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Super Falcons Depart for Spain Camp Today Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

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Super Falcons Depart for Spain Camp Today Ahead of Paris 2024 Olympics

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are set to depart for a two-week training camp in Seville, Spain, as they prepare for the women’s football event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. This marks Nigeria’s return to the Olympics women’s football event since their last appearance in 2008.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the squad for the tournament on Wednesday. Players currently on holiday in Nigeria will join home-based players and team officials on an Air France flight from Abuja to Seville tonight, with the rest of the team and technical staff arriving on Friday.

Notable omissions from the squad include Saudi-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre, who is recovering from surgery, and defender Glory Ogbonna, a member of the 2023 World Cup squad. Veterans Onome Ebi and Francisca Orgeda were also left out despite efforts to join the team.

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The 18-player roster includes Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Asisat Oshoala. Defenders Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, and Okeke are also part of the squad. The midfielders invited by Coach Randy Waldrum are Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, and Toni Payne. Forwards Esther Okoronkwo, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Uchenna Kanu, and Macleans complete the lineup.

Nigeria, nine-time African champions, will face Brazil, Spain, and Japan in the tournament. Their first match against Brazil is scheduled for July 25 at Stade Bordeaux, followed by games against Spain on July 28 and Japan on July 31.

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Jack Draper Advances to Japan Open Last 16 with Win Over Bellucci

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Jack Draper Advances to Japan Open Last 16 with Win Over Bellucci

British tennis player Jack Draper has secured a spot in the Japan Open last 16 after defeating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets. Draper, ranked world number 20, claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his first win since his US Open semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.

The 22-year-old’s triumph in Tokyo comes as a welcome return to form following a challenging Davis Cup in Manchester, where he lost both of his singles matches to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, contributing to Great Britain’s failure to reach the knockout stages.

After a tightly contested first set against world number 103 Bellucci, Draper dominated the second set, building a 5-1 lead before closing out the match. He will face Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the next round on Friday.

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Wolves Defender Yerson Mosquera Likely Out for Season with Knee Injury

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Wolves Defender Yerson Mosquera Likely Out for Season with Knee Injury

Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained in Wolves’ 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. The 23-year-old Colombian twisted his knee after a collision with Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the 82nd minute and was stretchered off the pitch.

Scans confirmed that Mosquera suffered damage to both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will require surgery. Wolves’ head of high performance, Phil Hayward, said, “We will be visiting specialists to finalise the plan for surgery, and it’s highly unlikely he will feature again this season.”

Mosquera had been a key part of Wolves’ defense this season, starting all five Premier League games after returning from a loan spell at Villarreal. His absence further deepens Wolves’ defensive issues, as they did not secure a replacement for Max Kilman following his £40m move to West Ham.

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Wolves, currently winless and sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, face Liverpool at home in their next match.

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Ex-Real Madrid & Manchester United Defender Raphael Varane Retires at 31

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Ex-Real Madrid & Manchester United Defender Raphael Varane Retires at 31

Raphael Varane, former defender for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French national team, has retired from professional football at the age of 31. Varane, who joined Italian side Como in July, sustained a knee injury on his debut, prompting his decision to step away from playing. He will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.

In an emotional Instagram post, Varane wrote, “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct,” explaining his desire to leave the sport on his own terms.

Varane began his career at Lens before a decade-long stint at Real Madrid, where he won 18 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He later joined Manchester United in 2021, making 95 appearances and winning the Carabao Cup in 2022.

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Internationally, Varane earned 93 caps for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. Reflecting on his career, Varane expressed pride in both his achievements and staying true to his values.

He hinted at future projects with Como, adding, “Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.” Varane has also been vocal about the dangers of head injuries in football, having played through concussions during his career, and he has called for better protection for players.

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