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  • ‘My seventh Olympic dream is not over’

    In spite of missing the first opportunity to actualise her dream of making it to her seventh Olympic Games in Japan, Olufunke Oshonaike believes her ambition is still alive.

    Team Nigeria was beaten by Egypt in the final of the 12th African Games in Morocco, and the Egyptian secured their continental sole slot to Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

    A disappointed Oshonaike told NationSport she was pained by the loss but was hopeful she could fulfil her dream in the continental qualifying tournament holding in Tunisia next year.

    “I am not happy that we lost narrowly to the Egyptians again this year. We were all in good shape for the encounter but the doubles lost cost us the match. But this has not stopped me from aiming for my seventh Olympic Games.

    Read Also: ‘Iron Lady’ Joseph returns to face Horgasz

    I still have the chance to compete against others at the qualifying tournament as the only setback for us was that we would not be playing in the team event of the Olympic Games in Japan,” she said.

    Oshonaike, however, said that Nigeria still has the chance to battle for the remaining five gold medals with Egypt.

    “We are not going to be discouraged by the defeat in the team events as we are still in the race for the overall title.

    There is no doubt that the team event was our target from the start but it is another wake-up call for us to do well in other events,” she added.

    Oshonaike has featured in six Olympic Games since her debut at the 1992 Atlanta Olympic Games in the United States.

  • ‘Iron Lady’ Joseph returns to face Horgasz

    Nigeria’s Helen ‘Iron Lady’ Joseph will fight Martina Horgasz from Hungary as she continues to rack up fights in her return to professional boxing.

    The Joseph-Horgasz fight will be part of the undercard fights for the World Boxing Association (WBA) World Female Super Middle Title between Alicia Espinosa and Schemelle Baldwin at the Foxwoods Resort, Mashantucket, Connecticut on Thursday 29, August 2019.

    Joseph, 32, defeated another Hungarian, Edna Kiss on her return after over a year out by unanimous decision in a six-round women’s super-bantamweight bout on 3rd August.

    Read Also: It will be my first of many titles for Barca — Oshoala

    The Nigerian-born Joseph (16-3-2, 10 KOs), of New Haven, Connecticut, She dropped Kiss (15-11, 9 KOs) in the second round and won 60-53 on all three scorecards.

    Joseph has lost two world title fights in her 15-year boxing career. She lost the International Boxing Federation World Female Feather Title to Dahiana Santana in 2012 then lost the vacant International Boxing Federation World Female Feather Title to Jennifer Han in 2015.

  • It will be my first of many titles for Barca — Oshoala

    Nigeria International striker, Asisat Oshoala has promised to win more trophies for Barcelona following the club’s capture of the Copa Catalunya after a 4-0 win over Espanyol in the final on Saturday.

    The Falcons’ star who was in dazzling form opened the floodgate of goals for the Catalan giants in the 25th minute when she got at the end of a superb build up play that started from the defence to find the back of the net.

    Oshoala’s teammates, Mariona grabbed a brace in the 31st and 64th minutes before Claudia Pina completed the rout by netting the fourth goal in the last minute of the game as Barça Women were proclaimed champions of the Catalan Cup for the sixth consecutive time and their first official title of the 19/20 season.

    The match began with the Blaugrana taking control of possession and setting the pace and patterns of play at all times. The first opportunity came when María León struck the post.

    Great collective team play and a wonderful assist from Alexia Putellas saw Oshoala put Barça Women into the lead in the 25th minute.

    Graham’s speed out wide was a problem for Espanyol throughout, and her great cross found Mariona who made no mistake to double the lead.

    After the break, Barça continued to take the initiative and Mariona grabbed a second just after the hour mark while Claudia Pina converted the fourth goal in the last minute of the match. Thus, the 10th Catalan Cup was Barça’s, a reward for dominating the final from beginning to end.

    Read Also: Guardiola impressed by City’s attacking quality

    After the match, Oshoala who came close to lifting the UEFA Women’s Champions League three and the Liga title three months hinted in a post on her Twitter handle that she’s not contented winning just one title this season.

    “First of many Insha Allahu ????” The ex-Rivers Angels forward wrote on Twitter.

    The Nigeria international, who initially joined the Liga Iberdrola side on loan in January before securing a permanent deal with her convincing form, scorED nine goals in six games for Cortes’ side this season and 17 in 17 overall.

    Since her arrival, the Blaugrana crumbled in the race for the Spanish Liga Iberdrola and the Women’s Champions League titles, leaving the FC Robo product no chance to celebrate a silverware before she and her Barca teammate lifted the Catalan Cup last Saturday.

    Oshoala is expected to join the Nigeria women’s team for the Tokyo Olympic Games qualifier clash with Algeria today.

  • Guardiola impressed by City’s attacking quality

    Pep Guardiola said Manchester City’s extra quality in attack made the difference as the champions powered to a 3-1 win at Bournemouth on Sunday.

    Sergio Aguero struck twice to take his career goal tally to 400, while Raheem Sterling was also on target with his fifth goal in the opening three Premier League games.

    Their second victory this season ensured second placed City remain two points behind leaders Liverpool.

    And acknowledging his side had been forced to work hard for the win, Guardiola highlighted the ruthlessness of City’s finishing as the decisive factor on a hot day at Dean Court.

    “It was a tough game, we knew it would be. We have seven points. We should have nine, but it’s OK,” Guardiola said.

    “It’s a nice three points but we have a few things to improve. They were stronger than us in the boxes.

    But the quality of our players in front made the difference.”

    Aguero, who put City ahead in the 15th minute before claiming City’s third in the 64th minute, admitted he was unaware of having reached a career landmark.

    “All the goals are important, I do not have a favourite,” he said.

    Read Also: Joelinton secures away win for Newcastle United

    “400 goals, wow! I did not know that. The goals are always important, you need them to win.”

    Sterling added City’s second goal two minutes before the break and immediately before Harry Wilson brought Bournemouth back into the game with an outstanding free-kick.

    Having started the season with a hat-trick in the 5-0 defeat of West Ham, Sterling struck against Tottenham before maintaining his scoring sequence against Bournemouth.

    “We didn’t create so many chances today, but Raheem is still scoring goals, which is good for us,” said Guardiola.

    David Silva made his 400th City appearance and marked the occasion by contributing to all three goals.

    His pass for Sterling that set up the England international was particularly telling and Guardiola had high praise for the 33-year-old’s contribution.

    “He played incredibly well. David in this kind of game ? with a defence so deep and with such little space ? is so good. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever seen,” he said.

    Having had Gabriel Jesus’ late goal against Tottenham ruled out by VAR when the ball struck Aymeric Laporte’s hand on the way to reaching the striker, City again found themselves on the wrong end of a review.

    Referee Andre Marriner rejected claims Silva had been tripped by Jefferson Lerma and his decision was supported by VAR, despite there appearing to be contact between the two players.

    Guardiola, though, refused to criticise the match officials.

    “A penalty? No, no, no,” said the Catalan. “Clear hands, last game. Penalty? No, no, no.

    “The challenge this season will be amazing for us. It will be great after back-to-back titles.”

    Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was satisfied his side had presented a more testing challenge than they had in the corresponding fixture last season.

    Then, they enjoyed only 18 percent possession and failed to muster a single shot on target.

    “Compare this game to previous games against City, we created so much more, we were a constant menace to them,” he said.

    “We were good physically in a really tough afternoon without the ball for long periods. The lads left

    everything on the pitch, which is all I can ask for.”

    Bournemouth left-back Charlie Daniels was stretchered from the pitch during the first half and Howe admitted the player could be out for some time.

    “I know it’s potentially serious, seeing him on a stretcher with the amount of pain he was in. We’re

    concerned for him, yes,” Howe said.

  • Joelinton secures away win for Newcastle United

    Newcastle United defied the odds in the sunshine to stun Champions League finalists Tottenham Hotspur in their own backyard.

    The Magpies nervously arrived in London as massive underdogs with Steve Bruce feeling some early pressure.

    But they jetted back to the North-East with smiles on their faces as Joelinton secured a valuable and famous away win .

    History was made in the capital as Bruce managed to follow through his vow to “shut up” some of his critics although, United had to fight for the right to record their first win of the campaign.

    Indeed, United absorbed the early pressure that Spurs laid on in this Sunday afternoon clash, but the Magpies were struck by an early injury blow on 15 minutes.

    After winning a free-kick down the right-hand side, Matt Ritchie played it quickly to Allan Saint-Maximin.

    But it was clear he’d felt a twinge in his hamstring and was soon replaced by Christian Atsu.

    However, it did not deter Newcastle in the first quarter of the game and while Spurs had 82% of the possession the first big chance of the game fell to the team in orange.

    Joelinton latched on to the ball just inside the Tottenham half and released Sean Longstaff with the midfielder driving his way into the box.

    Longstaff had a clear sight of goal – despite having Atsu as an option over his shoulder – but the Geordie boy forced a fine save out of Hugo Lloris on 23 minutes.

    It was a moment that appeared to give Newcastle some belief too.

    Read Also: Abraham scores twice as Chelsea earn first win under Lampard

    Four minutes later, Atsu dinked a fine ball into the path of Joelinton who cushioned the ball perfectly before rolling past Lloris to open the scoring and send the 3,000 travelling Geordies into ecstasy.

    Much has been made about Joelinton’s heavy £40million price tag but with the thermometer displaying 32 degrees in London, the Brazilian was the coolest man on the park as he beat the seasoned French international.

    United had to rely on the brilliance of their own stopper Martin Dubravka on 33 minutes.

    Heung-Min Son’s rasping effort struck the ground and troubled the Magpies but the Slovakia star was on hand to push the ball away from danger.

    Son was causing problems again on 39 minute as he danced down the left before drilling the ball wide of the post.

    United had to endure some nervy moments before the half-time whistle but they went in with a slender lead.

    Spurs started the second half on the front-foot and Ritchie then found himself in the book for a challenge on Kyle Walker-Peters.

    But Longstaff rose well to clear the resultant free-kick.

    Spurs continued to press Newcastle but on 55 minutes Lucas Moura was only able to head it on to the top of Dubravka’s net.

    The home side tried to change the flow of the game by introducing two subs shortly after that as Christian Eriksen and Giovani Lo Celso came on.

    Moura then hit one wide with 64 minutes gone as Newcastle clutched on to their advantage.

    With 17 minutes to go Spurs had another glimpse of goal as they worked the ball into the final third and carved an opening for Lo Celso, but he could only send it wide.

    History then unfolded on 78 minutes as Newcastle were involved in their first ever VAR check.

    Lascelles was adjudged to have fouled Harry Kane but his collapse was deemed accidental and play continued – much to the joy of the travelling Geordie fans.

    Lascelles though was unable to continue and was replaced by Federico Fernandez for the closing stages.

    With three minutes to go Joelinton was replaced by Yoshinori Muto with the Brazilian booked for time wasting on his way off.

    With six minutes of added time, United had to fight tooth and nail for the points, and a last gasp clearance from Krafth summed up their desperation.

    Yet Newcastle and Bruce held on for dear life and eased the pressure with a fantastic road trip victory.

  • Operation Crush arrests 25 cultists at Ijora, Mushin, Bariga

    The Lagos State Police Command said on Sunday that operatives of the Operation Crush from the Anti-Cultism Unit had arrested 25 cultists at Ijora, Mushin and Bariga.

    Lagos police spokesman Bala Elkana stated this on Sunday

    Elkana said Olaitan Rilwan, male, 20, was found at Ijora roundabout with an automatic pistol concealed in his bag.

    “The suspect confessed to be a member of ‘Aiye’ confraternity, Elkana said in the statement.

    He said Mustapha Oseni, male, 23, and 22 others were arrested during a follow-up operation at Bariga by operatives of Operation Crush.

    Read Also: Police arrest eight ‘cultists’ at initiation venue

    Elkana added that operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit also nabbed Olaitan Rilwan, male, 20, on Gaskiya Road in Mushin.

    “One locally-made pistol with eight rounds of live cartridges was recovered from him. Investigation is on. The suspects will be arraigned after investigations,” he said.

    Elkana said the anti-crime patrol team from Mushin Police Station, led by Inspector Atipi Agasa, while on patrol at Olorunsogo, Mushin, intercepted two hoodlums.

    He said Omisogun Mathew, male, 25, and Yetunde Lawson, female, 28, were intercepted on a motorcycle.

    “On sighting the police team, the hoodlums attempted to escape, but were given a hot chase. One locally-made-double barrel pistol with two live cartridges was recovered from them.

    “The suspects belong to a five-man armed robbery syndicate operating at Mushin, Ikotun and Igando areas of Lagos State. The suspects have been transferred to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) for discreet investigation and will be charged to court after investigations,” Elkana said.

  • Man faces theft charge

    A man, Sylvester Sunday, who allegedly stole a television set and a stabilizer worth N82,000 from a shop on the pretext of buying items there, appeared at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, at the weekend.

    Sunday, 21, who lives at Kayode Alabi Street, Ifako-Ijaiye, Ikeja, is facing a two-count charge of stealing and burglary.

    The defendant pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecuting Inspector Michael Unah said the defendant committed the offences at Haruna Street, off College Road in Ijaiye.

    He alleged that the defendant entered the shop of the complainant, Linus Nwaigwe, and stole a TV set and a stabilizer worth N82,000.

    Unah alleged that the defendant committed the offences when he went to the complaint’s shop to buy some items.

    Read Also: Uber driver charged with theft of N12m church equipment

    “Nwaigwe said when the defendant gave him money, he discovered that he did not have change, so he decided to ask around.

    “By the time the complainant returned to his shop, he noticed that the defendant had carried away his television set and a stabiliser.

    “Nwaigwe said he immediately dashed out of his shop; he saw the defendant going away with the items he had stolen from his store,” the prosecutor said.

    He said the complainant raised the alarm, which led to the arrest of the defendant by some of the people in the area.

    He said the defendant was handed over to the police, who brought him to court after they had completed their investigations.

    He adjourned the case August 28.

  • ‘Nabbed suspected kidnapper of toddlers is a specialist’  

    Suspected kidnapper, Ruth Okoronkwo, who was arrested by the Army’s 20 Model Battalion at Serti in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State and handed over to the police for further investigation, is a specialist in the trade, it was learnt.

    Ruth, 37, was apprehended at a checkpoint at Sabon Gida, along Jalingo-Wukari Road. She was nabbed among a three-man gang who allegedly abducted two toddlers aged one and two.

    One of the children hails from Adamawa State, while the other is from Iware in Taraba State, the Army said.

    The parade of the suspected kidnappers came after Governor Darius Ishaku last month signed into law, an anti-kidnapping Act prescribing death penalty for offenders.

    When Lt. Col. Musa Adamu paraded the three suspects at the weekend, before handing them to the Police Headquarters in Jalingo, Ruth confessed the crime, but claimed she was a novice in the act.

    She said she has been recruited to kidnap infants for a fee.

    “This is my first time of doing something like this. I was promised N50,000 if I could assist kidnap some children. I will not do it again if I am freed,” she said.

    Read Also: Ogun to demolish houses harbouring kidnappers

    The Nation investigation, however, reveals that Ruth was once arrested and jailed at the Makurdi Prisons and it was not long that she was released on bail.

    The suspect also told the Army she was a “businesswoman from Abia State,” but it was learnt that she is a resident of Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

    “Ruth is Igbo, but was born and brought up at Iorkyaa-Ako Street in Makurdi.

    “She was slim while growing up until now that she is making money from kidnapping of children that she has become plumped,” our source who is her neighbour in Makurdi told The Nation.

    It was learnt that the Lexus Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with Lagos registration number in which she was intercepted by the Army, was acquired from the proceeds made from abduction of infants.

    Ruth was nabbed with a man she claimed was her brother and one other Emmanuel Kelechi she identified as her driver. But The Nation gathered the two were all her accomplices.

    Our source added that Kelechi had been her driver for a long time.

    Sources from the Makurdi Prisons, on condition of anonymity, revealed that Ruth  and Kelechi were once arrested (together) at Aliede in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State.

    “During her arrest at Aliede, she was with that her driver, and like a coincidence, with two kids,” said our source.

    It was gathered that Ruth had spent over a year in the Makurdi Prisons before she was bailed.

    It was gathered that she uses sweeties like biscuits to lure her victims.

    Schools, churches, mosques, wedding grounds, markets, etc are said to be areas she trails her victims.

  • Tinubu, Abiodun, Ekweremadu greet Kashamu over mother’s death

    More dignitaries have continued to commiserate with Senator Buruji Kashamu over the death of his mother, the late Alhaja Wulemotu Ebunoluwa Kashamu.

    They include former Lagos State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun and the immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu.

    Asiwaju Tinubu and Ekweremadu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed nonagenarian.

    Abiodun, who again visited Kashamu at his Lagos home yesterday, noted that the late Alhaja Kashamu lived a good life  and left a worthy legacy as a business woman, community and religious leader.

    The late Alhaja Kashamu died on August 7, at the age of 96, and has been buried according to Islamic rites.

    The funeral ceremony is scheduled for the 21st September 21, at Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State.

  • Housekeeper, others charged with stealing

    A housekeeper and two other men, who allegedly stole jewellery worth N1.5 billion belonging to a businesswoman, at the weekend appeared at an Ikeja Chief Magistrates Court in Lagos.

    The police charged Nnenna Anari, 25, Babalola Olaitan, 41 and Bashiru Yahaya, 32, with four counts of conspiracy, stealing, burglary and receiving stolen goods.

    Prosecuting Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Peter Nwangwu said the defendants committed the offence on May 26 at Ikoyi, Lagos.

    Read Also: Court remands 23-yr-old man in prison for stealing biscuits

    He alleged that the housekeeper, Anari, conspired with the two other defendants and stole diamond and gold jewellery worth N1.5 billion belonging to Mrs. Catherine Ifejike.

    Nwangwu also alleged that the third defendant (Yahaya), who knew that the items were stolen, agreed to keep them.

    The offence, he said, contravened sections 287, 307, 328 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty.

    Chief Magistrate Y. O. Aje-Afunwa admitted them to N10 million bail each with two sureties each in the like sum.

    Aje-Afunwa adjourned hearing in the case till August 29.