TheNewsGuru

Tag: Olympics

  • Paris 2024: Gallant D’Tigress lose to USA, bow out of Olympics in style

    Paris 2024: Gallant D’Tigress lose to USA, bow out of Olympics in style

    Nigeria’s D’Tigress exited the women’s basketball event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with a commendable performance despite losing to Team USA 74-88.

    The Afrobasket champions, though underdogs, achieved historic success and won the admiration of basketball fans worldwide.

    Coach Rene Wakama and her team put up a valiant effort in the quarterfinal match against the Americans, who are vying for their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal.

    The USA will face Australia, who defeated Serbia 85-67, in the semifinal on Friday, with a place in the gold-medal match at stake.

    Nigeria made history by becoming the first African team—male or female—to reach the Olympic quarterfinals after defeating Canada in their final group match.

    This was only Nigeria’s second Olympic victory since their debut in Athens in 2004. Despite their strong start, including a win over Australia, overcoming the experienced USA team proved too challenging.

    In the other semifinal, hosts France will play against Belgium following their victories over Germany and Spain, respectively. Marine Johannes led France to an 84-71 win with a game-high 24 points.

    After winning silver in London 2012 and bronze in Tokyo 2020, France aims to secure Olympic gold on home soil.

    Belgium, who made their Olympic debut in 2020 and finished seventh, will be competing for a medal in Paris after their 79-66 victory over Spain.

  • Paris 2024: How Brazil women’s national team escaped group stage elimination to reach final

    Paris 2024: How Brazil women’s national team escaped group stage elimination to reach final

    The Brazil women’s national football team has had an incredible journey to the final of the Paris 2024 Olympics. With a mix of hard-fought victories, a narrow escape from elimination, and a dramatic penalty shootout, the team’s resilience and determination have brought them to the brink of Olympic glory.

     

    Group Stage

    Brazil vs. Nigeria (1-0)

    The tournament began on a high note for Brazil as they faced Nigeria. In a tightly contested match, Brazil managed to secure a 1-0 victory. The lone goal came from a well-placed header by Rafaelle in the 75th minute, demonstrating Brazil’s defensive solidity and ability to capitalize on set-piece opportunities.

     

    Brazil vs. Japan (1-2)

    In their second match, Brazil encountered a strong Japanese side. Despite a valiant effort, Brazil fell short, losing 2-1. Marta, the legendary forward, scored Brazil’s only goal, showcasing her experience and skill. However, Japan’s disciplined play and tactical acumen saw them take the three points.

     

    Brazil vs. Spain (0-2)

    The final group stage match saw Brazil facing Spain. Spain’s cohesive team play and sharp attacking strategies resulted in a 2-0 defeat for Brazil. This loss put Brazil in a precarious position, relying on results from other groups to advance.

     

    Quarter-finals

    Despite the two losses, Brazil qualified for the knockout stages as one of the third best-placed teams, setting up a clash with the host nation, France.

     

    Brazil vs. France (1-0)

    In the quarter-finals, Brazil faced a formidable French team buoyed by home support. In a match filled with intensity and drama, Brazil emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. The decisive moment came in the 82nd minute when Debinha latched onto a through ball and calmly slotted it past the French goalkeeper, silencing the home crowd and propelling Brazil into the semi-finals.

    Smemi-finals

    Brazil vs. World Champions 4-2

    The semi-final match against the reigning world champions was an epic battle.

    Brazil who lost 2-0 in the last group stage to Spain had their revenge when it mattered most.

    The Final Showdown

    Brazil’s final hurdle is the powerhouse United States team. The US has been a dominant force in women’s football, and the final promises to be an exhilarating contest between two footballing giants. Brazil’s path to the final has been a testament to their resilience, skill, and determination.

     

    Key Players

    1. MartaThe iconic forward has been a source of inspiration, scoring crucial goals and providing leadership.

    2. Debinha: A consistent performer, her decisive goal against France highlighted her importance to the team.

    3. Barbara Her heroics in the semi-final penalty shootout have etched her name in Olympic history.

    4. Rafaelle A strong presence in defense and a threat in the air, her contributions have been vital.

    Brazil’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic final has been marked by moments of brilliance, tenacity, and sheer willpower. From the narrow victory over Nigeria to the dramatic penalty shootout against the world champions, Brazil has shown they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. As they prepare to face the United States in the final, the team and their fans are dreaming of Olympic gold, ready to etch their names in the annals of football history.

  • Paris 2024: Sports minister ensures grant support for all team Nigeria athletes

    Paris 2024: Sports minister ensures grant support for all team Nigeria athletes

    In a continued effort to ensure the welfare and support of Team Nigeria athletes at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, held another interactive session with the athletes at the games village in Paris, France.

    This meeting was aimed at addressing concerns and providing updates on the status of allowances and training grants for all athletes.

    During the session, it was highlighted that home-based athletes had previously raised concerns about not receiving training grants, which had been a privilege primarily extended to their foreign-based counterparts. The Minister acknowledged this oversight and emphasized the need for equitable treatment for all athletes representing the country.

    “For the first time ever, we have ensured that home-based athletes representing Nigeria also receive training grants. Both foreign and home-based athletes have now been provided with training grants, in addition to all other allowances that have already been paid. This initiative recognizes that all athletes, regardless of their base, contribute significant effort and passion in representing our country. They are all deserving of this support,” stated Senator John Owan Enoh.

    The Minister also confirmed that all local, foreign, and Olympic allowances have been paid to the athletes, ensuring they are adequately supported as they compete on the world stage. This comprehensive approach underscores the government’s commitment to the well-being and success of Team Nigeria athletes.

    The atmosphere at the games village is one of excitement and optimism, with athletes expressing their enthusiasm for podium appearances. The provision of training grants and the fulfillment of all allowances have contributed to boosting morale and ensuring that all athletes feel valued and supported.

    Senator John Owan Enoh reiterated the government’s commitment to the athletes and wished them the best in their respective competitions.

    “Our athletes have shown incredible dedication and passion. We are proud of their achievements so far and confident in their potential to bring glory to Nigeria. We stand behind them and will continue to provide the necessary support,” he concluded.

     

  • Paris 2024: History made as Brume, Usoro, Ochonogor qualify for long jump final

    Paris 2024: History made as Brume, Usoro, Ochonogor qualify for long jump final

    There is jubilation in team Nigeria camp following the qualification of three Nigerian women for the final of the Women’s Long Jump event at the ongoing Olympic games in Paris, France.

    The athletes are Ese Brume, who jumped 6.76m, while Ruth Usoro jumped 6.68m and Prestina Ochonogor, 6.65m.

    This is the first time in history that three Nigerian women would be qualifying for the Long Jump final at the Olympics.

    Out of the 12 athletes who will vie for the gold, silver and bronze medals, three of them will be Nigerians.

    Brume, born 20 January, 1996, is the current commonwealth champion and a three-time African senior champion in the long Jump and holds a personal best of 7.17 m (23 ft 6+1⁄4 in).

    She currently holds the commonwealth games record, African junior record and African record in the event.

    Brume’s a two-time medalist at the world athletics championship, an Olympic bronze medalist and also a five-time African junior champion in athletics.

  • Olympics: Nnamdi crashes out in men’s javelin throw

    Olympics: Nnamdi crashes out in men’s javelin throw

    Team Nigeria’s Chinecherem Nnamdi on Tuesday at the Stade de France in Paris failed to cross the first hurdle in the men’s javelin throw event of the 2024 Olympic Games.

    Nnamdi placed 14th among 15 throwers in the Qualification Round Group B to be out of contention for a medal from the event.

    He was rated with his first throw of 77.53 metres, which happened to be his best from the possible three throws.

    Nnamdi who is number 24 on the world rankings failed to get it right with his second throw, and could only throw 76.45 in his third and last attempt.

    The 22-year-old who has a personal and season best 82.80m was definitely out of the league in this competition where 84.00m was set as qualification standard.

    The qualification criteria was for all athletes meeting the qualification standard or at least 12 best performers to advance ti the final.

    ””Yes, I definitely didn’t meet the standard. But there is still room for further improvement on my side.

    ”I will no doubt go on to work on myself to be able to give out more and represent my country better,” Nnamdi told NAN.

    NAN reports however that performance was generally low in the competition, with the best in Group B, Neeraj Chopra, recording 89.34.

    Andreas Thorildsen of Norway holds the event’s Olympic record of 90.57 set at Beijing in August 2008.

    Jan Zelezny of the Chech Republic who threw 98.48 at J3na in May 1996 still holds the world record.

  • Olympics: Onwuzurike in 200m semis after utilising repechage opportunity

    Olympics: Onwuzurike in 200m semis after utilising repechage opportunity

    Chudi Onwuzurike on Tuesday at the Stade de France in Paris qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing Olympic Games men’s 200 metres semi-finals.

    The 21-year-old had first failed to qualify on Monday.

    This was after he could only finish fifth from lane 2 of heat 2 in the event’s round 1.

    He had a time of 20.55 seconds, finishing out of the top three who directly qualified for the semi-finals, but qualifying for the repechage round.

    On Tuesday by noon, he utilised the chance to still enter the semi-finals.

    This was from the repechage round which involved nearly all of those who failed to make it to the semi-finals from Monday’s six heats.

    Ranked number one and running from lane 6, he ran 20.51 seconds to win heat 1 and advance to Wednesday’s semi-finals, alongside five others.

    Speaking after Monday’s race, Onwuzurike had said Tuesday was another opportunity for him to fulfill a dream.

    ”I know it’s going to be hard, but it is an opportunity I am grabbing with both hands. I know I can do it, and I will do my best,” he had promised.

    Earlier on Monday, the repechage round was not favourable for Chidi Okezie who finished last in the round’s heat 2 in the men’s 400m.

    He ran a time of 45.92 to finish fifth and fail to utilise the second opportunity he got to reach the semi-finals.

  • Olympics: U.S. faces Germany, Spain takes on Brazil in Women’s football semis

    Olympics: U.S. faces Germany, Spain takes on Brazil in Women’s football semis

    At the Paris 2024 Olympics, four-time women’s Olympic football gold medalists, the United States, will face 2016 champions Germany today for a place in the final. Meanwhile, world champions Spain will compete against Brazil, who recently triumphed over hosts France.

     

    The U.S., who reached the semi-finals by defeating Japan 1-0 after extra time, will again face the Germans, having previously beaten them 4-1 in the group stage. Emma Hayes’ team anticipates a tougher challenge this time, as Germany, playing in their fifth consecutive Olympic semi-final, seeks revenge.

     

    “You saw in the group stage they scored four goals against us. We want to give it back to them,” Germany defender Giulia Gwinn said at the Lyon stadium. “We are collectively strong. If we take our chances, we’re dangerous for every opponent.”

     

    Spain, who narrowly escaped elimination by defeating Colombia on penalties after trailing by two goals, will also have a rematch against Brazil, whom they beat 2-0 in the first round. Twice silver medallists Brazil, now in their sixth Olympic semi-finals, aim for another upset at Marseille Stadium despite the absence of their suspended captain and all-time leading scorer Marta.

     

    The 38-year-old six-time Olympian Marta will miss the semi-finals after receiving a two-match ban following a red card for a dangerous challenge on Spain’s Olga Carmona in their group-stage defeat.

     

    “Everything we have gone through has taught us valuable lessons and helped us improve,” Brazil defender Tamires said. “The team is getting stronger and stronger mentally.”

     

    Spain, competing in their first Olympics, aim to add to their trophy haul after winning last year’s World Cup and the UEFA Nations League. They aspire to become the first world champions to triumph at the subsequent Olympics.

     

    “We know what we’re capable of, we don’t feel any pressure,” said Spain goalkeeper Cata Coll after their win on penalties. “What defines us is that we are ambitious. That’s what drives us on to go as far as possible.”

  • Paris 2024: Spain pip Morocco to reach men’s football final

    Paris 2024: Spain pip Morocco to reach men’s football final

    The legend of Fermín López continues to grow as the Barcelona midfielder played a crucial role in Spain’s remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Morocco in Monday’s Olympics semi-final in Marseille.

     

    La Roja faced a hostile environment with a stadium filled with Moroccan fans and fell behind just before halftime when Soufiane Rahimi scored a penalty for Morocco.

     

    Spain seemed in serious jeopardy at times, but Fermín López stepped up again, scoring a brilliant equalizer with 25 minutes remaining to keep La Roja’s hopes alive.

     

    Fermín wasn’t finished making his impact, as he assisted Juanlu Sánchez’s winning goal with five minutes left, sending Spain to the Gold Medal Game.

     

    This victory guarantees Spain at least a silver medal as they await the winner of the second semi-final between France and Egypt. There’s a real chance Fermín’s incredible season could culminate with both a Euro 2024 title and an Olympic gold medal.

  • BEAKING: Favour Ofili qualifies for women’s 200m final at Olympics

    BEAKING: Favour Ofili qualifies for women’s 200m final at Olympics

    Nigerian sprinter, Favour Ofili has qualified for the final of women’s 200m at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Ofili executed a good race plan to grab the second automatic spot.

    Ofili finished 2nd with a Season’s Best of 22.05s, just behind Julien Alfred who won the race, crossing the line in a time of 21.98s.

    Favour Ofili is the first Nigerian woman to qualify for the final of the 200m at the Olympics in 28 years.

    The last time a Nigerian made the final of women’s 200m was in Atlanta 1996 when Mary Onyali won a Bronze medal. Ofili was not even born then.

  • Paris2024: Sports Minister Hails Brilliant Blessing Oborodudu for Making Wrestling Semifinals

    Paris2024: Sports Minister Hails Brilliant Blessing Oborodudu for Making Wrestling Semifinals

     

    Nigeria’s Blessing Oborodudu has secured her spot in the semifinals of the Women’s freestyle 68kg Wrestling event at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games.

     

    Oborodudu delivered a commanding performance, defeating France’s Koumba Larroque 6-2 in a fiercely contested quarterfinal bout.

     

    The match saw Oborodudu overcome a challenging start, as she initially trailed earlier on. However, she demonstrated her resilience and skill, taking a 3-2 lead before ultimately sealing the victory with a 6-2 scoreline.

     

    Despite the enthusiastic support for the home favorite from the French crowd at the Champ-de-Mars Arena, Oborodudu maintained her composure and clinched the win.

     

    The Honourable Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, praised Oborodudu’s impressive performance and urged her to aim for the highest honor.

     

    “Blessing Oborodudu has shown incredible resilience and skill throughout her journey. After winning silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she has the experience and determination to go for gold this time. We believe in her abilities and are cheering her on to make Nigeria proud once again,” said Senator Enoh.

     

    He further encouraged her thus, “Blessing, you’ve already made history and inspired countless Nigerians with your strength and perseverance. Now, it’s time to aim for the gold medal. The entire nation is behind you, and we are confident that you have what it takes to reach the top of the podium. Go out there and give it your all—we are with you every step of the way.”

     

    At 8pm on Monday evening, Oborodudu will face Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan in the semifinal. This matchup is a rematch of their encounter at the Yasar Dogu championship in 2022, where Oborodudu triumphed with a 3-2 victory to win the gold medal. With this history, she will enter the semifinal with a boost of confidence, aiming to secure a place in the final and continue her quest for Olympic glory.