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Tennis: Iga Swiatek, Karolina Muchova set for rematch

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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.”

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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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