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Colombia 2024: Falconets Eliminated From World Cup By Japan

Colombia 2024: Falconets Eliminated From World Cup By Japan

Reigning vice champions Japan edged Nigeria 2-1 in the Round of 16 at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia on Friday morning, ending the promising journey of the Falconets.

A goal in each half, first by Miyu Matsunaga and then by Maya Hijikata, meant that Olushola Shobowale’s composed finish one minute into time-added-on was too little too late in driving rain at the Estadio Metropolitano de Techo in Bogota.

The tenacious Maya Hijikata came close in the 13th minute, almost capitalizing as goalkeeper Faith Omilana came out to punch the ball from a cross, but Comfort Folorunsho was on the line to rescue the situation.

Japan’s famed electric pace and clever flicks and chips were countered by Nigeria’s fit-fighting approach and positional play. But in the 18th minute, Japan came close again when Uno Shiragaki and Manaka Matsukubo missed getting a touch on the ball as Rio Sasaki carved open Nigeria’s defence from a free kick on the right.

The East Asians would go in front in the 33rd minute, as Matsunaga headed home a cross by Rihona Ujihara.

Four minutes before the break, Nigeria could have levelled when Rofiat Imuran’s in-swinger from the left rattled goalkeeper Akana Okuma, but Maya Hijikata cleared the ball off the line.

Hijikata made it two for Japan in the 66th minute when she drove the ball into the net after a cross from the right by Chinari Sasai. Omilana punched over fierce shots by Matsunaga and Suzu Amano in the 77th and 86th minute respectively, but Nigeria made it a tense finish when Shobowale coolly slotted in a cross from the left by substitute Goodness Osigwe.

Japan will face Spain in the quarter-finals, in a re-match of the final match of the last edition in Costa Rica two years ago.

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Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Could Man Utd Get Sucked Into Premier League Relegation Fight?

Ruben Amorim increasingly has the look of a man with regrets. Since taking over as Manchester United manager, the Portuguese has won just four out of 10 fixtures in all competitions with Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Wolves the latest disappointing result to highlight the trouble being experienced by the Old Trafford outfit.

United deserved to lose at Molineux. Bruno Fernandes’ mindless red card reduced his team to 10 men with Wolves able to make the most of its advantage through goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan. This was Manchester United’s third straight defeat after losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth.

When Amorim arrived at Old Trafford, there was a chance that Manchester United could have mounted a late challenge for a Champions League qualification place. Now, United is slumped in 14th place in the Premier League table, 11 points off the top four. The Red Devils are closer to the bottom three.

In fact, the way Manchester United is playing right now, it’s not impossible that it could get sucked into the relegation fight at the foot of the table. Amorim and his players will face Newcastle United and table-toppers Liverpool before the end of the festive stretch of fixtures, meaning even darker days could come in the near future.

 

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“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

“The little things stuck with me” – Super Eagles star credits his Father for Christmas charity act

Super Eagles and Fulham attacking midfielder, Alex Chuka Iwobi, has revealed his Father played a huge role in his Christmas charity event a few days ago, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old opened a shop in East London under the name “AlexPress“, and stuffed it with food and groceries to give back to the people of the community where he grew up.

Iwobi revealed his Father played a huge role in the act, as he made sure kindness was instilled into the family by showing examples even in the little things.

“Even now, my dad, for example, if we’re going to the shop to get a one-pound drink, he’d give the guy in charge five pounds and tell him to keep the rest. When the bin men came, he’d make sure he was awake when they came around just so he could give them extra bottles of water. Little things like that stuck with me.

My mum and dad do that, and even my sisters do the same. We just like to help other people, especially family. Seeing my parents do that, and being in a position like I am, it’s only right that I give back to the community.

“I was able to create AlexPress, a little mini-mart. The shop is like a road away from the primary school I went to, so we were able to hire that for the day and basically invite as many people to collect Christmas food for their families.

So many people were able to leave with a smile on their faces and it makes it easier for them to enjoy Christmas because I know the cost of living is not easy, so I try to help in any way I can,” the former Everton man told Fulham’s official website.

Away from Iwobi, another Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, also gave food items and tricycles to locals of Olusosun, in Lagos, Nigeria – the town where he went from being a boy to being a man.

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Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Osimhen and Leverkusen’s Boniface Light Up Lagos With ‘Detty’ December Celebration

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface recently brought the festive season to life in Lagos with an unforgettable December celebration, Soccernet.ng reports.

The two Super Eagles stars joined in the city’s vibrant “detty” December festivities, dancing and relaxing at a club with their peers.

In a video shared on social media, Osimhen, currently in top form with Galatasaray in Turkey, can be seen dancing to a song played in the club, while injured Boniface enjoys a drink from his cup.

Boniface and Osimhen’s Bond
Both players are key figures in the Super Eagles squad. Boniface, seen as the potential replacement for Osimhen when the talisman is injured or on the bench, shares a close bond with his teammate.

After winning the Bundesliga title with Leverkusen last season, Boniface recalled how Osimhen predicted his rise in the German league.

“Shout out to [Victor] Osimhen because I remember when they [Napoli] won the league. He told me next year will be your turn and it’s happening now. Senior man respect,” Boniface told Soccernet.ng.

Even on Boniface’s 24th birthday, Osimhen took to social media to celebrate his teammate:

“Birthday blessings starboy! Only love and well wishes over here man. See you soon!”

Off the pitch, Boniface values his relationship with Osimhen and recently named the Napoli forward as the most valuable contact on his phone. The former Union SG player has also praised Osimhen for his impressive performances at club level.

Osimhen and Boniface: Big in the Transfer Market
The two Super Eagles stars have attracted the attention of top European clubs looking to strengthen their squads.

Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal, have previously been linked with both players, and one of them may soon make a move to England.

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