Sports

D’Tigress Of Nigeria Beat Philippines In FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifier

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2026

Nigeria’s women’s national basketball team, D’Tigress, came from behind to defeat the Philippines 101-84 in a Group A match at the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup Qualifying Tournament in Villeurbanne, France.

The African champions overturned a double-digit first-half deficit at the Astroballe to claim a convincing win after a tightly contested game that saw 12 lead changes across the opening three quarters.

The Philippines controlled much of the first half and opened a 10-point lead in the second quarter, going ahead 35-25 and later 37-27. The Asian side spent more than 22 minutes in front during the game, while Nigeria led for about 15 minutes. The scores were level for just under three minutes.

Midway through the third quarter, the African side erased a five-point deficit with a 17-12 run. Forward Pallas Kunaiyi-Akpanah capped the surge with a turnaround jump shot that tied the score at 67-67 with just over three minutes left in the period.

Guards Ifunanya Okoro and Elizabeth Balogun combined for nine points during that stretch, while Promise Amukamara secured key rebounds as Nigeria moved ahead 70-67 heading into the final quarter.

The Philippines attempted to respond through outside shooting from Janine Pontejos and Louna Ozar, but Nigeria’s inside scoring proved decisive as they gradually pulled away.

Nigeria sealed the win with a 9-0 run in the fourth quarter between the sixth and fourth minutes. The burst turned a narrow 81-80 lead into a 90-80 advantage. Balogun scored 5 points during the sequence, shooting perfectly.

Centre Victoria Macaulay delivered a strong performance with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists and two blocks in just over 21 minutes. She posted a +13 plus-minus rating during Nigeria’s second-half surge.

Forward Murjanatu Musa recorded 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, while Nicole Enabosi added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Enabosi also produced a nine-point burst in the opening quarter, helping keep Nigeria within reach early in the game.

Pontejos led the Philippines with 16 points, including an eight-point run late in the second quarter that helped extend their lead in the first half. Kacey Dela Rosa also contributed during a seven-point run late in the opening period.

Nigeria’s most effective lineup featured Ezinne Kalu, Amukamara, Macaulay, Balogun and Musa. The group spent nearly 16 minutes on the court together and recorded a +12 differential during key stages of the match.

It was reports that the win came after Nigeria’s eight-game winning streak in competitive matches ended with a 77-60 defeat to South Korea. That loss followed their opening 70-37 win over Colombia in the tournament.

Nigeria have already qualified for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup after winning the 2025 Women’s AfroBasket title.

They will face hosts France on Sunday as the tournament, which runs from March 11 to 17, continues in Villeurbanne.

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Sports

Fenerbahçe kick against Osimhen’s mask

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe have reportedly filed a complaint against Galatasaray over the use of protective mask by Victor Osimhen, which they say is dangerous to opposing players, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Osimhen returned to action on Wednesday night after being out with an arm injury for over a month.

The 27-year-old featured for 13 minutes in Galatasaray’s cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği S.K., appearing with a bandaged arm under a long-sleeved jersey.

Galatasaray are due to face Fenerbahçe in the league on Sunday, and their rivals are said to have reported the use of Osimhen’s gear to the Turkish Football Federation.

“Fenerbahçe believes that the hard protective gear used by Victor Osimhen in matches poses a risk to opposing players. The yellow-and-navy club is preparing to formally raise this issue by applying to the Turkish Football Federation,” Turkish news outlet HT Spor reported.

“The club’s medical team is preparing a report on materials that can be used according to IFAB rules.”

Osimhen wears a protective mask after he sustained a serious facial injury in a match while playing for Napoli in 2021.

The Nigerian clashed heads with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar and sustained fractures to both his cheekbone and eye socket.

Osimhen required surgery and spent three months on the sidelines, with Napoli saying in a statement, “titanium plates and 18 screws were used in the operation”.

Medics advised Osimhen to wear a protective mask when he returned to playing.

It remains to be seen how the TFF will rule on the matter ahead of their potential title decider on Sunday.

Galatasaray currently leads the Super Lig with 71 points, four ahead of Fenerbahçe with four matches remaining.

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Sports

Rooney claims supporter belief key to Arsenal ending 22-year drought in EPL

Published

6 days ago

April 20, 2026

Newsbreak365_Admin

Ex-Man United striker Wayne Rooney believes fan support could play a decisive role in the outcome of the Premier League title race, urging Arsenal F.C. supporters to get firmly behind their team during a difficult spell.

The Gunners’ hopes of winning a first league title in 22 years suffered a setback after a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, leaving the defending champions within striking distance with games in hand.

The loss followed a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to AFC Bournemouth, after which some fans booed the players off the pitch.

Rooney questioned that reaction, insisting it could have a negative impact on the squad at a crucial stage of the season.

“I think the Arsenal fans need to be better. They’ve been brilliant all season and they’ve hit a little bad run of form,” Rooney said.

He emphasized how much players rely on backing from the stands, particularly when results dip.

“They need to understand how much the fan support means to the players and how much it can help you. When you lose a game and you get booed off, that can affect player,” he added.

Despite recent setbacks, Arsenal remain firmly in contention with five games left to play, but face intense pressure from City, who could overtake them at the top of the table.

Rooney pointed to the importance of unity between fans and players, especially given the club’s recent history of falling short in title races.

“For Arsenal to win the league, the Arsenal fans need to play their part. The fans need to back the players a little bit more because that will have hurt the Arsenal players, 100%,” he stressed.

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Sports

Oleksandr Usyk Backs Joshua To Beat Fury As Talks For Mega Fight Resume

Published

1 week ago

April 18, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk believes Anthony Joshua has what it takes to defeat Tyson Fury if the long-awaited all-British showdown finally happens.

Negotiations between both camps have restarted after years of failed attempts to stage the fight. Usyk, who has shared the ring with both men and beaten each of them twice, says his recent time in camp with Joshua has left him convinced the former world champion is ready to rise again.

It was reports that Joshua has been training in Spain alongside the unbeaten Ukrainian as he works his way back to full fitness following a December car crash that claimed the lives of two close friends. He suffered minor injuries but has since returned to structured training.

Speaking to The Independent, Usyk said he has been impressed by Joshua’s intensity in camp.

“I believe. I look how Anthony is training. He’s a machine,” Usyk said.

The Ukrainian urged fans to rally behind Joshua during a challenging period in his career. Drawing a comparison with his support for Dynamo Kyiv, he stressed the value of loyalty through setbacks.

“Now I think Anthony needs help. People who support AJ, we must say: ‘Yeah, we do believe!’ Listen. I’m a fan of Dynamo Kyiv. I’m a fan a long time. Sometimes, my team loses but I not say: ‘You’re bad, you’re bad.’,” he added.

“I say, ‘Things happen. You must work, pray. It’s normal because it’s sport. Sometimes people support team or fighter and fighter loses and they’re negative. You are not fan. We must help each other. If we don’t help each other we are not people. We are animals.”

Usyk admitted Joshua is close to a full return but urged patience as recovery continues.

“I think yes but we need a little bit of time because we know AJ has problem with body after crash but yes, he can return,” he said.

Promoter Eddie Hearn expects Joshua to take another fight before a potential clash with Fury. He confirmed the British star is likely to remain in Usyk’s training environment for at least his next two bouts.

“I think, at the moment, he’s very happy obviously. The plan is those two fights, he’ll certainly be training with Usyk for those two fights,” Hearn said.

“I think when he’s there and he’s focused and he’s got that purpose, I think it’s really good for him.”

Usyk is also preparing for his own blockbuster event. The champion is set to face kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven on May 23 in front of the Pyramids of Giza, with the World Boxing Council heavyweight title at stake.

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