Sports
One good thing from Paris as D’Tigress Rena Wakama wins best female basketball team coach award
Rena Wakama, the first Nigerian female basketball coach, has been named the ‘best coach’ at this year’s Olympics after guiding D’Tigress to historical achievements in Paris.
The 32-year-old was recognised by FIBA and the Olympic organisers for leading D’Tigress to the tournament quarter-finals for the first time in its history.
Nigeria won her first basketball match in the Olympics under the former college basketball player’s tutelage.
D’Tigress opened their Olympics campaign by defeating third-ranked Australia in a major upset. The North Carolina-born coach also led her team to a shock win over fifth-ranked Canada in the final group game to seal a maiden appearance in the knockout stage.
It was also the first time an African country would make the last eight of the Olympic basketball tournament — male or female.
Nigeria eventually succumbed to the United States in the quarter-finals.
In a blog post on Sunday, FIBA praised Wakama’s D’Tigress for putting up the “most impactful performance by an African team in history” at the Olympic basketball competitions.
It also described the leadership of Wakama as one of the “main drivers of Nigeria’s unprecedented success” at the tournament.
“Nigeria made everyone sit up and take notice by beating Australia on opening day and that was the first time they had won a Group phase game,” the post reads.
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“A few days later and Nigeria stunned Canada to become the first African team to take two wins at the Games, once again their tenacious defense providing the platform for success.
“Even more impressive, this secured them a ticket to the knockout phase and they became the first African team in history, men or women, to play in the Olympic Quarter-Finals.
Their campaign eventually came to a close when they were beaten by USA, but even then they showed their fighting spirit and qualities until the very end.”
FIBA also described Wakama as “one of the youngest coaches in Olympic history who delivered a new high tide mark for Nigeria and for African basketball”.
Sports
Cristiano Ronaldo Diagnosed Down With Viral Infection-Club
By Mario Deepromoter
Al Nassr struggled in Cristiano Ronaldo’s absence on Monday, when the Saudi club kicked off the revamped Asian Champions League with a 1-1 draw against Al Shorta in Iraq.
Al Nassr captain Ronaldo did not travel with the squad for the match in Baghdad, with the club issuing a statement a day before stating that the Portuguese superstar had been diagnosed with a viral infection.
The statement read: “Al-Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t feeling well today and was diagnosed with a viral infection.
“The team’s doctor confirmed he needs to rest and stay at his place.
“As a result, he will not be travelling with the team to Iraq today. We wish a speedy recovery to our captain.”
Al Nassr, who were knocked out of last season’s Asian Champions League in the quarter-finals by eventual champions Al Ain, were given a dream start in the Iraqi capital, when full-back Sultan Al Ghannam met Otavio’s astute, first-time pass on 14 minutes to finish low past Al Shorta goalkeeper Ahmed Basil
Ronaldo is yet to win a major trophy with Al-Nassr since joining the Saudi club.
Sports
Super Eagles Captain Ahmed Musa May Return To NPFL
By Mario Deepromoter
Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa has hinted on a possible return to the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Musa urged his supporters to decide on his next club among the 20 teams in the NPFL.
The former NPFL hotshot made the announcement on the social media.
“Let’s go again, which of this team’s do you wish for me to sign,” Musa wrote on X with the logos of the 20 NPFL clubs..
Musa previously had two stints with Kano Pillars in the NPFL.
The 31-year-old has been without a club since leaving Turkish Super Lig club, Sivasspor.
Sports
Champions League: Vinícius Jr Bags 2023-24 Best Player Award
By Mario Deepromoter
Superstar Vinicius Junior on Monday received his award as the Best Player for the 2023/24 Champions League.
Vinicius was decisive as the LaLiga champions won the title.
The Brazilian winger scored six goals and laid on five assists in the competition last season.
His ability to step up in crucial matches was instrumental in ultimately securing the trophy.
Meanwhile, Mbappe was also awarded as the top scorer of the Champions League, netting eight goals throughout the tournament.
Both players will be hoping to form a lethal duo that will dismantle opposing defences this season.
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