Sports
Angola’s Petro De Luanda Wins 2024 Basketball Africa League Championship

Angola’s Petro de Luanda today defeated Libya’s Al Ahly Ly 107-94 to win the 2024 Basketball Africa League (BAL) Championship, which took place at BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages.
Petro de Luanda, the 2022 BAL runner-up and one of two teams to have participated in all four BAL seasons, is the first sub-Saharan African team to win the BAL Finals after previous champions from Egypt and Tunisia.
Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and President of FIBA Africa Anibal Manave presented Petro de Luanda with the BAL Championship Trophy and Al Ahly Ly forward Jo Lual-Acuil Jr. with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2024 BAL Most Valuable Player Award and The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy for winning 2024 BAL Defensive Player of the Year.
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Petro de Luanda went 5-2 during the Kalahari Conference group phase in Pretoria, South Africa, and the Playoffs, defeating Senegal’s AS Douanes and South Africa’s Cape Town Tigers in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Finals. Nigeria’s Rivers Hoopers defeated the Cape Town Tigers 80-57 in the third-place game yesterday.
Lual-Acuil Jr. is also the 2024 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2024 All-BAL First Team and All-BAL Defensive Team after leading Al Ahly Ly to a 5-4 record during the Nile Conference group phase in Cairo, Egypt, and the Playoffs, recording per game averages of 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
Several former NBA players attended games throughout the 2024 BAL Playoffs and Finals, including BAL Ambassadors and NBA Africa investors Luol Deng (South Sudan), Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin) and Joakim Noah (grandfather from Cameroon); 2015 NBA champion Festus Ezeli (Nigeria), and New York Knicks President of G League Operations Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana).
Sports
EPL: Man Utd Suffer Fresh Injury Blow Ahead Of Everton Clash

Manchester United manager, Ruben Amorim, could be without Matheus Cunha for Monday’s Premier League clash against Everton.
ESPN reports that Cunha has picked up an injury in training.
The Brazilian suffered what is being described as a “minor knock” during a session on Saturday.
READ ALSO:EPL: Alan Smith Names Only Two Clubs To Compete For Title
It forced him to miss a scheduled appearance to switch on Christmas lights in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, on Saturday evening.
Amorim will be keen to have Cunha available, as he has already lost striker Benjamin Sesko to a knee injury.
Since his £62.5 million move from Wolves, Cunha has scored only once in 11 appearances.
Sports
EPL: Why Arsenal Could Win The Title This Season – Guardiola

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has admitted Arsenal could be “difficult to catch” in the Premier League title race if they extend their lead at the top of the table.
City will have the chance to cut the Gunners’ lead to one point when they travel to Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kick-off.
Ahead of the game, Guardiola has warned his players that they have to keep pace with Arsenal, who will host Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
READ ALSO:EPL: Alan Smith Names Only Two Clubs To Compete For Title
“Arsenal are an impeccable team,” Guardiola said.
“If they manage to take some distance in points, it will be difficult to catch up.
“Just like how it went with Liverpool last season.”
Liverpool finished 10 points ahead of Arsenal last season.
Sports
Ikpoba-Okha Trade Tackles With Ovia N-East As Benin Unity Cup Kicks Off

Ikpoba-Okha LG traded tackles with Ovia North-East LG at the opening match of the maiden edition of the Benin Unity Cup held at the Crescent Sports Club in Irhirhi, Benin City, on Thursday evening.
The seven local government councils in Edo South Senatorial District are expected to participate in the tourney sponsored by Neda Imasuen, the Senator representing the district at the National Assembly.
The match between the two LGs saw the players from both sides showcasing tactical organization, intensity, and individual brilliance, but neither team could find the breakthrough despite promising chances.
READ ALSO:Sen. Imasuen Champions Respect, Responsibility As ‘Comprehending Gen Z + Gen A’ Returns In Benin
The draw sets the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talent-rich tournament, with scouts already keeping close watch on standout performers.
Both sides played out a cagey 0–0 draw, setting the tone for what promises to be a competitive and talents-reach tourney.
In his remarks earlier, the tournament sponsor, and vision bearer Senator Imasuen, appreciated participating teams and officials for embracing the initiative.
He explained that the Unity Cup was designed to discover, nurture, and create pathways for grassroots footballers across Edo South, revealing that scouts from other parts of Nigeria — and possibly abroad — will attend live matches during the tournament.
READ ALSO:Senator Imasuen Kicks Off Benin Unity Cup To Foster Unity
Imasuen encouraged all players to give their best, emphasizing discipline, fair play, and sportsmanship as the core values of the competition.
Imasuen, who promised to make the football tournament an annual event, assured to consider other sports including boxing, cycling, tennis ,and basketball in the nearest future.
Addressing the crowd at the opening ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, applauded Senator Imasuen for investing in grassroots football, describing the competition as a timely platform for youth development in Edo State.
He appealed to Senator Neda Imasuen, individuals and corporate bodies to extend similar support to other sporting disciplines, stressing that Edo State is home to many gifted athletes outside football who are yet to be discovered.
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