Gateway games: Ogun wins gold medals in swimming in

Team Ogun’s Kolade Otunla has won a historic men’s 100m backstroke gold medal at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival, Gateway Games 2024.

Otunla’s finishing time of 1:02.41 also broke the national and festival records set in 2018.

In the women’s 800-meter freestyle held earlier in the day, Ogun’s Omolola Tobiloba also clinched a gold medal.

Speaking with newsmen shortly after his victory, Otunla said his eyes had been set on the ultimate prize, crediting hard work and his coaches’ contributions.

“I am so happy and grateful. What I want to tell you guys is that swimming is not about rushing or breaking out too hard. Just make sure you stay on your pace.

“70% of your effort should be when you’re going, and once you’re coming back, sprint at 100%. When you get to 5 meters, just keep your head straight and maintain your pace, that’s the key.

“I’m so happy, and all thanks to the person who sponsored me to this level. Thanks to my coach, he’s been the one training me, waking me up every day. It’s not by my power.”

He also expressed his desire to become an Olympic champion, saying, “I wish to be the Olympic champion, and I’m working towards it.”

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.

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