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NIGERIA’S EX BASKETBALL PLAYER BRINGS AMERICA FOOTBALL TO NIGERIA

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Former Nigeria international basketball star, Ejike Ugboaja has stated that his foundation, the Ejike Ugboaja Foundation is more determined to make popular, America football in Nigeria. 

He said at the foundation annual camp at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, that his foundation is prepared to collaborate with schools in United States of America to expose more Nigerian talents to get scholarship from American colleges and also go on to play in the money spinning America Football League. 

“The Ejike Ugboaja Foundation is my own little way of giving back to the Nigerian youths what I enjoyed growing up, though I never had the opportunity of playing in colleges as a basketball player but I am grateful for being the first player to be drafted by a National Basketball Association, NBA team when Claveland Cavaliers drafted me in 2006 from Union Bank basketball club in the Nigerian league. 

“The foundation started out thirteen years ago with basketball but added the American Football when we saw that there are kids who are not interested in basketball. 

“We are determined to make the sport (America Football) popular and also ready to work with relevant stakeholders in the country to expand the scope of the sport by creating a league for it in Nigeria. 

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The week-long camp witnessed large turnout of young players who showed lots of promises in the sports with foreign coaches on ground to introduce the talents to the rudiments of the game.

Coach Rhett Lashlee from the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas says he identify a lot of talents during the camp. 

Coach Lashlee is confident that his school will accommodate some promising players he has identified to join his school. 

The coach pay glowing tribute to Ugboaja for staging the annual camp which is of more beneficial to the Nigeria’s pool of talents. 

“Our school will be interested in having more Nigerian players on our roster to join Nigerian-born Ike Danielson who is one of our top franchise players.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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Lagos Set to Host Africa’s First-Ever All-Electric Powerboat Championship

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History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.

The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.

Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”

He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.

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“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.

Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.

Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.

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Pastor Adeboye unveils stadium and Olympic-size swimming pool

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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.

The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.

The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.

Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.

“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.

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He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.

In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.

She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.

The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.

Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.

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Burnley go 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal

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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.

It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.

In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.

Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.

Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.

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“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.

“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”

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