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Morocco Knock Out Spain, Book Quarter-Final Spot

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Morocco Knock Out Spain, Book Quarter-Final Spot
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Morocco beat Spain on penalties to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history on Tuesday after the match finished 0-0.

The African side won the shoot-out 3-0 after Spain failed to convert all three of their spot kicks.

Spain coach Luis Enrique had claimed his players prepared by taking 1,000 penalties as homework but Pablo Sarabia, Carlos Soler and Sergio Busquets all missed from the spot and Madrid-born Hakimi dinked his home to the delight of Morocco’s raucous support.

Walid Regragui’s side will face Portugal or Switzerland in what is uncharted territory for them, with their previous best a last-16 exit in 1986.

Spain had been hoping they could repeat their 2010 World Cup triumph after reaching the semi-finals of Euro 2020, where they were also beaten on penalties by Italy.

The teams were closely matched through a nail-biting clash, with Spain having more of the ball but Morocco creating the better openings, few though they were.

Luis Enrique trialled his third right-back of the tournament in Marcos Llorente, and benched the team’s top scorer Alvaro Morata for Marco Asensio, after the shock defeat by Japan.

Spain monopolised the ball, with Morocco’s fans furiously whistling with their side out of possession.

Morocco, who are the last African and Arab side left standing at the first World Cup held in an Arab country, were intensely backed and their fans greatly outnumbered Spain’s.

With La Roja playing in a pale blue second strip, they resembled the away team on hostile territory.

Gavi, who at 18 years and 123 days old became the youngest player to start a World Cup knockout game since Brazil great Pele in 1958, rose to the occasion.

The Barcelona midfield terrier was at his most intense, smashing into challenges left, right and centre, even diving to make one with his head.

Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou tipped a Gavi strike on to the crossbar, though it would have been ruled offside, while Asensio drilled into the side-netting, although Spain created little.

Regragui’s side sat deep defensively and threatened on the counter, with Unai Simon beating away a long range effort from Noussair Mazraoui.

Sofiane Boufal, who bypassed Llorente like sand slipping through the Spaniard’s fingers early on, carved the best chance of the half for Nayef Aguerd, who headed inches over.

Bounou pummelled away a Dani Olmo strike from an angle as the tension cranked up after the break.

Luis Enrique raged at Rodri for choosing the wrong option on the ball, and withdrew the dogged and muddied Gavi for Carlos Soler.

He threw Morata on too, giving Spain a focal point up top, but they struggled to supply him as Morocco sat deeper and deeper.

Another substitute, Nico Williams did find the Atletico Madrid striker on one occasion but the angle was too tight and he scraped a shot across the face of goal.

Bounou made a fine save from Olmo’s free-kick as it almost snuck all the way through, with Spain finally creating stronger chances as the game frayed in the moments before extra-time.

Morocco responded in the additional period by finding stability and testing Simon, who made a fine save with his legs to deny Walid Cheddira after he broke in down Spain’s left flank.

Despite heavy pressure by Spain in the final moments before penalties, they could not trouble the Sevilla goalkeeper again, with Pablo Sarabia clipping the outside of the post, although he might have been offside.

Having been sent on apparently for the shoot-out, Sarabia struck the post again from Spain’s first penalty, after Abdelhamid Sabiri had sent Morocco ahead.

Soler and Busquets missed, while Hakim Ziyech scored, before Hakimi netted against his birth country to ignite wild celebrations.

AFP

 

 

 

 

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FIFA Rankings: Super Falcons Retain Top Spot In Africa, Ranked 36th Globally

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August 7, 2025

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Super Falcons of Nigeria
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Nigeria’s Super Falcons have maintained their position as the highest-ranked women’s football team in Africa, according to the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday.

The nine-time African champions are placed 36th in the world with 1,630 points, following their recent triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, where they clinched a record-extending 10th title.

On the global stage, reigning world champions Spain top the rankings with 2,066 points, narrowly ahead of the United States who are second with 2,065 points. Sweden is third with 2,025 points, while European champions England occupy the fourth spot with 2,022 points.

In Africa, South Africa trails the Super Falcons, ranked second on the continent and 54th globally with 1,465 points. WAFCON 2024 finalists and hosts Morocco are third in Africa and 64th in the world with 1,407 points, followed closely by Zambia, ranked fourth in Africa and 65th globally with 1,402 points.

The next update of the FIFA Women’s World Rankings will be released on December 11, 2025.

 

 

 

 

 

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Maiden Senate President Tennis Championship Set For October Showdown

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3 months ago

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August 6, 2025

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Senate President Godwill Akpabio and others
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A new era is about to unfold in Nigerian tennis as the inaugural Senate President National Open Lawn Tennis Championship is set to serve off this October in a thrilling two-city tournament.

The historic championship, powered by Africa Sports Management Nigeria Limited in partnership with the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), promises to inject fresh energy into grassroots tennis and shine a spotlight on the next generation of stars.

The big announcement was made during a high-profile visit to the Office of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, led by the Chairman/CEO of Africa Sports Management, Rt. Hon. Prince Mathew Kolawole, and Rotimi Akinloye, representing the NTF President.

The meeting was brokered by Senator Abdul Ningi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports Development.

According to Kolawole, the tournament is designed to celebrate Senate President Akpabio’s dynamic leadership and to serve as a vehicle for youth empowerment, sports development, and national unity through tennis.

“This championship is not just about tennis,” Kolawole declared. “It’s about engaging Nigerian youths, promoting healthy lifestyles, and creating a platform for budding talents to connect, compete, and grow.”

The championship will hit the courts in Abuja and Uyo, Akwa Ibom State — Akpabio’s home turf — in what’s expected to be a spectacle of athleticism and national pride.

Welcoming the initiative with enthusiasm, Senate President Akpabio pledged his full support and used the opportunity to rally the private sector behind sports development.

“Sports shouldn’t be government-funded alone,” Akpabio said. “The private sector must rise to the occasion. Competitions like this can attract sponsors, engage our youths, and produce future champions who will make Nigeria proud.”

With big names, bold ambitions, and a vision to transform the tennis scene, the countdown to October has begun — and all eyes are on the courts.

 

 

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Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000, Homes, and National Honours After AfroBasket Victory

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August 5, 2025

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Tinubu Awards D’Tigress $100,000
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Following their impressive victory at the AfroBasket 2025 championship, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, received generous rewards from President Bola Tinubu. Each player was awarded a cash prize of $100,000, a three-bedroom apartment, and the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) honor.

During a high-profile reception on Monday evening at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja, Vice President Kashim Shettima praised the athletes and announced the rewards to a thunderous ovation from dignitaries and supporters. “Your victory is more than just a win on the court — it’s a victory for every Nigerian,” Shettima declared. “You’ve shown what’s possible when courage, discipline, and unity come together.”

Coaching and technical team members were also recognized, each receiving $50,000, a home, and national honors for their critical roles in leading the team to success. Under the innovative direction of Head Coach Rena Wakama, D’Tigress secured their fifth consecutive AfroBasket title and seventh overall by defeating Mali 78–64 in the final held at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan. This victory extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the AfroBasket since 2017, solidifying their status as the continent’s unrivaled champions.

The triumphant team was warmly welcomed at the Presidential Villa shortly before 5:00 p.m., with an electric atmosphere filling the banquet hall. Attendees included First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Hajiya Nana Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and key lawmakers like Senator Garba Maidoki and Hon. Kabiru Amadou.

This event followed the Super Falcons’ recent WAFCON triumph, marking a significant double celebration for Nigerian women’s sports. Sports analysts and fans alike praised Tinubu’s gesture as a strong commitment to women in sports. For the players, this recognition serves as more than just a reward; it is inspiration for future generations of champions.

“We did it for Nigeria,” one player expressed. “And to be honored like this? It’s unforgettable.”

D’Tigress didn’t just bring home a trophy; they conveyed hope, pride, and proof that Nigerian excellence knows no limits.

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