Nigeria set to boycott the AFCON fixture after jarring treatment in Libya.
The Super Eagles faced a major setback in Libya ahead of their 2025 AFCON qualifier second leg. After defeating Libya 1-0 in Uyo, the team travelled for the return fixture but were held at Al Abaq airport for over 15 hours without transportation to their destination. Originally scheduled to land in Benghazi, the Nigerian team was rerouted to Al Abaq, two hours away. With no Libyan delegation to assist them, players and NFF officials were left stranded, sleeping in uncomfortable airport areas. Ojora Babatunde shared images on X, showing the Super Eagles spending the night at the airport. Reports suggest that the team and NFF officials are considering forfeiting the match and returning to Nigeria. The incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media, with many criticizing the Libyan authorities for their poor treatment of the Super Eagles’ delegation.
BREAKING NEWS: Nigeria 🇳🇬 Super eagles Players have resolved not to play the match any longer as NFF officials are making plans to fly the team back home.
The see finish is enough 😡 pic.twitter.com/kJSPGTeh5c
— Nigeria Stories (@NigeriaStories) October 14, 2024
Samson Dauda becomes the first Nigerian to be crowned Mr. Olympia.
A Nigerian-born bodybuilder representing the United Kingdom, Samson Dauda made history yesterday, winning the 2024 Mr. Olympia competition. He became the first bodybuilder of Nigerian descent to claim the prestigious title. The 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia event took place on October 12, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, USA. Dauda triumphed over 17 competitors, including two former champions—Hadi Choopan of Iran, who finished second, and Derek Lunsford of the USA, the 2023 champion, who took third place. For his victory, Dauda earned a $600,000 cash prize, along with a championship belt and trophy. Another Nigerian participant, Andrew Jacked, delivered a strong performance, finishing in fifth place. Dauda’s historic win has brought pride to the bodybuilding community, particularly to his Nigerian roots.
Samson Dauda emerges as Mr Olympia 2024. 🇳🇬🔥
He placed 3rd in the competition last year. pic.twitter.com/MRBeVB8jR6
— 49th. (@the49thstreet) October 13, 2024
Vince Carter and 12 others inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, inducted its 2024 class on Sunday after the ceremony was postponed from August due to the Paris Olympics. Among the 13 inductees were Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter, whose induction was a highlight, celebrated for his legendary dunks during a 22-season NBA career. Billups, a five-time All-Star and 2004 NBA Finals MVP with Detroit, reflected on his challenging journey to success. Jerry West was honored as both a player and contributor, becoming the first to achieve this distinction before his passing in June. Other inductees included Michael Cooper, Walter Davis, Dick Barnett, Michelle Timms, Bo Ryan, Harley Redin, Charles Smith, Seimone Augustus, Doug Collins, and Herb Simon. Carter, an eight-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist, spoke about his love for the game over chasing championships, while Cooper was praised for his defensive excellence and coaching success.
The Class of 2024 is ready to enter the @Hoophall!
Watch the #24HoopClass Enshrinement Ceremony tonight at 6:00pm/et on NBA TV. pic.twitter.com/UqscdsLIee
— NBA (@NBA) October 13, 2024
Trent scores a superb freekick as England secures win over Finland.
England bounced back from their shock loss to Greece with a 3-1 victory over Finland in the Nations League on Sunday, thanks to a brilliant free-kick by Trent Alexander-Arnold. After Greece’s historic win at Wembley just days earlier, England once again struggled for long stretches in Helsinki. However, they managed to produce moments of quality in attack to avoid further disappointment. Jack Grealish opened the scoring in the first half with a calm finish, but Finland missed several opportunities to equalize. In the second half, Alexander-Arnold’s free-kick and Declan Rice’s goal secured the win. Though Finland’s Arttu Hoskonen scored late, England’s third win in four games under interim manager Lee Carsley kept them in the race for promotion from Nations League Group B2.
3️⃣ goals and 3️⃣ points for the #ThreeLions 🫶 pic.twitter.com/R1AG4kDll4
— England (@England) October 13, 2024
New York Liberty defeats the Minnesota Lynx to take game 2 in the WNBA Finals.
After a tough Game 1 loss, New York Liberty bounced back to defeat the Minnesota Lynx 80–66, evening the WNBA Finals at 1–1. New York dominated early, shooting 72% in the first quarter and leading 49–37 at halftime, with Sabrina Ionescu and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton combining for 27 points. Minnesota rallied in the third quarter, cutting the lead to four before Napheesa Collier’s foul trouble slowed their momentum. The Lynx surged again in the fourth, coming within two points, but Laney-Hamilton hit a crucial three-pointer, extending the lead and finishing with 20 points, including four three-pointers. Breanna Stewart added 21 points and set a Finals record with seven steals, while Ionescu and Jonquel Jones also scored in double digits. Shooting efficiency improved significantly for New York, keeping their championship hopes alive as the series shifts to Minnesota.
LIBERTY LEVELS UP 🗽
The #WNBAFinals presented by @YouTubeTV is now tied at 1-1! Game 3 is set for Wednesday at 8pm/ET in Minneapolis 🔥 pic.twitter.com/sZOjIZSZZW
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 13, 2024