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The D'Tigers of Nigeria have crashed out of the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-qualifying tournament following a second consecutive defeat, this time to Mali.
Nigeria will not participate in basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic games as the D'Tigers have crashed out of the pre-qualifying tournament.

The D'Tigers lost scandalously 68-77 to Mali which sealed their fate and knocked them out of the 2023 FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying tournament having initially lost 93-87 to Senegal in their opening group game.

Nigeria have now crashed out of the tournament hosted in Lagos, at the Eko Convention Center after two bad games and will not be going to the Olympics in 2024.

Nigeria 68-77 Mali

More to follow.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/nigeria-68-77-mali-dtigers-crash-out-of-olympic-pre-qualifying-with-disappointing-defeat-2023081520193079943

https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/nigeria-68-77-mali-dtigers-crash-out-of-olympic-pre-qualifying-with-disappointing-defeat-2023081520193079943

Three Nigerian female Discus throwers will be present at the World Championships in Budapest - a first in Nigeria and African Athletics history.
For the first time in World Athletics Championships history, Nigeria will have three Discus throwers donning the country's colours in Budapest.

These trio are Chioma Onyekwere, Ashley Anumba, and Obiageri Amaechi, after making the World Athletics entry lists in the women's Discus event. They qualified by hitting the qualifying standard or positioning high in the top 40 on the season's top list.

Nigeria has the third highest number of entrants behind the USA and Germany, which is the first time such will happen from an African history in World Championships history.

Here's a summary of the Nigerian history-making throwers and how they qualified.

Chioma Onyekwere
Onyekwere cemented her name as the best Discus thrower in the Continent after setting a new African Record (AR) and Personal Best (PB) of 64.96m at the Oklahoma Throws series.

Her mark shattered her National Record of 63.30m set in 2021 and erased the previous AR of 64.87m recorded by South Africa's Elizna Naude in 2007, also automatically surpassing the World Championship qualifying standard of 64.20m

Last year at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Onyekwere made history by becoming Nigeria's first women's Discus Commonwealth Champion, so shouldn't be overlooked for another memorable performance in Budapest.

Ashley Anumba
The 24-year-old has been one of Nigeria's revelations this season as she has produced outstanding performances throughout this year, from the college circuit to elite competitions.

Anumba won NCAA silver medal in the event flying her Discus to a then PB of 61.13m and then went on a consistent run of form over the 60m mark twice.

At the Nigerian Championships, she surprisingly won the title with a new PB of 61.98m, enough to accumulate points and rise on the season's top lists to book her spot in Budapest.

Obiageri Amaechi
The Commonwealth bronze medallist started her season at the Nigerian trials and then was on a series of consistent performances that gave her enough points to be on the season's top 40 list heading to the World Championships.

Amaechi is a championship performer - an example was when she surprisingly won the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Her goal will be going over the 60m mark for the first time in her career, which may be good enough to secure a final berth.

These three competing in Budapest will be a first in Nigeria athletics history. However, a more iconic moment for them will be getting final spots to crown their historic outings.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/athletics/story/history-making-nigerian-female-discus-throwers-set-for-world-championships-in-budapest-2023081421341062829

Young Nigerian striker scores well taken goal on his senior debut for Granada against Atletico Madrid.

Although Granada were on the wrong end of a 3-1 scoreline against title contenders Atletico Madrid, the Nazaríes’ 19-year-old Samuel Omorodion was one of the stars of the show.

What happened
Atletico Madrid kicked-off their title campaign at the Wanda Metropolitano against newly promoted Granada, and although they suffered a scare, they managed to come out comfortable winners.

They struggled to break the visitors down in the early exchanges but eventually found the breakthrough just before half-time thanks to an Alvaro Morata strike from close range.

Granada charged out of the gate in the second-half and around the hour mark, they found an equaliser thanks to young Omorodion.

Los Rojiblancos proved to be too much for them, however, as a thunderous strike from Memphis Depay four minutes after Samu's goal and a late finish by Marcos Llorente put the result out of reach for Paco Lopez's side.

Who is Samuel Omorodion?
Samuel was born in Spain on May 5, 2004, to Nigerian parents, making him eligible to play for both the Super Eagles and La Furia Roja.

He has already made appearances for the Spanish U-19 team, as his performances with the Granada subsidiary earned him a call-up for the young La Roja side at this year's U-19 European Championships.

It remains to be seen where his national team loyalty will lie in the future; however, he is another rising Nigerian striker and could be available should the Super Eagles want him.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/another-striker-for-super-eagles-19-year-old-omorodion-scores-on-debut-against-atletico-madrid-2023081423563473237

Super Falcons star Michelle Alozie revealed that she has a crush on one of the Super Eagles stars.

Super Falcons of Nigeria and Houston Dash star Michelle Alozie has recently made the headlines after representing the national team at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Since the start of the tournament, Alozie has been trending on social media over her stunning looks and her performances for the Falcons.

Pulse Sports reported that Alozie has also enjoyed a massive boost in her social media following despite Nigeria’s exit from the World Cup.

Alozie featured for Nigeria in all their matches so far at the Australian showpiece and was recently in the headlines after she was the victim of a negative gesture from England women’s star Lauren James who stepped on her during their match last week Monday.



James who was sent off for her unsportsmanlike conduct has already apologized to Alozie on social media and her England teammate over her actions and Alozie has also forgiven her going by her response on social media.

Michelle Alozie confesses she has a crush on Super Eagles star Alex Iwobi
Amid the growing love for Alozie on social media, there have been conversations about her relationship life as several fans have confessed their love for the 26-year-old winger.

However, Alozie has previously revealed that she has a crush on a player in the Super Eagles team.

During an Instagram live conversation in 2021 tagged “The three Musketeers”, Michelle Alozie when asked if she had any crushes on the men’s national team, she said, ‘Alex Iwobi,” as per OJB Sport.

Iwobi who currently plays for Everton has been ranked amongst the most fashionable Nigerian footballers in 2023 and has also caught the attention of female fans due to his good looks.

Alozie, whose relationship status remains unknown has on the other hand, been ranked as the ‘hottest’ Nigerian female footballer in 2023.

The makeshift defender saw her stocks rise at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and has reportedly gained over 140,000 followers on her Instagram account.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria
https://www.pulsesports.ng/sports-gist/story/michelle-alozie-super-falcons-star-admits-having-crush-on-alex-iwobi-2023081111354778519

Romelu Lukaku returns to the Blues training ground Cobham after being seen taking a picture with a young Chelsea fan.
The Belgian has been linked with a move away from the club for the last couple of weeks as Chelsea look to cash in on him.

Inter Milan were interested in signing the striker after joining them on a year loan and helping them reach the Champions League final last season.

However, recent reports suggest that Juventus are looking to sign him and have offered the Blues a swap deal.

He has now returned to the club's training ground as Chelsea continues their discussion with the Italian giants.

Lukaku returns to Chelsea
According to an account on Twitter, Romelu Lukaku returns to Cobham training ground ahead of a possible swap deal.

The Twitter account posted a picture of Lukaku taking a picture with a young Chelsea fan and added a caption saying, “Romelu Lukaku is back at Cobham”

Lukaku returns to Chelsea ahead of their season opener against Liverpool with the Blues looking to get back to their feet after a disastrous 2022/2023 season.

The 30-year-old striker struggled to find his feet at Chelsea after being brought in for a fee worth £100 million in 2022.

He was then loaned out to Inter Milan for a year and also struggled to get into the first team due to several injury occurrences.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino has informed the club that Lukaku is not part of his plan for the new season and are looking to sell him this summer.

Juventus are currently negotiating a possible swap deal with Chelsea as they offer Vlahovic in exchange for Lukaku.

Chelsea are yet to accept Juventus' swap offer and are still contemplating agreeing to the swap deal.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lukaku-ex-inter-star-back-at-chelsea-ahead-of-liverpool-clash-2023080914354994863

The Super Falcons defied the odds to reach the knockout stage.
Before the Super Falcons of Nigeria kicked a ball at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia, not many football analysts expected the Super Falcons to make it out of the group stage.

Coach Randy Waldrum's side were drawn in a group dubbed the ‘group of death’ comprising Olympic champions Canada, co-hosts Australia, and debutants Ireland.

Most pundits predicted a group-stage exit for the Nigerian team, obviously because they were the lowest-ranked side in the group.

However, despite having a lacklustre and abysmal preparation for the tournament, the Nigerian side showed plenty of resolve and character to come out unscratched.

With one win and two draws, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will now face a formidable opponent in England - it remains to be seen if they have enough in their tank to scale the daunting task the Lioness pose.

Head to Head: Nigeria Women Vs England Women

There would be no second chances when nine-time African champions Nigeria square up against European champions England in the round of 16 of the Women’s World Cup. It will be a winner takes it all affairs.

The Super Falcons have faced England once at the Women’s World Cup. It was during the last group game of the tournament hosted by Sweden in 1995. The Lioness emerged victorious by a slim 3-2 victory.

Both sides have met on two other occasions. England hosted Nigeria in an international friendly in Carrow Road, Norwich City, in 2002, where a Florence Omagbemi lone strike was enough for Nigeria to seal a 1-0 win.

The last meeting between Nigeria and England came in 2004, another international friendly at the Madejski Stadium, Reading. This time around, the Super Falcons were clinical despite England having the majority of possession.

Nigeria won 3-0 on the night courtesy of a goal by Rita Nwadike and a brace from Perpetual Nkwocha.

Times have changed since the last encounter between Nigeria and England, as both sides have witnessed series of changes and suffered differing fortunes.

The English side are the reigning European champion while Nigeria seems to have lost her grip on the Women’s game in Africa - despite winning the continental title a record nine times.

Pulse Sports’ Asukwo Oduo highlights three key strategies Nigeria must adopt in order to shock the Lioness of England.

1. Don’t start on the back-foot

It is very important that the Super Falcons don’t have a shaky start in this encounter with England, or else they will be punished by England’s attacking threat that put six past China in the last game.

In Nigeria’s opening three games of the tournament, the Super Falcons grew in confidence as the match progressed.

During the last group encounter against Ireland, Nigeria’s sloppy start could have been punished had captain Katie McCabe not dragged her shot wide in the opening five minutes.

The Super Falcons have to find a way to deal with England's threat in midfield marshalled by Chelsea’s Lauren James, and avoid giving away the ball with sloppy passes.

2. Hit England on the break

If the Super Falcons can maintain the gameplan they have employed in the tournament so far and hit England on the counter they can have a chance.

The team can rely on the impressive midfield duo of Ayinde and Ucheibe to mop up pressure and release out wide to Ajibade or Kanu on the flanks.

Tony Payne will also be needed to use her quick thinking on the ball to find killer passes to Oshoala -if the Barcelona forward gets the nod to start up front.

3. Be clinical

The Super Falcons would not have been in this position facing England so early in the tournament if Asisat Oshoala had taken her chance in the game against Ireland or if Kanu’s header had gone in.

Be that as it may, against England, Nigeria’s impressive backline have to defend well, something they have done well in the competition so far.

However, the Super Falcons must show intent going forward, quick transition play, and take their opportunities when it comes.

Final Thoughts

There have been enough surprises in the Women’s World Cup so far - overwhelming favourites USA were seconds away from being knocked out if the strike by Portugal in the dying seconds of their last group encounter had not hit the woodwork.

Brazil have been sent packing by the Reggae girls of Jamaica. African champions South Africa have also shocked Italy to book a place in the last 16.

The Nigerian side have enough in them to shock European champions England if they can play as a unit and take their chances. Will Nigeria send England packing? Only time will tell.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/nigeria-vs-england-3-things-super-falcons-must-do-to-shock-the-lioness-2023080308555846203

Lionel Messi has settled in at Miami and scoring for fun for his new team Inter Miami following another impressive outing against Orlando City.

There is no stopping Lionel Messi at Inter Miami at the moment after another match-winning performance for his new side.

Messi scored his second brace in as many matches as Inter thrashed Orlando City 3-1 in the Leagues Cup on Thursday morning.

The 35-year-old netted a goal in either half to inspire his new team to a third consecutive win in the Leagues Cup.

Inter vs Orlando: Brief
The home side went into the game looking to extend their winning run to three matches but were given a scare by their visitors.

Inter started on a fine note when Robert Taylor and Messi combined superbly to fire them ahead in the seventh minute.

However, the lead lasted just 10 minutes before Cesar Araujo equalised for Orlando which saw both sides level at the break.

After the break, Inter started the second half as they did the first, with Josef Martinez restoring their lead just six minutes in.

With 18 minutes left to play, Martinez turned provider as he set up Messi to complete his brace with what proved to be the winner

Messi continues fine form
Argentina’s hero at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi, has become the main man at Inter Miami.

Miami, who is now the team’s new leader after he was named captain of the club, has also become their talisman on the pitch following his match-winning performances.

The World Cup winner inspired the home side to another impressive outing in the Leagues Cup as they defeated City to continue their fine run of form.


Messi scored two goals to make it back-to-back braces in the Leagues after the double in the win against Atlanta United late last month.

He has now been involved in six goals, five goals and one assist, in just three matches for Inter Miami since he debuted against Cruz Azul.


Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/lionel-messi-slays-orlando-city-to-continue-goat-form-for-inter-miami-2023080306531677355

Nigerian star Sodiq Yusuff returns to UFC to face Edson Barboza.
Nigerian and American professional mixed martial artist (MMA) Sodiq Yusuff is set for a return to the Octagon.

Yusuff makes a return to the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship in October.

The 30-year-old Yusuff is set to take on Brazilian-American Edson Barboza Jr.

Sodiq Yusuff vs Edson Barboza Jr
Sodiq Yusuff is set to take on Brazilian-American Edson Barboza Jr as both fighters seek to rise up the contender rankings.

A matchup between UFC featherweights Edson Barboza and Sodiq Yusuff is in the works for October.

Barboza and Yusuff are set to share the octagon in a featherweight bout scheduled for UFC Fight Night on Oct. 14

Despite the promotion's lack of a formal announcement, Barboza and Yusuff have decided to battle at UFC Fight Night on October 14.

Although broadcast details have not been made public, the event is anticipated to take place at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

After brutally knocking out Billy Quarantillo at UFC on ESPN 44 in April, Barboza, who is 37, will try to win consecutive fights.

In May 2020, the former lightweight contender switched to featherweight, where he has since gone 3-3.

When the Brazilian faces Yusuff, he will want to raise his divisional record above.500.

Through seven fights, Yusuff has only suffered one defeat, which was in April 2021 against Arnold Allen, who is rated eighth.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria

https://www.pulsesports.ng/mma-and-combat-sports/story/sodiq-yusuff-nigerian-mma-star-returns-to-ufc-to-face-edson-barboza-2023080307445281643

Saudi Arabia welcomed a host of big-name footballers to the Middle East this summer while offering them mouth-watering paychecks for their services.

The Saudi Pro League currently boasts the biggest salaries in world football.

Recently, players who have sealed transfers to the Saudi Pro League have found themselves amongst the list of highest-paid footballers in the world.

In January this year, Cristiano Ronaldo completed a record-breaking switch to Al-Nassr, in a move that made him become the highest-paid footballer and highest-paid athlete in the world.

This summer, a host of big names in football have made their way to the Middle East and have shown no hesitation to splash the cash.

The likes of Jordan Henderson, Karim Benzema, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez, N’golo Kante amongst other superstars have already completed mega-money transfers to a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

PSG star Kylian Mbappe was reportedly offered a ridiculous £605m-per-year offer to also join in on the exodus to Middle East, although, the 23-year-old France captain is said to have rejected the staggering offer as well as a chance to become the highest-paid athlete in sports history.

In this article, Pulse Sports will reveal the details of their contracts to determine the highest-paid players in the Saudi Pro League, as per reports from The Sun as well as other sources.

10. Ruben Neves (Al-Hilal) - £288,000 per week

This summer, Neves left Wolverhampton Wanderers after six years, for Saudi Pro League club, Al-Hilal after the Middle Eastern club splashed out £47million for his services.

The 26-year-old Portuguese midfielder was also blunt enough to admit that he could not say ‘NO’ to the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Neves said: "The main factor was my family and the chance to give them the life I have always dreamt of for them – that was the biggest reason for me to not have any doubts.

"I have three kids and a lovely wife, and I need to take care of them, that is the biggest trophy in my career."

With Al-Hilal, Neves is currently earning around six times his salary at Wolves and reportedly signed with the Saudi club in a contract until 2026.

9. Roberto Firmino (Al-Ahli) - £326,000 per week

In June, Liverpool fan favourite 'Bobby' Firmino made his decision to leave the Reds when his contract expired.

Firmino was immediately a target for some top clubs in Europe.

However, the talented Brazilian forward opted to sign with deal with Al-Ahli on a three-year contract, making him one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia as well as one of the highest-paid Brazilian footballers in the world.

The 31-year-old former Hoffenheim star won the Premier League title and Champions League with Liverpool and was a crucial member of the team.

Firmino was lauded for his work rate, selflessness, link-up plays and overall contribution to Liverpool’s recent success.

8. Marcelo Brozovic (Al-Nassr) - £403,000 per week

2023 Champions League finalist Marcelo Brozovic is also one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia.

Brozovic who was a target for Juventus this summer turned down a chance to remain in the Serie A with Inter Milan for a transfer to the Middle East.

The 31-year-old Croatian midfield maestro signed a three-year deal and will link up with Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of the new season as Al-Nassr look to win the Saudi Pro League Championship.

7. Kalidou Koulibaly (Al-Hilal) - £576,000 per week

Koulibaly's disappointing spell with Chelsea came to an end last month when he signed for Al-Hilal in a £20m deal.

The 32-year-old Senegalese centre back failed to live up to the hype at Stamford Bridge and sealed a £30m-per-year contract with the Middle East giants.

Koulibaly also admitted that he could not turn down the life-changing offer after signing a three-year contract.

The former Napoli captain who is set to link up with Ruben Neves echoed his new teammate’s words as he said: “In addition, this very important contract. I will be able to help my whole family to live well: from my parents to my cousins, and above all to support the social activities of my association ‘Capitane du Coeur ‘ in Senegal.”

6. Riyad Mahrez (Al-Ahli) - £604,000 per week

The 32-year-old former Leicester forward is a serial winner in England winning the Premier League with two different clubs.

Mahrez has pretty much established himself as one of the best wingers in the history of the Man City and was a fan-favourite during his spell at the Etihad.

The Algerian skipper signed for Al-Ahli in a three-year deal that saw a bumper rise in his salary at City, and also saw him become one of the highest-paid African footballers in the world.

Mahrez will be playing alongside former Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy, who also made the move to Saudi Arabia this summer.

5. Jordan Henderson (Al-Ettifaq) - £692,000 per week

England midfielder Jordan Henderson penned a three-year deal with Al-Ettifaq after 12 years at Liverpool.

The former Reds skipper will link up with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who is one of the highest-paid coaches in world football.

Henderson’s £692,000-per-week salary makes him the highest-paid British player in the world amid controversy over his switch to the Middle East.

4. Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr) - £716,000 per week

Mane completed a transfer to Al-Nassr last month having struggled to replicate his electrifying Liverpool form at Bayern Munich.

The 31-year-old Senegalese forward saw his debut in Germany marred by injuries, fitness and lack of adequate game time.

Mane is now set to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo Brozovic at his new club after signing a record-breaking deal with Al-Nassr.

Mane will earn reportedly £103 million in euros in three years at the Saudi club, becoming the highest-paid African footballer of all time.

3. N’golo Kante (Al-Ittihad) - £1,600,000 per week

Kante said his goodbye to Chelsea via an emotional letter to the Blues fans after a successful 7 year spell at Stamford Bridge, where he won every single trophy in Europe.

Kante who is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of his generation sealed an incredible mega-money switch to Saudi Pro club Al-Ittihad in June on a two-year deal, making him one of the highest-paid players in Saudi Arabia and one of the highest-paid French footballers of all time.

2. Karim Benzema (Al-Ittihad) - £3,300,000 per week

The current holder of the prestigious Ballon d'Or award, Karim Benzema, called time on his adventure in Europe this summer.

And it took a ridiculous amount of paycheck to secure his services and prise him away from Real Madrid.

Benzema has won five Champions League titles with Madrid and won pretty much every single trophy at club level.

However, the prolific Frenchman is understood to have desired a new challenge and opted for an adventure in the Middle East.

Benzema will reportedly earn an eye-catching and stupendous $643 million for three years and will link up with players like Ngolo Kante, Fabinho and Diogo Jota.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Al-Nassr) - £3,400,000 per week

It comes as little surprise who the no.1 on this list is - none other than five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

Following his controversial exit from Manchester United, Ronaldo called time on his legendary career in European club football and signed a deal with Saudi Pro League giants Al-Nassr worth a staggering £3.4m-per-week, which he penned until June 2025.

As of August 2023, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world and one of the richest footballers in the world.

Source: Pulse Sport Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/revealed-highest-paid-footballers-in-saudi-arabia-2023080209155509912

Nigeria's D'Tigress recorded a hard-fought win against Mozambique to face Rwanda in semifinal of the 2023 Women's Afrobasket.
Nigeria's senior women's basketball team known as D'Tigress continues to advance at the ongoing 2023 FIBA Women's Afrobasket tournament.

D'Tigress recorded a hard-fought 59-52 victory against Mozambique in a quarterfinal fixture played on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

It was a difficult outing for D'Tigress as Mozambique took the first quarter 18-16 establishing a two-point lead.

It was the same story in the second quarter, as shots were not falling for D'Tigress which led to a 15-13 margin for Mozambique who took a four-point lead to the halftime break.

Newly appointed Head Coach Rena Wakama made adjustments on defense and D'Tigres responded to take the third quarter 18-10 to establish a four-point lead going to closing time.

Mozambique were able to fight back by hitting some shots from three-point range to make the game close.

D'Tigress were able to execute from midrange late in the game and take the fourth quarter 12-9 to win the game.

The victory means D'Tigress now advances to the semifinals of the 2023 Women's Afrobasket Championship.

In the semifinals, D'Tigress will face hosts Rwanda who defeated Uganda earlier in the day.

D'Tigress top performers
In a game where they struggled from deep the top performer for D'Tigress was once again Amy Okonkwo.

She recorded 17 points, six rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal in 37 minutes of action.

Elizabeth Balogun also had a decent outing with 12 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two blocks in 35 minutes of action.

Source: Pulse Sports Nigeria


https://www.pulsesports.ng/basketball/story/dtigress-nigeria-defeats-mozambique-59-52-to-face-rwanda-in-2023-womens-afrobasket-semifinal-2023080220472982040