Sports Zone 28-08-2023

Enjoy the crew banter and discuss different stories around the world.

- Sports Minister John Enoh stated that his administration will prioritise infrastructure and facilities development, adding that these are key for Nigeria to achieve success in sports.

The Phase 1 of the NBBF/Zenith Bank Women’s Basketball League came to an end with two teams maintaining a winning streak in the two centres.

- Daniel Dubois and his camp are pressing for a no-contest to be declared after a controversial low blow call in the British fighter’s defeat by Oleksandr Usyk in Wroclaw.

- Iga Swiatek will open up Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open this year as she faces Rebecca Peterson of Sweden at midday on Monday, marking her first challenge as she attempts to defend both her title and her No 1 ranking from the looming threat of Aryna Sabalenka, the second seed.

- Max Verstappen secured an effortless victory at the Dutch Grand Prix. The Red Bull driver clinched his ninth consecutive win of the season this Sunday.

Sebastian Coe, the World Athletics president, has hailed the “electric and addictive atmosphere” in Budapest and says it shows the city is ready to host the Olympics. “I can’t remember a better atmosphere at a world championships,” he said. “These have been a truly great championships.”

- Former champions, Enyimba Football Club (FC) of Aba, and Remo Stars were, yesterday, kicked out of the 2023/24 CAF Champions League by Libya’s Al Ahly Benghazi and Medeama FC of Ghana respectively in the first round of the competition’s qualifying series.

- The Confederation of African Football (CAF)and the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) have announced Saudi Arabia to be this year’s host of the CAF Super Cup 2023, taking place on 15 September.

Jose Peseiro will be on the bench when the Super Eagles tackle their Sao Tome counterparts in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom capital have emerged with confirmation that the Portuguese-born coach has submitted a squad list to the Nigeria Football Federation.

- Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi scored in his seventh consecutive Premier League game as Nottingham Forest suffered a 3-2 loss to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Marco Asensio added his first goal for the club to guide the Ligue 1 champions to a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Lens at the Parc des Princes.

An internal investigation has been launched by Spain's football federation after its sexual violence protocol was activated.

- West Ham have completed the signing of Ajax midfielder Mohammed Kudus in a deal worth at least £38m.

- Roberto Mancini has been named as the new manager of Saudi Arabia two weeks after he resigned as Italy head coach.