Sports

DELTA QUEENS WIN NIGERIAN WOMEN’S LEAGUE FOR FIRST TIME IN 11 YEARS

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3 years ago

June 12, 2023

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Delta Queens have won the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), 11 years after they claimed the title.

They defeated Bayelsa Queens 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2022/2023 crown at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State.

The home team trailed in the game after Chisom Henry scored an own goal. Tosan Blankson’s ladies searched for a leveller, and almost got it at the stroke of halftime.

However, Fehintola Mabokanje missed from the spot, leaving Delta Queens one nil down heading into the break.

As the second half began, Blankson rang some changes, bringing Chinaza Agoh and Inyang Esther into the fray in the 65th minute.

It did not take time before the switch paid off. Chinaza finished off with an acrobatic goal to bring her side to parity. That’s the first goal Bayelsa Queens conceded in this year’s NWFL Super Six.

Both sides continued to search for the goals. However, four minutes from regulation time, Chinaza struck again to give her team the advantage.

Delta Queens then held on to win their first league crown since 2012 and their six overall.

After the final whistle, an excited Blankson, hailed the girls, especially the goalscorer, for the feat, tipping them for greatness.

“These girls are all national team materials. I am short of words but I give God all the glory for the victory,” the gaffer said.

“We knew the first half is going to be tough for us so we have to keep Chinaza outside. When she came in, she was fresh and gave us the desired goals,” the coach added.

Sunday’s victory hands the Asaba-based side the chance to represent Nigeria at the 2023 WAFU-B Zonal qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League billed for Cote d’Ivoire later in the year.

For Bayelsa Queens’ Technical Adviser, Domo Okara, the defeat was painful but he admitted that in football, one can’t win all games.

“We would go and prepare and bounce back next season. I wish Delta Queens the best of luck,” he said.

But before next season, the team has a chance to start their revival mission when they face Rivers Angels in the final of the 2023 Women’s Federation Cup.

Meanwhile, there were also individual accolades, after the Super Six ties. Mercy Omokwo of Delta Queens won the Top Scorer prize having scored nine goals in 15 games. Her teammate Mbechi Anderline scooped the Best Goalkeeper award.
Chinaza also took the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Super Six following Sunday’s brace.

Sports

Mourinho Reacts To Ronaldo’s Retirement, Says CR7 Still Has Goals

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3 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.

The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.

Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.

Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.

“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid

However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.

“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.

While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.

“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.

Sports

Iheanacho Sustains Scoring Form, Hits Target In Bursaspor’s Draw At Antalyaspor

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3 hours ago

November 7, 2026

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Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.

The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend

Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.

However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.

The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.

Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points

Sports

Palmer Left Out Of England Squad As Jobe Bellingham, Josh King Earn Maiden Call-Ups

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1 day ago

November 6, 2026

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England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.

However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.

Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.

Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.

King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.

Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.

Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.

England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.

Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.