by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Basketball, International, Nigeria
Rivers Hoopers head coach Ogoh Odaudu has acknowledged the pressure his team faced in successfully defending their Nigeria Premier Basketball League (NPBL) title after defeating Lagos-based Hoops & Read 71-54 in the 2024 final on Monday in Port Harcourt.
The victory secured the team’s sixth league title in front of their home crowd. Despite winning all 12 matches from the conference finals to the playoffs, Odaudu admitted that overconfidence nearly jeopardized their campaign.
In the semi-final, Rivers Hoopers narrowly overcame Gboko City Chiefs 79-73 in a gripping encounter. Reflecting on the match, Odaudu remarked, “The game against Gboko Chiefs felt like the real final. It was tough, but we prepared well and eventually prevailed. At first, the players’ overconfidence was evident, but I kept pushing them, and we closed out the game successfully.”
Elated by the back-to-back title win, Odaudu emphasized the team’s ultimate goal. “We began this season with the Basketball Africa League (BAL) ticket as our primary aim. I’m proud of my players and staff for their determination. The competition was fierce, but we achieved our target. The real challenge lies ahead.”
Rivers Hoopers also dominated the NBBF All-Star Five, with Michael Okiki, final MVP Kelvin Amayo, and Buchi Vincent earning spots alongside Chingka Garba (Gboko City Chiefs) and Clinton Osabuchi (Hoops & Read).
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, Boxing, Nigeria, Other Sports
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has expressed doubts about his readiness to face undefeated contender Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 on December 7 in Las Vegas. While acknowledging the fight as “very winnable,” Usman admitted on his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Henry Cejudo that the proposed date might be too soon for his return to the octagon.
The Nigerian Nightmare, currently on a three-fight losing streak, was offered the bout after Belal Muhammad withdrew due to a bone infection. However, Usman, who last fought in October 2023 against Khamzat Chimaev on short notice, is weighing his options.
Despite setbacks, the 37-year-old remains confident in his ability to expose weaknesses in rising stars like Rakhmonov and has not ruled out discussions with UFC officials. A win against the undefeated Rakhmonov could be a crucial step toward reclaiming his position in the welterweight division.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 21, 2024 | Africa, International, Nigeria, Other Sports
Cycling enthusiasts in Lagos are in for a thrilling ride this Saturday, November 23, as FXTM sponsors the Lagos State monthly criterium at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi.
The event, which will feature professional, junior, and veteran categories, promises an intense four-hour competition with prizes starting at $500. Registration opens at 6:30 am, with the main race set to begin at 7:30 am.
FXTM, globally renowned for promoting fitness through cycling initiatives, sees this event as an opportunity to inspire a love for cycling while promoting community health and well-being.
Speaking on behalf of FXTM, stand-in Country Representative Kelechi Ehibudu said, “We are delighted to sponsor this event as part of our charitable projects. It’s going to be an action-packed day, bringing together participants from all walks of life.”
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 20, 2024 | Africa, Basketball, Ghana, International, Other Sports
Ghanaian center Amida Brimah has signed with Valencia Basket Club for the rest of the 2024-2025 season after completing a short-term stint with Baxi Manresa in Spain’s Endesa League.
Brimah, who turned 30 recently, initially joined Manresa on a temporary deal as an injury replacement for Bodian Massa. In his eight appearances, the 6’10” defender averaged 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 1.5 blocks in just 12 minutes per game.
Despite limited playing time, Brimah’s impact on defense highlighted his skills, with the Liga Endesa recognized as the world’s second-best basketball league after the NBA.
This move to Valencia marks another chapter in Brimah’s dynamic career. The former Indiana Pacers player boasts an impressive resume, including winning the NCAA Championship with the University of Connecticut, the Belgian League title with Oostende, and the NBA G-League Championship with the Austin Spurs. He has also played for JL Bourg in France and Mets de Guaynabo in Puerto Rico.
Valencia currently sits fourth in the 18-team Liga Endesa standings, while Manresa is ranked eighth.
by Kelly Eric Ehor | Nov 20, 2024 | Ghana, Other Sports
The Four Garrison Officers Mess Tennis Club has elected new executives to lead its affairs.
During a peaceful election, Robert Tetteh was chosen unopposed as the President, succeeding BB Adusei. Nana Yaw Sekyere-Ababio was named Vice President.
The newly elected leadership team was inaugurated at a vibrant ceremony last Friday, attended by club members and dignitaries.
In his remarks after the ceremony, President Robert Tetteh expressed gratitude to the members for their trust in him. “It’s a privilege to lead the best club in the Ashanti Region. The previous administration achieved a lot, and we’re committed to building on those successes to elevate this great club,” he stated.
Other executives include Kwaku Amankwa as the Organizer, Perperial Antwi as the Secretary, and Jonathan Quartey as the Captain.
The inauguration ceremony drew notable attendees, including the General Officer Command (GOC), the Chief Director of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, Former Ashanti Regional Police Commander COP Duku, patrons, club members, and representatives from the Squash and Keep Fit clubs of the 4 Garrison Officers Mess.
