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FIFA approves 26-man squads for 2022 World Cup

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FIFA has approved 26-man squads for this year’s World Cup in Qatar.

The approval is one of the key outcomes of the football’s world governing body‘s council meeting on Thursday.

Countries contesting at the World Cup were previously allowed 23-man squads.

The increase in squad roster, according to FIFA, is due to unique timing of the event that takes place between November and December — instead of June.

The Switzerland-based governing body also cited the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Given the need to retain additional flexibility due to the unique timing of the FIFA World Cup 2022™ in the global calendar, as well as the broader context of the disruptive effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on squads before and during tournaments, the Bureau has decided the following,” the statement read.

“The maximum number of players on the release list has been increased from 35 to 55.

“The number of players to be included on the final list has been increased to at least 23 and a maximum of 26.

“The final matchday at club level for the 23 to 26 players nominated on the final list will be 13 November 2022.

“No more than 26 people (up to 15 substitutes and 11 team officials – one of these officials must be the team doctor) will be allowed to sit on the team bench.”

The 32-nation FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the first to hold in the Arab world, is set to hold from November 21 to December 18.

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Lionel Messi reveals when he will retire from football

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Lionel Messi has opened up on when he plans to retire from football as he navigates the twilight of his iconic career.

Since his arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has showcased his prowess by scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions.

Nevertheless, at 36 years old, Messi has had to contend with injury setbacks, sparking concerns about his durability in the sport.

Considering his retirement intentions while on the Big Time podcast, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging his tendency to critically evaluate his performances.

Messi conveyed his preparedness to exit the game when he senses he can no longer deliver his peak performance or derive joy from playing, regardless of his age.

“I am very self critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” Messi said.

“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates.

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African Games: Nigeria wins 8 gold medals in boxing — in one day

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Team Nigeria has added another eight gold medals in boxing to its tally at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

The Nigerian contingent was ruthless in the ring at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Friday.

Joy Ojo won Nigeria’s first boxing gold of the day without strapping her gloves and boots.

She claimed victory in the women’s 57kg category following a walkover over her Selmouni Chahira, Algerian opponent.

Dolapo Omole added to Nigeria’s gold medal tally after the referee was forced to stop the contest between him and Sigauque Amando of Mozambique in the men’s 57kg category.

The referee ruled that the Mozambican could not continue the fight, and Omole took the glory.

Patricia Mbata then secured a 4-0 victory over Marbrouk Molka of Tunisia in the final of the women’s 75kg category to clinch Nigeria’s third boxing gold at the Games.

Adam Olaore knocked out Kuadjovi Kevin Prodence LK of Togo in the first round of the final of the men’s 92kg category.

Cynthia Ogunsemilore defeated Rahma Mohamed of Egypt 5-0 in the final of the women’s 60kg category.

Afterwards, Blessing Oraekwe, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere pummeled their opponents to take Nigeria’s gold tally in the ring to eight.

In athletics, Nigeria won the women’s 4×400 meters relay, clocking 3:27.29 to finish ahead of Zambia and Botswana.

The quartet of Esther Elo Joseph, Patience Okon-George, Brittany Ogunmokun and Omolara Ogunmakinju ensured Nigeria’s dominance over the lap race on the continent.

In the men’s Javelin throw, Chinecherem Nnamdi won gold with an attempt of 82.80 meters, a new national record.

Nigeria sits second on the medals table, with 121 medals behind Egypt.

Team Nigeria won 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze medals in Ghana.

The Games are billed to wrap up on Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony.

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African Games: Ese Brume wins gold as Nigeria bags 97th medal

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Ese Brume has won the gold medal in the women’s long jump at the 13th African Games in Ghana.

The 28-year-old leapt 6.92 meters in her first attempt at the University of Ghana, Accra, on Thursday, and it was enough to secure her second consecutive African Games title.

She also won the event at the last edition held in Rabat, Morocco, in 2019.

Prestina Ochonogor claimed bronze with a jump of 6.62 meters in her international debut, while Koala Jasmine of Burkina Faso won the silver medal.

In the women’s discus throw, Amaechi Obiageri upset compatriot Onyekwere Chioma to win the gold medal with an attempt of 58.93 meters.

Onyekwere was the defending champion and the African record holder, but she settled for second place with a throw of 58.03 meters, while Nora Monie of Cameroon took the bronze.

Also, Francis-Peterson Kemi won the silver medal in the women’s heptathlon after gathering 5268 points across the seven events. She finished behind Ahouanwanou Odile of the Benin Republic.

Team Nigeria remains second on the medals table with 97 laurels at the ongoing African Games.

Nigeria’s contingent has won 37 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals in Ghana.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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