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Nigeria’s para-powerlifters set sights on gold in Chile

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A strong contingent of Nigerian para-powerlifters will depart the country on Monday to compete at the highly anticipated Para-Powerlifting World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament is slated for Aug. 11 to Aug. 18.

Nigeria will be represented by 10 athletes across different weight categories, all poised to assert the nation’s dominance on the global stage.

Leading the charge is world record holder and athletes’ representative Oluwafemiayo Folashade, who will compete in the +86kg category.

The full roster includes: Oluwafemiayo Folashade (+86kg), Ajiboye Rukayat (50kg), Ani Chiamaka (73kg), Anigbogu Franca (61kg), and Ezuruike Roland (54kg).

Others are Ferdinard Rita (79kg), Idris Rilwanu  (88kg), Mark Oyinyechi (67kg), Ogundolie Tolulope (45kg), and Oyema Esther (55kg).

The team will be officially led by Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, Secretary General of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation.

According to the competition schedule, athlete classification will take place on Aug. 13, with the main championship events running from Aug. 15 to 17.

The team is expected to depart Santiago, Chile, on Aug. 18 and arrive the country on Aug. 19.

Speaking ahead of the departure, athletes’ representative and reigning champion Folashade expressed strong optimism in the athletes’ ability to bring glory to the nation.

“Firstly, I want to thank the Sports Commission and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), especially the President and Secretary General of the Para Powerlifting Federation, for their efforts and support in preparing us for this World Cup.

“Our expectations are very high. We are confident of bringing back gold medals and making Nigeria proud.

“Our aim is for Nigeria to rule the world in powerlifting—and hopefully, to be honoured by President, Bola Tinubu, for our efforts,” she said.

Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in para-powerlifting and will be hoping to extend its legacy of excellence in Santiago, building on past triumphs and inspiring a new generation of athletes.

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Ecuador Held By Curaçao As Eloy Room Shines

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Ecuador’s clash with Curaçao in the World Cup ended in a goalless draw, but the story of the night was not the scoreline. It was the heroics of Curaçao’s goalkeeper, Eloy Room, who delivered a performance that will be remembered for years.

Room faced relentless pressure from Ecuador’s attack, yet he stood firm. With 15 saves, he denied every attempt, frustrating forwards who had expected to break through with ease. His composure and reflexes ensured Curaçao earned their first-ever World Cup point, a milestone for the Caribbean nation.

Ecuador dominated possession and created numerous opportunities. Enner Valencia and Gonzalo Plata both came close, but their efforts were repeatedly thwarted by Room. The South Americans pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and tested Curaçao’s defense, but lacked the finishing touch.

The frustration grew as the match wore on. Ecuador’s inability to convert chances highlighted a recurring issue: dominance without clinical execution. For a side aiming to progress deep into the tournament, the draw felt more like a setback than a point gained.

While Room was the standout, Curaçao’s defensive unit also deserves credit. The backline remained compact, closing spaces and forcing Ecuador into difficult angles. Their discipline ensured that despite Ecuador’s attacking waves, clear-cut chances were limited.

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Curaçao’s strategy was clear: absorb pressure, rely on their goalkeeper, and seize rare counter-attacking opportunities. Though they created little going forward, their resilience paid off with a result that will boost confidence.

For Curaçao, this draw was more than just a point. It was a statement. Competing against a seasoned South American side, they showed that determination and organization can level the playing field. The result marks their first point in World Cup history, a moment of pride for players and fans alike.

Room’s performance will likely be remembered as one of the finest goalkeeping displays in recent World Cup memory. His saves not only kept Ecuador at bay but also gave Curaçao belief that they belong on the global stage.

For Ecuador, the draw raises questions about their attacking efficiency. Despite controlling the game, they failed to break down a resolute opponent. Their forwards lacked sharpness, and their midfield struggled to find decisive passes in the final third.

Coach Félix Sánchez will need to address these issues quickly. With tougher fixtures ahead, Ecuador cannot afford to waste opportunities. Their campaign now hinges on finding goals to match their possession and pressure.

The match drew attention worldwide, with analysts praising Room’s heroics. His 15 saves set a new benchmark for resilience in a single World Cup game. Fans celebrated Curaçao’s achievement, while Ecuador supporters expressed disappointment at missed chances.

Ecuador’s dominance met Curaçao’s defiance, and the result was a historic 0-0 draw. Eloy Room’s brilliance ensured his nation walked away with a point that will inspire future generations. For Ecuador, the night was a reminder that possession and pressure mean little without goals.

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Brazil Beat Haiti 3-0, Boost Knockout Hopes

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Brazil strengthened their chances of advancing to the knockout stage of the World Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Haiti today. The South Americans delivered a disciplined performance, combining attacking flair with defensive solidity to secure three crucial points.

From the opening whistle, Brazil imposed themselves on the match. Their midfield trio dictated tempo, recycling possession and stretching Haiti’s defensive lines. Within the first 15 minutes, Brazil’s pressure paid off when striker Gabriel Silva converted a low cross from the right flank, giving his side an early lead.

Despite conceding early, Haiti showed resilience. They tightened their defensive shape and attempted to hit Brazil on the counterattack. Winger Jean-Pierre Louis tested Brazil’s goalkeeper with a sharp effort from distance, but the shot was comfortably saved. Haiti’s determination kept the scoreline respectable through much of the first half.

Brazil doubled their advantage just before halftime. Midfielder Lucas Andrade unleashed a curling shot from outside the box, leaving Haiti’s goalkeeper rooted to the spot. The strike highlighted Brazil’s technical superiority and gave them a cushion heading into the break.

In the second half, Brazil maintained control. Their passing sequences frustrated Haiti, who struggled to regain possession. Brazil’s third goal came in the 70th minute when substitute forward Rafael Costa capitalized on a defensive lapse, slotting the ball calmly into the net. The goal sealed the contest and allowed Brazil to manage the closing stages with confidence.

Brazil’s coach emphasized balance, ensuring the team did not overcommit forward. The defensive line remained compact, neutralizing Haiti’s attempts to break through. This tactical discipline prevented Haiti from creating clear chances and underscored Brazil’s maturity in tournament play.

Although Haiti failed to score, their effort was commendable. The team fought hard, pressing when possible and showing flashes of creativity. However, the gulf in quality was evident, particularly in midfield battles where Brazil consistently regained control.

The victory places Brazil in a strong position in their group. With six points from two matches, they are now favorites to progress to the knockout stage. The team’s blend of youth and experience appears to be clicking at the right time, raising hopes among supporters for a deep run in the tournament.

Brazil will face a tougher test in their next fixture against a European opponent. The team must maintain focus and continue refining their attacking transitions. For Haiti, the defeat complicates their path forward, but they remain mathematically alive. Their next match will be decisive in determining whether they can keep their World Cup dream aliv

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Bosnia Crushed By A Merciless Switzerland Machine

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Switzerland were in imperious form today as they blew Bosnia away in the group stage game of the World Cup in what was a dominant and uncompromising offensive masterclass from the Swiss. Switzerland played at a frightening speed, executed a crisp passing game and proved ruthlessly efficient in front of goal.

Switzerland began in the ascendancy and looked eager to press and control the game from the start, and after only two minutes had Bosnia backed into a corner of their own half.

They kept the ball well and at speed, and the Swiss looked eager to push the Bosnia defence wider as the game started. Within the first 15 minutes, Switzerland had already tested the Bosnian goalkeeper with two powerful shots.

The breakthrough came after halftime. With an attack moving quickly, the Bosnian back line is open, leaving the Swiss attacker in a clear scoring position.

The ball slides calmly to the net to give the Swiss a much-deserved lead. It was a game where Bosnia was struggling deep in their own territory as they were being pushed to the limit.

A counterattack was their goal, but it fell flat as they tried to do something but couldn’t get it right. They’ve isolated their forwards, and the midfield has failed to connect up the game. A long-range shot was their closest call, but the Swiss goalie wasn’t going to do it then and there.

Their inability to generate consistent pressure against Switzerland made them play from a defensive mindset. The double-goal advantage came just before the half as Switzerland was in top-notch form with another incisive approach that will make all opponents fear them.

With a pass from the left, their winger managed to score an ideal goal and also showing that any of their forwards are available to find the open space and punish you against defensive error.

The Swiss reached the break, well deserved of it, and mentally depleted from the opponent as Bosnia’s score reached 0 goals for their team. The Swiss were ready to continue this show.

They played like nothing was about to change and continued with their forward aggression. Switzerland’s offense began to work relentlessly, generating forced errors and, consequently, chances to create another goal for them.

Three goal came via another header, which smashed Bosnia’s defence to send the ball home. After Bosnia had their fourth goal scored against them, the game became so one sided as the Swiss were simply walking through the Bosnian team’s defence without issue. Bosnia seemed unable to match their opponents for any level of performance.

After the game reached its conclusion and Switzerland was victorious, the Swiss have many good performers to recognize. The team’s captain was influential as he seemed to control the whole pitch from his central midfield role. He was vocal, directed plays, and seemed to pump his teammates up with great performance throughout. For the Bosnia team, the keeper may be recognized. Although there may have been many goals scored against his team he seemed to be playing very well to be stopping every other chance by a Swiss attacking team.

They played from a back foot throughout the game as if all their play was being played as if it were defense but when a chance to attack came, they failed. The Swiss may well deserve the win as they showed a complete game.

The Swiss coach was at his best on the sidelines as he made the appropriate personnel changes and substitutions throughout the game that help Switzerland find success and continue their winning ways in the tournament. The group implications seem fairly obvious. Switzerland have improved their standings and appear to be in a strong position to qualify from their group.

Bosnia’s hopes look a lot less favorable and they really have to pick it up. Overall it seems Switzerland dominated Bosnia and a 4–0 defeat was entirely deserved from the Bosnian team.

Switzerland came ready for this game and put it on display through skillful passing, a powerful forward attack, and some incredible play on both ends of the pitch and as their Coach did in the press conference, this was a statement.

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