Sports Archives | Page 4 of 57

BAL: Rivers Hoopers Hit Lagos to Intensify Preparation

Our Reporters1 week ago1 week ago02 mins

Rivers Hoopers are in Lagos to continue their preparation for the fifth season of the Basketball Africa League. Hoopers will utilize the upcoming days by playing some friendly games. The team will depart Lagos for Rabat on Wednesday, 2 April. Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Sports, Kelvin Nweke, hosted the team for lunch just before their departure to Lagos on Sunday. Nweke reassured the team that they would receive continuous support from the Rivers State Government. He encouraged the team to surpass their third place finish in last season’s BAL. “On behalf of the ministry and the state government. We are promising you the best of support. “We are expecting you to go a step forward from last year’s result. Success is not easy. It is easy to get to the top but staying at the top is more difficult.” Rivers Hoopers will open their campaign this season against Stade Malien on Saturday, 5 April at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex Rabat, Morocco.

Sylvester Stallone: I Was Almost Beaten to Death by Heavyweight

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Sylvester Stallone has been in more boxing scrapes than most actors due to his Rocky Balboa days. A sparring session with a heavyweight boxer was no different. Stallone starkly revealed that hard-hitting Earnie Shavers gave him a beatdown when the pair sparred in the 1970s. Shavers, who died in September 2022 after an illness, had one of the biggest punches in the entire sport. George Foreman famously rated Shavers as the hardest-hitting top-division operator of all time. The slugger shared the ring with multiple heavyweight champions, including a loss to Muhammad Ali in 1977. The Ali defeat came a year after Stallone played the title character in the United States smash hit Rocky. Larry Holmes was another of the world champions who beat Shavers. However, Shavers proved his power when he took out Ken Norton in the first round in a career-best victory. During a chat show appearance in New York, Hollywood legend Stallone spoke to UK journalist Jonathan Ross and guests via Zoom. He spoke of sparring with boxing legends in several preparations for his Rocky movie franchise. Those sessions often led to an injury. “I sparred with [Muhammad] Ali, and Joe Fraser gave me eleven stitches. That was in about two seconds,” Stallone told Ross. “I was thinking about using him [Frazier] instead of Mr. T in Rocky III. I said, ‘Let me use a real fighter.’ That’s not a good idea.” On sharing the ring with some of the most dangerous heavyweights that ever laced up gloves, Stallone added: “They don’t know how to stop pulling their punches. That’s the whole point. They think I’ll follow through. “Earnie Shavers literally almost beat me to death without trying. [He was] wearing 20-ounce gloves. Imagine if he was angry!” It’s a well-known fact that Stallone walked away from the latest instalment of the Rocky spin-off franchise “Creed.” – Michael B. Jordan directed for the first time, and Stallone wanted the actor to be the sole focus of production. Fans of the beloved series may never see Rocky Balboa on the silver screen again, as Stallone has sworn the character off the screen.

Middlesbrough boss Carrick backs Iheanacho to keep scoring

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

Michael Carrick has backed Kelechi Iheanacho to build on his first goal for Middlesbrough and boost the push for a Sky Bet Championship play-off place. Boro moved level on points with sixth-placed West Brom and two points shy of Coventry in fifth after coming from behind to beat Oxford 2-1. Iheanacho’s strike in the 48th minute, when he powered in Samuel Illing-Junior’s cross, cancelled out Michal Helik’s opener for Oxford seven minutes before the break. But Iling-Junior, who was a menace throughout on the left for Middlesbrough, delivered another low cross into the area with 10 minutes left for defender Neto Borges to flick a brilliant finish into the net. That proved enough to earn an important win with just seven matches remaining, turning around a game which had seen Boro booed off at the end of the first half. And former Leicester forward Iheanacho is up and running, having scored for the first time since moving from Sevilla in January on loan. Boro boss Carrick said: “He is happy. We are trying to keep the smile off Neto’s face as much as anything! He was delighted too. “But Kel knows it. He has played at a level, and goals make you feel a bit better, naturally. “I wasn’t concerned, I knew he would score and hopefully he has got more in him, I am sure he has. It was a massive goal for us. “I thought it was a bit slow, a bit sticky first half. Credit to them, they started well. They put us under pressure with long balls, long throws, counter attacks, and we were slow. “I liked how we responded and we spoke about being positive. There is going to be a hell of a lot more ups and downs before the end of the season. We can’t let it affect us. We have to stay positive with it.”

NFF Selects Participants for First Batch of CAF B-License Coaching Course

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago02 mins

Participants in the first batch of the CAF B-License Coaching Course that will run between April and August 2025 have been identified and contacted by the Technical Department of the Nigeria Football Federation. “Those who will take part in the first batch have been selected and contacted. All applicants are advised to check their mails, including junk and spam sections, as time-sensitive information is attached,” NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen told thenff.com. The four-month course, part of NFF’s strategic effort to build the capacity of coaches across the country, will be done in modules. It will run between 7th April and 25th August 2025. Successful applicants for the second and third batches will be selected and contacted in the coming weeks. Registration for the programme closed at midnight on Tuesday, 25th February, with Eguavoen informing thenff.com that response was impressive. The program is for both men and women. It can be recalled that the NFF organized a CAF C-License course (exclusively for women, and the first-ever) between the months of July and September last year. There were 30 participants, amongst them a good number of former Nigeria international players.

Nigerian Boxer Collapses and Dies in Ghana Pro League Match.

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Nigerian light-heavyweight boxer Gabriel Oluwaseun Olanrewaju, also known as “Success,” tragically passed away following an abrupt stoppage in his bout against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu at the Bukom Boxing Arena. Coincidentally, Mbanugu has both Ghanaian and Nigerian parentage. The bout, staged on Saturday, March 29, was a special feature on the Bel 7 Star Professional Boxing League fight night. It took only a few seconds for fans at the Bukom Boxing Arena and officials to realize that something was seriously wrong. The scheduled eight-round light-heavyweight contest against Ghana’s Jonathan Mbanugu (also known as “Jon Power”)—who had a record of 12 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, with 12 knockouts—came to an abrupt end under shocking circumstances. Olanrewaju had landed two weak punches on his opponent before Mbanugu responded with a right hand to the Nigerian’s face. Almost immediately, Olanrewaju staggered backward, fell against the ropes, and collapsed, drawing gasps of concern from the crowd. The Nigerian fighter slumped onto his side as the referee began the mandatory count. Moments later, he turned face down, with his throat resting against one of the ropes. His corner team rushed into the ring, placing him on the canvas, removing his gum shield, and attempting to resuscitate him as he appeared to be struggling to breathe. The on-site emergency medical team quickly transported him to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The boxing fraternity has been deeply affected by his unfortunate passing. Olanrewaju was a 40-year-old boxer based in Lagos, Nigeria, who made his professional debut in 2019. At the time of his final bout, he was on a four-fight losing streak, with defeats to Russia’s Savely Sadoma, Ibragim Estemirov, Muibi Lekan, and Rashid Idowu. He won his debut fight against Jimoh Najeem on July 30, 2019, and went on to win two subsequent bouts before suffering his first career loss to Durodola Olanrewaju via a fourth-round technical knockout. Before his final fight, Olanrewaju had lost all his bouts fought outside Nigeria—six in Russia and two in his home country. His professional record stood at 13 wins, 9 losses, and 2 draws, with 12 of his victories coming by knockout. The Ghana Boxing Authority, which sanctioned the bout, is yet to comment on the matter.

How to Grow & Increase Height?

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago07 mins

Genetics largely determines height, but nutrition, sleep, and exercise can help maximize growth. Growth plates fuse after adolescence, limiting further height increase. However, these exercises can improve posture and flexibility, enhancing overall appearance. JoggingJogging is an effective activity for toning your legs and strengthening your bones. It is especially beneficial during puberty. This exercise involves moderate running at a steady pace for an extended period. Forward Spine StretchThis seated workout helps improve posture and may contribute to height growth. Sit up straight with your legs extended in front of you. Keep them together or maintain a shoulder-width gap. Inhale, stretch your arms forward, and try to touch your toes. Perform 3–4 sets, holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds to enhance spinal flexibility. Jump SquatsJump squats are excellent for strengthening joints and muscles, aiding in height growth. Start by standing upright. Squat down, bringing your knees to your chest while lowering your hips. Push off with your legs as you jump up. Repeat this movement to improve flexibility and strength. Bar HangingHanging from a bar helps stretch the lower torso and reduces vertebral compression, which may aid in height increase. Use a sturdy bar set at least seven feet high. Hang with your arms extended and hold the position for 20 seconds. Perform this exercise 3–4 times daily. For added variation, wrap your legs over the bar while hanging upside down. Cobra StretchAlso known as Bhujangasana in yoga, this stretch helps in cartilage growth between vertebrae. Lie flat on your stomach with your legs extended. Inhale deeply, lift your chest and abdomen, and support your weight on your palms. Hold for 30 seconds before exhaling. Repeat 4–5 times daily. This stretch also promotes better blood circulation and oxygen flow. Wall StretchThis exercise engages the calf muscles and improves flexibility. Place your hands against a wall, keeping your right leg forward with knees slightly bent. Extend your left leg backward and press down on your toes for a deep stretch. Dry Land SwimmingA great alternative to swimming, this exercise mimics freestyle strokes. Alternate moving your arms and legs for about 20 seconds per repetition. This targets the lower back and thigh muscles, stimulating cell growth. Pelvic LiftThis exercise enhances spinal flexibility and strengthens the lower back. Lie flat with bent knees and feet shoulder-width apart. Push down on your feet while raising your hips to form a bridge. Lower your hips slowly and repeat. This exercise is also beneficial for relieving back stiffness from prolonged sitting. Alternate Leg KickAdapted from Tae Kwon Do, this high-intensity exercise mimics a cycling motion. Stand upright, bring one knee to your chest, then kick forward without touching the ground in between movements. It helps balance body mass while strengthening thighs. Pilates Roll OverPilates is excellent for spinal stretching. Lie on your back with arms at your sides and palms facing downward. Lift your legs over your head until they are parallel to the ground. This may feel intense but is effective in stretching vertebrae. Low Lunge ArchThis stretch tones the upper body and improves flexibility. Kneel on one leg while extending the other forward. Raise your hands in a Namaskar position and hold the pose. Switch sides to balance the stretch. This also enhances shoulder and leg flexibility. Side StretchThis exercise strengthens intercostal muscles, contributing to height growth. Stand straight, clasp your hands at your sides, and bend your upper body to the right and then to the left. Hold each stretch for 10 seconds and repeat in sets of 10. Mermaid StretchThis exercise improves posture by strengthening intercostal muscles. Sit with your legs folded to the left, holding your left ankle with your left hand. Raise your right arm overhead and stretch to the left. Hold for 20–30 seconds before switching sides. Puppy PoseThis pose lengthens the spine and strengthens the legs. Start on all fours, keeping your hands shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms forward and stretch your hips back. Hold the position for about 60 seconds. Downward Facing DogThis yoga pose strengthens back muscles and enhances flexibility. Start on all fours, keep your feet hip-width apart, and hands at shoulder-width. Push your tailbone upwards while pressing your hands firmly against the ground for a deep stretch.

Iheanacho Opens Middlesbrough Goal Account

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago04 mins

Kelechi Iheanacho’s first league goal in nearly 18 months helped spark a Middlesbrough revival and earn a 2-1 win over Oxford that has strengthened Teesside hopes of a Sky Bet Championship play-off place. The 28-year-old former Leicester striker finished confidently and powerfully inside three minutes of the second half to cancel out Michal Helik’s opener seven minutes before half-time. To cap Iheanacho’s first goal for Middlesbrough since arriving on loan from Sevilla in January, Brazilian defender Neto Borges also flicked in his first for the club and that turned out to be Boro’s winner with 10 minutes left. Middlesbrough, who have won three home league games in a row for the first time since October 2023, are now level on points with sixth-placed West Brom with seven matches remaining. Coventry are two points further ahead. Oxford, buoyed by ending a nine-match winless run in their last outing, deserved to be ahead before the break. In fact, they could have had more than one. The first fantastic chance for the visitors arrived as early as the fifth minute. Matty Phillips got beyond his man down the line and crossed perfectly, but Przemyslaw Placheta’s first-time effort was turned behind by Mark Travers. Phillips was the next to be wasteful. The experienced winger scuffed an effort wide of the back post from close range when he looked certain to turn Siriki Dembele’s corner into the net. Despite a number of occasions when Middlesbrough looked to find an opening in the final third, the nearest they came to scoring was when Hayden Hackney struck off target from 22 yards. Oxford got their reward in the 38th minute. Middlesbrough’s failure to deal with a long Will Waulks throw into a crowded box ended with Mark Harris’ cushioned lay-off landing perfectly for Helik to hammer low inside Travers’ bottom right corner. Even then Middlesbrough could have been level before half-time but Iheanacho, who had beaten a couple of defenders, saw his effort hit the bar after he had lifted his finish over Jamie Cumming. The disappointment on the Nigerian’s face soon disappeared after the break when he powered in the equaliser. Iheanacho pounced on Samuel Iling-Junior’s brilliant delivery from the left touchline, missed by Ciaron Brown, and struck first time beyond Cumming. Suddenly Iheanacho had a new lease of life. He played in substitute Morgan Whittaker down the right, where he clipped a cross to the back post for Tommy Conway to head goalwards for Cumming to save. And with 10 minutes remaining Middesbrough grabbed a stylish winner. Iling-Junior, impressive down the left, played a clever one-two with Aidan Morris and from his low cross into the area Borges was on hand to flick brilliantly beyond Cumming.

Ex-Barca star, Dani Alves, Release From Prison

Our Reporters2 weeks ago2 weeks ago03 mins

The top court in Spain’s Catalonia region on Friday overturned Brazilian soccer player Dani Alves’ rape conviction, saying the case against him had inconsistencies and contradictions. The 41-year-old defender was convicted last year of raping a woman in the restroom of a Barcelona nightclub in 2022 and sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison. “Dani Alves is very happy. He is innocent, and that is demonstrated. Justice has spoken,” Ines Guardiola, lawyer for the former Barcelona, PSG and Juventus player, told RAC1 radio. Two former power houses of world soccer, former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and France soccer great Michel Platini, were cleared of corruption charges on Tuesday. In its appeal ruling, the Catalan high court said the accuser’s testimony lacked reliability over facts that could be objectively verified through video, “explicitly indicating that what she recounted does not correspond to reality”. “The inadequacies of the evidence lead to the conclusion that the standard required by the presumption of innocence has not been met,” it said, noting “a series of gaps, inaccuracies, inconsistencies and contradictions concerning the facts, the legal assessment and its consequences”. Alves had already been released from prison on a 1 million euro ($1.1 million) bail while awaiting the appeal. He may now leave the country as the Catalan court lifted all restrictions, including a travel ban and restraining order, plus the payment of compensation. The court said that the alleged victim’s argument that she went with Alves into the restroom for fear that his friends might follow them did not appear reasonable, concluding that she instead “voluntarily went to the bathroom area for the purpose of being with the defendant in a more intimate space”. It added that CCTV footage did not allow any inference about whether she consented to the subsequent interaction or not. Ester Garcia, the accuser’s lawyer, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The regional prosecutor’s office declined to comment. The decision can still be appealed to the Supreme Court.