so hard and I believe that with the help of my team mates, we can achieve our goal.”

In the run-up to this weekend’s fixture, Rangers have scored in four consecutive league matches while keeping three clean sheets but their opponent, who have won two league matches out of the five they have played, losing two and ending the other in a draw, the visitors will want to continue in their new found form and make their push for a successful title defense, realisable.

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First-ever Corporate Stars League Kicks Off Oct 19

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Anticipation is high as the inaugural edition of the Corporate Stars League launches in Abuja, featuring eight teams. The event is set to begin on October 19, 2024, with draws held on Wednesday, in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Olumide Aturu, Managing Director of 5Star Consultancy Limited, emphasized the importance of the Corporate Stars League:

“We noticed a gap in the corporate space, and we believe the Corporate Stars League will bring professionals together to relive memories, network, and foster camaraderie.”

Mouktar Ahmed from the National Pension Commission (NPC) shared his enthusiasm, stating the league provides a fun and networking opportunity, adding that sports are integral to NPC’s ecosystem. “When the chance to participate came up, management was fully on board.”

Williams Agbara from MTN expressed their eagerness to participate, stating they aim to showcase their skills and compete for the top spot. Similarly, Labadan Yunusa from the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority highlighted how the league fosters connections across sectors, creating relationships that would otherwise be difficult to form.

The event also served as a platform to raise awareness on mental health. Jakpo Ukueku educated attendees on how sports offer an avenue to connect, share, and improve mental well-being.

The league will run from October 19 to November 30, concluding with a gala night, and is expected to open new opportunities for the participating organizations.

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Jigawa Governor Approves New Appointments At Jagawa Golden Stars 

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Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi, has approved the appointment of Muhammad Barde Zakar as Technical Assistant to the Governor on Sports Development.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of Jigawa State Malam Bala Ibrahim.

Similarly, the Governor has approved the appointments of new Management crew for Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club.

“The appointment is coming as part of His Excellency’s commitments to ensure continued success and growth of the Jigawa Golden Stars Football Club” The SSG said.

The SSG listed the composition of the newly appointed Management crew are as follows:

1. Gambo Umar Labbo – Chairman

2. Engineer Idris Zangi – Vice Chairman

3. Abdulmajid Auwal Ali – Team Manager

4. Baba Garba – Asst. Team Manager

5. Hauwa Garba – Welfare

6. Ado Mato Gwaram – Coach

7. Sabo Abdullahi – FA Representative

8. Ibrahim Isyaku – PRO

9. Dodo Isah – Member

10. Jafaru M. Shu’aibu – Member

11. Abdulkadir Kalla – Member

12. Ali M. Ibrahim – Club Secretary

“Furthermore, as part of his efforts to improve the home-based players confidence in the State, the Governor has also approved the establishment and appointments of the Management crew for Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) which will serve as feeder team for Jigawa Golden Stars main team with purely Jigawa State indigenes” the statement said.

Malam Bala Ibrahim said, those appointed as pioneer Management crew of the newly established Junior Golden Stars (Danmodi Strikers) are as follows:

1. Ibrahim Auwal Kwiachiri – Chairman

2. Babangida M. Shalla – Team Manager

3. Hassan Magaji – Welfare

4. Nura Arma Maigatari – Coach

5. Muhammad Ado – Asst. Coach

6. Suleiman Isyaku – PRO

7. Sabo Saleh Gantsa – Member

8. Ibrahim Jibrin – Secretary

The statement further explained that, the new Management Crews have been carefully selected based on merit, competence and experience.

“While congratulating the appointees it is hoped that, they will bring a wealth of knowledge and experiences that will be instrumental in managing and overseeing the affairs of the Clubs” the SSG said.

He disclosed that, the rationale behind the formation of the new Management crew is poised to implement initiatives that will enhance the Golden Star’s performance, attract private sponsorships and increase community involvement in Sports development statewide as well as to provide stability, continuity, crucial for long term success and resilience in line with Governor Malam Umar Namadi vision.

The SSG stated that, the Management Crews are expected to collaborate closely with the State Ministry of Information, Youth, Sports and Culture and other stakeholders in the Sports industry to promote the Clubs.

All the appointments take immediate effect.

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