Advertisement
Ask Nigeria Header Logo

SPORTS

Check out new sport updates across the globe

Photo of author

By Timothy Akintola

Recent stories on Djokovic, Barcelona, Wirtz, the Flamingos and Man City.

AI Generated Image by Ask Nigeria

Djokovic Stunned by Dutch player, Van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells.

Five-time champion, Novak Djokovic suffered a shock first-round exit at Indian Wells 2025, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. The Dutchman, who previously defeated Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open and Rafael Nadal in the Davis Cup, dominated the decider to seal a career-defining victory. Djokovic, 37, struggled early, committing 14 unforced errors and losing the first set. He rebounded in the second, surging to a 3-0 lead before levelling the match with a powerful forehand. However, Van de Zandschulp regained control, breaking Djokovic four times and closing the match with a precise lob. Despite battling injuries earlier this year, Djokovic insisted he was fit and had “no excuses for a poor performance.” The 24-time Grand Slam champion, who won only Olympic gold last year, has now lost three of his last four matches. Van de Zandschulp, a late entry, called the victory “a great moment.”

Advertisement

Barcelona vs. Osasuna postponed after team doctor’s sudden passing.

The La Liga clash between FC Barcelona and CA Osasuna, set for March 8, 2025, was postponed just 15 minutes before kick-off following the sudden passing of Barcelona’s first-team doctor, Carles Miñarro García. Fans were already in the stadium, and players had begun warming up when club president Joan Laporta informed the team of the tragic news. Shocked and deeply saddened, Barcelona’s captains requested the match be called off. García had spent time with the squad earlier in the day, sharing lunch with the players before his unexpected passing. Barcelona later confirmed the news on social media, expressing condolences to his family. La Liga also issued a statement, announcing that a new date would be determined soon. Reports suggest the fixture could be played on April 26-27 if Barcelona does not reach the Copa del Rey final, or between May 19-25, ahead of La Liga’s final round on May 25.

Leverkusen suffers double loss as Wirtz goes off injured in Werder Bremen defeat.

Florian Wirtz suffered an injury during Bayer Leverkusen’s 2-0 defeat to Werder Bremen, raising concerns ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Bayern Munich. The 21-year-old started on the bench, likely to be rested for Tuesday’s European tie. However, an early goal from Rolando Schmid prompted Xabi Alonso to bring him on at halftime. Shortly after, Wirtz sustained a lower-leg injury following a tackle by Mitchell Weiser. Though he attempted to continue, he was forced off in the 59th minute. Reports from Fabrizio Romano suggest Wirtz left the BayArena on crutches and could miss the Bayern fixture. With nine goals and 10 assists in 25 league appearances, he has been Leverkusen’s key player this season. Their chances of overturning a 3-0 first-leg deficit depend on his availability. The defeat also leaves Leverkusen eight points behind Bayern in the Bundesliga, missing an opportunity to close the gap.

Advertisement

The Flamingos defeats South Africa in 1st leg of the World Cup qualifiers.

Nigeria’s U-17 girls’ national team, the Flamingos, secured a 3-1 victory over South Africa’s Bantwana in the first leg of their 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifier. Led by Head Coach Bankole Olowookere, the Flamingos impressed at Lucas Moripe Stadium, taking the lead in the 20th minute through Shakirat Moshood. Just before halftime, Chidi Harmony doubled their advantage from the penalty spot, giving Nigeria a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break. South Africa responded early in the second half when Malebana converted a penalty in the 47th minute. However, Harmony struck again in the 68th minute to restore the two-goal cushion. The Flamingos held firm to secure a crucial away win, putting them in a strong position for the return leg. The rematch is set for Saturday, March 15, at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, with the overall winner progressing to the third round of qualification.

Nottingham Forest stuns Manchester City, thanks to Hudson-Odoi’s late goal.

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s late strike secured a crucial 1-0 victory for Nottingham Forest against Manchester City, boosting their hopes of a top-four finish and Champions League qualification. The 24-year-old winger latched onto Morgan Gibbs-White’s pinpoint diagonal pass before cutting inside and drilling a shot past Éderson at the near post in the 83rd minute. In a match of few clear-cut chances, City’s best opportunity came in the first half when Nico González’s long-range effort clipped the post. After the break, Éderson denied Hudson-Odoi with a stunning save, but the City goalkeeper’s later mistake proved costly. Pep Guardiola’s side struggled in attack, with Erling Haaland largely ineffective and Phil Foden frustrated. Forest tightened their grip on third place, moving five points clear of Chelsea in fifth with 10 games remaining. Defending champions City, now fourth with 47 points, face mounting pressure from Chelsea and Newcastle, as Forest edge closer to a historic Champions League return.

Advertisement

Disclaimer

The content on AskNigeria.com is given for general information only and does not constitute a professional opinion, and users should seek their own legal/professional advice. There is data available online that lists details, facts and further information not listed in this post, please complete your own investigation into these matters and reach your own conclusion. Images included with this information are not real, they are AI generated and are used for decorative purposes only. Our images are not depicting actual events unless otherwise specified. AskNigeria.com accepts no responsibility for losses from any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of content contained in this website and/or other websites which may be linked to this website.

Advertisement

Flood kills 314 Nigerians in three months