Sports

Explosion at NSF venue: Ogun Govt assures athletes, others of safety

The Ogun Government has described explosion of a diesel tanker at Alake Sports Complex, Abeokuta, one of the venues being used for the ongoing National Sports Festival (NSF) as very unfortunate.

However, the state government in a statement by Kayode Akinmade, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Strategy, issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday assured athletes participating in the sports festival of their safety.

“To this end, we want to assure all our athletes and the people of the state of safety and that there is no cause for alarm as the situation is under absolute control,” Akinmade said while assuring that the incident had been perfectly handled.

“The fire was immediately put out to prevent any damage, as the complex involved is one of the venues for the sports festival,” Akinmade said.

He commended the promptness and proactiveness of the state fire service and the vigilance of officials at the complex.

“The fire incident that involved a diesel tanker close to one of our facilities for the National Sports Festival this afternoon was very unfortunate.

“We thank God that the fire was immediately put out to avert casualties.

It was learnt that some containerized shops were destroyed following the explosion involving the diesel-laden tanker that occurred just behind the fence separating the Sports Complex from the Ijeja community, triggering panic among nearby residents.

A representative of Ogun Fire Service, Mr Abiodun Owolabi, said the blast was caused by a sudden ignition during discharge.

“The tanker, registration number LND 898 YJ, caught fire while discharging diesel into a storage facility within the Sports Complex,” Owolabi stated.

He added that, “The diesel was being pumped using a petrol-powered machine, which likely caused the ignition.”

The tanker driver sustained injuries and is receiving treatment. No fatalities were recorded, though some shops were affected by the fire.

“We responded immediately and were able to prevent further damage or casualties,” Owolabi said.

(NAN)

Sports

Former Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair is dead

Ex-Super Eagles coach, Monday Sinclair, has died at the age of 88, after battling with diabetes for a while.

Former Nigeria goalkeeper, Peterside Idah, disclosed the news of his death in a Facebook post.

It is believed Sinclair passed away on Wednesday around 3:15pm.

“Our daddy is gone. What a man. He signed me to play for Sharks. Gave me my first match against Niger Tornadoes of Minna,” Idah wrote.

After Philippe Troussier was sacked in 1997, Sinclair was appointed coach of the Eagles on an interim basis and took charge of two friendly matches against Zambia and Tunisia.

Sinclair has been credited with discovering ex-Nigeria internationals like Peter Rufai, Taribo West, Finidi George, and Idah Peterside, etc.

Sports

Super Eagles star Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after major abdominal injury

Nottingham Forest and Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has made a remarkable return to full training, taking a crucial step forward in his recovery from a life-threatening abdominal injury sustained in May.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international had been sidelined after suffering a ruptured intestine, an injury so serious it required a complex two-stage surgical process. The first operation took place in May and was followed by doctors placing Awoniyi in an induced coma to closely monitor his condition. Three days later, surgeons completed the second procedure to close the wound.

It has been a long and challenging road back for Awoniyi, who was unable to join Nottingham Forest’s push to secure their Premier League survival at the end of last season. His absence was felt deeply, given the forward’s knack for crucial goals and his growing importance to both club and country.

Now, after months of rehabilitation, Awoniyi has finally returned to the training pitch with his teammates.

The update was shared by Soar Super Eagles on Tuesday in a post on X, reading: “Taiwo Awoniyi returns to full training after that serious abdominal injury in May. Great to see him back on the grass.”

His comeback offers a significant boost for Nottingham Forest ahead of the new season, while also reigniting hopes that Awoniyi will soon be available to lead the line for Nigeria as they continue preparations for crucial upcoming qualifiers.

Sports

Chelsea crush PSG 3-0 to win Club World Cup

Chelsea won the Club World Cup following a surprise 3-0 demolition of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at the MetLife stadium in New Jersey on Sunday.

Cole Palmer scored twice and assisted another as the Blues, Conference League winners, delivered a clinical first half performance to silence the attacking juggernauts of PSG, UEFA Champions League holders, who finished the entertaining encounter with ten men.

‎It is a second trophy for Chelsea to cap a successful season, adding to the third-tier European trophy won in May.

Donald Trump, president of the United States of America, was in attendance as sides paraded their best stars, with Ousmane Dembele leading PSG’s charge, while Palmer and Joao Pedro spearheaded Chelsea’s attack