Nigerian Bobsled Pilot, Seun Adigun Recognized as First African Winter and Summer Olympian

Nigerian bobsled pilot, Seun Adigun continues to break new boundaries and set standards after leading three other team members to represent the African country at the recently held Winter, Olympics in Pyeongchang County, South Korea.

Adigun who also recently bagged a doctorate degree in Chiropractic has now been officially recognized as the first African, both in the male or female categories to compete in both the winter and summer Olympics.

Ayako Itoof the International Olympic Committee (IOC), in a message noted that The Olympic Study Centre has confirmed that Seun Adigun is the first ever African athlete to compete in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

It would be noted the African star athlete and bobsled driver is among the only two athletes to be so recognized at the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The second being of Pita Taufatofua of Tonga, a taekwondoistturned skier. Adigun and Taufatofua now join a list of elite Summer and Winter Olympians catalogued by online reference site, Wikipedia.

Adigun who represented Nigeria in Athletics at the Summer Olympics and Nigeria in Bobsleigh in 2018 at the Winter Olympics expressed her delight at being bestowed with such a prestigious accolade.

With a strong support system of her management team, Lagos-based pan-African agency, Temple Management Company, she restates her commitment to African excellence. She said, “This is a real-life example of what it means to represent African excellence and a true testament to the fact that impossible is nothing. This milestone is truly a blessing”.

Discussing her preparations for the 2012 Summer Games, Adigun remarked, “My preparations during athletics was driven by the desire to prove to myself that I was capable of competing with the best in the world in the women's 100 meter hurdles. I wanted to look back on my career as a hurdler and know that despite any limitations or health obstacles, I genuinely gave all that I had to achieving the highest level of competition”.

Adigun further disclosed how she prepared for the winter Games, “The preparations for the winter Games was different in the sense that my passion was driven by my self-less intentions to create positive representation for Nigerians and Africans, globally. That passion was accompanied by several thoughts of fear and anxiety, but it was overcome by God's grace and the support of everyone who played a part in the journey, no matter how big or small”.

Serena Wiliams opens up on sisterhood, self-acceptance, others In Harper’s Bazaar UK’s July issue

Tennis star Serena Williams, in her cover feature for Harper’s Bazaar UK‘s July issue is talking about her pregnancy, habing more kids, and suffering from postpartum depression.

Read excerpts below:

On being pregnant: If I wasn’t playing tennis, I’d be pregnant right now – sorry, I’m one of those women. I’ve been injured so many times, and played on it, my body is used to adjusting.

On if she wants more kids: I told Alexis I hope it’s another girl. Olympia needs a little sister, and then we can have a boy. I’ve only been around girls my whole life.

On suffering from postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter: Honestly, sometimes I think I still have to deal with it. I think people have to talk about it more because it’s almost like the fourth trimester, it’s part of the pregnancy. I remember one day, I couldn’t find Olympia’s bottle and I got so upset I started crying…because I wanted to be perfect for her.

Pro Basketball Player Evelyn Akhator joins Temple Management

Nigerian professional basketball player and key member of Nigeria National Female Basketball team, D’Tigress, Evelyn Akhator is the latest Nigerian talent to be signed on to leading pan-African talent management agency, Temple Management Company.

Drafted third overall pick in the 2017 Women's National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) draft, Akhator joins the highly coveted league of sports talents such as Super Falcon Defender, Ebi Onome, Sprint champion, Seye Ogunlewe, Tennis Starlet, Marylove Edwards, teenage Golf sensation, Georgia Oboh and Nigerian Beach Soccer star, Abu Azeez Abolaji, currently being managed by Temple Management Company.

Speaking on the organisation’s latest addition, Head of Sports, Temple Management Company, Koye Sowemimo remarked: “Delighted to welcome Evelyn to the family. Our focus as with all our talents is to enable Evelyn to become her own brand, inspire future female players to get into the game and give her that support structure to keep performing at the highest level”.

Akhator who started her professional career in the United States, first at Chipola CC (Marianna, Fla.) and then at the D-I level with Kentucky beamed with excitement as she commented on her latest move.

“Super excited to join Temple Management Company,” she said. “When I met with Koye Sowemimo, the Head of Sports, it seemed like a no brainer to me. The vision they have was clear and very much aligned with where I want to go in my career and beyond. The future as I see is very bright ”.

Expressing the organisation’s commitment to its talents across the African continent, Group Chief Executive, Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe, maintained that the Temple Management was unwaveringly resolute to giving its talents the platforms, opportunities and tools to guarantee their success within their respective fields.

He added “Temple Management is determined to create a paradigm shift in the management of talents across Africa. As a truly pan-African organisation, our objective is to place our clients on a global pedestal where their talents and equally importantly, their personal brands are brought to the fore and genuinely appreciated. It is for this reason that we are thrilled to welcome Evelyn Akhator to the family”.

Akahtor who grew up Nigeria, was first picked up a ball at age 14 at a girls’ camp. She currently plays forward/centre for the D’Tigress (National Team) and was with the Dallas Wings of the Women's National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) for the 2017/18 season. She debuted in her first WNBA game at San Antonio and scored her first WNBA points against Phoenix in May 2017. There are number of options for Evelyn to consider post her Dallas Season, so watch this space.

Evelyn Akhator completed her collegiate career at Kentucky after transferring from Chipola Community College, in Marianna, Fla., where she led the Indians in scoring and rebounding each year. At Kentucky, she held an All-American senior season for the Wildcats, earning Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention honors. She finished the season averaging 15.9 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game with a team-best 29 blocks. She was also ranked second on the team with 45 steals, while her 56.8 percent.

Onome Ebi Signs With Chinese Club, Henan Huishang Football Club

Bankable Super Falcons defender, Ebi Onome has been unveiled by Chinese football club, Henan Huishang Football Club after she agreed to a deal with the club.

The three time African Woman Championship (AWC) winner is making a grand return to football after working very hard to recover from an injury she sustained in December 2016 at the final game between Cameroun and Nigeria which they later won.

Brave Onome managed to play the final minutes of the game with a hand fractured fired by an exemplary spirit of patriotism that earned her the respect of all. The injury side-lined the Centre Back for more than a year. She last laced her boots for FC Minsk in the Belarusian Premier League.

Expressing her delight, the talented footballer revealed that it has been a long journey. “Thanks be to God almighty for making this possible. I’m back in football again and to say I am super excited is to put what I am feeling mildly. I want to thank everyone who has been with me on my journey to recovery and has helped to make this possible. I want to single out my management team, Temple Management Company (TMC) for being a strong support system and making sure this transition was very smooth.”

She added, “I can’t wait to play football again for my club and country. I have survived one of the biggest challenges of my career and I am in a happy place to once again do what I love best.”

Also speaking, Koye Sowemimo, Head of Sport, Temple Management Company (TMC) said, “We are super delighted for Onome. As with every Athlete you can feel the pressure of not competiting again when opportunities don’t come quick enough. But thankfully, Onome’s mental strength and support of her team kept her in good spirit and has now been duly rewarded with a new chapter in her football career. We wish her all the very best .”

Ebi Onome’s return to football is bound to boost the morale of the Nigerian Super Falcons team as she now makes herself available to represent them at the highest level.

Marylove Edwards Powers Nigeria To Win West & Central African U14 Championship

Marylove Edwards confirmed her top seed rating at the ongoing 2018 CAT/ITF West and Central African Junior Championship Qualifiers holding in Togo, West Africa by winning the Under 14 and under category.

It was the first time the tennis star who is backed by Temple Management Company (TMC) will be participating in a national call-up since her full enrolment last year as student of Florida-based IMG Academy. The prodigious 12-year-old gave a good account of herself in grand style.

Marylove, an EleVen by Venus brand ambassador, played all her matches in active wears of the brand which is owned by renowned American-born tennis champion, Venus Williams. The Nigerian tennis won 6-2, 6-0 against Kumba (Mali) to become the new champion.

In the semi-final, she beat Stephanie (Cameroon) 6-3, 6-0 just after defeating Rodia Noudogbessi of Benin with a comprehensive 6-0, 6-0 victory in the quarter final. She had previously beat Etana (Cameroon) 6-3, 6-1. Marylove is on top of her game and her growth was recognized by the organising international body that ranked her as a top seed for the first time.

Speaking from Togo, the starlet said, “I am excited and happy to be the champion of the West and Central African Junior Championship. I also want to say thank you to EleVen by Venus for giving me the nice outfit I wore in the finals. I also want to say thank you to Temple Management for making it possible for my Daddy and I to come to Togo.”

Underscoring the influence of her new IMG background, Koye Sowemimo, Head Of Sports, TMC noted that Marylove’s game has improved greatly and expressed the satisfaction of the creative talent agency with her trajectory.

He also made a case for world-class training for Nigerian athletes. According to Sowemimo, “If we provide the best for our talents in the sense of facilities, coaching and funding, they will shine and Marylove is a prime example of this.”

FIFA World Cup 2018: Nigeria draws Argentina again

Super Eagles of Nigeria was on Friday drawn against two –time world champions Argentina in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

In a ceremony held at the state Kremlin Palace in Moscow, Nigeria was drawn in group D alongside the South American powerhouse, Croatia and debutants Iceland.

Nigeria had met Argentina in four previous editions of the tournament and lost by odd goal on each occasion.

However, Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2 in a friendly last month.

Hosts Russia will meet Saudi Arabia in the opening match of the tournament on June 14.

The pairings:

Group A: RUSSIA, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay

Group B: PORTUGAL, Spain, Morocco, Iran

Group C: FRANCE, Australia, Peru, Denmark

Group D: ARGENTINA, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group E: BRAZIL, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia,

Group F: GERMANY, Mexico, Sweden, Korea Republic

Group G: BELGIUM, Panama, Tunisia, England

Group H: POLAND, Senegal, Colombia, Japan

Neymar agrees terms with PSG, to earn €30m a year after taxes

Barcelona forward Neymar has agreed terms on a contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

According to ESPN, a source close to the French club disclosed that Neymar and his father, who has been in discussions with PSG’s ambitious Qatari owners and sporting director Antero Henrique for the past few days, have agreed to a massive contract at least four years in length.

This means PSG can now proceed with their plans to complete the Brazil international’s €222 million buyout clause.

According to the source, a number of methods to complete the Neymar deal are being considered, with almost all of them concerning player and club sponsors Nike.

Neymar who is currently in the United States with Ernesto Valverde’s men for preseason, will be earning approximately €30m a year after taxes.

On top of those earnings and significant bonuses, the 25-year-old and his father will also profit from a number of club owners Oryx Qatar Sports Investments’ other commercial ventures in Paris and away from the world of football.

Breaking: Seye Ogunlewe retains 100 meters title In style

For the third consecutive time, reigning Nigerian 100 meters champion, Seye Ogunlewe has retained his 100-metre title at the ongoing national trials organized by the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Seye clocked 10:22 in a keenly contested race emerging ahead of compatriots Obinna Metu and Harry Chukwudike among others.

Seye came into the race as the championship favourite and the reigning champion of the last two editions of the national competition which held in 2015 and 2016.

With support from his management, Lagos-based leading creative agency, Temple Management Company, the athlete has put in the work on his game. Seye who is based in the United Kingdom has been training very hard and only just returned from warm weather training in Texas, United States of America.

Speaking after his latest triumph, he said, “Winning for the third means a lot to me and the team behind me. I am happy that I didn’t let myself down. That said, I have my eyes on the next race. I take this as a challenge for more work! I hope to make Nigeria proud on the big stage.”

Also speaking, the athlete’s representative, Koye Sowemimo, Head Of Sports, TMC, expressed satisfaction at the latest feat by his athlete. Temple Management Company also represents other sports talent including Super Falcons’ defender, Ebi Onome, Tennis teenage sensation, Marylove Edwards.

“What we have witnessed today is the result of a lot of hardwork by Seye. We are pleased and proud of the remarkable feat of him emerging the national champion for the third consecutive time in a row. I am not sure if someone has set this record before now. I hope that this will inspire corporate Nigerian to line behind this great athlete to take his winning streak to the world stage,” said Sowemimo.

Breaking: Appeals C'ttee cancels election into Athletics Federation of Nigeria, AFN, board

The election of Ibrahim Gusau as the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria has been annulled.

The annulment was announced on Friday in Abuja, by the National Sports Federations Elections Petitions Appeal Committee during a media briefing.

The committee having looked at the petition sent in by Charles Eyo, who was meant to contest from the north-east but was disqualified to clear the way for Gusau to contest unopposed, was upheld.

A bye-election has, therefore, been fixed for July 7 in Abuja.

Also, Brown Ebewele and Rosa Collins have both been reinstated into the new AFN board as both individuals won their appeals for unjust disqualification.

Ebewele won the coaches and technical directors elections but his name was substituted with Gad Onoegbu. On her part Rosa Collins who won the National Women in Sports, NAWIS, election but was surprisingly replaced by Gloria Obajimi has now been returned as the rightful representative on the AFN board.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to leave Spain following tax accusations

According to a report in a Portuguese newspaper, Cristiano Ronaldo has informed Real Madrid of his desire to leave Spain. The Portuguese star has been accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office of over 14 million euros.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made an "incontrovertible" decision to leave Real Madrid, according to a report published in his native Portugal.

Sports daily "A Bola" reported that the 32-year-old was "deeply troubled" by allegations he has defrauded the Spanish tax authorities of 14.7 million euros ($16.5 million) in unpaid taxes between 2011 and 2014 and has informed club president Florentino Perez of his desire to leave the current Spanish and European champions.

The Madrid tax authorities have accused the four-time Ballon d'Or winner of falsely declaring income as being earned through real estate rather than the sale of image rights - taking it into a lower tax bracket. If found guilty, the winger could face a fine of several million euros and a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Ronaldo, currently in Russia with the Portuguese national team, responded calmly via Instagram

Ronaldo, who is currently in Russia with the Portuguese national team ahead of the Confederations Cup, is said to have "a clear conscience" but posted a message on his Instagram account on Thursday saying: "Sometimes the best answer it's (sic) to be quiet."

Responding to the allegations, the player's lawyer has said that his client was "completely surprised" and feels "unfairly treated," while the agency that represents Ronaldo added that there had been "no systematic tax evasion."

'Full confidence'

In a statement, Real Madrid have declared their support for their top scorer, who had 42 goals in 46 appearances last season as Los Blancos became the first team to win back-to-back Champions 

League titles.

"Real Madrid have full confidence in Cristiano Ronaldo, who we understand has acted in accordance with the legality regarding the fulfilment of his fiscal obligations," read the statement from the Spanish champions.

"Since his arrival at Real Madrid in July 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo has always shown a clear will to fulfill all his tax obligations. Real Madrid is absolutely convinced that Cristiano Ronaldo will prove his total innocence in this process. Real Madrid hopes that the Justice will act as quickly as possible so that his innocence can be demonstrated as soon as possible."

Logo des spanischen Fußballklubs Real Madrid

"Full confidence" - Spanish and European Champions Real Madrid have given their player their full backing

Not the first

Ronaldo is not the first high-profile La Liga star to come to the attention of the Spanish tax authorities. In July 2016, Barcelona's Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, were sentenced to 21 months in jail after a court found the pair owed more than four million euros in unpaid image rights tax. Since neither had a criminal record, the Messis did not actually go to prison.

Should Ronaldo leave Madrid, potential suitors could include Paris Saint-Germain, who allegedly held secret talks with the player in 2015-16. Manchester United, whose chief executive, Ed Woodward, appears obsessed with big-name signings, would likely jump at the chance to bring the club's prodigal son back to Old Trafford.

"A Bola" recently speculated before the emergence of the tax allegations that Ronaldo could be the subject of a 180-million bid this summer.

John Mikel Obi Undergoes Successful Surgery In England

John Obi Mikel is currently in England where he just underwent a surgery to repair the abdominal strain picked at his Chinese club Tianjin Teda.

The 30-year-old reportedly has missed three games for the Tianjin Tigers since suffering the strain in the team’s 2-0 win against Chongqing Lifan, where he got his first league goal.

He has now gone through the surgery and announced it was successful.

Mourinho tells Martial to prove his worth

Mourinho has advised Martial to follow the example of United team-mate Marcus Rashford, who battled back from a run of inconsistent performances to score a crucial goal in last weekend's 2-0 victory against the Premier League leaders.

The United manager, preparing for the second leg of the Europa League tie with Anderlecht, also admits he is uncertain what role Wayne Rooney will play as he struggles to overcome injuries.

But the status of Martial is of particular interest, as United must pay his former club Monaco a further £8.5 million ($10.8 million, 10 million euros) the next time the France international scores a goal for United.

Martial, 21, cost United £35 million in 2015, with the fee to rise to a potential £56 million based on incentive clauses.

The latest kicks in when he scores his 25th goal for the club, a mark of which he is currently one short.

But, despite flashes of brilliance, Martial has yet to hit consistent form and Mourinho is clearly losing patience, leaving him out of his squad altogether on Sunday.

"I know we are together for almost 10 months now. The same way I know the players much better now and the players should know me also much better now," Mourinho told reporters on Wednesday.

"That's why Marcus Rashford, even without being since September with a goal in the Premier League, even without that, he was always a player that I trust, always a player that I play, always a player that I support.

"Because he was always coming in my direction, in the direction I want from a player, what I want as a Manchester United player.

"He's about that. It's about getting to know each other better and better and better and going in the direction of things we like.

"Do I think Anthony is a player with great potential? Yes I think. Do I think he can play successfully for me? Yes I think. But he needs to give me things that I like very much."

Paul Hamilton, ex-Super Eagles coach dies at 75

Former Super Eagles and Super Falcons Coach, Paul Hamilton is dead. The 75-year old died at the Military hospital on Thursday morning. He was said to have been diagnosed of heart and kidney-related health issues some months ago and had his right leg amputated early this year, according to reports.

Fondly called, ‘Wonderboy’ for his delicate skills and on-field wizardry, Hamilton was at a few times head coach of the senior national team, including taking the reins for the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying series, before Dutchman Clemens Westerhof took over with only the last match of the campaign (away to Cameroon in Yaounde) left in the series.

He was also the head coach of the Nigeria U20 squad that took the bronze medals at the FIFA World Youth Championship (now known as FIFA U20 World Cup) in the Soviet Union in 1985.

‘Wonderboy’ was also the first head coach of the senior women national team, Super Falcons, and steered the team to the 1991 and 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup final competitions.

He was also at different times Head of Technical Department and Head of Lagos Liaison Office of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Hamilton played for the senior national team in the 1960s and early 1970s. He also featured in the football tournament at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

I turned to drink following tragedy, ex Manchester United star opens up!

The ex-England international has reportedly opened up on the battles he faced following the loss of his wife Rebecca to breast cancer in March 2015

Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he turned to drink following the tragic loss of his wife Rebecca in March 2015. His late partner was just 34 years of age when she lost her battle with breast cancer.

Former Manchester United defender Ferdinand brought a highly decorated playing career to a close shortly after Rebecca’s passing, with his three children becoming the focal point of his life.

A man who was an on-field leader at the peak of his powers - with six Premier League titles, a Champions League triumph and 81 England caps on a glittering CV – initially struggled to come terms with being a single parent.

Ferdinand, whose tells his story in a one-off BBC documentary, admits that he sought solace in late-night drinking in an effort to combat his grief.

Speaking to the Radio Times about 'Rio Ferdinand: Being Mum and Dad', the 38-year-old said: “At the beginning I was drinking a lot at night time.

Ronaldo named Portugal's player of the year

Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Portugal's player of the year following his hugely successful 2016.

The 32-year-old beat Madrid team-mate Pepe and Sporting CP goalkeeper Rui Patricio to the prestigious individual award at the Quinas de Ouro gala on Monday.

Ronaldo led Madrid to Champions League glory as they beat Atletico Madrid in the final, with the forward netting the decisive spot-kick in the shootout in Milan after scoring 16 times en route to the decider to become the competition's top scorer.

He went on to help Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016, seeing off hosts France 1-0 after extra-time in the final in Paris, despite Ronaldo being forced off in the first half through injury.

"It was a very special year for me because the Euros was the only trophy I was still missing," Ronaldo said.

“I want to thank the Portuguese people again, they gave us confidence on our way to the title."

The prolific attacker previously won the Ballon d'Or and FIFA's The Best award to cap a sublime 2016.

Bayern Munich youngster Renato Sanches was voted young player of the year, while national team coach Fernando Santos lifted the coach of the year award.