Sports
FIFA bans former Golden Eaglets star, Orji Okonkwo, for 4 years
Former Golden Eaglets star Orji Okonkwo has been banned from football for four years.
The 24-year-old was banned from the sport for an extended duration by the world football governing body FIFA.
The ban on Okonkwo is a result of a doping violation discovered by t the Italian National Anti-Doping Tribunal.
Jorge Ivan Palacio Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed the ban on Okonkwo in a statement put out by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
A statement by FIFA on the ban on Okonkwo by FIFA said, “Consequently, the Committee decided to extend the sanction imposed on the player by the Italian NADO on 20 June 2022.
“More specifically, the player is sanctioned with a four (4) years suspension from all football-related activities in accordance with the Decision.”
The four-year ban is in effect from February 25, 2022, until February 24, 2026. Okonkwo made a name for himself while in Italy playing for Reggina, Bologna, and other lower league sides.
Okonkwo along with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Villareals’ Samuel Chukwueze were part of the Golden Eaglets team that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Sports
Lionel Messi reveals when he will retire from football
Lionel Messi has opened up on when he plans to retire from football as he navigates the twilight of his iconic career.
Since his arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023, Messi has showcased his prowess by scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists in 19 appearances across various competitions.
Nevertheless, at 36 years old, Messi has had to contend with injury setbacks, sparking concerns about his durability in the sport.
Considering his retirement intentions while on the Big Time podcast, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner emphasized his self-awareness, acknowledging his tendency to critically evaluate his performances.
Messi conveyed his preparedness to exit the game when he senses he can no longer deliver his peak performance or derive joy from playing, regardless of his age.
“I am very self critical of myself, I know when I’m good, when I’m bad, when I play well and when I play badly. When I feel it’s time to take that step, I will take it without thinking about age,” Messi said.
“I know that moment I feel I am no longer ready to perform, that I am no longer enjoying myself or helping my teammates.
Sports
African Games: Nigeria wins 8 gold medals in boxing — in one day
Team Nigeria has added another eight gold medals in boxing to its tally at the 13th African Games in Ghana.
The Nigerian contingent was ruthless in the ring at the Bukom Boxing Arena, Accra, on Friday.
Joy Ojo won Nigeria’s first boxing gold of the day without strapping her gloves and boots.
She claimed victory in the women’s 57kg category following a walkover over her Selmouni Chahira, Algerian opponent.
Dolapo Omole added to Nigeria’s gold medal tally after the referee was forced to stop the contest between him and Sigauque Amando of Mozambique in the men’s 57kg category.
The referee ruled that the Mozambican could not continue the fight, and Omole took the glory.
Patricia Mbata then secured a 4-0 victory over Marbrouk Molka of Tunisia in the final of the women’s 75kg category to clinch Nigeria’s third boxing gold at the Games.
Adam Olaore knocked out Kuadjovi Kevin Prodence LK of Togo in the first round of the final of the men’s 92kg category.
Cynthia Ogunsemilore defeated Rahma Mohamed of Egypt 5-0 in the final of the women’s 60kg category.
Afterwards, Blessing Oraekwe, Jacinta Umunnakwe and Ifeanyi Onyekwere pummeled their opponents to take Nigeria’s gold tally in the ring to eight.
In athletics, Nigeria won the women’s 4×400 meters relay, clocking 3:27.29 to finish ahead of Zambia and Botswana.
The quartet of Esther Elo Joseph, Patience Okon-George, Brittany Ogunmokun and Omolara Ogunmakinju ensured Nigeria’s dominance over the lap race on the continent.
In the men’s Javelin throw, Chinecherem Nnamdi won gold with an attempt of 82.80 meters, a new national record.
Nigeria sits second on the medals table, with 121 medals behind Egypt.
Team Nigeria won 47 gold, 33 silver and 41 bronze medals in Ghana.
The Games are billed to wrap up on Saturday with a colourful closing ceremony.
Sports
African Games: Ese Brume wins gold as Nigeria bags 97th medal
Ese Brume has won the gold medal in the women’s long jump at the 13th African Games in Ghana.
The 28-year-old leapt 6.92 meters in her first attempt at the University of Ghana, Accra, on Thursday, and it was enough to secure her second consecutive African Games title.
She also won the event at the last edition held in Rabat, Morocco, in 2019.
Prestina Ochonogor claimed bronze with a jump of 6.62 meters in her international debut, while Koala Jasmine of Burkina Faso won the silver medal.
In the women’s discus throw, Amaechi Obiageri upset compatriot Onyekwere Chioma to win the gold medal with an attempt of 58.93 meters.
Onyekwere was the defending champion and the African record holder, but she settled for second place with a throw of 58.03 meters, while Nora Monie of Cameroon took the bronze.
Also, Francis-Peterson Kemi won the silver medal in the women’s heptathlon after gathering 5268 points across the seven events. She finished behind Ahouanwanou Odile of the Benin Republic.
Team Nigeria remains second on the medals table with 97 laurels at the ongoing African Games.
Nigeria’s contingent has won 37 gold, 25 silver and 35 bronze medals in Ghana.
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