Weekend Sports Roundup

Ugo Chinedu

4 years ago

Kelechi Iheanacho continued his brilliant run of form for Leicester City after scoring twice in their 3-2 loss to West Ham in the English Premier League on Sunday, April 11, 2021. The Nigerian tried to bring the Foxes back into the game after falling 3-0, but his 70th and 90+1 minute strikes were not enough to hand them a point.

Read more about Sports

In Italy, Osimhen scored the second goal in Napoli’s 2-0 win over Sampdoria. Paul Onuachu also found the back of the net in KRC Genk’s 4-0 win over Sint-Truidense on Sunday in the Belgian Pro League to improve his tally to 27 goals this season, three goals shy of the league’s all-time record. Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) giants, Enyimba, failed to secure an away win in their matchday 4 CAF Confederations Cup group stage tie against ES Setif of Algeria at the May 8, 1945 Stadium on Sunday, April 11, 2021. Goals from Amir Karaoui, Mohamed Amoura, and Akram Djahnit, were all the North African side needed to record a comfortable 3-0 victory against the West African side. Enyimba also lost their position as leaders of Group A as they dropped to the second spot with six points, while Orlando Pirates of South Africa top the group with eight points. In the NPFL, Kwara United recorded a brilliant 2-0 home win against Nassarawa United to reclaim the top spot in the league. Goals from Samuel Ganda (58th minute) and Michael Ohanu (81st minute), returned the Ilorin-based side to the top of the league. Kano Pillars registered a hard-fought home win against Warri Wolves to move to second position on the league table. A 63rd-minute spot-kick from the captain, Rabiu Ali, was all the Sai Masu Gida needed to claim all three points.

See Full NPFL Results Below:

Kwara Utd 2-0 Nasarawa Utd Kano Pillars 1-0 Warri Wolves Dakkada 4-2 Rivers Utd MFM 1-1 FC Ifeanyiubah Lobi 2-1 Jigawa GS Wikki 3-1 Katsina Utd

Sign up to the Connect Nigeria daily newsletter

Nigerian boxer, Efe Ajagba, is steadily rising to the top ranks, not just for his unbeaten record, but the fashion in which he does it. On Sunday, April 11th 2021, the Nigerian in front of a sold-out crowd at the Osage Casino in Tulsa, knocked out his opponent, Brian Smith, in the third round of their fight. Sunday’s win leaves the Nigerian’s record at 15 wins so far (12 knockouts, one disqualification, and three fights that went distant). Mercy Abire flew Nigeria’s flag high at the Crimson Tide Invitational after soaring to a new Personal Best of 6.42m (+1.7) to emerge winner of the Women’s Long Jump event. The Nigerian beat Bria Matthews (6.36m) and Patricia Johnson (6.19m) to claim the prize. Ruth Usoro also made the rounds over the weekend for her win at the Masked Rider Invitational in Texas. With a leap of 6.61m (-0.9m/s), she finished ahead of her teammate Monae’Nichols (6.34m, 0.4) and Joniar Thomas in third place (6.16m, 2.7). Interestingly, At the National Sports Festival in Edo, Chidi Okezie made history after becoming the fastest Nigeria quarter-miler in the world this year as he won the 400m final with a Personal Best of 45.60 seconds. It is the first National Sports Festival title for Okezie who has won numerous continental prizes.

David Aya caused a big upset after beating the favourite, Mike Edwards, and Cyprian Oyedele to win the men’s high jump event at the National Sports Festival. Aya alongside Cyprian, both hit a personal best of 2.15m, the highest they have jumped in their careers to emerge first and second.

Also, in the most anticipated races of the weekend, the 100m final for both men and women, Enoch Adegoke and Grace Nwokocha both emerged winners of their respective races. Rave of the moment, Grace of Team Delta, won the race with a time of 11.42 seconds beating off Joy Udo-Gabriel of Team Lagos who came second with a time of 11.44 seconds and Godbless Bronze, 11.61 seconds.

In the men’s final, Enoch Adegoke and Alaba Akintola of Team Edo placed first and second with a time of 10.28 and 10.29 seconds, respectively while Jerry Jakpa of Team Lagos placed third with a time of 10.33 seconds.

The shocker of the weekend came when experienced Team Calabar athlete, Patience Okon-George lost to defending champion Imabong Nse Uko who ran a personal best of 51.71 seconds. This defeat is Okon-George’s first defeat on home soil since 2018 and the first time Imabong has defeated her.

At the biggest World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) event, Wrestlemania, on Sunday, April 11, Nigerian wrestler, Apollo Crews won the Intercontinental Championship title after beating Big E. Source: Making of Champions Featured Image Source: Making of Champions

Got a suggestion? Contact us: editor@connectnigeria.com