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Liverpool storm past Spurs to secure Carabao cup final spot

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Liverpool showcased a commanding performance at Anfield, overturning a first-leg deficit to crush Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 on aggregate.

This victory secured their place in the Carabao Cup final. Cody Gakpo, continuing his stellar form in the competition, opened the scoring early, setting the tone for a dominant night.

The holders now return to Wembley with hopes of retaining their title.

The Dutch forward has emerged as a talisman in this tournament, netting his fifth goal in as many League Cup appearances this season.

His overall tally of nine goals in the competition remains unmatched within Liverpool’s current squad.

However, Mohamed Salah stole the spotlight with a decisive penalty, marking his 26th goal of the campaign.

Further strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Virgil van Dijk compounded Tottenham’s misery, propelling Liverpool’s head coach Arne Slot into a cup final in his debut season.

Slot follows in the footsteps of his predecessor, Jurgen Klopp, who also reached the League Cup final in his first season.

However, Klopp’s side fell short against Manchester City.

This time, Liverpool will face Newcastle United, who are eager to end a 70-year domestic trophy drought after losing two of the last three Carabao Cup finals.

Tottenham’s Defensive Gamble Backfires

Tottenham entered the second leg with a slender one-goal advantage but adopted a defensive approach that proved disastrous.

Under pressure due to poor Premier League form, Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou opted to sit deep and absorb pressure.

However, this strategy backfired spectacularly as Liverpool dominated possession and relentlessly attacked Tottenham’s fragile defense.

Playing at a venue where they haven’t kept a clean sheet in 13 years, Spurs looked disjointed and overwhelmed.

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New signing Kevin Danso, on loan from Lens, faced a baptism of fire as he struggled to cope with Liverpool’s recalled striker Darwin Núñez.

Goalkeeper Anton Kinsky, who had impressed in the first leg, appeared shaky under crosses despite making a few decent saves.

Adding to Tottenham’s woes was Richarlison’s ill-advised attempt to provoke Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

The Brazilian forward’s antics only served to distract him, and his night ended prematurely with an injury just before halftim

Gakpo Sparks Liverpool Comeback

By the time Richarlison limped off, Liverpool had already leveled the aggregate score. Anfield roared into life as Salah and Gakpo tested Kinsky with early efforts.

Szoboszlai thought he had scored with an angled shot, only for the offside flag to intervene. Moments later, Liverpool struck decisively.

Curtis Jones lost possession in Tottenham’s half, but Szoboszlai immediately pressured Yves Bissouma into surrendering the ball.

Salah, with a sublime outside-of-the-foot cross, found Gakpo, who smashed home a half-volley for his 16th goal of the season—matching his tally from last year.

Salah’s Spot-Kick Seals the Lead

Early in the second half, Liverpool’s relentless pressure paid off again. Szoboszlai’s glancing header was clawed out by Kinsky, but the Czech goalkeeper soon found himself at fault when he brought down Núñez for a penalty.

Djed Spence had lost possession near his own box, allowing Salah to release Núñez, who was fouled in the process.

Salah stepped up and buried the spot-kick into the top-left corner with unerring precision, leaving Kinsky no chance.

The goal gave Liverpool a 2-0 lead on the night and swung all momentum firmly in their favor.

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Spurs Collapse Under Pressure

With their aggregate lead gone, Spurs were forced to chase the game—a task for which they seemed ill-prepared.

Their attempts to push forward left them exposed at the back, and Liverpool ruthlessly exploited these gaps.

Núñez came close to adding another but hit the side-netting after excellent work by Conor Bradley.

Ryan Gravenberch then struck the post as Liverpool continued to pile on the pressure.

Szoboszlai finally added a third goal after more fine play from Bradley, slotting past Kinsky to effectively end any hopes of a Spurs comeback.

Tottenham’s frustrations were epitomized when Son Heung-min rattled the crossbar late on—the closest they came to scoring all evening.

Van Dijk capped off Liverpool’s dominant display by heading home a corner for their fourth goal, sealing an emphatic victory and sending Anfield into wild celebrations.

Wembley Awaits

For Tottenham, it was another painful reminder of their struggles in big moments.

The team failed to register a single shot on target during the match, highlighting their struggle against an inspired Liverpool side.

Liverpool now focuses on Newcastle United for next month’s final, eager to secure another trophy.

With momentum and a confident squad behind them, they will approach Wembley as strong favorites to lift the trophy.

For Arne Slot, this moment represents an opportunity to secure his legacy in Liverpool folklore by winning silverware in his debut season.

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Sports

Gov AbdulRazaq reappoints Mogaji as Kwara sports commission chairman

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Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has reconstituted the board of the Kwara State Sports Commission with the return of squash legend, Coach Bolakale Adisa Mogaji, as Executive Chairman.

 

Alhaji Dele Abubakar, MON, and Hon. Abdullahi Yunusa Lade were retained as representatives of Kwara Central and North, while Mrs. Monisola Yemisi Makanjuola was newly appointed for Kwara South.

 

Government sources said the reshuffle is aimed at consolidating sports development gains and strengthening the commission’s structure.

 

Analysts say the move restores stability after a brief leadership vacuum unsettled the state’s sporting community, particularly as Kwara United prepares for both the CAF Confederation Cup and the new NPFL season.

 

Mogaji, expressing gratitude for his reappointment, pledged to intensify efforts to grow the state’s sporting sector. “The reward for hard work is more work. I have challenged myself to meet the expectations,” he said, while urging stakeholders to unite for the common goal of building Kwara’s sports industry.

 

His earlier tenure had improved youth development structures and raised Kwara’s visibility at national tournaments, but experts warn these gains need consistent leadership to avoid stagnation.

 

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Interviews

 “Football under siege: How Insecurity, poor investment threaten the beautiful game in Kwara North”

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In this short interview, Dr. Ndanusa, a director at Aidu Football Academy (AFA), Lafiagi, speaks with our correspondent on the struggles of running a private football academy in a region ravaged by banditry, and the broader challenges of managing football without government support. AFA players wore black armbands during their friendly against NPFL side, Kwara United, in Ilorin, as a show of solidarity for communities in Kwara North under siege.

 

 

AFA only launched formally in February. How has the journey been so far?

 

What we did in February was an unveiling. The academy had actually started long before that. After the launch, we set up a boot camp where we picked some of the best talents to expose them to the wider world of football. Over the last six months, our boys have had several encounters — some are currently in Ethiopia trying out with clubs, while others are preparing to move to Doha, Qatar. Those at home continue to engage local teams, and coming to Ilorin feels like homecoming since Lafiagi is part of Kwara. But beyond football, our presence here is symbolic — our home base in Kwara North is bleeding due to insecurity. That’s why our boys wore black armbands: a cry for solidarity. Government is doing its best, but security is everyone’s problem.

 

What does it mean to run a football academy from an insecure region like Lafiagi?

 

Dr. Ndanusa: It is both emotional and challenging. Every day, we battle the reality that while we try to raise young men through football, our community is under siege by armed bandits. Players come to training after hearing gunshots the previous night. Families are displaced, and yet we must carry on. It shows that football is more than sport — it is a beacon of hope. Our boys are saying through football that Lafiagi deserves peace.

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How tough is it for the private sector to invest in football in Nigeria?

 

Dr. Ndanusa: Very tough. It requires money, time, and enormous resources — things one man alone cannot shoulder. Unfortunately, unlike government-backed clubs such as Kwara United, private academies struggle without institutional support. People understand football’s value but they have not directly benefited from it, so they shy away from investing. Until more investors come in, academies like ours will remain at the mercy of passion and sacrifice.

 

What lessons do you think government and stakeholders can take from AFA’s effort?

 

That football can be a force for good. Beyond winning trophies, it can rebuild broken communities, unite people, and take young people off the streets. Our academy is proof — even in a conflict zone, young men can choose football over crime if given the chance. What we need is more investment, collaboration, and deliberate policies that support private football academies. With security guaranteed and stakeholders involved, Nigeria can produce not just players but true ambassadors of peace and development.

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Sports

Kwara bails out Nasarawa, hosts Youth Sports Festival elimination to boost talent discovery

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Ilorin is buzzing with youthful energy as over 1,200 athletes and officials from the North Central region gather for the zonal elimination of team sports ahead of the 9th National Youth Sports Festival (NYSF) slated for Delta State later this year.

 

The event was originally scheduled for Nasarawa State, but Kwara stepped in at the last minute to host after Nasarawa failed to meet requirements.

 

Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq approved full sponsorship of the eliminations, earning praise from organisers.

 

“We are immensely grateful to Governor Abdulrazaq for saving the day. Our impression so far has been very positive,” said Saka Akeem, Zonal Coordinator.

 

Nine sports – Abula, Cricket, Handball, Beach Volleyball, Baseball/Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Rugby, and Hockey – will be contested, with only two finalists per sport advancing to the festival in Delta.

 

Participation from Benue State remains uncertain, but Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Plateau, Niger, Kogi, and hosts Kwara are confirmed.

 

Screening of athletes, pegged at 15 years and below, began Saturday with matches set to run through Monday.

 

Kwara’s Director of Sports, Coach Ibrahim Bako, assured smooth organisation despite the late notice.

 

> “Kwara is always prepared, and that’s why the state leads in North Central and ranks among the top five nationwide at the NYSF,” he said.

 

Sports experts say the eliminations are more than just a qualifying series.

 

They serve as a platform for talent discovery, youth development, and regional pride, especially for North Central states where opportunities for structured sports are limited.

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The festival has a strong track record of producing stars who later represent Nigeria on the international stage.

 

For Ilorin, the event also means an economic boost, with hotels, restaurants, and transport operators already recording increased patronage.

 

By giving teenagers across the zone exposure to national-level contests, the eliminations are expected to inspire a new generation of athletes while strengthening grassroots sports development in the region.

 

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Sports

Liverpool face Arsenal, Chelsea, Man Utd in brutal title war

DDM News

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(DDM) – The 2025/2026 Premier League season opened in dramatic fashion as Liverpool defeated Bournemouth 4-2 at Anfield on Friday night.

The match was filled with everything fans had longed for during the 82-day break.

There was the opening choir, VAR controversies, a racist incident, and a stunning solo goal from Antoine Semenyo.

Tributes were also paid throughout the night to the late Diogo Jota, who passed away earlier this year.

Arne Slot’s men needed no reminder of the pressure to start strong, and they delivered three points in front of their fans.

DDM learned that Liverpool enter the season widely tipped as favourites to retain their crown, having bolstered their squad in the transfer window.

Analysts point to the acquisition of Hugo Ekitike, who has already scored twice in his first two appearances.

The 23-year-old striker is seen as one of the defining signings of the summer.

Football podcaster Clinton McDubus told Daily Post that Liverpool’s squad looks “title-worthy” and more balanced than last year’s.

He added that the chase for Alexander Isak could make them even stronger.

But the competition is fierce.

Arsenal have signed Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres, a prolific scorer in Portugal.

Manchester United brought in Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko to bolster their attack.

Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, have signed Brazilian Joao Pedro to add depth.

All four traditional powerhouses are expected to battle closely for supremacy.

DDM notes that pundits believe Gyökeres and Ekitike could easily deliver 20-goal seasons in the Premier League.

That level of firepower may determine who lifts the trophy next May.

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Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, newly promoted Leeds United, Burnley, and Sunderland are tipped by many to struggle.

However, Sunderland have defied expectations in the transfer market, spending over £130 million on reinforcements.

McDubus believes their smart acquisitions could see them survive and surprise critics.

In contrast, Newcastle United, who reached the Champions League last season, are expected by some to underachieve.

Their window has been widely criticized, with speculation that star striker Alexander Isak could depart before deadline day.

Observers warn that their European commitments may further derail their domestic campaign.

As the first matchday unfolds, fans are bracing for another rollercoaster season filled with goals, controversies, and unexpected twists.

The Premier League, often described as the most competitive in the world, looks set for yet another classic campaign.

 

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Pastor David reveals what Falcons did to win Morocco in the final

DDM News

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(DDM) – Senior Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has called on Nigerians never to give up on themselves, regardless of the challenges they face.

The cleric drew inspiration from the Nigerian women’s national football team’s dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the African championship final.

Speaking during a recent sermon, Pastor Ibiyeomie described the match as a perfect example of resilience and self-belief in the face of overwhelming odds.

He recounted how the Super Falcons—referred to as the “Nigerian Falcon” female team during his message—were losing 2-0 at halftime against the host nation, Morocco.

According to him, even many Nigerians watching the game had given up hope of a comeback.

However, the players refused to accept defeat.

“In the second half, these young ladies said, ‘No way, we’ll make it.’ Their potentials came out,” he told his congregation.

The pastor narrated that the Falcons equalised and eventually scored the winning goal, sealing a 3-2 victory after what appeared to be a lost cause.

“They went to penalty, they won. Why? Even when the world gave up on them, they refused to give up on themselves and they took the cup,” he said.

Pastor Ibiyeomie explained that the victory was more than just a football result—it was a life lesson.

He noted that failure only becomes permanent when one accepts it.

“In case you fail and everybody says you fail, you don’t fail. You just give up,” he declared.

He urged his audience to tap into their inner potential and confront challenges with confidence.

“Bring your potential out. Tell the world you are not a failure,” he encouraged.

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The cleric concluded his message with a blessing over his listeners.

“And I decree you’ll be declared a winner,” he proclaimed.

Observers note that Pastor Ibiyeomie’s sermon aligns with the Super Falcons’ reputation as one of Africa’s most successful women’s football teams.

The team is renowned for their fighting spirit and ability to defy expectations on the international stage.

His message comes at a time when national conversations about resilience, determination, and hope are gaining momentum.

By connecting a real-life sports triumph to a broader motivational theme, Pastor Ibiyeomie reinforced the belief that mindset is key to success.

He reminded Nigerians that perseverance can turn the tide, even in the darkest moments.

“When you think it’s over, that is when you should push harder,” he said.

“If you refuse to give up on yourself, no matter how many people have written you off, your story can still end in victory.”

 

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