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Kwese Basketball League: Rivers Hoopers make strong road statements

16/6/2017

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Rivers Hoopers have proved they can be a dominant force at home and on the road, showing this in their last couple of road games and results they pulled.


Their road regime started from Ilorin on May 25th where they suffered their biggest ever loss in professional basketball, losing 93- 57 to the Kwara Falcons.



Though Somto Managor polled 11 points and 2 rebounds in that one, it still was not enough.


In that one, Ogor Odaudu, coach of the Hoopers would not be drawn into suggestions that his side lost due to fatigue but to the mistakes they made on the court.


"When Kwara Falcons came to Port Harcourt they traveled in a worse condition than us and they still put up a good performance. I won't attribute it to fatigue. I think we just played terribly. We could not string two or three passes together, we could not run two offences back to back perfectly.


"You can not win basketball with that amount of mistakes. We will go back to our drawing board because our focus now is on our next game against Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan," said a furious Odaudu.


And true to his words, the Hoopers shook off the lethargy of that scandalous loss when they played in Ibadan two days later, winning 78-71.


This time it was Solomon Ajegbeyi who took matters into his own hands with a game high of 18 points, grabbing 4 rebounds and 3 assists.


Three days later, on June 1, the Kingsmen, as Hoopers are called were in Lagos to face off against the NAF rockets and they won 70-64, giving their Atlantic Conference rivals some cause for concern.


The game in Lagos gave Solomon Ajegbeyi his 4th double double of the season as he got 12 points and 11 rebounds as well as a block while Emmanuel Balogun had a game high of 19 points with Donald Alalibo contributing 12 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.


If there was any doubts as to the Hoopers being back from their slumber, this result cleared it all, but the King’s men were not done yet, were they?


They made it back to back wins in Lagos, surviving a late scare to beat newly promoted Hoops & Read 59-63 the next Saturday with Alalibo scoring 17 points and 4 rebounds while Emmanuel Balogun contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds.


Ajegbeyi missed out on a 5th double double as he managed only 9 points and 12 rebounds in the game.


Against Hoops and Reed, the Kingsmen had a strong start into the game, depriving the hosts defensively while getting easy baskets.


With scores at 11-15 and 1:55 seconds remaining, Hoopers made a 12-0 run (11-25) to extend the lead.


The 14 points lead was however reduced to 7points by the end of second quarter with three straight 3-point shots from Owen Oriake who contributed 16 points and 5 rebounds for the Lagos based side.

Disappointingly, the Port Harcourt side were left to chase the game in the third quarter due to serial missed shots, poor defending and scoring just 9 points in the quarter. Hoops & Read tied the game with 8 seconds left to play 46-46 before the Hoopes finally out scored them 63-59.



After that grueling game in Lagos, Hoopers coach, Ogoh Odaudu explained, "It was a very interesting game and tough. We did all the things we were supposed to do even though we started breaking down a little bit towards the third and fourth quarter but we did all we were supposed to do and we came out victorious.


"These guys are young, they are energetic all they wanted to do was run up and down the court," Odaudu said.


Before their return to Port Harcourt, the Kingsmen stopped over in Asaba for a date with Delta Force and once again won 74-79 to return to the top of the Conference table.


Emmanuel Balogun scored 14 points, 9 rebounds and 3 steals, Ronald Alalibo added 13 points and 7 rebounds while Buchi Nwaiwu made his first double digit of the season scoring 10 points and 2 blocked shots.


In all, Hoopers suffered a total of 32 turnovers, 14 more than their opponents, but made 47 rebounds, scoring 7 of their 21 three points shots with three of the 7 from Alalibo in the second half.


Despite a late rally by Delta Force in the last quarter (25-17), Hoopers held on to leapfrog Kwara Falcons on top of the Atlantic conference after the Ilorin-based side lost earlier in the day to Oluyole Warriors in Ibadan.


The KingsMen have now won four games in a row since the emphatic loss to Falcons on May 25 in Ilorin.


Was Odaudu excited over the win and their new found form? Surely he was.


“It was a good game. The most important thing is that we won the game even though we didn't play to the level we were supposed to play.


"I think I will blame it on the fact that most of these guys have the break in their head already. They are thinking of their families, homes etc that was what the problem was. All in all it was a good game, we won and that's our main objective," said Odaudu.


Meanwhile, after observing a 2 week break in the League, the Hoopers will return to the courts in Lagos, another road game to face the Nigeria Customs on June 22 and then the Police Baton on June 24.





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Bode Oyerinde to invest in more Squash coaches and referees

12/6/2017

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As the countdown to the National Sports Federations elections continue, Boye Oyerinde has promised to invest more in the technical department of the Nigeria Squash Federation upon assumption of office as President.



The current board member of the Lagos State Squash Association, LSSA traced some of the problems facing the Federation to the deficiency of the technical department at the national level.


To this end, Oyerinde has promised to identify and establish relevant development training programs with internationally acceptable certification for coaches and referees across Nigeria to expose them to the latest techniques of the game.


“So many things are happening every day in squash, but because our technical personnel do not attend trainings and seminars, it is difficult for them to be up to date with these changes.


"When our referees and coaches mingle with their counterparts at the international level, it will bring them to relevance in the international squash community."


Oyerinde lamented that a country such as Nigeria with a population of over 170million people cannot boast of a national team to represent her in international competitions.


The current tournament Director for LSSA who is vying for the vacant presidential post at the election slated for 13th of June in Abuja emphasized the need for a robust media presence to create awareness, promote and report its activities to the world.


“We are going to establish closed satellite tournaments within the country that would bring our players to relevance through Professional Squash Association (PSA) scoring tournaments as we continue to create awareness for the game of squash in Nigeria.


“We will also work with the technical team to develop a robust grass roots program for the development of squash while efforts will be intensified to establish a national team complimented with Coaches, Trainers, Physio doctors and psychologists that will represent our country and make impact in the International squash circuit,” Oyerinde concluded.



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Real Madrid make history, thrash Juve 4-1 to retain Champions League title

3/6/2017

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PicturePic: Getty Images
Dermot Corrigan
CARDIFF, Wales -- Real Madrid wrote another page in the club's gilded history on Saturday as they became the first team to retain the Champions League in its modern expanded format. This current Blancos side also confirmed their place as one of this competition's best-ever teams by easing to a 4-1 win over Juventus at Cardiff's Principality Stadium.


After an even first half in which Cristiano Ronaldo's crisp strike was canceled out by Mario Mandzukic's breathtaking and acrobatic volley (more on that below), Zinedine Zidane's men took control after the break. Casemiro's deflected effort put Madrid ahead and Ronaldo then quickly ended the contest with his second of the night before substitute Marco Asensio capped the night late on. Juve put on an impressive showing in the first 45 minutes but they were blown away when Real upped the tempo after the break and skipper Sergio Ramos lifted what was their third Champions League trophy of the past four years.




Once the preposterous pregame show had been cleared away, Juventus began the game very positively. They almost went ahead on six minutes as Miralem Pjanic's 20-yard effort brought an excellent flying save from Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Their fans had more to cheer when Paulo Dybala nutmegged Marcelo with a back-heel pass in his own half.


Madrid didn't sit back and admire it, though, and on 20 minutes, they had gone ahead. It was a typically razor sharp break from Zidane's side with Karim Benzema feeding Ronaldo, who played a one-two with Dani Carvajal before sweeping a 15-yard shot inside the far post. Juve might have been rocked but they surged again, producing a superb team move at the end of which Mandzukic scored one of the great Champions League final goals. Both teams then seemed to need a breather as we got to half-time after a frenetic but high quality first 45.


Madrid began the second half strong, with Isco and Modric heavily involved while Juve were pushed back. A 20-yard effort from Isco was comfortably saved by Buffon, while Ronaldo just could not reach Marcelo's deliciously curling cross. The pressure finally told when Casemiro's speculative shot found its way into the bottom corner, with the ball flicking off Khedira's heels and spinning beyond Buffon's reach.


Juve's resistance was really broken just three minutes later as Madrid went for the jugular. Modric drove to the byline and hooked the ball back with Ronaldo again perfectly placed to spin a first-time finish past Buffon, who was powerless on his line.


Substitute Juan Cuadrado's late dismissal, picking up a second yellow card for a late foul on Ramos (who arguably embellished the contact) was the final ounce of fight from a beaten Juve side. Fellow replacement Asensio sparked joyous celebrations when he finished from close range late on.


Madrid's 2014 and 2016 final victories were dramatic, agonising affairs won right at the death. Yet their performance on Saturday was complete and Zidane's side genuinely deserve to go down as one of the best club sides ever.


2. Ronaldo, Casemiro two sides of the same Zidane coin


It was telling that Ronaldo had barely featured in the game before his goal: the one time he tried to cut in and shoot ended with five Juve players crowding him out. But he knew exactly what to do when he received the ball from Karim Benzema, flicking the ball to the overlapping Carvajal and then holding his position to avoid the Juventus centre-backs before passing the ball into the net, nudging it just out of Buffon's reach (although it did flick off Leonardo Bonucci on its way in).


The Portugal international wasn't intimately involved in Real's general play for the next 44 minutes but he was exactly where he needed to be when Modric fizzed in a cross; again, his finish was deadly efficient. That took Ronaldo to 12 goals in the Champions League this season, one ahead of Barcelona's Lionel Messi, sealing another year as the competition's top scorer.


In between Ronaldo's goals was Casemiro's strike, a less expected strike but one that proved just as valuable for Madrid. The holding midfielder does not score many and got lucky in a way, but his performances from deep midfield have been huge through recent months. He's become a vital cog for Zidane.


Both goalscorers were emblematic of the former galactico's masterful management of his multi-talented squad. Zidane's success in convincing Ronaldo that he needed rest earlier in the year was key to the 32-year-old's late burst of goals that have driven them to the league/Champions League double. Just as important has been Zidane's ability to convince lesser-sung players like Casemiro of their worth to the squad.




Mandukic's screamer will be lost in history


Mandzukic's goal was a strike to grace any final. The Croatia international showed tremendous skill to take the ball on his chest 14 yards out and, with his back to goal, hook a falling volley over his own head that dropped perfectly into the far top corner. Navas might have done better to reach the ball but the element of surprise caught out the Madrid goalkeeper.




The audacity and execution immediately drew comparisons with Zidane's own stunner in Madrid's victory up the road in Glasgow back in 2002. Alex Sandro's volleyed cross and Higuain's controlled lay-off were also sensational: in all, it was five touches between three players without the ball hitting the ground before it hit the net. But Juve could not build on it and were completely steamrolled by Madrid in the second half. Key players like Gonzalo Higuain and Pjanic were nowhere -- even their much vaunted "BBC" defence was overrun.


In the end Juve, made another type of history in losing a fifth consecutive European Cup final, and the seventh of the nine in which they've competed. They will take away Mandzukic's goal from Cardiff, but little else.

Culled from www.kwese.espn.com


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Nigeria’s Ekundayo to fight for vacant WBO Intercontinental title

3/6/2017

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One of the World’s Leading boxing promoters Frank Warren, as announced that elite Nigerian boxer, Larry “The Natural” Ekundayo, will be fighting for the WBO Inter-continental welterweight title at the Copper Box Arena, London on July the 8th 2017.


The undefeated, former African boxing champion and Prize Fighter winner has been given the opportunity to fight for this prestige’s title as the main support to Billy Joe Saunders, who headlines the show and is defending his world title live on BTSports.


Larry Ekundayo (12-0) will fight against the highly ranked and much feared Gary Corcoran, who has an impressive (16-1) record and who has recently campaigned at a higher weight division. Should Ekundayo overcome this challenge he will be catapulted high into the WBO world rankings, with a world title shot in sight.


“The Natural” recently attracted major media attention in Nigeria, and across Africa, as world Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua, recorded a special message requesting that all Nigerians get behind Larry in his forthcoming title fight.


Speaking from his training base in London U.K, Ekundayo, who proudly wears the green and white of Nigeria into battle, said “I would really likely to thank my management team, MTK, for arranging this title shot and for Frank Warren for giving me an opportunity to showcase my skills in front of a global audience.”


Ekundayo, represents the country’s best opportunity of delivering sporting success in 2017 for those who wear the Nigerian colours. He is thrilled to have the whole nation behind him, saying “They have recently passed a bill in the Nigerian National Assembly to help support me and help bring big time boxing back to Nigeria, if we as fighters are supported correctly we can rule the world of boxing!”


Larry, and fellow elite level boxer, Olusegun Ajose, were recently blessed by Ooni of Ife with further promise of support, not only for the boxers but for all Nigerians in the Diaspora seeking to bring glory to their fatherland. His Royal Majesty the Ooni of Ife had earlier urged all Nigerians in the UK and Europe to attend the boxing event to give maximum support to Larry in his forthcoming bout

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Squash will be great again- Oyerinde

3/6/2017

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Boye Oyerinde has assured that his wealth of experience in the corporate world and the sports circle will be brought to bear as to achieve resounding success if elected as the President of Nigeria Squash Federation.



The current Director of Tournaments and member of the Lagos State Squash Association who was in charge of the 2013 and 2014 Lagos International Squash Classic with 11 countries in attendance lamented the dearth of the game in Nigeria.


Speaking recently in Akure during the donation of sports equipment to squash players in Ondo state, Boye emphasized that players in Nigeria can become real global contenders if well harnessed under a visionary leadership and vibrant environment.


“Before the 2013 and 2014 Lagos International Squash Classics, we assembled 8 of the top players in Nigeria at a camp in Lagos, sponsored their training programs through financial contributions and monitoring of their training programs.


In 4 months we realized that no other player could play at the level of these players in the country while one of them got to the finals of the 2013 LISC tournament. 2 of our players got to the Quarter finals of the 2014 tournament despite a large presence of international PSA players.”


He assured that the board will hit the ground running if elected during the National Sports Federations election slated for Abuja on the 13th of June, 2017 programs with athletes oriented programs already lined up.


“Through the support of the PSA, I am presently in touch with the National Urban Squash and Education Association in the USA to assist in developing a solid squash/educational youth program where good squash players from Nigeria can access educational scholarships.”


He stressed the need to unify the different factions within the Squash federation and direct their attention towards developing the game in Nigeria.


“The polarization of the sport has adversely affected its development. We have so many individuals and even corporate organizations who are interested in investing in squash, but because the house is not united and always in the news for bad reasons, these prospective partners are scared.


We need all hands on deck to meet our objective of developing this great game and bring back the old glory to the game of squash in Nigeria.”

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Could Atletico’s transfer ban aid Liverpool’s bid for Lacazette?

1/6/2017

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​Henry Jackson

Liverpool have received a boost in their attempts to sign Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, after Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was upheld.


It was confirmed on Thursday morning that Diego Simeone’s side will not be able to sign new players until January 1, 2018, with their transfer ban upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.

While this acts a major blow for the La Liga giants, it has a potentially positive knock-on effect for Liverpool.

Atletico were reportedly on the verge of bringing Lacazette, one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers, to the club this summer, but that now appears unlikely.

The Reds are one of a host of other clubs to have been linked with acquiring the 26-year-old’s signature in recent times, and their odds are likely to have been slashed after Thursday’s news.

Liverpool are badly in need of signing a genuinely top class striker ahead of next season, with Champions League football meaning more depth and quality is needed.

With Daniel Sturridge‘s future up in the air, and injuries a constant issue, Jurgen Klopp doesn’t have a world-class finisher to rely on.

Lacazette would be just that, having scored 129 goals in 275 appearances for Lyon – 113 in his last four seasons – and he would provide good competition for current first-choice striker Roberto Firmino.

An added positive to Atletico’s transfer ban is that it may mean they cannot afford star player Antoine Griezmann to leave, depriving Man United of a fantastic signing.


It should be stressed that Lacazette could still move to Atletico, but the fact that his debut would be delayed until January would surely work against that idea.

In terms of playing style, the Frenchman would perfectly suit Klopp’s Liverpool, and if they could get a deal over the line this summer, it would be a significant piece of business.


Culled from www.thisisanfield.com

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FIFA U20 World Cup: Uruguay, England, Zambia dance into last eight

1/6/2017

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The Zambians danced, the Uruguayans embraced each other, and the English players let out loud yells while punching the air: the victorious teams that emerged from the three Round of 16 matches played out on Wednesday at the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 all had their own ways of unleashing unbridled joy.


The Africans made it through to the quarter-final stage for the first time ever, following a tremendously exciting battle with Germany in Jeju, while Uruguay put in a determined and focused performance to see off Saudi Arabia, leaving the tournament without any Asian representatives in the last eight for the first time since Colombia 2011.


England arrived in Korea holding an unenviable record of 17 consecutive matches without a win at the U-20 World Cup, but having defeated Costa Rica – their third victory of this year’s event – to advance to the quarters for the first time in 24 years, that statistical anomaly has now been firmly consigned to the past.


Results
Round of 16: Uruguay 1-0 Saudi Arabia | England 2-1 Costa Rica | Zambia 4-3 Germany (aet)


Memorable moments
Double celebration for de la Cruz


Nicolas de la Cruz has had a special relationship with penalties recently, both at the South American U-20 Championship and the U-20 World Cup. Against Italy, in Uruguay’s opening match at Korea Republic 2017, he missed from the spot, as he did versus Venezuela during the all South American showdown. However, in a case of history repeating itself, just as he made amends in February by slotting home a penalty in La Celeste’s subsequent match against Argentina, the resilient skipper made no mistake from 12 yards in Suwon, firing home to propel his team into the quarter-finals at the expense of Saudi Arabia. In doing so, the midfielder, who turns 20 tomorrow and who celebrated by tucking the ball under his jersey in a reference to his partner’s recently-announced pregnancy, notched the 100th goal of the 2017 U-20 World Cup.


Jeju draws curtain with classic clash


After hosting seven matches at Korea Republic 2017, Jeju closed its doors with a high-tempo match that will last long in the memories of the fans in the stands, who witnessed an intense final eight minutes packed with goals and a fine winner in extra time that saw Zambia move on to the next round. At the 86th-minute mark, the Junior Chipolopolo appeared to have wrapped up proceedings when Mwepu finished off a lightning-quick counter attack to put them 3-1 up. But that was discounting the Germans’ renowned never-say-die attitude: they pulled one back in the 89th minute through Suat Serdar’s fantastic back-heeled flick, and then Jonas Arweiler, inexplicably left unmarked in the box, equalised deep into stoppage time. The African champions regained the lead via Shemmy Mayembe in the 107th minute, and although Serdar came close to equalising at the very end, they held on for a famous 4-3 win. The Zambians celebrated their success in style, with Mayembe leading them in a merry dance in front of their joyous supporters.


Toffees provide sweet moment for England


Too much toffee can often make you feel a little sick, but that was not the case for England in Jeonju. The Young Lions qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time since Australia 1993, and they were helped along the way by three players on the books at Everton, a club commonly known as the Toffees after a confectionary business located near Goodison Park, where the sticky sweets are often thrown into the crowd before matches. In the first half, Jonjoe Kenny set up Ademola Lookman for his team’s opening goal, and halfway through the second period, Dominic Calvert-Lewin galloped down the left and sent in a low cross, which Lookman controlled instantly, prior to side-stepping a pair of defenders and poking the ball through goalkeeper Erick Pineda’s legs.


The words


“It’s overwhelming to have grabbed the winning goal. It was always my dream to score for my country and now it’s become a reality. In the previous match, I missed a similar chance, so I was ready for it this time. I just hit it and it went in!” Defender Shemmy Mayembe, who scored his first goal for Zambia in extra time to secure a 4-3 victory over Germany.


FIFA.com 

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