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  • Man City v Liverpool: 1xBet announces a grand battle in the Premier League – Sporting Tribune

    Man City v Liverpool: 1xBet announces a grand battle in the Premier League – Sporting Tribune

    The reliable bookmaker 1xBet talks about the Premier League 13th-round central match, where Manchester City will take on Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on November 25.

     

    Man City returned to the champion schedule

     

    Manchester City lost three matches in September and October, but after the defeat to Arsenal, Pep Guardiola’s team gained great momentum and topped the table by the international break. The Citizens beat strong Brighton (2-1), silenced Old Trafford in the derby with Manchester United (3-0), destroyed Bournemouth (6-1), and staged a real thriller with Chelsea (4-4). The game against the Blues was an actual football holiday, but only for Chelsea fans – as City led three times during the match and conceded a fourth goal in stoppage time. In the last game, Guardiola couldn’t count on his most important defensive player, John Stones, due to injury, and there is no guarantee the Englishman will recover for the meeting with Liverpool. However, the best defense is an attack. The team has 32 goals, and Erling Haaland scored 13 of them. Stopping a forward is difficult, but Arsenal has already shown it is possible. Will Virgil Van Dijk cope with the Norwegian scoring machine? After the injury in the collision with Pickford, the Dutchman lost his speed but not the football intelligence; he remains at the level of the player close to the Ballon d’Or in 2019.

     

    Klopp knows how to play against Guardiola  

     

    Liverpool failed in last season’s first half and couldn’t rise above fifth place in the final standings. Experts said that the Reds should think about finding a new coach, but the management believed in Jurgen Klopp, and now his team is second in the Premier League, only a point behind Man City. The Merseysiders rebuilt their midfield, signing Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch, and Wataru Endō. The newcomers quickly understood Klopp’s ideas and began to do good. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister were especially helpful. In their previous clubs, they mastered the ins and outs of high pressing, which, combined with football intelligence, technique, and stamina, makes them indispensable to Liverpool’s style.

     

    The coaching duel deserves special attention. Klopp knows better than anyone else how to beat Guardiola and has inflicted 12 defeats on him. Liverpool and Arsenal have the best defense this season and conceded just 10 goals, but can the Reds stop Manchester City on their pitch? All hope lies in counterattacks and the magnificent Salah, who, in the shadow of the media Haaland, has already scored 10 goals and is still one of the world’s best attacking players.

     

    What to expect

     

    Meetings between Man City and Liverpool are rarely dull. In 9 of the last 11 matches, at least 4 goals were scored. Guardiola and Klopp know each other well and are sure to prepare an excellent football show! Watch the top game and support your favorites with the football betting company 1xBet!

     

    Bet on Man City v Liverpool here

     


    November 16, 2023
  • Teams arrive Lagos as Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 phase two commences – Sporting Tribune

    Teams arrive Lagos as Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 phase two commences – Sporting Tribune

    All is now set for the commencement of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 phase 2 which will hold in Lagos, starting from Monday.

    The second phase of the Ardova Handball Premier League 2023 will see the twenty-two teams (12 male teams, 10 female teams) and officials arrive in Lagos, Monday the 13th of November 2023, ahead of hostilities which will commence on Tuesday, November the 14th 2023 at the indoor sports hall of the National Institute of Sports (NIS), National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos and the outdoor handball court at the Rowe Park Sports Center, Yaba, Lagos.

    Coaches of the teams and officials which include but are not limited to referees and members of the technical and organizing committee will hold a technical meeting at the NIS Indoor Sports hall, to avail themselves again of the rules of the league while the matches will commence at exactly 7 am on Tuesday morning at the two centers.

    With Niger United and Safety Babes leading the league summit in the men and women categories from phase 1 which was held in Benin City, Edo State, team will be battle ready to get cracking in the two categories with juicy fixtures to wet the appetites of fans.

    Starting with the women’s category, third place Rima Queens of Sokoto with 23 points, will continue where they left it in the first phase as they play Bayelsa Queens who are 8th on the log with 13 points while Delta Queens who are 7th on the table with 16 points will play bottom placed Benue Queens on match day 1.

    Still, in the women’s category, it’s a battle of 5th versus 6th as home team Seasider Babes of Lagos will face Bendel Dynamos while arguably the big match of the day will see the Abuja derby with Safety Babes, who are defending champion and league leaders face off against city rival and second-placed Defender Babes in what promises to be an interesting match between the duo.

    Former Champion Plateau Peacocks who are 4th on the table will play 9th place Imo Grasshoppers.

    In the men’s category, 9th placed D.Defenders play 6th placed Confluence Stars while league leaders and former champion Niger United with 30 points will play Correction Boys placed 10th on the table with 16 points.

    After an underwhelming first phase which saw them placed 5th on the table with 25 points, defending champion Kano Pillars will want to start the second phase on a different slate as they face 7th placed Rima Strikers while 4th placed Lagos Seasider Boys with 27 points will continue their phase 1 form as they play Benue Buffaloes who are 8th on the table.

    Bottom team Bendel Dynamos will play Police Machine while Tojemarine Academy who is second on the table will play second-placed Safety Shooters in the final match of the men’s category on match day 1.

    All matches will be streamed live on HFN TV on Facebook and the Handball Federation of Nigeria YouTube page with regular updates on the X and Instagram pages of HFN.

    This is the sixth season of the league with a new title sponsor Ardova PLC which will see an increase in preparatory subsidy of 500,000 naira for each of the twenty-two teams (12 male and 10 female teams )as well as the winners getting 2.5 million naira price money.

     

    READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE 

     


    November 13, 2023
  • See why Premier League blocked lucrative shirt sponsor deal for Chelsea

    See why Premier League blocked lucrative shirt sponsor deal for Chelsea

    Chelsea’s quest for a fresh primary shirt sponsor for the upcoming 2023/24 season has hit a roadblock, with the Premier League thwarting a potentially lucrative deal with Paramount+.

    Following the conclusion of the previous agreement with Three, who had emblazoned Chelsea shirts for three years since 2020, the Blues were in need of a new branding partner.

    Although Three briefly paused their marketing activities with the club in 2022 due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, they resumed the partnership after Roman Abramovich sold the club in June last year. There were even discussions about removing Three’s branding from the shirts, but kit supplier Nike couldn’t produce new ones under the existing license.

    Now, Chelsea had set their sights on Paramount+, an American streaming platform, as a potential sponsor. However, the Premier League, according to the Daily Mail, has deemed the deal to be in violation of the Deed of License, which covers various broadcasting aspects.

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    Paramount+ operates in the UK, providing streaming services for entertainment shows and films. Importantly, it is also a broadcast partner of the Premier League in the United States. Therefore, a partnership with Chelsea could pose complications for the league, even though Paramount+ doesn’t stream games in the UK.

    Consequently, Chelsea will need to explore alternative options. Allianz, a German financial company already deeply involved in football, has been mentioned as a potential candidate. However, recent reports suggest that a deal with Allianz would be less financially rewarding compared to partnering with Stake, an online betting platform.

    ALSO READ: TRANSFERS: Luis Enrique set for PSG, as Arsenal consider Partey sale

    If Chelsea were to collaborate with Stake, the sponsorship arrangement would likely be relatively short-term. This is because Premier League clubs recently voted to prohibit betting companies from featuring as primary shirt sponsors starting from 2026.

    After that, only sleeve and pitchside gambling advertising will be permitted. Furthermore, there is a moral dilemma considering the Chelsea Foundation’s active efforts to raise awareness about the harmful impact of gambling.

    The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust conducted a poll among its members, revealing that over 77% of the voting participants strongly disagreed or disagreed with the prospect of an online casino and betting company serving as the primary shirt sponsor.

    In a letter addressed to Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly, the group unequivocally expressed their stance and highlighted the initiatives overseen by the Chelsea Foundation.

    June 19, 2023
  • Premier League dominates Forbes Top 10 most valuable football clubs list

    Premier League dominates Forbes Top 10 most valuable football clubs list

    Premier League clubs continue to assert their dominance in the world of football, as evident in the latest Forbes ranking of the top 10 most valuable football clubs.

    The Premier League’s global appeal, combined with the financial prowess of its clubs, has propelled them to the forefront of the sport’s financial landscape.

    Below is a list of the 10 most valuable football clubs in football with a clear Premier League domination.

    Real Madrid $6.07bn

    Real Madrid president, Florentino Perez

    Real Madrid retains its status as the world’s most valuable football club with a staggering valuation of $6.07 billion. With a rich history, a record number of European titles, and a star-studded squad, Real Madrid’s global brand and commercial success continue to propel them to the forefront of football’s financial landscape.

    Manchester United $6bn

    Manchester United, one of the most iconic clubs in English football, secures the second spot on the list with a valuation of $6 billion. Despite recent on-field challenges, the Red Devils’ worldwide fan base, historic success, and strong commercial partnerships contribute to their significant value.

    ALSO READ: Specialists Sevilla beat Roma to lift record 7th Europa League trophy

    Barcelona $5.51bn

    Joan Laporta, Barcelona President

    Barcelona, renowned for its commitment to attacking football and La Masia academy, occupies the third position with a valuation of $5.51 billion. The Catalan giants boast an array of star players and a global fan following, driving their commercial appeal and making them a force to be reckoned with both on and off the field.

    Liverpool $5.29bn

     

    Liverpool’s recent successes, including winning the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, have propelled them to become the fourth most valuable club, with an impressive valuation of $5.29 billion. With a passionate fan base and strategic commercial partnerships, the Reds continue to strengthen their financial position.

    Manchester City $4.99bn

    Under the ownership of Sheikh Mansour, Manchester City has experienced a meteoric rise in recent years. The club’s valuation of $4.99 billion reflects their on-field achievements, including multiple Premier League titles. Combined with strategic investments and a global fan base, Manchester City is solidifying its place among football’s elite.

    ALSO READ: Premier League winner Pep Guardiola scoops LMA Manager of the Year award

    Bayern Munich $4.86bn

    Bayern Munich, the dominant force in German football, boasts a valuation of $4.86 billion. The Bavarian club’s consistent success in the Bundesliga, as well as their triumphs on the European stage, contributes to their financial might. Bayern Munich’s robust commercial partnerships further bolster their position as a top global brand.

    Paris St-Germain $4.21bn

    With significant investment from Qatar Sports Investments, Paris St-Germain (PSG) has emerged as a powerhouse in French and European football. The club’s valuation of $4.21 billion reflects their ambitious projects, marquee signings, and their quest for Champions League glory. PSG’s growing global fan base and commercial appeal enhance their financial strength.

    Chelsea $3.1bn

    Todd Boehly

    Chelsea, known for its shrewd investments and ambitious owner Roman Abramovich, holds a valuation of $3.1 billion. The London club’s successes, including multiple Premier League titles and European triumphs, have contributed to their rise in value. With a solid fan base and commercial partnerships, Chelsea continues to make its mark.

    Tottenham Hotspur $2.8bn

    Tottenham Hotspur’s recent infrastructure developments, including their state-of-the-art stadium, have propelled the club’s value to $2.8 billion. With consistent top-four finishes in the Premier League and a passionate fan base, Spurs are emerging as a financially formidable club, driving their commercial potential.

    Arsenal $2.26bn

    Arsenal, one of England’s most historic clubs, rounds off the list with a valuation of $2.26 billion. The Gunners’ rich history, extensive fan base, and global recognition contribute to their enduring value. Arsenal’s strong commercial partnerships continue to provide stability amidst on-field challenges.

    June 1, 2023
  • Premier League winner Pep Guardiola scoops LMA Manager of the Year award

    Premier League winner Pep Guardiola scoops LMA Manager of the Year award

    Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, won the LMA Manager of the Year award in the aftermath of his team’s Premier League triumph.

    It is the third time in his career he is winning the prize, while also scooping the Premier League Manager of the Season title for a fourth occasion.

    Guardiola led City to a third consecutive English top-flight crown this term.

    He was awarded the coveted individual prize recognising the best managers in English football for the first time since 2021 after previously being beaten by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

    ALSO READ: SPEED KINGS: See Top 10 fastest Premier League players

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    The Sir Alex Ferguson trophy was presented to Guardiola at the awards ceremony that celebrated the achievements in both the men’s and women’s games, but he remains two behind five-time winner and former Manchester United boss Ferguson.

    Guardiola’s recognition as the Premier League manager of the season is the fourth time he has achieved the accolade since arriving at Man City seven years ago.

    The Spaniard clinched the Premier League managerial award as his City side caught Arsenal during the latter stages of the season, before overtaking them to surge to the title.

    May 31, 2023
  • SPEED KINGS: See Top 10 fastest Premier League players

    SPEED KINGS: See Top 10 fastest Premier League players

    In this listicle, Sporting Tribune showcases the Top 10 fastest players in the English Premier League blessed with incredible pace and acceleration.

    Prepare to be shocked by some of the players on this list.

    1. Kyle Walker (Manchester City) – 37.31km/h

    Speed king Kyle Walker again played a key role in Manchester City’s title win. He fought his way back into contention after a spell on the bench to also star in their run to the Champions League final.

    And even though the Englishman is now 33 years old, he still managed to register the fastest top speed in the Premier League. That came in at 37.31km/h, with Walker proving he still has what it takes to flourish at the top level.

     

    2. Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest) – 36.70km/h

    Brennan Johnson starred as Nottingham Forest famously secured their stay in the Premier League. Johnson proved to be the difference-maker time and time again for Forest this campaign. He was the only player to appear in all 38 of their league games, scoring eight goals. The striker proved to be a major problem for defences all season long and registered a top speed of 36.70km/h.

    He was the only player to appear in all 38 of their league games, scoring eight goals. The striker proved to be a major problem for defences all season long and registered a top speed of 36.70km/h.

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    3. Mykhaylo Mudryk (Chelsea) – 36.63km/h

    The leading Chelsea player for speed this season has been Mykhaylo Mudryk, who joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in January. The Blues beat Arsenal to signing the winger for £89million, though he has struggled to live up to that price tag.

    He has shown several bright spells in his first six months at Stamford Bridge though, with his speed clear to see. The Ukranian has been ranked as the third-fastest player in the Premier League, registering a speed of 36.63km/h.

     

    4. Anthony Gordon (Newcastle) – 36.61km/h

    Newcastle splashed out to buy Anthony Gordon from Everton in the January window and in the process got their hands on one of the Premier League’s fastest players. Gordon struggled for goals, scoring just once in 16 games.

    But he did regularly feature in the second half of the campaign to help Newcastle to secure a Champions League qualification spot. And in doing so, he also secured fourth place in the list of the top-flight’s fastest players with a speed of 36.61km/h.

    ALSO READ: Joao Felix set for Atletico Madrid return as Pochettino opts against extended deal

     

    5. Darwin Nunez (Liverpool) – 36.53km/h

    Much was expected of Darwin Nunez when Liverpool made him their club-record signing last summer. But the attacker has failed to live up to those heights, having endured a mixed debut campaign at Anfield.

    There are hopes that he can finally begin to live up to his potential next season after settling into life in the English top-flight.

    Those hopes are in part fueled by several bright spells, including the fact he recorded the fifth-highest top speed in the Premier League this term.

     

    6. Arnaut Danjuma (Tottenham) – 36.34km/h

    Arnaut Danjuma appeared to be a good signing for Tottenham in January, but much like many others at the club this term, the winger failed to impress. He made just one top-flight start, in their penultimate game of the campaign.

    They lost that 3-1 to Brentford, with Danjuma making just eight other appearances in total. He still managed to record the sixth-fastest top speed in the Premier League, coming in at 36.34km/h.

     

    7. Matheus Nunes (Wolves) – 36.32km/h

    Heavily linked with a move to Liverpool, Matheus Nunes instead joined Midlands club Wolves last summer. The midfielder has proved to be a solid Premier League player, with his speed at the heart of his impressive displays.

    He recorded a top speed of 36.32km/h this term, making him the top-flight’s fastest central midfielder. Nunes’ performances in the middle of the park eventually helped Wolves to pull safely away from relegation trouble having been bottom at Christmas.

     

    8. Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – 36.22km/h

    Haaland record

    Erling Haaland has enjoyed arguably the best debut season in Premier League history, setting a record for the most goals scored in a single campaign. The Norwegian has established himself as one of the best strikers in world football.

    He combines power and goalscoring nous with incredible pace, hitting a top speed of 36.22km/h this season. His impressive range of abilities helped him to score 36 goals in 35 Premier League appearances.

     

    9. Denis Zakaria (Chelsea) – 36.09km/h

    Midfielder Denis Zakaria endured a torrid time at Stamford Bridge, who arrived on loan from Juventus last summer. Zakaria made just seven appearances and was frozen out by caretaker boss Frank Lampard.

    Despite his limited game time, the Swiss star was still able to record the ninth-fastest top speed in the top-flight. That came in at 36.09km/h, making him the second-fastest player to have featured for the Blues this term.

     

    10. Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) – 36.07km/h

    Arsenal star Reiss Nelson hit a top speed of 36.07km/h this season, having only featured as a substitute. He made some key contributions though, memorably scoring the winner in a thrilling clash with Bournemouth.

    That was one of five direct contributions to goals from the Englishman this term as the Gunners mounted a title challenge. Arsenal are now thought to be attempting to tie him down to a new contract having taken the crown of the fastest player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.

    May 31, 2023
  • Illegal streaming gang jailed for offering cut-price Premier League subscriptions

    Illegal streaming gang jailed for offering cut-price Premier League subscriptions

    A gang involved in the illegal streaming of Premier League matches have been sentenced to jail after providing discounted subscriptions to over 50,000 individuals.

    The Premier League confirmed that five men were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering, and contempt of court, having amassed more than £7 million in profits over a span of five years.

    The operation’s alleged mastermind, Mark Gould, received an 11-year prison term at Chesterfield Crown Court, while his co-defendants Steven Gordon, Peter Jolley, William Brown, and Christopher Felvus also faced substantial sentences. The group offered unauthorized access to matches from numerous international channels and tens of thousands of on-demand films and TV shows.

    One member of the gang, Zak Smith, failed to attend the court hearing, resulting in a warrant for his arrest being issued by the Premier League. The organization further revealed that the illegal streaming enterprise employed 30 individuals, with one infiltrating a specialized anti-piracy company.

    William Brown, from Stoke-on-Trent, attempted to deny the charges by claiming to have acted as an undercover informant on behalf of law enforcement agencies and broadcasters. However, he was unanimously convicted by a jury after a seven-week trial.

    ALSO READ: Iheanacho eyes swift Premier League return for Leicester City

    According to the Premier League, Brown allegedly used his technical skills to hack legitimate customers’ accounts and access and duplicate streams, intending to shift blame onto those customers if identified by authorities.

    ALSO READ: Iheanacho eyes swift Premier League return for Leicester City

    The prosecution received support from Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s trading standards team and the intellectual property protection organization Fact.

    Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb expressed satisfaction with the sentencing, highlighting the extensive and intricate nature of the prosecution against this highly sophisticated operation.

    “The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes.

    “This prosecution is another concrete example of the clear links between piracy and wider criminality, a warning we repeatedly make.

    “While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who were customers of these services were effectively supporting individuals involved in other sinister and dangerous organised crime.

    “The Premier League’s substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights.

    “We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League’s rights.

    “We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels.”

    May 30, 2023
  • Iheanacho eyes swift Premier League return for Leicester City

    Iheanacho eyes swift Premier League return for Leicester City

    Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho, has expressed his desire for a swift return to the Premier League following Leicester City’s relegation last Sunday.

    Despite Leicester’s 2-1 victory over West Ham United in the final game of the 2022/23 season, the result was not enough to keep them in the top flight as Everton, their fellow strugglers, secured a crucial 1-0 win over Bournemouth, ensuring their survival in the Premier League ahead of the Foxes.

    Despite limited playing time this season, with only 1,121 minutes of action in the Premier League, Iheanacho made significant contributions with 10 goal involvements (five goals and five assists) for Leicester City.

    ALSO READ: In-demand Declan Rice open to Bayern Munich move following Tuchel talks

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    In a video shared on the club’s official YouTube channel, “Seniorman” as he’s fondly referred to by fans openly expressed his disappointment at Leicester’s relegation but remained hopeful that the club would quickly return to top-flight football.

    “I don’t even know how I feel right now. I’m so disappointed. I don’t know what to say. I want to thank the football club, the fans, and everyone that supported us right from the start till now. I know it is a hard one to take. Whatever it is, we would keep going and stay strong, and hopefully, we would get back up.

    “It is a downturn now. Nobody is really happy at this time. It is about timing for the club and everyone. We just need to take a chill and move on. It is not what we want. We can’t go back now thinking about it. We just have to move forward.

    “The fans were really amazing and even till the end they were just clapping and showing their support. It is a hard one to take but I just want to thank them for all their support and for everything they’ve done for the club. We will just try our best to come back up.”

    May 30, 2023
  • Leicester end nine-year Premier League stay with final day relegation heartbreak

    Leicester end nine-year Premier League stay with final day relegation heartbreak

    In a heartbreaking conclusion to their nine-year tenure in the Premier League, Leicester City was relegated despite their victory over West Ham on the final day of the season.

    The Foxes’ fate was beyond their control as they entered the last round of fixtures, and Everton’s 1-0 triumph over Bournemouth sealed Leicester’s relegation to the Championship by a slim two-point margin.

    While Everton supporters reveled in ecstasy at Goodison Park, Leicester fans at the King Power Stadium were left to lament a dismal campaign that saw their team secure only nine league wins.

    ALSO READ: Tyson Fury sends ‘formal offer’ to fight Anthony Joshua

    Knowing they needed a win to have any chance of staying up, Leicester came close to an early breakthrough when Kelechi Iheanacho and James Maddison combined, with Iheanacho’s fierce, curling effort striking the crossbar.

    Nonetheless, the hosts managed to break the deadlock just before halftime when Harvey Barnes calmly finished off a pass from Iheanacho, momentarily keeping their survival hopes alive on goal difference.

    ALSO READ: Mbappe, Messi guide PSG to record 11th Ligue 1 win

    The second half was fraught with nerve-wracking tension, as Jonny Evans came perilously close to scoring an own goal. However, the atmosphere in the stadium turned somber when news arrived of Everton’s goal, dampening Leicester’s chances of a miraculous escape.

    Despite the setback, Leicester continued to fight, and Wout Faes headed in their second goal after a delightful curling effort from Said Benrahma struck the post for the visitors.

    As the match concluded, Pablo Fornals managed to pull a goal back for West Ham, sealing a 14th-place finish for the Hammers, comfortably six points clear of the relegation zone.

    May 28, 2023
  • Premier Lotto to maintain rehabilitated components of National Stadium for two years

    Premier Lotto to maintain rehabilitated components of National Stadium for two years

    Foremost Gaming Company Premier Lotto is to maintain the three components it rehabilitated at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Surulere, for two years.

    This was revealed on Friday at the National Stadium during the handover of those rehabilitated facilities to the ministry of Sports.

    Ken Nwankwo who represented the Chairman of Premier Lotto, Chief Kesington Adebutu, at the brief ceremony said it was with pleasure that that Premier Lotto handed back the facilities – a modern tartan track, new electronic scoreboard and a lush green natural grass football pitch.

    Nwankwo stated that the outfit would ensure the three components the company worked on under the ministry’s adopt-a- pitch initiative would remain in good state in the next two year and the company would discuss further with the ministry on other things to be done in future.

    Nwankwo said, “It was an easy decision for us to support the ministry because we are also working with the Nigeria Football Federation on a four year deal. We are happy to have done these at the stadium here in Surulere and we will do more in future.

    “Our boss, Chief Adebutu, supervised the procurement because he wanted the very best quality in all things.”

    In his own remarks, the Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, thanked Premier Lotto and expressed delight over the three facilities delivered.

    Dare said: “If the previous administration have been working on three or four different areas in the past, the stadium would have been fully back by now.

    “We will play a novelty match here soon and an athletics event with few fans will also come up here. Government is a continuous process, we are happy to have started the revival of this great edifice and we expect the next administration to continue from there.”

    Four former Nigerian athletics greats were on the track for a 50m race to ‘launch’ the newly laid tartan. They were Mary Onyali, Deji Aliu, Otonye Iworima and Femi Daramola.

    Onyali said she was impressed with the new tracks which according to her is better than the old one.

    May 26, 2023