Author: Enitan Obadina
The Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, waved an official paper that a later explanation from his office would magically end the age-long problems in Nigerian basketball. In the ensuing chaos, some members of the women’s team who, through sweat, blood and owed allowances, qualified for the women’s basketball world cup dropped their heads across various social media. Three days after the dust has settled, and no saviour in sight except for breaking news on a new grassroots basketball competition, coming in June for a sport never lacking In grassroots basketball programs. Nigerian basketball, which hitherto was on autopilot, came to a…
“They said, ‘You’re not a real Celtic until you win a championship, ” Ime Udoka told Andscape. “All you hear is put ‘Banner 18’ up there. ‘Put up Banner 18’; That’s the realistic expectation of the city, the fans, the organization, myself, and the players.” The quote from Ime Udoka to Andscape latently tells a story of hard work and change. It represents a change in career outlook for Boston Celtics coach Ime Udoka who had a slow start to his NBA career. The 16-19 record at the beginning of the season raised some questions, but all are now in…
Sprint sensation, Favour Ofili, broke Blessing Okagbare’s 200m National Record at the Tom Jones Memorial in blistering 21.96s. The Louisiana State University star becomes the first Nigerian woman to break 22 seconds mark in women’s 200m. The world U20 silver medalist started with 60m indoors this season, despite specializing in 200m and 400m. Last week, she became the joint 5th fastest Nigerian woman over 100m after running 11.29s. How Big Is the Time By Favour Ofili? Running her first 200m race of the outdoor season, Ofili ran the fastest 200m time this year, the fastest ever in the NCAA and…
Four goals in three matches mean Victor Osimhen is a striker on fire for Napoli in Serie A. A further 11 goals in 20 matches, with six from headers, shows a different side to Victor Osimhen’s goalscoring ability. Victor Osimhen has now scored six goals with his head this season. The report says doctors predicted a phobia for headers after his facial injury, but Osimhen powers on. Before this season, Victor Osimhen scored ten goals with none via his head in the 20/21 season. Also, at Lille, he could only notch a single goal via a header in a…
With the bottleneck around basketball administration in Nigeria, D’Tigress kept their global rise intact with a 2-1 result at the FIBA world cup qualifiers in Belgrade. A win over Mali and France means D’Tigress is returning to the Basketball world cup. Before the two victories by the African champions, the team lost to China in the first game. D’tigress last played together in September at the 2021 Afrobasket final, where they defeated Mali and achieved a three-peat in Cameroon. With Ezinne Kalu missing out on injury, and just one natural Point Guard, Promise Amukamara, coach Hughely had his work cut…
Three wins in three games mean Finidi George is having a dream start at Enyimba, and the fans love it. Finidi is ticking all the right boxes as coach of the eight-time Nigerian champions with an impressive six goals in 3 matches without conceding. Also, The feat makes Enyimba the team with the most victories in their opening three matches in the history of Nigerian clubs on the continent. Finidi Creating A DNA For Enyimba When Finidi took on the job, he promised to build a team that plays with an identity. Three matches into his reign, that promise is…
Owen Goodman is a man spoilt with choice regarding his international football career. The 17-year-old Crystal Palace U-18 goalkeeper was born in Canada to a Nigerian Mother and British Father. The multiple-choice means he can represent Canada, Nigeria, and England in his international career. A young goalkeeper with a clear head and directions opened up on how he’ll arrive at a decision. “Whoever Calls me first, I will honour the invite.” Pushed further on the possibility of choosing Nigeria, Owen Goodman gave an emphatic answer. ” I will be glad to play for my country (Nigeria). If I get the…
The Finidi effect is in full flight with two wins and two clean sheets for Enyimba Fc of Aba. When Finidi George signed as coach of Enyimba, the stars seemed to have aligned for the Ex-International as fans and media tagged it the Finidi effect. Unlike many of his generation, starting in the national team is the gold standard, but Finidi took a different turn. An Executive Welcome Like No Other His arrival was first heralded by La Liga on Twitter and later by the governor of Abia State. The governor revealed that he is an admirer of the former…
After 61 years Of Nigerian Sports, there is no hope yet for freedom from the government. As currently constituted, sports is a leisure event despite its long list of achievements for the country. A look at the top sports will leave you with the stranglehold of government from football where 80% of the teams are owned by states to Athletics where rich states poach the biggest talents for the sports festival. Basketball has the same faith with an appreciable number of private teams. In June 2020 the Federal Executive Council reclassified sports from mere recreation to business. Sport is now…
The appointment of Ime Udoka as the head coach of NBA side, Boston Celtics, has opened a new vista for Nigerians in the NBA. Nigeria has moved from getting first round picks, NBA Legends/Champions, Front-Office management to a spot on the touchline. A worthy evolution to behold for Nigerian basketball and the NBA, as it takes the relationship to new levels. Born and raised in the USA, It was Nigeria that Ime Udoka chose to represent at the national team level. Ime’s Nigerian Roots Runs Deep Ime’s Nigerian roots runs deep as he played and captained Nigeria just like…