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New Zealand kicks off World Cup with 1-0 win against Norway

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Hannah Wilkinson scored to open the second half and New Zealand went on to beat Norway 1-0 on Thursday for its first-ever win at the Women’s World Cup, just hours after a shooting in downtown Auckland shocked the host nation.

A gunman stormed a high-rise construction site near Norway’s team hotel and opened fire, killing two people. The gunman was found dead after a police shootout.

There was increased security at Eden Park stadium, where 42,137 — a record crowd for a soccer match in New Zealand — were on hand to cheer on the home team, co-hosts of the tournament with Australia. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins was among those at the game.

After an opening ceremony that honored New Zealand’s Indigenous heritage, there was a moment of silence for the victims of the shooting. Four people were wounded in the attack, including an police officer.

New Zealand got the nod to stage the first game, although co-host Australia’s match against Ireland in Sydney started about an hour later.

The Football Ferns had played in five previous World Cups, but hadn’t won a match.

Norway couldn’t finish its chances in the first half while the Ferns defended well. Ada Hegerberg’s attempt in the 37th minute was deftly defended by Rebekah Stott and the match was scoreless after the first half.

The first woman to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, Hegerberg has 43 goals in 77 international appearances. Currently playing professionally for Lyon, she has scored a record 59 goals in the Champions League.

Wilkinson scored in the opening moments of the second half. Jaqui Hand came up the right side and placed a perfect cross at Wilkinson’s feet for the goal. While the home crowd wildly celebrated, Norway goalkeeper Aurora Mikalson stood with her hands on her hips.

Norway won the World Cup in 1995. At the last tournament in 2019, the team fell to England in the quarterfinals. At the Women’s Euro in 2022, England routed the Norwegians 8-0. In the run-up to this game, winger Caroline Graham Hansen called the World Cup a chance to ”start fresh.”

Tuva Hansen nearly scored for Norway in the 83rd but her shot hit the crossbar and caromed over the net.

The Ferns nearly doubled their lead in the 89th after a video review awarded them a penalty, but Ria Percival’s attempt hit the post.

Stoppage time stretched for more than 10 minutes before the whistle blew and New Zealand’s bench rushed the field in celebration. Ferns captain Ali Riley pounded her chest, then buried her head in her hands in happy tears.

Considered the favorites in Group A, the Norwegians went into the game 5-1-1 all-time against New Zealand, with the only loss coming in a 2019 exhibition match.

New Zealand has struggled in the run-up to the tournament on home soil, with just one win in its last 11 matches.

The two teams had met just once before at the World Cup: Norway beat the Ferns 4-0 in 1991.

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Nigeria Premier League

Lagos FA Ready For Super Falcons, Algeria Friendly

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Lagos State Football Association has reiterated its readiness to host the second leg of the friendly matches between the Super Falcons and the Green Ladies of Algeria.

The match is slated to hold at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos. And towards a successful hosting, the Lagos FA, was today represented by Hon. Damilare Orimoloye, the SSA On Sports to His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who hosted both teams to a reception Monday, at the State House.

Hon. Orimoloye, who is also a board member of the LSFA, speaking on behalf of FA Chairman Hajji Gafar Liameed, who travelled outside the country, enthused that Lagos FA, would as usual, put in its best efforts to ensure a seamless organisation of the international match.

The Super Falcons on Saturday defeated their Algerian counterparts 2-0, courtesy of a brace by Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in the first leg played at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.

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1472 FC Unveils New Jerseys For 2024/ 2025 Season

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Lagos based NNL side, 1472 Football Club last Saturday at the high-brow HEREL Play, Ikoyi, Lagos, unveiled it’s new sets of playing kits for the 2024/2025 NNL season.

The fast-growing football club owned by UK-based successful businessman and entrepreneur, Dozy Mmobuosi, is set to take the Nigerian football scene by the storm.

The well-attended and glamorous event attracted top football personalities and people from different walks of life that included Hon. Desmond Elliott, Gliffeth Wonuigwe, CEO of GAS Group International and the Secretary of Lagos State Football Association, Akeem Rabiu-Okikiopusu.

Speaking during event, the Chief Executive Officer of the team, Seyi Jones remarked, “If you recall, last season we started on a bright note by winning all our matches. And suddenly, distractions caused us to lose focus. But now, I make bold to say, we are back on our feet much stronger.”

Jones noted that the drive and passion of Dozy Mmobuosi, to use football as a catalyst for social change, is a strong force. Adding that the team aims to develop global football stars. And towards achieving that, the management of the team are working on some synergies that would give the desired results.

The experienced football administrator continued, “My plan is to see our team join the elite clubs in the NPFL and move players to some of our partnered clubs abroad.

On the uniqueness of the team, he said, “We came about the name 1472 FC, because that was the century, Lagos was discovered by the Portuguese explorers. The club belongs to Lagosians.”

He called on well-placed individuals, investors and corporate bodies to come forward to support the team, as it plans to make the state and Nigeria proud.

“1472 FC is your team, especially the Surulere axis where we pitch our tent. Let them take ownership by coming all out to support their darling team,” he added.

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CHAN 2025: Eguavoen Invites Sadiq, Rabiu, Ogunleye, 32 Others For Ghana

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Morocco 2025: Ilechukwu, Four Others To Assist Eguavoen Plot Benin, Rwanda’s Downfall

Head Coach Augustine Eguavoen has called to camp Remo Stars’ wing-back Ismail Sadiq, Kano Pillars’ forward Zikifilu Rabiu and Enugu Rangers’ attacking midfielder Kazeem Ogunleye among a list of 35 players of Super Eagles B for the 2025 African Nations Championship qualifying fixture against Ghana.

The first leg of the fixture, which is a reminder of the qualification series for the last edition of the competition, which Ghana edged on penalty shootout, is billed for the weekend of 20th – 22nd December, with the return leg a week later.

The winner over two legs will earn a slot at the 8th edition of the competition exclusively reserved for footballers plying their trade in their country’s domestic League. The finals will take place across Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, 1st – 28th February 2025.

Akwa United’s Wisdom Ndom, Enugu Rangers’ Saviour Isaac, Anas Yusuf of Nasarawa United and El-Kanemi Warriors’ Abba Maigari are also invited to the camp that will open in Abuja on Tuesday, 29th October.

ALL THE INVITED PLAYERS:

Goalkeepers: Ohisodumeya Osagie (Rivers United); Henry Ozomena (Enyimba FC); Mohammed Galadima (Nasarawa United)

Defenders: Wisdom Ndom (Akwa United); Stephen Mayo (Rivers United); Ifeanyi Onyebuchi (Enugu Rangers); Ismail Sadiq (Remo Stars); Yusuf Isa (Bayelsa United); Abba Maigari (El-Kanemi Warriors); Taiwo Abdulrafiu (Rivers United); Kabiru Mohammed (Kwara United); Junior Nduka (Remo Stars); Victor Collins (Nasarawa United); Abbas Usman (El-Kanemi Warriors);

Midfielders: Innocent Godwin (Abia Warriors); Jide Fatokun (Remo Stars); Musa Zayad (El-Kanemi Warriors); Saviour Isaac (Enugu Rangers); Eze Ekwutoziam (Enyimba FC); Aimufua Aisosa (Kwara United); Tochukwu Michael (Remo Stars); Ifeanyi Assurance (Lobi Stars); Kazeem Ogunleye (Enugu Rangers); Seth Mayi (Sunshine Stars); Stanley Oganbor (Lobi Stars); Meyiwa Oritseweyimi (Bendel Insurance); Toyeeb Gidado (Ikorodu City)

Forwards: Samuel Ayorinde (Shooting Stars); Anas Yusuf (Nasarawa United); Abdul Sanusi (El-Kanemi Warriors); Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars); Abubakar Adamu (Plateau United); Rabiu Zikifilu (Kano Pillars); Temitope Vincent (Plateau United); Michael Enaruma (Bendel Insurance)

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