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Madrid Mauled At Eibar, Solari In Trouble

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Santiago Solari proved the perfect caretaker but his debut as permanent coach of Real Madrid on Saturday ended in a disastrous 3-0 defeat at Eibar.

Four wins while in temporary charge earned Solari a contract until 2021 over the international break, only for Real to revert to the kind of chaotic display that cost his predecessor, Julen Lopetegui, his job.

The defeat also brought into focus the mindset of Madrid’s players, after their captain Sergio Ramos faced allegations of an anti-doping violation on Friday night from German magazine Der Spiegel. The club denied any breach.

Eibar were stronger, more aggressive and, worryingly for Solari, appeared clearer about the plan they wanted to carry out. Marc Cucurella, brilliant down the left, teed up all three goals, scored by Gonzalo Escalante, Sergi Enrich and Kike Garcia.

Real’s loss halts their revival under Solari and cost them a golden opportunity to make up ground on Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, before the pair face each other at the Wanda Metropolitano later on Saturday.

Eibar shoot up to seventh, a reward for their first ever victory over Real Madrid at the 11th attempt.

Ramos was not noticeably below par at Ipurua, but perhaps allegations that he failed to list the correct medication after the Champions League final in 2017, proved enough of a distraction for his teammates.

Solari, meanwhile, must now reset his team ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League game against Roma, which is likely to decide the winner of Group G.

Real started well enough and Gareth Bale looked in the mood when he swivelled and sent a stunning shot into the top corner from 25 yards, only to be ruled offside.

Karim Benzema went close, his finish cleared off the line by Jose Cote, but after surviving the early pressure, Eibar grew in confidence.

Kike made the woodwork shake with a drive from 25 yards, with replays showing the dipping shot had been diverted by an excellent finger-tip save from Thibaut Courtois.

Madrid’s goalkeeper came to their rescue again in the 16th minute, denying Enrich from Cucurella’s cross, but this time Escalante was on hand to bundle in the rebound ahead of the stumbling Dani Ceballos.

Referee Juan Martinez consulted the video assistant referee but the delay only earned a repeat of home fans’ cheers.

Bale’s free-kick was pushed wide and then he was booked for dissent as Madrid looked to be running out of ideas. Solari gave his first half-time team talk with his team behind, but their situation deteriorated in the second half.

Toni Kroos’ misjudged and misdirected crossfield pass exposed the unfortunate recipient Alvaro Odriozola. Cucurella pounced, pushing Odriozola off the ball and delivering for Enrich to score.

Odriozola was forced off injured.

Five minutes later it was three, this time Raphael Varane was at fault, allowing Kike to nip in and convert another whipped Cucurella cross.

Madrid had more than half an hour to respond but it was Eibar who looked more likely. Fabian Orellana nutmegged Ceballos and drew a smart save from Courtois, before Charles Dias flicked an audacious volley, again blocked by the Belgian. By the end, Madrid were thankful it was only three.

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DABIRI-EREWA DESCRIBES SAMSON DAUDA’S VICTORY AS TRIUMPH OF DEDICATION

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DABIRI-EREWA DESCRIBES SAMSON DAUDA’S VICTORY AS TRIUMPH OF DEDICATION

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has congratulated Nigerian-British bodybuilder Samson Dauda for winning the 2024 Mr Olympia bodybuilding title, securing more than $600,000—the largest prize in the sport’s history.

Dauda emerged victorious at the finale held at Resorts World Theatre, Las Vegas, beating top competitors Hadi Choopan, who placed second, and Derek Lunsford, the 2023 champion, who finished third.

Dabiri-Erewa in a message through the Commission ‘s Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, praised Dauda’s extraordinary journey, from his early years in Lagos to his rise in professional bodybuilding, noting that his win is a moment of pride for Nigerians globally.

“This achievement showcases the excellence Nigerians in the diaspora continue to display across various sectors. Samson Dauda has proven that with focus and perseverance, success is inevitable,” she said.

Born in Lagos, Dauda moved to the United Kingdom as a teenager, where he transitioned from rugby to bodybuilding.

His professional journey took off after winning the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup in Rome in 2017. Dauda has since demonstrated consistent growth, culminating in his Mr Olympia title.

NiDCOM continues to celebrate and support the achievements of Nigerians abroad, reaffirming its commitment to promoting their talents and contributions to global development.

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AFCON 2025 QUALIFIERS: Treatment of Super Eagles players in Libya despicable- DABIRI-EREWA

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned the treatment meted out to the Super Eagles team by Libya authorities ahead of its second leg match slated for Tuesday in the country.

She noted that travelling by road in Libya is most dangerous and totally not advisable because of the current situation in the country.

The team which left Nigeria on Sunday to Libya for its return match had their flight diverted to an innocuous airport far away from the venue of the match.

The implication of the diversion will now be another three hours of road travel to the main venue of the match, not minding the risk of road travel in Libya , considering the situation of the war-torn country.

Dabiri-Erewa said the safety of Nigerian players is paramount to the country, and was optimistic that the Ministry of Sports and the NFF will advice appropriately.

She also called on CAF to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves.

Already, the players, the pilots and others on board the flight had been stranded and subjected to inhuman treatment at the airport for over 13 hours without water, food, rest and other means of communication.

“The team were delayed at an airport in Libya for more than 13 hours without any tangible reason” The Super Eagles flight was redirected air borne on Sunday and they were required to travel by road to their destination.

However, there was no provision made for them by the Libya authorities and all efforts to make alternative provisions by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was frustrated.

Dabiri-Erewa appealed to the Super Eagles to remain calm why the Nigerian Football Federation will decide the next line of action.

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BREAKING NEWS: Lagos Sweeps All Gold Medals in Boxing Competition at National Youth Games 2024

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AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

In a stunning display of dexterity, perseverance, and grit, Team Lagos has swept all four gold medals in the boxing competition at the 2024 National Youth Games. The Team Lagos U-15 puglist’s dominance across the weight categories marks a historic achievement for Lagos in youth sports, particularly boxing.

The gold medal run began with Agboola Oyindamola’s victory in the 40kg female category. Bello Olamide Lawal followed suit, claiming gold in the 42kg male category. Yakubu Sofiat clinched the top spot in the 42kg female category, while Bolarinwa Michael capped off the clean sweep with his triumph in the 44kg male division. These outstanding performances reflect the state’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent, with the potential for these athletes to thrive on both national and international stages.

This success underscores the continued efforts of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, whose administration has prioritised sports development. Significant investments in sporting infrastructure and grassroots initiatives under his leadership have resulted in not only talent identification and development but also inspired an era of sports excellence. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into Africa’s sports hub is evident in the opportunities being created for athletes and administrators to shine and achieve recognition at various levels.

Speaking on the team’s success, Mr. Lekan Fatodu, Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, commended the young boxers for their dedication and discipline. He emphasised that these victories serve as a foundation for future achievements, both nationally and internationally. “These athletes have made Lagos proud. Their success reaffirms the importance of grassroots sports development, and we remain committed to supporting their journeys to even greater heights,” Fatodu remarked.

Demonstrating the importance of the final bout to the Lagos State Government, Mr. Mobolaji Ogunlende, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Lagos State, was present at the event, providing support and motivation to the young boxers. With words of encouragement and visible support, Ogunlende inspired the boxers, boosting their confidence, and pushing them to deliver exceptional performances that ultimately secured their victory.

With these triumphs, the future of Lagos boxing appears brighter than ever. Not only have these athletes brought glory to the state, but they have also ignited inspiration among a new generation of aspiring boxers. As they return to Lagos, celebrated as heroes, the focus now turns to their burgeoning careers, with many hoping to represent Nigeria on the global stage.

As Team Lagos revels in this historic achievement, it is evident that the state’s investments in sports are yielding impressive results and the leadership of the apex sports institution on top of its game. The success of these young athletes is a testament to the effectiveness of the state’s policies and programs. It is a source of pride for Lagos and a shining example for other states to emulate.

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