The Nation Newspaper

Category: SOS

  • TAIWO MATI: WTT contender taught me vital lessons

    TAIWO MATI: WTT contender taught me vital lessons

    Coming from an impressive performance in Durban, South Africa, and to a challenging one in Lagos WTT Contender, Nigeria’s teenage sensation Taiwo Mati has promised to learn from his mistakes to return to a better player. He spoke with Taiwo Alimi. 

    How do you feel to be a part of WTT Contender in Lagos? Were you disappointed that you lost out in the first match in front of your fans?

    I felt good being a part of WTT Contender in Lagos. I’m really, really happy to be part of it. I was not happy that I lost out in my first match to a German player. It was a disappointing time for me because my fans came out and supported me fully. They were rooting for me throughout the match but I think it is either you win or lose and so, hopefully in the next tournament I can do better and make them proud.

    You also made an inroad into world tennis in Durban South Africa, how does that make you feel?

    At the World Table Tennis in Durban, South Africa, I did well and make a name for myself in that tournament. I feel great and happy as a gained more confidence. It was one of the best performances in my career.

    You are young and have been labeled the next big thing in Nigerian table tennis, how do you react to that?

    I think a lot of people both in the social media and the traditional media have been saying that I’m the next big thing in table tennis coming from Nigeria, but I won’t let that get into my head. Though I feel good and happy I won’t allow it to get into my head. I want to keep on training and discipline. There are many young talents in Nigeria that are aiming for that position that I found myself and I can’t afford to stop fighting and giving my best to get to the top. I need to keep fighting and attend more tournaments in order to improve my skill and compete better in the international stage.

    Read Also: Tinubu: One month of pragmatic solutions, edifying actions

    How did you get into table tennis, who are your mentors, and the players do you look up to?

    I got into table tennis at a very young age through my brother and my coach OlakunleFaloju and coach OmoniyiAdedotun respectively. And since I started I’ve been looking up to players like Segun Toriola and ArunaLukmon, Bode Abiodun, and other ex and current internationals. I see them as my mentors as I watched them play a lot of times and learn a lot from them. By watching them it has helped me a lot to improve and I’m grateful to have them around me. I also have mentors that advise me, support and teach me things that are helping me to attain to the top.

    Where do you see yourself in five years in table tennis?

    In five years, I see myself in the Top 20 world ranking and hopefully win a Star Contender. By the grace of God, I see myself winning the African title and hopefully winning the world title. I see myself in a higher position in the next five years.

    What is your assessment of the ongoing WTT Contender Lagos?

    I have gained a lot in the WTT Contender Lagos and will put it to good use when I return to Portugal for the upcoming season. I learned a lot from the top players from China, Germany, and around the World. I also learned from my defeat and I will put it to good use and amend some things and work on my mistakes and error. Hopefully, in the next outing, I will do better and make my country proud.

  • ‘My goal is to inspire girls to play football’

    ‘My goal is to inspire girls to play football’

    The Women’s World Cup is less than a month away. Excitement is building and for some of the players heading to Australia and New Zealand it will be the pinnacle of their careers.

    For many it will be a first taste of the biggest tournament in football. Portugal are one of the countries that are making their World Cup debut and Jéssica Silva, for one, cannot wait for them to kick off their campaign against the Netherlands on 23 July.

    Silva is one of her country’s finest footballers of all time, dazzling fans with her dribbles and beautiful play in 100 senior international matches. Now back with Benfica, she has already won the Champions League with Lyon and played in Sweden, Spain and the United States.

    “It’s scary that it is just one month to go but we are in a really happy moment with a lot of pride among the group,” Silva says. “We have to work extremely hard to arrive in the best possible shape.”

    Following Francisco Neto’s appointment as head coach in 2014, Portugal have played in the Euros twice – 2017 and 2022 – and finished third in the group qualification for the 2019 World Cup. Silva points out, however, that the process to improve the women’s game in her country began long before she was first capped in 2011.

    “It has been going on for a while,” she explains. “Not only under Francisco Neto, and not only with me and the current players. But these nine years have brought success, evolution and the growth of our team. There has been investment in the women’s game in Portugal so, looking at the big picture, it has been a collective effort to get into the World Cup. We have a different mindset, a new way of playing. We believe in our abilities, in our football.”

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    The World Cup draw put two big obstacles in Portugal’s path: they are in the same group as the United States and the Netherlands. With such a challenging test, Silva wants to use her experience to keep her teammates grounded and hopeful.

    “We are expecting a really tough game [against the United States],” she says. “They are a team we have faced before, we know exactly who they are and we respect them so much because they are a reference to us. However, the USA are not the most important game at the moment, we have to focus on our first game against the Netherlands.”

    The 28-year-old also wants to enjoy her time at the World Cup. Still, for her, as important as it is to celebrate qualification, Portugal also need to honour the women who fought and keep fighting to play football. In a country where the game is still predominantly male, they want to use visibility to inspire the next generations.

    “It means so much for those who are here now and those who have been in the past,” says Silva. “It’s a landmark in the history of Portuguese football because we need to have more girls who want to play football. We need the women’s game to be more sustainable so that in the future Portugal can continue to be a part of big competitions. We are on the right path, the right process, so this World Cup will be special because it’s our first, but it is something that we really want to do more, to be present in these tournaments.”

    “One of the things that made me prouder on this path as a woman athlete is to inspire kids,” Silva adds. “In Portugal, there aren’t as many players as we need, we need more. And one of the things that I enjoy the most is feeling that I am a reference to those kids. It is a great responsibility because one of my goals is not only to play football.”

    It is to play for the kids, and I play so they can believe in my path, and believe that they can also have a history with football.”

    Portugal’s presence in the World Cup has the potential to catalyse the changes that have been brewing for years in the country. “We can all impact football in different ways, because there is potential in Portugal, there is quality, and regardless of the obstacles we must be resilient, we must believe in our potential,” Silva says.

  • Eagles legends to mentor Naija Super 8 teams

    Eagles legends to mentor Naija Super 8 teams

    SUPER Eagles legends have been assigned to mentor the eight teams that will be playing at the Naija Super 8 finals in Lagos.

    The announcement was made via a statement by the tournament organisers, Flykite Productions, on Saturday.

    As contained in the statement, current Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champions, Enyimba, will be mentored by former Ajax winger, Tijani Babangida, and one of the wildcard teams, Sporting Lagos, will be mentored by former VFL Wolfsburg striker, Jonathan Akpoborie.

    Super Eagles 2002 World Cup goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, will mentor the other wildcard team, Akwa United, with  Mutiu Adepoju, assigned to mentor Lobi Stars.

    Read Also: Eyes on Eket as Naija Super 8 Play-offs kick off today

    Remo Stars of Ikenne have been assigned former FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Wigan Athletic striker, Julius Aghahowa, as mentor, while Victor Ikpeba, 1997 African Player of the Year will mentor giant killers, Yobe Desert Stars. Katsina United will be mentored by NPFL legend, Victor Ezeji, while Rivers United got former Super Eagles captain, Garba Lawal.

    The mentors, who have been appointed as the ceremonial heads of the clubs, are expected to motivate, advise and support their teams throughout the tournament, to be held at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July.

    Naija Super 8 teams have been paired into two groups of four each. South-East zonal champions, Enyimba, Sporting Lagos, South-West representatives, Remo Stars and North-West zonal champions, Katsina United will trade tackles in group A,  while Akwa United will slug it out with South-South zonal champions, Rivers United, North-East representatives Yobe Desert Stars and Lobi Stars from the North-Central in group B.

  • Stakeholders, coaches reflect on Naija Super 8

    Stakeholders, coaches reflect on Naija Super 8

    Stakeholders have been reflecting on last week’s Naija Super 8, which took place at the Eket Township Stadium.  In separate interviews with team managers and coaches that were in Eket, the maiden edition of Naija Super 8 put together by Flykite Productions, was lauded as a welcome development and an innovation that is bringing glamour into the Nigerian league. Others also see it as an avenue to test out fresh players.

    Remo Stars head coach, Daniel Ogunmodede, said Naija Super 8 has brought glamour back into the league. “I’m happy with the Super 8 even though my players were tired having just finished the NPFL Playoffs. The fanfare created around the tournament is great and that made the players to up their game. The prize money is also good.”

    Each of the 12 teams received N2 million each for playoffs.

    “However, the timing is also important. Since it is an off-season competition, the organisers should look at a time when players are rested after the league so as to get the best out of them.”

    Remo Stars defeated Shooting Stars 3-0 to pick the Southwest ticket for the Lagos final.  

    Chairman of Shooting Stars Dimeji Lawal also welcomes the money-spinning tournament.

    “It is a great tournament and I like the caliber of teams that are involved. These are carefully selected teams with pedigree and tradition. I also like the rivalry that it elicited and the fact that these are teams with big followers. The prize money is impressive. I wish the organisers well.” 

    Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Christopher Green was on the ground to watch Rivers United beat Bendel United in a five-goal thriller that ended 3-2 in favour of the Rivers State team to book the Southsouth ticket.  

    “We actually came here not to put in all our best but to see our players and what we have left and try some of them that we have not used for some time, maybe out of injury. It is also an avenue to prepare our team for the Confederation Cup. There are also one or two things we are also looking for and we have found some of it by coming here.”

    Head coach of Katsina United Usman Abdallah said the competition served as an avenue to prepare his team for the NNL playoffs.

    Read Also: Naija Super 8: Wildcard entrants Akwa United, Sporting Lagos get tough groupings

    “I love this competition. My aim is to use it to prepare my players, and this will serve as a morale booster for the team before the Super 8. I said it when I took over that the aim is to send the team back to the NPFL. The team will rest for a while and go back to camp ahead of the NNL playoffs. The prize money is good and will come handy for the club and the players.”          

    Katsina United defeated Kano Pillars 1-0 to secure the Northwest ticket for the Lagos final.

    Enyimba head coach Finidi George, though was not happy with the timing of the tournament, he said the Naija Super 8 competition is a welcome innovation.

    “In as much as I like this competition, I am not comfortable with the fact that the players did not have a break in the season. They have been playing since December and looking at the calendar, there won’t be any rest. The organisers must look at that. However, the Naija Super 8 is good for the league. If there is more money in the league it is good. The more the merrier.”

    Naija Super 8 is a game-changing intervention to re-ignite and sustain excitement in club football in Nigeria with exciting innovations to connect fans. It is a money-spinning competition broadcasted live on SuperSport, and each team earns N3 million per game. The runners-up trophy comes with N9m, while the winner of the NAIJA Super 8 tournament gets N25m. The best player in every match also gets N250,000.

  • ITTF BOSS PETRA SORLING : I want to inspire other women to the top

    ITTF BOSS PETRA SORLING : I want to inspire other women to the top

    When Petra Sorling was elected the eighth President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) on November 24, 2021, the Swede made history as the first female to head the 97-year-old table tennis governing body. Today, she is one of three women in the world chairing international sports federations – World Triathlon’s President, Marisol Casado and the International Golf Federation’s Annika Sörenstam are the others. The 52-year-old Malmo-born administrator rose through the ranks at ITTF to become president, having joined the Executive Committee of the world body in 2009. In line with her campaign promises, Sorling has brought several innovations into the sport in a bid to make table tennis rank at par with the world’s most popular sports. On May 31, 2023, at the 47th General Assembly of Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) held in Lausanne-Switzerland, Sorling was elected ASOIF Council Member. She is the first ITTF President in the 40-year history of ASOIF to join its governing body. On the side-lines of the just concluded ITTF World Championships in Durban, South Africa, Sorling told OLALEKAN OKUSAN that women should aspire to break new grounds and make indelible marks in sports leadership.

    Petra Sorling is a former table tennis player who rose through the ranks from playing to coaching and now to governing table tennis at the global level. Gentle and unassuming, Sorling has continued to endear herself to the global sports community, which recently elected her a council member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).

    The ITTF president recalled her playing days, the gender biases she encountered and how she came to be at the top of sports administration:

    FROM TABLE TENNIS PLAYER TO PRESIDENT 

    “My journey actually started as a table tennis player, and I was in a club where mainly the female team was the best. So, we had one team in the highest division and one in the first and the men’s team were in the fourth division. That was actually quite perfect because in the training room, we were on equal level. I always felt our team was well taken care of and in the 1990s, I started to play in a much bigger club – Malmo Football Club – which had at that time a table tennis section.

    “Then, I realised how it is. When you come first to the venue, you take the best table and the men’s team come and they tell you to change to another table because they are better. That started something in me. I felt like I wanted to change this. So, I started to be more active. Also, I took on the position of a coach. I was a coach for the young boys in the Swedish national team. I saw the differences. I am never one to fight for positions; I like to show results and get a good reputation. I can still see that it is going very slowly so maybe we have to push that process a bit.”

    Sorling continued: “I became a committee member in the Swedish Table Tennis Association. From there, I became a board member, and I had a good mentor which is what I always say; you have to surround yourself with good sponsors. I call them sponsors – the people that speak positively about you when you are not in the room. They motivated me and I was pushed in the direction of the European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) Women Working Group to encourage more females and through that group, I became a member of the ITTF Working Group.

    “Then, I became a board member in the ETTU, and I was asked to run for ITTF Vice President in 2009. Since then, I have been here. My plan was not to become the ITTF President. My plan was to make a change, always, and to get results from what I do. It is very important to enjoy what you are doing. From one thing to the other and here I am, ITTF’s first female President. I’m extremely proud to be the leader of such a sport as ours, which is table tennis.”

    TEAM SPIRIT

    Sorling takes the team approach to leading the ITTF. She stated of her administrative style: “I always say that I am in a very big table tennis team. I cannot do very much alone but with a good team, board members, other elected people and our staff. Together, we are moving table tennis forward and that is something I’m very proud of and I would like to continue to do,” she said.

    The ITTF president believes that women must be ready to pick up the gauntlet and administer sports – just like their male counterparts. “I was at the FIFA Congress, and I was impressed by their Secretary General, Fatma Samoura. She has been doing an amazing job there. I hope that I can inspire and be a role model for other females to cross the borders because there has to be more of us. There are very few female international federation Presidents. There are only three of us while all the other sports around have male presidents. We are 50/50 in society and there is a big potential for both genders to excel,” she observed.

    ADVISE FOR ASPIRING WOMEN LEADERS 

    For women aspiring to leadership positions, Sorling has this to say: “My short answer to every woman aspiring for a leadership role is to be affirmative in their role. From my experience, many females when they get the chance to do something think they have to know how to do something before they say ‘yes’ and very many men just say ‘yes’. I’m sure that if you get called up to do something, somebody has already thought you had the quality to do whatever it is.

    Read Also: ITTF, ATTF laud South Africa over historic World Championships

    “So, my first recommendation or advice is say ‘yes’ because you can do as good as anyone else. If you get the question, you are already targeted as someone that has the capacity. Believe me, I have met many men who said ‘yes’, who are not more qualified than the females that said ‘no’. The females say ‘I have to find out what the task is. How can I do it? How many hours does it take? What should I prepare?’ That is the difference I see between men and women. I’m not saying everybody is like that but in general, say ‘yes’ when you get the question. Also, open doors for others to say ‘yes’. It is very important to support each other. I think we can help each other to make it possible. That is my advice. I will say ‘Say Yes’ and surround yourself with good sponsors who speak positively about you when you are not in the room. That is also very important.”

    DURBAN 2023

    Sorling, who presided over the 2023 World Championships, held in Durban, South Africa – the first to be staged in Africa since 1939 – described the tournament as an avenue to showcase the rich culture cum warm hospitality of the continent.

    Her words:  “I have been in Durban for a week before the tournament began. It is really nice to come before the event starts. You can see the hard work behind the scenes, the dedication, and the motivation. I’m really very happy for this World Championships. We did have to wait for a very long time to come back to Africa and now Durban, South Africa has really treated us very well.

    “This World Championships in Durban really delivered on the high-quality level in terms of organisation: the venue, the food, transportation, and the best remark you can get is when the players are happy. I have met several teams and they are satisfied compared to the World Championships before. It is really great here in Durban. It met our expectations and delivered even more.”

    Sorling added: “The last time we held the World Championship in Africa was 1939 in Cairo, Egypt. We planned, for many years, to come back, and move the World Championships around the globe. Lately, it has taken place in Asia and Europe. We have changed the format of the championship to make it more possible to organise it around the world.

    “South Africa won the bid against Germany. It was clear that our 227 members wanted to go to South Africa. It is great to see that we have done it the way we wanted it done. We wanted to have the event exactly the same way we had it in Europe and Asia. Here in Africa, you feel the unique atmosphere, the African flavour, especially in the opening ceremony and all the activities around.”

    The ITTF chief underscores the importance of Africa in the global table tennis family. She stated: “Africa within the ITTF, with its 54 members, is a big continent, an important continent within the ITTF family. I can see here that taking on the World Championships will mean a lot for the future as well. It shows that Africa can deliver high-level events. You have already done the youth events in terms of World Table Tennis (WTT) and you will also have an event in Nigeria which is coming in Lagos. I’m sure that there will be more opportunities.

    “Also, I can see that the neighbouring countries around South Africa also feel more confident to take on events. It is very important for the future. When you have events at home, you make our sports visible, the kids come and watch, and hopefully they will grab the bat and start to enjoy the beautiful sport of table tennis.”

    On what table tennis can learn from other sports, Sorling said: “Of course, we can always learn from other sports. Already, we are doing a lot for our development programme. In the foundation, we are building projects. I was at the African Cup some weeks ago in Nairobi, Kenya. We saw the young Joseph, a very talented player from Uganda and other young players. So, there are many good activities ongoing in Africa. We brought the World Championships here to create a legacy. The ITTF will continue to support Africa’s needs through the 54-member associations. I hope we can do even more through the event here in Durban.”

    BIGGER SPONSORS

    Sorling added: “We are working hard to attract more and bigger sponsors. We believe that table tennis is the best sport. We say table tennis for life and that is not only a motto, it is how we see our sport because you can start as a very young and talented kid or just playing for fun, and you can play happily on the big stage. Recently, we had World Master Championship, and all the players were 90 plus, coming from Japan, and they were great. So that’s why I think our sport can really benefit us and the companies relating to us. I believe if we continue to work as hard as we do, we will also attract the big sponsors to table tennis because we really have a good product. Table tennis is an amazing sport.”

    Apart from running table tennis at the global level, Sorling remains active in the corporate world. She disclosed: “I still run a company, but part time and I am involved in some foundation board duties. When you do things that you really think you can contribute, it energises you. So, I really enjoy what I’m doing, it is hard work and not easy at times being the only female but now, the world is changing. The Athletics Commission is represented by two individuals – one from each gender. So now we are two in the executive board and there will be more.”

  • Kyrgios: I contemplated suicide after Wimbledon loss

    Kyrgios: I contemplated suicide after Wimbledon loss

    Nick Kyrgios has revealed he ended up in a psychiatric ward following a loss at Wimbledon in 2019 because he felt suicidal.

    The tennis star went to a hospital in London to “figure out my problems” after the loss to Rafael Nadal four years ago at Wimbledon, where he wore a compression sleeve over his right arm during his singles matches to conceal his scars from self-harming.

    “I was genuinely contemplating suicide,” Kyrgios said, in the latest season of Netflix’s tennis documentary series Break Point.

    “I lost at Wimbledon. I woke up and my dad was sitting on the bed, full-blown crying. That was the big wake-up call for me.

    “I was like, ‘OK, I can’t keep doing this’. I ended up in a psych ward in London to figure out my problems.”

    Filmed prior to his run to the final last year as part of the tennis documentary Point Break, the Australian said that if he managed to win the title, “it’s like a middle finger to everyone”.

    It took Novak Djokovic, the best ever, to deny the tour rebel in the 2022 Championships.

    A concentration lapse from Kyrgios while in a dominant position in a critical service game is all that really separated the pair in a four-set final memorable for the splendid quality of play.

    But the challenge is indisputably greater for the Australian this year if he is to give “the bird” to the tennis world at Wimbledon and, more importantly, claim a grand slam title.

    Read Also: Classy Djokovic wins seventh Wimbledon title

    Kyrgios has not played a grand slam match since a five-set loss to Karen Khachanov in a US Open quarter-final nine months ago when the favourite to win the tournament.

    The eventual champion was Carlos Alcaraz. That fact alone indicates how well Kyrgios, whose last match came at the Japan Open in October, was playing at the time.

    An ongoing knee complaint required surgery and then a toe injury he suffered during an alarming car theft in which his mother had a knife held to her throat slowed his return.

    Dressed in a black shirt, shorts and socks, which contrasted with his white hat and shoes, Kyrgios gave a wave as he stepped out in Stuttgart, where he was a semi-finalist last year.

    He held a break point in the first game. He also served 11 aces in the opening set.

    But his ring rust was evident, most notably on set point when he opted for a drop shot that was easily run down by Yu, who drilled a backhand winner.

    What was familiar was Kyrgios’s cursing and complaints, with the colour of the towels earning his wrath early on as he struggled to find his range.

    What is concerning is his movement. When the first serve did not go in, and when Kyrgios was engaged in rallies, he looked restricted. He also grabbed for the knee at times.

    Yu, who became the first Chinese man to win an ATP Tour title when successful in Dallas in February, seized the decisive break late in the second set and was stronger throughout.

    He later posted on social media, saying: “Be patient with me my fans please … It’s a process to get back to where I was.

    “I know it’s hard for you to see me perform like today, but I need more time and hopefully can get back to where I was.”

  • WTT CONTENDER 2023: Top stars impressed by Lagos atmosphere, hospitality

    WTT CONTENDER 2023: Top stars impressed by Lagos atmosphere, hospitality

    There is no doubt that many Lagos’ first timers for the WTT Contender Series, which comes to a climax today, will leave Nigeria’s shores with good impression of the megacity and the people.  Danish champion Anders Lind could not hide his feeling after surviving a two-set scare in the Qualifying Round 2 of Men’s Singles against Korea’s Seongil Jang.  

    The  24-year-old Lind got the Lagos table tennis loving fans behind him and rooting for him once they realised he has the fighting spirit to stage a comeback.

    Such is the nature of Lagos fans who love great table tennis and players that combines skill with courage.  

    Ling fell back 2-0 (11-5, 11-9) against the Asian star, only to return to level up the match at 2-2, after winning the third and fourth games at 11-8, 11-6.

    In the deciding game, Lind played with a lot of confidence. He did not fidget, even when his opponent took a two points lead.

    In his usual style, the Danish star threw the hall into frenzy with his display, which eventually won the fifth game for him at 11-8.

    A happy Lind said after the match said the Lagos fans made his day. 

    He said: “To be down 2-0 and to recover and win a match is always very good. It showed mental strength even though this is not one of my proudest performances this year; I am still very proud that I came back and won this match. Being my first time in Lagos, my experience overall is okay and the people are very polite and friendly.” 

    Korean player Yang Ha Eun who defeated Yang  Yiyun of China 3-1 in the qualifying round 2 of women’s singles also has good things to say about Lagos and Nigeria in general.

    “This is my first time in Lagos, Nigeria and also my first time in Africa so this is a good experience. I also think Nigeria is a country that is good at their sports.”

    Read Also: No joy as Nigerian players exit WTT Contender Lagos:

    Serbian Izabella Lupulesku felt the pang of Nigerian fans when she beat Kehinde Oyeniyi 3-0, in the Qualifying Round 2 of Women’s Singles. In the end, though, she was grateful for the pressure, which brought out the best in her.

    “It is my first time in Nigeria as I was recently in Durban, South Africa for the World Championships while I had also visited Cape Town as well. Before the match I was a bit stressed because the first match is always very difficult and playing against a Nigerian player as the fans were supporting her. I was a bit under pressure but as the match progressed, I felt better to win the match. I love playing in this kind of atmosphere.”

    Like Lupulesku, Jules Rolland of France faced Nigerian player Adeola Oloruntade and fans.

    “Playing is very different because people are always supporting players from Nigeria and they are like 100 percent behind them. So when I played my first match against a Nigerian player, it was very difficult because I was not playing only against my opponent but against all the people in the hall. So it was very difficult. But I managed to play well in this match, so I’m happy. In the next match I will probably play against my compatriot and my friend and I know it will be a difficult match.”

    Felix Lartey of Ghana after losing 3-0 to Peng Wang-Wei (TPE) in the qualifying round one of men’s singles was happy with the organisation in Lagos.

    “The match was quite good and I am happy coming back to Nigeria because we don’t have this kind of tournament in Africa. I am grateful for the chance to play because Nigeria are experienced when it comes to staging a top class event. “

    For Peter Hribar, who is also in Lagos for the first time said he has to adapt to the hot Lagos climate. “It’s my first time here in Lagos and it’s a bit hot than what I’m used to. It’s my first time in West Africa and it is hotter than I expected and I am still adapting. Circumstances are different from what I’m used to in Europe but I managed to win my first match and I hope I can win more matches. I must say this is a good feeling winning otherwise I could pack my things and go back home but I’m still alive in the tournament. So I’m looking forward to playing some more or better even and winning some medals.”

    With the convergence of top players on Lagos, table tennis fans are ecstatic thronging the Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall, in their scores.  On Thursday, when the Round of 32 served off, the fans multiplied with the hope of watching the biggest names in the game.   

    Lagos has become a favourite destination for players. Everybody talked about the atmosphere of Lagos, the passion of the fans, of the people, and the ability to put up a good show for the success of the event.       

  • VICTOR OSIMHEN: I’m a happy man, my goal achieved in Napoli

    VICTOR OSIMHEN: I’m a happy man, my goal achieved in Napoli

    The recent days after leading Napoli to the Serie A title after 33 years, a feat that was achieved under football larger-than-life hero Diego Maradona, has left Nigeria star striker Victor Osimhen feeling cool and happy with himself.

    “It’s been crazy,” he enthused on Twitter. “You can only feel this feeling is you are in Naples, and I love every moment.”

    A journalist described the moment thus: “On May 7, 2023, the air was visibly euphoric at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in Naples, Italy. Fathers, mothers, and children supporting the home team cheered loudly throughout their duel with Fiorentina, hailing every kick, pass, and clearance from their players.

    “Truth be told, the home support could be scarcely concerned with the result of that game as much as they were invested in creating a celebratory atmosphere ahead of full-time. Just three days earlier, Napoli had secured the Serie A title following a terse 1-1 draw away to Udinese. On that Sunday evening at the Maradona Stadium, Napoli just wanted to party with its new heroes.

    “The laudatory aspirations of the Partenopei faithful were kicked off with a slender 1-0 win, secured courtesy of a late Victor Osimhen penalty. At the end of the game, as the league-winning players were introduced to the stadium individually, some of the loudest cheers were reserved for Osimhen.

    “It has not been a strange sight this season to see home fans feverishly chanting the name of the 24-year-old Nigerian striker. Against the backdrop of a historic title charge that has resulted in Napoli’s first Scudetto in 33 years, Osimhen has typified the Southern Italy club’s ethos of bravery, character, and fearlessness.

    “Operating as one of Napoli’s principal attacking outlets, Osimhen has battled and harried his way to the top of the goalscorers’ chart in Italy this season. In doing so, he dragged Napoli to its first Serie A title since the glory days of the irrepressible Diego Maradona. True to the Neapolitan tradition of deifying its most popular spotting icons, Osimhen has become an object of public adoration, forever writing his name into Naples’ history.”

    Naples homes and public spaces are adorned with giant figures of Osimhen made out of paper, plastic, and whatever could hold. The young and the old, men and women carry with them miniature replicas of Osimhen. Cakes and pastries are decorated with Osimhen’s now famous face protector and an enormous effigy of Osimhen becomes commonplace in the nooks and crannies of the city. It is indeed a sight to behold.

    HUMBLED 

    In all these, the 24-year-old Nigerian is humbled and euphoric at the same time. 

    Shortly before Napoli was crowned king of Italian football, when he broke yet another Serie A record, he wrote on Twitter his appreciation: “While growing up, I have always admired the great achievements of so many African legends and His Excellency Mr. George Weah is one of them, an icon in the world of football and also a leader to his people. Someone who has motivated and inspired millions of young talents alike. It was a great honor breaking his record as the top-scoring African player in Serie A history, an achievement i will forever cherish, Mr. George  Weah has set a foundation of excellence for individuals like me to emulate and his legacy will forever be remembered.

    Read Also: Osimhen’s boss named Serie A coach of the year

    “I celebrate this milestone with everyone who has inspired and supported me in this journey. Thank you for your contributions, God is the greatest.”

    Osimhen said he’s a fulfilled player this season.

    “When I arrived in Naples, I set some goals for myself. One of them is to win something with this team. If I get the top scorer award as well, so much better, but what really matters is achieving something important with my teammates. Whatever individual honour that I achieved this season is a plus, the overall achievement of the team comes ahead of them all.”

    He said his goals were only made possible because of the other players.  

    “We’re a great close-knit group and we know how to scrap too. In every game, we played for ourselves and that is why we have come out victorious. I’m a happy man. I have achieved my goals for the season in Napoli.”

    HUMBLE BEGINNING

    The striker, who grew up in the Olusosun area of Lagos, has often recounted how life got tough following the death of his mother and his father losing his job.

    “I really hustled on the streets of Lagos and toyed with the idea of doing so many things initially,” Osimhen told CAFOnline in 2015. As a kid, he sold sachet water in Lagos’ notorious traffic gridlocks and maintained an interest in music while admiring Nigerian rapper, Olamide.

    Osimhen got his earliest football education playing pick-up games on the streets of Lagos, where he honed the intense and improvisational style that has made him one of the best strikers in world football. He also picked up some skills from his brother who was a striker on a local team.

    With Drogba as an icon and his brother mentoring him, Victor joined the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos where he started to attract the interest of local scouts and recruiters.

    Osimhen entered national consciousness as a part of the 2015 Nigerian U-17 team coached by Nigerian football legend, Emmanuel Amuneke. Selected from a group of over 3,000 players, Osimhen justified Amuneke’s faith in him by leading Nigeria to the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations U-17 competition. He also finished as the top scorer in that competition with four goals.

    More success was on the horizon for the striker at the U-17 World Cup scheduled to be held in Chile later in 2015. Taking advantage of the presence of scouts from across the world and the global profile of the World Cup, Osimhen led Nigeria to the title. He also scored 10 goals on the way to the title, setting a new record for the highest number of goals scored at the U-17 World Cup finals.

    NEXT MOVE

    Osimhen’s next move is not specific yet and he has kept mute about it sparkling speculations around his transfer. 

    This week, the gangling striker was spotted in Berlin-Germany, igniting rumours that the Napoli star could leave for Bayern Munich in the summer.

    With 23 goals in 30 league appearances, he is no doubt a bride of the big teams of Europe, especially Bayern which is having problems in attack this season.

    Osimhen has now proven himself to be one of the premier strikers in Europe and clubs across the continent are interested in picking him up this summer, but Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis won’t let him leave for cheap.

    As reported by Bild, Osimhen was seen in the streets of Berlin this morning, sparking rumours that he could be sold to Bayern Munich in the upcoming summer transfer window.

    The real reason for the 24-year-old’s trip is not known yet, but it could simply be a case of family matters. His partner Stephanie was born and raised in Wolfsburg, so the pair may just be paying a brief visit to her home country. 

    Bild’s Head of Football Christian Falk suggests that there are no talks between Napoli and Bayern regarding Osimhen, with the Bundesliga giants believing that he’s too expensive.

  • TOSIN ADARABIOYO: I’m proud of my achievement this season

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO: I’m proud of my achievement this season

    Fulham have not disappointed in their return to the Premiership, even after maintaining a good number of the players that played in the Championship. They have remained formidable and after a difficult spell, quickly bounced back with wins home and away. The Craven Cottagers haven’t spared any of their foes. Following a dry spell, they recouped lost points with two victorious back-to-back.

    The first was a home win against unpredictable Leeds United and went away to beat Premiership old warhorse- Everton respectively. Nigerian player Tosin Adarabioyo has brought his great form from the Championship to the Premiership, standing tall in defence. At 25, his age underbelly the discipline, strength, andcomposure he displays on the field.

    He said of the successes recorded with the league ending today and Fulham sitting comfortably in the 10thposition.  “It’s great to get two good results and we’re going to push for more. It’s always great being back in the team. Playing and getting wins is the best feeling.”

    He recently reached the 100Club, an impressive feat in such a successful spell for the towering man.

    “It’s nice to get to 100 appearances, I feel like it’s gone very quickly and it’s a great milestone.“ Some of my best memories from the Club so far would be lifting the (Championship) trophy last season or my goal against Bournemouth.”

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    Although Fulham are far from any relegation worries having confirmed mathematical safety with the recent results, Tosin explains they have to consolidate.

    “We are pushing for more. “The gaffer is pushing us to do more and that’s something that we all want to achieve.”

    At one point, they were unbeaten in nine matches until Aston Villa broke the deadlock on April 25. Adarabioyo said it was one of their toughest matches of the season. “They were having a good moment, playing very well so we expected a tough game.“ We went in with full confidence knowing that we can get a result and that’s what we went for. The away fans were with us and we were hopeful they will come to push us on.”

    They did come but a lone goal denied Fulham a point at Villa Park.

    Tosin was voted Man of the Match in the clash against West Ham United. With the second most touches in the game (behind his center-back partner Tim Ream) and having won five aerial duels (the most jointly with Kurt Zouma and Michail Antonio), Tosin’s impressive display did enough to earn the majority of the votes. Adarabioyo is looking ahead to better days ahead. “We march on and hope that we can improve on our position next year. We have won important games and I’m fulfilled this season.”

    He played 28 times in all competitions for Fulham this season and scored one goal.

  • Moyes eyes ‘thrill’ of joining Scots managers with European trophies

    Moyes eyes ‘thrill’ of joining Scots managers with European trophies

    David Moyes admits there would be a special thrill if he could become the latest Scottish manager to win a European trophy when West Ham face Fiorentina next week.

    The English Premier League side have reached the Europa Conference League final and could finish their season on a high if they can prevail at Prague’s Fortuna Arena on Wednesday.

    Moyes has guided the Hammers through the group stage and past Larnaca, Gent and AZ Alkmaar to get to touching distance of the trophy.

    Team success would see West Ham win major silverware for the first time since 1981 but Moyes himself would join a rare group of Scottish managers who have achieved success in continental competition.

    Matt Busby, Jock Stein, William Waddell, Bill Shankly, George Graham and Sir Alex Ferguson are the only Scottish bosses to have lifted European trophies and Moyes admits he would be thrilled to join such elite company.

    Read Also: Moyes criticises ‘rubbish’ VAR after West Ham’s win

    “It would be hugely important for myself personally, because, you know, my home’s in Scotland, that’s where I was brought up,” he said. “And I think the names you mentioned were names which were round Europe in a different era when Scotland had a host of top managers and managers competing in the best leagues and competing for European competitions.

    “I’ve been told about it, obviously, I think that Sir Alex was the last one to win as a Scottish manager. But not only that, but as a British manager as well.

    “So it would be a big thrill for me if I could get my name alongside theirs.

    “But obviously many of them are greats in football and not just at their own club, but throughout the world, their names are known wherever people go.”

    Moyes’ future with West Ham is in doubt after fans’ dissatisfaction with the team’s league form over the last season but the manager wouldn’t be drawn on his plans or thoughts on what will happen after Wednesday night. He believes that, over the piece, his three years in charge have had plenty of highlights.

    “The only focus I’ve got at the moment is to win the game and perform as well as we can. I’m certainly not thinking any further ahead than that,” he