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Ilaji Hotels And Resorts, Ibadan To Host Trials For Sports University

Over 100 student-athletes have converged at the Ilaji Hotels and Resorts for the 2023 student /athletes’ scholarship trials.

Senator Ned Nwoko, Chancellor of Sports University of Nigeria, Idumuje -Ugboko, Delta State and President, of Ned Nwoko Foundation is awarding scholarships to 100 students to study at the University.

The scholarship is worth N2.5 million for each student aside from other benefits that will go with it.

Speaking with the sports journalists in Ibadan Monday at the venue, Dr Bob Olukoya; Director, High-Performance Centre, Sports University of Nigeria disclosed that the sports-loving senator decided to give scholarships to the students so as to actualize their dreams having realized that many of the students athletes cannot afford the tuition fee.

He further disclosed that the selection for trials was done through advertisement so that the best would be selected for final phase in Asaba later in the year.

The sports administrator also disclosed that the trials which will end on Wednesday will move to Abuja as from 31st August to 1st September and South East Zone in Aba from 3 – 4 September, while Asaba will host South South Zone on the 6 and 7 September before the final trials scheduled for a yet to be fixed date but will be in Delta State.

While speaking, assistant project coordinator; Ugochinyere Onyewuenyi informed that the trials will be in 18 sports and they are: athletics, swimming, soccer, football, tracks and field, handball, basketball, volleyball, karate, cricket, para Badminton, table tennis, tennis and golf.

“I can state here that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to host the trials with the former General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council; Gboyega Makinde named as athletes assessor’.

She added that some games in the trials will be played at the sports complex of the University of Ibadan.

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Postecoglou dismisses claims that Mathys Tel rejected Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has denied reports suggesting that 19-year-old forward Mathys Tel initially refused to join the club before his deadline-day transfer from Bayern Munich.

Reports emerged last week claiming that Tel had declined a move to Spurs despite meeting chairman Daniel Levy in Germany. However, the forward was later pictured en route to London and officially completed his move on transfer deadline day, joining on loan with a £47.5 million purchase option for the summer.

Addressing the speculation, Postecoglou clarified the situation: “I think people need to understand that you are talking about a 19-year-old who has to make a major decision for his career. It’s not that he rejected us or anyone else. He just wanted to be comfortable with his decision, and credit to him for that.”

Postecoglou also praised Tel’s diligence during the transfer process: “He took so much time and was very diligent about finding out everything. He had other options, which gives me even more confidence that we are getting the right mentality and player. He is ambitious and confident, and it’s great that he chose us.”

Tel may make his debut as Spurs travel to Anfield for the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash against Liverpool on Thursday.

New defensive signing Kevin Danso is also available for selection, but key defenders Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero remain sidelined. Spurs are defending a narrow 1-0 lead from the first leg.

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Galatasaray open talks with Wolves for midfielder Mario Lemina

Galatasaray has confirmed negotiations with Wolves over the transfer of Gabonese midfielder Mario Lemina.

Lemina, who joined Wolves from Nice in January 2023, has been sidelined since January 6 following a fallout with manager Vitor Pereira. The midfielder initially refused to make himself available for selection, only to reverse his stance later. Pereira, however, insisted Lemina would remain out until the transfer window closed.

On Wednesday, Galatasaray announced they had entered discussions with both Lemina and Wolves, with Turkey’s transfer window remaining open until February 11.

Lemina, 31, previously played for Galatasaray on loan during the 2019-20 season, making 28 appearances.

His time at Wolves saw challenges, including losing the captaincy to Nelson Semedo after a clash with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen. Wolves, currently sitting 17th in the Premier League, are just two points above the relegation zone after a difficult season.

Galatasaray, on the other hand, lead the Turkish Super Lig and have advanced to the knockout play-off stage of the Europa League.

Lemina’s career began at Lorient, followed by stints at Marseille and Juventus. Southampton signed him for a then club-record £18.1 million in 2017, where he made 52 appearances.

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Tsimikas urges aggression as Liverpool aim to overcome Spurs in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Liverpool fullback Kostas Tsimikas has called on his teammates to adopt an aggressive approach as they prepare to face Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield.

Trailing by a one-goal deficit from the first leg, Tsimikas expressed confidence in Liverpool’s ability to secure victory on home turf.

“Everybody is really ready for this game. It will be tough, but we are prepared for every challenge,” Tsimikas told the club’s website.

He emphasized the team’s determination to win every trophy this season, highlighting the importance of the Anfield crowd.

“The fans always give us extra power and confidence. With Anfield at our backs, we are stronger, and we have to show that again.”

Discussing the game plan, Tsimikas stressed the importance of an early goal to shift the game’s momentum.

“We need to score quickly. That will change the dynamic and force them to open up. We must capitalize on that and score goals to win.”

The Reds will be looking to harness their attacking prowess and fan support as they seek to overturn Tottenham’s advantage and progress to the final.