Sports
Russia Loses Hosting Rights for 2022 UEFA Champions League Final
By Adedapo Adesanya
Following Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, Saint Petersburg has lost the hosting rights for the 2022 UEFA Champions League final.
The change of venue of Europe’s prestigious club competition to Paris was announced by the Union of the European Football Association (UEFA).
Russian troops continued their advancement into Ukraine on Friday, which has caused widespread condemnation and sanctions from world leaders.
The decision to move the game to the Stade de France, which last hosted the Champions League final in 2006 when Barcelona beat Arsenal to lift the European Cup for the second time, was confirmed during an extraordinary meeting of UEFA’s Executive Committee on Friday.
The governing body said in a statement, “The UEFA Executive Committee today held an extraordinary meeting following the grave escalation of the security situation in Europe.
“The UEFA Executive Committee decided to relocate the final of the 2021-22 UEFA Men’s Champions League from Saint Petersburg to Stade de France in Saint-Denis. The game will be played as initially scheduled on Saturday, 28 May at 9 p.m. CET [3 p.m. ET].
“UEFA wishes to express its thanks and appreciation to the French Republic President Emmanuel Macron for his personal support and commitment to have European club football’s most prestigious game moved to France at a time of unparalleled crisis.
“Together with the French government, UEFA will fully support multi-stakeholder efforts to ensure the provision of rescue for football players and their families in Ukraine who face dire human suffering, destruction and displacement.
The Kremlin on Friday said it regretted UEFA’s decision, saying the city would have made a good host for a “festival of football.”
The Krestovsky Stadium was previously due to host the final on May 28 after initially being awarded the game in 2021, which was later postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The president of Russia’s Football Federation (R.F.U), Mr Alexander Dyukov, said in a statement: “We believe that the decision to move the venue of the Champions League final was dictated by political reasons.
“The R.F.U. has always adhered to the principle of ‘sport is out of politics,’ and thus cannot support this decision.”
The International Olympic Committee has urged sports federations to move or cancel events in Russia and Belarus, describing the invasion of Ukraine as a “breach of the Olympic Truce.”
UEFA also announced that Russian and Ukrainian clubs and national teams competing in UEFA competitions will be required to play their home matches at neutral venues until further notice.
The decision will impact Spartak Moscow, who are scheduled to take part in next month’s Europa League round of 16.
Sports
Matchday 7 Champions League, Europa Matches To Watch GOtv
The race for knockout spots in Europe’s elite football competitions reaches the crunch phase this week, with matchday seven action in the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League.
The stakes are high with some of the big names in danger of elimination. From Tuesday to Thursday, GOtv will broadcast live action of some of the big matches. Here are the key matches you can access on GOtv:
Benfica vs Barcelona: The Catalans go to Portugal knowing a win will seal their qualification spot. But the job won’t be easy. Benfica have all to play for in this tie. With 10 points from their first 6 matches, only a win can keep them in a favourable position for the playoff spot. Watch this intriguing tie live on GOtv channel 65 at 9 pm tonight.
Atletico Madrid vs Bayern Leverkusen: This heavy-weight clash will be live on GOtv channel 64, tonight at 9 pm. Leverkusen are 4th in the table while Atletico are 11th, just a point behind their visitors. The coveted top eighth finish will be at stake in this clash, as all big teams try to avoid the two extra matches that come with finishing below 8th position.
Real Madrid vs Salzburg: The most successful team in UEFA Champions League history, Real Madrid, are in danger of crashing out in the group stage. Los Blancos sit 20th in the log and must win their remaining two matches, starting with this tie. Catch the action live on GOtv channel 64, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
Arsenal vs Dinamo Zagreb: With 5 teams tied on 13 points, the Gunners, though third in the table, know this is a perfect opportunity to solidify their claim to one of the top 8 slots. On the other hand, Dinamo Zagreb currently occupy the last playoff spot in the table, and thus have everything to play for. With Arsenal in unstable form, this could be a banana pill for them. This match will be live on GOtv channel 65, at 9 pm on Wednesday.
AC Millan vs Girona: With 7 UEFA Champions League titles, AC Milan are the second most successful team in the competition. The Rosonerri are just a point outside the top 8, and a win against Girona will surely put them in the top 8 and a chance to steal a rounf-of-16 slot. Watch the action unfold live from San Siro at 9pm on Wednesday on GOtv channel 62.
Manchester United vs Rangers: This British derby will be the key match of matchday 7 in the Europa League. Manchester United are 7th, one point ahead of Rangers in 8th. The need to avoid the two extra playoff matches will make this feisty encounter which will broadcast on GOtv at 9 pm on Thursday.
Customers can take advantage of the Step-Up offer to enjoy more football action across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, and Europa League.
GOtv subscribers on the Jolli package who upgrade to Max will be upgraded to the Supa package, while those upgrading to Supa will enjoy access to the Supa Plus package within 48 hours. The offer runs till March 31. Simply dial *288# to renew or upgrade your subscription.
Sports
Nigeria’s U19 Women Cricket Team Seals Historic Win at World Cup
By Adedapo Adesanya
Nigeria made history after it beat New Zealand in one of the biggest ever upsets in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia on Monday morning.
The Nigerian team, known as Young Female Yellow greens, defeated New Zealand by 2 runs in the World Cup. It is their first win against a non-African team in a major ICC tournament.
The Group C clash was played at the Sarawak Cricket Ground in Sarawak and was reduced to 13 overs per side encounter due to wet outfield.
Nigerian captain, Lucky Piety, and Lillian Udeh reached double-digits for Nigeria, scoring 18 and 19 runs, respectively.
Nigeria could only hit four fours and a six in their innings and at the halfway mark, creating opportunity for New Zealand to easily chase the target down.
The New Zealand U19 bowlers were able to restrict Nigeria to just 65 runs.
The intensity then saw both countries lose their openers with just seven runs on the board in 2.1 overs.
The New Zealand middle-order batters trio of Eve Wolland, Anika Todd and skipper Tash Wakelin lost their wickets at the wrong time.
Nigeria’s Udeh did really well in the final over to restrict the opposition conceding only three runs with the bat.
New Zealand could only score 63 runs in their 13 overs for the loss of six wickets and fell short eventually by two runs.
As soon as Captain Wakelin got run out on the last ball of the innings, Nigeria players began celebrating in ecstasy as they created history, knocking over one of the big full-member teams at the international level.
Nigeria skipper won the player of the match award for her all-round show scoring 18 runs and picking up one wicket for just eight runs in three overs.
Watch the highlights here.
Sports
Tiffany Stratton Set For First WWE Title Defense, Live On GOtv
The WWE Universe is in for an electrifying night this Friday as SmackDown returns to California. With high-stakes matches, dramatic returns, and the inaugural defense of the new WWE Women’s Champion, fans can expect a blockbuster evening of action. Catch all the drama live from San Diego, California, on WWE Network, GOtv Channel 68 at 1 am on Saturday.
Here’s a preview of what’s in store:
Motor City Machine Guns vs. Los Garzas: The Motor City Machine Guns, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, will clash with Angel and Humberto of Los Garzas in a high-octane tag team match.
Last week, Los Garzas triumphed over Pretty Deadly, while the Motor City Machine Guns took down A-Town Down Under. The stakes are high as these two powerhouse teams battle for the chance to become the next contenders for the Tag Team Championship, currently held by DIY’s Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano.
WWE Women’s Championship Match: Tiffany Stratton vs. Bayley: Bayley, the self-proclaimed “Role Model,” earned her shot at the WWE Women’s Championship last week in a grueling Fatal Four-Way match. Now, she faces her toughest challenge yet against the newly crowned champion, Tiffany Stratton.
Stratton seized her opportunity two weeks ago, cashing in her Money in the Bank contract to become the WWE Women’s Champion. Determined to keep “Tiffy Time” alive, she’s ready to prove she belongs at the top.
But Bayley, a Grand Slam Champion, brings over a decade of experience to this matchup. Will Stratton defend her title successfully, or will Bayley reclaim the championship she once held?
The Return of Solo Sikoa: Solo Sikoa returns to SmackDown after falling short in his quest to dethrone Roman Reigns as the Tribal Chief. Despite giving everything in their brutal showdown, Sikoa was left without the coveted Ula Fala.
With Reigns now focused on the Undisputed WWE Championship and an entry into the 2025 Men’s Royal Rumble Match, the question remains: what’s next for Sikoa? Fans won’t have to wait long for answers, as the self-proclaimed former Tribal Chief will address the WWE Universe live this Friday.
Other WWE Superstars confirmed for this Episode of SmackDown: “Undisputed WWE Champion” Cody Rhodes, Nia Jax, United States Champion” Shinsuke Nakamura, La Knight, Women’s Tag Team Champions” – Bianca Belair & Naomi Prizefighter” Kevin Owens, The Enforcer” Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, Apollo Crews, among others are expected to make an appearance on the night.
Stay connected to your GOtv to enjoy Smackdown and other WWE action live by downloading the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to reconnect/upgrade your package.
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