A goal apiece in seven minutes of added time from Joshua Orobosa Zirkzee and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu saved Manchester United from suffering a damaging home defeat on Sunday in the English Premier League.

Sports247 reports that both Nigerian-born lads played as second half substitutes in Saturday’s fixture, as Dorgu, who has a Nigerian father, first went on and was followed 17 minutes later by Zirkzee, whose mother hails from Edo State.

While Dorgu, who plays for Denmark, went on in the 66th minute, Zirkzee, a Netherlands international, entered in the 83rd, but both Nigerian-born lads became heroes in The Red Devils’ 4-4 draw with visiting Aston Villa.

Before the duo’s magical late show, United were trailing 2-4 at Old Trafford, a result that would have led to the sack of their coach, Michael Carrick, but Zirkzee and Dorgu both struck in added time to give the club legend a longer respite on the prestigious job.

A report by Tribal Football noted in part, “Manchester United twice recovered from two-goal deficits to draw 4-4 with Aston Villa, yet failure to win means it’s the first time The Red Devils have won just one of their opening 10 league games since 1972/73.

“(The result also leaves) them 18th in the Premier League (following an eight-goal thriller in which, after) four unbelievable minutes, they were two goals down (and) the hosts needed a lift to stop this game from spiralling.

“Just three minutes after the restart, Diogo Dalot made a rash challenge, tripping Alysson and handing McGinn the chance to edge the visitors back in front from the spot, which he duly took.

“Leon Goretzka followed in with his first Villa goal. A quiet 30-minute period followed, before Mason Mount struck the post with an 89th-minute volley, and fellow substitute Joshua Zirkzee swept home in stoppage time (to make it 3-4).

“At the death, with the goalkeeper up for a corner, Patrick Dorgu struck a dramatic equaliser, yet that will do little to improve the general mood around Manchester, especially as a point isn’t enough to haul them out of the drop zone where they will remain for the international break.”

The post How Nigerian-born Joshua Zirkzee And Patrick Dorgu Save Manchester United From Home Defeat With Goals In Added Time appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The Warriors delivered a dominant performance to defeat the Braves 59–7 in their Showtime 5v5 Co-ed Cup encounter after recovering from an early setback.

The Braves made the first breakthrough, scoring the opening touchdown and taking an early lead. However, the Warriors responded strongly, gradually taking control of the game to lead 29–7 at half-time before extending their advantage to secure a convincing 59–7 victory.

Speaking after the game, Warriors player Gbemisola Samuel said the team initially had a close contest against the Braves before finding its rhythm.

Sport247 reports that she identified the team’s defensive performance as a major factor behind the victory, explaining that the players focused on stopping the Braves’ attacks while creating scoring opportunities of their own.

“We just locked in, and I think defence gave us that advantage over the Braves. We tried to stop everything, and we tried to score on every drive, like almost every drive,” she said.

Gbemisola also praised the collective effort of her teammates, while giving special recognition to the team’s rusher, who recorded five sacks and a safety during the game.

She stressed that the victory was not down to one individual but the combined effort of the entire team.

The match also marked Gbemisola’s first appearance of the season as she returned from injury. She admitted that she was still working her way back but remained determined to improve her performance.

“This is my first time playing this season. I’m just coming back from injury, so I just did my best. One step at a time,” she said.

Looking ahead, Gbemisola said the Warriors would maintain the same energy in their next game, while promising to offer more as she continues to regain her fitness.

“From the team, just expect the same energy. From me personally, just expect more than you saw today,” she added.

The post SFFL 5v5 Cup Game: From Early Setback to 59–7! Warriors Turn the Tables on Braves appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

National Institute for Sports (NIS) director general and chief executive officer, Comrade Philip Shaibu has showered accolades on Rosemary Nwankwo and Gift Bright for winning gold medals on Sunday at the Youth Summer Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.

Sports247 reports that Shaibu described the double feat in the Games 100m events – Nwankwo for females, Bright for males – as phenomenal and another reflection of Nigeria’s growing global presence in sports.

A press statement from the director general’s office in Abuja, signed by Callistus Ebare, disclosed in part: “Congratulating the athletes on their historic achievements, Shaibu said their success was a product of hard work, dedication and determination.

“He (then) urged them to remain focused, reminding them that the world is open to them as they pursue greater heights in their careers.

“In his characteristic show of appreciation, the former Edo State deputy governor extended his congratulations beyond the athletes to their coaches, whom he commended for their technical input and commitment.

“He also applauded the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for providing an enabling environment that allowed the athletes to excel while proudly representing the country (and) commended the National Sports Commission for its role in ensuring effective coordination.”

Sports247 reports further that Shaibu also commended the NSC’s top brass for allowing various stakeholders discharge their responsibilities without hindrance, hence the success of Nigeria’s athletes as evidence of what purposeful leadership can deliver.

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