Sports
Champions League Shocker! Barca, Man City crash out
Kostas Manolas sent Roma through to the semifinals of the Champions League after an incredible 3-0 victory over Barcelona at the Stadio Olimpico on Tuesday saw them overhaul a 4-1 first-leg deficit and advance on away goals.
The superb Edin Dzeko set the ball rolling in the sixth minute, and after Daniele De Rossi converted a penalty 13 minutes after the break to get the home fans believing, Manolas glanced home a brilliant header with eight minutes left to send the Roma supporters into raptures and leave Barca wondering what had hit them.
Just as they were at the Camp Nou, Roma were aggressive from the off, and Dzeko gave the home side a deserved lead after just six minutes, brilliantly bringing down De Rossi’s clipped through ball, holding off Samuel Umtiti and poking the ball past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Patrik Schick had the best chances to double Roma’s lead before half-time on his Champions League debut, but continued the poor form in front of goal that has blighted his club-record move from Sampdoria.
He sent two glorious headed chances wide, the first from a vicious 13th-minute Aleksandar Kolarov corner.
The second, just before the half-hour mark was even more glaring, a free header on the penalty spot that should have hit the target.
He was however unlucky not to control Radja Nainggolan’s mishit shot when it flashed to him in the area just two minutes later.
Roma started the second half as they started the first and got their reward in the 58th minute when Edin Dzeko was chopped down by Gerard Pique and De Rossi slotted home the spot-kick.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s side smelled blood, and with the raucous crowd urging their team they tore into wobbling Barca.
De Rossi flashed a header wide in the 69th minute, and 10 minutes later it looked like Ter Stegen had saved the away side’s skin with an incredible close-range stop from Stephan El Shaarawy.
However with just seven minutes left Manolas met another fizzing Kolarov corner with an unsaveable header, sparking wild celebrations on and off the pitch.
Barca finally came out of their shells as Roma tried to hold on to the result, but the hosts held on brilliantly to see the result out and go through to the semis for the first time since 1984, when they lost the final at home to Liverpool, Tuesday’s other victors.
Elsewhere in England, Liverpool moved into the semifinals of the Champions League as second-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino gave them a 2-1 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, earning them a 5-1 aggregate win.
Trailing 3-0 from the first-leg City manager Pep Guardiola had said his team needed to produce a “perfect game” if they were to achieve a famous comeback and for 45 minutes they were not far off that level.
Gabriel Jesus scored after two minutes to fuel the home fans with hope and City then launched wave after wave of attacks to pin Liverpool back.
Yet after Bernardo Silva hit the post in the 40th minute and Leroy Sane had an effort ruled out for a disputed offside two minutes later, City had just the solitary goal to show for their first-half exertions.
It was Liverpool whose approach turned out to be perfect in the circumstances as they followed up their staunch first-half defending to deliver the decisive blows, scoring through Salah in the 56th minute and Firmino 13 minutes from fulltime to clinch their third win against City this season.
After a glorious attacking display in the first leg, Liverpool did exactly what they had to do in Manchester and deservedly took their place in the semifinals of the competition for the first time in 10 years.
City can look back with some pride though on their first-half performance. They needed an early goal to set the mood and they got exactly that, taking the lead in the second minute.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk gave the ball away and Fernandinho played a superb pass to Raheem Sterling on the right who slipped the ball across to Jesus to slot home.
CONSTANT PRESSURE
Fired-up by that breakthrough and with the crowd roaring them on, City were first to every ball, applying constant pressure on the Liverpool defence while Juergen Klopp’s side were unable to earn some respite.
Kevin De Bruyne tested Loris Karius with a low drive in the 27th minute and the home side had an appeal for a penalty turned down when former Liverpool forward Sterling went down in the box with Andy Robertson’s arms around him.
Yet for all the pressure, Liverpool’s defence held firm and City were unable to create another clear-cut chance until the 40th minute when Bernardo Silva cut in from the right and his fierce left-foot drive crashed off the post.
Two minutes later, Sane thought he had added a second, poking the ball over the line but the referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz ruled the German was offside. City protested strongly, arguing the ball towards Sane had come off Liverpool’s James Milner.
Liverpool sent a warning just before the break when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain rounded Ederson after a swift attack but shot wide from a tight angle.
As the teams came off, Guardiola’s protests about Sane’s disallowed goal resulted in him being sent to the stands for the second half.
All City’s breathless efforts were undone when Liverpool got the crucial away goal – Sadio Mane burst into the box, City keeper Ederson dived at his feet but the ball spilled out to Salah who took his time before coolly converting.
The goal left City needing to score four without reply to progress and 10 minutes later they threw on club record scorer Sergio Aguero in the hope of a miracle.
Yet any lingering questions over who would advance to the last four were ended when Firmino robbed a sloppy Nicolas Otamendi and slotted past Ederson.
(Reuters and AFP reports).
Sports
Moniepoint MFB Launches ‘Made for your Progress’ Campaign, Unveils Prolific Striker Victor Osimhen as Brand Ambassador
Moniepoint Microfinance Bank (MFB), Nigeria’s definitive and trusted business and personal banking platform, has launched its new brand campaign, “Made for Your Progress,” reaffirming its commitment to powering the dreams of millions of Nigerians.
To signpost this message of aspiration and achievement, Moniepoint also proudly announces the appointment of Nigerian football star, Victor Osimhen, as its brand ambassador.
The “Made for your Progress” campaign establishes Moniepoint MFB as the financial partner for Nigeria’s huge aspirational, ambitious and gritty doers across all spheres of human endeavour.
At its core, the campaign celebrates the real people making real moves on their journey to success. It spotlights the small, medium, and big everyday victories that lead to customer growth, underlining Moniepoint’s commitment to being a reliable, sophisticated, and approachable financial partner.
“At Moniepoint, we have always believed that the ambitions of Nigerians are the bedrock of our economy as evidenced by the informal economy’s contributions to GDP. We celebrate the people behind the many businesses we serve, and the individuals who have created value with our personal banking service, ” said Babatunde Olofin, Managing Director of Moniepoint MFB.
“’Made for your Progress’ is our promise to every Nigerian with a dream – that we will provide the financial comfort, confidence, and freedom they need to focus on building those dreams. We exist to recognize and power their journey.”
He continues, “Progress looks different for everyone, and we exist to support each unique journey. With this campaign, we are shining a light on the real people and small victories that make up the fabric of Nigeria’s growth story. Our commitment is to deliver financial happiness by being the most reliable and innovative partner for individuals and businesses nationwide.”
Victor Osimhen, whose story of resilience and achievement mirrors the campaign’s ethos. Osimhen’s inspiring “grass-to-grace” story of determination, resilience, and achievement resonates deeply with the spirit of the Moniepoint brand and the audience it serves.
His journey from the streets of Olusosun in Lagos to becoming an elite goal scorer on the world stage is the stuff of dreams for millions of Nigerians. From humble beginnings to becoming one of Africa’s most celebrated football exports, Osimhen embodies the spirit of ambition, hard work, triumph and the Nigerian hustle.
Speaking about his role, Victor Osimhen said, “ My journey has always been about believing in progress, no matter the challenges. That is why I am proud to be associated with Moniepoint, a brand that truly supports people’s dreams and celebrates their wins, big or small. Together, we will inspire millions of Nigerians to keep striving for more.”
Lauding Moniepoint MFB, he said, ”Their belief that every dream is valid and their commitment to powering progress aligns perfectly with my own life journey. ‘Made for your Progress’ is not a fancy, feel-good slogan; it’s a message of hope and a promise of support that I am proud to champion.”
Osimhen, who recently joined Turkish giants, Galatasaray on a permanent deal for a fee in the region of €75 million, in a move which broke the Turkish Süper Lig’s all-time transfer record brings both grassroots authenticity and global recognition to the partnership.
As part of its move to deepen financial inclusion, while powering the progress of individuals, it will be recalled that Moniepoint MFB launched its personal banking service in August 2023 to offer a comprehensive range of solutions designed to make personal financial management seamless and accessible.
Key offerings include a personal banking app that enables users to easily make transfers, pay bills, and purchase airtime.
The service is complemented by a Moniepoint debit card usable at ATMs, POS terminals, and online, backed by a reliable payment infrastructure trusted by over 10 million businesses in Nigeria.
The campaign will feature integrated marketing communications across traditional and digital platforms, showcasing diverse customer stories and highlighting how Moniepoint’s innovative products and services enable real progress in people’s lives.
With this campaign, Moniepoint MFB will reinvent its products and services as being more than a transactional tool, but as Nigeria’s definitive financial institution that fuels ambition, powers dreams, and delivers financial comfort, confidence, and freedom with security and reliability to boot.
Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 in a tense Premier League clash on Sunday, August 31. Reds fans erupted in wild celebration at MTN’s Watch Party at Bay Lounge, Lekki.
The game lived up to expectations as one of the weekend’s biggest fixtures. Arsenal enjoyed more possession but couldn’t make it count, while Liverpool’s persistence finally paid off. Dominik Szoboszlai struck a superb free-kick in the 83rd minute to hand the Reds victory. Despite Arsenal’s late push, Liverpool held firm to secure the win and send fans at the MTN watch party into celebration.
MTN, as the official broadcast sponsor of the Premier League on SuperSport, staged the event as part of its commitment to football in Nigeria. The company also serves as the official communications partner of the Nigeria Football Federation for national teams and a co-sponsor of the Nationwide League One.
Ekundayo Fatoki, Senior Manager, Sales and Distribution, MTN Nigeria, said football is central to how the company connects with its customers. “Football is a key passion point for every Nigerian, no matter their background. Football unites all of us. MTN is tapping into the passion points of Nigerians, to show our love to our customers and our commitment to them,” he said.
He noted that the company invests at every level of the game. “We’re heavily involved in a lot of Nigerian leagues, like NLO, and we heavily sponsored and supported even the under-15 NPFL that happened in Remo. So, we’ve done a lot, trying to support local football, going to the fringes to sponsor football-related events and see how we can empower and build up football talent and bring them to life.”
The watch party featured dance and singing from fans. The energy tied neatly with MTN’s ongoing Next Afrobeats Star talent show, which is aimed at discovering Nigeria’s next global Afrobeats sensation, with prizes worth over $100,000. Winners of games and challenges at the event also walked away with MTN products, adding to the excitement of the night.
For Liverpool fans, Szoboszlai’s late strike was the perfect ending. For MTN, the night reinforced how the beautiful game continues to bring Nigerians together, while underscoring the brand’s broader commitment to creating experiences that engage, delight, and connect with its customers.
Sports
Hope Uzodimma Backs Chiney Ogwumike’s Vision for Girl-Child Empowerment Through Sports
Report by ORJI ISRAEL
The Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, on Monday, warmly received Imo-born American basketball player and ESPN host, Chiney Ogwumike, who visited the State to launch her foundation dedicated to empowering the girl-child through sports.
On behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor, Her Excellency Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD, warmly welcomed the American superstar to the State, describing her as a shining example of the excellence of Imo women in sports and other sectors.
She reiterated the State Government’s commitment to talent hunt and sports development, recalling how the Governor recently hosted the triumphant Super Falcons of Imo state extraction and rewarded them handsomely for their commendable roles in the successful outing of the Super Falcons at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Deputy Governor commended Ms. Ogwumike for her vision to inspire and support young girls in the state, pursuing their dreams through basketball and other sports. She noted that her remarkable gesture aligns with Governor Uzodimma’s broader vision of creating opportunities for youths across Imo State. She assured her of the government’s readiness to partner with well-meaning Imolites and Nigerians to bring positive development to the State.
Chiney Ogwumike is not only a celebrated WNBA athlete but also a global trailblazer whose achievements resonate deeply. In 2020, she became the first Black woman and the first WNBA player to host a national radio show for ESPN, and one of the youngest commentators ever named as an NBA analyst.
By 2016, she was elected vice-president of the WNBA Players Association, and in October 2023, she made history again as the youngest woman on the White House’s inaugural Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States. Recognized globally, she is a 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree and an Executive Producer of the ESPN Films documentary 144, which chronicled the 2020 WNBA season.
In her address, Ms. Ogwumike expressed her commitment to helping young girls in Imo pursue their career in sports, especially, basketball. She credited her Igbo heritage for instilling in her the resilience and drive that propelled her to global success, pledging to use her platform to inspire the next generation of talents.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Obinna Onyeocha and the Commissioner for Youths and Talent Hunt, Hon. Emeka Ukaegbu, praised Ms. Ogwumike for being a true ambassador of Imo State. They pledged that the Government would support her foundation in achieving its objectives.
Also present at the event were her father, Nze Peter Ogwumike, senior government officials, and stakeholders in sports and youth development.
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