SPORTS

Serena Williams eager to hit with big guns again

Published

6 years ago

March 8, 2018

FAB.NG

Serena Williams is through taking baby steps on the comeback trail after the birth of her daughter Alexis Olympia in September.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles winner is ramping up her return this week by playing in Indian Wells, her first WTA Tour event since she won the 2017 Australian Open.

After a couple of exhibitions and a Davis Cup doubles match, Williams is eager to hit with the big guns as she opens her campaign on Thursday night against Zarina Diyas.
“I’m ready to just jump in and get started and see what happens,” the 36-year-old American told the Wall Street Journal on Wednesday. “Obviously I’m going to have a few hiccups, I would imagine, and I’m ready for that.”

Earlier this week she played one tiebreaker in an exhibition tournament in New York. In February she played a doubles rubber for the US Fed Cup team, and took part in another exhibition in Abu Dhabi in late December.

Indian Wells features a star-studded women’s field in a tournament that looks wide open.

Many of the players on Wednesday said they welcomed Serena’s return.

“We are all going to look to see how she is playing,” said reigning Wimbledon champion Garbine Muguruza.

“She is one of the best players so it is good that she is back, especially after being a mom. It is great.”

French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko said Serena’s contribution to women’s tennis cannot be overstated.

“She is an amazing athlete,” said sixth seeded Latvian Ostapenko. “She is a very special and what she has done for women’s tennis is huge.”

– Pliskova doubts –
But Czech fifth seed Karolina Pliskova said it is going to take more than one WTA event for Serena to get back in championship form.

“Obviously it is tough to get back even for a champion like her,” Pliskova said Wednesday. “I don’t have that experience with having a baby, but I think it changes the body and the mindset a lot.

“We will see in the first round. For sure she is going to be a little bit nervous. I don’t know what kind of shape she is in and if she was practising or not practising.

“She can play good tennis again but I don’t know if it is going to be at this tournament maybe it will take her a while.”

The first clues to Williams’ form will be displayed in Thursday’s night game against Diyas,

Serena’s first match in Indian Wells will be Thursday night against Diyas, the 24-year-old world number 53 from Kazakhstan.

Serena boycotted this event, with her sister Venus, for 14 years after she was booed in the 2001 final. She returned in 2015 but had to pull out before her semi-final against Simona Halep with a knee problem.

Times have changed for the most successful female player of the Open era. If you asked her 10 years ago if she envisioned herself playing after the age of 30, Serena would have replied no.

But that was before she started collecting Grand Slam titles like others collect antique furniture or vinyl records.

“There’s nobody’s rule that says you have to retire at 30,” she told The Wall Street Journal. “All the best players in the world now are well into their 30s, so you know, technology is better at enabling athletes to play a longer life.”

Guardian

MUSIC

Snoop Dogg To Carry The Torch In The Final Stages Of The 2024 Olympics In Paris

Published

2 days ago

July 24, 2024

Reporter

Snoop Dogg to carry torch in the finals of 2024 Olympics | fab.ng

Snoop Dogg, the famous rapper, has been selected to carry the Olympic torch for the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is an unusual choice, as torchbearers are typically athletes or public figures. The Paris Olympics Committee made this surprising announcement recently.

They chose Snoop Dogg because of his worldwide influence and cultural importance. This decision has excited fans all around the globe.

The committee released a statement expressing their happiness about Snoop Dogg’s participation. Snoop Dogg will carry the torch during the final part of its journey to the Olympic Stadium. The statement read,

“We are thrilled to announce that Snoop Dogg will be one of the final torchbearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics. His influence transcends music, impacting global culture and inspiring millions of young people. Having Snoop Dogg carry the torch embodies the spirit of unity and diversity that the Olympics stand for, bridging generations and celebrating the vibrancy of contemporary culture alongside our rich traditions.”

Snoop Dogg is a well-known rapper. He is famous for his charming personality. He has made many contributions to the music industry over the years. After hearing the news about carrying the Olympic torch, Snoop Dogg was very excited. He decided to share his feelings with his fans. He used his social media accounts to express his happiness about this opportunity.

“It’s an honour to be part of this historic event. Carrying the Olympic torch is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I can’t wait to represent my fans and the spirit of unity in Paris,” he stated.

Snoop Dogg as a torch bearer at the 2024 Olympics Games shows how the games are changing.

The Olympics are now including modern celebrities to appeal to more people. The torch relay is an important Olympic tradition. It represents peace, friendship, and the strength of the human spirit. Having Snoop Dogg carry the torch will likely attract a lot of attention. It will add a new and modern element to the ceremony. This choice fits with the Paris Olympics’ aim to celebrate different cultures and include all types of people.

Many fans have shared their happiness about this decision on social media. They think it’s a good idea. Some people believe that including Snoop Dogg will make the Olympics more interesting for younger people. It might help them feel more connected to the event.

People around the world are looking forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics. Snoop Dogg’s part in the torch relay will probably be a big highlight. His unique personality will add something special to the celebration. It will show how the Olympic Games bring people together from all over the world.

This event will be an important moment in Olympic history. Snoop Dogg is getting ready to bring his special style to the Olympic ceremony. His participation will make the torch relay different from previous years. It might change how people think about who can be part of Olympic traditions.

The Olympic committee will share more information about this event as it gets closer. Interested people should watch for news updates. They can learn more about how Snoop Dogg will be involved in the ceremony. This unusual choice for a torch bearer shows that the Olympics are trying to connect with all kinds of people, not just sports fans.

Check out more updates here.

SPORTS

Nigeria Vs Brazil: Time And Where To Watch The Super Falcons’ 1st 2024 Olympics Game

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Nigeria vs Brazil: where to watch 1st 2024 Nigeria olympics | fab.ng

The Super Falcons of Nigeria are preparing for their first game in the 2024 Olympics against Brazil. Football fans in Nigeria are eagerly anticipating this event. The Olympics will take place in Paris, France.

The women’s football tournament is a major part of the Olympic Games. It will last for two weeks. The Super Falcons’ opening match is scheduled for July 25th. They are placed in Group C for the tournament.

Preview and History of Nigeria vs Brazil

Nigeria and Brazil have a history in Olympic football. They last faced each other in the 2008 Olympics. In that game, Brazil won with a score of 3-1. The Super Falcons are looking to change this outcome in their upcoming match.

Nigeria’s group in the Olympics is challenging. They will face not only Brazil but also Spain and Japan. To progress to the knockout stages, Nigeria will need to perform exceptionally well.

The Super Falcons have shown promising form recently. They performed well in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The team reached the knockout stages of that tournament. They achieved a notable victory against Australia. In another impressive performance, they held England to a draw before losing in a penalty shootout.

Since the World Cup, Nigeria’s women’s team has maintained a strong record. They have not lost any competitive matches. This unbeaten run has boosted their confidence as they return to the Olympic stage.

Super Falcons of Nigeria Olympic 2024 Team

Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi.

Defenders: Osinachi Ohale, Oluwatosin Demehin, Michelle Alozie, Nicole Payne, Chidinma Okeke.

Midfielders: Deborah Abiodun, Halimatu Ayinde, Christy Ucheibe, Jennifer Echegini, Toni Payne.

Forwards: Rasheedat Ajibade, Esther Okoronkwo, Asisat Oshoala, Uchenna Kanu, Chiwendu Ihezuo, Chinonyerem Macleans.

Brazil’s Olympic 2024 Team

Goalkeepers: Lorena, Tainá

Defenders: Tarciane, Rafaelle, Thais Ferreira, Antônia, Tamires, Yasmin.

Midfielders: Ana Vitória, Duda Sampaio, Yayá.

Forwards: Adriana, Gabi Nunes, Gabi Portolho, Jheniffer, Kerolin, Marta, Ludmila.

Nigeria and Brazil’s Olympic History

Nigeria’s Recent Performances

The Super Falcons of Nigeria have shown the potential to challenge any team in Group C. They had impressive results in the recent World Cup. Nigeria defeated Australia and drew against Canada and the Republic of Ireland. They only lost to England in a penalty shootout.

Brazil’s Olympic Success

Brazil has a strong Olympic record in women’s football. They won gold in 1996. They also secured silver medals in 2004 and 2008.

Nigeria’s Olympic Journey

Nigeria has won the African championship nine times. Their last Olympic appearance was in China in 2008. In that tournament, they lost all three group matches. They were defeated by North Korea (0-1), Germany (0-1), and Brazil (1-3). Brazil went on to win silver that year.

Nigeria’s Best Olympic Performance

Nigeria’s most successful Olympic campaign was in Athens in 2004. The Super Falcons finished sixth after reaching the quarter-finals.

Nigeria vs Brazil: Preparation and Match Details

Recent Friendly Match: In preparation for the Olympics, Nigeria played a friendly against Canada. They lost this match.

Upcoming Olympic Match: Nigeria will face Brazil at the Bordeaux Stadium in France. The match is scheduled for Thursday, July 25, 2024. It will start at 6 PM Nigerian time.

Broadcast Information: Fans can watch the game on Supersport.

Check here for more sports updates.

NEWS

2013 AFCON Winner, Mikel Obi Opens Up On Recent Surgery

Published

3 days ago

July 23, 2024

Reporter

Mikel Obi opens up on recent surgery | fab.ng

Mikel Obi, a former star player for Chelsea Football Club, has recently shared information about why he had to undergo surgery. The surgery was performed on his hamstring, a group of muscles at the back of the thigh. Mikel, widely regarded as a legend of the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, ended his professional football career in 2022.

Since retiring from the sport, Mikel has embarked on a new venture. He has started a podcast called “ObiOne.” There, he discusses various topics related to his life and career. This podcast serves as a platform for him to connect with fans and share his experiences.

Mikel’s football career was notably successful, especially during his time at Chelsea. He played for the London club from 2006 to 2017, a period of 11 years during which he won numerous trophies and accolades. After leaving Chelsea, Mikel moved to China to play for Tianjin Teda.

In the latter part of his career, Mikel played for several other clubs. He had stints at Stoke City in England, Trabzonspor in Turkey, and Middlesbrough back in England. These experiences in different leagues and countries added to his rich football career before he decided to retire.

Regarding his recent surgery, Mikel Obi…

…explained that it was necessary due to a hamstring problem he experienced. This issue arose after he participated in a novelty match, typically a friendly or exhibition game often played for charitable causes or entertainment.

Mikel said on his podcast, “I tore my hamstring, I think it’s old age catching up with me. I was involved in an exhibition game with some celebrities.

“We woke up in the morning, didn’t warm up, didn’t stretch properly, then we woke up in the morning to go play dodgeball.

“I was just trying to run past the .ball, and I slipped. As soon as I fell, I just fell my hamstring tear. It was so painful, I was on the floor.

“It was the most painful injury I ever experienced because I’ve never torn my hamstring pretty bad before. The pain was 10/10, and it was so painful that I was on the floor for almost 20 minutes.”

The fact that Mikel needed surgery after such a match suggests that the injury was significant enough to require medical intervention, even though he is no longer playing professional football.

Mikel shared videos on social media showing his physical therapy sessions. These videos documented his recovery process. He needed the therapy so he could heal from his injury.

After completing the rehabilitation, Mikel has now fully recovered. He is back to normal activities and able to walk without issues. His recovery appears to have been successful, allowing him to return to his routine.

Get more sports news and updates here.