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Nigerian Boxer Oluwafemi Oyeleye Signs Contract With Floyd Mayweather’s Company

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Nigerian boxer, Oluwafemi Oyeleye, has signed a promotional contract with Mayweather Promotions. The boxing promotional firm is founded by five-division world and eleven-time world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Oyeleye, who won gold in the 69kg welterweight category at the 2015 All Africa Games has been training in United States for the past few months.

According to information made available by the management of Mayweather Promotions, Oyeleye who has officially inked a deal to be a member of The Money Team, will make his professional debut at Sam’s Town Hotel & Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada on December 2.

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Kennedy Boboye Files Lawsuit Against Heartland For N19 Million In Unpaid Wages

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Kennedy Boboye Files Lawsuit Against Heartland | fab.ng

Sunshine Stars coach Kennedy Boboye, aged 50, has taken legal action against his former club, Heartland. He is seeking to recover an outstanding debt of 19 million naira (₦19,000,000) owed to him.

The Naze Millionaires appointed Boboye, a two-time Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) champion, as their head coach in November 2023. This followed the dismissal of Christian Obi due to the team’s poor performance. At his appointment, Heartland had endured a nine-game winless streak.

Under Boboye’s leadership, the Owerri-based club made significant progress. They secured three wins and one draw in seven matches. Despite this improvement, Kennedy Boboye was later dismissed. This was after Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma ordered the reinstatement of Christian Obi as head coach.

“A month after I was appointed as Heartland coach, I was asked to leave under strange circumstances, despite having turned the club’s fortunes around. The Imo State government wanted the reinstatement of the late Christian Obi—may his soul rest in peace,” Boboye said.

“I left without any issues, but they have refused to pay my outstanding wages after terminating my contract. It’s been almost a year now, and they seem unwilling to resolve it.

“I have reliable information that they have settled the debts owed to former players and coaches, but mine remains an exception.

“Coach Emmanuel Amuneke reached out to me, suggesting I hold off for a while. Meanwhile, Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Musa Gusau mentioned that he would be granting Heartland a two to three-month waiver.

“I’ve lost my patience, and I believe the best course of action is to proceed with my original plan to take legal action against Heartland, as this is clearly a breach of contract.

“It’s unfair that I’ve been unable to support my family and manage my medical bills, as my former employers have effectively put my life on hold for the past 11 months.”

What’s more, at the time of publishing this article, Heartland management has not responded.

For more sports news, check here.

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Olunga’s Return From Injury Can Spur Kenya To Beat Cameroon In AFCON Qualifiers

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Michael Olunga returns to spur Kenya to beat Cameroon | fab.ng

The return to fitness of Michael Olunga, Kenya’s 30-year-old star striker, has ignited a national debate. Many fans believe his comeback will boost the Harambee Stars as they prepare to face Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Olunga was sidelined during Kenya’s opening matches of the qualifying campaign, which saw them draw against Zimbabwe and defeat Namibia. His absence was keenly felt, particularly in the match against Zimbabwe. There, the team struggled to create scoring opportunities. In his stead, coach Engin Firat opted for a midfield-heavy approach, but it proved ineffective.

However, introducing two strikers, Jonah Ayunga and John Avire, in the match against Namibia, yielded positive results. This is with Avire scoring the opening goal and Abuya adding the second.

Since recovering from his injury, Michael Olunga has made a strong impact for his club, Al Duhail SC. In the Qatar Stars League, he scored two goals in three matches. His performances fueled optimism among Kenyan fans that he could contribute significantly to the national team’s success in the upcoming qualifiers.

Michael Olunga return a big boost for Kenya vs Cameroon

Kenya’s Harambee Stars will resume their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a double-header against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions. The first match will take place on October 11th at Japoma Stadium in Douala, Cameroon, followed by the return fixture at Mandela Stadium in Uganda on October 14th.

Red card scare for Olunga as 10-man Al Duhail secure victory

Both teams are currently tied for the lead in their group with four points each. Positive results from these matches will significantly enhance Kenya’s chances of qualifying for the AFCON finals in Morocco.

The return of star striker Michael Olunga is expected to provide a major boost to the Harambee Stars, according to former Gor Mahia CEO Omondi Aduda. Olunga’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen Kenya’s attacking options and improve their chances of success in the qualifiers.

“With Olunga in the starting XI, Cameroon goalkeeper Andre (Onana) will feel the heat. Olunga is a very powerful player, you saw how the team struggled minus him when they played Zimbabwe and Namibia,” Aduda said.

“Without Olunga, we already knew the results in the opening matches. Though it was an opportunity for others (the strikers in the team) to show what they could offer without Olunga, you could still feel his absence, you could see the body language of the players before the two games.

“Remember apart from being our lead striker, he is also the captain of the side, so you can imagine what he brings to the team, leadership qualities and goals. He is a threat whenever he plays, and for Olunga to score, he doesn’t need clearance from anywhere, he can score anytime, and that is why his return for the Cameroon double-header will be a big boost for Kenya.”

Aduda urged coach Firat to deploy Olunga and Ayunga as the starting strikers against Cameroon. He believes their partnership could pose a significant threat to the Indomitable Lions’ defence.

“The coach should use a formation whereby he can pair him (Olunga) with Sottish Premier League-based striker Ayunga to put more pressure on Cameroon’s defence. Their combination could prove a threat because they play in almost a similar way and with Olunga a threat from aerial balls, it will give Cameroon defenders a headache on whom to mark.

“Olunga’s agility to take on the defenders head-on could give Ayunga the opportunity and much-needed space to run behind him for any loose balls, it could help give Kenya the space to attack them (Cameroon). I would like to see the two paired together.”

Aduda cautioned Kenya’s defenders to be mindful of the danger posed by Carlos Baleba, a defensive midfielder for Brighton in the Premier League.

“Cameroon has a young sensation who plays for Brighton. He is on fire and Kenya defenders must work out ways to stop him, otherwise, he is the engine for the team, every good thing comes from him, he is a threat and it is good for Kenya players to stay alert.”

Aduda concluded, “Kenya needs creative midfielders to progress the ball from defence to attack quickly and create clear-cut chances for the strikers to finish the job.”

In a recent interview, Olunga expressed his disappointment at missing Kenya’s opening two qualifying matches.

“It was definitely tough for me watching from the sidelines because I always want to help my team as much as I can,” Olunga said.

“We had worked so hard with the medical team to try and see if I could make it even for one game, but it was impossible. However, I am glad we had some good results which put us in a good place heading to next month.”

On facing Cameroon, the former Girona forward said, “It’s going to be a big challenge, but I think we are capable of achieving something special. I’ve seen the work that the boys put in during the first two games, and we are in a strong position. With the right mentality, we can fight for positive results.”

Olunga made his Harambee Stars debut in a friendly against Seychelles in 2015. He scored his first goal for Kenya in a 2-0 victory over South Sudan.

During the 2019 AFCON, Olunga scored two goals to lead Kenya to a comeback win against Tanzania.

Olunga has represented Kenya on 60 occasions, scoring 29 goals. He has played for clubs in Japan, China, and Sweden, including Kashiwa Reysol, Guizhou Zhicheng, and IF Djurgarden.

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NBA Confirms Shot-blocking Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58

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Dikembe Mutombo Dies At 58 | fab.ng

The National Basketball Association has announced the death of legendary centre Dikembe Mutombo. He succumbed to brain cancer at 58 years old on Monday.

Mutombo stood at an imposing seven feet and two inches tall. He used his exceptional height and defensive prowess to establish himself as one of basketball’s most intimidating shot-blockers during his illustrious career.

The Congolese-born athlete earned eight NBA All-Star selections throughout his time in the league. This demonstrates remarkable consistency and skill. Mutombo’s defensive excellence earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award an impressive four times. With this, his legacy as one of basketball’s greatest defensive players is established.

Basketball fans across the globe adored Mutombo for his on-court achievements and also for his distinctive personality and contributions to the sport. His untimely passing marks the end of an era for basketball enthusiasts who witnessed his remarkable career and impact on the game.

Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo dies at age 58

“Dikembe Mutombo was simply larger than life. On the court, he was one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players in the history of the NBA. Off the floor, he poured his heart and soul into helping others,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

Mutombo’s exuberant personality, characterized by his iconic finger-wag celebration, endeared him to fans throughout his 18-season career. This took him took him to six different teams in the NBA. He averaged 9.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game and reached the NBA Finals twice.

Upon retiring in 2009, Dikembe Mutombo became the NBA’s inaugural global ambassador, actively promoting the sport in Africa.

“He loved what the game of basketball could do to make a positive impact on communities, especially in his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and across the continent of Africa,” said Silver.

“He was always accessible at NBA events over the years – with his infectious smile, deep booming voice and signature finger wag that endeared him to basketball fans of every generation.”

For more sports updates, check here.

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