Connect with us

News

Rory McIlroy Vows To ‘Lead’ Europe At Ryder Cup

Published

on

Rory McIlroy insists he is ready to lead from the front by turning up first and “getting blue on the board” at the Ryder Cup.

An emotional McIlroy broke down in tears after the record 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits in 2021, when he admitted his emotions got the better of him, but the four-time Major winner and World No.2 is determined to reverse the result in Rome, after 10 consecutive top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour and a closing 65 at the BMW PGA Championship last weekend.

McIlroy says he knows what skipper Luke Donald expects of him at Marco Simone in Rome as the Americans bid to win away in Europe for the first time since 1993.
The 34-year-old, who infamously nearly missed his tee-off time at the Miracle in Medinah, said: “Luke doesn’t expect me to stand up there and make big speeches or say a lot of things.

“As Luke said, I can lead with my clubs, making birdies and getting blue on the board. If I can lead by example and be the first one to the team room if there is a meeting, first one on the bus on the way to the course. Anything like that where I’m still doing all the things that you should do and not getting complacent, that’s the way I would like to lead.”

McIlroy is preparing to make his seventh Ryder Cup appearance, having helped Europe win the trophy on four occasions. He is fully behind captain Donald, who took the captaincy from Henrik Stenson after the Swede was sacked following his move to LIV Golf.

“I think he’s been fantastic,” added McIlroy. “He took the job in very weird circumstances I guess, but he’s taken it in his stride and he’s been fantastic with me.

“I’m sure he’s had a lot more interaction with some of the rookies and the new guys that are on the team. I feel at this point I can take care of myself a little bit. But if you speak to everyone we’ve all been really pleased with the job him and all of his team have done so far. It’s been great.”

Author

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

DISGRACE! CAF Humiliates Libya With $50,000 Fines, Awards Victory To Nigeria After AFCON Qualifying Disaster 

Published

on

Super Eagles

The Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football has awarded the Super Eagles of Nigeria three points and three goals in their abandoned matchday 4, 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya, which was scheduled to be held in Benina on 15 October.

In its ruling on Saturday, signed by chairman Ousmane Kane, the Disciplinary Board determined that the Libyan Football Federation was in breach of Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations and Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The Libyan Football Federation is found to have breached Article 31 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, as well as Articles 82 and 151 of the CAF Disciplinary Code.

“The match No. 87, Libya v Nigeria, of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers 2025 (scheduled to be played on 15 October 2024 in Benghazi), is declared lost by forfeit by Libya (with a record of 3-0),” the ruling read in part.

 

The LFF was also ordered to pay a fine of USD 50,000, with payment due within 60 days of notification of the present decision.

The outcome of the Disciplinary Committee means that Nigeria is close to qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with two matches to spare.

As a result, the Super Eagles are now on 10 points from four matches, four points ahead of second-placed Benin Republic, while Rwanda has five points. Bottom-placed Libya has only one point and is out of the running for qualification.

A win or draw against the Cheetahs of Benin Republic in Abidjan on Thursday, 14 November (a matchday 5 encounter) will secure the Super Eagles a ticket to the finals in Morocco, scheduled for December 2025/January 2026.

The Nigerian team had boycotted the match citing safety concerns, after being left stranded at the remote Al-Abraq airport on the outskirts of Benghazi for over 22 hours.

The LFF, in response, accused the Nigeria Football Federation of not cooperating with it regarding the travel itinerary.

It also alleged that the Libyan national team had suffered the same fate in Nigeria during the reverse fixture a week earlier, claiming the team was left stranded at the Port Harcourt Airport by Nigerian authorities.

 

Author

Continue Reading

News

CAF Increases Prize Money By 40% As Deficit Shrinks

Published

on

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a significant financial turnaround, reducing its deficit from $28.9 million to $9.2 million in the 2022-2023 fiscal year.

This was disclosed during the 46th CAF Ordinary Assembly, chaired by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The financial progress marks a major improvement compared to the previous year when CAF reported a deficit of $45 million.

This positive trend is largely attributed to strategic reforms initiated by the CAF management in 2021, aimed at strengthening the organization’s financial health.

CAF has also projected a net profit of $11.7 million for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, signalling the first time in years that the governing body anticipates a financial surplus.

This surplus is expected to further enhance CAF’s ability to invest in the development of African football at all levels.

Key drivers of the improved financial performance include increased revenue from media rights and sponsorship deals related to CAF competitions.

This revenue growth has enabled the organization to increase financial support to its Member Associations, doubling annual subventions from $200,000 in 2021 to $400,000 in 2024-2025.

CAF has also committed 84% of its expenditure toward African football development, emphasising prize money, competition organization, and football development programs.

The financial stability achieved is expected to further propel the growth and development of the sport across the continent.

Author

Continue Reading

News

WAFU B U20 Championship: Flying Eagles Soar Over Elephants Into Semi-Finals

Published

on

Nigeria came from behind to edge a flaming battle with Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in Lome on Thursday to reach the semi-finals of this year’s WAFU B U20 Championship.

In the event, Burkina Faso’s Young Etalons were eliminated on inferior goal-count against those of the Flying Eagles and the Young Elephants. Nigeria scored two goals and conceded two, same for the Ivorians, with all three teams in group B finishing with three points each. The Burkinabes scored one and conceded one, in beating Nigeria and losing to the Ivorians, by the odd goal each way.

Victory handed Aliyu Zubair’s side the opportunity to continue chasing the defence of their title, won in Niamey two years ago.

A feisty first half at the Municipal Stadium ended scoreless. Bidemi Amole’s hopeful shot from distance sailed wide, while striker Kparobo’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by the Ivorian goalkeeper.

In the 39th minute, Nigeria’s appeal for a penalty was rejected by the referee. As the first half drew to a close, the Flying Eagles continued to press, with Amole’s effort crashing against the crossbar.

The second half witnessed increased urgency from the Flying Eagles. Côte d’Ivoire’s effort was chalked off in the 48th minute, and Nigeria’s striker Kparobo was denied by the goalkeeper in the 53rd minute. Amole, again, came close soon after.

The Ivorians finally broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute, but Clinton Jephta equalized for Nigeria shortly after. Kparobo Arierhi scored the winning goal, securing a 2-1 win for the Flying Eagles.

“We showed resilience and determination,” said Coach Aliyu Zubairu, “We’re delighted with the victory and look forward to the semi-finals.”

Nigeria will take on Niger Republic in Saturday’s semi-finals.

Author

Continue Reading

Trending