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OLUMIDE OYEDEJI CELEBRATES 5TH ANNIVERSARY OF AFROBASKETBALL TITLE
One of Nigeria’s most celebrated basketball player, Olumide Oyedeji, is still nostalgic of the country’s win at the Afrobasket Championship, which is in its fifth year as well as his fourth year of retirement from the national team.
Oyedeji, who captained Team Nigeria to London Olympic Games in 2012 is presently the president of the Nigerian Olympian Association and chairman of the Nigeria Basketball Premier League League Management Board, had played professional basketball in 19 different countries of the world after his start at the famous American NBA.
Oyedeji, who is also presently a youth ambassador of NBA Africa, recalled last night in Lagos that, he will never forget 30th of August 2015, the day the Nigerian team he captained won the Afrobasket trophy first time in 50 years, after falling short of the title four times in 1997, 1999, 2003 and 2013.
The former NBA star and proprietor of Nigeria’s Premier League club, Hoops and Read, said, he was proud to finally win the title after nine Afrobasket appearances and coming short four times.
In spite all these near misses and failures, the Nigerian team didn’t give up. “I give thumbs up to all my wonderful teammates that made the 2015 victory possible.
“After the painful loss to Senegal in 2013 and had earlier garnered more experiences and exposure at the London 2012 Olympics, Nigeria’s first Olympic basketball appearance, we were determined to win the next edition of the Afrobasket and wanted to be part of the history of Nigerian Basketball.
“Great job by all the coaches for their wonderful contributions and sleepless nights.” Oyedeji also appreciated God for giving him the privilege to lead the wonderful players as they served and brought glory to our beloved country.
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Ahead of Nigeria-Libya match: Some kidnapped journalists regain freedom
An unspecified number of Nigerian journalists travelling to Uyo for Friday’s Nigeria versus Libya’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match have been rescued.
This is contained in a press release by the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria (SWAN) on Thursday. The association commended the Nigerian security forces for their efforts in the rescue operation.
From the press release, it was gathered that the media men were abducted within the Anambra and Imo states axis.
”SWAN therefore commends the security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Army and Police for their prompt action which ensured that up to six of the held Sports Journalists regained their freedom with efforts to get the remaining person freed”, reads the SWAN statement.
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Klopp becomes Red Bull global soccer chief in first job after Liverpool
German coach Juergen Klopp has been appointed head of global soccer for Red Bull, owners of several clubs including RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls, the company said on Wednesday, in his first job since leaving Liverpool earlier this year.
Klopp, who ended his successful nine-year stint with Liverpool at the end of last season, will be starting on January 1, 2025.
“After almost 25 years on the sideline, I could not be more excited to get involved in a project like this,” Klopp, who also coached Mainz 05 and Borussia Dortmund, said in a statement.
“The role may have changed but my passion for football and the people who make the game what it is has not.”
The 57-year-old joined Liverpool in October 2015 and won the Champions League, their first English League title since 1990, the Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and Super Cup, as well as the Community Shield during his time in charge.
Klopp, who also led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles, a German Cup and a Champions League final in 2013, had announced in January he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
Klopp will not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the Red Bull-owned clubs in Germany, United States, Brazil and Austria, the company said.
“He will provide strategic vision, supporting individual sporting directors in advancing the Red Bull philosophy,” Red Bull said.
Klopp will also support the organisation’s global scouting operation, and contribute to the training and development of coaches.
“I see my role primarily as a mentor for the coaches and management of the Red Bull clubs but ultimately I am one part of an organisation that is unique, innovative and forward looking. As I said, this could not excite me more,” Klopp said.
Some German media reported his Red Bull contract included an exit clause for the post of Germany national team coach.
Klopp has long been linked to that job, especially after his successful stint at Liverpool and with Germany struggling to make an impact on the international stage in the past decade.
-Reuters
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Cape Verdean, Delgado Rocha, to take charge of Libya, Nigeria battle in Benina
The Confederation of African Football has appointed Delgado Santos Rocha Lenine, from Cape Verde, as referee for Tuesday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Mediterranean Knights of Libya at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Benina, close to Benghazi.
He will be assisted by compatriots Djêry Gomes Lopes (assistant referee 1) and Jorge Santos Fonseca Aritson (assistant referee 2), with Hamidou Diero from Burkina Faso as fourth official.
Amir Abdi Hassan from Somalia will be in the role of commissioner, with Malian Dramane Dante as referee assessor and Rachid Medjiba from Algeria as security officer.
Tuesday’s encounter, which is at the back-end of a double header between both nations, will kick off at 9pm Libya time (8pm Nigeria time).
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