April 2025 | Page 28 of 45

BAL: Rivers Hoopers Cruise Past Stade Malien to Wrap Kalahari Conference in Style

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Rivers Hoopers concluded their Kalahari Conference campaign in an emphatic fashion with a 79-59 blowout win over Stade Malien, stamping their dominance as they head into the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. Having already secured qualification to the playoffs of the 2025 BAL, the KingsMen stepped onto the court with nothing to prove but a lot to affirm, and it was done neatly. From the tip-off, the Hoopers set the tone, controlling the tempo and keeping Stade Malien in check with a stifling defense that held the Malian side to just 28.6% shooting from the field. The Nigerian side, on the other hand, shot a solid 45.3% and displayed their growing team chemistry. Raphael Putney was the spark plug for the Hoopers, dropping 15 points in under 19 minutes with clinical efficiency knocking down five of his eight attempts at a 62% clip. Putney was ably supported by Madut Akec, whose hustle on both ends saw him finish with 14 points on 46% shooting. Off the bench, Micheal Afuwape provided instant offense, scoring 13 points in just 14 minutes and converting 80% of his shots, including a perfect 3-for-3 from the line. Abel Chidiebere Offia added 9 points and Ifeanyi Anthony dropped 9 points and 3 rebounds in 20 minutes. Rivers Hoopers also outplayed Stade Malien beyond the arc, making nine of their 30 three-point attempts (30%), while Stade Malien managed just 9-of-37 (24.3%). The Hoopers’ ball movement, defensive rotations, and bench depth were simply too much for their opponents. With this win, Rivers Hoopers closed out the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 record and firmly focused on their next stop Pretoria, South Africa, where the best of the continent will battle for glory in the BAL Playoffs.

Tertiary Institutions Shortchanging Students with Student Loans

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Recent investigations into the disbursement of the Federal Government Student Loan Fund have uncovered several unethical practices by some institutions of higher learning. According to the latest report by the Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers (COMO), of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), schools and banks are conspiring to short-change the students. Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director General of the NOA, announced the findings after meeting with NELFUND Managing Director, Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr, over the weekend. Initial reports indicated that certain university officials have been withholding vital information regarding loan disbursements, prompting immediate action from NELFUND. The NOA’s feedback shows how specific institutions have, in connivance with some banks, deliberately delayed payments to successful student applicants for personal financial benefit. Some universities fail to acknowledge the NELFUND’s disbursements to the students. Mr. Akintunde Sawyerr confirmed that some institutions are failing to inform students about loan disbursements made in their name while still requiring them to pay tuition fees. He stated, “Recent findings by NELFUND have shown that some institutions have received student loan disbursements directly into their accounts yet neglect to inform the affected students or record the payments in their financial records, leading to unnecessary confusion. “Withholding critical financial information from students is not only unethical but also a breach of the principles on which NELFUND was founded. We are prepared to take legal action against any institution engaged in such deceptive practices.” In response, Mallam Issa-Onilu has issued a strong warning to these institutions and collaborating banks to cease such activities. NOA has directed its state directorates to provide further feedback from students across the country to ensure that the Federal Government takes appropriate actions against erring schools and banks.

Ex-Eagles’ Striker, Ideye, Denies Second Wife Rumours

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AFCON 2010 winning Super Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye has reiterated that he is not secretly married to another woman outside wedlock. Furious about the rumours spediang like wildfire, the Enyimba FC forward took to his twitter handle now X to dismiss the claims. “Have said this before and I’m saying it again. I don’t have a second wife or family home or abroad. Happily married 2010 and God bless my wife and with two lovely boys. “Don’t take my silence for foolishness. Period!,” he warned. The goalpoacher, who is married to Damka Ideye and were blessed with two boys, Andriy Ideye and Brown Ideye Jr. was accused of having children with a Ukrainian woman during his career at Dynamo Kyiv of Ukraine.

I Escaped Nigeria After EndSARS, But The Country Still Stresses Me

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago05 mins

He couldn’t see a future in Nigeria after 2020 — and he still doesn’t. Ben (33) made the decision to leave Nigeria permanently after witnessing the #EndSARS protests. Although he now lives in the UK with his wife, the country he left behind — and its challenges — still linger in his mind. In this week’s Abroad Life, he shares what it’s like starting over as a newly married man abroad. “We moved out of Nigeria in November 2023 and currently live in the UK. Honestly, everything about Nigeria made us consider leaving. I had spent my entire life there, and after a series of events, I just couldn’t see a future that aligned with the life I wanted. It wasn’t about career progression — I was already doing well. I worked as a finance manager at a multinational company, and my wife was thriving in her field. But I was heavily involved in the EndSARS protests and the elections, and those experiences killed my hope in the country’s direction. I couldn’t imagine raising a family under those conditions.” “Life in Nigeria was relatively comfortable — we had a rented apartment, two cars, decent savings. But despite earning well, it always felt like we were chasing after stability that never came. International vacations weren’t consistent, inflation was relentless, and the cost of living made it hard to enjoy the rewards of hard work. So, when my wife was recruited by one of the Big Four firms in the UK, we took the chance. Since moving, our quality of life has improved dramatically — no more traffic jams, fuel queues, or blackouts. I walk to work in two minutes instead of spending five hours in Lagos traffic. I now have the time and peace of mind to focus on self-growth — learning languages, cooking, going to the gym. Here, life feels more intentional.” “Married life has also been better since we moved. We left Nigeria a month or two after getting married, and while the relocation process didn’t give us much time to settle into married life initially, we’ve since grown closer. In Nigeria, I worked long hours and barely had time for us outside of weekends. Now, we get to walk to work together, eat lunch together, and share the little routines that build a life. Having a partner made the transition easier. Adapting to a new country — especially during the long winter months — would have been harder alone. Moving together gave us emotional support and made the adjustment smoother.” “I do miss Nigeria — especially the food and the social life. There’s no Nigerian restaurant where we live, so sometimes we take a trip to London just to get a proper meal. Friday nights in Nigeria meant grilled fish, good music, and hanging out at a lounge. That vibe is hard to find here. I also miss having family nearby. But overall? I’d rate my happiness in the UK a ten. Life is peaceful, more stable, and honestly — beautiful.”

U20 AFCON: Flying Eagles Draw Tunisia, Kenya and Morocco

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Nigeria will now have to contend with Morocco, Kenya and Tunisia in the group phase of the 24th Africa U20 Cup of Nations taking place in Egypt, 27th April – 18th May this year. At the redraw conducted in the headquarters of the Egypt Football Association in Cairo on Sunday, Egypt and South Africa, who were originally in Nigeria’s pool before Cote d’Ivoire withdrew as tournament hosts, found themselves in Group A. New hosts Egypt head Group A, which has five teams – with Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Tanzania as the other teams. However, just like it was originally, the Flying Eagles will confront two North African teams (this time, Tunisia and Morocco), as well as East Africans Kenya, for a place in the quarter-finals. Cup holders Senegal head Group C, with Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and Ghana as opponents. Back in Abuja following their three-week training camp in Katsina, the seven-time African champions are expected to fly to Egypt this week for an eight-day final-phase preparation before the competition commences. All four semi-finalists at the tournament in Egypt will fly Africa’s flag at this year’s FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile, 27th September – 19th October. GROUP A: Egypt, Zambia, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tanzania GROUP B: Nigeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Morocco GROUP C: Senegal, Central African Republic, DR Congo, Ghana

Sports

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy

Our Reporters1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

CAF Unveils New U-20 AFCON Egypt 2025 Logo, Trophy With just hours to go before the Final Draw of the CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Egypt 2025, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unveiled a striking new logo and trophy for the continental youth showpiece. The new visual identity marks a powerful step in celebrating the journey of Africa’s brightest young footballers as they transition from promising talents to future icons of the global game. The trophy, titled “Rising Star”, symbolises growth, aspiration, and the brilliance of emerging African talent. With bold upward-facing star elements and a sleek, modern silhouette, the trophy reflects the energy, determination, and momentum of the continent’s rising stars. At its core, the map of Africa is intricately fused with a football, signifying the deep-rooted connection between the continent and its youth. This newly designed trophy also inspires the competition’s refreshed logo, which mirrors the trophy’s sharp lines and upward thrust. The dynamic emblem encapsulates the strength, unity, and pride of Africa’s young generation—poised to make a mark on the international stage. The unveiling comes as anticipation builds for Sunday’s Final Draw, which took place at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo. The draw was broadcasted live on CAF TV and ON Time Sports, and will determine the group stage path for the 13 participating teams. The tournament will run from 27 April to 18 May 2025, and is set to bring together the best youth teams from across the continent, including defending champions Senegal, hosts Egypt, record champions Nigeria, and debutants Sierra Leone. As the tournament enters a new era, the logo and trophy stand as visual representations of CAF’s commitment to empowering African youth through football and celebrating the spirit of unity, talent, and opportunity that define the Under-20 category.

BAL: Rivers Hoopers Fall to Al Ittihad in Kalahari Conference Clash

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Rivers Hoopers suffered their second loss of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) Kalahari Conference, falling 94-77 to Egyptian powerhouse Al-Ittihad Alexandria in a lopsided contest. Hoopers were beaten in crucial areas, especially from beyond the arc, where Al Ittihad’s accurate shooting made the difference, even though they had already guaranteed their spot in the BAL playoffs. TheKingsMen made 21.2% (7 of 33) three-pointers, while the Egyptians made 14 of their 33 shots at a remarkable 42.4% rate. Al Ittihad shot 50% from the field, while the Rivers team was unable to keep up offensively, shooting only 38%. Throughout the game, the Nigerian champions were also beset by turnovers and missed opportunities. Madut Akec led the scoring for Rivers Hoopers with 17 points, while Kelvin Amayo added 11 points and a team-high 7 assists. The top performer on the glass was Peter Olisemeka, who pulled down a game-high 17 rebounds to go with 8 points. Abel Offia also added 8 points and 3 steals in the fourth quarter. Rivers Hoopers will now shift focus to their final group stage match against Stade Malien, as they look to close out their Kalahari Conference campaign on a high note.

NFF Deeply Saddened By Demise of 1980 AFCON Winner, Charles Bassey

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The Nigeria Football Federation says it is ‘deeply saddened’ by the death on Saturday of another member of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations-winning Green Eagles squad, Charles Bassey. He was 71. Bassey died after protracted illness in his native town of Eket, Akwa Ibom State, hours after it was confirmed that the captain of that team, ‘Chairman’ Christian Chukwuemeka Chukwu, had passed on in Enugu. “This has been a day of double tragedy, and the NFF and the entire Nigeria football fraternity are deeply saddened by the turn of events. We lost ‘Chairman’ Chukwu earlier in the day; now, we have to mourn Charles Bassey. May God Almighty grant their souls eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said. Forward Charles Bassey was in the 22-man squad that became Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations champions, after a 3-0 defeat of Algeria’s Fennecs at the National Stadium, Surulere on Saturday, 22nd March 1980. Afterwards, he coached various clubs within the country, including Calabar Rovers, home-town club Mobil Pegasus, BCC Lions of Gboko, Flash Flamingoes of Benin, Akwa United and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi. His death brings to nine the number of persons in that squad that have departed, following the passing on of goalkeepers Best Ogedegbe and Moses Effiong, defenders Christian Chukwu, Okechukwu Isima and Tunde Bamidele, midfielders Aloysius Atugbu and Mudashiru Lawal and forward Martins Eyo.