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Indiana Pacers will meet Denver Nuggets in seventh London NBA Global Game

29/7/2016

By LUKE AUGUSTUS

The 2016-17 edition of the NBA Global Games will pit the Denver Nuggets against the Indiana Pacers.

The match will take place at London's O2 Arena on January 12.

It will be the seventh time that the English capital will stage a regular season encounter and will also mark both teams’ first trip to the U.K.

Last year's encounter was an overtime thriller as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 106-103.

And speaking about the announcement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his delight at the NBA returning to London.

'We are thrilled to return for our seventh regular-season game in London,' he said.

'With almost 25 percent of players in the NBA born outside of the United States, we are seeing first-hand the global growth of our game, which has never been more popular in the U.K.'

The Nuggets will be this year's hosts as they look to make a push for the play-offs.

The Western Conference outfit currently features Italian Danilo Gallinari, who led the team in scoring last season with a career-high 19.5 points per game, and America's 2014 FIBA World Cup gold medalist Kenneth Faried.

'It will be a true honour and a great experience to represent both the Nuggets and the NBA in London as part of the NBA Global Games in 2017,' Gallinari said.

'Our entire team and organization are looking forward to this opportunity to showcase our league to fans overseas.'

Gary Harris, Denver's rising star, was at the official announcement of next season's match in London.

The 21-year-old is an Indiana native and will come against his hometown franchise.

The Pacers are currently led by three-time NBA All-Star and 2016 USA Basketball team member Paul George and 2015 NBA All-Star point guard Jeff Teague.

'I’m really excited and thankful the NBA is allowing us to reach out to our fans in London,' George said ahead of next year's trip.

'This is great exposure for our team and our franchise. I think it will be a great experience for us and the fans in attendance.'

Culled from www.dailymail.com.uk

Nigeria Disqualified From Rio Olympics 4×400m Women’s Relay

29/7/2016

Regina George of Nigeria, Funke Oladoye of Nigeria, Tosin Adeloye of Nigeria and Patience

By TNB Digest

The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) have thrown Nigeria’s 4x400m women’s relay team out of next month’s Olympic Games in Brazil.

Nigeria’s disqualification from the event followed Tosin Adeloye’s positive drugs test at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Super Grand Prix/Warri Relays in Warri, Delta State on July 24, 2015.

Adeloye was a member of the Nigerian quartet that finished fourth in Beijing August last year at the IAAF World Championships. In fact she ran the third leg in the semi-finals where the team ran 3:23.27 seconds, the second fastest time in Nigeria’s all-time record.

She also ran the third leg in the final. Other members of the team were Regina Goerge who ran the first leg, Funke Oladoye who ran the second leg and Patience Okon-George who anchored the team to finish fourth.

Adeloye’s positive drugs test and subsequent ban for eight years means all the results she achieved from the period she tested positive, individually and jointly will be annulled.

While the trio of Okon-George, Margaret Bamgbose and Omolara Omotosho who have been picked by the AFN may be in Rio after meeting the qualification standard for the open 400m, Regina George, who has laboured to raise over $4,000 from the crowd-funding platform, Gofundme, is out as she did not meet the standard and was going to Rio only as a member of the relay team.

Nigeria benefited from a similar scenario at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia when one of Team USA’s relay team members tested positive for a banned substance. Nigeria had her silver win upgraded to gold.

The IAAF has removed the times the Nigerian team ran in Beijing from the 2015 top list on its website.

Nigeria had qualified for the event based on the aggregate of the two fastest times achieved by the Okon-George’s led team in the qualification period from January last year to July this year.

Nigeria’s two fastest times (3:23.27 and 3:25.11) during the qualification period was achieved at the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing which gave an average of 3:24.19 which made Nigeria the ninth fastest nation in the event going to Brazil.

Nigeria’s two other fast times of 3:29.94 achieved in Durban last month and the 3:31.27A achieved in Nairobi in April 2015 will not place among the best 16 nations eligible to compete in Rio.

Culled from www.thenigerianblogger.com

Boxing: Lasisi writes off Nigeria lone Boxer

15/7/2016

Joe Lasisi

Former African and Commonwealth boxing champion, Joe Lasisi has predicted doom for lone boxer Efe Ajagba that qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games holding in Brazil, from August 5 to 21.

Lasisi lamented that the country would be represented by just one boxer, Efe Ajagba, at the global games, saying it was shameful in spite of the array of talents in the country.

Only Ajagba out of 10 Nigerian boxers was able to qualify for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, as the rest failed to pick their spots at the International Boxing Association (AIBA) African Olympic qualifier held in Cameroon earlier this year.

Lasisi has written off Nigeria’s chances of winning a medal in the boxing event at the games.

The retired boxer also blasted administrators for the declining fortunes of the country’s sports sector. He added that if the right people were given positions, Nigeria would become a force to be reckoned with again on the international scene.

Lasisi noted, “What is happening is not just in boxing alone. The same thing happened to football, athletics and the other sports. We are only going to the Olympics to watch other countries. When we are ready and we prepare for the Olympics, we will surprise the world like we used to do in the past.

Ajagba won a gold medal for Team Nigeria at the last Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville in the super heavyweight 91+kg category.

The Rio Olympics will begin on August 5, and Ajagba is currently training at the National Stadium boxing gym in Lagos, as earlier plan by the Nigeria Amateur Boxing Federation to put him in pre-Olympic boxing tournaments in Cuba, England and Germany hit the rock due to non-release of money by the sports ministry.

Culled from www.naijacombatcorner.wordpress.com

Efe Ajagba

Rugby- Nigeria’s Stallions shift attention to Morocco

15/7/2016

The President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, Sir Edward Pam Fom says the Black Stallions will shift their attention to the all-important clash against host- Morocco at the ongoing Division 1C cup in Casablanca.

2 tries from Onoru Jato and 1 each from Christian Ogar and Obi Wilson with Monday Omoregieva successful conversions and a penalty kick gave the Nigerian side the much needed victory.

Speaking after the team recorded a 31 to 21 victory over Mauritius at the COC Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco, Pam Fom noted that the team cannot afford to bask in the euphoria of their victory in the 1st match.

“I believe the technical crew led by Fabian Juries noticed some of the lapses against Mauritius in our first game. We need to go back to the drawing board and ensure that we correct those mistakes against Morocco.”

“Majority of the players in the Moroccan side are professionals They ply their trade in France, which is one of the powerhouses of rugby in the world. We cannot afford to let our guards down and allow them to exploit us.

Nigeria will fancy their chances of defeating Morocco when they meet in a winner takes all encounter on Saturday to determine who gets promoted to 1B.

The promoted team will automatically book a place in the second phase of the 2019 Rugby World Cup qualification process.

SWAN President, Sirawoo gets plaudits

15/7/2016

New SWAN President, Honour Sirawoo

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has congratulated Honour Sirawoo on his election as the National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN.

In a congratulatory message to the new SWAN National President , Governor Wike urged him to use his new office to promote professionalism in sports reporting in the country.

The governor described Sirawoo as a committed sports journalist and unionist who has worked hard over the years to develop SWAN.

He commended the membership of SWAN for voting unanimously for the indigene of Rivers State to lead the association to the next level.

Governor Wike urged Sirawoo to live up to the expectations of the membership of SWAN by serving as a worthy ambassador of Rivers State.

Felix Obuah does too

In the same vein, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Bro. Felix Obuah has saluted the victory of Sirawoo as National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Bro. Obuah in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam described the victory of Sirawoo as historic, becoming the first person from the South-South geo political zone to be elected SWAN National President.

The PDP Chairman who is also the president, and Sole sponsor of Go-Round Football Club, the 2016 Rivers FA Champions expressed confidence that Sirawoo would do Rivers State proud given his wealth of experience in the sports writing fraternity, having served as Chairman of SWAN in Rivers State as well as National Vice President, South-South Zone.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that this experienced and hard working sports writer would do us proud and justify his choice for the enviable position. Sirawoo’s emergence is one of the best things to happen to Rivers State and I make bold to say he is a square peg in a square hole,” the Rivers pillar of sports declared.
Bro. Obuah who is also the patron of SWAN expressed the hope that Sirawoo’s SWAN presidency would go a long way in complementing the efforts of Governor Nyesom Wike in promoting sports in the State, stressing that his victory is no doubt a remarkable dividend of Gov Wike’s effective governance and untiring efforts to see that all sectors of the State economy are given deserving attention.
The State PDP Chairman expressed joy that Governor Wike’s overwhelming
popularity and goodwill has yielded fruits, adding that Sirawoo’s victory would serve as inspiration to the youths, especially journalists in the State.

Bro. Obuah charged the SWAN President to use his wealth of experience to bear on his new responsibility, adding that to whom much is given, much is also expected.

Boma Iyaye joins the fray

Still on Honour Sirawoo, the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye has congratulated Honour Sirawoo following his election as National President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN).

Sirawoo was elected unopposed as SWAN President in Illorin, Kwara State on Wednesday, July 13 and he becomes the first individual from Rivers State to hold the position.

Honourable Iyaye explained that the Government and people of Rivers State are delighted with the news of Sirawoo’s successful election and charged him to justify the confidence reposed in him.

“This is the first time someone from Rivers State has been elected National President of SWAN and it is indeed a landmark occasion.

“I want to congratulate Sirawoo but at the same time urge him to use his wealth of experience to take the Association to heights never previously attained.

“I am sure that he will succeed in this latest assignment,” Honourable Iyaye said.

Pele marries for the third time

12/7/2016

By Remi Sulola

Brazilian football great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, popularly known as Pele, has married for the third time.

The 76-year-old married Marcia Cibele Aoki, a businesswoman aged 50, on Saturday at a private ceremony in the resort of Guaruja, near Sao Paulo.

The couple have been in a relationship for six years.

At the age of 73, Pelé announced his intention to marry Aoki, a Japanese-Brazilian importer of medical equipment from Penápolis, São Paulo, whom he had been dating since 2010.

They first met in the mid-1980s in New York, before meeting again in 2008.

Marcia Aoki stood by him during his illness in 2014.

The news was released on Pele’s social media channels and Brazilian television showed parts of the ceremony.

In Pele’s words on a social media page, Aoki is his “definitive love”.

In Brazil, Pele will light the cauldron on August 5 at the opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

At the closing ceremony of London Games in 2012, the three-time World Cup winner appeared in Rio’s presentation to promise to welcome the world at the next games.

Culled from www.thecable.ng

Full Results Of The Concluded Nigeria Olympics Trials 2016

12/7/2016

Seye Ogunlewe is Nigeria’s fastest man again after winning the 100m Men’s title at the All-Nigeria Championships which ended on a high note on Friday.

Ogunlewe, who won his first national title in Warri in 2015, beat his rivals as he ran a new Personal Best time of 10.12secs to retain his crown and also book a slot to the Rio Olympics having surpassed the set standard.

Click to download the official results of the 2016 NigerianOlympic Trials which held at the Township Stadium in Sapele, Delta State.

Oduduru Divine with a time of 10.25secs and Egwero Ogho-Oghene with a time of 10.36secs finished in second and third places respectively.

Ogunlewe, with a time of 21.28secs, also won one of the finals of the men’s 200m event.
In another high point of the day, Blessing Okagbare also completed a sprint double; winning the women 200m event (Final A) with a time of 22.78secs.

The fleet-footed Queen of the Tracks who won her seventh 100m Women’s title a day earlier made a light work of the 200m event.

Click to download the official results of the 2016 NigerianOlympic Trials which held at the Township Stadium in Sapele, Delta State.

Lawretta Ozoh won the women’s 200m final B with a time of 23.71secs. Having finished second in the 100m event, Oduduru had a lot to cheer as he won the 200m Men’s event with a time of 20.51secs.

Also on Friday, the Nigeria duo of Emmanuel Gyang and Deborah Pam both won the 10,000m in the men and women categories respectively. Gyang finished first with a time of 31:31:58 while Solomon Yilbam finished second with a time of 32:05:19. Daylong Sylvester of Nigeria Immigration came third with a time of 32:29:71.

Culled from www.wolexis.com

Basketball: Rivers Hoopers end season with fans

12/7/2016

Rivers Hoopers rounded up their basketball year with a thanksgiving service and an outing with fans of the club on Sunday.

General Manager of the club Ifie Ozaka revealed to Chinaacheru.com that it was the tradition of the club to do this every season.

“It is a usual practice every season for players and management of the club to appreciate God for his goodness and mercies all through a successful season,” Ozaka said.

At the end of the 2015/2016 DSTV Basketball League regular season, members of the club visited the orphanage home with gifts and on Sunday, they took to Hilltop Christian Centre, Rumukalagbor, Port Harcourt to return their appreciation to God.

Ozaka opines that it is a method of showing how thankful they are for a wonderful season.

“It is always on our calendar every year we have been in the premier league. Both going to church and motherless babies’ homes, we don’t miss any of them it has become a principle for us and the only time we didn’t do these, was when we went out of the premier League.

“We believe it’s a way of giving back to the society and God in return give us in abundance. For church, that’s the only place we have to run to as we don’t have any spiritual houses and any other place to go.” said Ozaka.

After the church service, the team along with families, friends and well-wishers had lunch at Cinnamon and Sauces Restaurant along Trans Amadi road, Port Harcourt.

In the same vein, Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu also concurred that there was a need to strengthen the bond within the club.

“It’s very important because we always believe in the spirit of bonding,” said Odaudu.

“We went to church to appreciate God for everything he has done for us. Hoopers started the season and no one gave us a chance but yet we finished third so there was need to go back and appreciate God and also have lunch together like we do during the league. More of this will still come before the start of the new season,” Odaudu revealed.

Rivers Hoopers finished third at the 2015/2016 DSTV Basketball League.

Iffie Ozaka

Rugby: Team Nigeria wants to win against Mauritius

12/7/2016

A member of the Nigeria Rugby team to the 2019 pre-world cup qualifiers in Morocco, Onoru Jatto says a win against Mauritius on Wednesday is non-negotiable if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the group stage.

This is as a result of the landslide victory of Morocco over Mauritius in their first game of the Africa Cup 1C.

Speaking with Nigeria Rugby Football Federation, NRFF media after their first training session in Casablanca, Morocco, Onoru who plays as centre for the Black Stallions, as the Nigerian national team is called reasoned that, since the Moroccans won by 68points to 3 against Mauritius, Nigeria must defeat Mauritius before they face Morocco in their last game.

He emphasized that the team had great prospects of progressing from Cup 1C to 1B and book a place in the group stage of the 2019 Rugby World cup qualifier.

“First, I think we need to win the 1st game against Mauritius on Wedneday.”

The utility player who plies his trade with Cowrie RFC in Lagos believes a victory in their 1stmatch against Mauritius will give them a sense of purpose against Morocco.

“It’s going to be a must win game against Morocco because both teams need to win that game. So it is going to be a tough game.”

“I think if we do what we need to do, we will come out on top with the result and we will be able to get up to 1B”, he concluded.

Meanwhile, one of the 2 foreign professionals in the team, Christian Ogar who plays for Belhar Rugby Football Club of South Africa says, the team mostly comprising new boys, will need to stick together and work for a common purpose.

Ogar stated that after 2 weeks of intensive training in Lagos before their departure to Morrocco, their mission is to fight for the division 1B ticket and brighten their world cup qualification chances.

“I am going to give my best to the team to ensure that we move on to the next level.”

Ahmed Musa insists he is unfazed by record transfer

11/7/2016

Leicester City record signing Ahmed Musa has told www.AfricanFootball.com his record transfer fee of 18 million pounds will not stop him from scoring goals in the Premier League in England.

The Jos-born star has signed a four-year deal with the Premier League champions and he told www.AfricanFootball.com he won't be under any pressure despite his record move.

"I have never been under pressure at any club I have played and here won't be different. I will be my usual self at Leicester as there is no cause to be under pressure," he told www.AfricanFootball.com

"I love scoring goals and that I have done at every club and league I have played in.

"That's the same target I have at Leicester City. I am looking forward to score as many goals as possible to lift the team so we can achieve together."

The 23-year-old Ahmed Musa started his career at GBS Academy, Bukuru Jos (formerly Aminchi Academy), before he moved to JUTH FC (Jos), Kano Pillars, VVV Venlo(Holland) and CSKA Moscow(Russia).

By Olusola Alao