#nigeria u-17 team
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A Nation of Unreliable Fortune
The sun streamed down on the dead, green, not grassy turf. Well, there was grass, but not enough grass. Repeated kicks and days of rain had upended the surface and it still hadn’t been fixed, to no-one’s shock.
The coach shouted into the still silence of the air while they ran dribbling drills. He hated training when the weather was like this.
What was the point of building a training facility near the water when they would never get a breeze? All they got was the humidity and mosquitoes hungry to suck their blood like they were children rushing to down a cold pack of ribena.
The coach’s words didn’t help either, slamming into his skin like tiny little sharp knives, calling each of them talentless, useless and worthless (even though those were the same thing, but you couldn’t tell him that or else he would cut your head off).
Telling them they had no future, even though he was the one stuck yelling at children for meager pay at the ripe old age of 60. He had to be 60, otherwise that big pot hanging off his midsection was just sad.
There was a man sitting to the side, on one of the recently repainted benches that went unloved for years until about two days before his expected arrival. He had a national team jersey from 1996 on, fitted very snugly, as his narrowed eyes scanned over the group of young, shirtless boys running around.
He was a scout. For the national team.
Not the first time his little, haphazard football academy would have one, and probably not the last.
In the reception of the facility, there were pictures of Nnamdi Anozie, member of a glittering and surprisingly successful Nigerian squad that won at the 1996 Olympics. Every boy that attended that academy, as they walked through, wanted to be the next Anozie. Including Dami.
And those hopes rested on the man sitting in the jersey Anozie wore.
Dami was one of two boys that got on the wrong side of Coach Onuoha less. The other was Uche Eze.
Dami had been attending the academy for years–his parents did a lot to pay for him to attend, realizing the boy just wasn’t going to focus on his school books no matter how hard they tried to beat it into him.
Uche, on the other hand, just appeared one day. Whispers spread of him being related to Anozie, as his arrival predated a hefty donation by the academy’s alumnus, making it the Anozie Football Academy.
There was a change of hands, a change of staff, and Uche kept getting things a bit too easy.
But Dami couldn’t think too much about Uche. Not when the scout was looking for fresh blood for the U-17 side. The Golden Eaglets wanted to add another U-17 World Cup to their trophy cabinet and Dami wanted some of that glory. He needed it.
The ball seemed magnetic at his feet, obeying every nudge and every tap from his cleats, weaving around the beat up plastic cones and rolling on the uneven ground. Nothing flashy, though. That wasn’t his strong suit.
Pace yourself, he thought. Getting tired or getting a muscle out of sorts before reaching goal wasn’t in aid of anyone.
As he ended his circuit, Dami lifted his head slightly. Still no wind. No goalkeeper. Mid-power shot, to the right.
Top bins. Too easy.
Even Coach had to stop, the spit from his mouth ceasing.
“Dami, good job eh? Now don’t get lazy. Again.”
A small smirk quirked up at the corners of his mouth.
“Yes sir.”
He jogged to retrieve the ball. On his way back, he narrowly avoided an absolute missile of a ball rocketing off the crossbar right above his head.
Of course it was from Uche. Dami had seen his movement from the corner of his eye. A lot of fanfare just to move a ball up the pitch. The crossbar was the closest Uche had gotten to all day. For a striker he was pretty shit at being on target.
“Shey you dey craze?” Dami shouted. “Can’t you see someone is here?”
“Who asked you to be there?” Uche shouted back. “Blind bat.”
Anger flared red-hot beneath Dami’s skin. He began rushing towards Uche, ready for a fight, but a stern look from Coach stopped him dead in his tracks, forcing him to turn around and go back to the start.
He heard Uche kiss his teeth somewhere behind him, sending a fresh wave of anger surging through his body, but then he remembered the scout was watching. And he could imagine he didn’t want players with anger issues on his team.
After about two more goals, the shrill scream of the Coach’s whistle pierced the air. Dami’s sweat had sweat. But now he had to wear a smelly, faded, coloured bib. Coach was putting them into two teams for a mock match.
There weren’t enough players for a proper 11-a-side game, so it was 5-a-side. Coach said after this test game only one of the boys may receive any form of acknowledgment from the scout. They were to refer to him as Mr. Ben, nothing else. Dami wondered if Mr. Ben had watched a single match since the Olympic finals thirty years before.
Dami and Uche played the same position. Dami and Uche were at the top. Naturally, they were the captains of each side. Dami’s team got the red bibs and Uche’s team got the yellow ones.
Dami and Uche shook hands, both grips unyielding.
“Good luck,” Dami said.
Uche nodded. He didn’t look like he believed he’d need it.
Uche’s team would kick off first. Two halves, seven minutes each. Dami could feel Mr. Ben’s eyes boring into the side of his head as he in turn glared at Uche’s back. He needed that call up. If Uche was really related to Anozie, he would be just fine without it.
The whistle blew. Uche kicked the ball towards his teammate, Dipo. The game was on.
Dami threw himself at the ball any chance he got. Pace yourself, he would think, when it was at his feet.
Pacing yourself opened you up to more tackles, so you had to be strong on the ball. You had to be determined. You had to keep your eyes open. Pockets of space, gaps in the defense. You either take it yourself or square it off and hope they get your vision. If they don’t you win the ball. You pace yourself. You go again.
Dami knew his parents wished he could focus on his books the way he focused on the ball. But the ball moved. It moved with him, it listened to him, better than his books did. His books were always trying to tell him something, never listening to what he had to say.
Every once in a while, Dami would glance at Mr. Ben, see the way his posture changed whenever Uche was on the ball. Uche would make the ball bounce in a million directions, hoping to distract the defender.
And he would promptly lose it. Mr. Ben’s face would fall.
The game wore on. Neither side had scored a single goal, too many saves, crossbar challenges and wide shots. First half goalless. But the second half…
Uche’s teammate, Dipo, had the ball. Dipo had been killing himself over the ball like how Dami did. They were usually in the same team. Always in the same team. All of Uche’s team was really Dami’s team. Dami wondered what made the coach change his mind.
The defenders were closing in on Dipo. Dami shouted instructions, instructions that put Dipo in a tight spot. No gaps, no pockets. But then the unthinkable happened.
Dipo hit the ball. It went to Uche. Uche hit the ball as well. It soared in the air, seemingly gunning for another crossbar challenge, until it hit the back of the net. Coach blew the whistle. Uche’s team had won.
One lucky hit.
Dami could practically see his dream crumbling before his eyes. His spirits were lifted a little when Coach gave him and Dipo a nod of approval or something a shade close to it, and realized that even if Dipo got the spot ahead of him, it wouldn’t be so bad.
He would probably punch the walls and shed a few unmanly tears, but it would be fine. The world cup was every two years. Maybe the scout would come back.
But Mr. Ben called Uche. Uche who barely touched the ball. Uche who lost the ball whenever he touched it. Uche who sent it wide every time he had a shot at goal. Uche who–
Uche whose uncle was a legend. Mr. Ben said Uche’s uncle would be proud. Two generations from the same academy. A natural talent. So beautiful with the ball at his feet, but for the beauty to lead to nowhere.
Dami would have been fine if Dipo got the spot. If Kelechi or Obinna or Tunde or Chima got the spot. But Uche?
Dami wished he could take all the good luck he wished for Uche back. Maybe the ball would have landed at his feet and he would have gotten the one hit, the one lucky hit. Maybe he would have the luck of having a famous uncle on his side.
But he felt stupid for wishing it to a guy that didn’t even need it.
#writing#my writing#my ocs#original characters#soccer#nigeria#nigeria u-17 team#i wrote this a while ago#but in the spirit of independence day#here this is#independence day#october 1st#the high of patriotism has crashed into my usual negative feelings about this country#dami babalola#uche eze
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FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Quarterfinals: Nigeria U17 vs USA U17 Preview The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals are set to deliver an exciting clash between Nigeria U17 and USA U17. Both teams have shown remarkable performances in the tournament so far, and this match promises to be a thrilling encounter. Nigeria U17 vs USA U17 Head-to-Head (H2H) Analysis Historically, the encounters between Nigeria and the USA at the U-17 level have been competitive. The USA has a strong track record in youth tournaments, often showcasing their depth and tactical prowess. Nigeria, known for their flair and physicality, has also made significant strides in youth football, making this matchup particularly intriguing. The head-to-head record between Nigeria U17 and USA U17 in recent matches shows a competitive history: October 21, 2022: Nigeria U17 won against USA U17 in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals. The match ended 1-1, but Nigeria advanced 4-3 on penalties. October 26, 2024: The upcoming match in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup quarterfinals will see Nigeria U17 facing USA U17 again. Overall, in their last five encounters, Nigeria U17 has won 2 matches, drawn 2, and lost 1 against USA U17. Key Players to Watch Nigeria U-17: Harmony Chidi has been a standout player, scoring 13 goals in the qualifiers. Her ability to find the back of the net will be crucial for Nigeria’s chances. USA U-17: Micayla Johnson has been pivotal for the USA, with her striking ability and composure under pressure. [caption id="attachment_304551" align="alignnone" width="897"] U-17 WWC: Flamingos Must Learn To Handle Pressure – Olowookere[/caption] Nigeria U17 vs USA U17 Kick-off Time The match is scheduled to kick off on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Here are the local times for various regions: Santo Domingo: 19:00 Nigeria: 8:30pm WAT (Sunday) New York: 19:00 (Saturday) USA U-17 vs NIGERIA U-17 How to Watch Fans can catch the live action on various platforms: AIT NTA Sport FIFA+: The official streaming service for all FIFA tournaments. ESPN: Live coverage and updates will be available. Local Broadcasters: Check your local listings for broadcast details. Nigeria U17 vs USA U17 Match Preview Nigeria comes into this match with a perfect record in the group stages, having scored eight goals and secured six points from their first two games. The USA, on the other hand, has shown resilience and tactical discipline, making them a formidable opponent. Nigeria U17 vs USA U17 Prediction. The flamingos of Nigeria will defeat USA. Final score will be (1:0) This quarterfinal clash is expected to be a battle of contrasting styles. Nigeria’s attacking flair and physicality will be up against the USA’s tactical discipline and depth. Both teams will be looking to secure a spot in the semifinals, making this a must-watch game for football fans around the world.
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Sports - Black Starlets assistant coach Nana Kweku Agyemang: We gave it our all against Nigeria
Ghana Sports Live; bringing you all trending sports news as it happens. Assistant coach of Ghana’s U-17 team, the Black Starlets, Nana Kweku Agyemang, has declared that his players played with utmost determination and effort against Nigeria in their recent WAFU B U-17 playoff match. The game, which took place on Tuesday at the University of Ghana Stadium, saw the Black Starlets narrowly defeated…
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Victor Osimhen Net Worth 2024
what is Victor Osimhen net worth 2024? Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria national team Osimhen started his career at the Ultimate Strikers Academy, based in Lagos, Nigeria. In January 2016, after being noticed for his performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Osimhen committed to a pre-contract with VfL…
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Super Eagles Videos: Soaring High in the World of Football
In the vast realm of football fandom, there's an exhilarating treasure trove that captivates the hearts of millions - Super Eagles videos. These videos are like portals to a world where dreams take flight, skill dazzles, and national pride soars high. From epic goals to jaw-dropping saves, Super Eagles videos offer a visual symphony of football prowess that never fails to enthrall.
A Journey Through History: Super Eagles videos offer a riveting journey through Nigeria's football history. From the vintage footage of the 1994 World Cup to recent qualifiers and international friendlies, these videos encapsulate the nation's growth and transformation in the sport. With each match, fans relive the highs, the lows, and the evolution of the Super Eagles.
Mesmerizing Skills and Goals: At the heart of Super Eagles videos are the breathtaking skills and goals that leave spectators in awe. Nigerian players, known for their agility and flair, often produce moments of sheer magic on the field. Whether it's the artful dribbles of Jay-Jay Okocha or the thunderous strikes by Odion Ighalo, these videos are a testament to the flair and finesse of Nigerian football.
Unwavering Support: The roar of the fans in Super Eagles videos is unmistakable. Nigerian supporters, with their colorful attire and unbridled enthusiasm, create an electrifying atmosphere in the stadium. These videos showcase the unwavering support that the Super Eagles receive, turning every match into a carnival of national pride.
Rising Stars: Super Eagles videos also introduce us to the emerging talents of Nigerian football. The youth teams, from U-17 to U-23, provide a glimpse of the future. These videos feature young, promising players who are poised to carry on the legacy of the Super Eagles and make their mark on the global stage.
Behind the Scenes: Beyond the on-field action, Super Eagles videos often take us behind the scenes. We get a peek into the training sessions, team camaraderie, and the dedication that goes into every match. It's a reminder that success in football is not just about talent but also about hard work and unity.
Global Recognition: Super Eagles videos are not just for Nigerian fans. They have gained global recognition and appreciation. The world watches in amazement as the Super Eagles spread their wings and take on the best teams in international football.
A Source of Inspiration: Super Eagles videos inspire countless young players in Nigeria and beyond. They show that dreams can be realized with talent, determination, and the right support. These videos are a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers, reminding them that they, too, can one day represent their nation on the grandest stage.
In conclusion, Super Eagles videos are more than just highlights of football matches; they are windows to a world of passion, skill, and national pride. They encapsulate the essence of Nigerian football, the journey of its players, and the unwavering support of its fans. These videos unite the footballing world in celebration of the Super Eagles, a team that continues to soar high and inspire generations.
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2023 U-17 AFCON: Golden Eaglets'll Aspire To Bag U-17 W/Cup Ticket -Ugbade
Head coach of Nigeria’s national U-17 team, Nduka Ugbade, has said that the Golden Eaglets will aspire to win all their matches to pick one of the African tickets to the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru, Completesports.com reports. Reacting to Wednesday’s draw for the 2023 U-17 AFCON Championship which pitched Nigeria, Morocco, Zambia and South Africa in Group B, Ugbade said that the Golden…
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Bad leadership, Poor judgement, wrong decisions, Greed, tribalism, nepotism - Reasons for Nigerian football failure by Murphy Ijemba Renewed sports journalist, Murphy Ijemba took to social media to bare his mind on the success of North African football and the failure of Nigerian football. He wrote: ‘They worked hard for it.. It’s only fair that the Arabs became the first African country to reach the World Cup semi final’s…and probably will be the first region in Africa to win the World Cup.. In 1989, Pele, the Brazilian genius, was in Scotland for the FIFA Under-17 Championship.. Pele predicted that within 10 years (before the turn of the last Century) an African team (referring to the Nigerian team) would win the World Cup…. Fast forward to present day reality- Pele is singing shey u Dey whine me ni😀😂 .. Bad leadership, Poor judgement, wrong decisions, Greed, tribalism, nepotism, all have Something in common = FAILURE 🍷… let’s toast it up! It’s going to be around for a very long time 🤦♀️ #murphyijemba #northafrica #football #nigeria #mycelebrityandi https://www.instagram.com/p/CmBIbEJIOS4/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=
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Nigeria vs Netherlands: How Best Loser Booted Out FIFA U-17 WC Most Successful Team https://nigeriagossipz.blogspot.com/2019/11/nigeria-vs-netherlands-how-best-loser.html
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Sports - WAFU Zone B Championship: The players are ready for Nigeria encounter - Assistant coach Nana Agyemang
Ghana Sports Live; bringing you all trending sports news as it happens. Black Starlets Assistant coach of the Black Starlets, Nana Agyemang, has expressed confidence that his team is ready for their upcoming match against Nigeria. Ghana’s U-17 team is set to face Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets in the battle for third place in the ongoing 2024 WAFU Zone B Championship. The match will take place at the…
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This February, celebrate Black History Month with Black authors!
Culture is important, whether it’s your own to celebrate or someone else’s that you can learn about and appreciate. In the last few years, we’ve seen a steady increase in people of colour, LGBT communities, non-Christian religions, and non-European cultures represented in young adult and middle-grade fiction. While this is a great improvement and definitely a step in the right direction, people of colour are still underrepresented. We can do more to make sure that authors of colour are seen and heard. The following list, while by no means exhaustive, is a selection of excellent YA and MG novels written by Black authors*. This month, take some time to explore their stories.
*This list appears in no particular order and is not intended to be read as though any one book is superior to another.
1. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (Young Adult)
When sixteen-year-old Starr Carter witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend, she must decide whether to lie low or to join the protesters who seek justice for Khalil. A touching, timely, and often raw story about a girl who finds herself when she feels most lost, it’s no wonder this book has spent more than 100 weeks on the New York Times Best Sellers list.
2. Riding Chance by Christine Kendall (Young Adult)
Based on Philadelphia’s Work to Ride program, this novel follows a young man who gets into some trouble at school and winds up doing community service at the Chamounix Stables in Fairmount Park. There, he learns to play polo, an intense sport that teaches perseverance and focus. This book really hit home for me, having spent most of my childhood at polo matches with WTR. In real life, Work to Ride provides underprivileged children and teenagers in Philadelphia with constructive extracurricular activities, peer mentorship, and even college enrollment assistance. To learn more about Work to Ride, check our their website or Facebook page!
3. Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann (Young Adult/New Adult)
Let’s talk about the amazing QPoC rep in this book! Alice, who is asexual and biromantic, is determined to spend her post-breakup summer on a tv binge. She definitely does not intend to fall for her co-worker, Takumi. Whoops. This book is a mostly-fluffy slow-burn romance, full of nerdy pop-culture references. If you remember tumblr circa 2011, this book is for you.
4. Garvey’s Choice by Nikki Grimes (Middle Grade)
Garvey’s father has always wanted him to be an athlete, but Garvey is just not interested. When his only friend convinces him to join their school chorus, Garvey finds confidence and a new way to communicate to his distant dad. Told in verse, this is a heartfelt novel about one boy’s transformation through music.
5. American Street by Ibi Zoboi (Young Adult)
In her debut novel, Ibi Zoboi draws on her experience as a Haitian immigrant to tell the story of Fabiola, a young woman whose mother is detained by U.S. Immigration when they emigrate from Port-au-Prince to Detroit. This book explores the cost of the “American dream” with a mix of family drama, romance, and a hint of magical realism.
6. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo (Young Adult)
Xiomara feels both invisible and too visible in a world that doesn’t want to hear her but is happy to objectify her. To express herself and to find some relief from her religious mother’s strict expectations, she turns to slam poetry. This novel-in-verse includes romance, wavering faith, and feminism.
7. Piecing Me Together by Renee Watson (Young Adult)
This powerful novel features a young woman who is determined to make it out of her impoverished neighbourhood. Jade’s mother taught her to take every opportunity she’s offered, so every day she takes the bus across town to a private school where there are plenty of opportunities, even if she doesn’t quite fit in. But some opportunities are less welcome than others, like the chance to join a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Sick of being singled out as someone who needs help, Jade hopes to find some autonomy and to stay true to herself.
8. Little & Lion by Brandy Colbert (Young Adult)
Suzette is home in Los Angeles for the summer and she isn’t sure she ever wants to go back to boarding school. Between supporting her bipolar brother, Lionel, and trying not to think about her clandestine relationship with her roommate, she’s got a pretty full plate. Unfortunately, she’s also falling for the same girl that Lionel likes. When Lionel’s mental illness sends him spiraling, Suzette must face her past to help him. This family features a blended family, Black Jewish characters, and a queer woman of colour.
9. Courage by Barbara Binns (Middle Grade)
T’Shawn has done his best to help out since his father’s death, but life gets complicated when his brother Lamont comes home from a stint in prison. T’Shawn finds peace on the diving board, and earns a scholarship to join a prestigious team at a local swim club. But when the neighbourhood crime rate starts to rise, T starts to think that he and Lamont may never put their pieces back together.
10. Monster by Walter Dean Myers (Young Adult)
A murdered drugstore clerk, a trial, and a young man in crisis. Monster is the story of Steve Harmon, amateur filmmaker and alleged murderer. To cope with the trial, Steve writes down the proceedings as if it were a film script, but as he tries to tell his own story, the truth starts to feel a little hazy. This one has also been adapted as a graphic novel.
11. All-American Boys by Jason Reynolds (Young Adult)
Rashad wasn’t stealing, but people sure seem to think he was. After he drops a bag of chips and a police officer beats him for it, Rashad is stuck in a hospital bed while the nation debates his character. Meanwhile, Quinn, a white boy who witnessed the beating, comes to learn that racism didn’t end with the Civil Rights Movement.
12. Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor (Young Adult)
Sunny is an albino girl living in Nigeria. Her skin tone often makes her an outsider, but she soon finds herself drawn into a community of magic users called Leopard People. Together with her new friends, Sunny is tasked with tracking down a killer known for maiming children.
13. The Red Pencil by Andrea Davis Pinkney (Middle Grade)
Amira is finally twelve and hopes to start school, but her life is turned upside down when the Janjaweed militia attacks her Sudanese village and her family must make the long and difficult journey to a refugee camp. Life at the camp is hard, but when an aid worker gives her a pencil and paper, Amira’s world begins to expand.
14. One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia (Middle Grade)
Delphine Gaither and her two younger sisters travel from Brooklyn to Oakland to spend the summer with a mother they barely know. Imagine their surprise when she sends them to a Black Panther summer camp. Set in 1968, this historical fiction novel explores family dynamics and the importance of sisterhood.
15. Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson (Middle Grade)
In powerfully emotional poetry, Woodson tells the story of her childhood and what it was like to grow up Black in the 1960s and 70s. This novel-in-verse won the National Book Award and the Coretta Scott King Award.
16. Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor (Middle Grade)
Between the depression and threats from the night riders, the Logan family has had a tough year. Cassie doesn’t see why her family’s land is so important, but as she becomes more aware of the way their white neighbours treat them, she soon comes to understand that the family’s strength comes from having their own place in the world. This book tackles the ugly reality of racism in the deep south from the perspective of a precocious nine-year-old. It can be hard to stomach at times, but I think that just makes it more important.
17. Zora and Me by Victoria Bond & T.R. Simon (Middle Grade)
Part historical fiction and part small-town mystery, this fictional imagining of Zora Neale Hurston’s early days sees the author as a young girl, exercising her skills as a storyteller. When one of Zora’s tales seems to come true and a man winds up dead, she and her friend Carrie find that things in their little town are not as peaceful as they appear.
18. Blended by Sharon M. Draper (Middle Grade)
Every since her parents’ divorce, Isabella has felt torn in two. Two houses, two families, two races. Switching between her parents, also means switching between two different identities. How can she ever feel whole when she’s constantly split in half? This book examines the life of a biracial girl, and doesn’t shy away from addressing exoticism and the (PG) fetishisation of mixed-race people.
19. Black Enough: Stories of Being Young and Black in America edited by Ibi Zoboi (Young Adult)
This contemporary anthology delves into the many-faceted lives of Black teens in the United States. Popular authors from a wide variety of backgrounds have contributed their voices to show that being young and Black in America is not just one singular experience, but a constellation.
20. The Parker Inheritance by Varian Johnson (Middle Grade)
A hidden letter and a summer mystery are what await Candace when she pokes through an old box in the attic. With the help of her neighbour, Brandon, she deciphers the letter’s clues in the hopes of discovering a forgotten fortune. This book is perfect for readers who like a good puzzle.
#books#bookish#bookworm#book blog#book blogger#booklr#bookstagram#book nerd#book lover#bibliophile#bookshelf#book photography#read#reading#read more#instareads#instabooks#vscoreads#vscobooks#vscobook#instabook#book list#reading list#black history month#ya books#ya novels#kid lit#ya lit#text
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Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team will launch their all-important 2019 season with two matches in Spain including a training match against Switzerland on 17 January and an international friendly match against Norway on 22 January in La Manga.
Canada will also compete in its eighth Algarve Cup which kicks off in February. Drawn into Group A, Canada will face Iceland on 27 February and Scotland on 1 March before playing a final match on 6 March to determine its final rank in the tournament. Canada won the Algarve Cup in 2016 and placed second in 2017.
Seven of the 12 teams competing in the 2019 Algarve Cup are headed to the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ including China, Norway, Scotland, Spain, Sweden, and Group E opponents Canada and the Netherlands. The other five participating teams are Demark, Iceland, Poland, hosts Portugal, and Switzerland.
Canada’s first two matches of 2019 mark the start of its FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ campaign which kicks off Monday 10 June when they face Cameroon at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, France. Canada will then travel to Grenoble for their second group match on Saturday 15 June against New Zealand at Stade des alpes. Canada then conclude the group phase in Reims on Thursday 20 June with a match against Netherlands at Stade August-Velaune.
“This year is all about preparing for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, so we are eager to get together in Europe and continue the momentum we built throughout 2018,” said Kenneth Heiner-Møller, Canada Soccer’s Women’s National Team Head Coach. “Switzerland and Norway are both difficult sides, so these two matches will serve as an excellent opportunity to test ourselves against strong European opponents.”
While Switzerland missed out on the 2019 edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a strong performance brought them to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015™ where they fell to hosts Canada 1:0. Norway will be preparing for its own FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, having been drawn into Group A against hosts France, Korea Republic and Nigeria. Norway qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™ after defeating the Netherlands 2-1, who Canada will face in the 2019 group stage, in their final group game of UEFA World Cup Qualifying.
“Heading into our first camp of 2019 we are working to establish a strong foundation from which we can build on over the next few months heading into the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” said Heiner-Møller. “We are certainly not starting from scratch, this team has been developed over time, but work remains to ensure that when we take the pitch in June, Canada will be at their very best, putting on a genuine FIFA World Cup performance.”
January 2019 Roster
Canada’s January 2019 match roster combines team veterans with standout young players. Captain Christine Sinclair will lead the team as she continues to close in on the all-time FIFA scoring record needing just seven goals to earn the top spot. Teenagers including Jordyn Huitema and Jayde Riviere, both 17 years old, recently helped Canada earn a fourth-place finish at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Uruguay 2018 and will be joined by Julia Grosso (age 18) and Deanne Rose (age 19).
Ottawa’s Vanessa Gilles will be making her first appearance in a Canada Soccer National Team camp.
Canada Soccer Women’s National Team January 2019 Roster
#1 GK Stephanie Labbe, age 32, from Stony Plain, AB/ Linköpings FC (Damallsvenskan)
#2 FB Allysha Chapman, age 29, from Courtice, ON/ Houston Dash (NWSL)
#3 CB Kadeisha Buchanan, age 23, from Brampton, ON/ Olympique Lyonnais (Division 1 Féminine France)
#4 CB Shelina Zadorsky, age 26, from London, ON/ Orlando Pride (NWSL)
#5 M Rebecca Quinn, age 23, from Toronto, ON/ Washington Spirit (NWSL)
#6 F Deanne Rose, age 19, from Alliston, ON/ University of Florida Gators (NCAA)
#7 M Julia Grosso, age 18, from Vancouver, BC / Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite/ Canada Soccer Regional EXCEL Super Centre (British Columbia)
#9 F Jordyn Huitema, age 17, from Chilliwack, BC/ Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite/ Canada Soccer Regional EXCEL Super Centre (British Columbia)
#10 FB Ashley Lawrence, age 23, from Caledon, ON/Paris Saint Germain (Division 1 Féminine France)
#11 M Desiree Scott, age 31, from Winnipeg, MB/ Utah Royals FC (NWSL)
#12 F Christine Sinclair ( C ), age 35, from Burnaby, BC/ Portland Thorns (NWSL)
#13 M Sophie Schmidt, age 30, from Abbotsford, BC
#15 F Nichelle Prince, age 23, from Ajax, ON/ Houston Dash (NWSL)
#16 F Janine Beckie, age 24, from Highlands Ranch, CO/ Manchester City (FA Women's Super League)
#17 M Jessie Fleming, age 20, from London, ON/UCLA (NCAA)
#18 GK Sabrina D'Angelo, age 25, from Welland, ON/North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
#19 F Adriana Leon, age 26, from King City, ON
#20 FB Shannon Woeller, age 28, from Vancouver, BC/ Eskilstuna United DFF (Damallsvenskan)
#21 GK Kailen Sheridan, age 23, from Whitby, ON/ Sky Blue FC (NWSL)
#22 FB Lindsay Agnew, age 23, from Kingston, ON/ Houston Dash (NWSL)
#23 FB Jayde Riviere, age 17, from Markham, ON/ Vancouver Whitecaps FC Girls Elite/ Canada Soccer Regional EXCEL Super Centre (Ontario)
#24 FB/F Jenna Hellstrom, age 23, from Sudbury, ON/ Växjö DFF (Damallsvenskan)
#25 CB Vanessa Gilles, 22, from Ottawa, ON/ Les Girondins de Bordeaux (Division 1 Féminine France)
Canada Soccer Women’s National Team 2019 Match Schedule
*Additional matches to be announced in Spring 2019.
Thursday 17 January – Canada vs Switzerland (Closed door training match)
Tuesday 22 January – Canada vs Norway – 18:00 local (12:00 ET/09:00 PT) at La Manga Stadium in La Manga, Spain (Closed door, international friendly match)
2019 Algarve Cup
Wednesday 27 February – Canada vs Iceland (Time and location TBC)
Friday 1 March – Canada v Scotland (Time and location TBC)
Wednesday 6 March – Canada v TBD (Time and location TBC)
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Dare Congratulates Olympic Eagles, Flamingos On Successful Outings
Dare Congratulates Olympic Eagles, Flamingos On Successful Outings
Dare Congratulates Olympic Eagles, Flamingos On Successful Outings The Sports Minister Sunday Dare has congratulated both the Nigeria U-17 Women’s football team, the Flamingos and the Olympic Eagles on their successes over the weekend. On Sunday, the Flamingos became the first African team to finish on the podium in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup after beating Germany through penalties to pick…
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Nigeria beat Germany, clinch bronze in U-17 women’s world cup
Nigeria beat Germany, clinch bronze in U-17 women’s world cup
Nigeria’s Flamingos on Sunday defeated Germany to clinch a consolatory bronze medal at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India. The match ended 3-3 in regulation time, leading to a penalty shootout. The penalty then ended 3-2 in Nigeria’s favour as the team took revenge for their loss against the Europeans in their opening fixture. Nigeria began the match in good stead and were rewarded when…
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Flamingos Will Be Paid U-17 Women's W/Cup Bonuses Soon -Gusau
President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has assured players and officials of the national Under -17 women’s team, the Flamingos who won bronze at the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in India late last year that their bonuses will be paid in no distant time, Completesports.com reports. Players of Flamingos that defeated their German counterparts to win the Third-Place…
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Colombia close to its first World Cup title
Colombia close to its first World Cup title
Colombian players celebrate a goal at the U-17 Women’s World Cup.Masashi Hara (FIFA via Getty Images) The women star this Sunday in Colombia’s first final in a soccer world cup. The U-17 women’s team faces Spain, after beating Nigeria 5-6 last Wednesday with definitions from the penalty spot. Goalkeeper Luisa Agudelo, the youngest on the team at just 15 years old, saved the Nigerians’ seventh…
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