NPFL: Tornadoes defeat Rangers in Enugu 2-1

Published

2 days ago

January 26, 2025

It was a sad day for the fans of Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, as visiting Niger Tornadoes of Minna defeated their darling team by two goals to one.

What rankled most is that Rangers lost a penalty kick in the 90th minute of the game that would have made them equalise.

Jersey No. 31, Okechukwu Chidozie kicked the ball across the bar to the charging of the teeming fans and officials of the Flying Antelopes.

Tornadoes began their winning spree 28th minute of the first half through Israel Sarai, Jersey No. 17.

Rangers Jersey No.21, Collins Ugwuele reduced the tally 32 minutes into the first half.

All efforts by the league champions to equalise the game proved a Herculean task as they lost scoring chances, even missing a penalty in the second half of the game.

Happy at the performance of his boys, Niger Tornadoes coach, Mohammed Majin said they had to win because they were on a revenge mission.

“Rangers was the only team that defeated us home and away last season and we prepared for them. We came for a revenge mission,” he said.

Rangers Technical Advice, Fidelis Ilechukwu, said he would apologise to their fans for the loss.

“I want to apologise to our fans for today’s loss. We shall make up for the loss in the coming games,” he said.

Commenting on the penalty they lost, Ilechukwu said that they had ‘big boys ‘ that will not play penalty, and that resulted in their failure.

He regretted that they did not have good strikers, but promised to address the lapse in the coming matches.

Related Topics:Enugu Fans Football Israel US

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Para Badminton Int’l: Nigeria’s Bolaji wins gold in Egypt

Published

6 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Naijablitznews

By Francesca Hangeior

Paralympic bronze medalist, Eniola Bolaji, on Sunday won gold medal in her final match at the Egypt Para Badminton International 2025.

To get this point, Bolaji won all her previous games in the competition hosted by Egypt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bolaji defeated Sweden’s Hillevi Salomonsson 2-0 (21-1, 21-2) in the women’s SL3 final on Sunday in Cairo Egypt.

The African champion demonstrated her skill throughout the tournament, beating Shahinda Mohamed (21-7, 21-2).

She also defeated Basma Nabil-Fawzy (21-6, 21-4) and further conquered Elizabeth Puma (21-2, 21-4) with straight-set victories in earlier rounds.

Bolaji triumphed in dominant style, extending her remarkable winning streak by claiming her 10th title in 10 tournaments, while securing her 58th win in 64 matches

According to the Badminton World Federation (BWF), Bolaji has competed in 10 international championships over the past two years, emerging victorious in all.

This is a remarkable feat that bonds her as a force to be reckoned with in Para Badminton.

She broke multiple records and brought pride to Nigeria and Africa.

Bolaji’s achievement followed her radical success in 2024 where she made history as the first African athlete to win a badminton medal at the Paralympic Games

The Egypt Para Badminton International 2025 which started on Jan.21, ended on today (Jan. 26) in Cairo.

SAD Ex-Super Eagles Goalkeeper is dead

Published

9 hours ago

January 27, 2025

Naijablitznews

Moses Effiong, ex- Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach of Akwa United Football Club, has passed away at the age of 65.
Moses Effiong died on Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the United States after a prolonged illness, just three months after celebrating his 65th birthday.

The news of his demise was confirmed by Akwa United’s Chairman, Paul Bassey, in a statement released by the club’s Media Director, Mfon Patrick. Effiong, a decorated football professional, was part of Nigeria’s historic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team and had an illustrious career as a player and coach.

Bassey expressed his condolences, describing Moses Effiong as a consummate professional, a gentleman, and a dedicated family man who was committed to every task assigned to him.

“The Management, staff, and players of Akwa United Football Club regret to announce the passing of our goalkeeper coach and a member of Nigeria’s 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, Effiong Moses (MON). He passed away early Sunday, January 26, 2025, in the United States, surrounded by family,” the statement read.

Moses Effiong played a pivotal role in Akwa United’s successes, contributing to the team’s victories in the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, as well as their historic NPFL title win in 2021.

He also had a notable playing career, representing Nigeria and playing for New Nigerian Bank Football Club. His death marks a significant loss to the Nigerian football community.

Effiong is remembered for his exceptional contributions to football both on and off the pitch. His legacy will forever be etched in the hearts of fans, players, and colleagues.