Nigeria Premier League

Tennis: Iga Swiatek, Karolina Muchova set for rematch

Iga Swiatek held off a strong challenge from former world No 1 Karolina Pliskova to reach the third round of the Canadian Open to set up a tasty rematch with Karolina Muchova.

Fresh from winning her maiden title on home soil in Poland a fortnight ago, Swiatek was involved in a scrappy opening set with Pliskova before getting her act together to a secure 7-6 (8-6), 6-2 victory to take her 2023 win-loss record to 48–7.

“This first match was a challenge, it’s always a challenge especially against a player like that,” Swiatek said after the match.

“She for sure used her experience in the first set, but I am happy that I could close it in a tie-break, and in the second set I was more solid because I really wanted to reset, think about what I could do better and I am pretty glad that I did that.”

The world No 1 did get off to a blistering start as she broke in the opening game of the match, but her Czech opponent hit back immediately. Swiatek again got her nose in front in game seven, but again her rival countered with an immediate break.

And so it went to a tie-breaker, which the Pole edged.

From there it was much more straightforward as Swiatek broke in games two and six of the second set, although Pliskova did get one break back.

Roland Garros runner-up Muchova awaits in the third round and when the pair met in Paris just over two months ago, Swiatek came out on top with a 6–2, 5–7, 6–4 win.

But the four-time Grand Slam champion knows she cannot rest on her laurels.

“I think any way we have to be ready for the next match and kind of expect that anything can happen because tennis can be pretty unpredictable,” Swiatek said.

“You know, one player can have a bad day. At the same time the other one can play the best tennis of their life.”

Meanwhile, Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova ended former world No 1 Caroline Wozniacki’s comeback run as she beat the Dane 6-2, 7-5 in the second round.

More than three years after she retired, Wozniacki returned to action in Montreal on Tuesday and comfortably beat qualifier Kimberly Birrell from Australia.

However, Vondrousova was always going to be a step up and the Czech claimed a solid win to set up a clash against sixth seed Coco Gauff, who defeated Katie Boulter 6-2, 6-2.

Second seed Aryna Sabalenka kicked off her campaign with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) win over Petra Martic while third seed Elena Rybakina survived a test as she beat the resurgent Jennifer Brady 6-7 (3-7), 7-6 (7-5), 6-3.

“I would say the conditions are little bit tricky,” Sabalenka said. “I was practicing in Florida and the bounce was completely different. I remember in US Open and Cincinnati the ball bounces high. Here the ball is not bouncing at all. So it’s a little tricky to play here but I hope to adjust and play my best tennis.”

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers’ Coach Rues Defeat At El-Kanemi, Says My Boys Lost Concentration When It Mattered

Rangers International FC’s coach, Fidelis Ilechukwu, attributed his team’s 2-1 defeat to El-Kanemi Warriors FC in Maiduguri on Wednesday to lapses in concentration within his defence.

The NPFL matchday 21 clash saw El-Kanemi secured the win at the El-Kanemi Stadium, Maiduguri.

Ilechukwu, who also serves as an assistant coach for the Nigerian national team, acknowledged his players’ overall performance but highlighted two critical moments of defensive inattentiveness that allowed El-Kanemi to score.

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on future achievements.

He described the current situation as a temporary setback and reassured fans that Rangers would soon return to winning form while urging his players to remain confident as they prepare for their next game against the high-scoring Ikorodu City.

El-Kanemi’s goals came from Nasiru Salihu, who scored in the 18th and 73rd minutes. Isaac Saviour scored the lone goal for Rangers in the 63rd minute.

Despite Rangers’ efforts to equalize, including the introduction of former World Cup star Michael Uchebo, El-Kanemi’s goalkeeper, Abine George, made crucial saves in extra time to secure the victory.

The win moved El-Kanemi Warriors into 4th place on the league table, while Rangers dropped to 6th.

Rangers will face Ikorodu City, who are currently 5th with the same number of points, at home on Monday, February 3, 2025, at 4:00 pm at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.