Sports
‘2028 Olympics Ticket NVBF Top Priority’
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) is focusing on securing a ticket for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as part of its strategic vision. According to the federation’s Technical Director, Martin Melandi, the upcoming 2024 National Beach Tour aims to identify talents that will contribute to this goal.
Speaking at the recently concluded 2024 National Beach Volleyball Star/Open Tour at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, Oyo State, Melandi emphasized the federation’s commitment to not only the Olympics but also the Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow in 2026. He stated, “We aspire to have a ticket for the Olympics and to also participate in the Commonwealth Games, while maintaining our standard as the top team in Africa by consistently achieving podium finishes at international and continental competitions.”
Melandi highlighted the promising potential of the current U-19 female players, noting their recent achievements. “The girls who participated in the last Olympic qualifier are just going to be 19 years old. Our U-19 girls are the top in Africa; they won the African championship in Morocco and finished second in the Olympic qualifier, which had only one ticket. If not for that, our girls would have competed in the Olympics that just ended in France this year,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Melandi expressed optimism for the next Olympics. “By the next Olympics, they will have matured and gained more international competition experience, and definitely, by the grace of God, we’re going to secure the African ticket,” he added.
To further promote beach volleyball in Nigeria, Melandi outlined plans to increase the sport’s visibility and popularity. “We’ve decided to take this game to Ibadan and will move it from zone to zone to create awareness. We plan to do this in Abuja or Lagos, reaching out to all states willing to host us to make the sport popular,” he said.
Additionally, he encouraged organizations and philanthropists to partner with the NVBF in its mission to elevate the sport. “We will discover new talents and provide opportunities for collaboration to advance beach volleyball in the country,” Melandi concluded.
Sports
CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.
Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.
The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.
Sports
Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.
On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.
Sports
Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce
Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.
Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.
Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.
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