May 3, 2023
Former Nigerian International, Wilson Oruma has debunked reports that went viral last weekend claiming he is battling deteriorating of health and currently bed-ridden.
A video went viral last week showing an ailing man who looked like Oruma being administered intravenous fluid on a sick bed, somemwhere in Lagos.
The video stired mixed reactions on social media, with some fans sending prayers and well wishes, while some knocked sports especially football administrators for neglecting retired athletes.
However, on Tuesday in another video shared online by his elder brother, Oruma was visibly seen in a delightful mood, as he appreciated the fans for their love and concerns, adding that he and his family are “healthy and sound”.
The 1996 Olympics gold medalist confirmed the time stamp of the new video and said he is “good and looks cute”.
April 26, 2023
La Liga dark horses, Girona scored four times as they recorded a resounding victory over defending champions Real Madrid.
Striker Valentin Castellanos headed home the opener and then ran onto a long ball before slotting past Real Madrid’s stand-in goalkeeper; Andriy Lunin to make it 2-0.
Vincius Jr pulled 1 back for Real with a header from Marco Asensio’s cross,but Castellanos, tucked in a cross from Yan Couto and headed a fourth – before Lucas Vazquez’s consolation.
Real Madrid are 11 points behind leaders Barcelona, having played a game more, and one eye would be on the game against Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final first leg in two weeks.
Castellanos is the first player in more than 75 years to score four goals in a La Liga game against Real Madrid. In December 1947, Esteban Echaverria netted five for Real Oviedo against Madrid.
Real Madrid were without first-choice goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and striker Karim Benzema due to injuries.
April 25, 2023
Nigerian International, Aruna Quadri will reignite his conquest when the 2023 Africa Cup serves off from May 4 to 6 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya.
Aruna, who was forced by injury to concede the title in 2022 to Assar at 4-3, will be hoping to reclaim the crown following his recent form at global events.
He is urrently number 12 in the world, the highest ranked African in the world, while Omar Assar, ranked 33, is his closest rival on the continent.
Current African best ranked woman, Dina Meshref, is at present in fine form. She will be up against compatriot and defending champion, Hana Goda, who claimed her first continental title in Lagos last year.
Every participating country is expected to present two players each in men and women events, while Egypt, as the defending champions in men and women, will nominate two players alongside the two champions.
Kenya, as host, will present four players each in men and women events, while Brian Mutua will lead the East African team against the visitors. Already, organisers of the tournament, Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA), have assured participants of a top class event, having staged the same competition in 2018.
The Africa Club Championships will precede the Africa Cup, but both tournaments would serve as dress rehearsals for the first World Championships to be staged in Africa in 84 years, which is due to hold in Durban, South Africa from May 20 to 28.
April 11, 2023
Victor Osimhen of Napoli is battling to be fit and available for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals against Milan on Wednesday.
Osimhen suffered a muscle injury while on international duty with Nigeria last month, during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau, and missed Napoli’s 4-0 loss to Milan at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona a fortnight ago, as well as the Partenopei’s 2-1 win over Lecce in Serie A action last weekend.
The 24-year-old is having a fantastic season in Serie A and has established himself as an important member of Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
The former VfL Wolfsburg striker leads Serie A in goals scored with 21 in 23 matches, and his form is propelling the Partenopei to their first historic league title in three decades.
Osimhen has 25 goals in 29 appearances in all competitions, helping Spalletti’s side to a 16-point lead in Serie A and a place in the Champions League’s last eight.
On Sunday, the striker trained at the Castel Volturno soccer field, and there is still hope that he will be able to travel to Milan for the Champions League quarter-final match against Pioli’s Rossoneri. The Nigerian’s availability in the Champions League next week will be determined on Tuesday.
“On Saturday, Osimhen worked out on the treadmill at the gym.” He returned to work in the field on Sunday. According to Area Napoli, “Victor is trying and will try until the last minute to be there in the first leg quarters at San Siro.”
“The player will continue his recovery work on Monday as well; the plan is to have clinical tests and a decisive audition on Tuesday in order to be included on the list of players called up for the away match in Milan.”
“If the last test results in positive signals, Spalletti could insert him among the starters for the away match at San Siro, he could initially take a seat on the bench and possibly enter the second half if there was a need, but it is still too early to tell, but confidence is growing.”
