Parker tries to demonise me--Anthony Joshua

Anthony Joshua says he has "no respect" for Joseph Parker's attempts to "demonise" his reputation in order to secure a heavyweight unification bout.
During a news conference last month, WBO world champion Parker offered money for footage of the Briton being knocked down during sparring.
Joshua said the 25-year-old was "trying to mislead the public's opinion".
"I think it's not nice, I don't really respect it and I have no time for it," said the IBF and WBA champion, 28.
"What's he trying? Be the big bully? Demonise everything I have done?"
Speaking to BBC Sport he added: "In Formula 1, golf, tennis, rugby, they are very classy people, respectable amongst their peers.
"Then you have people like Joseph Parker holding a press conference talking about everything he thinks I am."
Parker's news conference, which featured a video showcasing Joshua being knocked down as both a professional and amateur, was a response to what the New Zealander's team perceived to be a poor financial offer for a potential fight.
Promoter David Higgins said his fighter would not take anything less than a 35 per cent split of revenue if the bout is to be made.
Should the fight happen, the winner could then face WBC title holder Deontay Wilder in a bout which could unify all four major titles in the heavyweight division.
Joshua beat Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA title in April, and followed that success with victory over Carlos Takam on October 28, 2017.
"This is the first time in my career where the talk has been about money," added Joshua. "That's what's holding it up.
"With Klitschko it wasn't about the money, it was about getting the fight together for the belts. With Parker it's a different story, and Wilder.
"No disrespect for them, they have their reasons, but I feel like the fans are not getting what they want.
"It would have been great to have it pencilled in now but it will happen in the future once they come to their senses.
"What they are offering is nothing, and what we are offering is 10 times better than what they can bring up themselves."
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Caption:

Anthony Joshua (right) stops Carlos Takam by TKO in the 10th round during his last bout in October this year.

Bellew/Haye rematch rescheduled for May 5 at O2

Tony Bellew's rematch with David Haye has been rescheduled at The O2 on May 5, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
It will be recalled that WBC cruiserweight world champion and fellow Briton Bellew, 34, stopped former heavyweight world champion Haye, 37, in the 11th round in March this year.
The British rivals were forced to put back their planned second fight this month after Haye suffered a bicep injury during training on November 16 that he described as a "freak accident".
But Bellew remains determined to inflict another humbling defeat on Haye following his stunning stoppage victory at the same London venue in March.
"I'm pleased to get a new date in the diary and I look forward to giving boxing fans a great night on May 5," said Bellew.
"To be honest I was looking forward to a great victory in December and a relaxing family break over Christmas, but my mind is still very much on this fight and I will punish him for that.
"I now have a very clear plan for 2018 and that is to knock out David Haye, and then knock out Tyson 'Stavros Flatley' Fury and end both their careers.
"But first thing's first, I need to rid the sport of David Haye on May 5 and I look forward to doing this in what I believe will be an explosive fight."
Haye was "heartbroken" to miss out on a December showdown with Bellew and admits he is fighting to keep alive his career.
"Tony has boasted that the rematch gives him the opportunity to force me into retirement," said Haye. "Unquestionably, I step into the ring on Saturday May 5, with both my career and legacy on the line.
"After my freak accident down a stairwell last month, I was heartbroken not to give everyone the ending to 2017 I wanted. Since then I had to accept the cards I had been dealt, remain positive and focus on factors which are within my control; rehabilitation and rescheduling the fight.
In 2018, 'The Hayemaker' will be back and I will once again give fans the biggest, most explosive, blockbuster fight nights they deserve.
"Over the past five years, I've had a number of challenges to overcome, but learnt often during times of adversity we learn and grow. As a result, come May 5, Tony will be faced with a more experienced and more determined opponent.
"On Saturday May 5, whether you are lucky enough to witness the showcase live, or tune in from home on Sky Sports Box Office, you will not be disappointed. I will give fans the ending I have promised.
"In 2018, 'The Hayemaker' will be back and I will once again give fans the biggest, most explosive, blockbuster fight nights they deserve."
Tickets for the original December 17 date are still valid for this event. If you require a refund, please contact your point of purchase.
Any returned tickets will be returned on general sale via www.theO2.co.uk on Thursday 14th December at midday.
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Caption:
Bellew (right) deals with Haye during their first meeting in March this year. The rematch earlier scheduled for this month has been moved to May 5, 2018.

 



 

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.

 

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].

"He is not just a very important player, he is more than that, looking at his career, how much he means for Barca. I can't say 100 per cent if he will stay or not. That's his decision and you have to respect what each person thinks or does.

"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'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."

The road to unification | How Wilder v Joshua could meet in 2018

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?

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.



 

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.


 

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.

2017 Lagos Gov's Tennis Cup: Khazaniuk wins 1st leg title

Deniz Khazaniuk of Israel on Saturday claimed the first leg of the women’s singles title of the 2017 Governor’s Cup Lagos Tennis Championship.

At the final decided at the centre court of the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club, Onikan, the Israeli defeated two-time champion, Conny Perrin 4-6, 6-1, 6-3.

Conny took the savvy first set in which she and her opponent both held on to their first three serves apiece, while Khazaniuk came back stronger in the second set to take a 3-0 lead and finish the set 6-1.

Swiss star, Perrin did not fare better in the final set as Khazaniuk raced to a 4-0 lead before she (Perrin) rallied to win two straight games.

Khazaniuk woke up from slumber to extend the lead to 5-2 while Perrin too put up resistance to reduce the tally, before the Israeli ended the show by taking the final score to 6-3.
 
The second leg of the competition serves off on Monday, October 16 and will be rounded off on Saturday, October 21 at the same venue.
 
No Nigerian player made it to the quarter-final in the men's singles as Christian Paul emerged the only home-player who played in the second round.
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Caption: Khazaniuk in action.

Kwara DOS, Kazeem begs private sector to support sports

Kwara State Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem has appealed to well-meaning individuals and corporate organisations to complement the efforts of government in the development of sports in Nigeria at large.

He made the appeal while speaking during a reception in honour of the athletes who represented Kwara state in squash at the just-ended 2017 National Youth Games in Ilorin.

Team Kwara won three gold and three silver medals in the boys and girls singles as well as the girls team events, to emerge the overall winner of the squash event at the 2017 NYG.
 
The reception for the athletes and others who represented the state at the NYG was organised by the Kwara State Squash Association, to appreciate the youngsters for making the state proud.
 
Kazeem, who is also the Chairman of Directors’ of Sports Forum in Nigeria, said that government alone cannot shoulder all the responsibilities in sports development, and that the atmosphere in the state is good enough encouragement for the private sector to exploit to assist.
 
The former national badminton star lauded the athletes for their efforts at the Games, even as he commended the association and the Veterans for adding values and encouraging standards in the sport.

Kazeem stated that squash is one of the three events that raked in the most medals that the state won at the 2017 NYG, just as he also praised the coaches for a job well done.
 
In his remarks, chairman, Kwara State Squash Association, Professor Yinka Buhari said that the recognition was to motivate the athletes ahead of future tournaments, and to encourage other budding athletes too in the state.

He said that the association will continue to do its best within the resources available to it, while also expressing displeasure with way the state lost former Kwara champion, Abdulrahman Lanre to Lagos state.

It will be recalled that Rofiat Abdulazeez defeated teammate, Odunade Adeyi 3-1 in the girls singles final, while Durosinlorun Uthman conquered Abdulrahman Nasiru in the boys singles final of the squash event.
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Caption: Kwara Director of Sports, Mallam Tunde Kazeem.

Adepoju wins 2017 OATC/Adesina intra-club tourney

Dr Ladipo Adepoju last Sunday emerged winner of the 2017 Obafemi Awolowo Tennis Club (OATC) intra-club tournament sponsored by a member of the club, Mr Tunji Lam-Adesina.
 
Adepoju, defeated Mr Obinna Odigwe in a nervy final decided on Court 1 of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to claim the star prize of the tournament.
 
The semi-finalists, messrs Emeka Alfred and Tunde Adejuwon also went home with consolation prize money for their efforts.
 
Alfred had lost to the eventual winner while Adejuwon was stopped by Obinna also in the semi-final.

OATC Captain, Mr Kunle Yusuf, in his remarks thanked members for their participation in the tournament, as he noted that organising periodic competitions would aid members to improve.

"The mood of playing in a competition is always different from that of training games and it helps a lot as it can be used as basis for self-evaluation though, we have to de-emphasise winning in order to enhance a healthy competition," Yusuf stated.   

He commended the sponsor for sustaining the tournament which started last year adding that:"the level of support from members of the club has been remarkable and I thank Mr Adesina on behalf of the club for sponsoring this competition for the second year running".

Tennis: Enosoregbe leads Nigerian players in ATP rankings

CLIFFORD Enosoregbe is leading other Nigerian men's professional tennis players in the rankings released by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP).
The Team Civil Defence player is ranked 1168 in the latest world rankings in the men's singles.
Enosoregbe, who is ranked number one is followed by Spain-based Sylvester Emmanuel on the ladder as he is ranked 1170 and number two on the Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF) rankings.
Nigeria's number three, Thomas Otu occupies the 1577 in the world as Edward Christopher and Mohammed Mohammed are jointly ranked 1781 in the world and fourth on the NTF rankings.
The trio of Henry Atseye, Christian Paul and Joseph Imeh are jointly ranked 1963 and joint sixth on the NTF rankings.         
Meanwhile, Sylvester Emmanuel fondly called MAJOR by his admirers is the only Nigerian player ranked by ATP in the men’s doubles. Sylvester who enjoys the sponsorship of Rainoil in Spain is ranked 897 in the World, which serves as his personal best.
However, no player of Nigerian heritage is ranked by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) in the women’s singles category at the time of this publication.
Though, Melissa Ifidzhen born of Nigerian dad and Russian mum is currently ranked World No. 1285 in the women’s doubles category.
In the junior cadre, Adetayo Adetunji shot into the top 400 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junior tennis players in the world.
In the rankings released by the ITF website on Monday, September 18, Adetunji moved up by 155 places to 369 in the world and number 10 in Africa, a feat which was occasioned by her success at the just-ended Junior ITF Circuit championship.
Oyinlomo Quadri, who was in the World’s top 400 last year, has dropped 133 places from No. 500 to No. 633 in the World.
................
National and ATP rankings of Nigerian players

*1. Clifford Enosoregbe          1168
*2. Sylvester Emmanuel         1170
*3. Thomas Otu                       1577
*4. Edward Christopher         1781
*4. Mohammed Mohammed  1781
*6. Henry Atseye                     1963
*6. Christian Paul                   1963
*6. Joseph Imeh                      1963 

Caption: Clifford Enosoregbe (left), after a domestic game against Onyeka Mbanu.

NCC Tennis League: Team Civil Defence win in Ilorin

TEAM Civil Defence at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, over the weekend trounced Team Optiwebb 6-1 in one of the Blue Group fixtures at the ongoing 2017 Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC Tennis League season.
Nonso Madueke gave Team Civil Defence the first victory of the day when he defeated Emmanuel Ikakah 6-1, 6-3 while Abdulmumuni Babalola defeated Uche Okparaoji 6-2, 6-4 in another men's singles game.
Nigeria’s women's number one, Christie Agugbom spanked home girl Ngozi Dirisu 6-0, 6-0 in the ladies singles, while the duo of Abdulmumuni Babalola and Michael Chima nailed the homers' Isaac Emeruwa and Henry John 6-2, 6-4 in the men’s doubles to wrap up the victory on the first day.
The only win recorded by the hosts came through Uche Oparaoji the following day in the reverse men's singles which ended in scratch.
His opponent, Nonso Madueke who won the first set 7-5 could not finish the second set due to ill-health though with Oparaoji leading 5-2.
However, former national champion, Clifford Enosorogbe gave the visitors another win in the second reverse men's singles as he beat Isaac Emeruwa 6-1, 6-0.
The the 2015 inaugural winners rounded off the fixture with victory in the mixed doubles when the pair of Babalola and Agugbom hammered  Optiwebb’s pair of Oluchi Ozurumba and Henry John 6-3, 6-1.
Meanwhile, Team Civil Defence are third on the table behind Team Kalotari also with three points, as Team Muller already with four points have landed in the semi-final of the competition.

Caption: Abdulmumuni Babalola, inspires Team Civil Defence to another victory at the ongoing 2017 NCC Tennis League season.

Nigeria's Bulus settles for silver at ITF Junior Circuit

Nigeria's Christopher Bulus failed in his bid to land a major international title over the weekend, following a 0-6, 1-6 loss to Eliakim Coulibaly of Cote d'Ivoire in the final of the ITF U18 Circuit in Togo.
The 16-year-old Aces Tennis Club of Lagos player went into the game with a bright chance as he puts up a commanding display to beat Coulibaly's compatriot, Alex Cyrille Lago 6-1, 6-1 in the semi-final but he endured a battering from the 15-year-old, who hits series of forehand winners in an opening set bagel win.
Bulus' last two meetings with the Ivorian had seen him (Bulus) won the opening set but unlike Coulibaly who clawed back to win on both occasions - including the final of a similar tournament in April - there was no way back for the 2017 CBN Open quarter-finalist as he was puzzled by the dominant and aggressive style of the player who is fast becoming one of the fiercest junior players in Africa since his move in 2015 to the ITF High Performance Centre in Casablanca, Morocco.
The final week begins on Monday and it remained to be seen if Bulus will cap his display with the top prize having placed third in the Benin Leg won by homeboy Delmas N'tcha, who was halted by Coulibaly in the semi-final.
Focus will also be on Oyinlomo Barakat Quadre, left an indelible mark by winning all the three legs last year while she was still on scholarship at the High Performance Centre in Morocco. She lost in the quarter finals in the first two legs although the first leg was won by Nigeria's Adetayo Adetunji.
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Caption:

Nigeria's Christopher Bulus (right) before an international game.

ITF Junior Circuit: Nigeria's Bulus lands in final

Nigeria’s Christopher Bulus on Friday qualified for the boys' singles final of the 2107 ITF Junior Circuit in Togo with a roller-coaster 6-1, 6-1 win over Alex Lago of Cote d'ivoire.
Bulus reached the semi-finals of the Benin Leg of the point-earning tournament where he lost to eventual winner Delmas N'tcha of Benin Republic and is now a victory away from bagging the crown which could see him rise significantly in the world junior rankings.
Before claiming the scalp of Lago, the 16-year-old's breathless display at the Stade Omnisports which has also saw him defeat Indian Vansh Bhagtani 6-2, 6-2 and Hugo Jardin of France 7-6, 6-4 in the second round and quarter-finals respectively, is expected to fire him up for the final where he will meet the winner of the clash between sixth-seeded Nt'cha and Eliakim Coulibaly, the second seed from Cote d'ivoire.
The Aces Tennis Club of Lagos player, who was a surprise quarter-finalist at this year's CBN Open, has now reached his second final in the circuit in five months having appeared in the championship match in a similar tournament in May in Cote d'ivoire where incidentally, he
lost to Coulibaly 6-1, 5-7, 4-6.
In the girls' singles, there was no respite for title holder, Oyinlomo Barakat Quadri, as she bowed 3-6, 4-6, in the quarter-finals to unseeded Margaux Rouvroy of France. She was beaten at the same stage last week by Indian Bhakti Bawani.
Nigeria's Adetayo Adetunji who won the Benin Leg last weekend is not participating this time. The final week of the tournament featuring about 90 participants from over 25 countries is scheduled to serve-off on Monday.
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Caption:
Nigeria's Adetayo Adetunji, absent at the ongoing tournament in Togo.

Ayenugba jnr wins NFF Future Eagles U13 zonal tournament with Team Kwara

SON of Nigerian international, Dele Ayenugba, Daniel, also a goalkeeper has inspired Kwara state team to win the North Central zone of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF Future Eagles U13 zonal championship. 
The youngsters from Kwara defeated their counterparts from Nasarawa state in the final decided in Abuja last weekend and Daniel, the son of Ayenugba who won the CAF Champions League back-to-back in 2003 and 2004 as well as the African Super Cup with Enyimba, used the tourney to launch himself as a potential goalkeeper.
Eight players from Kwara state teams, three from the U13 and five from the U15 have been selected as part of the squad that will represent the North Central zone at the national finals in Kano.
An elated Daniel speaking after the victory of Kwara's U13 team said his dad now with Hapoel Ashkelon of Israel serves as his inspiration.
"Of course yes, my father is my role model and he has been encouraging
me to play football.
"He corrects my mistakes anytime he watched me either during a match or a training session and he always buy kits for me. I am happy we won this competition and I am hoping to be a better goalkeeper so that I can also play outside the country like my dad," the 10-year-old pupil of Stephen Fountain Primary School, Ilorin, told bunmiblair.blogspot.com.ng.
Meanwhile, the NFF Future Eagles U13 national finals comprising all the six geo-political zones in the country hold from October 13 to 15 in Kano.
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Caption: Daniel Ayenugba (right) with his counterpart from Nasarawa state, David Lucky after their Future Eagles U13 zonal final in Abuja.

NCC Tennis League: Team Oluyole suffer third straight defeat

TEAM Oluyole last weekend at the Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, suffered their third straight defeat at the ongoing  2017Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC Tennis League.
The Ibadan team were humiliated 1-6 by Team Optiweb in what served as
the first win of the season by the Ilorin-based side in the Blue group.
Uche Okparaoji gave Team Optiweb their first victory on Saturday, September 9 as he triumphed over Adewale Samson in the men's singles.
It was Samson who stunned the home boy in the first set 6-3, but was
unable to maintain the tempo as he lost 2-6 in the second set and also 4-6 in the final set.
The visitors however, rose to the occasion in the second game as Sunday Okechukwu outplayed home boy, Isaac Emeruwa in a fixture which also dragged to three sets.
Okechukwu won the first set 6-4, but was rattled in the second set 2-6, while 'Tsonga' as he is fondly called, by his admirers regained his composure to win the third set 6-1.
It turned out to be the only victory by Team Oluyole in the match day three fixture as they lost the subsequent five games. 
Interestingly, Okechukwu remains the only who had won a singles game so far from Team Oluyole as he had in the season's opener defeated George Abamu of Team VGC Lions in Ibadan also by two sets to one.
Team Optiweb in the third game of the day restored lead through Oluchi Ozurumba who outplayed Colleen Orji in the women's singles 6-3, 6-3.
The homers consolidated through the men's doubles as the duo of Henry John and Kareem Badmus hammered Kunle Bamidele and Ganiyu Salami of Team Oluyole 6-2, 6-1 to wrap up the day on 3-1 advantage.
The woes of the visitors however, continued the following day {Sunday, September 10} as Sunday Okechukwu this time in the reverse men's singles was battered by Kareem Badmus 6-1, 6-2.
The result sealed Team Optiweb's victory as they had picked up the maximum four wins in the seven-game fixture.
Ismaila Adesina also of Team Oluyole lost to Uche Okparaoji 6-1, 6-4 in another reverse men's singles.
Henry John and Oluchi Ozurumba recorded Team Optiweb's last victory in the fixture as they spanked the duo of veteran, Wasiu Ibrahim and Colleen Orji 6-2, 6-3 in the mixed doubles.
Meanwhile, Team Muller of Lagos maintained 100 per cent winning record in the Blue group as they recorded a hard fought 4-3 victory in Port Harcourt over hosts, Team Kalotari to sit atop the ladder with three points.
Also, Team Civil Defence inspired by veteran Abdulmumuni Babalola maintained their second position on the table as they hammered hosts Team VGC Lions of Lagos 7-0 at their VGC Club Lekki tennis courts.
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Caption: VGC Lions' Martins Abamu in action.

2017 NPFL Match day 38 results, scorers

*Plateau United  2 Enugu Rangers 0
Emeka Umeh     (25th min)
Benjamin Turba (89th min)

*IfeanyiUbah   1 Lobi Stars 1   
Anthony Okpotu -Lobi    (24th min)
Samuel Ayorinde -I/Ubah (68th min)

*Abia Warriors 4 Rivers Utd 1
Guy Keumian-Rivers Utd
Ndifreke Effiong -Abia (2 goals)
Stanley Nwuju    -Abia
Moses Onduemeke  -Abia

*Akwa United   3 Kano Pillars  0
Musa Newman
Christian Pyagbara
Michael Ibeh

*El-Kanemi     2 MFM, Lagos 1
Ibrahim Babangida - El-Kanemi (6th min)
Stanley Okorom    - MFM       (37th min)
Yahuza Bala       -El-Kanemi  (+92th min)

*Enyimba       1 Katsina United 0
Stephen Chukwude (10th min)   

*Gombe United  0 Wikki Tourists 1
Chigozie Maurice (Own goal, 23rd min)       

*Nasarawa Utd  2 ABS, Ilorin 1
Seun Sogbeso     -Nasarawa (53rd min)
Samuel Oyedeji -ABS         (75th min)
Seun Sogbeso    -Nasarawa (89th min)

*Niger Tornadoes 2 Shooting Stars 0
Babawo Ibrahim   (12th min)
Ebenezer Odeyemi (60th min)
   
*Remo Stars 0 Sunshine Stars 1   
Sikiru Alimi (65th min)
............

HIGHLIGHTS:

*Plateau United clinch 2017 NPFL title with 66 points

*Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars wins Golden Boot Award with 19 goals
*Shooting Stars, ABS, Gombe United, Remo Stars relegated

Caption:
Anthony Okpotu, his goal against FC IfeanyiUbah earns him the Golden Boot award having finished the season with 19 goals, one ahead of Stephen Odey of MFM FC of Lagos now with FC Zurich.

NCC Tennis League: Team Oluyole in search of first win in Ilorin

TEAM Oluyole will this weekend attempt to secure their first win of the season in the 2017 NCC Tennis League as they face Team Optiweb of Ilorin at the Kwara State Stadium Tennis courts.
Interestingly, the two sides are yet to win in the ongoing NCC Tennis League season.

Team Optiweb suffered defeats in their first two games at the hands of Team Kalotari and Team Muller in Lagos, while Team Oluyole lost 2-5 to Team VGC Lions of Lagos and Team Civil Defence 0-7 at the Lekan Salami Stadium tennis courts.

The Ilorin-based side boast Uche Oparaoji who beat Emmanuel Idoko of Team Muller 2-6, 7-6, 10-8 in Lagos, Isaac Emeruwa, Henry John, Oluchi Ozurumba. The pair of John and Oluchi in the mixed doubles outplayed Mohammed Mohammed and Deborah Gbadamosi 4-6, 6-3, 11-9 in Lagos, on match day two of the 2017 NCC Tennis League season and will look forward to reenacting the feat against Team Oluyole this weekend.

Two men’s singles, one ladies’ singles and one men’s doubles will be staged on Saturday, while on Sunday, September 10, two men’s singles and one mixed doubles will be played as matches at all venues are scheduled to start at 10.am daily.

Team Oluyole according to the chairman of Oyo State Tennis Association, Alhaji Rasheed Oloyede, would not disappoint in Ilorin.

Oloyede, former Nigerian tennis star and Davis Cup player who watched the training session of Team Oluyole during the week, noted that with proper motivation, Team Oluyole have quality players who can hold their own anywhere saying "I believe our chances of winning in Ilorin are
very bright".

He stated that Team Oluyole would correct all the flaws noticed this season adding that: "this is our first season and with time, we shall take our rightful place in the NCC Tennis League because we have the materials but they have to be well motivated to deliver the goods".

It will be recalled, that Team Oluyole parade the likes of Wasiu Ibrahim, Adewale Samson, Ismaila Adesina, Kunle Bamidele, Salami Ganiyu, Sunday Okechukwu, Colleen Orji, Bukola Popoola and youngster Kaosarat Adegboyega this season.

Meanwhile, Blue Group leaders, Team Kalotari will try to consolidate as they host strong newcomers Team Muller in Port Harcourt also on Saturday, September 9.

Kalotari who are unbeaten this season in the NCC Tennis League boast enterprising Christian Paul, Emmanuel Sunday, Ikechukwu Iloputa and Blessing Samuel, among others, to record their third straight win of the season.

At the Victoria Garden City, Lekki, Team VGC Lions host the inaugural 2015 NCC Tennis League champions and star-studded Team Civil Defence that boast three national champions – Christie Agugbom, Babalola Abdulmumuni and Clifford Enosoregbe.

VGC Lions with two points in the kitty parade the likes of Abamu brothers, George and Martins, Onyeka Mbano, as well as Loveth Donatus, who will have to face fireworks from Nigeria's number one Agugbom this weekend.

http://sportsdayonline.com/ncc-tennis-league-port-harcourt-hosts-crucial-tie/

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Caption:
Team Oluyole's Sunday Okechukwu, set for the clash with Team Optiweb.

2017 NPFL Match day 38 fixtures

Saturday, September 9

Enyimba                      vs Katsina Utd
Plateau United            vs Rangers FC
Gombe United            vs Wikki Tourists
Abia Warriors            vs Rivers Utd
Nasarawa United       vs ABS FC
El-Kanemi Warriors vs MFM, Lagos
Akwa United             vs Kano Pillars
Niger Tornadoes       vs Shooting Stars
IfeanyiUbah              vs Lobi Stars
Remo Stars               vs Sunshine Stars

Aiteo Federation Cup Round of 16 fixtures

Women:

Pelican Stars Vs FC Robo Queens
Confluence Queens Vs Sure Babes
Bayelsa Queens Feeders Vs Edo Queens
Rivers Angels Vs Ben Women FC
Sunshine Queens Vs Bayelsa Queens
Beautiful Tours Vs Nasarawa Amazons
Jokodolu Babes Vs Abia Angels
Osun Babes Vs Ibom Angels

Men:
FC Abuja Vs Niger Tornadoes
Akwa Starlets/Doma United Vs Plateau United
Ngwa FC Vs Sunshine Stars
Osun United Vs El-Kanemi Babes
Unicem Rovers Vs ABS FC
Akwa United/Yobe Stars Vs Shooting Stars
Ekiti United Vs Katsina United Feeders
FC IfeanyiUbah Vs Heartland FC

* All fixtures are for September 13, with the matches going into a replay at the home of Team B on September 16 in case of a draw in any of them.

2017 NPFL Match day 37 table

                                             P    W    D    L    F    A    GD    PTS
1. Plateau United               37    18   09   10   47   25   +22    63
2. MFM FC                        37    19   05   13   41   39    +02    62
3. Enyimba                        37    17    07   13   42   28    +14    58
4. Akwa United                 37   16    09    12    43    30   +13   57
5. Kano Pillars                  37    16    06    15    38    32  +06    54
6. Lobi Stars                      37    15    08    14    42    38 +04    53
7. Nasarawa United           37    15    08    14    33    29   +4    53
8. IfeanyiUbah                   37    15    08    14    38    37   +1    53
9. Enugu Rangers              37    14    11    12    39    42   -03   53
10. El Kanemi Warriors    37    17    02    18    37    42  -05   53
11. Rivers United              37    14    10    13    33    29    +04   52
12. Katsina United             37    15   07    15    37    37     00    52
13. Sunshine Stars              37    16   03    18    40    43    -03   51
14. Niger Tornadoes           37    15   06    16    29    35   -06    51
15. Abia Warriors              37    14    08    15    40    35    +5    50
16. Shooting Stars             37    13    11    13    32    36    -04    50
17. Wikki Tourists            37    15   05    17    35    41   -06      50
18. ABS Ilorin                   37    14    7    16    36    48    -12     49
19. Gombe United            37    11    10    16    32    47    -15    43
20. Remo Stars                  37    07   08    22    27    48    -21    29

2017 NPFL Match Day 37 results, scorers

*Enugu Rangers 1 Enyimba    1
Ikechukwu Ibenegbu -Enyimba (22nd min)
Chibuzor Madu      -Rangers (87th min)

*Wikki Tourists 1 Plateau United 0
Chinedu Onyelonu (62nd min)

*Rivers United  3 Gombe United 0
Bernard Ovoke (47th, 65th min)
Bolaji Sakin  (90th min)

*ABS, Ilorin    2 Abia Warriors 1
Moses Omoduemuke -Abia (4th min)
Adesina Gata     -ABS  (51st, 90th min)
 
*MFM, Lagos     2 Nasarawa United 0
Stanley Okorom (13th min)
Tchato Giscard (44th min)  

*Kano Pillars   2 El-Kanemi Warriors 0
Junior Lokosa  (18th min)
Jamil Mohammed (45th min)

*Shooting Stars 1 Akwa United 0
Seun Akinyemi (83rd min)
 
*Lobi Stars     1 Niger Tornadoes 0
Anthony Okpotu (56th min)
 
*Sunshine Stars 4 FC IfeanyiUbah 0
Ajibola Otegbeye (18th min)
Kelechi Ogoh     (55th, 73rd min)
Tope Orelope     (80th min)

*Katsina United 3 Remo Stars 0

2017 NPFL Match Day 37 fixtures

Sunday, September 3

Katsina United    vs Remo Stars
Rangers                vs Enyimba
Wikki Tourists    vs Plateau United 
Rivers United      vs Gombe United
ABS, Ilorin          vs Abia Warriors 
MFM, Lagos       vs Nasarawa United  
Kano Pillars        vs El-Kanemi Warriors 
Shooting Stars    vs Akwa United 
Lobi Stars           vs Niger Tornadoes 
Sunshine Stars   vs FC IfeanyiUbah

Bright Future Cycling Club coordinator hails team's cyclists

The coordinator of Bright Future Cycling Club, Ibadan, Mr Kolapo Aminu has expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team at the recently-ended 1st Ibadan National Cycling championship.
Innocent Emmanuel of Sharks Racing Club, Port Harcourt won the 100km race ahead of Eyo Effiok and Sodiq Ajibade both of CC 12 of Lagos.
Popoola Dolapo of Bright Future Cycling Club, Ibadan won the bronze in the girls category when she returned in a time of one hour, 15:27 seconds in a race won by Tawa Yekini of Oyo State who returned in a time of one hour, 34:00 seconds as Alice Miebaka from Rivers State
finished in a time of 1 hr, 13:30 seconds to claim the silver medal.
"We are happy at the progress of our wards, they are taking part in tournaments for exposure so that in the nearest future, they would be the cyclists to beat. We don't make winning a top priority and we are consciously building in our cyclists the spirit of sportsmanship.
"So, our wards did their best and we are hoping that they would raise the name of BFCC in the 2017 National Youth Sports Festival. We try to measure the performance of every cyclist in our own way using certain indices because not every athlete will win a medal in a race, but when
we are reviewing their performances, we will be able to discover some improvements and where we did not, we let the cyclists know this and make him or her to improve," Kolapo said.