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World Cup qualifying: Argentina beat Bolivia without Messi as Brazil win late on against Peru

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Argentina have won six successive matches since their penalty shootout win over France in the World Cup final in December

Argentina rested Lionel Messi but still beat Bolivia 3-0 to make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying.

Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring, with further strikes from Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez sealing victory in La Paz.

Brazil also secured their second win after beating Peru 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Marquinhos.

Marcelo Bielsa suffered his first defeat in charge of Uruguay after Ecuador came from behind to win 2-1.

Bielsa’s side, who beat Chile on Saturday, took the lead through Agustin Canobbio, but a goal in each half from Felix Torres secured the win for Ecuador, who also missed a penalty through Enner Valencia.

Messi watched Argentina’s victory from the bench but was not listed among the substitutes having complained of tiredness after scoring the only goal in Wednesday’s win against Ecuador.

“Leo was not ready to play,” said boss Lionel Scaloni after the game. “He tried to recover, but he did not feel comfortable.”

Former Manchester United midfielder Angel di Maria captained the side in Messi’s absence and provided the cross for Fernandez to stroke home a first-half opener.

Bolivia forward Roberto Fernandez was then sent off for a high challenge on Cristian Romero, before Tagliafico headed home Di Maria’s free-kick before the break.

Julian Alvarez hit the post in the second half as the world champions continued to dominate, before Gonzalez wrapped up the win with a left-footed drive late on.

Brazil are the only other side in South American qualifying to make a perfect start but were frustrated for large periods by a defiant Peru side in Lima.

The game looked to be heading for a draw before Neymar’s in-swinging corner was glanced home at the near post by by Marquinhos.

Elsewhere, Chile and Colombia played out a goalless draw in Santiago, while a stoppage-time penalty from Salomon Rondon secured a 1-0 victory for Venezuela against Paraguay.

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Nigeria Premier League

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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Governor Alia Sets Up Forensic Audit Panel For Lobi Stars FC 

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The Governor of Benue State His Exellency Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormen Alia has set up a forensic audit panel to investigate Lobi Stars Football Club’s finances.

This is due to persistent complaints of non-payment of salaries by players and officials ,despite Government financial obligation to the club.

Governor Alia disclosed this when he received Daniel Amokachi, the new Technical Adviser of the Club at the Government House Makurdi on Tuesday.

Governor Alia praised Amokachi’s international football career and urged him to turn around the fortunes of the club for better.

He also presented him with a branded jersey of the club.

Amokachi thanked the Governor and the people of Benue state for the warmed reception accorded him since he arrived

The former Super Eagles player emphasized the importance of paying players salaries, which he described as a big motivation for team to perform well in the football league .

The forensic audit team consists of experienced auditors:

Mr. Sam Chir, Assistant Director ( auditl,Mr. Bishop Dzungwe, Assistant Director (audit),Mr. Akpusugh Terungwa,Assistant Director ( audit ) and Dr. Gberindyer Abraham Chia ,(AG).

Earlier in his brief remarks Dr. Philip Nongu, Chairman of Lobi Stars FC, said he was in Government House Makurdi to present to the Governor ,the new Technic adviser of the club.

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NPFL Rescheduled Tie: Rangers Target Maximum Points As Bayelsa Utd Visit Enugu

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NPFL Rescheduled Tie: Rangers Target Maximum Points As Bayelsa Utd Visit Enugu

The main-bowl of ‘The Cathedral’, Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, will come alive on Thursday, October 3, 2024, as the reigning NPFL champions, Rangers International seek for the maximum point at stake in the rescheduled match day 3, NPFL 2024/2025 fixture as Bayelsa United come visiting.

Still feeling the pains of the 2-1 loss to current table topping side, Remo Stars, at the weekend in Ikenne, the coach Fidelis Ilechukwu tutored side look fit and trim to do the needful against the coach Laddan Bosso led side that picked a draw at the weekend in their backyard, Yenagoa when Kwara United visited.

The ’Flying Antelopes’ will be welcoming back midfielder, Kazeem Ogunleye who was greatly missed in the Ikenne debacle as he served a match suspension just as wing-back, Effimi Nsi, captain, Chinecherem Ugwueze are expected to be at their best to help the Coal City side mount the expected pressure on the early pace setters of the league.

With four points from three matches played in the NPFL this season and currently occupying the 12th spot on the log, the players appreciate the task at hand as expressly stated by the captain of the side, Chinemerem Ugwueze, who stated that the team is determined to give its best and get the expected result that will enhance their resolve to successfully defend the title they won last season.

“No team is a small team anymore. Bayelsa United is a respected side under a great coach but we have our work cut out for us. It is the maximum point that we are targeting and I am optimistic that we shall get our acts together to make our supporters happy at the end of the encounter,” said the young skipper of Rangers.

In sixteen matches between both teams, Rangers have won 5 matches with the Yenagoa side winning 4 while seven matches have ended in draws with the Enugu side spanking their opponent, 3-0 in their last encounter in May, 2024 after earlier suffering a 2-0 loss in Yenagoa in December, 2023.

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