Sports

Rudiger celebrates Real Madrid’s 15th Champions League triumph with Sierra Leone flag (Video)

Published

1 month ago

June 2, 2024

Germany and Real Madrid defender, Antonio Rudiger, paid homage to his African roots by celebrating his club’s 15th Champions League triumph draped in the Sierra Leone flag.

Though Rudiger plays international football with the German national team, he has consistently exhibited his strong ties to Sierra Leone where his mother hails from and whenever the occasion presents itself, he proudly displays the Sierra Leonean national flag.

In a trending video, the Real Madrid star is seen with the flag of the African country screaming its name shortly after the Spanish team defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the final of the 2024 UEFA Champions League at Wembley Stadium.

Apart from his contributions on the field, Rudiger’s deep connection to Sierra Leone has continued to shine through with his philanthropic efforts and commitment to the country’s development. M

In 2022, he launched a foundation for education in Sierra Leone, and has visited the country multiple times for charitable causes.

Born in Germany in 1993 to a Sierra Leonean mother who fled the civil war, Rudiger has maintained a strong bond with his mother’s homeland.

In recognition of his efforts and attachment to Sierra Leone, he was appointed as the ‘Brand Global Sierra Leone Football Ambassador’ by Sierra Leonean President Dr Julius Maada Bio in 2022, receiving the country’s diplomatic passport.

Though Madrid won the match with goals from Spanish defender Dani Carvajal and Brazilian attacker Vinicius Jr, Rudiger’s standout performances throughout the Champions League campaign were pivotal in Real Madrid’s success.

Notably, Rudiger’s achievement makes him the first Sierra Leonean native to claim a UEFA Champions League title, further solidifying his legacy both on and off the pitch.

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Sports

Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay makes history at Tour de France

Published

2 days ago

July 2, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Unheralded Eritrean cyclist, Biniam Girmay, on Monday, made history by becoming the first Black African rider to claim victory in a Tour de France stage.

Girmay crossed the finish line ahead of tour favourites, Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie, completing the stage in 5 hours, 26 minutes, 48 seconds.

Girmay won stage three of the 2024 Tour in Turin after a crash in the peloton, three kilometres from the finish, dashed Mark Cavendish’s hopes of becoming the Tour’s record-breaking stage winner for yet another day.

The 24-year-old Girmay who rides for the Intermarché-Wanty team, had already won a stage in the 2022 Giro d’Italia and of the Belgian classic Gent-Wevelgem, and took his first Tour success after sprinting ahead of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie.

Speaking after the race, the Eritrean said:

“Ever since I started cycling, I’ve always been dreaming of the Tour. But to win in my second Tour, in a big bunch sprint, is unbelievable. It means a lot, personally for me, and for the continent.

“I remember my father really liked to watch the Tour every July. He always showed us the Tour de France on TV. One day, I asked him if it was possible to be part of the Tour, and he said: ‘Keep going and everything is possible.’

“Today, everybody will believe African riders can succeed in the World Tour. We must be proud, now we are really part of the big races, now it’s our moment, our time.”

Girmay’s victory came on the third day and the longest stage of this year’s race, spanning 230.8 kilometers (roughly 143 miles) between Piacenza and Turin.

Girmay had previously achieved a milestone in Italy two years ago by winning a stage at the Giro d’Italia, making him the first Black African to secure a victory in a Grand Tour, which includes the Giro, the Tour de France, and the Spanish Vuelta.

Sports

Samuel Eto’o threatens to sue CAF after match-fixing hearing

Published

3 days ago

July 1, 2024

Isaac Dachen

President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o, has threatened to institute a lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following a disciplinary hearing over match-fixing allegations against him.

The Cameroonian football legend announced the threat after he was invited for questioning over the allegations.

The ex-Barcelona, Chelsea and Inter Milan striker has been a subject of match-fixing allegations in his capacity as head of the FECAFOOT after he was accused of having orchestrated the promotion of a team owned by a close associate of his.

Apart from the match-fixing allegations, Eto’o is also accused of spreading false information, making threats, inciting violence and abusing power, in a scalding report sent to FIFA.

According to the report, Eto’o was charged by CAF over the alleged offences and on Wednesday, June 26th, he appeared before a disciplinary panel.

Though the outcome of the hearing are yet unknown as CAF is yet to publish an official statement, Eto’o says he is not satisfied with the process and will be seeking redress in court.

“I have mandated my lawyers to file a complaint against CAF and for responsibilities to be established,” Eto’o said while addressing journalists.

“It was too easy to tarnish everything I had built during these few years in the world of football. CAF launched a press release much too early. This is unacceptable behaviour.”