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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Nigerian state in mourning after 22 die in road accident
Nigeria's Kano State declared Monday as a day of mourning after 22 people died in a road accident while returning from a sports festival in the south-west of the country. Athletes, coaches, officials, medical staff and a journalist were among the fatalities when a state bus carrying the team veered off the road and overturned around the town of Dakatsalle, approximately 40km from Kano, on Saturday. A further nine people were injured in the accident, while one person travelling on the bus did not sustain an injury. The contingent was making a journey of over 1,000km back from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, which had concluded on Friday. Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), said the accident marked "a very sad day for Nigerian sports". "We are heartbroken by this tragedy," Dikko added in a statement. "These were promising athletes and dedicated officials who had just served their state and country with pride. Their loss is immeasurable." The National Sports Festival, which marked its 22nd edition this year, is a key event in Nigeria's sporting calendar and is aimed at promoting unity, youth engagement and national development through athletics. The accident has cast a shadow over what had been a successful competition for Kano State, with the team collecting a total of 29 medals. BBC Sport Africa understands that some of the state's medal winners are among the deceased. Those injured in the accident are still receiving treatment at the Kura General Hospital south of Kano. Meanwhile, families of the deceased have begun making burial arrangements. "The families decided that they want to carry their dead bodies and go to the various communities and do the burial," Ibrahim Umar, the acting director of the Kano State Sports Commission, told BBC Sport Africa. "The government gave each of the families 1m naira ($632, £467) and gave them foodstuffs." Concerns over road safety in Nigerian sports have resurfaced following the crash. Long-distance road travel, often over distances of hundreds of kilometres, remains the only option for most because of inadequate air travel options and limited funding. Umar defended the Kano State Sports Commission's preparations for the trip, declaring that state buses are "in good condition" and that insurance is taken out for all athletes. The NSC has vowed to strengthen safety protocols for national sporting events in the wake of the accident. "This incident underscores the pressing need for a unified national policy on travel and welfare," Dikko's statement said. "Moving forward, it is now mandatory for all state contingents to have comprehensive insurance cover, and for all vehicles used for official purposes to be mechanically certified and fully insured. "These guidelines have been reiterated to all participating states and will be strictly enforced." The NSC also pledged continued support for the families of the victims and said a formal investigation into the crash is under way.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cisse's plan to revive Libya's footballing fortunes
After years of missed opportunities on the continental stage, Libyan football is looking to reignite its competitive fire. The man aiming to stoke those flames is Aliou Cisse, the former Senegal boss who led the West Africans to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title. For many, Cisse's decision to become head coach of the Mediterranean Knights in March may have been a surprise. But, for the 49-year-old, the move to join a nation ranked 117th in the world and 31st in Africa was based on a shared idea. "I chose to be here in Libya and start this project because from my very first meeting with the board members of the Libyan Football Federation I felt the willingness and how much they believed in me as a person and as a coach," Cisse told BBC Sport Africa. "They have a clear vision, and there is where our ideas met." Cissé's path to Nations Cup glory with Senegal Despite reports that he joined as one of the best-paid international coaches in Africa, Cisse insists he is not a hired gun, but someone who can lay the foundations for success. In Senegal, he spent a decade shaping a generation that would go on to secure the country's first senior continental title. He hopes to have a similar impact in Libya after agreeing an initial two-year deal. "This country is full of talent and potential," he said. "My job is to put Libyan football in the place it deserves. "I am a man of a project, a builder of generations. In Senegal I had a fruitful 10-year project. "I'm full of passion and confidence that I will repeat the same thing here." Libya have not qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) since 2012 and Cisse has already seen several aspects which can be improved. "The players possess undeniable technical skills and there's an abundance of raw talent," he said. "What's lacking, however, is experience and improved game management. "Talent alone isn't enough at the African level - we need more commitment, fighting spirit, confidence and discipline to reach our goals." Cisse is still waiting for his first win as Libya coach, having picked up one point from games against Angola and Cameroon in qualifiers for the 2026 Fifa World Cup in March. Those results left his side five points adrift of Group D leaders Cape Verde and four points behind Cameroon with four rounds of preliminaries remaining. A second-placed finish could secure a continental play-off spot and extend hopes of reaching next year's finals. "Our chances are still alive. In football, nothing is impossible," Cisse said. "We must prepare thoroughly for the next two matches away to Angola and home to Eswatini." Since his opening two games, the Senegalese has held strategic meetings with Libyan officials to establish a roadmap for the future. Top of the agenda is building a balanced team structure that blends domestic talent with players from the diaspora. "We have some very important milestones ahead that can accelerate our development," he added. "We have the opportunity to participate in the Arab Cup [in December], which will serve as valuable preparation ahead of the Afcon 2027 qualifiers. "Our main goal - qualification for Afcon 2027 - was set by the federation. Libya hasn't reached the tournament in 15 years, and that must change." Cisse also clarified one key talking point regarding using players based in Libya as the core of his side. "I've heard rumours suggesting that I won't rely on local players. I want to firmly deny that," he stated. "The foundation of our work will begin with domestic-based players. I intend to build around them and enhance the squad with professional reinforcements from abroad. "There are Libyan players in Germany, Spain, Belgium and other leagues. I will reach out to every one of them. "We are ready to welcome all who are committed to this national project." Cisse accepts that, given his achievements with Senegal and his profile, he and Libya's results will come under scrutiny. Yet while pressure often defines coaching roles in Africa, Cisse embraces it. "There's positive pressure and negative pressure," he said. "High level football is all about pressure and every person who wants to succeed in life must accept pressure. "After 35 years of my football career, I can manage pressure. I can even use this positive pressure as motivation." Cisse has scouted players in the Libyan Premier League and begun to embed himself in the North African country's footballing culture. He insists he is fully committed to the Mediterranean Knights. "I have absolutely no intention of leaving," he emphasised. "My morale is high." Cisse says that having pride in representing Libya will be a cornerstone of his vision for the side. "A player can represent many clubs throughout his career, but he will only ever have one national team," he said. "Playing for the national team should be seen as a great honour. "I love players who are willing to fight for their country. If we instil this mentality, nothing will stop us. "In Senegal, I worked with world-class stars, but they all came together for one national mission. "That's exactly the kind of tradition I want to build here in Libya." Cisse's journey with Libya may begin with trying to remain in the hunt for a first-ever appearance at the World Cup, but securing a place at the Africa Cup of Nations would secure him an exalted status with the country's fans.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
How 'sub-10 king' Simbine shed his nearly man tag
Akani Simbine is the first South African man to win a World Indoor medal with bronze at this year's championships [Getty Images] Having anchored his nation to a relay silver at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and become the first South African man to win a World Indoor medal in March, Akani Simbine exudes a quiet confidence in his abilities. As the world leader over 100m this year, the 31-year-old's attitude is understandable. It marks a shift in mentality for a sprinter who became known as the 'nearly man' of global athletics after missing the podium with three fourth-placed finishes at major championships - twice at the Olympics and once at the World Championships. "Having that tag as the nearly man, it's noise at the end of the day," Simbine told BBC Sport Africa. "I don't see it like that, I see it as an action that's never given up on trying to be the best. I always show up. "I get disappointed, but my family says to be disappointed being fourth in the world is a bit crazy - because you are the fourth fastest person alive." Although he may have missed out on some medals, Simbine is content with his achievements throughout his career. "I have literally put myself to the surface and I proved myself to be an elite athlete," he said. "I don't need a medal to prove that. The medal is just the cherry on top." Bettering Bolt Simbine's success with South Africa in the 4x100m relay at the Games last year provided a resounding dismissal of that 'nearly man' label and also served as a reward for the consistency he has displayed over the past decade. That continued when he clocked 9.90 seconds in Botswana last month and became the first sprinter to run under the 10-second barrier in the 100m for 11 straight years. His achievement broke all-time great Usain Bolt's record of 10 consecutive sub-10s seasons and brought Simbine a new moniker: the 'Sub-10 King'. The season may still be in its infancy, but Simbine has triumphed in all three of his outings over 100m this year, including in the opening two Diamond League events in Xiamen and Keqiao. It is a promising start to a year which includes the World Championships in Tokyo in September. However, Simbine is not buying into talk of being the man to beat over 100m at this stage. "I'm getting into my races, I'm winning my races and that's all that needs to be done," the former African record holder said. "I'm running well for the beginning of the season. This is not like a peak. "Once I get into June, I've been training well, and I can build up to August and September." Simbine has won all three of his 100m races so far this year, including two Diamond League victories [Getty Images] Simbine credits the buzz around his winning streak to a solid foundation from having a "good" campaign indoors. Foremost among that was picking up a bronze medal in the 60m at the World Indoors in Nanjing and creating a slice of history for his country. "We were using indoors more of training because there was a thing that we figured out I need to work on, that I can only work on when I am in a race," Simbine explained. "Setting up myself for the indoors has put me in the position to run what I'm running now." All of that means that Simbine is a man on form as he leads South Africa's charge in the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, this weekend. Simbine is the senior most member of his country's 4x100m team at the competition, but is relishing his role as the older statesman. "I think it helps because I come with the experience of being in the circuit," Simbine says. "If I say 'Guys, just calm down', the guys would take my word for it. "They respect what I say and look up to what I say. So I think it does have benefit." Over 700 athletes will compete in the two-day event, with 74 of them from eight African countries. A Simbine-Tebogo rivalry A growing rivalry between Simbine and reigning Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo from Botswana is a sign of Africa's sprinting growth [Getty Images] Simbine may have been Africa's leading sprinter for a long time, but he now faces stiff competition from younger stars like Botswana's 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo. The exciting growth of sprinting across the continent has set the scene for a southern African rivalry on the global stage. "I think that's already started. There is a rivalry between Letsile and I - it's a friendly rivalry," Simbine admits. "But we are competitors, and one wants to beat the other when it's competition time." "Ferdinand [Omanyala] is also a big name of sprinting. He's done well for himself and Kenya as well. "It's really great that we are being noticed as a sprinting continent and it's inspiring more kids to want to be sprinters and not just tap into the distance events." The Sibine-Tebogo rivalry will not be renewed at the World Relays after the Botswanan withdrew from competing in China. LA 2028 Olympics? After the World Relays, Simbine's focus will turn to the World Championships and his bid for a first podium spot at the event. Simbine will turn 32 on the final day of competition in Japan, but expects to continue lacing up his spikes for years to come. "I'm not thinking about age," he said. "I don't think about how long I've been in the game, I just take every year as it comes. "It's just having and building a really great system around me that is keeping me in the game for so long. And 2028 is the plan, but it might be my last Olympics." Simbine's relentless pursuit for sprinting success is balanced off the track with hobbies that include supporting Chelsea and Kaizer Chiefs, entrepreneurial pursuits and spending time with his family. At this stage of his career a passion for his sport is what drives Simbine forward. "I think the body will decide if it still wants to run fast, then I will definitely stick around," he said. "I love running, I love travelling. "I love pushing my body to being fast and being in this space. It's really, really fun."
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ex-African boxing champ Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, 40, dies after collapsing mid-fight
Former African boxing champion Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju is dead after collapsing during a fight. (Getty Images) (PeopleImages via Getty Images) Nigerian boxer Gabriel Oluwasegun Olanrewaju, 40, tragically died after collapsing during a fight on Friday. Olanrewaju (13-8-1, 12 KOs) was facing Jon Mbanugu (13-1-1, 12 KOs) in an eight-round light heavyweight bout at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra, Ghana. In the third round, Olanrewaju suddenly collapsed backward onto the third of four ring ropes. The fall did not appear to be caused by a punch from Mbanugu. Advertisement After a couple of seconds, Olanrewaju turned 180 degrees while lying on the ring rope and appeared to fall into unconsciousness, with his head facing the canvas, prompting referee Richard Amevi to wave off the count and signal for urgent medical assistance. Olanrewaju was rushed to the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, where unsuccessful efforts were made to revive him and he was pronounced dead shortly after on Friday. Olanrewaju began his professional boxing career in 2019. He won the Nigerian light heavyweight title in 2021 and also claimed the West African championship in 2023. Olanrewaju entered into his fight with Mbanugu off the back of four consecutive defeats. Advertisement "We are really devastated," Nigeria Boxing Board of Control secretary Remi Aboderin told BBC Sport Africa. "[This] is not something we envisaged. We will live up to our responsibility and make sure that we stand [by] the family." The Ghana Boxing Authority said it will investigate Olanrewaju's death as well as the safety measures in place around the contest itself.
BBC News
24-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Faith comes before football'
"For me, faith comes first. It comes before football."As Ramadan draws to a close, Bournemouth's Dango Ouattara is clear where his priorities forward from Burkina Faso is a devout Muslim who prays five times a day, as well as before and after each game he plays, saying it helps him to "stay humble"."It allows us to refocus on ourselves, to see what we've done well and what we haven't been able to do well," the 23-year-old tells BBC Sport Africa when we meet at his local mosque in Poole."It also allows us to correct ourselves in society too. It allows us to stay on the right path."During our conversation, Ouattara regularly uses words such as "calm" and "stable" to describe the benefits of Islam.A quiet and thoughtful character, verging on shy, there is nothing bling about him. He arrives early for our interview, dressed head-to-toe in white, asking to pray before we settle down to chat."Faith allows me to overcome many challenges, to respect others, to respect choices and religions too," he explains."Whether it's on the pitch, off it with friends or even with my family, it allows me to be calm in my daily life."You have to believe before you can do something." 'The community shows that you're not alone' This season, Ouattara seems full of belief in his own not being a consistent starter, he has nine goals in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries, including a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest in numbers are a vast improvement on last season, when he only scored Andoni Iraola's side competing for European football, Ouattara says the team is "great fun" to play in."The secret this year is that we've had the same squad, virtually the same players and the same coach. It's important to have a group that continues to develop together," he added."You can see every time that the players enjoy it."We're going to do everything we can to go further."Born in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's capital, Ouattara himself has been on a journey, having arrived on England's south coast via French side for £20m ($26m), when he made his debut in January 2023 he became just the second Burkinabe to appear in the Premier League, following on from his national team captain and former Aston Villa forward Bertrand uncomfortable speaking in English for prolonged periods, he confirms language was the main problem when he arrived, but says religion played its part there too."My agent and I were able to find the mosque, so I started to get back into my routine," he explains."And as I came to the mosque, everything went well for me with the football. So I found myself back in the environment I'd left behind in Lorient."It helps because when you find yourself in another town, having the community shows that you're not alone. You have the opportunity to pray with other people, to meet new people."It keeps us focused on religion." The club chef, getting up early and napping This year, Ramadan began on Friday 28 February and will finish on Sunday 30 month is considered holy as Muslims believe it marks when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet adherents, fasting plays a key role, foregoing food and drink between sunrise and sunset."I wouldn't say that Ramadan is difficult, it's more mental, because personally I'm used to doing it," says Ouattara."It's more the lack of water. And given that you have to wake up at unusual times to eat, that's more tiring."But he has a cunning plan to combat the fatigue: naps."I wake up at 4.30am, I do my ablutions and I've already got the food which has already been prepared by the club chef."I eat, and after prayers I have time to go back to bed for an hour or so before training."Then after the sessions I say my prayers and sleep for another hour. So the fact that I rest each time means I recover better." Despite his fast, and when he's not napping, Ouattara's training plan remains pretty much the same."It's even easier when you have the support of the whole team, whether it's the players or the staff."Everyone asks me 'How are you feeling? Is it going well? Is it not too difficult?"They understand me and they encourage me."Although he is the only Muslim in Bournemouth's squad, Ouattara is far from alone as a Premier League player fasting during the month has become so high profile that in 2021 the league introduced a new agreement that allows officials to call a halt to games in progress at sunset to allow players to break their is something Ouattara is grateful for."The initiative of the Premier League is to be congratulated because it's not easy to play while fasting."We hope that it will continue."Dango Ouattara is someone who hears the call to prayer strongly, something that has helped turn him into a player Bournemouth fans can have faith in.
