Latest news with #Chukwu
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Mexico defeats Canada in group play at CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship
ALAJUELA - Montserrat Saldivar scored twice Monday to help defending champion Mexico defeat Canada 4-2 and finish atop Group B in a weather-interrupted game at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship. Both teams had already accomplished their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup by virtue of assuring themselves a top-two finish in the group with wins over Panama and Nicaragua. But topping the pool likely means avoiding the seven-time champion U.S. in the semifinal. Monday's game, which started in a torrential downpour, was tied 1-1 in the 30th minute when American referee Alyssa Nichols pulled the bedraggled players from the pitch at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. The game resumed some two hours 40 minutes later. The heavy rain had stopped by then but there was still some water left on the pitch, making for some difficult distribution. Maria Gonzalez also scored for Mexico, which profited from an own goal by Janet Okeke. Teegan Melenhorst and Annabelle Chukwu replied for Canada, which outshot Mexico 20-12 (5-4 in shots on target). The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through Sunday, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026 in Poland. The U.S., which has already qualified for the CONCACAF semifinals at 2-0-0, wraps up Group A play Tuesday against Costa Rica (1-0-1) while Puerto Rica (0-1-1) faces Guyana (0-2-0). The Americans have lost just three of 64 matches all-time at the tournament. Trailing 3-1 at the break, Canada sent on Chukwu, who scored three goals in the first two games of the tournament. And the 18-year-old from Ottawa did not disappoint, cutting the lead to 3-2 in the 59th minute with a header off a Melenhorst cross following a Canadian corner. Chukwu, who scored three goals in Canada's opening two wins, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 38 goals in 40 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Mexico added an insurance goal in the 84th minute via Saldivar, who beat Canadian 'keeper Noelle Henning after a pass by Michel Fong split the Canadian defence. The wet conditions made for spotty early handling and Canada went ahead in the 18th minute after an errant clearance by Mexico goalkeeper Mariangela Medina, who plays collegiate soccer at UCLA. The ball went to Melenhorst, who roofed a shot past Medina. Mexico pulled even in the 26th minute when Alice Soto's low corner hit Okeke at the near post and deflected in past Henning. After the weather delay, Gonzalez put Mexico ahead in the 37th minute after Henning had punched away a Mexico corner. The ball came out to a Mexican player whose shot bounced off a Canadian defender to Gonzalez, who found the target. Mexico added to the lead in first-half stoppage time on a lightning-quick counter attack. A long pass found Saldivar, who outmuscled Sienna Gibson, the last defender, before dodging an onrushing Henning and firing the ball into the untended goal. Canada had 52 per cent possession and outshot Mexico 9-8 in the first half but the Mexicans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Canada coach Cindy Tye made five changes to her starting 11, one forced by the suspension of Ines Nourani, who was set off against Nicaragua. Mexico was unchanged. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mexico defeats Canada in group play at CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship
ALAJUELA — Montserrat Saldivar scored twice Monday to help defending champion Mexico defeat Canada 4-2 and finish atop Group B in a weather-interrupted game at the CONCACAF Women's Under-20 Championship. Both teams had already accomplished their goal of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-20 World Cup by virtue of assuring themselves a top-two finish in the group with wins over Panama and Nicaragua. But topping the pool likely means avoiding the seven-time champion U.S. in the semifinal. Advertisement Monday's game, which started in a torrential downpour, was tied 1-1 in the 30th minute when American referee Alyssa Nichols pulled the bedraggled players from the pitch at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. The game resumed some two hours 40 minutes later. The heavy rain had stopped by then but there was still some water left on the pitch, making for some difficult distribution. Maria Gonzalez also scored for Mexico, which profited from an own goal by Janet Okeke. Teegan Melenhorst and Annabelle Chukwu replied for Canada, which outshot Mexico 20-12 (5-4 in shots on target). The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through Sunday, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026 in Poland. Advertisement The U.S., which has already qualified for the CONCACAF semifinals at 2-0-0, wraps up Group A play Tuesday against Costa Rica (1-0-1) while Puerto Rica (0-1-1) faces Guyana (0-2-0). The Americans have lost just three of 64 matches all-time at the tournament. Trailing 3-1 at the break, Canada sent on Chukwu, who scored three goals in the first two games of the tournament. And the 18-year-old from Ottawa did not disappoint, cutting the lead to 3-2 in the 59th minute with a header off a Melenhorst cross following a Canadian corner. Chukwu, who scored three goals in Canada's opening two wins, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 38 goals in 40 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. Advertisement Chukwu, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Mexico added an insurance goal in the 84th minute via Saldivar, who beat Canadian 'keeper Noelle Henning after a pass by Michel Fong split the Canadian defence. The wet conditions made for spotty early handling and Canada went ahead in the 18th minute after an errant clearance by Mexico goalkeeper Mariangela Medina, who plays collegiate soccer at UCLA. The ball went to Melenhorst, who roofed a shot past Medina. Mexico pulled even in the 26th minute when Alice Soto's low corner hit Okeke at the near post and deflected in past Henning. Advertisement After the weather delay, Gonzalez put Mexico ahead in the 37th minute after Henning had punched away a Mexico corner. The ball came out to a Mexican player whose shot bounced off a Canadian defender to Gonzalez, who found the target. Mexico added to the lead in first-half stoppage time on a lightning-quick counter attack. A long pass found Saldivar, who outmuscled Sienna Gibson, the last defender, before dodging an onrushing Henning and firing the ball into the untended goal. Canada had 52 per cent possession and outshot Mexico 9-8 in the first half but the Mexicans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. Advertisement Canada coach Cindy Tye made five changes to her starting 11, one forced by the suspension of Ines Nourani, who was set off against Nicaragua. Mexico was unchanged. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 2, 2025. The Canadian Press
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Canada survives red card, penalty to defeat Nicaragua at CONCACAF U-20 Championship
ALAJUELA - Canada survived a first-half red card and penalty to defeat Nicaragua 4-1 Saturday and remain unbeaten at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship. Despite being a player down for 80-plus minutes, Canada outshot Nicaragua 30-7 (4-4 in shots on target), had 67.7 per cent possession and a 14-0 edge in corners. Teegan Melenhorst, Anabelle Chukwu and Liana Tarasco scored for Canada (2-0-0), which also profited from a Nicaragua own goal. Chukwu, who scored twice in Canada's opening 7-1 Group B win over Panama, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 37 goals in 39 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. The 18-year-old from Ottawa, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Captain Jenifer Sarantes scored for Nicaragua (0-2-0). The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, in Poland. Group A features host Costa Rica, the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guyana. The top two from each group advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. Mexico played Panama later Saturday with a Mexican win or draw ensuring Canada reaches the semifinals and qualifies for the World Cup. Canada wraps up Group B play against defending champion Mexico on Monday. Nicaragua was blanked 6-0 by defending champion Mexico in its opener. Canada was reduced to 10 women in the 10th minute when Trinidad and Tobago referee Crystal Sobers showed Ines Nourani, judged to be the last defender, a red card for bodying Daniela Manzaneres to the ground on a Nicaragua counter-attack after an errant pass off a Canada short corner. Canada coach Cindy Tye sent on defender Victoria Rocci for midfielder Juliette Perreault after the red card. Canada went ahead in the 23rd minute on an own goal. Chukwu got her head to a Canadian corner with Adriana Munguia's attempted headed clearance going straight back and beating Nicaragua 'keeper Greta Genie, who plays for Belmont University in Nashville. Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning wiped out Manzaneres in the 32nd minute going for a high ball in the penalty box, prompting a lengthy discussion with the video assistant referee. Sobers went to the pitchside monitor, to check for a potential offside before the collision, and then pointed to the penalty spot. Sarantes beat a diving Henning, who was yellow-carded on the play, to tie it at 1-1 in the 37th minute. But two goals in first-half stoppage time restored Canada's lead. Melenhorst's left-footed shot from the edge of the box beat a diving Genie before Chukwu evaded two defenders and sent a low shot into the far corner of the goal. Tarasco made it 4-1 in the 85th minute, knocking the ball home after a pinball-like sequence in front of the goal off a Canadian corner. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Canada outshot Nicaragua 15-3 in the first half, although the Central Americans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada had 70 per cent possession and had eight corners to Nicaragua's none in the first 45 minutes. Canada, with a height advantage, threatened on almost every set piece but could not convert. Tye made five changes to her starting lineup. Nicaragua started 14-year-old attacker Maxie Teofilo, who plays her club soccer in the U.S. for Seattle United. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. —- This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025.
Winnipeg Free Press
3 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Canada survives red card, penalty to defeat Nicaragua at CONCACAF U-20 Championship
ALAJUELA – Canada survived a first-half red card and penalty to defeat Nicaragua 4-1 Saturday and remain unbeaten at the CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship. Despite being a player down for 80-plus minutes, Canada outshot Nicaragua 30-7 (4-4 in shots on target), had 67.7 per cent possession and a 14-0 edge in corners. Teegan Melenhorst, Anabelle Chukwu and Liana Tarasco scored for Canada (2-0-0), which also profited from a Nicaragua own goal. Chukwu, who scored twice in Canada's opening 7-1 Group B win over Panama, added to her Canadian youth international scoring record, previously held by Christine Sinclair. Chukwu now has 37 goals in 39 games from the under-15 to under-20 level. The 18-year-old from Ottawa, who plays collegiate soccer at Notre Dame, has been called into camp by the Canadian senior side but has yet to win a cap. Captain Jenifer Sarantes scored for Nicaragua (0-2-0). The eight-team CONCACAF tournament, which runs through June 8 at Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, will send four CONCACAF sides to the 24-team FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for September 2026, in Poland. Group A features host Costa Rica, the U.S., Puerto Rico and Guyana. The top two from each group advance to the semifinals, securing World Cup qualification in the process. Mexico played Panama later Saturday with a Mexican win or draw ensuring Canada reaches the semifinals and qualifies for the World Cup. Canada wraps up Group B play against defending champion Mexico on Monday. Nicaragua was blanked 6-0 by defending champion Mexico in its opener. Canada was reduced to 10 women in the 10th minute when Trinidad and Tobago referee Crystal Sobers showed Ines Nourani, judged to be the last defender, a red card for bodying Daniela Manzaneres to the ground on a Nicaragua counter-attack after an errant pass off a Canada short corner. Canada coach Cindy Tye sent on defender Victoria Rocci for midfielder Juliette Perreault after the red card. Canada went ahead in the 23rd minute on an own goal. Chukwu got her head to a Canadian corner with Adriana Munguia's attempted headed clearance going straight back and beating Nicaragua 'keeper Greta Genie, who plays for Belmont University in Nashville. Canadian goalkeeper Noelle Henning wiped out Manzaneres in the 32nd minute going for a high ball in the penalty box, prompting a lengthy discussion with the video assistant referee. Sobers went to the pitchside monitor, to check for a potential offside before the collision, and then pointed to the penalty spot. Sarantes beat a diving Henning, who was yellow-carded on the play, to tie it at 1-1 in the 37th minute. But two goals in first-half stoppage time restored Canada's lead. Melenhorst's left-footed shot from the edge of the box beat a diving Genie before Chukwu evaded two defenders and sent a low shot into the far corner of the goal. Tarasco made it 4-1 in the 85th minute, knocking the ball home after a pinball-like sequence in front of the goal off a Canadian corner. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Canada outshot Nicaragua 15-3 in the first half, although the Central Americans had a 3-2 edge in shots on target. Canada had 70 per cent possession and had eight corners to Nicaragua's none in the first 45 minutes. Canada, with a height advantage, threatened on almost every set piece but could not convert. Tye made five changes to her starting lineup. Nicaragua started 14-year-old attacker Maxie Teofilo, who plays her club soccer in the U.S. for Seattle United. Canada booked its ticket to the CONCACAF tournament by winning its qualifying group with ease in February. The Canadians outscored their qualifying opposition 43-0, dispatching Dominica 22-0, Bermuda 9-0 and host Trinidad and Tobago 12-0. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. The U.S. and Mexico, as the top-ranked countries in CONCACAF, skipped the qualifying round and were given direct entry to the CONCACAF championship. Canada and 23 other teams had to win their way there, with Costa Rica, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama and Puerto Rico also topping their groups. Canada won the CONCACAF tournament in 2004 and 2008 and was runner-up to the U.S. in 2002, when the age group was under-19. The Americans are looking for their eighth title, having last won in 2020 and 2022. Canada has taken part in nine of the previous 11 editions of the FIFA U-20 tournament, missing out in 2010 and 2018. The Canadians lost 2-1 to Spain in the round of 16 at last year's FIFA U-20 World Cup in Colombia. — This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 31, 2025.
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Tale of two passports: Nigerian national cleared of drug charge but convicted for illegal entry, stay in India
A special court in Mumbai sentenced a 34-year-old Nigerian national—arrested four years ago for staying in India without a valid passport and visa—to five years in jail. The man, who was initially arrested based on an alleged tip-off of drug possession, was acquitted of all charges under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. On October 8, 2021, Godwin Chukwu was arrested based on information that he was coming to Malad to sell cocaine. The Mumbai police claimed that Chukwu was caught with a plastic bag containing a 'white powder', found in the pocket of his pants, which they claimed was 151.5 grams of the banned drug. While searching his house as part of the probe, the police found two passports of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with Indian visas stamped on them. The investigators wrote to the High Commission of Nigeria, through the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking to check the validity of the passports and the visa. The High Commission responded stating that one of the passports was fake and one was with an expired validity. While the original passport expired in 2020, the fake one showed validity till 2023. The response also said that while one visa, which was a business visa with validity for three months issued in 2016, was real, the others were not issued by them. Based on this, the police also invoked the Foreigners Act against Chukwu, special public prosecutor S S Panjwani told the court. During the trial, Chukwu's lawyer Khushal Parmar submitted that the search and seizure of the accused was not done properly, and provisions of the NDPS Act, like the sample and bulk of the seized substance, was not produced before the magistrate. The court agreed with the contention of the accused that the mandatory provisions under the Act were not followed. It said that the 'casual approach' of the investigating team 'creates doubt about their activity of seizure and search'. While Chukwu also claimed that the fake passport was planted to falsely implicate him, the court said the onus was on him to show valid documents to prove his travel and stay in India was legal, which he had not done. 'The evidence on record clearly depicts that the accused is residing in India without a valid passport and visa. He was not having a valid visa and passport on the day of commission of offence,' special judge K G Joshi said in his order on May 28.
