Thursday, 23 November 2017

Anthony Joshua could be set for O2 Arena return

Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn is increasingly ‘confident’ of a fight after weeks of discussions over the purse split.
Parker’s team initially demanded 40 per cent of the purse and are now calling for 35 per cent for the WBO champion amid a blaze of publicity stunts.
Hearn is refusing to go so high but said they are ‘closer’ and revealed that the unification bout, if it was to happen, would likely head for London’s O2 Arena, where the WBA and IBF heavyweight champion, Joshua has not fought since June 2016.
Hearn told Sportsmail: "We are certainly closer than we were. We have spoken a lot with their team and we are within touching distance, so it is just about getting all parties happy and agreed. I’m confident we will and the aim would be for the end of March.
"The location could be the O2 and what a great return that would be.
Our aim has always been for three fights in 2018 and that means March and the weather means going indoors.
"The O2 has been great to AJ so it’s a strong possibility, if we can get everything else lined up.
"I’m confident we will, so long as they are serious about wanting this fight."
The concern for Joshua’s team is that Parker’s camp are using the talks to generate exposure and publicity for their fighter.
Earlier this week, the unbeaten New Zealander and his promoter, David Higgins, were part of a bizarre press conference that attempted to show Joshua’s fallibilities via footage of his earlier fights.
Hearn added: ‘Parker’s team have gone public in saying 65-35 and while I won’t say what our position is, I can say we are not far off on a deal that would be worth around five times Parker’s biggest purse.
"He should take this; if he doesn’t he will face Lucas Browne which will virtually kill the chance of an AJ fight in 2018."
Discreet talks remain ongoing with World Boxing Council, WBC champion Deontay Wilder, though that fight would be for later in the year in a stadium.
It will be recalled that the London 2012 Olympic gold medallist, Joshua, stopped Carlos Takam in round 10 in Cardiff, to successfully defend his IBF and WBA belts.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk

Caption: Joshua at the world's the world’s highest boxing ring, helipad's Burj Al Arab, Dubai.

Buffon stuns fan with pants gift

Footballers usually throw their jersey to fans at the final whistle but Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stunned one supporter by giving him his play pants after Wednesday's Champions League draw against FC Barcelona.
The 39-year-old Buffon was competing for the first time since his emotional international retirement after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Barcelona advanced to the last 16 after the 0-0 draw in Turin but Juventus remain second in the group and can secure their qualification with victory at Olympiakos on December 5.
An exuberant Buffon ran to hug Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic after the game following a social media exchange on the eve of the game when the Croatian had said he would love to tell the Italian goalkeeping great to take his place in the 2018 World Cup.
After embracing Rakitic, Buffon then pulled off his orange shorts and ran towards the tunnel in his Y-fronts to the cheers of the delighted crowd.
"This is only a point tonight, but it's a good point," Buffon later Tweeted. "It's always a pleasure and an honour to play against great champions, like Ivan Rakitic."
Buffon – who earned a record 175 caps for Italy over 20 years – had been targeting a record sixth World Cup appearance in Russia.
He announced his international retirement after the 1-0 play-off defeat to Sweden which saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.
Playing likely his final season with Juventus, Buffon has one final ambition: to win the Champions League, after finishing runner-up twice in the past three years.

https://www.supersport.com

Caption: Buffon in joyous mood.

Ibrahimovic sets Champions League record with Man U

Zlatan Ibrahimovic became the first player to represent seven different clubs in the Champions League when he came on as a 74th-minute substitute for Manchester United in their 1-0 defeat to Basel on Wednesday night.
It was the 36-year-old's Champions League debut for United after helping them to win the Europa League last season.
The former Sweden international made his Champions League debut for Ajax and has gone on to play for Juventus, Inter Milan, Barcelona, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.
Ibrahimovic made his Champions League debut on Sept. 17, 2002, for Ajax against Lyon, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win.
In total he has now scored 48 goals in the competition with 38 of them coming during the group stage.
His most appearances and most goals come for PSG, for whom he scored 20 times in 38 appearances.
Although he has won league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France he has not won the Champions League. The furthest that he has advanced in the tournament was 2009-10, when he reached the semi-finals with Barcelona but lost to Inter, one season after he left the Italian side.
Ibrahimovic's appearance against Basel was only his second game back since returning from a knee ligament injury suffered during the Europa League quarter-final victory against Anderlecht in April.
Speaking after making his comeback during the 4-1 Premier League win against Newcastle on Saturday, Ibrahimovic revealed he hid the true extent of his injury.
He said: "In my recovery, I have not rushed anything. I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day. The only secret has been working hard.
"Those close to me know what I have been doing -- I was working five, six hours a day. When it happened I said giving up was not an option. I am very proud of the moment, and for everyone around me because I wouldn't have done it alone.
http://kwese.espn.com

Caption: Ibrahimovic in a world of his own.

Tuesday, 21 November 2017

I'm not 100% sure Messi will stay put at Barca-Rakitic

Ivan Rakitic says Lionel Messi is "part of Barcelona's badge" but couldn't say for certain whether the Argentina forward will remain at the club beyond the expiry of his contract next summer.
Barca confirmed an agreement with Messi over a new four-year deal in July, but the contract has not yet been signed and doubts have set in regarding whether it will be signed at all.

In theory, if Messi doesn't sign the deal, he will be free to negotiate with other clubs from January.
President Josep Maria Bartomeu has reassured supporters there is nothing to worry about, confirming that an image rights contract and a contract with Messi's Foundation have been signed by the player's father, Jorge.
Bartomeu says it's just a matter of "protocol" and finding the right moment to sit down with Messi to have the contract signed and the photograph taken.
Rakitic says he believes Messi wants to stay at Camp Nou, despite the worries generated by the delay in signing the terms, but that he can't say 100 percent that he won't leave next summer.
"Leo's part of the club's badge," Rakitic told a news conference ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game against Juventus. "I am confident he will [stay].
"We know the fans want to see the picture, the handshake; I do, too. I want to play with Leo tomorrow, three years, five years in the future. The only thing we can say as teammates is that we want him to stay, he has all our support and we enjoy being with him.
"From what I have read and been told, things are going well. I have confidence in the president and in Leo and I know he wants to be with us."
Barca need a point to guarantee top spot in the group and their place in the round-of-16 at the Juventus Stadium.
Standing in their way will be goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who will be more desperate than ever to win the Champions League in what is set to be his last year as a professional after Italy were denied a place at the World Cup last week.
Rakitic, who will be in Russia with Croatia next summer, said it was tough to watch Buffon miss out on a spot in the finals.

"I would like to tell Buffon to go in my place because what he's done for football is incredible, simply unique," the midfielder said.
"When a child writes out his ideal lineup, Buffon is always in there. I can't explain what it's like to see him at the end of a game in that shape and to stand next to him. It's a shame he isn't able to finish his career at another World Cup and I'd honestly love to give him that opportunity.
"It's difficult to stay out of a tournament like that. When you saw him crying in the interview at the end of the match [against Sweden], you wanted to cry with him."

Anthony Joshua, the man of the moment in boxing

With three undefeated world heavyweight champions in Anthony Joshua, Deontay Wilder and Joseph Parker - and clear demand from boxing's fans to see an undisputed champion - it ought to be a simple process to create a frenzy of huge fights in 2018.
But it never is. Rival promoters, opposing broadcast deals, and rows over the money expected to be generated has created a complex algorithm behind the scenes for the various parties involved.
They are deep in talks, and Telegraph Sport understands Sky Box Office, Joshua's television partners in the UK, are keen on New Zealander Parker being the British star's next opponent in 2018.
In the last two weeks, Eddie Hearn, Joshua's promoter, has been in talks in the USA with the teams of the WBC champion Wilder, and WBO champion Parker.Joshua holds the IBF and WBA titles, with a WBA mandatory challenger looming in Alexander Ustinov which could be ordered by the sanctioning bodies. Ustinov could yet be Joshua's next opponent in March, though Hearn told Telegraph Sport that "AJ wants Parker next".
"Wherever he goes, AJ has the whole world asking him when he will fight Parker and Wilder and unify the heavyweight division," explained Hearn. "We are still optimistic of making the Wilder fight in 2018," added Hearn, who had talks with Wilder's lawyer Shelley Finkel in the United States last week.

Joseph parker weighs in — **Joseph Parker's camp believes Parker would win a fight against AJ Credit: GETTY IMAGES**

"We believe the fight makes as much money in the UK, as it would in the USA, with the gate and pay per view. At present, we have one more fight on our Showtime deal in the USA but then we will go on the open market. AJ also wants the Wilder fight next year."

Wilder is Joshua's most dangerous rival though - 39 wins, 38 knockouts to Joshua's 20 wins, twenty stoppages - but Hearn and Joshua can steer clear of the American for a year if they feel they need to. Wilder, in fact, does not command a huge audience in his own country, unlike Joshua, who has a crossover appeal. That gives Joshua, the dual belt holder, the upper hand in all negotiations.
Although Wilder and Joshua are both signed for Showtime, Joshua could soon end up with a deal matched by HBO. Hearn intends to leverage HBO and Showtime against each other.
If Hearn does switch Joshua to HBO, it could scupper a Wilder fight in the summer. There is a decent chance of that. Hearn has recently set up Matchroom Boxing USA, in a deal with HBO, which had its debut show last Saturday, in Long Island, New York. The co-feature was another unbeaten heavyweight, Jarrell "Big Baby" Miller, who defeated veteran former title challenger Mariusz Wach.

**Jarrell Miller punches Mariusz Wach during their Heavyweight bout at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Credit: GETTY IMAGES**

Miller, ranked five by the IBF and WBO sanctioning bodies and No 7 by the WBA, gave a withering assessment of the division this week, revealing that he had also had talks with Hearn last week. "We talked about what the future holds and some ideas. He's really adamant that you have to look good against Mariusz Wach to sell a fight against AJ. I said I don't care what Eddie Hearn has to say, it's about getting the win. We all know that Mariusz Wach is a tall order. Get the win by any means necessary. If you want to look pretty, you're in the wrong sport."

"I'm ready for a title fight now. Who did Deontay Wilder fight before he fought Bermane Stiverne? Nobody in the top ten I can remember. Who did AJ fight before he fought Charles Martin for a world title? Dillian Whyte? He wasn't in the top ten. They do what they want based on what's going to raise their stock."
Miller also urged caution with Joshua's weight, 18st. "You can tell Deontay is a naturally strong guy. When he was an amateur, he was only 200 and as a pro he's only 220 pounds. AJ laughed when he found out Wilder was only 227 pounds. But Deontay is knocking people out cold.
"Joshua's looking at the muscle and the size. He feels that muscle wins fights. We all know he has a glass chin. He's been dropped numerous times as a pro and in sparring and in the amateur. When he gets in there with a monster like me, someone who has overcome so much and never been dropped or hurt, I am going to crush him. It doesn't matter how many protein drinks he drinks or how much muscle he puts on, or whatever amino acid he thinks he's taking, I'm going to bust his behind."

But it is David Higgins, Parker's promoter, who gave perhaps the clearest indication of where Joshua goes next. "It's a wonderful era for heavyweight boxing," Higgins, a New Zealander, said. "There are many contenders and champions evenly matched. We're going to see a period of close and exciting fights and rematches and hopefully unification and one champion rising to the top."

"Joshua, Wilder, Parker, Tyson, they genuinely want to fight each other. The promoters have a part to play. My view is everyone should just be fair. Our initial offer was quite a lot less than several other opponents Joshua has fought. We had an offer that was around half of what Charles Martin was paid and we just thought that didn't respect Joseph's achievement.
"Their camp has signalled they are willing to talk and might do a better deal. That's positive. Secondly, on whether they are trying to keep Parker at bay, that's possible. We think Parker beats Joshua. We don't think it's an easy fight, it's probably a 50/50 fight, but we think Parker wins simply because he has a better chin. When the fight is on is up to Eddie Hearn and Joshua. We'd take it next. But we won't take it until the deal is fair."
And that is where the heavyweight division sits. It could all come to a head in the next ten days to a fortnight.

Lukaku to pay Los Angeles police $450 to avoid jail sentence

Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku will avoid the prospect of jail time by compensating police in Los Angeles for their repeated callouts over loud parties in the summer.

Police said they issued a citation to the 24-year-old after responding to five noise complaints in as many days at a Beverly Hills residence where he was staying.

The parties were held while Lukaku was on the verge of a £75 million transfer to United from Everton.
The Belgium international will pay $450 (£340) to reimburse the force as part of a deal that will see the charge reduced from a misdemeanour which could have carried six months in jail, a Los Angeles court was told on Tuesday.
Commissioner Jane Godfrey, overseeing the case, said: "They are reaching a disposition in this case that the first thing that must happen is the defendant must pay Beverly Hills Police Department $450 for multiple response calls.''
The city will then reduce the charge to a disturbance of the peace infraction, which carries a $100 (£76) fine plus other costs and penalties, she said.
As a misdemeanour, the charge would have carried the maximum sentence of six months in a county jail or a $1,000 (£760) fine, the commissioner added.
James Eckart, for the city, and Lukaku's lawyer, Robert Humphreys, accepted the arrangement.
The striker's signing was completed by United around eight days after his citation by the force, which happened at around 8 p.m. on July 2.
Days after the incident, he shared on Instagram a picture of himself in an apartment in the city with United midfielder Paul Pogba.
The case will return to Los Angeles Airport Courthouse on Dec. 18 when Lukaku's lawyer is expected to pay the $550 (£416) in fines and compensation, a $40 (£30) fee as well as other undecided penalties.

Caption: Lukaku celebrates after scoring for Man U.

2017 Dala Hard Court: Nigerian tennis players set Kano aglow

The best assemblage of Nigerian tennis players is in the ancient city of Kano to battle for laurels at the 31st edition of Dala Hard Court tournament sanctioned by the Nigerian Tennis Federation (NTF).

This year's edition began on November 17 with the qualifying games culminating in the main draw which began on Monday.

Reigning CBN champion, Abdulmumini Babalola, leads the pack in the men's category. The former Dala Hard Court winner will have to contend with the likes of former national champions: Henry Atseye, Clifford Enosorogbe, Shehu Lawal, Thomas Otu as well as in-form Joseph Imeh, Christian Paul, Abayomi Philips, Joseph Iyorovbe, Martins Abamu and Emmanuel Idoko, who inspired Team Muller to the final of the NCC Tennis League Cup over the weekend at the expense of Team Ndoma-Egba.

Interestingly, defending champion, Sylvester Emmanuel now based in Spain, is not available for this year's edition.

In the women's singles, Christie Agugbom remains the player to beat as she aspires to defend her title.

Agugbom will have to contend with former champions: Blessing Samuel and Sarah Adegoke, among others.

Samuel who lost in last year's final will be looking forward to having a sweet revenge this time.
Also to give Agugbom a run for her money is former champion, Adegoke alongside Omotayo Osewa, Ronke Akingbade, Osariemen Airhunmwunde, Aanu Aiyegbusi and fast rising Aminat Quadri.

It will be recalled that Sylvester Emmanuel last year defeated Moses Michael 7-6, 6-4 to claim the men's singles, while Christie Agugbom outplayed Blessing Samuel 6-2, 6-7, 7-6 in the women's final.

The 2017 Dala Hard Court Tennis finals will be decided on Saturday, November 25 in Kano.
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Caption:
Abdulmumuni Babalola, can he win Dala title again this year?

Monday, 20 November 2017

WBO title: Ghanaian Dogboe says I'll beat Mexican Juarez in my country

Undefeated Ghanaian boxer, Isaac “Royal Storm" Dogboe, has fired a salvo at Caesar Juarez describing his January 6, 2018 Interim Super Bantamweight World Boxing Organisation (WBO) title bout against the Mexican as a "David and Goliath” affair.
The London 2012 Olympian, who boasts 17-0 with 11 KOs said he has what it takes to beat a more experienced Juarez (20-5, 15 KOs) to prove his supremacy in the class.
“This is a matter of a David and Goliath affair in the ring and I am ready for the challenge. I don't care about what Juarez camp thinks of me but I will prove my worth on the night to the people of Mexico.
“I can't miss an opportunity of this nature because I have been waiting for this throughout my career. This is the time to send a signal to the entire world about Ghana's prowess in boxing,” Dogboe, holder of the
WBO International super bantamweight title told the Graphic Sports.
Dogboe, it will be recalled, in July this year stopped Argentina Javier Chacon in round six of their 12-round bout in Accra, Ghana, to retain the WBO International super bantamweight title.
It was a strong response by Dogboe to his opponent’s camp for disrespecting the Ghanaian by describing the "Battle of the Gold Coast” as a walkover for their boxer.
The Mexican's manager, Sean Gibbons, was quoted by ESPN stating that they were concerned with judging than the fight since Juarez would be travelling to a country they had never been to.
Gibbons said his fighter was more determined than Dogboe and having gone under much stress than Dogboe, there was no way the Ghanaian could defeat him.
“So we're going to Ghana in Africa. I am not concerned about Dogboe. I think Juarez has more heart and more determination and is a better fighter. I'm more concerned with the judging than the fight and being in a country we've never been to. Dogboe is a nice fighter but he's
never been under the kind of stress Cesar Juarez will bring to the table.
“Are we happy to go to Ghana though? Not really. We'd rather have been in Fresno to fight Magdaleno like we were supposed to like we signed to do. But it didn't happen so we'll be on our way to Africa," Gibbson told ESPN.
Juarez was supposed to challenge WBO Super Bantamweight title holder, Jessie Magdaleno but the latter pulled out of the fight in early October saying he had suffered a wrist injury in training.
The WBO, however, sanctioned an interim world title bout, with Las Vegas' Magdaleno (25-0, 18 KOs) obligated to face the Juarez-Dogboe winner upon his return.
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Caption:

Dogboe (left) deals with Julian Aristule before he stopped the latter in round seven of their 10-round contest at Vector Arena, Auckland, New Zealand to win the WBO Latino and vacant WBO Inter-Continental super bantamweight titles in December 2016.

Rematch: I can't face Bellew in December, says Haye

David Haye's heavyweight rematch with Tony Bellew has been postponed after Haye slipped on the stairs in a "freak" training mishap.
Haye, who has had surgery for a torn biceps, said he was "devastated".
WBC cruiserweight world champion and fellow Briton Bellew, 34, stopped former heavyweight world champion Haye, 37, in the 11th round in March.
The rematch, a sell-out scheduled for December 17 at the 02 Arena in London, will be held on March 24 or May 5, 2018.
Haye suffered the injury during training on November 16.
"After a freak mishap during a stair conditioning session, which I've done with no incident hundreds of times, I lost my footing and slipped," he said.
"I instinctively grabbed the banister to stop myself toppling down the stairwell. In doing so I somehow managed to damage my biceps.
"I underwent a procedure to repair it; this was pretty straightforward and my doctor and physiotherapist have no doubt that not only will I make a full recovery but will be able to be back in the gym to start my arm rehabilitation in two weeks.
"I would like to apologise to Tony, his family and his training team, as well as all our fans who have been left disappointed."
Haye last month had compared Bellew's win over him in March to "robbing a bank" and predicted a revenge victory in December.
But Bellew said: "I didn't rob a bank - I got in the boxing ring and punched him senseless then I went home."
He added: "On 17 December I will turn up and I will win again."
Former WBA heavyweight champion Haye needed surgery following the defeat by the 34-year-old, and has since split with trainer Shane McGuigan to join Cuban coach Ismael Salas.
The Londoner questioned Bellew's motivation for their rematch after he reportedly earned £2.8m from their first encounter.
"People rob banks to secure their family," Haye said.
"Would you go back to rob that same bank again? Is your hatred so bad for the clerk behind the desk that you need to do it again?
"I know what Tony earned for the first fight and he is financially secure for the rest of his life. He's a multi-millionaire and that's fantastic.
"He's got into a very small club of British boxers who have enough money that don't have to box, don't have to have a job. So I ask myself "what are his motivations going into the second fight?'."
"I've got a screw loose - I like having a fight."

Captions:
*DOWN AND OUT: Haye stopped in Round 11 during the clash in March.
*Another shot taken during the Haye/Bellew clash.

Dimitrov wins 2017 ATP Finals, breaks down after victory

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov became the first man for 19 years to win the ATP World Tour Finals on his debut appearance with victory over Belgian David Goffin.
Sixth seed Dimitrov, 26, claimed the biggest title of his career last Sunday as he won 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 at London's O2 Arena.
The Bulgarian collected £1.9m in prize money for coming through the tournament unbeaten in five matches across the group stage, semi-finals and final.
He will end the year ranked third in the world, with Goffin up to seventh.
Dimitrov had beaten both Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer on his route to the final, but couldn’t cope with an inspired opponent, as he collapsed on the baseline after his victory, appearing close to tears before hauling himself up to collect the trophy.
"I'm still trying to think about what I just did," said Dimitrov, who follows in the footsteps of Spain's Alex Corretja, who won the season-ending title on his debut in 1998.
"This is a great, unbelievable achievement for me, but I still have a lot to give.
"One of my main goals is to win a Grand Slam tournament. This has always been a dream of mine. Now, slowly, I think [I'm] getting there."
Injuries to Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic kept two of the sport's biggest names out of the ATP Finals, while world number one Rafael Nadal was forced to pull out injured after his opening round-robin match and Roger Federer was stunned in the semi-finals by Goffin.
But Dimitrov said it was too soon to say a new era was coming to tennis.
"Next year I think is going to be obviously pretty interesting, especially the beginning of it," he said. "There's still quite a few names that are going to come back and play. You should never count them out."
He added: "Am I one of those guys? Well, right now I'm right here. I'm the winner of the tournament. But that's about it.
"The important thing is just to stay on the ground and put your head down, even work harder because once you get to that point, everything becomes so narrow for you.
"I don't want to get too hyped up because I've done well, now I'm number three in the world. This makes me even more locked in, more excited about my work, and for what's to come."
While Dimitrov's season is now over, Goffin will try to help Belgium to a first ever Davis Cup victory against France this week.
"It was a special week for me," said the Belgian. "A week with a lot of emotion and a lot of fatigue. Now I am feeling tired but it was an amazing week."

http://www.express.co.uk/sport/tennis
http://www.bbc.com/sport/tennis
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Captions:

*Dimitrov celebrates winning match point against David Goffin during the epic ATP World Tour Finals in London.
*ECSTASY: Dimitrov down in celebration.

Moses, Oshola, Adekuoroye shine at 2017 Nigerian Sports Award

Chelsea forward Victor Moses was on Friday night named Nigeria's Footballer of the Year (Men) at the sixth edition of the 2017 Nigerian Sports Award held at the Banquet Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

Also at the award night being organised annually by Unmissable Incentives Limited, Super Falcons and Dalian Quanjian FC of China striker, Asisat Oshoala was named Footballer of the Year (Women).
Reigning African and Commonwealth Games champion, Odunayo Adekuroye, clinched a double at the ceremony as she went home with Wrestler of the Year and the Sportswoman of the Year awards.
World silver medallist, Adekuoroye beat Blessing Oborududu and Gofit Winnie to the Wrestler's award, while she also beat Asisat Oshoala and member of the 2017 AfroBasket D'Tigress winning squad, Evelyn Akhator to the Sports Woman of the Year award. Akhator however, went home with the Ball Sports Person of the Year award.
The Punjab Royals of India freestyle wrestler, Adekuoroye, after receiving her award was moved to tears as she sang in Yoruba to praise God for her modest achievements.
African table tennis star, Aruna Quadri clinched home the Sportsman of the Year award on the night {Friday} he moved to the quarter-final of the just-ended 2017 ITTF Swedish Open.
Quadri beat D’Tigers captain, Ike Diogu and Chelsea star, Victor Moses to the award.

Full list of winners:

Sportsman of the year: Aruna Quadri.
Sportswoman of the year: Odunayo Adekuroye.
Sports Governor of the year: Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos) and Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom).

Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr Fabio Lanipekun, legendary Nigerian sports journalist.
Special Recognition Award: NFF President, Amaju Pinnick.
Discovery of the year: Georgia Oboh (Golf).
Sports Administrator: Daniel Igali {Wrestling} and Wahid Enitan Oshodi {Table tennis}.
Coach of the year: Akuh Purity.
Team of the year: National Women’s Basketball Team (D'Tigress)
Footballer of the year (Women): Asisat Oshoala.
Footballer of the year (Men): Victor Moses.
Journalist of the year (TV): Promise Efoghe.
Journalist of the year (Radio): Tony Bekederemo.
Photo Journalist of the year: Olusegun Aderinto.
Journalist of the year (Print): Lekan Okusan.
Ball Sports Person of the Year: Evelyn Akhator.
Wrestler of the year: Odunayo Adekuroye.
Special Sports Person of the year: Hannah Babalola.

Caption: Asisat Oshoala (left) receiving the NSA 2017 award in Lagos, from veteran sports journalist, Mr Fabio Lanipekun, while ex-international, Mutiu Adepoju looks on.

Monday, 13 November 2017

Olatunji, Gabriel win AGF Abdul-Razaq squash classic

Nigeria's number one, Yemisi Olatunji and Olufunmilayo Gabriel last Saturday in Ilorin, won the female and male titles of the maiden AGF Abdul-Razaq North Central Invitational Open Squash Classic.

Olatunji of Lagos State defeated her sister, Busayo Olatunji three straight sets, 11-5, 13-11 and 11-6 to cart home the star prize of N50,000.

In the male category, Gabriel of Kwara State saw off the challenge of Lagos player, Onaopemipo Adegoke 3-1 sets, 11-4, 7-11, 11-7 and 11-7 to win the competition which also featured Nigeria's number one Sodiq Taiwo of NSCDC and number two, Lanre Abdulrahman of Lagos State. Gabriel following his heroics clinched home the star prize of N75,000.

The Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development in Kwara State, Mr Kale Ayo, who represented Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, while speaking on the occasion, said that government will not leave any stone unturned to engage the youth in the state meaningfully.

Ahmed, called on the corporate individuals and organisations to support the efforts of the government in promoting youth development.

He commended the sponsor of the championship, just as he charged him to do more by constructing a squash court, to complement the existing facilities.

Also, Yinka Duro, who represented the President of the Nigeria Squash Federation (NSF), Boye Oyerinde, commended the sponsor as he clamoured for more private sector participation in youth and sports development.
The North Central representative on the NSF board, Honourable Nyam Pa Darreng, commended the sponsor of the competition, adding that the board would encourage more private sector support for the sport.
The sponsor of the classic, Dr Alimi Abdul-Razaq, who expressed delight at the standard of the competition said that his family would continue to support the development of sports.

He stated that his family would be willing to exploit the public private partnership arrangement on the construction of additional squash courts at the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

Dr Abdul-Razaq also said that the gesture would extend to other sports, adding that sports is a tool for the elimination of social vices in the society.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of Kwara State Squash Association, Professor Yinka Buhari, thanked the government and the sponsor, for giving youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talents, and the association the opportunity to upgrade the facilities and bringing first-class squash and entertainment to the state. While congratulating AGF Abdul-Razaq on his 90th birthday, he called for the sustenance of the sponsorship of the championship.

No fewer than 38 players from six states, host Kwara, Plateau, Oyo, Ogun, Delta and Lagos states competed in the competition, including the Classic Plate that was sponsored by Professor Tayo Talabi of the University of Ilorin.

First winner to the 16th placed players in both the male and female categories won cash prizes in the classic.

The joint third placed players got N35,000 each, as fifth to eight placed players got N20,000 each, while those ranked ninth to 16th were rewarded with N10,000 each.

The AGF Abdul-Razaq North Central Invitational Squash Open Classic was staged as part of the 90th birthday celebration of Alhaji AGF Abdul-Razaq (SAN), the first lawyer from Northern Nigeria and former Minister of State Transport.
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Caption: Yemisi Olatunji also won the AGF championship in Ilorin.

Thursday, 2 November 2017

Ashdam Solar 10th Anniversary tennis tourney hots up in Ibadan

THE Ashdam Solar 10th anniversary tennis tournament kicked off on Tuesday on the clay court of the Ibadan Tennis Club (ITC).
No fewer than 34 players registered for the intra-club tournament sponsored by a member of ITC, Mr Yemi Asaleye.
In some of the matches decided, Alhaji T. Busari defeated Mr A. Atoyebi in a pro-set singles 8-3 while Matthew Okoye came back from 0-4 to beat Ayo Adumati 8-4. Alhaji Baderin defeated Y. Oshilaja 8-1 as Mr Femi Oyewole, Captain of Tennis Section, ITC , advanced to the next stage having walked over erstwhile President of ITC, Chief Wale Jolaoso.
D. Gambo beat Alhassan 8-3, as Yekini Kasali triumphed over Femi Oyewole 8-3 while A. Olaniyan outplayed W. Akinyooye 8-4 .
J. Okoromadu beat Egnr. Funmi Oyetosho 8-3, as P. Faboyinde hammered O. Oyewole 8-1 as A. Olosun walked over L. Iranloye to move to the next round as well as Romiluyi.
Also taking part in the clay court tournament are messrs coach Yekini Kasali, Innocent Agwuncha, Matthew Okoye, A. Orebiyi, A. Olaniyan, J. Okoromadu, A. Olosun, M. Adedire, S. Oyewole, A. Baderin, S. Romiluyi, F. Oyewole, D. Gambo, L. Iranloye, F. Oyetoso, Y. Oshilaja, L. Hassan, S. Ogun, W. Owosho, P. Faboyinde and B. Adebiyi.
Others are S. Ijidale, I. Adumati, W. Jolaoso, W. Akinyooye, S. Ogunsola, MM Balogun, J. Taiwo, F. Ibe, S. Lawal, F. Ojurongbe and F Abiri.
According to Asaleye, the tournament is to further strengthen unity among members of the club and also create a healthy rivalry among members.
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Caption: Busari (left) and his opponent, Atoyebi before their game.