SportsDay 24-01-2023_cl

2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France Carabao Cup Semifinal Games To Air On GOtv Aussie Open: Djokovic Breezes Into Quarterfinal NPFL: Doma Coach Regrets Absence Of VAR In NPFL T H I S D AY • FRIDAY, MAY 20, 2022 47 Sports SportsDay International sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline Africa's Elite Sports Daily Day N50 Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 Vol. 1 No 049 ISSN 23543043 Wednesday December 14, 2022 Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Delta Govt Caution FG, Others, Against Blackmails Over 13 Percent Derivation 2 Funds 9 Qatar 2022 World Cup Super Stars & Super Flops Ogunbote Says Process Of Building Formidable Shooting Stars Ongoing Kenyan TwoTime Olympic Champion Cheats Death In Plane Crash 3 5 3 NSF 2022: Edo PS Restates Commitment To Grassroots Sports Development As Continggent Returns 6 Vol. 1 No.086 ISSN 23543043 Tuesday January 24, 2023 N50 IMC Orders Indefinite Freezing Of Fixtures Adjustments 6 9 Our Plan Is To Get Continental Ticket, Says Akwa  United  Coach 6 It’s Not My Decision To Sack Lampard, Everton Owner Reacts To Coach’s Ouster 4 Buhari Commissions Lekki Deep Sea Port, Largest In SubSaharan Africa 8 2023: S/South Group Backs Atiku/Okowa Presidency 3 7 4 3 I’m Happy Arsenal Won But United Have Improved Under Ten Hag -–Henry 2 We Paid For Our Mistake Against Arsenal  –Ten Hag

2 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France VICTORIA BENEDICT   Thierry Henry, the Arsenal legend, has expressed joy that his former club defeated Manchester United in their much talked about English Premier League match on Sunday. The Gunners defeated the Red Devil’s 3-2 with goals from Nketiah and Bukayo saka and the former Barcelona forward admitted that he was happy but said Manchester United have improved under Coach Ten Hag. “I am happy that Arsenal won and they deserved to win after their performance in the second half but boy Man United look completely different under ten Hag. “I will be honest, I am a big fan of ten Hag and I like him very much. He is the coach I recommended to Laporta after Koeman got sacked at Barca. “He is a genius. Today we saw a team with three years of development against a team with six months of development, also a team with one week of rest against a team with two days of rest yet still Man United went toe-to-toe which for me was surprising. “I thought Arsenal will be all over United from the kick off and United players will sit back but I was wrong, United in fact had better control of the ball in the first half. You give one more year to ten Hag and back him in market, United will be a force to reckon with. “No disrespect to Sir Alex but if ten Hag gets it right at United, they will play more attractive football than they played under Sir Alex Ferguson.” SportsNEWS 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline PORTSDAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2022 Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Ghana at Stadium 974. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different World Cups, his penalty giving his side the lead. Andre Ayew then equalised for Ghana, before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao gave Portugal the win. Portugal dominated territory and ball in a tedious opening 45, the two chances they creates falling to Ronaldo. The first one slipped away thanks to a poor first touch and the second went begging when he headed wide having done all the hard work in climbing to meet a cross. Eurosport reports that things were much better after the break, Portugal handed the lead for a foul that just wasn’t, Mohammed Salisu on Ronaldo. Ronaldo slammed home from the post, but Ghana, inspired by Mohammed Kudus, soon equalised through Ayew. Otto Addo, though, opted to take off both his strikers and within seconds, Portugal were 3-1in front, Bruno Fernandes creating goals for Felix and Ayew that put this team in control of Group H and a gloss on the scoreline that their performance did not really deserve. Then, just when it seemed like Ghana had given up, Osman Bukari scored a livener, but despite nine added minutes, Portugal hung on for the win. Ghana were always going to sit deep, pack central areas and hope for a draw, so it also made no sense that Santoa picked Otavio and Ruben Neves when one of the two would’ve done. Then he could've included another attacking player, making Portugal a far better and more watchable outfit. Yes, they sneaked away with a win in the end, but Santos is still in danger of wasting another tournament. SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Marketing Pelumi Adele Emeka Emmanuel. Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS Ronaldo Sets World Cup Record As Ghana Grabs Africa’s First Goals Rosemary Omoh Biz. Devt Cameroon Stretches World Cup Losing Streak To Eight Games Chukwueze The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could not hold their own against Switzerland on Thursday despite dominating the first half of their World Cup game. Losing 1-0 after the Swiss scored in the second half, the former African champions extended their World Cup losing woes. The 1-0 defeat was their eighth successive loss that the team has recorded at the World Cup. The indomitable Lions last won a World Cup match when they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Saitama Stadium in Japan on 6 June 2002. Samuel Eto’o, now the president of Cameroon football governing body scored the solatary goal to be the last player to score a winning goal for Cameroon at the World Cup. At South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, Cameroon lost all their six matches as well as their last match at the 2002 World Cup. Sportsvillagesquare reports that losing streak was further switched on by Breel Embolo who scored for Switzerland in the 48th minute. 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline PORTSDAY, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2022 Portugal got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 3-2 win over Ghana at Stadium 974. Cristiano Ronaldo became the first man to score in five different World Cups, his penalty giving his side the lead. Andre Ayew then equalised for Ghana, before Joao Felix and Rafael Leao gave Portugal the win. Portugal dominated territory and ball in a tedious opening 45, the two chances they creates falling to Ronaldo. The first one slipped away thanks to a poor first touch and the second went begging when he headed wide having done all the hard work in climbing to meet a cross. Eurosport reports that things were much better after the break, Portugal handed the lead for a foul that just wasn’t, Mohammed Salisu on Ronaldo. Ronaldo slammed home from the post, but Ghana, inspired by Mohammed Kudus, soon equalised through Ayew. Otto Addo, though, opted to take off both his strikers and within seconds, Portugal were 3-1in front, Bruno Fernandes creating goals for Felix and Ayew that put this team in control of Group H and a gloss on the scoreline that their performance did not really deserve. Then, just when it seemed like Ghana had given up, Osman Bukari scored a livener, but despite nine added minutes, Portugal hung on for the win. Ghana were always going to sit deep, pack central areas and hope for a draw, so it also made no sense that Santoa picked Otavio and Ruben Neves when one of the two would’ve done. Then he could've included another attacking player, making Portugal a far better and more watchable outfit. Yes, they sneaked away with a win in the end, but Santos is still in danger of wasting another tournament. SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Marketing Pelumi Adele Emeka Emmanuel. Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS Ronaldo Sets World Cup Record As Ghana Grabs Africa’s First Goals Rosemary Omoh Biz. Devt Cameroon Stretches World Cup Losing Streak To Eight Games Chukwueze The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon could not hold their own against Switzerland on Thursday despite dominating the first half of their World Cup game. Losing 1-0 after the Swiss scored in the second half, the former African champions extended their World Cup losing woes. The 1-0 defeat was their eighth successive loss that the team has recorded at the World Cup. The indomitable Lions last won a World Cup match when they defeated Saudi Arabia 1-0 at the Saitama Stadium in Japan on 6 June 2002. Samuel Eto’o, now the president of Cameroon football governing body scored the solatary goal to be the last player to score a winning goal for Cameroon at the World Cup. At South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014, Cameroon lost all their six matches as well as their last match at the 2002 World Cup. Sportsvillagesquare reports that losing streak was further switched on by Breel Embolo who scored for Switzerland in the 48th minute. I’m Happy Arsenal Won But United Have Improved Under Ten Hag –Henry Rosemary Omoh Ag. General Manager Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Benedict Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harocurt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi –Benin Edo/Delta Bureau Chief Olivia Ekpe Biz Devt Manager 08055151150 +13013187781 08097639574 01-4585477

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 3 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsNEWS The first leg of the semifinals of the Carabao Cup between Southampton and Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United is set to broadcast on GOtv. On Tuesday night, Southampton will host Newcastle United at the St Mary Stadium for the first-leg of the twolegged tie. The Saints shocked the world when they defeated 8-time winner, Manchester City in the quarter-finals. Two first half goals from Sekou Mara and Moussa Djenepo were enough to secure a slot in the last four for the Saints after Pep Guardiola’s men failed to register a shot on target in the match. Southampton will have to be in their best form to overcome an in-form Newcastle. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football (Ch 31) at 9:00pm. Although Nigerian star Joe Aribo has lost his place in the team since Nathan Jones replaced Ralph Hassenhutti as the manager at Southampton, he will be hoping to get the nod for tonight’s game. Meanwhile, Jones has urged his team to improve their performance against the visitors. “The Semi-final is going to be tough, tough, tough. Though it won’t be any tougher than playing Manchester City. I watched the game where Newcastle were here (NUFC won 4-1 at Southampton) prior to my appointment and we have got to be better than that,” Jones said in reaction to the Carabao Cup draw. On Wednesday night, Nottingham Forest will take on Manchester United. Steve Cooper’s men will be without their talismanic goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, who is ineligible to play against his parent club. The match will be broadcast live on SuperSport Football (Ch 31) at 9:00pm. Henderson, who is currently on loan at the City Ground from United, was the hero for Nottingham when they beat Wolves 4-3 in the quarterfinals after they played 1-1 in normal time. A frustrated Cooper bemoaned Henderson’s imminent absence against United at the post-match briefing with BBC Sports. “After seeing the night he had tonight, he was excellent in the penalty shootout, but he was good in the game, more than good in the game. It’s unfortunate. He’s part of our group, he is so invested in the group and how we work, what we’re trying to accelerate in terms of what we want to become,” he said. To enjoy these games and many more, you can get a GOtv Decoder, GOtenna and 1 month Max subscription for N9,900 only. Download the MyGOtv app to subscribe or upgrade or set up Auto-Renewal to stay connected without interruptions. Customers can also dial *288# to recharge. Carabao Cup Semifinal Games To Air On GOtv We Paid For Our Mistake Against Arsenal –Ten Hag Erik ten Hag blamed defensive mistakes as his Manchester United side went down 3-2 at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday to leave them 11 points off the top of the table. A run of five successive wins had prompted title talk at Old Trafford but a draw in midweek at Crystal Palace and Sunday’s defeat has halted United’s charge. United led early through a Marcus Rashford goal and after falling 2-1 behind drew level through Lisandro Martinez. But Eddie Nketiah’s 90th-minute close-range effort sealed a deserved win for Arsenal who dominated the second half. “It was a great game with a lot of tempo and the audience is the big winner,” Ten Hag, whose side are in fourth place behind Newcastle United on goal difference, told the BBC. “Two top teams but of course we are disappointed when you lose this game at a late stage. All the goals we conceded today are mistakes — it can’t happen.” United were guilty of allowing Nketiah a free header after needlessly conceding a corner and then stood off Bukayo Saka as he fired Arsenal ahead early in the second half. They rode their luck late on but Nketiah flicked home from in front of goal in the 90th minute. “Even last week, we were so hard to beat in such situations. Today we were not. All three goals, we could have avoided,” Dutchman Ten Hag said. “They are very good on the ball but we are a good defending team. “There were not a lot of open chances. We made mistakes which we cannot make. This game was decided by small details but also the decision making. That is hard to accept. “I want to win. It is not good enough. We want to be the number one but not if we make mistakes. That is clear and what I told them.”

2 4 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsNEWS F rank Lampard arrived at Goodison Park in January 2022, and though he helped the club avoid the drop last season, he leaves Everton in 19th place in the Premier League table, level on points with bottom-club Southampton who won 2-1 at Goodison on January 14. Everton have sacked manager Frank Lampard after Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by West Ham left them 19th in the Premier League and without a win in 10 matches in all competitions. Lampard’s dismissal follows Everton owner Farhad Moshiri attending his first match since October 2021 as the Toffees succumbed to defeat at the London Stadium - their third consecutive defeat in the league. The former Chelsea boss arrived at Goodison Park in January 2022, and although he helped the club avoid the drop last season, he leaves Everton with 15 points from 20 games and three wins this term - the worst victory record in the division. Everton are 19th in the table, with only Southampton below them on goal difference. Everton fans protested against the club’s hierarchy as Jarrod Bowen’s double condemned their team to defeat but the board have instead responded by dismissing Lampard. Speaking to Sky Sports News after that defeat, Moshiri said “it’s not my decision” when asked if Lampard’s time was up, while the head coach insisted he remained focused on the challenge at hand in his final post-match interview. “It’s my job to work and focus and keep my head down,” Lampard told Sky Sports. “I’ve got absolute confidence in how I want to coach. And if they are difficult conditions at the minute, for a lot of different reasons that I’m very aware of, then that’s it. I just have to do my job and it’s not for me to make too many diversions around it rather than talk about what I can affect and that’s the players, trying to get the right results.” Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson told Soccer Saturday that he didn’t believe Lampard had lost the commitment of the players - but questioned the quality of the players at Lampard’s disposal. “They’re not not trying for Lampard, it’s nothing to do with that,” said Merson. “Sometimes you look at players and think, ‘they’re just waiting for the manager to go and then they’ll start running around again’. They work hard. But they’re just not up to it at the moment. “They keep on losing to all the teams around them, that’s the worry. They’ve lost to Wolves, Southampton and West Ham in three of their last five games.” It’s Not My Decision To Sack Lampard, Everton Owner Reacts To Coach’s Ouster Aussie Open: Djokovic Breezes Into Quarterfinal Novak Djokovic moved into a 13th Melbourne Park quarterfinal with a 6-2 6-1 6-2 win in just over two hours at Rod Laver Arena on Monday night. “Tennis is a very quick, dynamic sport,” Djokovic said on court afterward. “Things can change in a matter of moments. So I kept my focus all the way through and played (my) best match of this year so far.” Australians have faced the “Big Three” of Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer over the years at the Australian Open, including De Minaur, Nick Kyrgios, Bernard Tomic and John Millman. Some came close to engineering an upset – especially Millman against Federer three years ago – before ultimately falling short. He lost to Nadal at Rod Laver Arena four years ago, but edged the 22-time Grand Slam winner at the United Cup in his native Sydney this month. His mantra at this Australian Open has been, ‘Don’t worry, be happy’, even writing the name of the 1988 hit song on his red racquet bag. De Minaur happily progressed to the last 16, dropping one set. Djokovic continued to manage his hamstring injury, taking medical timeouts the previous two rounds. De Minaur, however, wasn’t “reading too much” into the leg issue ahead of the pair’s first meeting. “Ultimately he’s one of the best players in the world, and I’m just going to have to take it to him and not shy away from the occasion,” he said. “I’m going to make sure to make it as tough as I can, and just bring the recent experience I’ve had on court and how I’ve been feeling.” De Minaur’s mentor, Lleyton Hewitt, did top Nadal at Melbourne Park in 2005. He looked on Monday from his charge’s box, along with another Australian great, Tony Roche. The opening rally, 17 shots, suggested an extended contest was on the way. That would not be unusual for De Minaur, well known for his speed and ability to defend. Perhaps wary of such a possibility, Djokovic – the taping to his left hamstring in place once again – slammed a serve on the next point. Indeed, lengthy exchanges became the anomaly. Djokovic pushed De Minaur in the fourth game, a sign of things to come. He broke for 4-2, part of a stretch where he tallied 10 straight points. He was barely conceding any points on serve, too. Djokovic striking both forehands and backhands down the line proved a difference between the pair. And his glittering return is still there. Djokovic fizzed a forehand return down the line to earn a break point at 3-0 in the second, and put even more force behind another forehand return at 4-0 in the third. Meanwhile, De Minaur never held a break point. Djokovic said he didn’t feel the injury, but wasn’t about to over-celebrate. “I didn’t feel anything today. Today was great,” he said. “I keep on going. Obviously, I don’t want to celebrate too early. I’m still in the tournament. “I was feeling very good in the first match. Second match not so great, so I know that things can change really quickly. I don’t take anything for granted. “I’m really pleased with the way I played, moved, the way I hit the ball. Let’s keep it going.” Key stats Djokovic struck 26 winners to De Minaur’s nine, and claimed 67 per cent of his second-serve points. The emphatic win kept a “Big Three” streak going. Every year since the start of 2004, at least one has made the quarterfinals. In 2003, note that Federer lost to David Nalbandian in the fourth round while a young Nadal and Djokovic didn’t play.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 5 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsFeatures VICTORIA BENEDICT   S hate. A brace from Robert Mizo in each half gave Aiteo cup champions Bayelsa United a 2-1 victory over visitors Wikki Tourist of Bauchi in match day three of the Nigeria Premier Football League decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa. Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Diepreye Teibowei made one change from the starting eleven against Dakkada Fc and Abia warriors with Erukpe Innocent getting his start of the season as Osagie Onisodumeya continued in goalpost ahead of Chijioke Ejiogu. Robert Mizo drew the first blood just before the halftime mark from Endurance Ebedebiri’s harder having failed to take advantage of the 37 minute from Daniel Ekpo long range shot that was saved by the visitors goalkeeper Emeka Anyia. Taiwo Abdulrafiu immediately initiated a counter attack that would have resulted to a goal but was blocked by Ogene Elijah abbreviating the celebration of the jubilant fans at the Samson Siasia Stadium. Apparently not satisfied with the performance of his side, coach Diepreye Teibowei introduced Loveday Saro for Chizoba Emaefule and Uge Joshua in place of Daniel Ekpo in search for the security goal. Isreal consul almost made it 2-0 for the Prosperity Boys on resumption after a one on one with the visitors shot stopper but wasted it as Wikki Tourist continued to dominate proceedings having injected new legs in the game. Man of the moment Robert Mizo on 70 minute completed his brace through Stephen Wisdom to increase his goal tally to three after three games in the season. When it seemed the Prosperity Boys were going to end 2-0 Prince John reduced the deficit for Wikki from a spot kick on 89 minute. The victory leaves United with four points from three games and will next travel to Jos to face Lobi Stars while Wikki Tourist will be at home against Doma United. In a post match interview, Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei, said the his lads gave their best, pointing out that the victory has brought relief to the team Technical Adviser of Wikki Tourist Kabiru Dogo, noted that his team played according to their game plan, stating that the pressure was on his side because they were yet to record a win in the league this season. Coach Dogo, asserted that the team will bounce back from their poor run of form as the league progresses. Nasarawa United endured another difficult day in the elite Nigeria football league after they went down 0-3 at home to visiting Akwa United on Sunday at the New Jos International Stadium, Plateau State. After back-to-back defeats against Enyimba and El-Kanemi Warriors, the Solid Miners went into today’s game with a mindset to earn their first win of the Season, as they caused early ripples at the opponents’ territory. Anas Yusuf’s left footed shot from range following a clever pass from Ikenna Offor went inches over the bar in the 19th minute. The attacker again tried from close range but got his effort dealt with by the Goalkeeper, Jean Efala. Against the run of play, Akwa United won a free-kick in the hosts’ territory. James Ajako benefited from the eventual kick following some poor defending and whipped in a powerful left footed shot, as both sides went into the break with the travellers leading 1-0. The Uyo-based side compounded the woes of the hosts two minutes into the restart. Ndifreke Effiong headed home a free-kick. Onuche Ogbelu nearly changed the scoreline only for his freekick to be palmed into a corner kick by the goalkeeper. Fifteen minutes to regulation time, Akwa United put matters to rest with a third goal through Ndifreke Effiong who outran the United defence, condemning the home side to their third straight defeat of the 2022/23 Nigeria Professional Football League Season. The Solid Miners will travel to Gombe to face Gombe United on Saturday, 28th January, 2023, by 4pm. Nasarawa United Suffer Heavy Defeat To Akwa United In NPFL Match-Day Three Bayelsa United Secure First League Victory, as Mizo Net a Brace

2 6 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SPORT NEWS IMC Orders Indefinite Freezing Of Fixtures Adjustments Our Plan Is To Get Continental Ticket, Says Akwa United Coach BENJAMIN AMOGU   Deji Ayeni, the coach of Akwa United, has said his target this season is to return the club to the continent. He made the statement during a postmatch conference involving his team and Nasarawa United. He said the club management gave him a target of taking the team back to the continent and he also praised the players for their resilience in the game. “Nigeria league has got to a level at which if you prepare physically and mentally well, you can go anywhere and get your points. Bendel Insurance came to our house and shocked us 2-0 and we decided to put ourselves together and start getting our point along the road. I have a lot of positives from this game but the most important thing is the victory. The target the management gave to me is to return to the continent and we can achieve it. One can see the resilience and doggedness of the players and I appreciate it.” Akwa United defeated host Nasarawa United 3-0 in a Matchday 3 fixture of the league played at the New Jos Stadium on Sunday. VICTORIA BENEDICT   F ollowing a raft of requests for fixtures rescheduling by a number of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs, the Interim Management Committee (IMC) says further approvals have been frozen indefinitely. A circular signed by Davidson Owumi, the Head of Operations cited a directive from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) which frowned at the deluge of requests seen as threatening the integrity of the NPFL. “Consequent upon the directive of the NFF, there would be no more rescheduling of matches either for political or logistics reasons. The fixtures has to be strictly adhered to”, the circular informed the clubs. It went on to explain that the directive is in response to a chaotic demand for fixture changes that if not checked could undermine the values of the league. Clubs have therefore been advised to do their utmost to meet up with their upcoming fixtures. MatchDay 3 of the NPFL were concluded on Sunday with two other fixtures in Ikenne and Port Harcourt coming up on Tuesday.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 7 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France SportsFeatures BENJAMIN AMOGU   Akinade Onigbinde, the coach of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) new boys, Doma FC, has decried the absence of Video Assistance Referee (VAR) in the domestic league. Onigbinde particularly said it was very bad VAR was nonexistent during his team’s match against Dakkada FC of Uyo on Sunday at the Pantami Township Stadium in Gombe. “The absence of VAR affected the outcome of the match,” he lamented after the matchday 3 fixture in the abridged 2022/2023 (NPFL) season. The coach said his newlypromoted side would have had more goals recorded in their favour if VAR had been used during the match. He therefore urged the NPFL’s Interim Management Committee (IMC), organisers of the league, to consider introducing VAR in the Nigerian top tier of domestic league. “The goal that was not given to us was a good goal. Now is the time to call for VAR in our football too, because actually we had a goal there. “After that, we had a clean handball situation against our opponents and it was supposed to be a good penalty kick. “We were supposed to make use of the advantage because it passed through the line I saw the ball which is a goal,” the coach said. He, however commended the improvement made by referees in terms of officiating matches in the NPFL. “Nowadays, you can go to an away ground and win, which we have seen this season, and it is good for our football development.” NPFL: Doma Coach Regrets Absence Of VAR In NPFL

2 8 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NEWS OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, LAGOS   Ogun State Government has tasked chairmen in the 20 Local Government Areas of the State, to intensify efforts at improving their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and not solely rely on the Federal or State Government for funds. Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Ganiyu Hamzat stated this at the January 2023 edition of the Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) meeting at Oba’s Complex, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta. Hon. Hamzat said the move becomes necessary to enable them to have more funds both from allocations and IGR to execute beneficial projects at the grassroots, noting that the excess fund in the recent time needed to be increased in fulfillment of their mandate to their people. The Commissioner said the Ministry would continue to ensure funds accruable to Local Governments were well utilised, stating that its Inspectorate and Monitoring department had commenced monitoring exercise, to make project execution conform with the required standard. In his presentation, the Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor and Commissioner for Finance Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, represented by the Permanent Secretary and Accountant-General of the State Treasury, Mr. Babatunde Aregbesola, disclosed that a total sum of N7,661,239,092.01 was received as December 2022 Allocation for the 20 Local Government Areas in the State, which emanated from Statutory Revenue, Value Added Taxes (VAT), Exchange Gain, Electronic Money Transfer Levy (EMTL) and Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P). Okubadejo said a sum of N7,221,233,073.00 would be used to pay the first-line charges, which include: Primary School Teachers’ Salary, Local Government Staff Salary, Pensions, Traditional Councils, other Payment of Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Arears, Statutory Payment to Local Government Service Commission, Release to Local Government and other charges, adding that it excluded PAYE and five percent Bond on Pension amounting to a total sum of N314,164,709.56, which are yet to be effected, while the sum of N754,170,728.57 remains as gross surplus for the month. Contributing, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Kolawole Fagbohun urged the Chairmen to make judicious use of funds available at their disposal, embarking on projects that could improve the lots of their people. Ogun Tasks LG Chairmen On Improved Revenue Generation VICTORIA BENEDICT   President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday commissioned the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is the largest in Nigeria and in the Sub-Saharan Africa. The multi-purpose Deep Sea Port will give enormous support to the burgeoning commercial activities across Nigeria and the entire West African region. While unveiling of the Port is part of Buhari’s projects inauguration in Lagos, President Buhari, however, took a brief inspection trip around the project to inspect the facilities. Speaking at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said the Lekki Deep Sea Port is a total combination of the efforts of the Federal Government, Lagos State government and the private sector. Sanwo-Olu, who said that the project was begun and finished in the President Buhari administration, added that the size of vessels which would be coming to the Lekki Deep Sea Port could be up to four times the size of vessels that currently berth at both Tin Can and Apapa Ports. The governor said the project would provide thousands of direct and hundreds of thousands indirect jobs to Lagosians and thanked all that brought it to reality. According to the governor: “The project is a total combination of efforts of the Federal Government, Lagos State and the private sector and we are happy that this is happening in your time. “It all started within your time and it has been completed within your time. The size of vessels that will be coming here could be up to four times the size of vessels that currently berth at both Tin Can and Apapa Ports. “So, it is a massive infrastructure and we are in deed excited that something fresh has been impacted into this country and it is going to generate thousands and thousands jobs directly and hundreds of thousands of jobs indirectly in the entire ecosystem and this is your own project and we are excited.” lAs Sanwo-Olu Says It Will Generate Thousands Of Jobs Buhari Commissions Lekki Deep Sea Port, Largest In Sub-Saharan Africa

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, 9 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 2 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France NEWS 2023: S/South Group Backs Atiku/Okowa Presidency VICTORIA BENEDICT   S outh South Ethnic Nationalities Assembly (SSENA) has thrown its weight behind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa for President and Vice President ticket in the general elections. Drawn from the six states in the South-South geo-political zone in the country, group gave its support at the weekend in Warri, Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State. National Coordinator, SSENA, Favour Izoukumor, , said that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under which the duo are contesting, had high regards for the SouthSouth despite being a minority. Izoukumor said that it was worthy to note that the PDP considered the South-South region in the equation of Nigeria politics by making Dr. Goodluck Jonathan from a minority ethnic nationality to be a VicePresident and subsequently the President of Nigeria. According to Izoukumor, “Under Jonathan’s formidable economic team, Nigeria’s economy was re-based for the first time in a decade, leading to the country’s emergence as the largest economy in the continent, after overtaking South Africa.” The National Coordinator of the group said that the PDPled government had brought a lot of development to the South-South, recalling that with the party at the helm of affairs, Nigeria regained its rightful place in the comity of nations as a leader of the African continent. He said that the group (SSENA) comprised of various regional groups; community leaders, activists, traditional titleholders, stakeholders, religious leaders, captains of industries, students and think tanks from across the SouthSouth region of Nigeria. Izoukumor said that the formation of the dynamic group was born out of the desire to promote dialogue and cooperation between ethnic nationalities and all stakeholders in the region towards addressing the challenges facing the people. He added, “with the 2023 general elections just weeks away, the peculiar challenges and the interest of the South South region is once again on the front burner. There is a need to make a critical appraisal of the political parties, candidates, their manifestos, antecedents, leadership, and track records, as it affects the growth and development of our region over the past 62 years since independence.” Izoukumor said that the choice of Dr. Okowa as Vice Presidential candidate of the party in the forthcoming general election had again demonstrated the PDP’s love for the minority group. He said that Dr. Okowa had done very well as governor in Delta adding that as a Vice Presidential candidate, he symbolised a bridge between the South-South and South-East. He spoke further, “Dr. Okowa’s adoption by the party was borne out of his sterling performance as a governor of Delta. His giant strides are evident across the land and are visible to the blind and audible to the deaf. The National Coordinator of the group noted, “his landmark achievements in Delta are evident, particularly in riverine communities, where his carefully thought-out programs and policies have created wealth for our people. The PDP is known for talent hunting and they have done it again by picking Governor Okowa in this coming election. Presently we believe this is the best for the South-South. “ He said that there is no major political party other than the PDP and its candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar that have shown interest in the South South and the Nigerian people and with his charisma and willpower to pull Nigeria out of the quagmire of hopelessness and to rescue it for a better and greater nation. The national coordinator recalled that under the PDP government between 1999 – 2007 during which Alhaji Abubakar doubled as Vice President and as Chairman of the National Economic Council from 1999-2011, Nigeria recorded the highest economic growth in history, adding, “in 2002, Nigeria recorded the highest GDP growth rate of 15.33%. The PDP government initiated the fight against corruption through the establishment of anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and the ICPC.” The group further noted, “under the PDP, Nigeria witnessed private-sector reforms in telecommunications, banking, and pension administration among others. Alhaji Abubakar’s wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors gives him an edge over all rival candidates in the 2023 elections. He has created thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians in his home state of Adamawa and other parts of the country.” “Atiku has already pledged a whopping sum of $10 billion to small and medium-sized businesses to create jobs that will solve the unemployment crisis we face, if elected president. He has promised to restructure Nigeria if elected as president. We must recall that the critical demands of the people of the Niger Delta over the decades of marginalisation have been restructuring and resource control. We are aware that of all the candidates and political parties, only PDP’s Atiku has categorically promised Nigerians restructuring and resource control”, he said Some other members of the group present includes included Alwaye Oweredaba, National Secretary,. Robert Igene, National Publicity Secretary, Eno Udongwo, National Deputy Coordinator, Mrs Sambo Patricia, State coordinator and Victor Okokon, National treasurer.

2 12 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 2023 SportsDay SPORTSDAY PUBLISHING & PRINTING CO. LTD. Publisher / Chairman Dr. Solomon Ogba JP. Associate Directors: Lucky Mayor Sam Ogrih Dere Otubu Otsaye Wegbatsoma Johnson Erijoh Ben Memuletiwon Mike Itemuagbor Founding Editors: Ben Memuletiwon Emeka Enechi (late) Ben Alaiya (late) THE TEAM Benjamin Amogu Ag. Editor Victoria Ojugbana Asst. Ag. Editor Raymond Nwaduba Abuja Bureau Chief Olorundare Enimola Lagos Bureau Chief Frank Omonkua P/Harcourt Bureau Chief Joseph Isokpehi —Benin Edo/ Delta Bureau Chief Rosemary Omoh Marketing/Buz. Devt Manager Brown Clement Head, Graphics Celestine Madu Digital / Planning Manager Emelia Sturhann Admin/ Accounts Manager Adewale Gbadebo Online Editor OUR MISSION ADVERT HOTLINES: CORPORATE HEAD OFFICE: "To practise sports journalism with human face and set agenda for sports policy makers in Nigeria" 080-551-51150 081-345-97000 01-454-0877 ISSN 23543043 SportsDay @ Leawood Hotel KM 23, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Aja 106104, Lagos, Nigeria. Sports NEWS BENJAMIN AMOGU Africa will be bidding to qualify for the final of the FIFA World Cup when the Atlas Lions of Morocco takes on cup holders, France, later today in the second semifinal of the ongoing Mundial in Qatar. Already, the former African champions have broken several records en route to the last four of the World Cup, becoming the first country of African origin to make it to the semifinal; also becoming the first to make it thus far without conceding a goal from the opponents so far. Facing a star-studded Les Blues could be daunting but Coach Walid Regragui has made it plain that they were not interested or focused on any particular player as they would be facing the entire French team. The coach said there would be no special attention to their prolific forward, Kylian Mbappe. This is even as the fear Mbappe is the beginning of wisdom for opposing teams. In the tournament, the Cameroon-born Paris-St Germain star has been a terror. With five goals in five matches, he is the leading scorer. But Regragui, at a press conference on Tuesday, said the French team pose too many individual threats that will not allow any reasonable opposing coach to concentrate on just one. “I am not going to try and set up any particular tactical plan to counter Kylian,” he said. “France also has other good players. (Antoine) Griezmann is on top of his game and playing well between the lines and Ousmane Dembele is also a perfect complement to Mbappe on the other wing. “If we just focus on Mbappe that will be a mistake. They are world champions, with world class players and they will be going for it with all they got. We need to focus on what we can do to cause problems for France.” Mbappe, on the left of the attack, goes up against Paris St Germain club mate and close friend Achraf Hakimi, who is Morocco’s highly rated right back. “Achraf knows Mbappe better than me and trains with him on a daily basis, so he’s better placed than I am to know how to deal with Kylian. Hakimi is one of the best players in the world, so it’s going to be a great duel between the two,” Regragui said. Morocco go into the semi-final looking to add France to an impressive list of scalps at the tournament but needing to get players fit in time after the exertions of their five games in Qatar. Morocco were still struggling with “a lot of injuries” said the coach, but players were recovering. There are concerns over the first-choice centre back pairing of skipper Romain Saiss and Nayef Aguerd in particular. “We have an excellent medical team and they have been coming with good news. But we will have to wait until the last minute to select the team. None is out yet, but no one is in either,” he said. Argentina rode on a Julian Alvarez brace and another goal by Lionel Messi to beat Croatia 3-0 and qualify for the FIFA World Cup final . Two goals by the swashbuckling striker Alvarez and a Messi penalty gave Argentina a 3-0 victory over 2018 runners-up Croatia in the first World Cup semifinal on Tuesday to set up a showpiece meeting with France or Morocco on Sunday. Messi put Argentina ahead with a 34th-minute penalty after goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic tripped Alvarez as he chased a simple long ball, and the Manchester City forward then charged 50 metres, somehow keeping possession via two rebounds as defenders tried to tackle him, to poke in the second five minutes later. Croatia, which came from behind to beat Japan and Brazil on penalties in the last two rounds, tried to hit back in the second half but its neat passing failed to open any real cracks in a determined Argentine defence. Messi then burst into life, showing mesmerising control to drive to the byline and pull the ball back for Alvarez to tuck in the third after 69 minutes and wrap up the victory. Argentina will face either France or Morocco in the final on Sunday. Argentina Thrash Croatia To Book Spot In Sunday’s World Cup Final Africa Guns For First W’Cup Final Spot As Morocco Tackles France 10 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 Photo Splash Compiled By Olivia Ekpe Carol At Delta State House Of Assembly (DTHA) Complex , Asaba The Speaker, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, and other House Members were present amongst others. WORDS ON MARBLE As Believers, Thanksgiving is a unique way of worshipping the Almighty GOD with our time, resources and God-given talents. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedo Oborevwori. 13Th December, 2022. TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2023 Akiku /Okowa , And The RecoverNigeria Team Campaign Rally In Bayelsa State. Photo Splash RMO & Olivia Ekpe 10 SPORTSDAY, WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 /sportsdayonline @sportsdayonline WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 14, 2022 Photo Splash Compiled By Olivia Ekpe Carol At Delta State House Of Assembly (DTHA) Complex , Asaba The Speaker, RT HON SHERIFF OBOREVWORI, and other House Members were present amongst others. WORDS ON MARBLE As Believers, Thanksgiving is a unique way of worshipping the Almighty GOD with our time, resources and God-given talents. Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Francis Orohwedo Oborevwori. 13Th December, 2022. [email protected] 08097639574