Sports
Sports Minister orders closure of National Stadium Lagos
The Minister of Youths and Sport Development, Sunday Dare, on Saturday announced the temporary closure of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, due to the collapse of a floodlight mast.
Dare made this known in a statement after inspecting the collapsed floodlight mast.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dare had paid a scheduled visit to the stadium on Friday, promising to make his stand known after due assessment.
However, after the tour round the stadium, the minister ordered the closure of the stadium to avert any unforseen circumstances.
“Thank God there was no casualty. I also inspected the three other light masts and the effects of age and weather elements were visible, clearly, they are also a suspect after 51 years.
“Based on my assessment, advice of experts and in the interest of public safety, there will be a temporary closure of the stadium and surrounding facilities; proper assessment and necessary action will be taken soon.
“The concession process towards fully privatising the Surulere stadium which began last year will be expedited by the Federal Government through the ICRC towards a comprehensive rehabilitation and upgrade of the 51 years old edifice.
“We have decided to be on the side of caution, hence the decision to impose extensive restrictions around the stadium.
“We request the cooperation of anyone who this decision may inconvenience as we cannot ascertain the reality on the ground,” said the minister.
Mikel Merino led Arsenal to a 1-0 win against Chelsea in the Premier League on Sunday.
Merino’s first-half header settled the London derby at the Emirates Stadium and saw second-placed Arsenal move within 12 points of leader Liverpool.
Arsenal’s title hopes have faded in recent weeks, but it closed the gap on Liverpool, which was playing Newcastle in the English League Cup final later in the day.
Merino rose in the 20th minute to flick Martin Odegaard’s near post corner beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez. It was enough to secure a first league win for Mikel Arteta’s team since February 15.
Defeat for fourth-placed Chelsea means it missed the chance to extend its one-point lead over Manchester City in fifth and boost its chance of qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Arsenal, on 58 points, is 10 clear of four time defending champion City.
Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen netted a hat-trick as Galatasaray secured a decisive 4-0 win against Antalyaspor on Friday night.
Álvaro Morata added a goal from the penalty spot to complete the dominant victory.
Osimhen opened the scoring at Rams Park, converting an assist from Morata in the 30th minute.
Morata doubled the lead with a penalty in the 45th minute and three minutes into the injury time of the first half, Osimhen struck again, assisted by B. Yılmaz.
The Nigerian striker completed his hat-trick, with Y. Akgün providing the assist in the 52nd minute.
This hat trick elevates Osimhen’s season tally to 20 league goals in 22 appearances, making him the top scorer in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli after the fourth game of the season, Osimhen has amassed 26 goals and 5 assists across all competitions in 30 appearances.
Galatasaray’s dominant display reinforces their position at the summit of the Süper Lig.
Prior to this match, they led the standings with 68 points from 26 matches, maintaining an unbeaten record with 21 wins and 5 draws.
Their closest rivals, Fenerbahçe, have accumulated 61 points from 25 matches.
With this victory, Galatasaray extends their lead to 71 points, bolstering their pursuit of the league title.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided the latest update on Bukayo Saka ahead of his side’s Premier League clash with Chelsea this weekend.
Saka has been sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury.
The England winger has missed several matches for Arteta’s side, including their draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Speaking in his pre-match interview ahead of Sunday’s clash, Arteta said Saka is getting closer to returning to action for the Gunners.
“He [Saka] is getting closer,” Arteta said.
“He’s stepping up and making very good progress. Let’s see when we decide to throw him in, how he reacts, and how quickly he can regain full fitness.”
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, behind leaders Liverpool.
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