Sports
WABC Final Four dunks off in Lagos
The first edition of the West Africa Basketball Classics (WABC) Final Four have dunked off in Lagos with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo in contention for the grand prize.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final four holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.
The first and second phases of the WABC was held in Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic, with elimination of two teams while the final four holds from June 5 to 7.
The last four teams for the final round are: Gidi Giants, Nigeria; ASPAC, Benin Republic; Kwara Falcons, Nigeria; and Swallows of Togo.
In the first semi-final game ASPAC of Benin Republic defeated Kwara Falcons by 65-63, while Gidi Giants defeated ASPAL 61-43 in the second match of the day.
The President of the WABC, Olumide Oyedeji, in an interview with NAN said that the success recorded at the tournament has been a landmark.
“WABC is a great tournament, we started with six then to five and now, we are at the final four.
“It”s great seeing the young players display their talents and do what they love to do best.
“I am excited with the level and standard of performances so far, it’s a masterpiece.
“The short run of this target of this tournament is to have the competition spread to other West African countries, while the long target is to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL),”he said.
Oyedeji also congratulate the Rivers Hoopers for their success winning the bronze at the just-concluded BAL in Kigali.
Ahmed Olusoji, Point guard for the victorious Gidi Giant however told NAN that he and his teammates were poised to win the maiden edition.
“I feel happy winning our first game, but we have to prepare well for the next match which is the final game.
“Before the final game, we will work on our defense and coordination because our target is to win the competition,” he said.
NAN reports that the final of the WABC will be played on June 7 at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. (NAN)
The Flying Eagles will come up against the firepower of the Junior Atlas Lions of Morocco after the North Africans fought from a goal down to beat Kenya 3-2 in their Group B game of the 2025 U20 AFCON.
The Flying Eagles have expressed confidence of flying high at the U20 AFCON in Egypt after they opened their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia.
On Thursday, Akwa United youngster Auwal Ibrahim ‘Germany’ was Man of the Match, gave Nigeria the maximum points against the Junior Cartage Eagles, who gave as much as they got from their Nigerian counterparts.
Captain Daniel Bameyi said after the win that they are now looking forward to another win against Morocco on Sunday night.
“It is on to the next game. We hope to win and go top of our group on our way to qualifying for the World Cup and winning the tournament,” the Bayelsa United central defender said.
Flying Eagles coach Aliyu Zubairu said the win over Tunisia is great for team’s confidence.
“The first game of a competition is often difficult and to get the three points was very important,” he said.
“This will help with our confidence. Nigerians should continue to support and pray for the team and we promise not to let them down.”
The Flying Eagles are seeking a record-extending eighth U20 AFCON title in Egypt.
Morocco fell behind to the Rising Stars of Kenya in the second match in Group B, before they rallied back to win despite missing a penalty and losing two players to injury
Othmane Maamma was Man of the Match for Morocco to go top of the standings by virtue of having scored more goals than the Flying Eagles.
The Super Eagles forward will be one of the main transfer attractions when top European clubs whip out their purses for purchases in the summer, Soccernet.ng reports.
Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman is poised for a high-profile summer transfer, with Spanish giants Atlético Madrid among the clubs vying for his signature.
Despite having a contract with Atalanta that runs until June 2027, the Nigerian international is expected to depart Bergamo at the end of the season.
The Serie A club are reportedly willing to sell the 27-year-old if their €60 million (£51.5m) valuation is met, with several European powerhouses monitoring the situation.
According to Spanish outlet Marca via Les-transferts, Atlético Madrid have already opened discussions with Lookman’s representatives.
While Diego Simeone’s side reportedly believes Atalanta’s asking price is steep, they are seriously considering a move after being impressed by Lookman’s prolific campaign.
An all-English Europa League final is looming after Manchester United defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-0 and Tottenham Hotspur prevailed 3-1 against Bodø/Glimt on Thursday.
Casemiro’s header and Bruno Fernandes’ brace led United to a dominant victory in Spain, leaving them in a comfortable position for the semi-final return leg next Thursday at their Old Trafford stadium.
Bilbao were down to 10 men in the 35th minute as Dani Vivian was sent off for pulling back Rasmus Hojlund in the box.
The foul resulted in a penalty converted by Fernandes for his first goal.
Tottenham also didn’t have trouble to take the home win against Bodø/Glimt.
First-half goals from Brennan Johnson and James Maddison secured them a 2-0 lead and Dominic Solanke added a third from the spot after the break.
Ulrik Saltnes’ late goal, however, will keep Bodø/Glimt’s hopes of a comeback alive for the second leg at home.
United have won the Europa League once, in 2017, while Tottenham have won the trophy twice when the competition was known as UEFA Cup.(NAN)