Sports
Naija Super 8: Play-off finalists to get N2m each
Naija Super 8 organisers, Flykite Productions, have announced that the 12 clubs that have qualified for tournament’s zonal play-offs will be given the sum of N2 million each to assist them in their travel and logistical plans.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the organisers on Friday. The statement quoted Jenkins Alumona, Managing Director of Flykite Productions, as saying that the N2 million is in fulfilment of the organisers’ promise to subsidise the travel of the participating clubs to Eket, where the play-offs are scheduled to be held from 23-25 June.
Flykite Productions, the statement added, will be responsible for feeding and accommodation of players and officials of every team.
“Each of the 12 clubs participating in the Naija Super 8 zonal play-offs will be given the sum of N2 million as travel and logistic subsidy,” Alumona stated.
Last Friday, teams for the play-offs were unveiled at a ceremony in Lagos. This followed the release of the results of the fan voting exercise, which was authenticated by Deloitte, the globally-renowned firm of auditors. The voting phase delivered 1, 926, 495.
Two teams with the highest vote tallies in each geo-political zone qualified for the play-offs, where they will play knockout games to determine six qualifiers for the finals. They will be joined by two wildcard entries, determined by the organisers, at the finals scheduled for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July.
Also at the ceremony, mentors for the eventual eight finalists were unveiled. They are ex-internationals Augustine Eguavoen, Mutiu Adepoju, Garba Lawal, Ike Shorunmu, Julius Aghahowa, Tijani Babangida and Victor Ezeji.
Sports
JUST IN: Bruno Labbadia Appointed As New Head Coach Of Super Eagles
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has officially announced the appointment of German tactician Bruno Labbadia as the new Head Coach of the Super Eagles. Labbadia becomes the 37th individual to take on the role.
NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi confirmed early Tuesday morning that the Executive Committee approved the Technical and Development Sub-Committee’s recommendation to hire Labbadia, with the appointment taking effect immediately.
Born in Darmstadt, Germany, on February 8, 1966, Labbadia enjoyed a distinguished playing career, including winning the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in 1994. His playing career saw him represent clubs such as Darmstadt 98, Hamburger SV, FC Kaiserslautern, Bayern Munich, FC Cologne, Werder Bremen, Armenia Bielefeld, and Karlsruher SC.
As a coach, he has managed notable teams including Hertha Berlin, VfB Stuttgart, VfL Wolfsburg, Hamburger SV, and Bayer Leverkusen, and he holds a UEFA Pro License.
Labbadia is the sixth German to manage the Super Eagles, following Karl-Heinz Marotzke, Gottlieb Göller, Manfred Höner, Berti Vogts, and Gernot Rohr. Notably, Höner guided Nigeria to the runner-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations, while Rohr led the team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
Labbadia’s immediate task involves leading the Super Eagles in two crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin Republic on September 7 in Uyo and Rwanda on September 10 in Kigali. He will also oversee four additional qualifiers in October and November.
Sports
Germany to Take on Scotland Today in Euro 2024 Opening Game
The European Championship has returned, bringing excitement for what promises to be a thrilling experience for football fans worldwide as 24 national teams compete for the coveted trophy. All 51 EURO 2024 matches are set to be broadcast live on GOtv.
Today, three-time winners and hosts for the 17th UEFA European Championship, Germany, will take on Scotland under the bright lights of the Allianz Arena in the opening game of the tournament, setting the stage for a month of world-class football. Tune in to GO Football (channel 61) at 8pm to watch the match.
As Germany aims to reclaim the glory of their European Championship victories in 1972, 1980, and 1996, having featured in every EURO since 1972, Scotland’s ambitions are more modest. Scotland has not only failed to win any of the EUROs but has also never made it past the group stage in all their nine appearances.
However, Scotland’s journey to Euro 2024 has been marked by determination and resurgence. Under the guidance of manager Steve Clarke, the team has shown remarkable improvement, blending experienced players like Andy Robertson, Scott McTominay, and Che Adams with rising stars such as Billy Gilmour, Aaron Hickey, and others.
The captain, Andy Robertson, confirmed in an interview with Sky Sports that the team is aiming to create history. “Our aim is to be the team that creates history. We look at the group, it’s a tough group, it’s a competitive group. But we believe that we can give any team a game and if we do that and we manage to get out of the group, then we’re the first Scotland team to ever do that”, he said.
Still to come this weekend, on Saturday, Hungary will face Switzerland at 2 PM on GO Football (channel 61) as they battle it out within their group. In Group B, action kicks off with Spain taking on Croatia at 5pm on GO Football (channel 61), followed by the day’s final match at 8pm, where Italy will meet Albania, also on GO Football (channel 61).
On Sunday, Poland will battle it out with the Netherlands at 2pm, while Slovenia takes on Denmark at 5pm. The day’s action will conclude with Serbia clashing against England at 8pm. Tune in to GO Football (channel 61) to watch all the games.
Stay connected to experience the thrill of Europe’s biggest continental tournament. Download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, reconnect, or upgrade your package. You can also download the GOtv Stream app for nonstop sporting action.
Sports
Fiorentina, Olympiacos Set To Battle for Conference League Glory
Fiorentina will be hoping to avoid consecutive Europa Conference League final losses when they take on Olympiacos at the AEK Arena on Wednesday. The match is set to broadcast live on GOtv.Lucas Beltrán’s late equaliser against Club Brugge in the semi-final secured 1-1 draw for the Italians as they advanced to the final on 4-3 aggregate score, having won the first leg 3-2 at home. Fiorentina will hope to add a second European trophy to its cabinet on Wednesday. Tune in GO Football (ch 61) at 8pm to watch the match.Speaking with UEFA ahead of the final, Vincezo Italiano, Fiorentina’s manager, expressed delight at his team’s consecutive final appearance in a European competition and hopes the team makes up for last year’s disappointment. “I hope our efforts, our hard work, and all the detailed attention we have given to this competition will bring us the cherry on the cake,” he said.Olympiacos, on the other hand, will relish the thrill of winning their first ever European final appearance on home soil. José Luis Mendilibar, the man who led Sevilla to Europa League success last season, oversaw a 6-2 aggregate victory over Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the semi-final to advance to the final.“We must keep a level head, treat it like any other game. The week leading up to the game will be as normal as possible. I never like to do anything differently just because it’s a big game,” Menilibar told UEFA ahead of the final. “Olympiacos have that hunger to win, and if the youngsters (Olympiacos’ UEFA Youth League winners) can do it, why can’t we? We were underdogs against Ferencváros, Fenerbahçe and especially Aston Villa, and we found a way.”Stay connected to experience the final games as the season draws to an end. Download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to subscribe, reconnect, or upgrade your package. You can also download the GOtv Stream app for nonstop sporting action.