‘Igwe’ Thierry Henry appointed France Under-21 coach

Published

11 months ago

August 22, 2023

Ligue 1 - Troyes v Paris St. Germain - Stade de l'Aube, Troyes, France - May 7, 2023 Thierry Henry performing media duties before the match REUTERS/Johanna Geron/File Photo Acquire Licensing Rights

Former France striker Thierry Henry has been named head coach of the country’s Under-21s until 2025, the French Football Federation said in a statement on Monday.

The Arsenal great will lead the team at next year’s Olympic Games in Paris, replacing Sylvain Ripoll, who was sacked after France’s early exit at this year’s European Under-21s.

Former Angers manager Gerald Baticle will join Henry’s staff as assistant coach.

France’s second all-time top scorer, Henry will return to management after leaving his role as Belgium assistant coach following last year’s World Cup.

The 46-year-old, also a former Barcelona player, previously coached Arsenal’s youth teams, AS Monaco in Ligue 1 and Montreal in Major League Soccer.

Henry ended his playing career in 2014 as the all-time leading scorer for Arsenal – 228 goals – and after earning 123 caps and netting 51 goals for France.

Henry’s debut in charge of the Under-21s will be for a friendly against Denmark on Sept. 7 before France take on Slovenia in the Euro qualifiers four days later.

-Reuters

Nigerians among athletes that sail through Seine River for Paris Olympics opening ceremony

Published

1 hour ago

July 27, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Members of Team Nigeria

Athletes representing 184 countries sailed through the Seine River in Paris for the glamour-filled Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024.

Team Nigeria’s Captain, Anuoluwapo Opeyori and Flag bearer, Oluwalobiloba Amusan

Even as the Games formally begin, the Nigerian contingent led by Anuoluwapo (The mercy of the Lord is much) Opeyori was part of the history making event.

It was the first time that the athletes did not have to march on the tracks. Rather, they sailed over ta river.

Great man! Zidane opens the 2024 Olympics Opening Ceremony

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Kunle Solaja

On Friday, football legend, Zinedine Zidane had his profile further raised as he was the first of the galaxy of stars to step out at the never-to-be-forgotten Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024.

The French football and Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane launched the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with movie star Jamel Debbouze. Some beautiful images for these historic Olympics in France.

France and Olympic Games are a great love story

Published

2 hours ago

July 27, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Smoke clouds in the tricolors of the France flag are seen at Pont d'Austerlitz during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 on July 26. Photo: Ann Wang/Pool/Getty Images

It is well known that the founder of the Olympic Games is a French man, Pierre de Coubertin who was a champion of sport in education. In 1894 he proposed a revival of the Olympic Games. Now his country is hosting the Games.

The address of the President of the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, Tony Estanguet, made a passing connection to the France and the Games.

In his speech, he thanked the “lovers of the Games”. Despite the rain, he reminded everyone that ‘France and the Olympic Games are a great love story.

In his speech, Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee, hailed Paris as the first Olympic Games to fully respect ‘gender parity in competition’.

French President Emmanuel Macron then declared the Paris Olympic Games open, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, uttering the protocol formula that officially marks the opening of the Olympic fortnight.

“I declare the Paris Games open, the 33rd Olympic Games of the modern era,” he declared during the opening ceremony, after speeches by Tony Estanguet, patron of the Paris 2024 organisation, and Bach.