Sports

Houston Rockets name Nigeria’s Ime Udoka as Head Coach after serving sex scandal ban

Published

1 year ago

April 28, 2023

Nigerian basketball coach, Ime Udoka, has been announced the new head coach of American NBA franchise, Houston Rockets after serving a one-year ban arising from a sex scandal that led to his sack at Boston Celtic last year.

Houston, two times NBA championships winners in 1994 and 1995 and four Western Conference title winners, introduced Udoka as its new coach on Wednesday after serving the suspension following the disclosure of an inappropriate relationship with a female staffer while at Celtic.

While making the announcement, owner Tilman Feritta maintained that Udoka had “everything the Houston Rockets were looking for in a coach” and that they were not worried about the actions that resulted in his one-year ban from the Boston Celtics.

Fertitta, who vehemently defended his new coach when questioned about the views of certain supporters who don’t believe Udoka deserves a second opportunity given what occurred in Boston, said the Udoka deserved a second opportunity.

“The NBA told me that they felt very comfortable with Ime becoming the coach of the Houston Rockets,” Fertitta said.

“And so that made me feel really good after a lengthy, lengthy conversation.

“We’re a forgiving society and everybody makes mistakes. And some things maybe we shouldn’t forgive people for but, but I think what happened in his personal situation is definitely something we forgive for.”

Udoka, who also spoke on the new opportunity, said he spent the last year working to become a better person and mending his relationship with his 11-year-old son, Kez.

“Having that time off and really a full understanding of how many people you impact by a poor decision, that’s where you start with the ownership and accountability,” he said.

“I preach that for the players and so I have to take responsibility for my part. I took leadership and sensitivity training and did some counseling with my son to help him improve the situation that I put him in.

“You can grow from adversity and think I’ve done that this year,” he added.

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Sports

Botswanan Tebogo hits at Kenyan Omanyala over claims of being African sprint king

Published

10 hours ago

May 15, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Botswanan sprint sensation,
Letsile Tebogo, has hit back at Kenyan 100m champion, Ferdinand Omanyala, over claims that he is the king of African sprint.

Omanyala, in an Track and Field network in April, had laid claims to being the true king of Africa in sprints having risen to prominence in 2021 when he set the record as the fastest man in the continent when he ran 9.77 at the 3rd edition of the Absa Kip Keino classic.

The following year, Omanyala won the 2022 African title in Mauritius, as well as the 100m gold at the Commonwealth Games, feats he believes bestows on him the title of Africa’s king of the sprint.

Though it has not been all rosy for the 28-year-old Omanyala as he has faltered at some big stages having failed to make the final of the Olympic games in Tokyo in 2021 and finished a disappointing seventh at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest last year, he still believes he is head and shoulders above other African stars.

On the other hand, 20-year-old Tebogo has already scored medals in both the 100 and 200m races at the highest stage, which has given him the right to question Omanyala’s claims

“I do not have anything to say. Everything will reveal itself as time goes on,” Tebogo said in an interview with the same Track and Field network on Tuesday.

“To me, it does not make sense if you are the African champion, but where it mattered the most, he could not step in,” he added.

Tebogo who has proven his mettle in the 200m which he claims is the easiest race to compete in, believes it should also be used as a gauge to test the fastest men in the continent apart from just the 100m.

“The 100 is very tactical. Any day can be your day. I believe we should include both races,” he added.

Sports

Super Falcons star Nnadozie wins best goalkeeper in France

Published

1 day ago

May 14, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

Super Falcons of Nigeria goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, has entered the history books as she became the first female African player to win best goalkeeper award in France.

Nnadozie was on Tuesday, named the best goalkeeper in France by the National Union of Professional Footballers.

Nnadozie received recognition for her 2023–24 season-long brilliant performances for Paris FC where she posted regular woman of the match performances.

The Nigerian international won the individual title by defeating a formidable competition that includes Christiane Endler of Olympic Lyon, Katarzyna Kiedrzynek of PSG, Chloe N’Gazi of FC Fleury, and Kinga Szemik of Stade de Reims.

Last month, the 23-year-old also won the title of top goalie in the French D1 Arkema women’s league.

Nnadozie’s exploits in saving penalties have also solidified her place among the world’s top goalkeepers, saving seven penalties, the most by any goalie in Europe.

The Super Falcons keeper has made a name for herself as one of Europe’s top goalkeepers after relocating to France in 2020 and the award is reward for her sterling performances.

Nnadozie took to social media to celebrate the award with a message that said:

“I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by this award. Thanks to the organisers @tropheesunfp for recognizing my efforts and presenting this prestigious award to me.

“A big thanks to @parisfc_feminines , the club president, the entire team staff , the fans and my wonderful teammates.

“Your belief in me and my work is a tremendous source of motivation.

“Receiving this award is truly humbling, and I am immensely thankful for the recognition. Your support means the world to me.

“Can’t thank my family enough for their prayers and support. My naija Giants, Una pikin Dey loyal , big love ❤️🇳🇬.”

Since the beginning of the 2023–24 season, Nnadozie has been the top penalty specialist and has made the most saves from her position among elite goalkeepers in the men’s and women’s top European leagues.

She has made five saves during her team’s run in the Women’s Champions League, and she has two in the league.