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Breaking! OJ Simpson, fallen football hero acquitted of murder in ‘trial of the century,’ dies at 76

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Simpson attends his parole-hearing at Lovelock Correctional. news-photo-1712855749

America’s OJ Simpson the football star and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges he killed his former wife and her friend in a trial that mesmerized the American public but was found liable in a separate civil case, has died. He was 76.

The family announced on Simpson’s official X account that he died Wednesday of prostate cancer. Simpson’s attorney confirmed to TMZ on Thursday that he died in Las Vegas.

Simpson earned fame, fortune and adulation through football and show business, but his legacy was forever changed by the June 1994 knife slayings of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ronald Goldman in Los Angeles.

He had seemed to transcend racial barriers as the star Trojans tailback for college football’s powerful University of Southern California in the late 1960s, as a rental car ad pitchman rushing through airports in the late 1970s, and as the husband of a blond and blue-eyed high school homecoming queen in the 1980s.“I’m not Black, I’m O.J.,” he liked to tell friends.

His “trial of the century” captured America’s attention on live TV. The case sparked debates on race, gender, domestic abuse, celebrity justice and police misconduct.

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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.

OBITUARY

BREAKING! Former Heartland FC owner,  Iwuanyanwu, dies at 81

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Chief Emmanuel Iwunayanwu

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who in 1984 acquired state-owned Spartans FC Owerri and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale has died aged  81. The club has since 2006 reverted to the Imo State Government and renamed Heartland FC.

According to news outlet, The Cable, Jide, the son, of Iwunayanwu announced the passing of the former club proprietor. He was also the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president

The son said the late Ohanaeze president-general died on Thursday after a brief illness

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Nigeria’s Sports Minister Condoles With Sports Sector, Family of Ekene Adams

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Nigeria's Sports Minister, John Owan Enoh signs the condolence register

Tributes have started pouring in over the death of Ekene Adams, the chairman of the Sports Committee of the Federal House of Representatives.

Adams passed on in the early hours of this Tuesday. The sports minister, John Owan Enoh remarked that the  the late legislator had deep passion for sports, which is exemplary.

The minister extended his deepest condolences to his family. Enoh expressed his sadness, stating, “Honourable Ekene was deeply passionate about sports and played a significant role in the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.

“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Honourable Ekene’s family. He was a sportsman par excellence who not only played the game but also administered and invested in it. We will miss his wealth of experience and the passion he brought to sports.”

Reflecting on their recent interactions, Senator Enoh added, “We were discussing Nigeria’s preparations for the Olympic Games, and he consistently demonstrated his patriotism and leadership.”

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“Honourable Ekene was a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him. His dedication to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria was solid, and his contributions to the house will be deeply missed.”

Honourable Ekene Adams passed away after a period of illness. Until his passing, he served as the chairman of the House Committee on Sports.

He also held positions as the CEO of Kada City Football Club and general manager of Remo Stars at different times before winning the House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general election.

The Minister of Sports , permanent secretary, Mrs Tinuke Watti , President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel ,the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives amongst others were present to condole with the family.

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CAF mourns South Africa’s first national team coach, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala

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Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.

The Confédération of African Football, (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe is saddened by the news of the passing of former coach of the South African National Team, Mamelodi Sundowns and a Senior Official at Orlando Pirates FC, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.

Tshabalala was the first coach of the South African Senior Team, Bafana Bafana after re-admission in 1992.

In his career, he played for Orlando Pirates FC and was a Technical Director at Kaizer Chiefs FC.

President Motsepe said: “Mr “Screamer” Tshabalala’s contribution to the development and growth of South African football is enormous and recognized by all who have been involved and associated with football in our country over many years.

“He is recognised as the Father of the “shoe shine and piano” style which he initiated whilst being Head Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns. Mr “Screamer” Tshabalala represented the very best of South African football and African football and will always have a special place in our hearts.”

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CAF President Dr Motsepe conveys heartfelt condolences to the family of Stanley Tshabalala, Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr Khoza and the South African Football Association (“SAFA”), as well as the entire South African Football Football Family.

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