Sports

China-Born Nigerian Swimmer Nwandu Aims for Personal Best at Paris 2024

Published

3 months ago

August 2, 2024

Seventeen-year-old Nigerian swimmer Adaku Nwandu is setting her sights on achieving a new personal best as she proudly competes for Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Nwandu, born in China to a Nigerian father and a Chinese mother, began her representation of Nigeria after participating in the National Sports Festival in Asaba in 2022. Despite her father hailing from Enugu, she competed for Bayelsa during the festival, where she contributed to setting a new national record of 9:28:30 in the women’s 4×200m freestyle relay.

Having qualified for the Olympics based on her World Aquatics (FINA) ranking, Nwandu will be competing in the women’s 50m freestyle on Saturday. Expressing her excitement, she said, “It feels surreal and I am thrilled to be here among such exceptional athletes. I never imagined reaching this point in my swimming career, but I’m eager to compete.”

Nwandu is focused on achieving a personal best, aiming to improve on her current record of 25.60 seconds in the 50m freestyle, which she set at the 10th Singapore National Championships in November 2023. She shared her approach, saying, “I try not to overthink and just focus on performing clearly. I’m keeping things as relaxed as possible.”

Nwandu’s journey in swimming began at age eight, inspired by a promise of ice cream from her father after a school competition. “I didn’t perform well initially, but my dad promised me ice cream every week if I did better,” she reminisced.

The women’s 50m freestyle will be the sole event for Team Nigeria on Saturday. Nwandu will compete in heat 6, alongside seven other swimmers, with only the top 16 out of 79 advancing to the semifinals.

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

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.