Sports

Cameroon loses basketball star, Joel Embiid to USA

Published

7 months ago

October 6, 2023

Cameroon has lost Philadelphia 76ers centre, Joel Embiid to the United States after the NBA MVP chose to represent the star-studded US team at the 2024 Paris Olympics rather than his other options of France and his native Cameroon.

The Yaoundé, Cameroon-born Embiid, who made his position known at a meeting with USA Basketball managing director, Grant Hill, said it was an easy decision for him as he had been in the country for such a long time and his son was American.

“I’ve been here for such a long time,” Embiid said at the meeting in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the 76ers are having their training camp.

“For the past few years, every decision I’ve made has been based on just family. My family, my son, and having the chance to represent a country like the US, with my son being born here. I love my home country, but I really wanted to play in the Olympics,” he said.

Embiid who was born in Cameroon, has never played in a major international tournament for the African country, which he said made it simpler for him to choose the US, a country he moved to at the age of 16.

Embiid’s decision has finally put paid to dreams of Cameroon luring him to play for the country.

Before now, France had also harboured the dream of getting the NBA star to play for them, with French President, Emmanuel Macron even appealing to Embiid in a phone call.

According to the Wall Street Journal, France’s basketball federation had reportedly set a deadline of next Tuesday for Embiid to make a decision on whether he would switch allegiance to his second country.

“The deadline wasn’t much of a factor, but it was put out there,” Embiid told journalists.

“I wouldn’t have made this decision if I wasn’t ready. I kind of wanted to get it over with. I’ve been asked these questions since last year.

“After talking to my family, I knew it had to be the American team. I want to play with my brothers in the championship. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I arrived here.

“But above all, I want to pay tribute to my son who was born in the United States. I want my boy to know that I played my first Olympics for him.

“I’m really proud and excited by this decision. It wasn’t easy. I’m lucky enough to live in Cameroon, France and the United States,” Embiid wrote on his X account.

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Sports

Tobi Amusan sets world-leading time at Jamaica Athletics Invitational

Published

1 day ago

May 13, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

World 100m hurdle record-holder, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, was the cynosure of all eyes as she stole the show at the maiden Jamaica Athletics Invitational held in Kingston, where she ran a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds to defeat home favorite and reigning world champion, Danielle Williams, who came in second with 12.46, and USA’s Christina Clemens, who finished third in 12.54 seconds.

The 27-year-old Amusan’s impressive display in the Jamaica Invitational marked a significant and brilliant comeback following her recent setback at the Suzhou Diamond League late last month where she was disqualified due to a false start.

With the victory, the Nigerian athlete fondly “Tobi Express” by her fans, has once again claimed the top spot in the world rankings, surpassing American Tonea Marshall, who previously held the world lead with a time of 12.42 seconds in late April.

While reacting to the feat, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, took to his official X handle to congratulate Amusan whom he called a pace-setter, while wishing she repeats the feat at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you,” the Minister wrote.

In another tweet, he said:

“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!

“You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd.

Sports

Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

Published

3 days ago

May 11, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display