Sports

Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2024

523 Views

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

Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity

Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.

Published

3 days ago

April 21, 2026

OCHEFA

57 Views

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.

In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.

He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.

“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.

“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.

Sports

Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

OCHEFA

49 Views

A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.

The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.

He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.

Sports

FIFA to introduce halftime show at 2026 World Cup final

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.

Published

1 week ago

April 16, 2026

OCHEFA

53 Views

FIFA will introduce a halftime show at the 2026 World Cup final for the first time in the tournament’s history, with Nigerian artists potentially taking centre stage amid the global rise of Afrobeats.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the development, revealing that the show will feature multiple performers.

The lineup is being curated by Chris Martin and the band’s manager, Phil Harvey.

The final is scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium, which will be temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.

Organised in partnership with Global Citizen, the halftime show is expected to be a landmark moment.

Infantino described it as “a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world.”

In addition to the halftime performance, FIFA is planning a major “takeover” of Times Square during the final weekend of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

(The Nation)