Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts

Sunday 7 August 2016

Finally, Segun Toriola crashes out of Rio 2016

Toriola


Finally, Segun Toriola table tennis medal hopeful crashes out in the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic Games, after he was beaten by his Japanese rival, Niwa Koki today.

Earlier on the Nigerian medal hopeful beat Koki 9-11 during the first set, before the Koki equalised and won the second set 11-5

Koki also won the third set 11-7 before Toriola triumphed in the fourth set, leaving scores at 4-11.

The earilier position of the Nigeria representative made it look like the Nigerian would overpower his challenger for the rest of the match. But then Koki was in no mood to concede.

The Japanese overwhelmed Toriola 11-6, 11-1 in the fifth and sixth sets respectively to bring total scores at 4-2.

Toriola was one of Nigeria’s medal prospects and his ouster is a big setback for Nigeria’s ambition to return home with medals.


Toriola, who is making a record appearance in the competition, had on Saturday beaten Dmitrij Prokopcov of the Czech Republic 4-2 in the Men’s Singles Round One.

Toriola soaring making Nigeria proud in the Olympic

Toriola

So far, one Nigerian has advanced on Saturday to the next round of his event in the table tennis competition of the Rio Olympic Games, while two others dropped to the sidelines.


Though Segun Toriola progressed to the second round in the male singles, Funke Oshonaike and Edem Offiong could only go beyond the preliminary round of the women’s singles.


Dmitrij Prokopcov of Czech Republic was beaten 4-2 in the Men’s Singles Round One by Toriola who is making a record appearance in the competition.

Before levelling the tie at 1-1 with an 11-6 win, in his game on Pavilion 3 at RioCentro, the Nigerian lost 8-11 in the first set.

He however took the next set 11-8, only to lose 9-11 for the tie to stay stable at 2-2, before he won the next two sets 11-8, 11-8 to progress to the next round.

Contrarily, it was not palatable for Oshonaike as she packed up out in the Women’s Singles Round 1 after losing 2-4 to 15-year-old Adriana Diaz of Puerto Rico. In the opening set, she lost 7-11 before winning 11-7, 11-4 to lead 2-1, and still lose the next three sets 11-7, 11-5, 11-2.

Though Oshonaike earlier, in the Women’s Singles Preliminary Round, had beaten Mariana Sahakian of Lebanon 4-3 to progress from a topsy-turvy game.

After losing the first set 8-11, she won the next three games 11-9, 11-7, 11-8 to make the game look easy and all over. However, her Lebanese rival rallied back to win 11-8, 11-9 to draw level at 3-3, before Oshonaike won the tie with an 11-8 victory in the seventh game to advance.

Similarly, Offiong lost 1-4 to Viktoria Pavlovich of Belarus, after winning the first game 11-5.
She lost 11-8, 11-8, 11-7, 11-4 to join Oshonaike on the sidelines.


Much more earlier at the competition, Offiong had looked tough by beating Sally Yee of Fiji 4-0, winning 11-3, 11-8, 11-3, 11-2.

Saturday 6 August 2016

Brazilian judge detains Moroccan boxer for sexual assault

Rio 2016

A boxer representing Morocco in the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympic named Hassan Saada, a 22-year-old has been arrested by the police for alleged sexual assault to two female cleaners.

Hassan who is a light-heavyweight fighter was billed participate in his first session today.

But with the look of things, he may miss out entirely in the Olympic, as a Brazilian judge has placed an order for his detention for 15 days, while investigation continues.

According to the police the boxer had pushed one of the maids against a wall, pressing her with his thighs, and tried to kiss her.

As if that was not enough, he was also accused of squeezing the breast of the second maid and making obscene hand gestures to her.

Neither the boxer accused of the offence nor the Moroccan Olympic officials had made any comment to that effect.

The judge, Larissa Saly, stressed that the boxer must remain in detention while the allegations were investigated because of the risks he could reoffend or try to flee the country.



Saturday 30 July 2016

Ronaldo to miss La Liga due to knee injury

Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo won't play in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on August 9 and is dicey for Real Madrid's La Liga opener against Real Sociedad 12 days after the fact, as indicated by administrator Zinedine Zidane.

The Portugal forward harmed his knee amid the Euro 2016 last win against France on July 10 and is as of now in treatment.

“Basically it looks like [Ronaldo’s] injury requires a month of rehab, and we also have to make sure he’s prepared,” Zidane said through a translator on Friday.

“We can’t just put him in after not playing for a month. From the Super Cup to the start of the season there’s 12 days, so we’re not sure, but he’ll be with us. But I don’t think he’ll play at least for the first [league] match.”

There was anyway some uplifting news about Karim Benzema, who has been battling with a hip issue.

“Obviously any injured player, it’s something that is worrisome, and it’s a tough injury where [Benzema] has had it for a while,” Zidane said.


“It’s his hip. But overall, every day he’s been working with the trainers and the medical staff and my hope is that he can play in the third match [of the ICC]. It’s important for him to play in the third match as we’d like to be able to count on him for the Super Cup.” 

Thursday 28 July 2016

Stephen Keshi finally laid to rest

Keshi's funeral

Tears and mourning as dignitaries gather to say final farewell to Stephen Keshi.

Amaju Pinnick, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) President was among prominent Nigerians who paid the late coach of the national team his last respect and described him as a “super hero”
During the funeral service, the NFF President said “I have always described him as a super hero because he was a super hero. He did not do things that were regular he did things that were extraordinary.”

While at the St. Paul Catholic Church in Benin for the funeral service, Pinnick reiterated “That (honour) is definitely going to be done.”

During his career as a player and coach, it was only him and one other person that won the African Cup of Nations in 1994 and 2013 respectively.

Richard Aburimen who is one late Keshi’s in-law said that he forever be remembered by his loved ones. Aburimen further said, “Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was, quintessentially a good man, a man of peace. He was a giver; he never held back and that why he was as big as he was.”

The Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Frank Ilaboye and ex-team mates of Keshi, including Austine Eguavoen were also present to attend the funeral.

According to the officiating minister, Ver Rev. Fr. Richard Ofere, Keshi lived a life worthy of emulation as a member of the church, with his selfless contribution to the nation through football.

The corpse was thereafter moved to the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for a novelty match between ex-internationals and all stars.


Afterwards, there would be a lying-in-state‎ and tributes at the indoor hall of the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Delta State.

Tuesday 26 July 2016

Roger Federer disappoints his fans, as he announces his inability to attend Rio 2016

Roger Federer

As the the 2016 Olympics draws closer, some spectators may be disappointed again, as a famous world champion, Roger Federer says he will not participate in the game due to knee injury.

Federer, 34, underwent knee surgery in earlier this year before missing May’s French Open with a back problem, and the Swiss star said he was calling time on his 2016 season to focus on his recovery.


He made it this known in his social media page, facebook saying “I’m extremely disappointed to announce that I will not be able to represent Switzerland at the Olympic Games in Rio and that I will also miss the remainder of the season.” 

Sunday 24 July 2016

NIGERIAN FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AGOG AS FIFA ARRIVES TODAY

FIFA President

Nigerian football Association agog as the President of the world football governing body, Mr. Gianni Infatino in the company of the Secretary General Ms. Fatma Samoura, arrives the country today.

The FIFA executives were given a rousing welcome at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Internation Airport, Abuja as  The President of the NFF, Secretary General, and vice presidents (Amaju Pinnick, Mohammed Sanusi, Seyi Akinwunmi and Shehu Dikko) received them respectively, along with other Excutives.

They were given the Nigerian ceremonial way of receiving dignitaries of such magnitude as a 10-year old girl gave the FIFA President bouquet of flower upon their arrival.

The celebration continues as they proceeded to the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, along the other African countries FA presidents for a meeting at the presidential suite, after which there shall be a dinner party.

The total number of presidents from other African Football Associations who came to join their Nigerian counterpart are 17 the countries represented are as followes: Kwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana), Lamin Kaba Bajo (The Gambia), Isha Johansen (Sierra Leone), Musa Bility (Liberia), Juneidi Basha Tilmo (Ethiopia), Nicholas Kithuku (Kenya), Andrew Chamanga (Zambia), Philip Chiyangwa (Zimbabwe), Frans Mbidi (Namibia), Chabur Goc Alei (South Sudan), Walter Nyamilandu (Malawi), Abdiqani Said Arab (Somalia), Vincent Nzamwita (Rwanda), Moses Magogo (Uganda), Jamal Malinzi (Tanzania), Augustin Senghor (Senegal) and Souleman Waberi (Djibouti).

A courtesy call has been slated for Monday, where they meet with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa.



Monday 18 July 2016

FRIENDS OF KECHI TO HOLD MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR HIM JULY 23 IN SOUTH AFRICA

Kechi

Late Stephen Kechi’s memorial service to be held in Kempton Park, Johannesburg in South Africa on July 23. The planned memorial service is to honour the former coach of the Super Eagles, after he passed on June 7 in Benin City, Nigeria.


The planned event is said to be organised by his friends, six days prior to his funeral service in Nigeria.

According to Idah Peterside, former goalkeeper of the Eagles, gave reason behind the planned event as follows:  “Nigerians and other legends who cannot make the trip to the funeral ceremony taking place in Nigeria will have an opportunity to honour the ‘Big Boss’,” he told SuperSport.

“Keshi won the AFCON 2013 here in South Africa and has a lot of friends and fans here.



“We are in touch with Neil Tovey, Kalusha Bwalya, and a host of other legends who will grace and speak at the service.”

Sunday 17 July 2016

THIERRY HENRY SPEAKS ON HIS DREAM FOR ARSENAL

Thierry Henry

Thierry Henry finally opens up on his dream to manage Arsenal.

He was an all-time record goalscorer for Arsenal. Henry was forcefully asked to leave the club’s under 18 side this season, after he was asked to choose between the job and his role at Sky Sports.

Though Henry completed his UEFA A license this year, but said he is not ready to manage at the moment.
 “I’d be lying if I told you being manager wasn’t a wish that I have because I love Arsenal,” Henry told The Sun.

“The game is my passion and always will be. I would like to manage — but I am far from it.

“Although I am able to manage any team now, I would still like to pass my Uefa Pro Licence, which I’m working on to give me a better all-round knowledge.

“Before you can think of becoming a first-team coach you need to have experience. That is what I’m trying to get and to complete the necessary coaching hours that are needed.

“There is a massive difference between a wish and doing it. I felt I could add something to the kids and also gain valuable experience myself.



“If it’s not to be there, then so be it. I have to respect the situation. I’ll continue to support the team and wish them the best for this season.”

Friday 15 July 2016

THE LIFE OF USAIN BOLT

Usain Bolt

The track – in spite of the fact that you could scarcely call it that –where, as a youthful student at the Waldensia Primary School, Usain Bolt initially extended his legs as a runner is a battered and rough fix of grass, a stage far from the single-track street prompting the town of Sherwood Content. Some individual has set apart out four dark lines in the grass to serve as paths, which dwindle into a shrubbery of palm trees.

'Better believe it, that is the place it began for me,' Bolt says, when I let him know I was there the earlier day. 'That’s where we had our sports day, and it was really small.’

Furthermore, would you be able to recollect what you were supposing as you kept running there? I was considering winning. Usain Bolt has a method for talking that sounds like a grin – delicate, smooth and lilting, with a musical chuckle that appears to be dependably to hold up to make itself listened.

· Born: 21 August 1986 in Sherwood, Jamaica. His folks ran a general store in the town. He has an older half-sister and step-brother whose names are Sherine, and Sadiki

· Childhood: A normal student, his fundamental advantages were in cricket and football. He later won a grant to IAAF High Performance Training Center in Jamaica

· Career: Aged 15, Bolt made his presentation at the World Junior Championships in Kingston, Jamaica, where he won the 200m

· Medals: Six Olympic and 11 World Championship gold awards

· World Records: In Berlin in 2009 Bolt turned into the world record holder in both the 100 and 200m with a period of 9.58 and 19.19 seconds individually

· Personal Life: Bolt lives in Jamaica. He has a sweetheart (who he wouldn't like to name) yet says he

He is 6ft 5in, incline, solid, as cleaned mahogany – lovely – and he comes into the room of the Kingston inn where we meet with the free limbed beauty of a gazelle, appearing less to walk but rather more to stream like mercury. He is wearing track trousers, a T-shirt, Puma shoes, and he is wearing an expansive and exceptionally costly Hublotwristwatch – one of his numerous backers – which he will later guarantee is in perspective when he postures for photos.

Beginnings

The school remains on a slope sitting above the running track – a solitary story block building, very little changed since Bolt was a studet there. In spite of the fact that in those days it had pit restrooms and now there are appropriate toilets, paid for by Bolt – the most piddling of the numerous demonstrations of kindheartedness that the wealthiest track competitor on the planet has offered to his adolescence home.

The gigantic wall painting painted on the side of the school – that was never there either. It indicates Bolt striking the triumph represent that has turned into his trademark, and which the world knows as the 'lightening bolt', albeit Bolt himself calls it 'To Di World', enlivened by a Jamaican dancehall move.


It's the posture he struck when the planet first woke up to his fiery splendour as a sprinter at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, setting three world records, in the 100m and 200m (turning into the primary man in Olympic history to win both in world-record times) and the 4 x 100m relay.

Thursday 14 July 2016

TROUBLE AS NFF FACTIONAL PRESIDENTS SET TO EMBARRASS THEMSELVES BEFORE FIFA

NFF factional leaders tussle

Claiming that his decision was in line with FIFA’s rule of law which the world football body had sworn to adhere to.
According to him, “The issue of who invites or who did not invite the FIFA president does not arise.

“All we are waiting for is to receive him if he is coming into our country; we are people that abide by the rule of law and constitution.

“I am sure that the FIFA president also believes in the constitution of his own country and the constitution of FIFA too.

“So, once he comes in, the man known by the laws of the land should be the one to receive him,” Giwa said.

Giwa stressed that his determination to live by the rule of law made him to inaugurate the Nigerian leagues’ board members.

He also emphasized the benefit FIFA’s visit will bring to the image of Nigerian football.

The league is the Nigeria Football League Limited (NFLL), to be chaired by Sam-Sam Jaja, a former chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), with Kasali Obanoyen as Acting Executive Secretary of NFLL.

Others are the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), to be chaired by Debo Adeoye, while the Nigeria National League (NNL), would be chaired by Abdulazeez Mohammed.



The Nationwide League One (NLO) will be chaired by Alhaji Isa Umar.

NIGERIA'S CURRENT POSITION IN FIFA RANKING

FIFA ranking for Nigeria

Bad news for the NFF as Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to 70th position according to the FIFA’S latest ranking released yesterday.

Aside falling from 61st to 70th position in the world ranking, the national team also dropped five points in Africa to land at 17th in Africa.


The following countries made the top ten in Africa: Algeria, Ghana, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, morocco, DR Congo and Mali.

In the meantime, Argentina still retains its top position of the July FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, after a boisterous month of action which brought about plenty of movement further down.

Furthermore, the impact of three latest major international matches – the OFC Nations Cup, Copa America Centenario and UEFA EURO 2016 – is sure of appearing in a table in which Kosovo are ranked for the first time.

Also, New Zealand appeared as the month’s biggest climbers, rising up a mammoth 54 places to 93rd on the back of an OFC Nations Cup victory that both qualified the All Whites for the 2017 FIFA Confederations Cup and their FIFA World Cup qualifying ambitions.



Also heading to Russia 2017 is Portugal after their surprise EURO 2016 victory, an accomplishment which made them to leapfrog Spain and Brazil into 6th position.

LATEST FIFA RANKING

FIFA ranking 2016

Chris Coleman’s side up 15 to 11th according to current FIFA  World Ranking places as a result of Wale’s memorable charge to the Euro 2016.


After being beaten by England, Wales defeated Norther Ireland and Belgium, before a 2-0 loss to Portugal.

Iceland’s victory over England saw the slip two spots to 13. The Icelanders are now in 2nd spot, above The Netherlands, which happens to be Europe’s football heavyweight could not make the 2016 championship.

However, despite losing the Copa America Centanario final to Chile, Argentina still maintain the rankings summit ahead of the Belgians, Colombia, Germany and Chile.

Below are the following rankings:



Rankings 1. Argentina 2. Belgium 3. Colombia 4. Germany 5. Chile 6. Portugal (+2) 7. France (+10) 8. Spain (-2) 9. Brazil (-2) 10. Italy (+2) 11. Wales (+15) 12. Uruguay (-3) 13. England (-2) 14. Mexico (+2) 15. Croatia (+12) 16. Poland (+11) 17. Ecuador (-4) 18. Switzerland (-3) =19. Turkey (-1)

DALLAS COWBOYS TOPS AHEAD OF REAL MADRID

Dallas Cowboys

Forbes magazine has reported that NFL’s Dallas Cowboys have become the most valuables sports team in the world, over Real Madrid.


For three years, the La Liga giants have been on the top position, but with the new position of the cowboys, the jinx has be broken as it is the first time since 2011, when a football club does not attain the top.

Though is it still clear that Real remains the most valuable football club in the world, which worth $3.65 billion.


According to the report, most treasured sports teams:
1. Cowboys $4B
2. Real Madrid $3.65B
3. Barcelona $3.55B
4. Yankees $3.4B
5. Manchester United $3.32B



Real Madrid also raked in more revenue than all teams during the 2014/2015, generating $694million.

Wednesday 13 July 2016

RONALDO SET TO WIN BALLON D'OR PRIZE


Cristian Ronald set to be named the World Player of the year as he leads other contenders.

The 31 year old Portuguese captain won the 2016 European Championship with his country last week, about 6 weeks after winning the Champions League with Real Madrid.

Ronaldo

Ronaldo, who has scaled through all the hurdles, is hoping to claim the Ballon D’or award for the fourth time ahead of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Antoine Griezmann.

Griezmann lost the Euro 2016 final to Ronaldo, admitted that “For the Ballon D’or, it is all over, Ronaldo won the two big competitions this season”.

The French forward also took part in the Atletico Madrid team that lost to Real in the Champions League final in May.


Messi on his part, failed to aid his country Argentina win this year’s Copa America, however, he won the La Liga with Barcelona, but his team-mate Luis Suarez missed the Centenario as a result of injury.

Tuesday 12 July 2016

FINALLY, OMERUO SAYS GOODBYE TO CHELSEA

Omeruo

Kenneth Omeruo set to say final goodbye to Premier League club Chesea, as he joins Turkish champions Besiktas after London club turned down last-ditch offer from a Spanish La Liga club.


Omeruo will be leaving London with his representatives this week to bring to conclusion the terms of the contract with Besiktas after both club reached an agreement.

According to a reliable source, “Kenneth’s transfer to Besiktas is virtually completed with only the Turkish club to agree his personal terms and this will be sorted out this week when the player is there to do his medical.”

Kenneth was scouted by Besiktas after he posted five-star displays against them last season when he featured for Kasimpasa.

Kasimpasa won the first match 1-0 at home, and ended 3-3 in the reverse fixture.

It was reported that Kasimpasa also based in Istanbul, could not afford the five million Euros demanded by Chelsea to sell the Nigerian star outrightly.



Sources reported that, Besiktas will make this transfer a permanent one at the end of the initial season-long loan.

SHARAPOVA'S FANS WILL BE DISAPPOINTED AT RIO OLYMPICS

Sharapova

Maria Sharapova, a five-time Grand Slam Champion is not going to participate in the Rio Olympics as a result of the postponement of her doping appeal which comes up in September by the Court of Arbitration for sport (CAS).


A two-year suspension was given to her in the month of June after she tested positive for to meldonium.

The Olympic is slated to begin 5th August, but more time is needed for her case to be prepared by the CAS.

Moreover, “Maria Sharapova and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have agreed to defer the CAS decision to in September 2016 “.



She was tested positive for meldonium during the Australian Open in January. The drug was banned on the 1st of January, but she claimed to have used it since 2006 due to health challenges.

Monday 11 July 2016

JUBILATION AS FIFA VISITS NIGERIA

FIFA president


A big plus for Nigeria as FIFA’s new president, Gianni Infantino along with secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, are expected to be in Nigeria on Sunday 24 July on a two-day official tour.

  
The president confirmed the tour at the end of a meeting he had with NFF president Amaju Pinnick in Paris, France.


The NFF president in his statement told thenff.com, “The FIFA President and secretary general will arrive in the FCT, Abuja as scheduled on Sunday.



It was confirmed by Pinnick that during the two-day tour, Infanito and Samoura will have a meeting with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa, and also use the opportunity to meet with other African FA heads who are coming to join the NFF to welcome the FIFA president and attend an evening session with Corporate Nigeria in Lago.

SERENA WILLIAMS HITS DONALD TRUMP

Serena

The 2016 Wimbledon Women, Serena Williams attacked Donald Trump after calling her his ‘favourite black American woman friend’.


Trump made the declared that he had quit a number of African American friends but Serena happens to be his favourite.

Nevertheless, Serena hurriedly debunked his claim and demanded him to stop such comments about her.

Here is exactly what her reaction was “No, no, no. I am not your black American woman friend. Stop saying that. Stop thinking that. Just stop.”



Moreover, Trump agreed over the weekend that racism in the U.S. has increased following attack on police officers at a peaceful protest which took place in Dallas.