SPORTS YARN: June 2015

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Eagles/Chad: Tickets Go On Sale Thursday

Tickets into the Ahmadu Bello Stadium for Saturday’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Senior National Team of Chad will go on sale in selected outlets in Kaduna on Thursday.

Taiwo Awoniyi #18 of Nigeria celebrates scoring the first goal against Hungary

Nigeria's Taiwo Awoniyi celebrates his opening goal against Hungary in the 33rd minute

Nigeria’s U-20 team, Flying Eagles, will face Germany in one of the round of 16 games at the FIFAU-20 World Cup in New Zealand.

Warri Wolves 3-1 AC Leopards: Seasiders bundled out of Caf Confederation Cup

Warri Wolves crashed out of the CAF Confederation Cup , after losing to AC Leopard of Congo 4-3 on aggregate on Saturday.

Super Eagles captain and goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama, says the team would continue to support the less privileged in the society, especially those in orphanages.

The Nigeria National League (NNL) Week 4 matches were decided this weekend. Below are the results:

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset (right) and three-time canoeing Olympic champion Tony Estanguet

The head of Paris' proposed bid for the 2024 Olympics wants athletes and sports officials at the front of the candidacy, after much-criticised failures by the French capital to land the games in the recent past.

Serena Williams receives the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy after her victory over Lucie Safarova in the French Open final in Paris

Beyond the health mysteries and swearing controversies it is impossible to argue with the achievements of the extraordinary Serena Williams.

Surfing on a tide of industrial language and self-recrimination, she spurred herself on to fight off the brave challenge of Lucie Safarova and claim the French Open title with a 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-2 victory, her 20th Grand Slam win.

Repeatedly dropping the F-bomb, admittedly in her own direction, she came back from 2-0 down in the deciding set to win for the third time at Roland Garros.

TENNIS: Novak Djokovic vs. Stan Wawrinka LIVE - French Open 2015: Follow all the action from the men's final at Roland Garros

Novak Djokovic is aiming to become the eighth men's player to win all four Grand Slams as he looks to complete the set with victory in the French Open final against Stan Wawrinka at Roland Garros

· Novak Djokovic takes on Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final

· World no 1 Djokovic is looking to win his first title at Roland Garros

· Swiss Wawrinka is aiming to win his second Grand Slam

· Follow all the action live as the drama unfolds in Paris

Heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson is preparing to unleash her deceptive power this season

There has to be more to the young woman sitting here in a hotel in Salford; more to someone who might just become the finest female athlete in the world if we agree with Daley Thompson’s long-held view that multi-eventers are the greatest of all.

LeBron James (right) is gearing up for Cleveland Cavaliers' NBA Finals match-up vs Golden State Warriors

For the success-starved sports fans of Cleveland an epic, almost biblical, 51-year wait for a championship can come to an end thanks to a modern day tale of the Prodigal Son.

Mo Farah has withdrawn from the 1500m at Sunday's Diamond League meeting in Birmingham

Mo Farah has withdrawn from the 1500m race at Sunday's Diamond League meeting in Birmingham.

Brazil legend Pele arrived in Cuba ahead of the nation's football match with New York Cosmos on Tuesday

Two of the world's most baseball-obsessed nations declared an end to a half-century of hostility six months ago, raising hopes of warmer ties between the home of the Major Leagues and the source of some of its best talent.

Brazilian goalscorer Neymar posted this picture of himself with Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and the trophy

Having played 60 games on their way to the treble that concluded with their Champions League final victory over Juventus on Saturday night, it was only right that Barcelona celebrated in style.

Stan Wawrinka beats home favourite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga to reach French Open final

Stan Wawrinka is one win away from a second grand slam title after the Swiss sealed his place in the French Open final with a gutsy victory over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Novak Djokovic leads Andy Murray 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 3-3 in the semi-finals of the French Open

Andy Murray's late comeback against Novak Djokovic in the French Open semi-finals was cut short as a hail storm hit Roland Garros with the score at 6-3, 6-3, 5-7, 3-3.

Juventus and Barcelona gear up for Champions League showdown as Lionel Messi, Andrea Pirlo and Co are put through their paces for the final time in Berlin

Berlin has well and truly been hit by Champions League fever as Barcelona and Juventus make their final preparations on the eve of the biggest club game of the season.

The Olympic Stadium looking resplendent in the Berlin sunshine is set for Saturday's showdown

The teams, both bidding to win domestic and European trebles this season, touched down on Friday ahead of the clash at the Olympic Stadium and will add the finishing touches to their game plans for the European showpiece on Saturday night.

I had sex with Cristiano Ronaldo while he was still with Irina Shayk! Playboy bunny Daniella Chavez accuses Real Madrid star

A Chilean Playboy bunny claims she had an affair with Real Madrid striker Cristiano Ronaldo before the break-up of his relationship with supermodel Irina Shayk.

Barcelona and Juventus Make Their Way To Berlin For The 2015 Champions League Final

One the eve of the Champions League final, Barcelona and Juventus have departed for Berlin and European football's showpiece event at the Olympiastadion.

Enyeama Expects Tough Challenge From Chad

Super Eagles captain Vincent Enyeama has posited that he expects a ‘tough challenge’ from Chad’s Le Sao when both sides face-off in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier next weekend in Kaduna.

Nigeria’s senior women’s national football team, the Super Falcons have touched down on Winnipeg with high hopes of doing well at the FIFA Women’s World Cup which kicks off this weekend in Canada.

The English Premier League will not have a title sponsor from the 2016/17 season, the organisation revealed on Thursday.

The Ivory Coast Football Federation (FIF) has advertised the national team coaching job as they look for a replacement for Herve Renard, an official source revealed on Thursday.

Shooting Stars new coach Gbenga Ogunbote who replaced sacked Franklin Howard has promised to lift the Oluyole Warriors out of the relegation zone in the on-going Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Local football fans have received a major boost after Warri Wolves pledged free entry to supporters wearing the team’s regalia for the clash against visiting AC Leopards.

Brazil stars train ahead of Copa America as Dunga's men link up in Teresopolis

Brazil players were put through their paces in training at their Teresopolis complex on Tuesday, as Dunga's men continued their preparations for the upcoming Copa America campaign.

Serena Williams survives scare against Swiss Timea Bacsinszky as world No 1 fights illness for French Open final berth

Serena Williams staged another of her remarkable comebacks to make the French Open final on Thursday evening, despite suffering apparent discomfort from a heavy cold.

South Africa's organized crime unit is conducting a preliminary investigation into bribery allegations surrounding the 2010 World Cup bid after being provided with documents by an opposition political party.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles occupy 43^rd in the monthly FIFA rankings released on Thursday. The Eagles who are getting set to host Chad in their opening 2017 Nations Cup qualifier in Kaduna next weekend placed 7^th in Africa.

Nigeria’s 2015 U-20 World Cup campaign is back on track after a 4-0 win over North Korea at the Stadium Taranaki on Thursday.

The Super Falcons will depart Toronto, venue of their final training camp, for Winnipeg on Thursday, May 4.

TENNIS: Andy Murray sets up French Open semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic after coming through against David Ferrer

Andy Murray hauled his way into a second straight French Open semi-final on Wednesday with an impressive takedown of arch Spanish scuffler David Ferrer.

BOXING: Chagaev and Pianeta preparing for July 11 clash

Regardless of what goes on in a New York courtroom, WBA “regular” heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagaev (33-2-1, 20 KOs) is planning to defend his title against Francesco Pianeta (31-1-1, 17 KOs) in 37 days on July 11 at the GETEC Arena in Magdeburg, Germany.

The Flying Eagles of Nigeria will be boosted with the return to full fitness of forward Moses Simon, ahead of their second game against North Korea.

Nigeria’s Flying Eagles trained under cold, pouring rain on Wednesday morning ahead of their U20 World Cup Group E game against Korea.

Flying Eagles set for “a few changes” ahead of North Korea tie

Ahead of their second group game against North Korea by 5am on Thursday morning in Nigeria, reports say there will be ‘a few changes’ to the Flying Eagles team, following their 2-4 loss to Brazil in the first game.

Gatlin says he not Bolt is the man to beat for now

With the world-leading times in the 100 and 200 meters this year, Justin Gatlin says he not Usain Bolt is the man to beat for now.

Serena blasts past Errani to reach Paris semis

World number one, Serena Williams, crushed Italian Sara Errani 6-1 6-3 to reach the semi-finals of the French Open in intimidating fashion on Wednesday.

Qatar FA hits back at English football chief Dyke

Qatar's Football Association (QFA) hit back on Wednesday at English football boss Greg Dyke's claims that the 2022 World Cup organisers should be nervous following FIFA president Sepp Blatter's resignation.

South Africa confirms payment to FIFA official, denies it was a bribe

Johannesburg - South Africa confirmed on Wednesday it had given $10 million meant to help pay for the 2010 World Cup to a soccer official indicted last week in the United States, but said the payment was not a bribe as U.S. prosecutors allege.

GOLF: Tiger Woods could win Open in 2016... and still miss out on the Rio Olympics

How’s this for a lamentable state of affairs? Picture Tiger Woods, from the depths of his current world ranking of 172nd, beginning the long march back with a good finish at the Memorial tournament in Ohio this week.

So it continues, step by agonising step as he inches back inside the top 20, until he captivates the entire sporting world with a victory at The Open at Royal Troon next year for his 15th major championship.

A fortnight later, another blistering finish at the USPGA leaves Woods looking up at only Rory McIlroy at the top of the rankings as the sport re-enters the Olympics.

Former world No 1 Tiger Woods is currently ranked 172nd in the world after a succession of injuries

Too good to be true as the build-up to the race for a gold medal? You can say that again. But not because of the reason you might think — that Tiger’s not up to it anymore.

FIFA have enough time to find suitable candidates to host the 2022 World Cup if they decide to act now

The United States government has denied reports that it is behind Sepp Blatter's decision to resign as FIFA president on Tuesday.

TENNIS: Jo-Wilfried Tsonga through to French Open 2015 semi-finals after dramatic five-set victory over Kei Nishikori

Local favourite, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, regained his composure just in time to hold off a stirring fightback from Japanese fifth seed Kei Nishikori, winning 6-1 6-4 4-6 3-6 6-3 to reach the French Open semi-finals on Tuesday.

Over the next couple of days each display by Nigeria’s 2015 U-20 World Cup players will be heavily scrutinized by the country’s technical crew, News24 can report.

Stephen Keshi, afrigter van Nigerië, langs die kantlyn tydens die onlangse Wêreldbeker in Brasilië.| Foto: alex grimm/getty images

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has retained only eight out of the twenty six home based players in camp for the June 13 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Chad.

Sepp Blatter has announced he will stand down as FIFA president - though will continue in the role until an 'extraordinary congress' can be called to vote in a successor

Statement by Sepp Blatter on Tuesday announcing he would be stepping down as president of world football's governing body FIFA:

Sepp Blatter resigned as Fifa president on Tuesday, four days after being re-elected to a fifth term.

CSKA Moscow Extends Ahmed Musa Deal

Nigeria international, Ahmed Musa, has signed a new four-year contract with CSKA Moscow that will keep him at the Arena Khimki till the end of the 2018/2019 season.

Former Flying Eagles coach, John Obuh, has opined that the Nigeria U20 team got carried away, hence their 2-4 loss to Brazil in their opening fixture of the FIFA U20 World Cup.

Coach of Brazil’s U20 men’s football team, Rogerio Micale, has explained how they were able to subdue Nigeria in a highly entertaining fixture at the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand.

The Dream Team VI will now face Congo-Brazzaville for a place at the African U-23 Championship after the Red Devils eliminated Ghana’s Black Meteors in the penultimate round of qualifiers for the African Championship which serves as the Olympic Games qualifiers.

Roger Federer beats Gael Monfils to set up all-Swiss clash with Stan Wawrinka in French Open quarter-finals

Roger Federer reached the quarter-finals of the French Open with a 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-1 defeat of local favourite Gael Monfils on Monday.

The Flying Eagles lost their opening FIFA U-20 World Cup match on Monday when they lost 4-2 to five-time champions Brazil at the Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Serena Williams comes back from the brink against Sloane Stephens to reach French Open 2015 quarter-finals

Serena Williams survived another French Open scare as the top seed was tested to the full by American compatriot Sloane Stephens on court Philippe Chatrier.

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Friday, June 5, 2015

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Monday, June 1, 2015