Sports Archives | Page 31 of 111

Basketball: Rivers Hoopers To Face US Monastir In BAL Season 5 Seeding Game

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

2024 Basketball Africa League [BAL] bronze-medallists Rivers Hoopers will face Union Sportive Monastirienne at the placement tie on Saturday, June 7, ahead of the quarter-finals in Pretoria, South Africa. According to the Playoffs Team Ranking, the six-time Nigerian League Champions who sealed consecutive Playoffs appearances by finishing second in the Kalahari Conference with a 4-2 mark, were ranked fourth overall on the rankings. While nine-time Tunisian champions, US Monastir who topped the Sahara Conference standings, were ranked third overall. Both teams finished with identical records for four wins and two losses from their respective conferences. This will be the fifth meeting between Rivers Hoopers and US Monastir in BAL history, with the previous four meetings evenly split at two wins apiece. En route to finishing third at BAL Season 4, Rivers Hoopers and US Monastir met three times; twice in the Sahara Conference where both teams won one game each, before the KingsMen knocked out the 2022 champions in an electrifying quarter-final showdown. Monastir had earlier beaten Rivers Hoopers in their first ever meeting during the Group phase of the inaugural BAL season. The fifth installment of what has grown to be one of the oldest and fiercest BAL rivalries is billed to take place on Saturday, 7th June, 2025. Meanwhile, top two teams from each of the three conferences (Sahara, Nile, and Kalahari) qualified for the playoffs, along with the top two third-place teams across the three conferences. In the Basketball Africa League (BAL), seeding games are played before the playoffs to determine the playoff bracket matchups and seeding for the single-elimination playoffs. The placement ties will feature the following matchups:1st – 2nd seed: Al Ahli vs Al Ittihad3rd – 4th seed: US Monastir vs Rivers Hoopers5th – 6th seed: Petro de Luanda vs APR7th – 8th seed: Kriol Star vs FUS Rabat The outcome of these matches will determine the final seeding for the quarter-finals. The BAL Season 5 Playoffs will run from 6th-14th June, 2025, starting with the seeding games on Friday, 6th June. All games will be played at the SunBet Arena, Pretoria, South Africa.

FIFA U-17 World Cup: Nigeria Draws Canada, France and Samoa

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Nigeria’s Flamingoes have been drawn in Group D with Canada, France and newcomer Samoa at the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. The expanded 24-country competition, up from 16 teams, runs Oct. 17 to Nov. 8 in Rabat. It will mark the first time an African country has hosted the women’s U-17 tournament. Nigeria is making its African-record eighth trip to the tournament, finishing third in 2022 and reaching the quarterfinals on four other occasions. France, which qualified by reaching the UEFA semifinals in qualifying play, won the U-17 World Cup in 2012 but has only qualified twice since. Samoa is making its first-ever appearance at a FIFA championship. Canada’s women are also headed to their eighth U-17 World Cup, missing out only in 2024 when CONCACAF only sent two teams to the FIFA championship, with the federation’s Dominican Republic hosting the tournament. Canada finished third in qualifying after losing 2-1 to Mexico after extra time in the semifinal. The U.S. also qualified, finished third at the 2024 FIFA tournament. Canada’s best showing at the FIFA U-17 World Cup was fourth in 2018. It made the quarterfinals in 2008, 2012 and 2014. FIFA U1-7 Women’s World Cup Draw Group A: Brazil, Costa Rica, Italy, Morocco Group B: Cameroon, North Korea, Mexico, Netherlands. Group C: China, Ecuador, Norway, U.S. Group D: Canada, France, Nigeria, Samoa. Group E: Colombia, Ivory Coast, South Korea, Spain. Group F: Japan, New Zealand, Paraguay, Zambia.

Nigerian Boxing Legend Obisia Nwankpa Is Dead

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Obisia Nwankpa, the iconic boxer and former national coach fondly known as “Golden Gloves,” is dead. He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, 3 June, at the age of 75. President of the Nigeria Boxing Board of Control (NBB of C,) Dr. Rafiu Ladipo told PREMIUM TIMES that the late boxer is deserving of a place in the country’s Sports Hall of Fame. According to Ladipo, Obisia’s death is another big loss to the Boxing fraternity in Nigeria and beyond. “This is another big blow for us… Obisia deserves to be immortalised in this country because he gave his all to boxing,” Ladipo stated. While reports suggest Obisia’s body has since been moved to a mortuary pending when further details on funeral arrangements will be disclosed, Ladipo assured that the NBB of C will be glad to work withthe family and offer support in the best way possible. “The family has not gotten across to us, but if they get across to us, we will do what is expected of us,” Ladipo assured.

NFF Commends Gov Abiodun on Monetary Gifts to Falcons, Lionesses

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has given kudos to His Excellency, Governor Adedapo Abiodun of Ogun State for showering players and officials of the senior women national teams of Nigeria and Cameroon with monetary gifts following the two teams’ international friendly match in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday. Nine-time African champions Nigeria swept past the Lionesses in the encounter with a brace by captain Rasheedat Ajibade, in the 28th minute from the penalty spot and in added time of the first half from a flowing team move that saw Rinsola Babajide find her illustrious leader in the opposition’s eighteen-yard box. After the match, a delighted Governor Abiodun showered the Super Falcons with the sum of N20 million, while gifting the visitors the sum of N10 million. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, praised the Ogun State number one man for the gesture, remarking that such incentives constitute gestures of encouragement that propel athletes in various sports to give their very best and perform better in subsequent outings. “The NFF expresses sincere gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Abiodun for the monetary gifts to the Super Falcons and the Indomitable Lionesses. His gesture is an act of kindness and magnanimity that will never be forgotten. “The financial incentive has been well-received by the team and I believe this is an added psychological boost apart from the victory over the Cameroonians in the match. The NFF will do everything it can to ensure the players and their officials have their pre-WAFCON final camping programme in a very conducive environment.” Nigeria will play in group B of the 12-team Women Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco, 5th – 26th July, alongside Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria. The Super Falcons will play all their matches in Casablanca, starting with the Tunisians on 6th July, before Botswana on 10th July and Algeria on 13th July.

Rivers Hoopers’ Odaudu Set Priorities Ahead Of BAL Playoffs

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago13 mins

Rivers Hoopers coach Ogoh Odaudu has announced that the team has made additions to its squad to address defensive issues ahead of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs in Pretoria, South Africa. According to Odaudu, the team’s defensive problems were a major concern after finishing the Kalahari Conference with two losses to Al Ittihad Alexandria. To address this issue, the team has brought in Ahmed Doumbia, a defensive-minded players from the French League and Chingka Garba a Nigerian who plays in Rwanda. “We wanted to address that [defensive problems], so we wanted to bring someone who will address that issue,” Odaudu said. When asked about the addition of Ahmed Doumbia and Garba Chingka, Odaudu replied: “We needed to address the deficiency in defence. “Of course, Ahmed plays in the French League. [He is] very defensive minded and, of course, he is a beast on the offense. We needed someone to assist Kelvin [Amayo] in defensive duties in the back court, so we brought him [Doumbia] here.” Preparation has been all plain sailing for Odaudu, with Nigeria forward Chingka joining the fold to stack up the quality of the team. “Also, we brought in another player, Odaudu said. “We were almost playing Peter [[Olisemeka] to the ground. We needed someone who could do that, too that was why we brought in Garba Chingka. The KingsMen will face US Monastir in the seeding game on Saturday, June 7, a side they had played four times previously and won as much as they had lost (twice).

UEFA Nations League Semi-Finals to Air Live on GOtv

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago04 mins

The UEFA Nations League semi-finals will hold this week, with Germany facing Portugal and Spain playing against France. Both matches will air this Wednesday and Thursday respectively at 8:00pm and will be broadcast live on SS Football (Ch. 61) on GOtv. Germany’s journey to the semi-finals has been one of tactical discipline and attacking flair. Under the youthful and energetic leadership of coach Julian Nagelsmann, the Germans topped their group with ease, showcasing dominance on both ends of the pitch. Germany secured a 2-1 victory in Italy in the quarter finals first leg and in the second leg, a thrilling 3-3 draw at home ensured a 5-4 aggregate win for Germany. Under coach Julian Nagelsmann, the team has blended experienced players with emerging talents like Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. With the semi-final being played on home turf, Germany will look to ride the momentum and the energy of their fans as they aim for their first Nations League title. Portugal, champions of the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019, have once again proven they are made for knockout football. Managed by Roberto Martínez, the Portuguese side had to dig deep in the quarter-finals, overturning a tricky first-leg result against Denmark to win 5-3 on aggregate after extra time. Germany has had the upper hand in recent meetings with Portugal, winning their last five matchups. However, both teams come into this game in strong form, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Meanwhile, Spain and France will go head-to-head in the other semi-final match on Thursday. Spain, known for their slick passing and possession based football, breezed through the group stage and edged past Netherlands in the quarter-finals. They will be banking on the brilliance of Pedri, Ferran Torres and Álvaro Morata to take on the French side. France boasts an array of exciting talent at the heart of their campaign. Their quarter-final win over Croatia on penalties was a tactical masterclass, setting up a mouthwatering clash with Spain for a spot in the final. The winners of the semi-finals will meet in the UEFA Nations League final on Sunday, June 8. The two losing teams will play in the third-place playoff, also scheduled for the same weekend.

Showmax to Beam Live FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Nations League Finals, Others

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago15 mins

While the thrilling finale of the Premier League may have drawn to a close, Showmax Premier League is excited to announce that the beautiful game is far from over. Football fans across Africa can look forward to an exhilarating off-season filled with world-class action, ensuring not a single moment goes by without live football entertainment. The football feast includes the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup, on Sunday, 15 June 2025, where the planet’s elite clubs will battle it out for the prestigious global trophy. The tournament also features a galaxy of European giants, including powerhouses such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, PSG, Inter, Porto, Benfica, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, Atletico Madrid, and Red Bull Salzburg. Adding to the star power, global icon Lionel Messi will lead his team, Inter Miami, into the competition, alongside strong South American contenders like Botafogo, Palmeiras, and Flamengo. This monumental tournament will be held in the United States, culminating in a spectacular final at the iconic MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. But the FIFA Club World Cup is just the beginning of Showmax Premier League’s comprehensive off-season offering. Fans can also look forward to the intense drama of the UEFA Nations League Finals, a biennial international football competition contested by the senior men’s national teams of the member associations of UEFA. This tournament, kicking off with the semi-finals on 4 June 2025, provides a competitive platform for Europe’s top nations, where footballing titans like Germany, Portugal, Spain, and France will vie for continental supremacy, battling through the semi-finals to reach the highly anticipated finals. The excitement continues with top-tier women’s football, as we bring you both the UEFA Women’s EURO tournament and the Women’s AFCON tournament. The UEFA Women’s EURO showcases the pinnacle of European women’s football, featuring the continent’s best national teams competing for glory and further elevating the sport’s profile. Similarly, the Women’s AFCON tournament highlights the incredible talent and growing prominence of women’s football across Africa, with nations battling for continental supremacy and qualification for global tournaments. Morocco will play host to the tournament from July 5-26, 2025 as the best women’s footballers in Africa gather to compete for the coveted trophy. Before you know it, the familiar roar of the Premier League will return as clubs embark on their Summer Series tours. These exciting pre-season clashes see top Premier League teams travel globally, competing in high-profile friendly matches to fine-tune their squads and prepare for the rigours of the new season. It’s a fantastic opportunity for fans to see their favourite teams in action before the competitive fixtures begin. And for the ultimate appetite cleanser ahead of the official kick-off, don’t miss the traditional Community Shield trophy match on, 9 August 2025,, a prestigious annual fixture that pits the reigning Premier League champions Liverpool against FA Cup champions Crystal Palace in a battle for early silverware and bragging rights.

ISL Student-Athletes Smash Stereotypes With Stellar JAMB Scores

Fola Badmus4 months ago4 months ago03 mins

They are all athletes proudly wearing the colours of the International School, Lagos (ISL) at various tournaments—and they have excelled in every event. On the athletics track and basketball court, these student-athletes have consistently demonstrated exceptional talent, making ISL a formidable presence in inter-school sports competitions across the country. However, their achievements extend far beyond the sporting arena. In the classroom, they have also distinguished themselves, particularly in the recently concluded Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, where many scored above the 300 mark. From 16-year-old Damiete Roberts, who scored an impressive 373, to 17-year-old Ayomide Oyedele, who earned 335, these students have proven that their commitment to sports has not hindered their academic performance. Others who stood out include Usman Mohammed (324), Abdulrahman Odunuga (324), Brian Alex-Nwangwu (301), Hadiyat Oladipo (305), and Olayiwola Are (328)—all of whom ranked among the top-performing students nationwide. An elated Coach Ijeoma Ernest of ISL attributed this remarkable academic feat to the unwavering commitment and collaboration between the students, the school, and their parents. “This is the result of the collective dedication of everyone involved—especially the ISL management led by the Principal, Kolawole Amusan, the parents and guardians, and the athletes themselves, who have mastered the balance between sports and academics,” Ernest said. “It’s a testament to our philosophy at ISL: we don’t just aim to excel in sports, but to nurture well-rounded, educated athletes who can thrive in any field. I’m thrilled to see our efforts bearing fruit in both arenas. We hope that future students will be inspired by this achievement and aim even higher. At ISL, we strive to be a model for schools across the country, showing that sports and education can go hand in hand without one compromising the other.”