Sports

Merseyside Is Red As Ronaldo’s Winner Edges Everton

Cristiano Ronaldo struck the 700th club goal of his career as Manchester United came from behind to beat Everton 2-1 at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was again left on the bench by Erik ten Hag but was handed an early introduction by an injury to Anthony Martial.

By that stage it was already 1-1 as Antony cancelled out Alex Iwobi’s opener for Everton.

Ronaldo took his chance just before half-time to give United a deserved three points from an error-strewn game by both sides.

Victory takes Ten Hag’s men up to fifth and within nine points of leaders Arsenal with a game in hand.

The Red Devils were seeking a response to being thrashed 6-3 by Manchester City last weekend but got off to the worst possible start.

On his first Premier League start since arriving for £60 million ($67 million) from Real Madrid, Casemiro was culpable for the opening goal as he was robbed in possession by Amadou Onana and the ball eventually broke for Iwobi to curl into the top corner from outside the box.

E[tps_header][/tps_header]verton came into the game with the best defensive record in the league, but were quickly undone as United levelled within 10 minutes.

Antony became the first United player to score in his first three Premier League games with a cool finish from Martial’s pass.

Martial only lasted 30 minutes after pulling up with a hip injury in the warm-up and his departure paved the way for Ronaldo to make his entrance.

The 37-year-old has had to get used to life on the sidelines under Ten Hag.

However, Ronaldo gave his Dutch coach a reminder of the predatory instincts he retains.

Casemiro made amends for his earlier error by winning possession in midfield and playing in his former Real Madrid teammate to fire low under Jordan Pickford.

That strike took Ronaldo’s tally in two spells with United to 144.

International

Abiodun Appoints Tunde Onakoya Sports Ambassador

L-R: Orimolusi of Ijebu-Igbo, Oba Lawrence Jayeoba Adebajo; world record holder in the longest chess marathon, Tunde Onakoya; Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; his Deputy, Engr (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba Abdulrazaq Adenugba; father of the marathon chess champion, Rafiu Onakoya and his mother, Taiwo Onakoya, during a courtesy call on the governor by the marathon champion on Thursday, during which he was presented with the Model of the Gateway City Gate by the governor.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has appointed Mr. Tunde Onakoya, the National Master of Chess and the current Guinness World Record Holder for the longest Chess Marathon in history, the Sports Ambassador of the State.
Governor Abiodun, who made this known on Thursday when he received Mr. Onakoya in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, also announced the commencement of the State Chess Competition to be held in all parts of the state in honour of Mr. Onakoya.
Abiodun, who was impressed with the achievement of the National Chess Master at the global stage, said this could not have been possible without determination and resilience and hard work.
“I can see why you continue to be inspiration to many young people across the length and breath of this country. You have gone further by establishing a foundation called the ‘Chess in Slums Africa’ because you are determined to tell your story and encourage other children and get them out of the slums and give them hope and future.
“Today, we will be officially appointing you as our State Sports Ambassador. Coincidentally, Ogun State will be hosting the National Sports Festival in the next nine months or thereabouts and we are boasting that we are set to host the best National Sports Festival that has never been held in the history of this country and coincidentally, chess is one of the games that will feature in that event.
“I have decided that because of you and in your honour, we will begin an Ogun State Chess Competition across the length and breath of the state. Since you are now officially our Sports Ambassador and our Chess Ambassador, we will leave it to you to design that competition from the local government all the way to the state level.
“But we as your state, we will have a sponsor in the Tunde Onakoya Prize, for the winner of that competition,” the governor explained.
The governor likened the travails of the Chess Master to that of millions of youths in Nigeria who are struggling to make something out of their lives, stating that his achievements in the face of difficulties is a testimony that life does not recognize where one comes from, place of birth or parent’s status in the society.
He commended the longest Chess Marathon holder in the world, for his resolve to succeed without engaging in dubious activities, noting that with the feat, he has joined the league of illustrious sons and daughters who have done Ogun State proud in their chosen endeavours.
Mr. Onakoya had earlier told the governor of his immense gratitude for the support he received from Nigerians in his march to stardom, adding that he felt proud to be a Nigerian.
He also recalled his challenges while growing up, nothing that he saw chess as a way out of poverty and ability to think critically beyond the surface.
Onakoya acknowledged the unpopularity of chess in the country, attributing it to lack of understanding of the value of the game.
He said he has intensify efforts in making the game popular in Lagos, Kenya and other parts of Africa, saying he and his team are trying to bring the game to the grassroots in collaboration with Lufthansa Airlines.
Onakoya said he was determined to break the world record as it was said that no human had played the game beyond 56 hours, but he did it in 60 hours.
He thanked governor Abiodun for the honour done to him and his parents, pledging to work with the government to make the game attractive to the youths.
“I am proud to be a Nigerian and from Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, I felt highly honoured and happy in the way Nigerians all over the world supported me immensely to achieve this feats and the honour accorded me by our royal fathers and His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, my state Governor,” Onakoya said.

Sports

Super Falcons goalkeeper nominated for award in France

Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie has been nominated for the best Goalkeeper of the Season award in the French D1 Akem (women’s top-flight league in France).

Nnadozie has been nominated for the individual accolade for the second consecutive season after establishing herself as one of the best goalkeepers in the French top-flight.

The 22-year-old has once again made a big impression for Paris FC on the domestic scene as well as the UEFA Women’s Champions League.