Sports

Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory

Published

12 months ago

May 20, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky led the tributes to Oleksandr Usyk after his historic victory over British fighter Tyson Fury in Riyadh, making Usyk the first undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion in 25 years. The 37-year-old, who briefly served in the Ukrainian army following the Russian invasion in February 2022, described his points victory as a significant moment for himself, his family, and his country.

Zelensky praised Usyk on Telegram, emphasizing that Ukrainians fight hard and ultimately triumph over their opponents. He highlighted that Usyk’s achievement of holding four heavyweight belts simultaneously is a testament to Ukrainian endurance and strength, symbolizing victory for the war-torn nation.

Vitali Klitschko, the mayor of Kiev and a former world heavyweight champion, also lauded Usyk, noting that his victory demonstrated Ukrainians’ ability to overcome strong adversaries in challenging circumstances. Vitali’s brother, Wladimir Klitschko, another former heavyweight champion, was present ringside in Saudi Arabia and echoed his sibling’s sentiments. He acknowledged the immense pressure Usyk faced and commended his performance against Fury, declaring Usyk the best fighter in modern history and expressing pride in their shared Ukrainian heritage.

Usyk, born in Simferopol, Crimea, faced criticism from Ukrainians in 2014 for his neutral stance on Russia’s annexation of the peninsula and for stating that Russians and Ukrainians were the same people. However, following Russia’s 2022 invasion, Usyk’s support for Ukraine became unequivocal, earning him the backing of the Ukrainian armed forces. Mikola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Usyk’s victory highlighted Ukraine’s strength and determination in defending its identity, language, culture, and traditions. A fighting unit also expressed their support with a message celebrating Ukraine and its defenders.

Television presenter and actor Sergiy Prytula viewed Usyk’s triumph as a morale booster for the entire nation, equating his win to a victory for Ukraine. Eurovision Song Contest winner Jamala expressed pride in Usyk’s accomplishment with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

By securing the WBC title from Fury in addition to his WBA, WBO, and IBF titles, Usyk became the first boxer to be the undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis defeated Evander Holyfield in 1999.

Sports

Remo Stars win Nigerian champions for the first time

The club will now represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with this season’s eventual runners-up, while the third-placed team will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Remo Stars made history on Sunday having won the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) title for the first time in their history.

The Sky Blue Stars defeated Niger Tornadoes courtesy of a late goal by Adebayo Olamilekan, becoming the first privately-owned club since Udoji United in 1996 to be crowned champions.

They achieved the feat on the 59th birthday of their owner, Kunle Soname, a businessman with interests ranging from aviation to the gaming industry.

They have now amassed an unassailable 68 points from 35 matches, 10 points clear of their closest rivals Rivers United, with three rounds of matches remaining this season.

They had finished as runners-up in the league in the past two seasons.Founded 15 years ago as FC Dender in Nigeria’s commercial hub of Lagos, the club moved to neighbouring Ogun State and rebranded as Remo Stars in 2011.

The club will now represent Nigeria in next year’s CAF Champions League along with this season’s eventual runners-up, while the third-placed team will feature in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Sports

Man City sink Forest to reach third successive FA Cup final

City can look forward to a showdown with Palace at Wembley on May 17 after the Eagles won 3-0 against

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Manchester City will face Crystal Palace in their third successive FA Cup final after cruising to a 2-0 win against Nottingham Forest at Wembley on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola’s side took an early lead through Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol’s second-half goal sealed a comfortable semi-final success.

City can look forward to a showdown with Palace at Wembley on May 17 after the Eagles won 3-0 against

Aston Villa in the other semi-final on Saturday.Their 14th FA Cup final appearance gives City a chance to win the competition for the eighth time and the third since Guardiola arrived in 2016.

City lost to Manchester United in last season’s FA Cup final after beating their cross-town rivals in the 2023 showpiece.

Guardiola is hoping to salvage a turbulent season by lifting the FA Cup and qualifying for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. City, who sit fourth in the league with four games left, will go into the final as favorites after thrashing Palace 5-2 at the Etihad Stadium earlier in April.

Sports

Liverpool Crowns Premier League Champions With 5-1 Win Against Tottenham

Published

2 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

OhiBaba

Liverpool have been crowned Premier League champions with their 5-1 win against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

Arne Slot’s side needed a minimum of one point to secure the title and match Manchester United’s record of 20 league crowns, and strikes from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah, as well as a Destiny Udogie own goal, sealed the deal.

“This is the most beautiful club in the world. We deserve this. We are going to enjoy the next couple of weeks and take it in,” captain Virgil van Dijk told Sky Sports after the game.“I was desperate to win it for (the fans) and all the fans around the world, and for us as well.”