Sports

Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

Published

4 months ago

February 3, 2025

Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

Southampton’s head coach, Ivan Juric, has heaped praise on Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their crucial goals secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, lifting the Saints’ spirits in a turbulent season.

Heading into the match at Portman Road, Southampton had endured a disastrous run of form, managing just one win in 23 league outings. The poor results had left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, struggling to find consistency. However, Aribo’s first-half opener and Onuachu’s late winner ensured the Saints claimed all three points, marking Juric’s first victory since taking charge of the club.

After the match, an elated Juric expressed his delight with the team’s resilience and singled out Aribo and Onuachu for their outstanding performances.

“It’s a great feeling,” Juric told Southampton’s official website. “I think we’ve played even better games, like against Manchester United, but didn’t get the points. Today, we suffered in some moments, but the guys showed great character, and we deserved the win.”

The head coach particularly praised Onuachu for his persistence and impact off the bench, highlighting his decisive goal as a testament to his hard work.

“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he worked hard. It’s his second goal, and I believe he can score more. His work rate for the team has been fantastic,” Juric said.

Aribo, who has played in various positions this season, also earned special recognition for his versatility and commitment.

“Joe [Aribo] is a great guy. He always puts the team first—whether he’s playing in attack, midfield, or even defense. Today, he played left centre-back in the second half, and he did an amazing job. He worked really hard, and his performance was fantastic,” Juric added.

Southampton Still in Trouble Despite Crucial Win

While the victory was a morale booster for the struggling Saints, their position in the league remains precarious. With just nine points from 24 English Premier League games, Southampton still sit at the bottom of the table and are facing the real threat of relegation to the EFL Championship.

However, the performances of Aribo and Onuachu, along with Juric’s growing influence on the squad, offer a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround in their campaign. The Saints will need more inspired performances from their key players if they are to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status.

As Southampton prepares for their next crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Aribo and Onuachu to continue delivering when it matters most. Can they help the Saints pull off an unlikely escape? Time will tell.

Sports

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman

Published

1 week ago

May 14, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Ogun Set to Host Most Ambitious National Sports Festival Yet – NSC Chairman*

_as NSC Affirms State’s Readiness Ahead of Gateway Games 2024_

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has officially confirmed that Ogun State is fully prepared to host the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, following a comprehensive inspection tour of competition venues, logistics hubs, and athlete accommodations across the state.

Led by NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko, the Commission’s delegation visited key facilities including the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Alake Sports Centre, Remo Stars Sports Complex, and Babcock University, which will serve as the athletes’ village for the Festival.

The Gateway Games 2024, scheduled to run from May 16 to 30, will bring together thousands of athletes and officials from across Nigeria, competing in more than 32 disciplines, making it one of the largest and most inclusive editions in the Festival’s history.

Speaking after the tour, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko expressed deep confidence in Ogun’s capacity to deliver a landmark event. According to him, “What I have seen here in Ogun is more than infrastructure. It is intent readiness, and ambition. Ogun is set to deliver a brilliant National Sports Festival that will raise the bar and define the standard for future games across Nigeria.”

Reaffirming the state’s commitment, Governor Dapo Abiodun assured the Commission and the Nigerian people of Ogun’s readiness to deliver a historic Games. “We consider it an honour and a responsibility to host this historic Festival. Every facility, every logistic, every detail has been prepared to showcase the best of Ogun and the promise of Nigeria. The Gateway Games will be a model of what’s possible when states align with national vision,” the Governor said.

As the lead agency for sports governance in Nigeria, the National Sports Commission continues to play a central role in coordinating nationwide sports development delivery, enforcing standards, and deepening synergy across all tiers of government. The success of the Gateway Games will serve as a blueprint for future sports development initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Sports

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

Published

4 weeks ago

April 22, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Media Personality, J J Jabulani and siblings to celebrate mummy at 90

Media guru and highly respected on air personality, Jọlaoluwa Afọlabi famously known as J.J Jabulani is holding an elaborate 90th years birthday bash for his mummy, Mama Maria Ibipeju Afọlabi.

The birthday bash is holding on Friday, 25th April, 2025 at No 1 Ebute Road, Unity hall, opposite Indomie house, Lau junction, Ibafo, Ogun state. Many eminent personalities and media guys are expected to grace the epoch-making event.

Mama Ibipeju is a big business woman that trades on kolanut and gold in the 80s, she’s married to the popular pastor of the C&S church world wide Most Senior Apostle Samson Ọlayiwola Afọlabi of the revered Odofin compound in IREE town,Boripe local government of Osun state .

Mama is blessed with so many children among them is the ace broadcaster and media owner , Afolabi Jolaoluwa jabulani who is the last born of the nonagenarian.

Mama has great love and passion for gospel music spurred her interest in the usage of ‘SHEKERE’ in praising God till this moment and this singular act earned her the nick name (Iya Sekere)

Sports

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Published

1 month ago

April 17, 2025

Sahara Weekly

Nanakeme Precious Poweidou Begins European Journey with Bosnia’s Zvijezda Gradacac

Rising Nigerian football talent Nanakeme Precious Poweidou has officially signed with Zvijezda Gradacac, a professional football club in Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant step in what he calls “a journey, not a hundred-meter race.”

The promising player expressed his excitement and gratitude following the signing, saying, “It is not a hundred-meter race, but a journey… I’m looking forward to a great career by God’s grace.”

The move to Zvijezda Gradacac marks Poweidou’s first professional contract in Europe, a milestone that signals both the beginning of his international career and the realization of years of dedication, discipline, and hard work on the pitch.