Sports

West Ham 2-0 Freiburg: Kudus shines as Hammers clinch top spot in Group A

Published

2 years ago

December 15, 2023

West Ham qualified directly for the last 16 of the Europa League after a convincing 2-0 win over Freiburg at London Stadium saw them finish top of Group A.

Mohammed Kudus opened the scoring in 14th minute before Edson Alvarez’s strike just before half-time confirmed victory for the Hammers, who had started the match level on 12 points with their German opponents in the race for top spot.

David Moyes’ men bounced back after last weekend’s 5-0 Premier League mauling at Fulham to earn a seeded position in the knockout stages and avoid a play-off.

The hosts, chasing a 10th successive home win in Europe, came close to taking an early lead when Lucas Paqueta struck the Freiburg crossbar in the fifth minute.

A drop of the shoulder by Kudus saw the tricky attacker beat his man before delivering a cross to Paqueta who thundered his effort onto the bar.

However, West Ham’s persistence paid off barely 10 minutes later as they went ahead through Kudus.

Alvarez found the ball in midfield, picked his head up and delivered a lofted pass in behind the Freiburg defence for the Ghana international, who finished expertly past goalkeeper Noah Atubolu.

The goal was credit to the hosts’ early pressure and Kudus’ well-timed run and touch tested the VAR, who allowed the effort to stand despite calls for offside and handball.

Last season’s Europa Conference League champions looked eager to finish their opponents off quickly but Jarrod Bowen’s goal was ruled out for offside by referee Joao Pinheiro.

The England winger had got on the end of a similar ball to the one which had previously caught out the Freiburg defence, however he had failed to hold his line and the score remained 1-0.

At the other end, Freiburg, having already qualified from Group A alongside West Ham, rarely ventured as far as West Ham’s box until Ritsu Doan tested Lukasz Fabianski after 40 minutes.

Freiburg showed a bit more fight in the second half through Doan, who rifled an effort at Fabianski, but it was West Ham who were in the ascendancy and looked more likely to strike the next blow.

Czech full-back Vladimir Coufal overlapped on the right flank and delivered a cut-back cross to Bowen who scuffed his effort over the bar instead of finding the empty net.

The dangerous Doan continued to be the only threat for Freiburg when he forced the save from Fabianski before substitute Noah Weishaupt’s rebounded effort was sliced over the bar.

Abuja Reports

ASP Justina Amah Emerges Star Performer, Wins Gold, Silver, Bronze

Published

2 months ago

March 12, 2026

Editor

By Samson Adeyanju

ASP Justina Amah of the Nigeria Police Force has emerged as the star performer at the February 2026 Delta Police Games, clinching a gold medal, a silver, and a bronze, further cementing her reputation as one of the Force’s top athletes.

Hailing from Ozalla in Igboetiti LGA, Enugu State, ASP Amah has consistently elevated the Nigeria Police Force through her sporting prowess.

Over the years, she has amassed an impressive collection of medals, including 8 gold in Karate, 4 gold in other sports, 8 silver, and 8 bronze, showcasing her versatility and dedication.

Beyond her achievements on the field, ASP Justina is widely recognized for her discipline and professionalism.

In 2023, she was honoured as the Ica & Sons Books Most Disciplined Police Woman in Camp, reflecting her exemplary conduct both on duty and in her community.

Observers and colleagues have called for her to receive special recognition and promotion, noting that her accomplishments not only bring glory to the Police Force but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and officers nationwide.

ASP Justina Amah’s journey highlights the power of talent, commitment, and perseverance in achieving excellence.

News

Arsenal Stay Top as Liverpool Hit Five in Premier League Showdowns

Published

2 months ago

March 2, 2026

Editor

By Samuel Adeola

Arsenal maintained their grip at the top of the Premier League with a hard fought 2-1 victory over Chelsea in a tense London derby.

The Gunners showed composure under pressure to secure all three points and keep their title ambitions firmly on track.

Manchester City remain in close pursuit after edging Leeds United 1-0 away from home. The narrow win keeps City within touching distance as the title race intensifies.

At Anfield, Liverpool delivered the standout performance of the weekend, thrashing West Ham 5-2 in a ruthless attacking display. The emphatic result strengthens Liverpool’s push for a Champions League place.

Elsewhere, Manchester United boosted their European hopes with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace. Everton stunned Newcastle 3-2 in a dramatic encounter, while Brentford edged Burnley 4-3 in a seven goal thriller.

Brighton secured a 2-1 victory over Nottingham Forest and Fulham defeated Tottenham 2 1. Bournemouth and Sunderland shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

With Arsenal leading and City close behind, the title race remains wide open, while the battle for European places continues to gather pace.

News

Champions League Round of 16 Draw Produces Heavyweight Clashes

Published

2 months ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

By Samuel Adeola

The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Round of 16 has produced blockbuster fixtures as Europe’s elite begin their knockout push toward Budapest 2026.

Among the standout ties, Paris Saint-Germain will face Chelsea, while Real Madrid renew their rivalry with Manchester City in what is billed as the clash of the round.

Elsewhere, Galatasaray take on Liverpool, and Atalanta meet Bayern Munich.

Other fixtures see Newcastle United against Barcelona, Atletico Madrid versus Tottenham Hotspur, Bodø/Glimt against Sporting CP, and Bayer Leverkusen facing Arsenal.

The ties will be played over two legs in March, with winners advancing to the quarter-finals.