Troost-Ekong calls on African fans to support Ghana, noting group leader will be decided in Tuesday’s encounter

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has advised football fans not to underrate Ghana ahead of their crucial Group L match against England in Boston on Tuesday. Troost-Ekong, speaking during an online session organised by Multichoice, said Ghana possesses the quality to challenge England despite the Three Lions’ impressive start to the tournament.

Ghana secured a narrow 1-0 win over Panama in their opening fixture, while England overcame Croatia 4-2, setting the stage for a decisive clash that will determine who tops the group heading into the final round. Both teams are seeking momentum in a championship already marked by surprising results.

Troost-Ekong highlighted the importance of African solidarity at global tournaments, urging supporters across the continent to back Ghana as they represent Africa’s hopes. “I would love Ghana to go and do well. I think the beauty of the World Cup, and I think all the teams, even when we’ve been at the World Cup before – we want to see the other African teams do well, I think it’s very important for the continent,” he said during the interactive session.

He further explained that while rivalry exists between African teams on the pitch, there is also mutual respect and camaraderie off it. “Besides the rivalry where we play against each other, often there’s also a lot of love for each other, because we know the players well, and maybe from my perspective now, having retired from the national team, it’s easier to say that,” Troost-Ekong added.

As Tuesday’s fixture approaches, stakeholders believe victory for either side will boost confidence and improve their standing ahead of knockout stages. The match outcome will not only influence group rankings but may also impact Africa’s representation deep into the tournament.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/troost-ekong-dont-write-off-ghana-against-england/

Argentina secure early qualification with Messi’s two goals; team eyes deep run after strong group stage showing

Lionel Messi fired Argentina into the knockout phase of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Monday, scoring twice to ensure his side’s 2–0 victory and confirm their place in the next round. The match, held at the Lusail Iconic Stadium, saw Messi deliver a standout performance as Argentina topped their group ahead of the final fixtures.

Messi opened the scoring with a precise finish in the first half before doubling the lead shortly after the break, sealing a result that guarantees Argentina’s progression regardless of other group outcomes. Fans from across Buenos Aires and beyond erupted in celebration as Argentina delivered one of their most assured performances so far in the tournament.

The win is seen as crucial for Argentina’s hopes of advancing deep into the competition, with expectations high on Messi to lead his country to another World Cup final. Many Argentine supporters and analysts have described this campaign as potentially Messi’s last chance at lifting football’s biggest trophy, heightening interest across Latin America and among Nigerian fans who continue to follow international football closely.

Argentina coach and former international Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s impact after the match, saying, “His leadership inspires everyone on and off the pitch.” Meanwhile, football commentators noted that Argentina’s defensive organisation and quick transitions were key to securing an early ticket to the next round. No official statement has been released by FIFA regarding group standings pending completion of all matches.

Argentina will now wait to see who they face in the round of sixteen, while attention turns to whether Messi can sustain his form through to the latter stages. With a place in the knockout phase secured, fans are hopeful that this victory marks just the beginning of another memorable World Cup run for Argentina.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/889865-world-cup-messis-brace-powers-argentina-into-knockout-phase.html

US-based sprinter Blessing Ogundiran clocks 11.12 seconds to win in Lagos; Enekwechi clinches fifth shot put crown

Blessing Ogundiran, a US-based Nigerian athlete, emerged as the new women’s 100 metres champion after finishing first in the national trials held in Lagos on Saturday. The event, which serves as the selection ground for Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, saw Ogundiran cross the finish line in 11.12 seconds.

Ogundiran outpaced teenage sensation Miracle Eluebube Ezechukwu, who recorded a personal best of 11.15 seconds to secure second place. Olajide Olayinka finished third with a time of 11.28 seconds. The performance marks a significant moment for Ogundiran, who recently returned from the United States after enduring travel delays caused by storms.

The national trials are crucial for determining Nigeria’s athletics representatives at major international competitions. With her victory in Lagos, Ogundiran has strengthened her position as one of Nigeria’s leading female sprinters and is now set to feature prominently at the upcoming Commonwealth Games.

Speaking after her win, Ogundiran attributed her success to her coach’s guidance and perseverance through travel disruptions. “When I was at the start block, I was thinking of what my coach told me that I should just execute my race and not panic, and that was what I did,” she said. “It was a tough time getting here after travelling for almost four days due to what happened in the US (storm) but I am grateful to God that I am going back with the title.”

In other events at the trials, Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi threw 21.46 metres to claim his fifth national shot put title—a record achievement since he began competing in Nigeria. Meanwhile, men’s 100m finalists including Favour Ashe and Enoch Adegoke have advanced to the semifinals following victories in their respective heats on Monday.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria is expected to finalise Team Nigeria’s squad for the Commonwealth Games following completion of all trial events.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/ogundinran-emerges-new-nigerian-women-100m-champion/