₦airaland Forum

Ex-Super Eagles star, Obafemi Martins worked so hard to become the top player he is today. Not many people know that his career almost did not get off the ground as a rejection in the hands of national team selectors on the eve of the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago in 2001 took a major toll on his morale. However, Martins would pick up the pieces of not being considered good enough for the then coach Musa Abdullahi-led Golden Eaglets team to work his way to the top.

The once rejected stone would end up the head of the corner barely a decade later to become a highly sought after bride who had to be begged to lead the senior national team, the Super Eagles’, attack in 2004 when his fame in the colours of Italian Serie A team, Internazionale Milano spread far and wide.

The petite striker did not disappoint when he finally bowed to pressure from highly reverred quarters as he started banging goals for the Super Eagles with reckless abandon.

At the last count, Martins who latter came to be known as “Obagoal” by many on the account of his prolific goal-scoring ability, was edging close to breaking the legendary Rashidi Yekini’s record for the team.



His performances for club and country earned him promotion, endorsements and the cash. Today, almost at the twilight of his career, Obafemi Martins is a self-made man; having traversed the globe playing for some of football’s better known club sides. He holds the record of being Nigeria’s most transferred player- next only, of course to Nicolas Anelka(France) and Juan Sabastian Veron ( Argentina).

It is not in question that the stocky Nigerian forward has had a memorable career playing for Reggiana, Inter Milan (Italy), Newcastle United (England) VFL Wolfsburg (Germany), Rubin Kazan (Russia) Birmingham City (England) Levante (Spain), Seattle Sounders (USA) before joining his current Chinese Super League side, Shanghai Shenhua.

The 33-year old earns around N2.57 billion (about $6.6 million) annually playing for his current Chinese team.

Obafemi Martins is known to play as hard on the social circuit, as he does on the field of play. He was known to be romantically involved with Italian enfant terrible, Mario Balotelli’s sister when he starred for Birmingham a couple of years ago, and he is on the first name terms with some the world’s best-known celebrities.

The grapevine has it that he is a party freak who has the hots for clubbing and the good life.

He is also known to be hooked on expensive automobiles, which he drives around with pleasure each time he is in Nigeria on vacation.

To cap it all, Martins is a genuine lover of people as he endeavours to give back to the society through his foundation which supports the poor, needy and less privileged in the society.

Click Here To Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/travelled-eagles-star-obafemi-martins-works-hard-plays/

Former world No 1, Serena Williams made a comeback winning against Zarina Diyas at the BNP Paribas Open after 14 months of absence from the court.

The 23 Grand Slam winner who was trailing until breaking points in the 11th game of the first set on Thursday night beat her Kazakhstan opponent 7-5, 6-3 in the first round.

Williams who has been on maternity leave since winning the 2017 Australian Open early in her pregnancy served a love game capped by a 100mph ace in her first service game before breaking points in the first and fifth games but couldn’t convert.

Serena, who lost to Shuai Zhang 13-11 in the semifinal of the Tie Break Ten competition at the Madison Square Garden in New York, started hitting harder with her familiar grunting as she went ahead to a 5-all tie.

Since her birth to Olivia, Williams has only featured in competitive appearance in December at an exhibition in Abu Dhabi, a Fed Cup doubles match with her Sister Venus last month and an exhibition in New York on Monday.

She is playing at Indian Wells under a protected ranking of 22nd. Williams hasn’t been unseeded at a tournament since 2011 in Cincinnati.

Other winners Thursday were Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig of Puerto Rico, qualifier Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium and Fernando Verdasco of Spain.

Share this:http://hotsportstv.com/serena-williams-wins-competitive-return-indian-wells/

When people say Nigeria is a nation of talents, they mean every Nigerian. No matter the background or gender, Nigerians are talented in the field they choose to pursue.

From the likes of Chioma Ajunwa to the recent record-breaking participation of Nigeria’s Bobsled team at the just concluded PyeongChang 2018 winter Olympics. Nigerian women have continued to break barriers in their respective fields, bringing international recognition to their nation.

In commemoration of the world’s international women’s day, hotsportstv.com highlights 12 sports heroines who have brought glory to Nigeria in different sports.



1. Chioma Ajunwa: A native of Anambra state and the last child of her parents. Chioma started her sports career representing the Nigeria Police Force in competitions. She was the first athlete to win an Olympic gold for Nigeria, a record that has remained unbroken in 22 years. At 25, she became the first African woman to win an Olympic gold medal when she represented Nigeria in the long jump event at Atlanta 1996, a feat that will earn her a national award of the MON.



2. Mary Onyali: Mary’s athletics career spanned 18 years. In which time she represented Nigeria in several tournaments including the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, the IAAF Championship, the All African Games and several IAAF organized events such as the Grand Prix and indoors. Onyali first broke on to the scene when she featured at the 1986 Junior World Championships winning silver in the 200metres as well as the relays behind Falilat Ogunkoya. Mary won 19 medals (9 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze) flying Nigerian flag. Mary is the first athlete to represent Nigeria in five Olympics events.



3. Falilat Ogunkoya: At 16, young Falilat represented Nigeria at 1987 All Africa Games in Nairobi Kenya, where she won 2 Silver medals in the 100m & 200m women’s relay race. The Ogun State-born athlete has won 14 medals (6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze) representing Nigeria at international meets.



4. Modupe Osikoya: She was Nigeria’s first medalist in international athletics. She won the country’s first gold medal in the long jump at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch, New Zealand. Dupe cut a niche for herself in the All African Games, winning 5 gold medals in 2 editions of the Games held in Lagos, Nigeria (1973) and Algiers, Algeria (1978).



5. Perpetua Nkwocha: The former Super Falcons captain is the most capped female football player for the national team. The 5-time African championship winner retired from international football with a record of 83 goals in 99 appearances. She holds the record as the highest winner of the African female football of the year, having won it 4 times.



6. Florence Omagbemi: Florence is the only Nigerian to have won the Women’s African Championship as a coach and as a player. The former Super Falcons star won the African championship 4 times in her over 10 years’ career in the national team. As Interim coach of the Super Falcons, Omagbemi led her team to the 2016 African championship triumph in Cameroun.



7. Blessing Okagbare: Blessing is the most decorated Nigerian athlete, having so far won 19 medals at international competitions. She will be leading the Nigerian contingent to the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia in April. Okagbare is the fastest 100m runner in Commonwealth Games, with a record of 10.85s. The Niger-Delta born athlete has won 19 medals (11 gold, 6 silver and 2 bronze) since her international debut at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.



8. Asisat Oshoala: Asisat Oshoala came to limelight in her dazzling performance at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, where she won the golden ball and golden shoe at the tournament. The current women’s African Footballer of the Year has already won the award three times. Professionally, she played for Rivers Angels, Liverpool Ladies, Arsenal Ladies, and now Dalian Quanjian F.C. in the Chinese Super League.



9. Odunayo Adekuoroye: Odun emerged as the best 55kg category female wrestler according to the United World Wrestling women’s rankings in August 2017 World Wrestling Championship. The 24-year-old was a gold medalist at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.



10. Ann Chiejinne Agumanu: Ann made history as Nigeria’s first goalkeeper at the maiden FIFA Women World Cup in 1991. The former Super Falcons goalkeeper coach won 4 female African Championship titles in her time as a goalkeeper between 1998 and 2004.



Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/intl-womens-day-13-top-nigerian-sport-women/

Arsenal have left London to Italy without Hector Bellerin in preparation for the Europa League round of 16 show-down against AC Milan on Thursday.

The Spanish defender has had his hamstring problem aggravated due to the Gunners tight game schedule, having played three matches in 8 days.

Bellerin was part of the Arsenal first XI who lost twice against Manchester City- at the Carabao Cup final and Premier League. Wenger had rested the Spaniard for 80 minutes in Brighton’s 2-1 loss last Sunday, with the hope of returning against AC Milan.

Arsene Wenger will be looking to avoid a 4th successive defeat as they face the newly rejuvenated AC Milan, led by Gennaro Gattuso at the San Siro on Thursday.

The 22-year-old right defender might be sidelined for 3 weeks and will miss Arsenal’s Premier League game against Watford and the return leg of the Europa League round of 16 game at the Emirates against AC Milan.

Arsenal will now be travelling to San Siro without Nacho Monreal, Hector Bellerin and Alexandre Lacazette who are all out due to injuries.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/injury-worry-hits-wengers-arsenal-ahead-milan-clash/

President Muhammadu Buhari received the FIFA World Cup trophy to be competed for by at the forthcoming Russian 2018 World Cup.

The event took place at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa earlier Wednesday alongside a presidential reception for the silver-winning home-based Super Eagles at the African Nations Championship Cup in Morrocco and Nigeria’s first African Female Bobsleigh team to the 2018 Winter Olympics.

The cup, presently on a tour of some countries of the world, was presented to Buhari by a FIFA representative and World Cup winner at France ’98, Christian Karembeu. The United States-based team made up of Seun Adigun, Ngozi Onwumere and Akuoma Omeoga represented the country at the just-concluded Winter Olympics in South Korea. The President also received the national basketball teams and the all-conquering Paralympians.

While presenting the FIFA trophy to President Buhari, ex-France international, Kerembeu said the purpose of bringing the coveted cup to the country ahead of the tournament was to rekindle the passion and inspire Nigerians.

He advised the Super Eagles to be confident in their ability to enable them to bring the cup back to the country.

In his response, President Buhari thanked FIFA for choosing two cities in the country for the cup tour, he, however, did not announce any rewards for the sportsmen and women.

Read More: http://hotsportstv.com/pres-buhari-receives-world-cup-chan-eagles-paralympians-others/

Prominent Super Eagles players have already begun to express their delight at the opportunity of squaring up against Poland, and Serbia in two scheduled friendlies for the team this month.

Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdulahi, Al-Ahly forward Junior Ajayi, say they are excited to be part of the squad to play in the organised warm-up matches, for the World Cup.

Shehu Abdulahi tweeted:

“I’m delighted to have received @NGSuperEagles invitation for the friendlies against Poland and Serbia.

It’s a great honour to represent my dear country!

Thanks, @thenff, Gernot Rohr, my fans in Nigeria and @BursasporSk”.

Al Ahly striker Junior Ajayi was pleased to be called up to Nigeria’s senior national team for the first time in his career.

”With a grateful heart and total respect to the family of @NGSuperEagles and all #Nigerians, this invitation to our National Team is a dream come true” Ajayi tweeted.

”I will make you all proud by the grace of God. Thank You #CoachRorh. Thank you @AlAhly. #AjayiJnr #Russia2018”.

In similar fashion two European clubs, ADO Den Haag and Hull City have celebrated the call-ups of their right-backs to the Nigerian national team for the upcoming friendlies against Poland and Serbia.

Foreign-born pair Tyronne Ebuehi and Ola Aina are set to add to their international caps after they were named to the Super Eagles 28-man travel roster for the two friendlies.

ADO Den Haag shared on Twitter: ” Ebuehi has been named to the pre-selection of the national team of Nigeria, which plays against Poland and Serbia at the end of this month.”

Hull City stated: ”@Aina2Ola has been named in the @NGSuperEagles squad for their pre-World Cup international friendlies against Poland and Serbia later this month.”

http://hotsportstv.com/eagles-stars-primed-for-poland-serbia-games/

Serena Williams has been sent packing from the Tie Break Ten US maiden Tournament held at the Madison Square Garden in New York.

Williams who had earlier beaten Marion Bartoli 10-5 in the quarterfinal couldn’t close things out against a resilient Shuai Zhang in a 13-11 loss in her first singles competition in 2018.

The 23 Grand Slam winner had led 6-4, and after joking about a review, scored back-to-back aces to go up 9-8. Unfortunately, she couldn’t take advantage of match point and a pair of double-faults allowed Zhang to take advantage.

This is only the second year this event has featured female competitors, with Simona Halep winning in 2017 in Madrid. This version included an even better field, with five players ranked inside the top 40 in the world, including big names like Svitolina,Venus Williams and New York City native CoCo Vandeweghe

The eight-woman competition at Madison Square Garden was a winner-take-all tournament for $250,000 to the victor. Each head-to-head battle was scored in a tiebreak format, with the first to 10 points (with at least a two-point margin) moving onto the next round.

http://hotsportstv.com/zhang-sends-williams-tie-break-ten-tourney/

Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides Plateau United and MFM FC, Enyimba and Akwa United would be resuming continental football as they crash with some of the continent’s top teams for a place in the next stage of their respective competitions.

The duo of Plateau United and MFM FC will be hoping to overcome their Maghrebian opponents for the first round of their CAF Champions League encounters against Tunisian’s Etoile du Sahel and MC Algers respectively.

Enyimba FC are already in Benin Republic to confront their Beninoise opponents, Energie FC while Akwa United are far away in the Desert country of Libya to confront Al Ittihad of Libya.

Plateau United who are defending champions of the NPFL will be going up against a highly experienced Etoile du Sahel side who are household names in the CAF Champions league, having won the CAF Champions League once in 2007, Confederations Cup as well as the Super Cup twice.

Both teams are currently placed third in their leagues but Plateau United who are aware of the herculean task ahead of them must take the game to their opponents if they hope to progress to the next round.

The Sousse club edged past bitter rivals CS Sfaxien in their last game to prepare ahead of their Nigeria opponent while Plateau United’s match day 11 NPFL game was rescheduled to enable them prepare for the crucial away encounter.

MFM FC who are greenhorns in the competition also face an uphill task ahead as they attempt to dislodge their more formidable North African rivals.

Their preliminary round win over Malian side, AS Real of Bamako will be a shot in the arm as they are going to ensure they fully maximize the advantage of playing at home by putting the game beyond doubt with a comfortable win to make the away encounter a mere formality.

The Fidelis Ilechukwu lads who are yet to win any game on the domestic front after their historic victory over AS Real will be hoping to fire from all cylinders as they take on the 1976 CAF champions League winners.

Enyimba’s game against Energie FC will be their first continental game as they were drawn bye in this season’s competition. The two -time African champions have been somewhat anonymous in the continental showpiece and will hope to put their experience to bear against the Beninoise club.

Energie FC currently sit in second place in the Benin Ligue championnat and will be a great threat to the People’s Elephants who are fourth in the Nigerian Premier League.

Akwa United are going up against one of Libya’s foremost clubsides, Al Ittihad who have a pedigree in the CAF Confederations Cup, having made it to the quarter finals in 2005 and semi-finals in 2010.

The Libyan club was the first to qualify for the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League also in 2007.

Akwa United will therefore do well not to undersestimate their more experienced opponents and do the needful if they must progress to the next round.


http://hotsportstv.com/big-hurdles-for-nigeria-teams-on-the-continent/

NIGERIA CLUBS MATCH FIXTURES AND TIME

TUESDAY

ETOILE Du SAHEL VS PLATEAU UNITED (6: PM)

ENERGIE VS ENYIMBA (4: PM)

WEDNESDAY

MFM FC VS MC ALGER (4: PM)

AL ITTIHAD VS AKWA UNITED (5: PM)

Italian Serie A has announced that its summer transfer window will now close on August 18 a day before the start of the Serie A.

Serie A’s extraordinary commissioner Giovanni Malago made the confirmation stating also that the winter transfer window will end before the championships resumes on January 20 after winter break.

The decision for the change in Serie A is an offshoot of the English Premier League whose clubs decided to bring the transfer deadline forward to August 9 before the season gets underway.

Malago revealed that the league will schedule fixtures on December 26 and would stage two rounds of matches between Christmas and New Year, again following the Premier League model. However, there will then be a three-week winter break in the Italian top flight.

The decision therefore means clubs will have to ensure that they sign any player before the beginning of the season unlike when player could join clubs even when the season begin before the end of August.

http://hotsportstv.com/serie-make-changes-transfer-window/

The Presidency say it will host members of the home-based Super Eagles who won Silver Medal at the recently held 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco, tomorrow (Wednesday) at the State House, Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Hotsportstv.com has exclusively reported the postponement of the the planned reception originally slated for February 28, 2018 due to the busy schedule of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Super Eagles’ media officer, Toyin Ibitoye said “I can confirm that President Buhari will be hosting the CHAN Eagles tomorrow, Wednesday”

On whether the absence of chieftains of the Nigerian Football Federation, currently attending a CAF Women Football Symposium, Ibitoye said “I don’t think it will. If they are not, then they would be represented by other senior staff at the football house”

The Super Eagles spokesperson insisted “It can’t be postponed again. The President has scheduled it, so it will hold”

NFF’s head of communications, Ademola Olajire, in a telephone chat with Hotsportstv.com, said “I cannot not confirm now. My principals are in Morocco and will be arriving early tomorrow (Wednesday). I have heard about it but personally cannot confirm”

The Home Eagles finished second at the 2018 African Nations Championship behind host, Morocco.

It was the country’s best ever performance in the competition after they came third at the 2014 edition in South Africa.

http://hotsportstv.com/nff-confirm-presidency-will-host-chan-eagles-tomorrow/

NFF president, Amaju Pinnick is already in Marrakech, Morocco to attend the first ever CAF Women’s Football Symposium. He is being accompanied on the trip by his two deputies, Seyi Akinwunmi, NFF’s 1st vice-president, Shehu Dikko, 2nd vice President and chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) and General Secretary, Sanusi Mohammed.

The symposium which seeks to chart a new course for women’s football on the continent has the theme ” raising our game”, and it is expected to be chaired by CAF president, Ahmad Ahmad and FIFA General Secretary, Fatma Samoura who will also coordinate the seven working groups that would emerge after the plenary on the first day of the congress.

According to a CAF release, the two- day meeting would brainstorm on specialized topics germane to the development of the women’s game.

Topics to be discussed by the seven groups at the conference include the following, “how to expand the practice of women’s football, developing the technical formation of the trainers, referees, and instructor, means of development of sponsorship, competition’s: realities and perspective, governance concept in women’s football, role of women’s football in gender promotion and socialization and place of media and communication in dynamizing women’s football.

http://hotsportstv.com/pinnick-heads-nff-team-to-cafs-womens-congress/

Troubled Arsenal FC manager, Arsene Wenger insists he can “turn things around” at the club and is not thinking of quitting his post.
The Frenchman is under intense pressure to walk away from the club he has managed for 22 years after a sorry run of form losing four games in a row with the 2-1 defeat at Brighton on Sunday.

Wenger who is facing the toughest opposition to his iconic reign in the North London club is boastful of his ability to steer the club through a testing period.
He told Sky Sports following another disappointing display against Brighton: “It’s the first time it happens in my whole career, I must say.
“It’s not easy, but I have enough experience and enough desire to turn things around and I must say that, at the moment, when you need to stay in the game we are making a few mistakes at the wrong moments.
“We have to stick together and focus. We have no other solution.”

Wenger was booed by fans during the match at Brighton and is expected to face further criticism in the coming weeks and months, meaning that the 68-year-old has overstayed his welcome but he insists he has given no thought to resigning.
He added:”You focus on your job. These are always the questions you get when you are in the situation we are in.
“You do your job and you do the right thing and the things you think are right for the team and that’s it.”
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Wenger said: “I must tell you, honestly, at the moment my future is not my main worry. My worry is to get Arsenal to win football games, and then we see where we go from there.
“I will try to give my best as long as I am here, and do everything to get the team back to more confidence. We need to recover physically first. The program we have is at the moment a bit too demanding.

http://hotsportstv.com/wengeri-aint-going-no-where/

Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC) and NFF’s 2nd Vice President, Shehu Dikko says it feels good to be a member of the FIFA Football Stakeholders Committee, after attending his first meeting of the group in Zurich.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino performed the induction alongside the Chairman of the Committee Victor Montagliani, who is also President of CONCACAF and a FIFA Vice President.

An excited Dikko took to twitter to share the special moment.

“Honoured to be included into the FIFA Football stakeholders Committee, at the home of FIFA in Zurich on 28.02.18.

“FIFA President Gianni Infantino performed the induction alongside Chairman of the committee, Victor Montagliani, who is also President of CONCACAF and also FIFA VP,” he tweeted.

http://hotsportstv.com/fifa-recognition-excites-dikko/

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant has achieved another milestone as he won the Oscars for best-animated short film ‘Dear Basketball’ at the 90th annual Academy Awards on Sunday.

The 39year old is a five-time NBA champion, played 20 seasons with the Lakers before retiring following the 2015-16 season. Nearly two years after his retirement, the former back of the Lakers was named with host Glen Keane for the cartoon “Dear Basketball”.

The short film adapts on a big screen a love letter dedicated to his sport written by the five-time NBA champion, who had moved all lovers of the orange ball.

“I did not know it was possible, I mean, as a basketball player, we’re just supposed to shut up and dribble, I’m glad I did a little more than that, thank you academy for this incredible honor, ” he said when receiving his award.

Bryant’s response at the awards was an obvious reference to comments by a Fox News anchor who recently recommended another NBA star, LeBron James to “shut up and dribble” after his political stance.

“I am very emotional, I have to pinch myself, it’s like when I was a kid and I dreamed of playing basketball,”

http://hotsportstv.com/legend-kobe-bryant-achieves-milestone-with-oscar-award-in-basketball/

Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard is being touted as part of the team to replace Antonio Conte as Chelsea’s manager at the end of 2017/2018 season.

Frank Lampard, who scored 211 career goals for Chelsea might be part of the Blues first team-coach, a step that will make him Chelsea manager in the future.

The SUN believes Luiz Enrique or Carlo Ancelotti will eventually take over the Conte’s position as he is the favourite to take over the coaching position of the Italian national team.

The former English midfield maestro is presently studying for his UEFA “A” coaching licence that will enable him become eligible to manage top clubs in Europe.

Lampard has previously rejected a top coaching role at MK Dons and Oxford United for an opportunity to work with Chelsea’s Under-18 coach, Jody Morris.

Reports at the Stamford Bridge indicate that Chelsea’s top management are pleased with Lampard progressive performance and will be happy to have him in a first team role at Chelsea.

The occasional football pundit might have to wait for his turn as Chelsea’s manager, and he will have no problem learning under Luiz Enrique or whoever Chelsea appoints as manager.

Like many present trend in sports coaching, where former players are managing their respective clubs. The 39 year old Englishman will be looking to join the likes of Zidane at Madrid, Gattuso at AC Milan, and Simeone at Atletico who have all succeeded as players and now as coaches for their respective clubs

http://hotsportstv.com/lampard-set-for-coaching-role-at-stamford-bridge/

well, the guy is a beast though

D.R of Congo striker Cedric Bakambu has beaten Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang’s $77m Arsenal move after signing for Chinese Super League side, Beijing Guoan with an African transfer record of $90m.

The former Villarreal striker, who left Spain in January, signed a four -year deal with the Chinese club who finished 9th in the last Chinese League season after his release clause was triggered.

The 26 year old was the only African ever to receive La Liga’s Player of the Month award, after becoming one of the top scorers in La Liga, with nine goals, when he quit Villarreal.

Last year, the Chinese FA ruled that clubs must pay 100% tax on signings in a bid to curb extravagant spending, with the extra funds going to the development of the local game.

The Chinese club tried to convince local authorities there was no need to pay double that amount, as required by Chinese taxation rules, given the player was a free agent.

Although Beijing Guoan failed with this, they did succeed in reducing the required tax from $50m to $40m – so saving $10m.

Despite the lack of any formal transfer, Bakambu started training with his new team-mates in Portugal in January – with the club releasing pictures of the forward in training.

Arsenal signed former Borrusia Dortmund striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after Alexis Sanchez moved to Manchester United with an Africa transfer record of $77m.

http://hotsportstv.com/congo-hit-man-sets-african-transfer-record/

Deontay Wilder, WBC heavyweight champion and a likely line up for Nigeria’s heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua in a future unification bout has admitted he fears for own and opponent’s safety and never wants to see anybody die in the ring ahead of his WBC defense against Luiz Ortiz on Saturday.

The “Bronze Bomber” in an interview with BBC said he always feared for his opponents before every fight.

Considered as one of the most destructive knockout artists in boxing, Wilder has won 38 matches out of his 39 wins with knock outs against his opponents.

The 32-year-old admitted that he risks his life every time he steps in the ring.

“But we know that it’s part of it, and a strong possibility. ‘We are the only crazy people who sign up to do this to entertain people. We are risking our lives to have families. ‘I say two prayers before I fight, one that I knock my opponent out, and one that I don’t hurt him, so he can go back to his family.’

British boxer Westgarth was hospitalized directly after winning a ten-round fight, but tragically died on Sunday night which sparked fresh discussions about boxers’ safety and Wilder admitted it was something always on his mind.

http://hotsportstv.com/deontay-wilder-blows-hot-for-ortiz/

GloriaNinja:
I CAN EVEN KNOCK OUT ANTHONY JOSHUA

Your own match ground will be on BE and not the BO

WBO Heavyweight Champion Joseph Parker has insisted he can outbox Anthony Joshua ahead of their March 31 heavyweight title fight.

The New Zealand boxer expressed confidence that despite Joshua seen as the favourite, he can upset the odds.

Parker, who holds the WBO belt, and Joshua, who holds the IBF and WBA ‘super’ belts, will put their titles on the line when they clash at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff next month.

He said: “I can outbox Anthony Joshua. I think I have the skills to outbox him but I haven’t really shown that. That’s why I’m excited – this is a big stage to put on the best performance of my life.

“I can knock him out. I can outbox him. Words can’t explain how excited we are.

“We’re fighting in his backyard and we’re fighting another champion who’s undefeated. That makes it a great fight.

Parker’s trainer Kevin Barry is equally confident his man can beat Joshua when the two boxers put their unbeaten records on the line.


http://hotsportstv.com/unification-fight-i-can-outbox-joshua-joseph-parker/

Former World No 1 Serena Williams will be aiming to return to the top of the WTA rankings as she competes alongside other world class female tennis players for the Tie Break Tens event at Madison Square Garden in New York on 5th March 2018.

The 23 Grand Slam winners was not ranked in the February WTA rankings as she had not featured much in any competition this year since she gave birth to her first baby.

Serena Williams will be competing against her Olympic gold medal-winning sister Venus Williams, as well as the winner of the recent Dubai Duty Free Championships, Elina Svitolina, big-hitting American Coco Vandeweghe, Sorana Cirstea from Romania, China’s Zhang Shuai, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, and Daniela Hantuchova.

The knock out format game means there will be only one winner who will walk away with a staggering US$250,000 and the coveted Tie Break Tens trophy.The all-women event will be the first time a Tie Break Tens tournament will be held in the United States and follows successful events in London, Vienna, Madrid and Melbourne Record

http://hotsportstv.com/serena-headlines-maiden-us-tie-break-tournament/

Joseph Parker is overweighed and faces a race to cut down on his weight to stand a chance of dethroning his opponent, Anthony Joshua in their unification fight slated for March 31 at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

The New Zealand sensation and WBO holder, was 17st 7lbs for most of his recent win which is now an issue for his trainer Kevin Barry.

Parker trainer said; “It is important he is fast on his feet and very mobile in his fight against Joshua and to achieve that he will have to cut down on his weight”.

But his opponent Anthony Joshua appears to have worked himself to a supremely confident posture and now boost of a learner physique which is a plus for his quest of finally annexing the heavy weight title.

His promoter, Eddie Hearn said the IBF and WBA ‘Super champions’ physique is leaner and he will be lighter ahead of his unification fight against Joseph Parker.

Joshua weighed in at his heaviest ever in wins against Wladimir Klitschko (17st 12lbs) and Carlos Takam (18st 2lbs) last year but could drop some mass before the fight.

Joshua’s ultimate goal remains a fight against Deontay Wilder, who must first defend his WBC title against Luis Ortiz Saturday this weekend, for all four major belts but other options exist.


http://hotsportstv.com/boxing-unification-parker-battles-overweight-problems/

18 year old Joy-Udo Gabriel was a surprise inclusion in the 37-man list shortlisted by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to compete at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

Joy was one of the youngest female athletes that participated in AFN trials for the Commonwealth Games which held between February 14 and 17, 2018 at the country’s capital, Abuja.

The 100 level University of Lagos student came 3rd in 11.83s at the women’s 100m finals at the trials. She also equalled her last years’ personal best of 11.65s during the trials.

Joy who expressed her delight on a TV Sports programme monitored in Lagos recently said her dream to become a professional athlete is gradually coming true. “With good training, and hard work, I believe I can cut my personal best record to 11:45s before the Commonwealth Games in April,” she said.

She won 2 silver medals in the 100 and 200m events at the 2017 AFN/MOC U-20 Championship in Abuja, which earned her a spot at the 2018 Commonwealth Games trials.

At 18, Joy has joined the legendary female ranks of Falilat Ogunkoya and Mary Onyali who represented Nigerian at 1987 All African Games in Kenya at the age of 18 and 19 respectively. Mary won Gold, while Falilat got the Silver Medal in the female 200m race at the 1987 All African Games in Nairobi, Kenya.

Joy’s dream of becoming an athlete was boosted by the scholarship awarded to her by Making of Champions Limited, and the ARCO group based in Nigeria.

The Commonwealth Games debutant started her athletics journey at secondary school – Stars International College Ikorodu, Lagos. At 14, Joy was a 100m silver medallist and relay champion at the 2014 National Sports Festival. In 2015, she became the fastest female secondary school student in Lagos State after running a 100m race in 12.91s.

Blessing Okagbare & Segun Toriola will be leading the Nigerian Athletics contingent to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, scheduled to begin April 4, 2018 in Australia. Nigeria won 36 medals (11 Gold, 11 Silver, and 14 Bronze) at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

http://hotsportstv.com/meet-nigerias-youngest-athlete-to-commonwealth-games/

The much awaited presidential reception for the home based Super Eagles team that won silver at the 5th edition of the CAF African Nations Championship recently held in Morocco has been put on hold.

The reception which should have held Wednesday at the country’s seat of power, the Aso Rock Villa, has been pushed forward to a date yet to be announced.

Hotsportstv.com learned Tuesday from the nation’s capital, Abuja that the reception originally scheduled to fete players and officials of the Nigerian squad by President Muhammadu Buhari needed to be shifted forward to accommodate ” very pressing national issues”.

“Very pressing national issues may have forced a shift in the date of the event,” a source who wished not to be named said.

http://hotsportstv.com/presidential-reception-for-chan-eagles-postponed/

UEFA president, Aleksander Ceferin has said that the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will not be used in European competition next season even if they are approved by FIFA to be used in Russia 2018 World Cup.

Ceferin while speaking at the 42nd UEFA Congress in Slovakia Monday, said the VAR will not be used in the Champions League and any other European competitions.

He said that he is not against the use of VAR as it is the way to go if certain ugly aspects of officiating are to be sanitized, but called for more time for referees and fans education before it is implemented.

Ceferin has constantly questioned whether introduction of VAR is premature following a string of controversial cases throughout Europe and called for more research before allowing the system in the Champions League.

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino has been leading the drive towards VAR being used at the World Cup but in January said the move could prove counter-productive if the problems with the system are not solved on time.



http://hotsportstv.com/uefa-president-europe-not-ready-var-yet/

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has attributed the failure of Nigeria’s female national team; Super Falcons, to participate in the Alanya invitational tournament, to inability to secure visa for the team.

The football house had earlier confirmed the team’s participation in the invitational, but had to pull out at the last minute following a visa hitch.

A source from the NFF lamented, “It is a very sad situation for us. We wanted to make the tournament but there were so many factors that conspired against our wishes to participate”.

“We made efforts to arrange entry visas to Turkey for the players, those abroad and others in Abidjan but were faced with a lot of challenges and it could not work out.”

However, the Falcons will now shift focus on preparations for the Le Mans Friendly in France billed for April 4.

http://hotsportstv.com/visa-stops-super-falcons-turkish-alanya-invitation/

An ex-Chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association, Colonel Mike Okwechime died in Benin City on Friday. The former football administrator passed on at Faith Mediplex Hospital along the Airport Road in Benin City. He was aged 87 which he celebrated last November 12.

The late colonel was the NFA chairman in succession to Sunday Dankaro in 1981 and was on the saddle till 1982 when he was succeeded by Navy Commodore Edwin Kentebe.

Prior to his appointment as the NFA chairman, he had as a serving colonel headed the then National Sports Council (NSC) which became the National Sports Commission in 1971.

http://hotsportstv.com/ex-nfa-boss-okwechime-dead/

Lewis Hamilton helped Mercedes launch their new car for the 2018 F1 season, the W09, alongside Mercedes Executive Director Toto Wolff at an event at Silverstone, United Kingdom on Thursday.


See More Pictures here

http://hotsportstv.com/hamilton-unveils-new-mercedes-formula-one-car/

Nigeria’s male basketball team, D’Tigers is set to lock horns with Uganda, Mali and Rwanda in their bid to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Championship in China.

D’Tigers will start their first game against Uganda on February 23, 2018 in Mali’s capital city, Bamako. The 3-day qualifier will see the Nigerian team play Uganda, Rwanda and Mali in group B’s first round of games. D’Tigers will use their newly launched kit to prosecute this first round of qualifiers.

The 2015 ‘Afrobasket’ Champions will be aiming to be among the 5 African teams to qualify for the 2019 FIBA world tournament in China after losing out of the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain. Next years’ FIBA world tournament will signify a new era for world basketball as it will be the first time the championship will not be held in the same year as the FIFA World Cup.

Africa’s contingent to the World tournament also increased to 5 from the usual 3 participants after the competition was increased from 24 to 32 teams.

D’Tigers will be looking to improve their ratings on the FIBA world rankings, as they are currently placed 32nd in the world, and 1st in Africa.

D’Tigers Fixtures in Mali;

Uganda vs. Nigeria, February 23 – 3:30pm
Nigeria vs. Rwanda, February 24 ­­­– 3:30pm
Mali vs. Nigeria, February 25 – 6:00pm

http://hotsportstv.com/dtigers-battle-rwanda-uganda-mali-fiba-world-cup-ticket/

Wary of Eden Hazard’s imminent departure from the Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is considering a move for American teenage sensation, Christian Pusilic. The 19 year old Dortmund star is being considered as a possible replacement for Hazard, who might leave for Real Madrid in the summer.

According to the Daily Mail, the US forward has been heavily linked to several clubs like Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal since last summer. However, Chelsea seems to be in pole position in getting the signature of the young winger a deal that might involve Chelsea loanee, Michy Batshuayi.

The American player was recently rated as the 4th most promising talent in Europe by the International Centre for Sports Studies, (CIES) football Observatory’s report, after AC Milan’s Donnarumma, Toulouse’s Alban Lafont and PSG’s Kylian Mbappe.

Christian Pusilic is valued around £88m by Dortmund, due to his versatility in any attacking position. He has scored 4 goals and 3 assists in all competition for the German side this season.

http://hotsportstv.com/american-teenage-star-replace-hazard-chelsea/

It was 16 years old Lawal Abayomi that stole the show at Soccer Temple, Agege, as MFM FC defeated AS Real Bamako of Mali to qualify for the next round of the CAF Champions League.

Abayomi who came in as a substitute in the 55th minutes of the game was pivotal to his team’s victory as he gave good account of himself as he kept on tormenting the rocky defense line of the Mali club side with his tricky and dazzling moves in his debut at home.

In the 88th minutes, the 16 year old winger provided a fine run after a run past his two opponents to deliver a cross for Chijioke Akuneto to score the lone goal of the match.

Speaking to journalist after the match, the young star praised his coach Fidelis Ilechukwu for the confidence reposed in him and promise to keep working hard in order to improve on his game.

MFM Fc coach, Fidelis Illechukwu speaking on the prospect of the young winger, said he has a promising future as he never doubted his ability and that of other players stressing that he might become the next big name of the club in years to come.


http://hotsportstv.com/new-kid-sensation-abayomi-dazzles-mfms-caf-league-match/

As the Russia 2018 World Cup approaches, Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has warned that he has no preferred players for the tournament hence no one gets automatic shirt to the World Cup.

Rohr, who was at the Agege Stadium in Lagos to watch the second leg of CAF Champions League preliminary round between MFM FC and AS Real Bamako of Mali, acknowledged that he has a lot of work to do especially in the goalkeeping section of the team.
The German tactician said he has visited players in the German Bundesliga, French Ligue One and Spanish La Liga to ascertain the performance of his players and also to scout for other footballers of Nigerian origin.

On goalkeeping, which he admitted is still a major area of concern, he spoke of Deportivo La Coruna’s goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho, who he said has a prospect of been invited to the team going by his performance in the last friendly match of the Super Eagles with Argentina.

Rohr also he said he was impressed with the performance of Super Eagles winger, Victor Moses during the UEFA Champions League between Chelsea and Barcelona in Stamford Bridge, noting that despite the performance of Messi, Moses also proved the quality he is made of in the game.

The German said his team will be selected by accessing quality, mental situation and fitness of each of the players that will be invited during the teams forth coming friendlies

http://hotsportstv.com/russia-2018-no-automatic-shirt-rohr/