Nigeria’s Flying Eagles yesterday arrived Ismailia ahead of their quarter-final clash at the ongoing 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.
The Coach Aliyu Zubairu’s side finished second in Group B after battling to a 2-2 draw against Rising Stars of Kenya on Wednesday.
The seven-time champions will face the runners-up in Group C, which could be perenial rivals Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo or defending champions Senegal, for place in the final four.
Group C matches will be concluded this evening.
The quarter-final fixture will hold at the Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia next week Monday.
The four semi-finalists in Egypt will represent Africa at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup which will be hosted by Chile later in the year.
The Flying Eagles came third at the last edition of the U-20 AFCON.
Swiatek breezes through to Italian Open third round
Defending champion Iga Swiatek, yesterday cruised through to the Italian Open third round with a crushing straight-set win over Italian wildcard Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Swiatek won 28 of 35 service points and did not face a break point as she wrapped up a 6-0, 6-1 victory in just 52 minutes.
The Polish world number two is seeking a fourth title in five years in Rome, with 18 of her past 19 matches at the tournament being straight-set wins – the exception being when she retired from her 2023 quarter-final with Elena Rybakina.
Swiatek will play Danielle Collins in the last 32 after the American beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse of Romania 6-3, 6-3.
The 23-year-old – who will bid for a fifth title in six years at the French Open later this month – has reached at least the quarter-finals of her previous eight tournaments, but is yet to win a trophy this season.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka continued her fine run of form on clay with a 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 win over Swiss lucky loser Viktorija Golubic.
The 27-year-old has traditionally struggled on clay, failing to make it past the French Open third round, but has now won seven successive matches on the surface.
Her victory at last week’s L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo was her first clay-court title – and first WTA title on any surface since becoming a mother in July 2023.
Osaka had been due to play ninth seed Paula Badosa, but the Spaniard was replaced by Golubic because of injury.
The four-time Grand Slam champion will play Brazilian 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia or Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic next.
Italian Jasmine Paolini is also through to the third round after she defeated New Zealander Lulu Sun in straight sets 6-4 6-3.
Sixth seed Paolini will play Tunisian Ons Jabeur, who advanced via a walkover because Czech Petra Kvitova was forced to withdraw from their second-round tie through injury.
The French Open begins at Roland Garros on 25 May.
Ondo Gov. charges state’s athletes to be worthy ambassadors at Sports Festival
The Ondo State Government has charged the state’s contingent to the 2024 National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun to be worthy ambassadors.
Aiyedatiwa said this on Thursday in Akure while receiving the symbolic Torch of Unity ahead of the festival which holds between May 16 and 30 at Abeokuta in Ogun.
The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Olayide Adelami, charged the contigent to compete with integrity and pride.
He expressed the commitment to prioritise welfare of youths by ensuring sports development across the state.
According to Aiyedatiwa, the state contingent will be participating in 21 sports in the festival, which is an important event that will bring the best out of our youths
”As you know, the youths of this nation constitute 60 per cent of the population, so investment in youths is the right thing to do.
“It is an investment in the right place and I want to appreciate the National Sports Commission (NSC) for organising the programme,” he said.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Tolulope Adeyemi, expressed confidence in the team’s preparation and commended the state government for the timely release of funds.
Also, the leader of the NSC delegation, Deputy Director Nkara Mbora, appreciated the state for the hospitality and warm reception of her team. (NAN)