Sports

U17WCQ: Nigeria’s Flamingos Trounce South Africa, Soar To Next Round

Published

1 month ago

March 16, 2025

Nigeria took a giant step to qualification for the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup on Saturday, beating South Africa 2-0 at the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne, Ogun State.

The Flamingos had last week defeated the Bantwana 3-1 in the first leg of the clash, meaning they soared to the next phase of the qualification race with a whooping 5-1 aggregate victory.

Harmony Chidi and Aishat Animashaun help Flamingos cook Bantwana in Ikenne

On to the next round ⚙️#U17WWCQ #SoarFlamingos #Morocco2025 #NGARSA @thenff pic.twitter.com/cdyoYFrlg1

— NGSuper_Falcons (@NGSuper_Falcons) March 15, 2025

The game produced no goal after the early exchanges. But two-goal heroine in the first leg, Harmony Chidi coolly nodded home from an acute angle in the 37th minute on Saturday, to compound the fixture for the visitors.

Shakirat Moshood, who scored a goal in the first leg, was the provider from a well-taken free kick on the right. She turned provider again 11 minutes into the second half when she found Aishat Animashaun, who lifted the ball over and above Samekelise Mthembu into the net for Nigeria’s second.

The Flamingos were drawn bye into the second round of the World Cup qualification battle owing to their impressive outing at the last edition of the tournament in which they ended third.

Nigeria will square off against the winner between Botswana and Algeria in the final round of qualification.

Four countries from the final round of qualifiers will team up with the host nation Morocco as Africa’s flagbearers at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

The competition is billed to take place from 17 October to 5 November 2025.

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Sports

Ex-Manchester United midfielder, Thompson is dead

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2025

The Pledge

Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United’s academy midfielder, is dead at the age of 36.

His former club Rochdale said it was “devastated” to learn of his death on Friday.

Rochdale, in its statement disclosed that the their former midfielder died on Thursday “peacefully at home with his family by his side”.

Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale, who he joined from Manchester United’s academy backed in 2005.

The club posted a tribute on X, describing their former midfielder as “a warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age”.

Thompson retired from professional football in 2019. He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in 2024.

He represented clubs like Southport, Carlisle United, Bury, Tranmere Rovers and Wrexham before his death.

For more Nigerian Breaking News in Entertainment, Politics, Sports and Crime, please visit our website.

Sports

Europa League: Mainoo’s mother in tears after Man Utd eliminated Lyon to qualify for semis

Published

11 hours ago

April 18, 2025

The Pledge

The mother to Manchester United midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo, was in tears after the player scored a 120th minute equaliser against Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Mainoo came on to replace Rasmus Hojlund in the 87th minute of the game.

And it proved to a tactical masterclass from Ruben Amorim, as he grabbed the equaliser in the 120th minute.

Mainoo’s goal came a minute before Harry Maguire won it for the Red Devils to book their semi-final spot.

As Mainoo scored his first goal since returning from a long injury lay-off, his mother could not control her emotions at full-time.

She told the Manchester Evening News while shedding tears, “I can’t believe it!”.

The teenager returned to action for United last Sunday against Newcastle United. He will turn 20 on April 19.

United returned to winning ways for the first time since their 3-0 triumph over Leicester City in the Premier League on March 17.

They will now aim to build on the historic comeback and hope to end a miserable 2024-25 campaign on a high.

For more Nigerian Breaking News in Entertainment, Politics, Sports and Crime, please visit our website.

Sports

Onuachu doubtful for Southampton clash with West Ham

Published

14 hours ago

April 18, 2025

The Pledge

Paul Onuachu is a major doubt for Southampton’s Premier League clash with West Ham United.

The Saints will be up against West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Onuachu sustained an ankle injury in Southampton’s home defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

The 30-year-old was replaced by Tyler Dibling after the break.

Interim manager Simon Rusk provided an update on the forward’s fitness ahead of the clash with West Ham.

“He’s back in and around it the last day or two, so it might be a bit 50-50 at this point, so it’s one to assess tomorrow and give us a bit more time to see where he’s at. We’re hopeful but it’s not conclusive,” Rusk told the club’s official website.

The forward has scored four goals in 22 league appearances for the Saints this season.