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Nigeria Mourns Loss Of Legendary Goalkeeper Christian Obi

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Nigeria Mourns Loss Of Legendary Goalkeeper Christian Obi

The Nigeria Football Federation has described as “shocking and very sad” the death on Friday of former Nigeria international goalkeeper Christian Obi, in a ghastly automobile accident involving players and officials of his club, Heartland FC of Owerri in Okigwe, Imo State.

NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “We are still stunned and saddened by the report. Our hearts go out to the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends and relations, the Imo State Football Association, and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club. While we await further reports on the accident, we commiserate with the Imo State Government on this unfortunate situation, and pray that Almighty God will grant the late Christian Obi eternal rest, and also pray that the injured regain good health speedily.”

Reports said Heartland FC players and officials were on their way to a pre-season tournament named after another Nigeria ex-international, in Abakaliki, before their bus ran into a stationary vehicle while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle in Okigwe.

Christian Obi was a member of the Nigeria U20 team that won the bronze medals at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in then Soviet Union, defeating the host nation on penalty shootout in the third-place match after scoreless regulation and extra time in Moscow. Though Obi was second-choice goalkeeper, he was thrown into action in the third-place match following injury to first-choice Aloysius Agu in the 0-2 defeat to Brazil in the semi-finals in Leningrad, and Obi’s heroics in saving three of the Soviet Union team’s penalty kicks handed Nigeria a 3-1 win in the shootout and first-ever podium finish in FIFA’s second most important tournament.

Read also : Nigeria Ranked 5th Globally, 3rd In Africa As Most Generous Country In World Giving Index 2024

Christian Obi was also part of Nigeria’s squad to the Men’s Football Tournament of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.

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British-American Duo Win First Grand Slam Together in Melbourne

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British-American Duo Win First Grand Slam Together in Melbourne

Neal Skupski and Christian Harrison clinched the men’s doubles title at the Australian Open on Saturday, defeating Australian wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans 7-6 (4), 6-4 to secure their first Grand Slam crown together. The sixth-seeded British-American pair showed composure and resilience to overcome a spirited challenge from the home favourites in front of a lively crowd at Rod Laver Arena, with play taking place under a closed roof due to rain in Melbourne.

Skupski and Harrison made a strong start to the final, breaking serve early in the opening set to race into a 4-2 lead. However, Kubler and Polmans, buoyed by vocal home support, fought their way back to force a tiebreak. The visitors eventually took control, sealing the set through a decisive smash from Skupski.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with the favourites again securing an early break. Despite sustained pressure from the Australians and the drama of two missed championship points, Harrison held his nerve to close out the contest with a powerful ace down the middle on the third opportunity.

The victory marked a significant milestone for Harrison, who claimed his maiden Grand Slam title. The American described the moment as surreal, noting the significance of achieving the feat on such a big stage and against determined opponents in a charged atmosphere.

For Skupski, the triumph represented his fourth major title overall and his first outside Wimbledon. The Briton said lifting the trophy with Harrison in their first Grand Slam outing as a partnership made the success particularly special. Kubler and Polmans, who enjoyed an unexpected run to the final, received a standing ovation from the crowd in recognition of their impressive performances throughout the tournament.

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Justin Rose Sets 36-Hole Record, Opens Four-Shot Lead at Torrey Pines

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Ex-Sri Lanka Star Jayasuriya Named in USA Squad for T20 World CupJustin Rose Sets 36-Hole Record, Opens Four-Shot Lead at Torrey Pines

Justin Rose maintained his imperious form at the Farmers Insurance Open on Friday, producing a brilliant seven-under-par 65 on the demanding South Course at Torrey Pines to open up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the tournament. The Englishman, who had set the early pace with a stunning 62 on the easier North Course on Thursday, followed it up with another composed display, recording six birdies and an eagle against a lone bogey.

His two-round total of 17-under-par 127 established a new 36-hole scoring record in the history of the event. Rose’s second-round effort was particularly eye-catching given the difficulty of the South Course, a venue where he previously claimed the Farmers Insurance Open title in 2019 and where he famously finished runner-up at the 2013 U.S. Open. Reflecting on his performance, the 45-year-old said he was pleased with his decision-making and ability to recover from difficult situations, noting that his putter proved decisive whenever he found himself under pressure.

Ireland’s Seamus Power sits in second place on 13-under-par after a solid round of 66, which he capped with an eagle on the ninth hole. Power expressed confidence heading into the weekend, pointing to improvements in his long game after leaning heavily on his putting in the opening round. Americans Joel Dahmen and Max McGreevy are tied for third at 11-under-par. Dahmen surged with a 63 that included three eagles, while McGreevy carded a steady 67 to remain in contention.

Former world number one Brooks Koepka also enjoyed a positive day, securing his place in the weekend in his first PGA Tour appearance outside the majors since 2022. The five-time major champion shot a 68 to make the cut on the mark at three-under-par, marking a significant step in his return to regular Tour competition following a 14-week layoff. In contrast, world number three Xander Schauffele suffered a rare setback as his streak of 72 consecutive made cuts — the fifth-longest in PGA Tour history — came to an end. Despite posting a second-round 69, Schauffele finished one stroke outside the cut line.

Rose will head into Saturday’s third round with a commanding advantage as he chases his 13th PGA Tour victory and a second Farmers Insurance Open crown, firmly positioning himself as the man to beat at Torrey Pines.

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Ex-Sri Lanka Star Jayasuriya Named in USA Squad for T20 World Cup

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Ex-Sri Lanka Star Jayasuriya Named in USA Squad for T20 World Cup

Former Sri Lanka all-rounder Shehan Jayasuriya has been handed a surprise international return after being named in the United States squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Jayasuriya, 34, who previously represented Sri Lanka in 12 One-Day Internationals and 18 T20 Internationals, including appearances at the 2016 T20 World Cup, retired from international cricket in 2021 before relocating to the United States with his family.

Since moving, he has remained active in the game, featuring in Major League Cricket and other franchise competitions, and has now qualified to play for the USA under International Cricket Council eligibility regulations. His inclusion headlines a 15-man American squad that blends experience with emerging talent as the team prepares for the global tournament. The squad also features possible debutants, including Pakistan-born leg-spinner Mohammad Mohsin and all-rounder Shubham Ranjane, who is the grandson of former India international Vasant Ranjane.

The United States side will be captained by Monank Patel and includes established players such as fast bowler Ali Khan and left-arm seamer Saurabh Netravalkar, alongside a number of domestic prospects who have impressed in recent competitions.

The USA will face a tough test at the start of their campaign, having been drawn in Group A alongside defending champions India. The Americans open their tournament against India on February 7, a high-profile fixture in a competition co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The United States enjoyed a historic outing at the last edition of the tournament in 2024, where they advanced to the Super Eight stage as hosts, and will be aiming to build on that momentum on the world stage.

USA Squad: Monank Patel (captain), Jasdeep Singh, Andries Gous, Shehan Jayasuriya, Milind Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Saiteja Mukkamala, Sanjay Krishnamurthi, Harmeet Singh, Nosthush Kenjige, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Saurabh Netravalkar, Ali Khan, Mohammad Mohsin, Shubham Ranjane.

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