Super Eagles newbie Kingsley Michael celebrates making a debut for the Nigeria senior team as a dream come true. He explains his love for former AC Milan player Kaka and how he earned his nickname after the iconic Brazilian player. TAIWO ALIMI captures his words.

Michael Senior, father of Super Eagles newest midfielder KingsIey Michael sat throughout his son’s debut match for Nigeria Super Eagles.  Impressed by Michael’s input in the 2-1 win over Cape Verde in the Africa World Cup qualifying series, he took to the social media to praise his son for achieving a boyhood dream.

Posting an old picture of his son as a teenager inset into that of Brazilian great Kaka, he wrote:  “’Daddy, I am Kaka, I will play one day for 9ja’,” he wrote.

Explaining in the Instagram post, Michael senior, a soldier in Abuja, recalled how his son told him he will grow up to play for Nigeria.

“I never believed him, but I supported him. Everyone calls him Kaka whenever he’s playing”

Kingsley (22), indeed, had a great game in the absence of Eagles regulars; Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Peter Etebo and was able to control the midfield well.

It is based on this that this reporter posed the question to him why and how he adopted the famous Brazilian name.

“I did not adopt it. People call me Kaka. I love the way he played. He has the grace of a modern day striker and the flair of midfielder. I watch many of his videos growing up and I wanted to be and play like him. There is something about him, he’s gentle on the ball yet hard and those are the thing I fell in love with.”

The Bologna of Italy said he fell in love with Kaka as a teenager and did not know how much of an influence that had on him until people started calling him Kaka.

“Though I am me, it is an honour to be nicknamed after one of the greatest players of the game of football.”

Kingsley is also excited about making a Super Eagles debut.

Kingsley was handed his first senior call up and earned his first cap last week when Nigeria travel away to Cape Verde in the World Cup qualifier.

He was a key member of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U20 World Cup; four years prior he had played and won the U17 World Cup.

The Central midfielder, who joined Serie A side Bologna in 2018, has spent three seasons away on loan spells in the lower division honing his talent, something that caught the attention of manager Sinisa Mihajlovic.

He has made one league appearance for Bologna this season, enough to earn him a senior team invite, and he believes it only proves his work ethic has been spot on.

Reflecting on making his first appearance for the senior team he said.

“Firstly, I want to say a big thank you to God for bringing me here and for the hard work that I have been putting in. And I was ready for the game. And I from what I have been reading I think we all did well in the game. And we earned the points at stake against Cape Verde,” said the 22 year-old.

“You know every game is important and Nigeria is a big nation of football and every game is very important. Against the Liberia team we have to play the best to win.

“All the players were not picked by chance, we were picked on merit; we all play in our different clubs.”

Kingsley played alongside another newbie Innocent Bonke and in between them they had a decent game playing together for the first time.

“First of all, I want to give thanks to God, he made it possible. I really can’t explain how I felt making my debut. It was like a dream come true, I was so happy, the joy was too much.

Read Also: EMMA RADUCANU: US Open victory changed my world

Michael expressed his surprise at even being called up for the games in the first place, “I was really surprised. I didn’t expect or believe it until I got to the Eagles camp and had my first training. Then I realized it was all real and true.”

“I’ve always wanted to play for Super Eagles. I enjoy playing for my country”

He represented Nigeria U17 at the 2015 African u17 Championship where Nigeria finished fourth as well as in the FIFA U17 World Cup, which Nigeria won. He scored a goal in the 3-0 quarterfinal victory over Brazil but did not appear in the semi-final and final.

Michael has also played for the Nigeria U21 and U23 teams.

He said he’s always ready to play in the Nigeria colours. “This is my boyhood dream and I look forward to the next opportunity to put on the green and white jersey.  “I want the fans to keep supporting me because there is room for improvement, and watch for the heart that I play with. I love them all, thank you.”

On his relationship with other members of the team, Michael is particularly close to the established midfielders Peter Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi. He has been learning new tricks from them and they have been helping him settle well into the team.

“I’ve always liked Etebo (Peter) and Wilfred (Ndidi) I like the both of them, I enjoy them playing and we play same role, so, I’m here to also learn from them now.

“I play as an attacking midfielder, but in Bologna, I play as a defensive midfielder. For now I play as a DMF and though I don’t look it, but, I am very aggressive,” he added.

At club level, Michael his loan spells have paid off handsomely.

Since arriving Italy in 2018, the midfielder has been sent on loan three times to Perugia, Cremonese and Reggina. He’s back home and believes he would play more games for the Rossoblu in the Italian elite league Serie A.

This season, the Midfielder has made 1 league appearance for Bologna, his first Serie A game since signing for the club in 2018.

He credited Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic for the confidence to play at that very high level and desire to keep improving.

“Sinisa Mihajlovic, I meet him two years ago when I came back from my loan at Perugia, he has been a great coach he likes me a lot. I went on loan to Cremonese for me to have playing time, unfortunately I got injured.

“But He gave me the chance in pre-season to play against Dortmund and Liverpool. He told me that this season I’d be staying. I really like him, He pushes me a lot.

“Right now I’m still young, I’m just 22. I think I’ll meet up with the standard I want to attain. To play in the Serie A is not easy, but I give God the glory, I’ve been there for four year and everything has been going well.”

Michael said he would however miss Japanese impressive player Takehiro Tomiyasu, who left to join Premier League side Arsenal.

“I learnt a lot from him because he’s good. He is experienced and friendly too. He is a very good player. He uses both feet. I think Arsenal have got a good one.”

By TAIWO ALIMI

Nigeria teenage tennis players Seun Ogunsakin and Mubarak Ganiyu have been described as the next big things that would happen to the country’s tennis if they are given the right mentorship and training.  According to Godwin Kienka, director of the International Tennis Academy (ITA) who is in the forefront of developing tennis talent in Nigeria, the new kids on the court are the most promising juniors in Nigeria. Ogunsakin last March won the boys 14 and 16 titles at the CBN Junior Tennis Championships getting an education grant of N200, 000 for that achievement. Ganiyu was finalist in the 14s and has since made tremendous progress including one win over Ogunsakin.

Kienka whose ITA Junior Circuit of tournaments has provided the platform to discover junior talents in Nigeria said the 14year-old junior players have the potential to hit the top 50 in the ATP rankings in the next six years if they are sent to reputable academies now.

In the past the ITA director identified today’s tennis leading lights-the like of Clara Udofa, who is the first Nigerian female to compete at the US Open Championships junior event. Clara was the youngest national senior champion at 14 and the first Nigerian to be ranked on the WTA tour in the 600s in her first year of turning professional.

Kienka, whose children are also doing well in the game abroad has covered every possible aspect of the game of tennis and produced several champions. He is also the first black African to qualify as an international tennis official.

Read Also: EMMA RADUCANU: US Open victory changed my world

As a journalist, Kienka had covered all the Grand Slam tournaments and was publisher and editor of the Tennis Africa Magazine.

The ITA director called on the Ekiti and Oyo state governments to facilitate sending the two outstanding tennis talents from their states to tennis academies in Portugal, France or Spain.

He said: “Ogunsakin and Mubarak have great potential and luckily for them Governors Seyi Makinde and Kayode Fayemi both play and love the game of tennis. But even if they do not, they owe it to their state and the nation to help these boys realize their full potential. The money the states will spend on the boys will be nothing compared to the glory and prize monies they will bring to this country if they succeed as I am sure they would.”

Adding, “I would recommend the Rafael Nadal Tennis Academy by Movistar in Spain because Ogunsakin has the style and mannerisms of the famous owner who I am sure will fall in love with him, or the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in Paris where Serena Williams works out. I am sure we can use our network to get the best possible discounts.”

Both players will get a chance to showcase their talent when the maiden edition of the Sapetro Futures Championship, a new addition to the ITA Junior Tennis Circuit, kicks off at the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club this week.

The tournament will feature competitions in boys and girls 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s.

Mark Balogun is a man of many parts. He’s Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who played basketball to the highest stage. He later became a basketball coach and co-founded the Ikeja based Rookies Basketball Academy. He is the proud father of three U.S based basketball players: Ezekiel Balogun (NCAA North Florida College), Elizabeth Balogun (D’ Tigress and Louisville Cardinals Women’s Team in the Atlantis Coast Conference and Ruth Balogun (Hamilton Heights). Balogun is also an author and last week launched his first book titled ‘Understanding the Game Basketball.’

According to Balogun who is a teacher as well as a trainer, the book is aimed at improving the knowledge of the game for lecturers, teachers, trainers, coaches, players and beginners.

“I felt the need to write this book when I noticed that many coaches, trainers and the players themselves do not understand many things about the game. They have a wrong interpretation of many aspect of the game which I needed to correct.

“It was a result of painstaking research and based on decades of experience as a player, teacher and trainer of the game. I am working on three books and this is the first of them.”

Balogun, who has coached and inspired some of the country’s top players home and abroad, among them, Churchill Odia, Akin Akintunde, Malik Tella, Daniel Daudu, Segun Daudu, Mike ‘Ori’ Ohiero, Nkoyo George and Juliet Obi, said his whole life is centred around basketball and writing it down as a form of book is his way of giving back to the society.

Read Also: Tokyo 2020: Australia outscore D’Tigers in basketball opener

 

The teacher turned basketball player, who also have a degree in Physical and Health Education (PHE), as well as a coaching certificate from the National Institute for Sports (NIS), said of his iconic journey of teaching and grooming youngsters: “I have been organizing and sponsoring basketball programme since 1992 because of the conviction that I have that I can contribute positively to humanity in order to help youths grow in the game and transform them into responsible people in the society. I am happy that my programme has been able to get some of our youths off the streets and crime.

Balogun, who represented Nigeria at the World University Games after he won the NUGA games in the colours of University of Benin (UNIBEN) while playing for the Police Basketball Team in the Nigeria Premier League, said he believes a player should combine sport with education.

“My philosophy as a coach is that my players combine basketball and education together. I always ensure that my players are always in school because at the end of the day, not all of them would end up playing basketball. Many of my players who have left this court (Police College, Lagos) are professionals in different fields. We have those who have gone on to become doctors and engineers who are in the United States. I think the most important thing is to develop that talent because basketball can take you anywhere in the world.”

According to her daughter Elizabeth who played in all three Group Phase games against Japan, France and U.S in Tokyo Olympics, her father inspired them to play basketball and at the same time excel in school.

“My dad was my coach. Both my parents and both my siblings played basketball. It has just been a family thing. People don’t understand it’s like I breathe basketball. I can’t do without it. He’s my biggest influence in life.”

In a separate interview, Ezekiel said of their father. “My dad always talked about Hakeem. ‘If he can do it, you can do it.’ He had the same hopes and dreams that you do.”

Last Saturday night’s loss may have signaled the conclusion of Manny Pacquiao’s time in the ring and hampered his run for the Philippine Presidency.

They came to T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, the friends and family and associates of Manny Pacquiao. His fans: The boxing aficionados, the celebrities. A full 2,000 people received tickets from the boxer. A few hundred managed to meet with him this week inside his suite at the MGM Grand. A couple dozen found their way to a maze of hallways beneath the stands, navigated to the dressing rooms, pushed past one unmarked door and ran into another.

Below a red sign that announced RESTROOMS, a single sheet of white paper was taped to the brown wood. In all caps and blue type, it marked the inner sanctuary, with two words—MANNY PACQUIAO—that were laden with significance, like a portal to The End. Everyone who advanced inside understood the landscape and the stakes. Not for this particular bout, against welterweight champion Yordenis Ugás, but for this particular boxer, at this particular moment in time.

The assembled knew that an eight-division world champion hoped to summon more age-defying magic in order to launch a presidential campaign in the Philippines. But they also wondered, because of things like physics and birthday candles, whether they were gathering as they had for decades—only, now, for the last time.

More than three hours before the opening bell sounded, the line at the box office snaked halfway down the street. One person even dressed like Pacquiao, right down to the boxing trunks. As he shadowboxed, the dominant chant that echoed all Saturday began. Man-ny! Man-ny! Man-ny!

And yet, this was not any other Saturday. This was, potentially, The End.

Longtime team members like Buboy Fernandez wait for Pacquiao’s arrival. They hang up the bright red robe he will wear into the ring. They fiddle with the water bottles stacked on a folding table, arranging and rearranging. They even stretch out, hours before they will shout instructions while sitting down.

The welterweight champion, Ugás, who had been scheduled for the same card, only for his opponent to suffer an injury; then, the perfect, last-second pairing. Ugás, after all, held the WBA belt that had been taken from Pacquiao due to inactivity. Ugás took the fight on 11 days’ notice, calling it the “most important” bout of his life. In that fearlessness, Pacquiao looked at Ugás—an Olympic bronze medalist and Cuban defector who never shied away from top competition—and saw a younger version of … himself.

At 7:58: The room fills again. Pacquiao ties and unties his shoes. He puts on his shorts, changes shirts—the new one says “God’s Champion”—and has gloves shoved onto his fists. Finally, it’s time; if not, The End, then more steps in that direction.

Roach is back in the dressing room, after working two other corners for two other fights on the card. By this point, only a handful of Pacquiao’s closest confidants remain. Roach gives Pacquiao one final instruction—to wait for Ugás to throw a straight right and come over the top of it with his left. “Catch him when he lunges,” Roach says. But there’s something else about that moment that stands out. It’s the fighter and the trainer, after two decades now something closer to father and son. At this moment, about to walk to the ring to face an opponent with superb technical proficiency, having been given less than two weeks to prepare for his tricky style, they’re both … smiling.

Read Also: Manny Pacquiao: Famous boxer and man of many parts

 

And everyone is chanting: Man-ny! Man-ny! It feels like … the perfect end?

The bell rang. Ugás stalks toward Pacquiao his frame noticeably larger. Pacquiao briefly pins him in the corner. The crowd leaps to its collective feet and roars.

By the end of the second round, though, the theme of the fight becomes clearer. Ugás, in style and in age, presents a problem for Pacquiao. His double jab is effective and opens up a bruise that swells under Pacquiao’s right eye. The crowd continues trying, cheering, chanting, as if willing Pacquiao forward. But he looks like a 42-year-old champion facing a game opponent. He’s not as fast as the Pacquiao that will live forever in the minds of boxing fans across the world. His punches aren’t as precise.

A boxer who once delivered spectacular knockouts entered this bout with only one stoppage victory in his last 16 bouts. That’s a factor against Ugás, too, and one that Ugás exacerbates with excellent defensive maneuvering. Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns watches all this unfold from ringside. He knows that power doesn’t last forever. Nor do Hall of Fame careers.

Pacquiao and Ugás go back and forth, both men trading blows but neither doing extensive damage to the other. By the time the final bell rings, the fight is close. Most boxing experts posting on social media believe that Ugás won, by a close margin, and the judges agree, scoring the bout unanimously for the Cuban champion (115-113, 116-112, 116-112).

The crowd boos but their reaction seems halfhearted, because they now must face the cold and inevitable truth: if this isn’t Manny Pacquiao’s last fight, maybe it should be.

Pacquiao retreats to both the dressing room and an uncertain future. He finds Roach and wraps his trainer in a bear hug. His people shower him with a standing ovation.

He’s gracious in defeat. He says that his legs were cramping, which limited his movement, giving additional context to that pre-fight massage. There’s that mouse under his right eye. Bruises cover his left cheek and the forehead space above his left eyebrow. His lip is fattened. His right eye is turned bright red. He’s now 18—5—2 in world title fights, has done everything a boxer can do. And while the defeat likely hurts his chances to become president of the Philippines next May, he has a lot of life ahead of him.

Consider all of that and there’s only one logical conclusion: there doesn’t seem to be any reason for him to continue fighting. Except the most important one: he wants to. Pacquiao admits as much at the post-fight news conference. He tells the writers there to cover him that “we’re not young anymore.”

“In my heart, I want to continue to fight,” he says. “But I also have to consider my body.”

For now, his boxing future remains in doubt. But he should listen to himself. If this is indeed The End, Pacquiao finished a career unlike any other with a night like many others. What made it special, what the assembled will remember, are those hours in the dressing room, when the ecosystem that is Manny Pacquiao continued onward, and it wasn’t about Ugás or legacy or pound-for-pound rankings. It was about Fortune and Gibbons and Buboy and Roach. And, of course, the champion who tethered all of them together, for as long as he possibly could.

Culled from goalmirror.com

Nigeria international Peter Etebo has described his reunion with the Pozzo family, owner of Udinese and Watford as inspiring. He spoke about the Premiership challenge aspiration in the ‘tough’ league. Taiwo Alimi captures his words     

Gino Pozzo, of the Pozzo family, owner of Udinese and Watford must have been impressed with the attitude of Nigerian international Oghenekaro Peter Etebo to go after him again.  He attempted signing Etebo from Warri Wolves in 2014 but could not meet the asking price then after a trail at Udinese. Four years later fresh from the World Cup, he came with another offer for the midfielder who preferred to sign for Stoke.

For Gino to finally bring Etebo to Vicarage Park last month was to say the least heavenly and it reflected on his greeting when he met Etebo face to face in Watford.

“At last, finally you’re here,” Gino Pozzo is understood to have said when he greeted the Nigerian at the Watford training ground.

The warm greeting was a nod to a long-standing pursuit of the Etebo from the relieved Italian billionaire.

For the central midfielder who signed a season-long loan from Stoke City last month, the feeling is mutual.

“The first time I went to Udinese, I did not know that same man is the owner of Watford, but it was when I came to Watford that I realised this. My time in Udinese was great. I had a great time there, I wanted to play in Watford but obviously things did not work out and finally I’m here. The most important thing is for me to get into work and do what I know how to do best.

“I’m a central midfielder but the most important thing is that when my team is playing my focus is getting a win for the team. If you win everyone is happy, the team is happy and the fans are happy too. It’s going to be a tough season but let’s see how it goes.”

Etebo has not always been a holding midfielder. He used to play as an attacking midfielder and scored more than 20 goals in over 60 appearances for Warri Wolves in Nigeria.

“When I was a kid playing I was an attacking midfielder but it was when I went to Spain and our two seaters (central midfielders) got injured that the gaffer looked at me and say ‘hey you are the one who can do the job and that is how I was converted to a seater and again when we were preparing for the Nations Cup (AFCON) and World Cup, we normally play  two seaters and one attacking midfielder in front and I get to play that role and I got used to it and that is that about that.”

Nevertheless, he said he liked in England.

“My first time for Stoke I knew England is competitive even when you play in the Championship, it is tough: you have to keep running. You have to chase people down. But come to think of it every league is difficult.”

Etebo settled in well and after starting his first game for Watford in a 3-2 win for his team in front of their fans.

It was “a joy” to hear Watford fans back at Vicarage Road for Peter Etebo, and the midfielder was delighted with the victory over Aston Villa, but insists it is only the start of the Premier League season and there is plenty of work to do.

The Nigeria international played 90 minutes as the Hornets secured a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, and he congratulated teammates Emmanuel Dennis and Ismaila Sarr on their work for the early goal.

“It’s very important as a team to score first and when you get an early goal it motivates everyone, keeps the positive vibes going and everyone keeps pushing,” said Etebo.

“I’m happy for my Nigerian brother [Dennis] and Sarr as well. They did well, you can see they’ve got good pace, they run forward and are direct players.”

Read Also: Sivasspor begin transfer talks with Etebo

The win will give confidence to Xisco Munoz’s side, but Etebo isn’t getting carried away.

“This is the start of the season. I’m happy that we got the win, congratulations to my teammates, but it’s a long season so step-by-step we have to keep going.

“This is just the beginning. Like the gaffer said, we need everyone. Everyone needs to stay together, be positive. It’s teamwork and there are lots of games to be played. This is just one game and there are a lot of games to go.”

With supporters back in Vicarage Road for the first time since February 2020, Etebo felt they gave the team a boost during the match.

“It’s a thing of joy because we have gone nearly two years with no fans, but when they are in the stadium they lift up the team. It’s amazing,” he said.

On his return to England following the loan stints in Spain and Turkey, the Nigerian international said he’s happy to be back and already settled among ‘family.’

“I’m excited, I’m happy to be part of the family. It’s been a joy to me since I came in,” said Etebo. “The lads, the management, everyone in the club have been good. I see it is a family club. I’m just trying to settle in, which I think is going to be fine for me.”

There are a few faces familiar to Etebo already at the club. William Troost-Ekong, Isaac Success and Emmanuel Dennis have all played alongside the 25-year-old for the Super Eagles.

“I’ve known [Troost-Ekong] for a very long time because I’ve played with him at the Olympic Games, the World Cup, the AFCON, so I’ve been with him for a very long time. I’ve also known [Success] for a very long time, even Dennis as well. Tom Dele-Bashiru, I hadn’t met him before but for the past few weeks in training I’ve got to know him. I’d heard about him, and that he was invited to go to the Under-20 World Cup.”

Etebo started his career as an attacking midfielder, also playing out wide. It was at Spanish side U.D. Las Palmas that he began to play in a deeper, more defensive role. He now plays in that position for his country, doing so at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“It is a thing of joy to play at the World Cup stage. It is a big experience for me. Though, I had a great game but it all boils down to the fact that we conceded a late goal and that kicked us out of the tournament. But, again, that is football.

“Playing in the World Cup is one of the biggest events in football, every player wants to represent their country,” said the midfielder. “It was a great experience for me, a great achievement. We didn’t qualify due to a goal in the dying minutes which was painful, but its football. I’m very happy about the experience.”

Etebo had his first taste of English football at Stoke City, where he made 45 Championship appearances amongst loan spells with Getafe and Galatasaray.

“When I first signed for Stoke I had people telling me coming to England wouldn’t be easy, especially in the Championship,” Etebo continued. “Everyone knows it’s one of the toughest [leagues], you have to keep running, chase people down.

“Every league is difficult, it all depends on how you set out the team, No league is easy. Coming to England to play, it’s a good league, it’s tough, but it’s a joy to me.”

The Premier League presents new and difficult challenges, but Etebo is prepared for what lies ahead.

“It’s going to be a long season, but let’s see. The most important thing is for us to keep our heads up, and make sure we’re going to give everything.”

Watford new forward and scorer of their Premiership opener Emmanuel Dennis is excited about coming to Vicarage Road, linking up with his ‘Nigerian brothers’ and partnering with Ismaila Sarr, writes Taiwo Alimi. 

After helping his new club Watford picked their first win of the EPL last week- a 3-2 win over Aston Villa, the commentator was quick to nickname the Nigerian international ‘Dennis the Menace.’ This was a result of his immense contribution to the team as he scored the opening goal and assisted in Ismaila Sarr’s second goal. For as long as he lasted on the pitch before he was subs, he was a constant thorn in the flesh of Villa’s defence moving through the midfield and flanks to connect the two prong attack of Sarr and him.

Told of the new nickname, Dennis simply laughed and said he had a great time in the match and lucky to score Watford opener.

Dennis said he enjoyed linking up with Sarr in game that took them to the third spot in the 2021/2022 Premiership season.

Dennis netted the opener and turned provider for Sarr’s goal, a player he feels he has a good connection with on the pitch.

“We get along well in training when we play together and I know he’s going to be really important for me if I’m going to be in the number nine,” he said.

“I’m really happy with the combination. It’s a process, so I’m really happy we started in a good way and we keep working.”

The Nigeria international scored after just 10 minutes to give the Hornets the lead on an unforgettable afternoon.

“I’ll remember this for all my life,” he said. “I’m speechless; I don’t know what to say,” he added after the match.

Cucho Hernández notched a third for Watford in the second half, and several attacking players threatened throughout. Dennis is excited by the quality of the squad going forward. The team boasts of five Nigerian players among them, William Troost-Ekong and Peter Etebo who all started the game. Others are Isaac Success and Tom Dele-Bashiru.

Dennis lived up to pundit’s prediction as he had been tipped to be a “huge success” in the Premier League if he “settles in well” with his new club.

He concluded his transfer to the Hornets from Club Brugge three weeks to link up with his Nigerian gang.

Still of the made-from-heaven combination with Sarr, Dennis added: “I’m really happy with the combination. It’s a process, so I’m really happy we started in a good way and we keep working.”

“We have energy, I’m really happy because we’ve been working hard for a really long time so I’m happy we could give the fans a good performance and they can go home smiling.”

Looking at the way Dennis mesmerizes and glides through defenders, one if reminded of Premiership great Didier Drogba and his exploits under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Interestingly, Dennis said he’s inspired by the former Ivorian national team captain.

“I learnt a lot of trick from him (Drogba). He was fast and deadly. I am fast too. No one can catch me.”

Asked by Watford TV to name his favourite players in the Premier League, Dennis said: “Didier [Drogba] and Wilfried [Zaha] are my favourite Premier League players, I loved watching Drogba play, I love to watch Zaha and I also loved to see Wayne [Rooney], scoring those crazy goals.”

Read Also: Dennis relishes dream debut with Watford

 

On the overall players he looks out for, Dennis said: “Neymar, Cristiano [Ronaldo], and Messi there is a lot of players you can watch and learn from them, I also love Sergio [Ramos].

Ramos, of course brings great memories to him since he scored two goals against Real Madrid in the Champions League. Dennis had the better of Ramos who was left speechless and rambling to stop the younger and faster forward.

“I am a fan of the guy [Ramos], very crazy defender with a lot of experience, strong on everything he does but I know like against this guy, he is old now and I am faster than him, so I will use my speed and also use my experience to beat him.”

His signing for Watford, Dennis revealed was made easy by the good number of his country-mates on their card. Among them Troost-Ekong, he said, is special.

“I am really happy, you can see from my face, I am really happy to be here, there are a lot of my friends who are here so it is really easy for me though to accept and to come because I have a lot of friends who are here.

“I’ve played with [William] Troost-Ekong in the national team so we’re cool together, there’s a connection. Isaac [Success] is my guy. We’re friends, he’s a nice guy, we hang out, and we laugh a lot.

“It’s crazy, it’s like a dream. I’m really happy to be here. Growing up, going to watch the Premier League you have to pay, sit in a crowd of people and watch it. But now, I’m here and going to be playing in it.”

He noted that Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo also helped him come to Watford. “I am a big fan of him [Ighalo], he’s like a big bro to all Nigerians so I watched him play here, he scored a lot of goals and I played against him in the Europa League against Manchester United.

The Aminu Kano Stadium hosted, perhaps, the biggest sports party Kano city may ever have experienced in recent time last Sunday. The crowd was wowed with the roll call of artistes – Yemi Alade, Peter Okoye, Reekado Banks, Di’ja, home boy Sani Danja and other local performers who would ever cherish sharing the stage with the top stars. On the anchor were celebrity comedian, AY, and star dancer-choreographer, Kaffy.

In the A-list of attendants were ex-international sports icons like Tijani Babangida, Garba Lawal, Emmanuel Babayaro and more. Also in the house was Nollywood fine guy, Francis Duru, who co-ordinated from the sides.

It wasn’t a Kano Pillars’ game. It was at the finals of the Noah Dallaji U-17 Basketball Tournament for youths in the Northern conference, a programme of the Noah Dallaji Legacy Project organised in conjunction with Olumide Oyedeji Foundation.

Sponsored by the African Children Talent Discovery Foundation presided over by Engr Noah Dallaji, the programme featured youth mentoring and life coaching in which the music, movie and sports icons engaged the participants, to provide them insights on various career paths in entertainment and sports, pointing them to the big future ahead, according to their talents and passion, and teaching them how to climb the ropes.

Oyedeji, former captain of D’Tigers, Nigeria’s national senior basketball team, and current President of the Nigerian Olympians Association, said he was fulfilled after some of the players told him ‘the experience was the best thing ever to have happened to them’.

But, in the plans of Noah Dallaji, it was only the beginning of great things to come towards changing the perfection, reach and fortune of youths in the North.

“Our mission is to build a great nation through the discovery and development of young talents in virtually every field of endeavour and supporting them to fulfill their destiny. We have been doing this in the education and entertainment sector. We provide scholarship for about 70 students yearly to study in American universities. This has been made possible through our facilitation of a sister-city relationship between the city of Oakland and Bauchi. Now we have come to sports,” Dallaji explained.

Oyedeji reveals that in line with Noah Dallaji’s vision, fourteen players from the Kano tournament have been pencilled down for further grooming.

“The plan is to nurture, guide and support them to attain fulfilling careers in basketball,” he said. “The serious ones among them will be sent on scholarship to various American colleges and universities to ensure that they effectively combine sports and education in the most enabling environment. While some may succeed in achieving a career in basketball, others may end up as professionals in other fields.”

Dallaji explained the commitment in clearer perspective: “It is our way of changing lives not only for the youngsters but for their families, communities, society and the nation in general. We believe that their success will inspire those behind them to aspire to achieve same heights and this programme will be sustained through the years to provide a platform to lift up talented youngsters from the inner communities and villages.”

Read Also: CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI: I’m in love with basketball

 

Oyedeji points out that the success of the Kano 2021 programme was especially significant towards redirecting the minds of Northern youths from banditry and various social vices, guiding them away from the lure of criminality by offering them a better platform for self-development, life achievement and the attainment of economic independence. Even for those not selected among the best 14 or top 5, Oyedeji has a word.

“When I was in the University of Ife, I was not good enough to play in the school basketball team, but by self-determination and continued hard work, I grew to play in the American collegiate, in the NBA, various clubs in Europe and Asia and became captain of the Nigeria senior basketball team, D’Tigers.

“Though we have selected those we consider to be the best players, it is important to note that we saw many talented players who may not have necessarily excelled in the tournament. You can be talented and not play well at the beginning but with more training you can distinguish yourself.

“That is why, beyond the training and scouting, I consider the mentorship aspect of the programme even most important as it strengthens the mind and psychology of our young persons to go through life.

“I cannot thank Engr Noah Dallaji, his Legacy Projects initiative and the ACTDF enough for making this huge investment towards lifting our young persons. When they succeed, they and their families and communities will always remember that he gave them his shoulders to climb.”

Interestingly, Dallaji said it is all for nothing but the good of the nation: “We are a non-profit, non-business organisation and we have no strings attached in what we do. What we aim at is a greater nation through lifting and building greater youths by supporting them to develop their talents and passion. What we only ask of them is that, when they succeed, they should help others also to succeed. That way we all join hands with one another to build a greater nation.

“Sports are a platform for national unity and we must develop and promote it to unite our people especially in the present situation that we find ourselves. It is a personal commitment, also of the Noah Dallaji Legacy Projects and the ACTDF. We intend to do so through all sports and reach every community as far as we can across the country.

“We have no contributions from the government or any corporate organisation. We only expect that as they see what we do, they can either join hands with us or contribute in their own way.”

AC Milan and England defender Fikayo Tomori has revealed that he is ready for the new season after the Rossoneri pre-season friendly games against Nice, Valencia, and Real Madrid in which he played important role.

Following the 1-1 draw against Nice, they lost in penalty shootout to Valencia and barren draw against Real Madrid.

Although, the Valencia friendly game ended up being a loss on paper, the performance was encouraging from the Rossoneri.

In the first half, Milan had a plethora of chances and looked very sharp on many occasions. However, the final touch was missing and thus they remained scoreless as the referee blew for half-time. Rafael Leao did have a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside, which would have ended up being the winner, but nonetheless it was an encouraging display.

Tomori spoke to Milan TV about his current condition and preseason preparations while looking forward to the new season which kicks off on August 22, 2021.

“It’s a pity we didn’t manage to win on penalties, but the goal of the pre-season is to get in shape. We played against a good team and it’s nice to see the fans back at the stadium,” he said.

“We are fine, there were no injuries and it’s positive. “I’m fine, I’ve stayed in shape. I’m ready for the new season, I’m energised. I’ll play my first season in full and I’m happy, everyone is. I’m really fine, we hope to continue like this.”

Tomori speaks more on how his Nigerian father inspired him and shape up his football career and other matter in separate interviews as captured by Taiwo Alimi.

 

GROWING UP

As a kid I was always pretty active. I was always wanting to play football and get out and about. I wasn’t really the type of kid to sit around and do nothing. I was a lad’s lad when I was young. Whenever someone would knock on my door saying do you want to go play, I’d be like, “yeah let’s do it”. I’ve always been a pretty active person. I’m pretty bubbly and just enjoyed being around my friends.

Back then when you’re just care free and you’re just going out to have a kick about with your friends, it would be after school or on a weekend or over the summer holidays – you’re just playing outside for hours and hours playing football. I remember never getting tired so back then it was amazing. Looking back to times you would maybe ride your bike to a field and then play football there and then ride back home. It was a carefree time.

 

INSPIRATION FATHER

I’d say definitely my dad. My mum didn’t really watch football when I was growing up. Obviously she watches me now but my dad is just a football fan and he likes to analyse and stuff. He used to help me a lot and talk to me about what he’s been watching professionals do. He always used to help me not get too carried away but also not too down. That helped me stay pretty neutral and helped me just focus on myself and just try and progress as much as possible without putting too much pressure on myself. I think that has got me to where I am today.

My parents were very no nonsense I’d say. I had to do well at school, I had to be focused in everything I was doing and I had to give 100%. They didn’t allow me to quit things easily. They were big on making sure I had respect for other people and things like that. They were much disciplined people and I think that comes from their Nigerian side where things are very no nonsense and it’s about doing everything to the best of your ability and having respect for others. I’ve carried that with me throughout my life even though I’ve been playing in England.

 

NIGERIAN MUSIC AND CULTURE 

My dad used to listen to all kinds of music. Sometimes he’d wake up in a particularly good mood and would be playing music off his phone or from his laptop and it used to be old school Nigerian music with talking drums and stuff. I don’t know how to describe the sound of it but you can recognise it instantly. I think another thing that helped me was that where I went to school in South East London, there were a lot of Nigerian families there so I went to school with a lot of Nigerian kids. Everyone could bounce ideas around what happens in their respective households that you thought only happened in yours – you realise it is happening everywhere. It also exposes you to new things and you learn about others that way and develop your own culture with your own friends.

 

CHELSEA CALL

I remember I was playing for my Sunday team. I think the scout had been watching me for a while but my parents never told me. I think they just wanted me to keep playing for me and for the love of it and not be distracted by who was watching. I always wondered how footballers become footballers. I didn’t know there was an academy system or anything like that. My parents then introduced me to the scout from Chelsea. He asked me to go to the development centre. Being six or seven at the time, I was like “oh ok”, didn’t think much of it. My parents drove me there and then the next week they said to me that I should go to Cobham, where the real academy is. Even then I didn’t know what was going on. It was all just kind of happening. My parents drove me to Kidbrooke, then they drove me to Cobham and it’s all just snowballed since then to where I am. At first I didn’t really know what was happening so I didn’t really have a chance to get excited about it. The first time I really got excited was when I went to Stamford Bridge and signed a contract when I was around eight or nine years old.

 

MOTIVATION

My dad helped me out a lot and the coaches at Chelsea are amazing. Coming through the youth ages you had different coaches who teach you different things. Everyone may have their favourite coach that helped them. I had those coaches as well; maybe those that were a bit harder on me helped me a lot. Also those coaches were a bit softer on me who allowed me to go out and play, you learn from each of them. There are a lot of people and a lot of coaches who have helped me. Even on the loans I’ve had as well, a lot of different experiences. That’s something Chelsea also gave us early on – a lot of exposure to a lot of different things that go on and happen in football. Things like going to different countries and playing against different teams, going up and down the country, playing in Premier League tournaments – It just builds you up and builds a mental log of everything that is going on.

 

HAPPY MOMENTS 

Things like winning the FA Youth Cup and the FA Youth League are things that are an explosion of what has happened prior like all the hard work from the coaches and all the work that has gone in before that, it all kind of comes out at moments like that. It’s hard to pick one specific moment that was definitive in that sense; I think it was more about how the whole experience shaped us with lots of moments that have helped each of us to get to this stage. There have been a lot of experiences and a lot of things that have gone one and I’m very happy and grateful. It’s hard to pinpoint just one – it’s about learning from them all.

 

CALM GUY

I’m pretty laid back, pretty calm, I don’t get flustered by things. Obviously as a human being I have emotions and I have things that happen to me. Like anyone I have my down days but normally I’m pretty calm and pretty mellow. I like that trait about me. I’m not too up or too down, just more middle of the road and good like that.

 

ADIDAS SIGN UP

Signing for a brand is amazing and I’ve always loved adidas. When that chance came to sign for them, I was always going to do it. I kind of thought, “now that I’ve signed with them, I have to keep playing football well so that I get the next honour”. Obviously I was 18 when I signed with adidas. I remember it was a nice moment for me.

 

MOTIVATION

I think a lot comes from other people. I like to see people doing well. When you see others doing well, it pushes you to drive yourself on and you think to yourself, “I’m going to do that too”. Obviously my family, my friends as well – they keep me motivated as well. I want to go on to do things so that I can share those moments and experiences with them as well. Obviously with Covid it’s a bit difficult but under normal circumstances, I’d want to be able to share all those experiences with friends, family and team mates.

Yeah, someone like Michael Jordan. I watched the documentary during lockdown. Growing up in England, there’s not too much NBA on the TV so growing up I didn’t know of his ability and just how good he was. I knew he was good but I didn’t realise it was those levels. I think looking at his mentality and his competitiveness that was something that really hit me. Obviously he’s a businessman as well and done a lot outside of basketball. He’s proved that he’s the best on the basketball court but also shown that he wants to be the best in other things he does.