Sports
Olympics 2024: Japan vs Nigeria – Date, time and where to watch
IduwiniVoice
Olympics 2024: Japan vs Nigeria – Date, time and where to watch
The Super Falcons of Nigeria are on the brink of elimination from the 2024 Women’s Olympic Football Tournament, with their chances hinging on a decisive match against Japan.
Nigeria, the nine-time African champions, will be battling to secure their first points in the tournament when they face Japan at the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes on Wednesday.
In their opening game, the Super Falcons lost 1-0 to tournament favourites, Brazil to start off their campaign on a losing note.
On Sunday, the Nigerian team faced world champions Spain and suffered a slim defeat to the Spanish opponent to leave their hopes for a medal in tatters.
Despite Spain’s dominance in possession, Nigeria’s defense was resolute, with standout performances including a notable save by goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and a near-miss from Esther Okoronkwo in the 23rd minute.
However, a free-kick goal by Spain’s Alexia Putellas ultimately sealed Nigeria’s fate.
Japan, who edged out Brazil 3-2 in their second group game, come into this clash with momentum.
The match saw Japan recover from a 2-1 deficit with two injury-time goals, including a stunning 30-meter strike by Momoko Tanikawa and a late penalty from captain Saki Kumagai.
For the Super Falcons to advance to the quarterfinals, they must secure a win against Japan by at least two goals to surpass the goal difference and potentially qualify as one of the top third-place teams.
A victory by a smaller margin may not suffice, and failure to win could see them out of the competition.
Historically, Nigeria’s best performance at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament came in Athens 20 years ago, where they finished sixth. This year’s campaign, however, is at risk following a tough start.
Japan, aiming to secure their first Olympic title after winning all three FIFA women’s football peaks, have shown considerable offensive prowess and experience.
With several players familiar from the Tokyo Games, including Aoba Fujino, Hinata Miyazawa, and Mina Tanaka, Japan will be a formidable opponent.
Nigeria vs Japan: Time, where to watch
The match between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Japan will be held at Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes, France, on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. The kickoff is scheduled for 4 PM Nigerian time and will be broadcast on Supersport.
© 2024 Vanguard Media Limited, Nigeria
Sports
Africa For Peace Sports Festival: Opening Ceremony Set For November 15, With N10 Grand Prince
By Divine Perezide
The annual Sports Events organised by Chief Dr. Sheriff Mulade dubbed “The Africa for Peace Sports Festival” is back and set to set to kick off on November 15th. This year’s event is planned to commemorate the 2025 International Day for Tolerance and marking the begining of the 2nd edition.
The event promises a diverse range of activities, including gym competition, Scrabble, snooker, Table tennis, and Mini football.
Chess and Fuss-football will be demonstration games, with winning prizes for participants.
Former Nigeria super eagle international Edema Fuludu has been appointed Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) by Ambassador Mulade Sheriff, Ph.D the festival’s initiator.
Fuludu expressed gratitude for the appointment and pledged to collaborate with the team to ensure the event’s success.
The Mini football competition will have two categories: Under 25-45 and 46 and above, with an emphasis on adhering strictly to the rules of the games.
With about Ten Million Naira (10,000,000.00) up for grabs with consolidation prizes, the Africa for Peace Sports Festival is poised to be an unforgettable experience as registration is now open for all interest participants.
According to the Intiator and Chairman, Delta state mini football, the sport festival will create an opportunity for the Nigeria Mini Football Association scouting delegation to identify, attract and recruit talented players into the national team to represent Nigeria in forthcoming international events.
Kindly contact Ogo Clarkson, secretary Mini football Delta State on 080-26797191 or 080-63417901 and 080-80403030.
By Favour Bibaikefie
Abuja, Nigeria-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has declared Nigeria’s aspirations to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games a national dream, stressing that it is one Africa deserves to realise.
Posting on his official X account on Wednesday, the president highlighted the historic nature of the bid. ,”No African has ever hosted Games,” he noted, urging the Commonwealth to “complete the circle of unity.”
“Nigeria is ready to host Africa’s first Commonwealth Games in 2030 – President Bola Tinubu assures,” as the Nigeria Stories puts it.
In a rallying message of political support, Tinubu added: “It’s time for Africa.”
Nigeria’s finally bid will be presented to the evaluation committee this week, with Shehu Dikko leading the delegation alongside sports administrator Bukola Oloade. The Nigerian Olympic Committee confirmed that the country submitted its expression of interest before the March 28, 2025 deadline.
The proposal blends symbolic importance with benefits-proecting upgrades in infrastructure since the 2023 All African Games, potential job creation, a tourism boost, and increased private sector investment.
IduwiniVoice recall that Nigeria previously lost the 2014 Commonwealth Games bid to Glasgow. However, renewed optimism follows the withdrawal of Victoria, Australia, over spiralling cost. With Tinubu’s public endorsement, analysts say Abuja’s candidacy now carries fresh weight.
Observers note that the Nigerian delegation must convincingly demonstrate its capacity to manage expenses, secure suitable venues, and establish a legacy that resonates beyond 2030.
If successful, the victory would not only be a milestone for Nigeria but would also mark time in history that the Commonwealth Games are staged on African soil, elevating the continent’s global sporting status.
(c) IduwiniVoice Newspaper
By Derick Peretengboro
Paris witnessed football’s finest as the prestigious 2025 Ballon d’Or awards were unveiled at the Théâtre du Monday night. Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele etched his name into history by winning the men’s crown, while Barcelona’s midfield maestro Aitana Bonmati reaffirmed her dominance with a third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin.
Dembélé, 28, enjoyed a season to remember, leading PSG to Champions League glory with decisive goals, creative brilliance, and consistent leadership. His performances earned him recognition ahead of Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal and PSG teammate Vitinha, both of whom had strong cases for the honour.
For Bonmati, the award further cements her status as the most influential player in women’s football today. Despite Barcelona falling short in the Women’s Champions League final, her vision, control, and unwavering consistency stood out across competitions, making her the undisputed winner.
The evening also celebrated emerging and specialist talents. Sixteen-year-old Lamine Yamal picked up the Kopa Trophy as the best young player, while the Yashin Trophy once again highlighted the exceptional contributions of world-class goalkeepers.
This year’s ceremony reinforced the growing recognition of both men’s and women’s football, showcasing balance, excellence, and the future of the global game.
Here’s the full list of winners at the 2025 Ballon d’Or Ceremony:
2025 Ballon d’Or – Winners & Awards
1. Men’s Ballon d’Or: Ousmane Dembélé
2. Women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati
3. Men’s Kopa Trophy (Best Young Player): Lamine Yanal
4. Women’s Kopa Trophy: Vicky López
5. Men’s Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper): Gianluigi Donnarumma
6. Women’s Yashin Trophy: Hannah Hampton
7. Men’s Gerd Müller Trophy (Top Scorer): Viktor Gyökeres
8. Women’s Gerd Trophy: Ewa Pajor
9. Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy (Coach of the Year): Luis Enrique
10. Women’s Johan Cruyff Trophy: Sarina Wiegman
11. Men’s Club of the Year: Paris Saint-Germain
12. Women’s Club of the Year: Arsenal
13. Socrates Award (Humanitarian/Social Contribution): Xana Foundation
(c) IduwiniVoice