Sports

Zelensky, Klitschko brothers salute Usyk on heavyweight glory

Published

2 years ago

May 20, 2024

638 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

Cape Verde faces defending world cup champions , Argentina today

The Atlantic archipelago have become one of the fairytale stories of this year’s expanded 48-team tournament, confounding expectations by earning a draw with Spain before squeezing into the last 32 ahead of Group H rivals Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.

Published

2 days ago

July 3, 2026

OCHEFA

35 Views

A classic David versus Goliath encounter will take centre stage at the World Cup on Friday as tiny Cape Verde face Lionel Messi and Argentina with a place in the last 16 at stake.

Cape Verde, the smallest nation ever to reach the knockout rounds, face the defending champions in Miami dreaming of pulling off what would be the greatest upset in World Cup history.

Argentina, who breezed into the knockout rounds with the help of six goals from captain Messi, will be expected to swat aside the African qualifiers to move one step closer to their dream of back-to-back World Cup titles.But Cape Verde insist they will not be overawed by the occasion and the prospect of sharing a field with the reigning world champions and eight-time Ballon D’Or winner Messi.

Sports

Team Nigeria Targets 20 Golds at Commonwealth Games

Published

3 days ago

July 2, 2026

Charles Flames

45 Views

Nigeria’s sports authorities have expressed strong confidence in Team Nigeria’s chances at the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with officials projecting a haul of between 16 and 20 gold medals.

The optimism was expressed during the official unveiling of the national team ahead of the competition.

Director-General of the National Institute for Sports, Comrade Philip Shaibu, said the athletes have enjoyed better and earlier preparations than in previous competitions, and noted that all necessary logistics, including training and travel arrangements have been provided, leaving the athletes with the responsibility of delivering success for the country.

Shaibu said the commitment, determination and quality displayed by the athletes have convinced him that Nigeria can achieve at least 20 gold medals at the Games.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts by the National Institute for Sports to strengthen grassroots sports development and expand talent discovery across the country.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stated that preparations for the Games began long before the competition through talent identification and strategic planning.

According to him, the team will arrive in Glasgow about 20 days before the opening of the Games to allow athletes acclimatize and improve their performance.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission Director-General, Bukola Olopade, explained that the medal projections are based on careful planning and sustained preparation over the past year and a half. He said the Commission remains committed to providing the support needed for athletes to achieve the country’s targets.

Olopade, however, warned that indiscipline would not be tolerated within Team Nigeria, stressing that athletes must adhere to the Commission’s rules and resolve concerns through official channels, and warned that misconduct or actions capable of damaging the team’s image could attract sanctions, including expulsion from the contingent.