Sports
AFFC Lauds Heritage Bank on Youth, Entertainment Devt
Heritage Bank Plc has been applauded by the African Freestyle Football (AFFC) Championship 2019 in collaboration with World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) for its pivotal role in enhancing youth development and engendering the Nigeria’s entertainment space on the world’s stage.
The 2019 African Freestyle Football Championship ended on a high note, with defending champion Abdul Titi Kone of Cote d’Ivoire emerging as the African Champion once again.
This event marked the 2nd edition of the African Championship and the 3rd annual edition of the Nigerian Championship hosted by Feet ‘n’ Tricks International Limited.
The final was a repeat of the 2018 championship, as Kone again defeated Egypt’s Yousef Mohamad just as he did in last year’s final while Ashley Mhkize of South Africa placed third.
In the female category, Evelyn Okafor (Nigeria), Hadhara Charles (Tanzania) and Augustina Unamba (Nigeria) placed first, second and third respectively.
This year’s edition accommodated at least 30 African countries that participated at the championship.
The Chairman of AFFC, Valentine Ozigbo, who commended bank for being at the forefront of promoting freestyle football for the past two years, said Heritage Bank is “always very innovative and supportive to the cause of entertainment and youth development.
According to him, these achievements would have been impossible without the extensive support of the official bankers (Heritage Bank) for the championship for two years running.
Speaking further, Ozigbo hinted, “since inception, Feet ‘n’ Tricks has been committed to promoting freestyle football talent to stardom and we haven’t relented. Through this platform, we have seen talented freestylers get a head start in life, travel to exciting places and represent our beloved continent doing what they know how to do best.”
The MD/CEO, Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, said the bank has strong desire towards developing and positioning youths to become world-class citizens equipped and ready to be absorbed into an increasing competitive professional skills and endeavours.
Mr Sekibo, who was represented by an Executive Director, Jude Monye advised the youths who were participants to adopt strong positive character to enable them take advantage of the platform being presented to them.
“One of the reasons why we chose, as an organization, to support the freestyle championship is to enhance youth development in sport and entertainment, which will empower them play vital roles in the socio-economic development of the country and help curb the high level of unemployment,” he stressed.
According to him, the drive to support youths seeks to create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.
It is against the backdrop of the competition that Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr Amaju Pinnick, promised to give more support to the entertaining part of football.
“We need to encourage this entertaining part of football because what they are doing here is great. Freestyle is quite interesting, and I am happy with what I have seen so far.
“With this project, a goal has been achieved. I also want more ladies to come out and do freestyle football because it is highly entertaining and competitive.
“I will see to how we can give more support to freestyle football in the future,” he said.
Congratulating the Feet n Tricks team, Daniel Wood, Co-founder and Head of Global Partnerships, World Freestyle Football Association (WFFA) said, “Feet n Tricks have proven that they can produce world class events and we are so excited to be extending our partnership. We are fully committed to creating opportunities for young people and this event is to be the focus point for our sport in the continent of Africa.”
Sports
Midweek Football Delivers Packed League Fixtures Live on SuperSport
Midweek football arrives with major storylines across England, Spain and France as title races tighten, European battles continue and pressure builds on several giants. From Manchester City’s pursuit of Arsenal to Real Madrid’s growing urgency and PSG’s need for a response, fans can catch the action live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: City Apply Pressure, Chelsea Seek Relief
The Premier League headlines the midweek schedule with important fixtures at both ends of the table. Tuesday begins at 8:00 p.m. as Brighton host Chelsea. Chelsea are enduring a difficult run after four straight league defeats and badly need a response, while Brighton remain in the hunt for a top-half finish after an encouraging draw with Tottenham.
Wednesday features Bournemouth against Leeds United at 8:00 p.m. Bournemouth continue to build momentum and are pushing towards the European places, while Leeds arrive in confident mood after an emphatic win in their last outing.
Also at 8:00 p.m., Burnley welcome Manchester City, whose victory over Arsenal has reignited the title race. Another win would put additional pressure on the leaders. Burnley, meanwhile, need points after a heavy weekend defeat.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).
La Liga: Barcelona Close In, Madrid Cannot Slip
Spain’s title race remains the central focus this week, with Barcelona in command and Real Madrid needing an immediate response.
At 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Real Madrid host Alaves. Madrid have dropped points in recent matches and cannot afford another setback if they are to keep pace with the leaders.
Wednesday begins at 6:00 p.m. as Atletico Madrid travel to Elche. Atletico will look to recover quickly after cup disappointment, while Elche remain desperate for survival points. Later at 8:30 p.m., Barcelona face Celta Vigo. Barcelona are in strong form and know another victory would move them closer to the title.
Thursday’s standout fixture is at 8:30 p.m. as Real Oviedo host Villarreal. Villarreal continue to defend their place in the top four, while Oviedo are pushing to strengthen their own European ambitions.
La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).
Ligue 1: PSG Look to Reassert Control
The Ligue 1 title race has tightened, placing fresh attention on Paris Saint-Germain. At 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, PSG host Nantes. Defeat last time out reduced their advantage at the top, and they will be expected to respond strongly against a Nantes side battling near the bottom of the table.
Ligue 1 matches air live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Midweek Highlights
Premier League
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Brighton vs Chelsea – Tue, 8:00 PM
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Bournemouth vs Leeds United – Wed, 8:00 PM
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Burnley vs Manchester City – Wed, 8:00 PM
La Liga
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Real Madrid vs Alaves – Tue, 8:30 PM
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Elche vs Atletico Madrid – Wed, 6:00 PM
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Barcelona vs Celta Vigo – Wed, 8:30 PM
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Real Oviedo vs Villarreal – Thu, 8:30 PM
Ligue 1
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Nantes – Wednesday, 6:00 PM
Catch Every Game
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription through the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
Sports
WrestleMania 42 Hits GOtv as Cena Hosts WWE’s Biggest Event this Weekend
WWE’s biggest annual event returns this weekend as WrestleMania 42 takes over Las Vegas in a blockbuster two-night spectacle, with GOtv subscribers set for every twist, title clash, and surprise moment live on Channel 68.
Broadcast live from Allegiant Stadium on Saturday, April 18, and Sunday, April 19, this year’s edition comes with added intrigue as WWE legend John Cena serves as official host. Following his dramatic heel turn during his farewell run, fans will be watching closely to see whether Cena remains a neutral master of ceremonies or becomes a major factor in the chaos.
Cody Rhodes Faces Randy Orton in Night One Main Event
Night One is headlined by Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes defending against former ally Randy Orton.
Adding to the drama is a major stipulation: if Orton loses, broadcaster Pat McAfee must leave WWE. With pride, titles, and careers in play, the stakes could hardly be higher.
CM Punk vs Reigns Headlines Night Two
The biggest match of the weekend sees World Heavyweight Champion CM Punk defend his title against Roman Reigns in a clash loaded with pride, legacy, and unfinished business.
After Punk’s recent verbal shots at the Anoa’i family dynasty, Reigns enters WrestleMania determined to reclaim his place at the top. It is a meeting of two eras, with championship gold and reputation on the line.
Women’s Division Brings Heavy Firepower
One of the most anticipated contests of the weekend sees Jade Cargill defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Rhea Ripley, a battle between two of the most dominant forces in modern wrestling.
Night One also features Liv Morgan vs Stephanie Vaquer for the Women’s World Championship, while AJ Lee vs Becky Lynch adds star power to an already stacked card.
Other Must-Watch Matches
Fans can also look forward to:
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Brock Lesnar vs Oba Femi in a special attraction clash
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Seth Rollins vs Gunther in what many expect to be a technical classic
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Bron Breakker vs Trick Williams for the United States Championship
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A six-man ladder match for the Intercontinental Championship
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The Bloodline vs Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Watch Live on GOtv
WrestleMania 42 airs live on GOtv Channel 68 from 11:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday, with repeat broadcasts at 1:00 pm the following day.
From championship drama to shocking returns and Vegas-sized spectacle, WrestleMania weekend promises two nights of unforgettable entertainment on GOtv.
Sports
Man City-Arsenal Title Showdown Tops Weekend Football Live on SuperSport
Domestic football across England, Italy and France enters a defining weekend as title races tighten, European qualification battles intensify and relegation pressure grows. Fans can catch all the action live on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv.
Premier League: Title Showdown Takes Centre Focus
The Premier League delivers one of its biggest weekends of the season, headlined by a potentially decisive clash between Man City and Arsenal. Elsewhere, the race for Champions League places and the battle for survival continue to intensify.
Saturday begins at 12:30 p.m. as Brentford host Fulham in a West London derby. Brentford will look to end a run of draws, while Fulham aim to respond after defeat to Liverpool. With the table tightly packed, three points could significantly improve either side’s prospects.
At 3:00 p.m., Newcastle United welcome Bournemouth. Bournemouth arrive with confidence after a notable victory over Arsenal, while Newcastle seek a response after defeat to Crystal Palace.
Tottenham host Brighton at 5:30 p.m. in a high-pressure contest. Spurs have slipped into the relegation zone and urgently need points, while Brighton remain firmly in contention for European qualification.
The evening fixture at 8:00 p.m. sees Chelsea take on Man United. Both sides are looking to recover from disappointing defeats, with United chasing a top-four finish and Chelsea seeking to keep pace in the Champions League race.
Sunday opens with the Merseyside derby at 2:00 p.m. as Everton face Liverpool. Liverpool’s focus is now firmly on securing a top-four place, while Everton continue to battle for breathing space above the bottom three.
The headline fixture follows at 4:30 p.m. as Man City host Arsenal. Arsenal lead the table, but City’s form and games in hand make this one of the defining matches of the title race. Victory for either side could reshape the closing weeks of the season.
All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65).
Serie A: Inter Close In as Top-Four Race Heats Up
Inter Milan remain firmly in control of Serie A, while the battle for Champions League places remains highly competitive. Friday night begins with Inter Milan hosting Cagliari at 7:45 p.m. Inter continue to set the pace at the top and will expect to strengthen their advantage against a side battling near the bottom.
On Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Napoli face Lazio. Napoli remain second and will look to maintain their cushion over the chasing pack, while Lazio need points to revive their European hopes. Later at 7:45 p.m., Roma host Atalanta in a key clash between two sides chasing continental qualification. With little separating the teams, the stakes are significant.
Sunday’s action starts at 2:00 p.m. as Verona face AC Milan. Milan need an immediate response after a damaging defeat, while Verona continue their fight for survival. Juventus meet Bologna at 7:45 p.m. looking to strengthen their hold on a top-four place. Bologna, however, remain capable opponents and will aim to disrupt Juve’s momentum.
Serie A fixtures air live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).
Ligue 1: PSG Lead as European Race Tightens
Paris Saint-Germain remain comfortably placed at the top of Ligue 1, but the battle for European positions below them remains fiercely contested. Friday opens at 7:45 p.m. with RC Lens against Toulouse. Lens need a quick response after a setback last time out, while Toulouse look to recover from a heavy defeat.
On Saturday at 4:00 p.m., Lorient host Marseille. Marseille currently occupy a key European place and know victory is essential in a tightly packed race. Later at 8:05 p.m., Lille face Nice. Lille arrive in strong form and could climb further with another positive result, while Nice seek consistency after recent struggles.
Sunday begins at 2:00 p.m. as Monaco host Auxerre. Monaco remain in the hunt for Europe but cannot afford further slip-ups. The weekend concludes at 7:45 p.m. with Paris Saint-Germain against Lyon. PSG remain favourites, but Lyon’s recent improvement makes this one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Ligue 1 matches air live on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).
Weekend Highlights
Premier League
-
Brentford vs Fulham – Saturday, 12:30 PM
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Newcastle United vs Bournemouth – Saturday, 3:00 PM
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Tottenham Hotspur vs Brighton – Saturday, 5:30 PM
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Chelsea vs Man United – Saturday, 8:00 PM
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Everton vs Liverpool – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Man City vs Arsenal – Sunday, 4:30 PM
Serie A
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Inter Milan vs Cagliari – Friday, 7:45 PM
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Napoli vs Lazio – Saturday, 5:00 PM
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Roma vs Atalanta – Saturday, 7:45 PM
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Verona vs AC Milan – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Juventus vs Bologna – Sunday, 7:45 PM
Ligue 1
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RC Lens vs Toulouse – Friday, 7:45 PM
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Lorient vs Marseille – Saturday, 4:00 PM
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Lille vs Nice – Saturday, 8:05 PM
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Monaco vs Auxerre – Sunday, 2:00 PM
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Paris Saint-Germain vs Lyon – Sunday, 7:45 PM
Follow the Action
Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Matches are also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription through the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.
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