Category: Sports

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Bouchard catches Coffey at 50 assists by an Edmonton Oilers defenceman

It’s no secret Evan Bouchard is a live-by-the-gun, die-by-the-gun sort of defenceman. Read More

mingooland · March 21, 2024 · 1 min read

General

Top International Football Friendlies To Watch Out For In March 2024

<img width="555" height="397" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240320-175531.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240320-175531.jpg 555w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240320-175531-300x215.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 555px) 100vw, 555px" /> <h2> All major leagues in the world have put their campaigns on hold in honour of the FIFA international break in March, which allows room for national football teams' friendlies.</h2> Some mouthwatering international <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/20/super-eagles-interim-coach-finidi-george-says-he-is-set-for-ghana-mali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">football friendlies have been lined up</a> to make up for the unavailability of club football. One of the biggest international friendlies to watch out for is the game between England and Brazil, which will kick off at Wembley Stadium at 8 p.m. on March 23. Another big international friendly game to watch out for is the game between West African rivals the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana. These two countries are rivals on many fronts, especially in football, and March 22 is another opportunity for their rivalry to be revived. Ghana stopped Nigeria from qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar thanks to an away goal rule, which means that the friendly, which will kick off at 5 p.m. on Friday, is more than just a friendly. Below are the top friendly games to watch out for in March 2024: Portugal vs. Sweden Date: March 21, 2024 Kick-off time: 8:45 p.m. Nigeria vs. Ghana Date: March 22, 2024 Kick-off Time: 5:00 p.m. Netherlands vs. Scotland Date: March 22, 2024. Kick-off time: 8:45 p.m. England vs. Brazil Date: March 23, 2024 Kick-off Time: 8:00 p.m. France vs. Germany Date: March 23, 2024 Kick-off Time: 9:00 p.m. England vs. Belgium Date: March 26, 2024 Kick-off time: 8:45 p.m. Germany vs. the Netherlands Date: March 26, 2024 Kick-off time: 8:45 p.m. Spain vs. Brazil Date: March 26, 2024 Kick-off Time: 9:30 p.m. Mali vs. Nigeria Date: March 26, 2024 Kick-off Time: 9:00 p.m. The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/20/top-international-football-friendlies-to-watch-out-for-in-march-2024/">Top International Football Friendlies To Watch Out For In March 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 20, 2024 · 2 min read

General

Rape Conviction: Dani Alves Granted Bail Of €1 Million

<img width="615" height="400" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dani-Alves-1.jpg.webp" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dani-Alves-1.jpg.webp 615w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Dani-Alves-1.jpg-300x195.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 615px) 100vw, 615px" /> <h2>Barcelona court granted bail to ex-Brazil defender Dani Alves on Wednesday, following the payment of a €1 million fee.</h2> After being found guilty of sexual assault in February, Alves was given a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence, having already served more than a year of his term. Following the appeal filed by his lawyer, Ines Guardiola, and a hearing on Tuesday, the 40-year-old has been released until a final resolution is reached on the appeal. The requirement for Alves is to hand in his Spanish and Brazilian passports and to remain within Spain, agreeing to weekly court check-ins. Additionally, he is required to comply with a restraining order that prohibits him from approaching within 1,000 meters of his victim, her residence, workplace, or any other location she frequents. The ruling issued on Wednesday grants a three-day appeal period to the defense, the victim's legal counsel, and the prosecution. Naija News had earlier reported that the Brazilian star was <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/22/breaking-ex-barcelona-star-dani-alves-sentenced-to-four-years-in-jail/">sentenced</a> on February 22, following a conviction for raping a young woman at a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. The case against Alves was built on the testimony of the victim, who recounted her experience from behind a screen to maintain her anonymity. She described a violent encounter in which Alves forcibly had sexual relations with her in the nightclub’s private bathroom, despite her pleas for him to stop. This testimony painted a vivid picture of the victim’s “anguish and terror” during the incident. The defence’s argument suggested that the victim had shown interest in Alves while they were dancing at the nightclub, insinuating a mutual “sexual tension.” However, the court’s 61-page decision firmly stated that such an interpretation did not imply consent for any subsequent actions. The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/20/rape-conviction-dani-alves-granted-bail-of-e1-million/">Rape Conviction: Dani Alves Granted Bail Of €1 Million</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 20, 2024 · 2 min read

General

Connor McDavid won’t be distracted by history-making chase

mingooland · March 19, 2024 · 1 min read

General

UEFA Champions League Power Ranking Ahead Of Quarter-Final Stage

<img width="960" height="540" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/UCL-Tropy.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="Champions League Fixtures: Two Teams Qaulify To Quarter-Final" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/UCL-Tropy.jpg 960w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/UCL-Tropy-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/UCL-Tropy-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/UCL-Tropy-150x84.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /> <h2><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/15/uefa-champions-league-draw-arsenal-real-madrid-barcelona-get-tough-opponents-see-full-draw/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Days after the UEFA Champions League quarter-final draw</a>, the power ranking of the round was released which showed the team that is most likely to win the tournament.</h2> Recall that the European Football governing body, UEFA announced the draw for the quarter-final round on Friday, March 15. Following the draw, Rabona TV revealed the power ranking ahead of the round and projected that Manchester City have the biggest chance of winning the trophy. If this is anything to go by, the reigning Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and FA Cup champions are expected to knock out Real Madrid who they have been paired to face in the quarter-final stage of the competition. Recall that Real Madrid passed through the same route when they won the Champions League two seasons ago. Interestingly, Manchester City followed the same route to win the title for the first time in their history. This also means that Manchester City are expected to defeat Bayern Munich or Arsenal in the semi-final stage of the campaign because they are expected to meet the said clubs en route to the Champions League final. <h2>Below is the UEFA Champions League power ranking ahead of the quarter-final stage:</h2> 1. Man City 2. Real Madrid 3. Arsenal 4. Atletico Madrid 5. PSG 6. Bayern Munich 7. Barcelona 8. Borussia Dortmund Note that the UEFA Champions League quarter-final stage will take place from April 9 (first legs) and April 16 (second legs). The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/17/uefa-champions-league-power-ranking-ahead-of-quarter-final-stage/">UEFA Champions League Power Ranking Ahead Of Quarter-Final Stage</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 17, 2024 · 2 min read

General

Super Falcons Of Nigeria Drop In FIFA World Ranking

<img width="612" height="413" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/super-falcons.webp" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="NFF Reacts As Super Falcons Crash Out Of World Cup" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/super-falcons.webp 612w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/super-falcons-300x202.webp 300w" sizes="(max-width: 612px) 100vw, 612px" /> <h2><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/02/28/super-falcons-coach-admits-cameroon-tried-to-use-juju-on-nigeria/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Super Falcons of Nigeria</a> dropped in FIFA's women's national team ranking but retained their number one spot in African women's football.</h2> The Super Falcons recently qualified for the last phase of the 2024 Olympics qualifiers after beating the Cameroon women's national team in Abuja, following a 1-1 draw in Cameroon. But that has not positively influenced their position in the world ranking according to the recent ratings FIFA released on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Based on the world football governing body's latest ranking, the Super Falcons moved two steps backward, from the 32nd spot to the 34th spot. While in Africa, the Super Falcons are comfortably occupying the first spot in the FIFA ranking meaning they remain the best women's national team on the continent. The Nigerian side are closely followed by the reigning African women's champions, South Africa who will face the Super Falcons in the last phase of the 2024 Olympics qualifiers. Despite being second in Africa, the Bayana Bayana are sitting outside the top 50 in the world ranking. They are currently occupying the 51st spot in the world. Morocco are currently occupying the third spot in Africa and sitting in the 58th spot in the world. Ghana are currently fourth, and 65th globally, while Zambia complete the top five in Africa. Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, and Equatorial Guinea make up the top 10 in the African national team ranking. Note that Spain remain the highest-ranked women's national team in the world followed by England, France, and the United States. The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/17/super-falcons-of-nigeria-drop-in-fifa-world-ranking/">Super Falcons Of Nigeria Drop In FIFA World Ranking</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 17, 2024 · 2 min read

General

NHL’s points race heating up in long-awaited McDavid-MacKinnon matchup

It’s hard not to look at Rogers Place as the OK Corral of a showdown Saturday between a couple of gunslingers in the running for…

mingooland · March 17, 2024 · 1 min read

General

UEFA Champions League Draw: Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Get Tough Opponents (See Full Draw)

<img width="739" height="415" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/images-49.jpeg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/images-49.jpeg 739w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/images-49-300x168.jpeg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 739px) 100vw, 739px" /> <h2><a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/14/jadon-sancho-makes-uefa-champions-league-team-of-the-week/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League</a> quarter-final draw has produced some mouth-watering fixtures for football enthusiasts.</h2> Premier League current table-toppers, Arsenal have been paired to start their quarter-final campaign at home against German Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich. Harry Kane who left Tottenham Hotspur for Bayern last summer will be in the spotlight in the two-legged affairs as he makes a return to London against the Gunners in the first leg. German Bundesliga side, Borussia Dortmund will start their quarter-final campaign away in Spain against Atletico Madrid. FC Barcelona who have been struggling in the Spanish La Liga have been paired to face French Ligue 1 table-toppers, Paris Saint Germain who are being coached by Barca's former manager, <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/11/psg-coach-luis-enrique-wishes-kylian-mbappe-all-the-best/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Luis Enrique</a>. The biggest fixture in the quarter-final round is the game between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The first leg is in Spain on April 9, while the reigning UEFA Champions League winners will host the return leg at the Etihad Stadium on April 16. Full Draw for the 2023-2024 UEFA Champions League Quarter-finals: All the games are scheduled to take place on April 9. The kick-off time is yet to be determined at the time of writing: Paris Saint Germain Vs FC Barcelona Atlético Madrid Vs Borussia Dortmund Arsenal Vs Bayern Munich Real Madrid Vs Manchester City The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/15/uefa-champions-league-draw-arsenal-real-madrid-barcelona-get-tough-opponents-see-full-draw/">UEFA Champions League Draw: Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Get Tough Opponents (See Full Draw)</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 15, 2024 · 2 min read

General

Arsenal Star Snubs England Call-up, Southgate Calls It “Great Shame”

<img width="630" height="374" src="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240314-183712.jpg" class="attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image" alt="" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" srcset="https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240314-183712.jpg 630w, https://www.naijanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Screenshot_20240314-183712-300x178.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 630px) 100vw, 630px" /> <h2>Arsenal defender, Ben White has snubbed a call-up from England ahead of their March international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.</h2> Ben White who has been in superb form at Arsenal so far this season <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/14/ben-white-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-arsenal/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">recently signed a contract extension with the Gunners.</a> Due to his form, the Three Lions of England coach attempted to invite the defender to the March friendly games but the right-back turned down the invite. Reports claimed that the 26-year-old defender is still not happy with Southgate for failing to select him for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Also, reports claimed that Ben White has vowed not to play for England until Southgate is no longer in charge of the team. "I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don't know why that is," Southgate told reporters on Thursday, March 14. "There is no issue between us at all and there's also no issue with Steve, which has been mentioned in articles and I don't like that. "I have to accept things are false about me, but I'm not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us." Ben White has made just four appearances since he made his international debut for England on June 2, 2021. He didn't kick a ball for the Three Lions of England throughout 2023. Southgate said: "[White] would be in this squad but he's not available to us and I have to focus on who can help us. "Clearly on form. I can't sit here and say he doesn't deserve to be in. "It is a great shame. He is a player we took to the Euros, a player we took to the World Cup and I spoke to him post-Qatar because I wanted to pick him. "People have given me a lot of stick for not picking players in the past who haven't made themselves available. But I've always been able to keep them out of that story. "On this occasion, because of the circumstances around the number of injuries and his decision to come off the long list I've got to be more transparent." Below is England's full squad for their friendly games against Brazil at 8 p.m. on March 23 and against Belgium at 8:45 p.m. on March 26: Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal). Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kyle Walker (Man City). Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal). Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Phil Foden (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Marcus Rashford (Man United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa). The post <a href="https://www.naijanews.com/2024/03/14/arsenal-star-snubs-england-call-up-southgate-calls-it-great-shame/">Arsenal Star Snubs England Call-up, Southgate Calls It “Great Shame”</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.naijanews.com">Naija News</a>.

mingooland · March 14, 2024 · 3 min read

General

Former Ajax Star Quincy Promes Arrested In Dubai Following Cocaine Smuggling Conviction

Netherlands is set to request Quincy Promes’ extradition from Dubai after being sentenced to six years in prison. The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv/former-ajax-star-quincy-promes-arrested-in-dubai-following-cocaine-smuggling-conviction/">Former Ajax Star Quincy Promes Arrested In Dubai Following Cocaine Smuggling Conviction</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.arise.tv">Arise News</a>.

mingooland · March 14, 2024 · 2 min read