Sports

Legendary Boxer, Over 500 Young Benin Residents Participate In Olympic Day Run

Published

12 months ago

June 29, 2024

…as Obaseki, Alli preach peace, unity

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Legendary Boxer, Isaac Ikhuoria(Oly) alongside over 500 young men and women on Saturday, June 29, participated in a 5km road race in Benin, the Edo State capital, to celebrate the 2024 Olympic Day.

INFO DAILY reports that the Olympic Day is an event celebrated globally. This year’s theme is ‘Let’s Move and Celebrate’.

The runners who began the 5km race from the Samuel Ogbemudia at the Sumuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, at about 8:00am were led by the chairman, Oredo Local Council Dr Tom Obaseki, and the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Sports Commission, Dr Igbinosa Emmanuel.

The duo led the runners through Akenzua Road; Plymouth Road, King Square(Ring Road)through Oba Market Road, Zabayor Street and rounded off the exercise at the stadium, where certificates of participation were given to the participants.

2024 Olympic Day: Legendary boxer, Isaac Ikhuoria (left) receiving certificate of participation from Dr Igbinosa Emmanuel, PS, Edo State Sports commission on Saturday, June 29, 2024.

In his message, President, International Olympic Committee ( IOC), Thomas Bach, encouraged the Olympic community to celebrate the joy that only sports bring.

The message which was delivered by Obaseki, the President expressed optimism that at the Paris Olympics, “the athletes will inspire us with their achievements -they will inspire the world by living our Olympic motto: Faster,Higher-Stronger-Strong together.”

He added: “On Olympic Day, we celebrate the creation of the Olympic Movement by our founder Pierre de Coubertin. This year’s Olympic Day is a special one, taking place just ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

“With the excitement building, the athletes; the fans, the entire Olympic Community around the world -all of us- we are looking forward to a new era of Olympic Games; younger, more inclusive, more urban and more sustainable.”

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman, Edo Sports Commission, Olympian Yussuf Alli, described the Olympic Day as significant, saying it is a day set aside by the International Olympic Committee, IOC, to celebrate sports men and women and to encourage mass participation in sports.

The Chairman who was represented by Dr Igbinosa Emmanuel, Permanent Secretary of the Commission, added: “Firstly, it is marked all over the world .That is why it is under the umbrella body of the ‘Sports For All’ in IOC.

“So, Nigeria being a full member of the International Olympic Committee is celebrating it. And that is why the IOC wrote to Nigeria and Edo State to participate in the exercise.

“It is happening all over the world and we are happy that we are a part of the celebration.

“It helps us to create the right awareness for fitness and also to bring people together because the essence of sports is coming together so that we can move forward and celebrate according to this year’s theme’ Move and Celebrate,” Igbinosa emphasized.

Obaseki on his part, highlighted the benefit of Olympic Day and sports as a unifying event that brings people together and promotes peace and health.

“We all understand that Olympic is a unifying event that brings people together, promotes peace, statesmanship and sportsmanship.

“So, wherever we are we should understand that sports bring people together and in the process,we keep ourselves healthy,” he added.

Sports

JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo Confirms Al Nassr’s Stay, To Sign New Deal

Published

4 days ago

June 9, 2025

Editor

Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo is ready to extend his stay with Saudi pro side Al Nassr and is even ready to sign a new deal.

According to Fabrizio Romano’s post on X on Monday, the Portuguese have dismissed rumours of leaving Al Nassr.

The post read, “Cristiano Ronaldo confirms plan to stay at Al Nassr by signing a new deal.

“My future? Basically, nothing is gonna change. Staying at Al Nassr? Yea.”

Recall that the 40-year-old on Sunday helped his national team to secure the Nation’s League for the second time four years after the Nation’s League was unveiled.

Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr in December 2022 on a record-breaking deal, has played a transformative role both on and off the pitch.

His arrival marked a turning point for Saudi football, drawing global attention to the Saudi Pro League and triggering a wave of high-profile signings across the league.

During his time at Al Nassr so far, Ronaldo has delivered impressive performances, scoring consistently and helping the club remain competitive at the top level. His presence has not only boosted the club’s visibility but also played a key role in the league’s growing popularity worldwide.

The announcement of his continued stay is seen as a significant boost for Al Nassr and the Saudi Pro League as a whole. It also signals Ronaldo’s long-term commitment to the ambitious football project unfolding in the region.

Sports

Brazil Star, Neymar Tests Positive For COVID-19

Published

5 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Brazil forward Neymar has been sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19, Santos announced in a statement cited by Brazilian media.

The 33-year-old began showing symptoms on Thursday and was immediately withdrawn from all team activities. Medical tests later confirmed the viral infection, the Brazil Serie A club said on Saturday.

Santos did not specify how long Neymar will be out of action and did not respond immediately to a Reuters request for comment.

Neymar is already set to miss Thursday’s league match at Fortaleza due to suspension.

That Fortaleza game will be Santos’ final fixture before the Brazilian league pauses for the Club World Cup in the United States, scheduled from June 14 to July 13.

The former Barcelona forward’s future with Santos remains uncertain as his contract expires on June 30.

Limited by injury, Neymar has made 12 appearances across all competitions this season, tallying three goals and three assists.

Sports

Osimhen Rejects Al Hilal 5th Offer, Wants To Stay In Europe

Published

5 days ago

June 8, 2025

Editor

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has officially turned down a fifth offer from Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, reaffirming his desire to remain in Europe.

In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter) handle, journalist Buchi Laba. Laba revealed that Osimhen has shut the door on any potential move to Saudi Arabia, regardless of the financial incentives.

“Victor Osimhen officially rejects Al Hilal 5th offer,” Laba wrote. “He has decided to not move there no matter the money offered. Case closed.”

Osimhen, who has been a subject of transfer speculation in recent months, appears to be in no rush to make a decision about his next move.

Sources close to the player suggest that his main priority is to continue his career in Europe, where he feels more competitively challenged.

“Main priority is to stay back in Europe,” Laba added, noting that “a top Italian club [is] very interested and other European clubs” are also keeping tabs on the Nigerian forward.

The 26-year-old Napoli star has been linked with several clubs across Europe, including teams in the Premier League and Serie A.

However, he is reportedly taking his time to evaluate the best sporting project before making his next move.

Osimhen was instrumental in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season and also helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell in Turkey last season.