NBA tidbits

Luol Deng-Considers ruling out surgery to treat stress fracture in his right tibia.
Emeka Okafor-Playing through injury as he tries to lead the Bobcats to the Playoffs.
Dikembe Mutombo-The 42 year old is still filling in admirably for Yao and the Rockets whenever his defensive presence is needed.
Thabo Sefolosha-Starting to blossom with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Pops Mensah-Bonsu-Making a name for himself in Toronto and bringing some toughness to the Raptors.

More Pops news:http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/602369

Tragedy at Ivory Coast Match

Tragedy struck at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny stadium in Abidjan, Ivory-Coast before Sundays World Cup qualifier between Les Elefants and Malawi. A stampede at the stadium killed 22 and wounded 132 as fans pushed to get into the stadium before the match kicked off. The initial pushing by fans was compounded by the police firing tear gas into the crowd. Adding to the calamitous situation was the collapse of a wall from the weight of the fans as they pushed toward the field.
Didier Drogba had this to say about the tragedy: "Football is nothing. You are talking about the deaths of 19 people. When things like that happen it makes you realise how much people care about their country and their team."
Midfielder Yaya Toure had this to say:
"After the game I spoke with the captain, Didier Drogba, my brother (Kolo Toure) and the coach. Behind this victory was a tragedy and it's difficult because they are Ivory Coast supporters and we know them well," Toure said Monday. "We have to go as far as we can in this competition for all the people who died."
In response to the tragedy,World Cup 2010 organizer Danny Joordan said that stadium stampedes will not be a problem when the 2010 Mundial arrives.

http://
www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/
international/worldcup/5078985/Dider-Drogba-
Football-is-nothing-compared-Ivory-Coast-tragedy.html


http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/
ALeqM5hmiGo8-soKGDcLLa9ofrOVMeAN1wD978F7QG0

http://www.usatoday.com/
sports/soccer/2009-03-30-566160093_x.htm

Sam Peters loses Comeback fight

What can be said about Sam Peters at this point that hasn't been spouted by fans and boxing heads around the world?The 'Nigerian nightmare' lost to 'Fast'Eddie Chambers on majority decision after a 10 round fight on Friday night.
Peters went into the fight at his heaviest since turning pro, a sluggish 265lbs and in hindsight that may have not been the smartest decision for a heavyweight fighter known for a combination of sluggishness, laziness and a lack of skill on the canvas.
With both fighters looking to move back up the Heavyweight rankings, Peters came out with a somewhat ridiculous fight plan as he decided to put his big punch power aside and try to outpoint Chambers. Chambers put up a decent fight defensively but wasn't tested much as Peters barely threw any heavy punches at his opponent. The end result was a fight scored 96-94 and 99-91 in favour of Chambers.
Next up for Peters, one hopes will be some sort of diet and a bit of Cardio for the former champ.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i
Gc3HZp8hyYqOpIFKIBZL-iIFXiAD976RO580

CAF Qualifying results

Dissapointing results for some of the big boys like
Morocco,Cameroon,Egypt and Nigeria.

Results
29/03/09 Cairo Egypt 1:1 (1:0) Zambia
29/03/09 Kumasi Ghana 1:0 (1:0) Benin
29/03/09 Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire 5:0 (3:0) Malawi
29/03/09 Maputo Mozambique 0:0 Nigeria
28/03/09 Casablanca Morocco 1:2 (0:2) Gabon
28/03/09 Omdurman Sudan 1:1 (1:1) Mali
28/03/09 Ouagadougou Burkina Faso 4:2 (2:0) Guinea
28/03/09 Accra Togo 1:0 (1:0) Cameroon
28/03/09 Nairobi Kenya 1:2 (0:1) Tunisia
28/03/09 Kigali Rwanda 0:0 Algeria

Sam Peters begins comeback

The Nigerian nightmare, Samuel Peters will begin the comeback from his disastrous fight with Vitali Klitschko. Peters will fight Eddie Chambers on ESPN2's Friday Night Fights from California. There are questions about Peters seriousness as he weighed in for the fight at 265lbs but the verdict will be in after tonights bout. Both fighters need the win so we should be in for a treat.

http://queensberry-rules.com/2009/03/two
-wrongs-make-a-right-sam-peter---eddie-chambers
-preview-and-prediction.html

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/sports/article01/indexn2_html?pdate=270309&ptitle=It's%20now%20or%20never%20for%20Peter

NFL Stars arrive in Nigeria

As previously reported, NFL stars Adewale Ogunleye, Amobi Okoye, Tommie Harris and Israel Idonije have hit Nigeria as they prepare to hand out scholarships, stage camps, offer medical treatment and basically show their humanitarian side. Check out these links:
http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=139180

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5675

The guys are showing the NFL in a positive light and one can be sure Commissioner Roger Goodell must be proud of them.

2010 World Cup Qualifying Fixtures-March 28/29

Fixtures

28/03/09 Kigali Rwanda: Rwanda - Algeria
28/03/09 Accra Ghana : Togo - Cameroon
28/03/09 Nairobi Kenya: Kenya - Tunisia
28/03/09 Ouagadougou Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso - Guinea
28/03/09 Casablanca Morocco: Morocco - Gabon
28/03/09 Omdurman Sudan: Sudan - Mali
29/03/09 Maputo Mozambique: Mozambique - Nigeria
29/03/09 Kumasi Ghana: Ghana - Benin
29/03/09 Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire: Côte d'Ivoire - Malawi
29/03/09 Cairo Egypt: Egypt - Zambia

Footy news

Injury worries for the Bafana Bafana ahead of their friendly matches-http://www.thetimes.co.za/Sport/Article.aspx?id=965375

Super Eagles camp arrivals-http://www.kickoff.com/static/news/article.php?id=7518

Haminu Dramani shows a little faith in his Black Stars squad ahead of their qualifier-http://www.ghanasoccernet.com/content/view/2650/34/

Congrats to Samuel Eto'o on moving ahead of Patrick Kluivert in Barca's goal scoring chart. The Cameroonian start is in Fifth spot and preparing to move past Mariano Martin and Rivaldo for 3rd on the all time list-http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/03/23/1171659/etoo-becomes-barcelonas-fifth-all-time-leading-goalscorer

Nigeria squad for Mozambique Qualifier

Coach Amodu's squad:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv/ISR), Austin Ejide (Bastia/FRA), Dele Aiyenugba (Bnei-Yehuda/ISR)

Defenders: Yusuf Mohammed, Obinna Nwaneri (FC Sion/SWI), Onyekachi Apam (Nice/FRA), Taye Taiwo (Marseille/FRA), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Joseph Yobo (Everton/ENG), Danny Shittu (Bolton/ENG), Dele Adeleye (Sparta Rotterdam/NED)

Midfielders: Oluwafemi Ajilore (Groningen/NED), Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Nwankwo Kanu (Portsmouth/ENG), Sani Kaita (Rubin Kazan/RUS), Kalu Uche (Almeria/SPA)

Strikers: Ikechukwu Uche (Getafe/SPA), Obafemi Martins (Newcastle United/ENG), Chinedu Obasi (Hoffenheim/GER), Obinna Nsofor (Inter Milan/ITA), Joseph Akpala (Club Brugge/BEL), Osaze Odemwingie (Locomotive Moscow/RUS)

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iLodB58wsbH9nVyh-jeOKyVmMyhg

Scratch off Joe Yobo and Mikel Obi and Chinedu Obasi but a hearty welcome back to Obafemi Martins and Rabiu "Robocop" Afolabi.

Nnamdi Asomugha article

USA Today have a great article on Oakland Raiders Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha. Asomugha recently signed the biggest contract in Oakland Raiders history and is one of the highest paid players in the NFL with his new contract courtesy of Al Davis, but that is not a reason to pay Asomugha notice. Nnamdi is one of if not the best cornerbacks in the NFL and is following in the footsteps of his football hero Deion "Primetime" Sanders on the field and at the same time following the same path as his fellow NFL colleagues of Nigerian and African descent. Nnamdi is the chairman of his family's foundation OWIN (Orphans and Widows in Need) and also works with inner city youth in Oakland. Keep your eye on the Raiders #21 on the field and watch out for him on the field as he works to make a difference in the lives of people in Nigeria and in Oakland.

Footy news

Yobo out injured-will miss Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against Mozambique and Everton's next few matches for a month.

Steven Pienaar has been recalled to the South African squad for two upcoming matches.

NFA loses $200,000-The glass house may not be the safest place to keep cash.

Lemerre names Squad for Morocco's World Cup Qualifier.

NCAA Tourney news

The brackets have been filled out and the action's begun. Keep an eye out for a couple of young ballers in the diaspora that will be making their mark in the 2009 tournament for their College teams.

Al-Farouq Aminu-No introduction needed for Wake Forests likely one and done star.
Watch Aminu's Deamon Deacons take on Cleveland State on Friday.

Solomon Alabi-The Seminoles All-ACC Center will lead Florida State against University of Wisonsin on Friday.

Obi Muonelo-The underrated Junior guard for Oklahoma State University will lead the Cowboys into the tourney against Tennessee on Friday.

Hasheem Thabeet-No intro needed for the Tanzanian big man as well. He led UConn to a first round victory over Chattanooga. Watch him take on Texas A&M on Saturday.

Arinze Onuaku-The Syracuse big man will be leading the Orangemen against Stephen F.Austin on Friday.

Emmanuel Negedu-Watch out for Tennessee's forward by way of Kaduna, Nigeria. He'll try to help the Volunteers get past Oklahoma State.

Euro footy news roundup

French great Lilian Thuram on the importance of the 2010 World Cup.

Obafemi Martins on why he's happy with Newcastle.

Injured Everton striker Victor Anichebe receives an apology from Cheshire police over their mix-up.

Didier Drogba on why his commitment to the Blues should not be questioned.

Euro interest in Emmanuel Adebayor.

Kolo Toure still refusing to commit his future to Arsenal.

John Terry praises for Michael Essien.

Kader Keita has his two game ban rescinded.

Chinedu Ogbuke Obasi is out for a month with a hip injury.

Manucho pleased with his loan spell at Hull.

Athletes in the Diaspora 2009

Amobi Okoye, Israel Idonije,Adewale Ogunleye, are making their 2nd annual trip to Nigeria and this time they have some fellow NFL players coming along. Nnamdi Asomugha of the Oakland Raiders, Xavier Adibi of the Houston Texans and Tommie Harris of the Chicago Bears are joining the others while Osi Umenyiora stays behind in the USA to rehab his knee and get ready for the 2009 NFL season.
The players leave this month to provide medical screenings and health awareness and education programs along with a number of Doctors and Nurses.

http://allafrica.com/stories/200903030018.html

Afolabi becomes Interim WBO Cruiserweight Champ.

English born, Nigerian boxer Ola Afolabi defeated Enzo Maccarinelli to claim the interim WBO Cruiserweight title on Saturday. Afolabi knocked out the Welsh Maccarinelli in the ninth round of the fight at the MEN Arena in Manchester and increased his record to 14-1-3 with 6KOs. "Kryptonite" as Afolabi is called, unleashed a nasty right hook that caught Maccarinelli and sent him to the canvas in the ninth round. The Welshman beat the count but was unable to continue leading to the stoppage of the fight.
With the win and new title, big things appear to be on the horizon for Afolabi. For those unfamiliar with the new champ, here's an interview with him from Eastside Boxing.

http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=18841&more=1

Essien Returns and Chelsea Advance

Ghanaian international midfielder Michael Essien made an impressive return to the Chelsea first eleven against Juventus in the Champions League 2nd leg. Essien netted Chelsea's first goal in the 2-2 draw in Turin that saw Chelsea advance to the Quarterfinals. Essien helped the Blues get the all important away goal in Turin and despite falling 2-1 behind, a goal by Didier Drogba-in keeping with his rich vein of form, wrapped up the contest for Chelsea as they went up 3-2 on aggregate. Chelsea's interim manager Guus Hiddink was full of praise for his two goalscorers.
“He’s very important, how he’s showing his commitment and how he’s always busy,” Hiddink said. “He doesn’t give you an easy night as a central defender. He’s doing very well. For the second goal he came just ahead of his marker — that’s a sign that he is sharp.” Hiddink said of Drogba.

http://gbcghana.com/news/24971detail.html

NBA tidbits

Luol Deng injured, again. How his injury might affect Team GB.

The Sixers rebranding as Iguuodala's team.

Emeka Okafor still putting in that work to get to the top.

DJ Mbenga is getting more playing time and showing he deserves it.

Another article on DJ- http://www.ocregister.com/articles/mbenga
-says-one-2324360-story-father

Return of the Pops

The only thing tougher than making it to the NBA is sticking around in the NBA. It's a problem for many players and especially for those deemed to have freakish ability but an average skill set. Pops Mensah-Bonsu faced such a problem upon graduating from George Washington University where he led the Colonials to the NCAA tournament twice while showing off his impressive dunking and physical skills on the court. The Whale-Killer(as he's known because of his last name), signed with the Dallas Mavericks after college but things didn't work out and he ended up making the move to Europe and spending some time in Italy and Spain. "The two years in Europe, in two of the top leagues, helped me as far as experience is concerned." said Mensah-Bonsu. "I think I gained more experience as a player and a person." In terms of new tools added to his game, Pops added "The 17 foot Jump shot. You know in Europe the big guys can shoot and coming back I've felt like I've become a consistent jump shooter and I think that's definitely helped me in getting back to the NBA."
Pops also helped lead Team Great Britain to the 2009 Eurobasket championship in Poland which will be taking place in September. "Our future (in the 2009 Eurobasket tourney) depends on Ben Gordon and Kelenna Azubuike. If we get those two, I think we're one of the best teams in Europe," he said. "I think we're pretty close to getting Ben, he's on board but he just has to make sure some contractual issues are taken care of. Kelenna still has some logistical things to take care of." Team Great Britain, if the addition of Gordon and Azubuike goes through would have Pops, Luol Deng, Gordon and Azubuike leading the line into Poland. "If we have four NBA players on our team, not too many European teams can say they have that so we'd be one of them."
Pops is quite confident in his second NBA go-round and although he didn't end up sticking with the Spurs after his 10-day contract with the team, he is intent on showing the NBA that he is more than a great athlete and that he can be a solid contributor on an NBA team as evidenced in his first few games for his new team, the Toronto Raptors. The whale-killer had 10 rebounds in 15 minutes against the Miami Heat and 7 rebounds in 10 minutes against the Utah Jazz in his first two games for the Raptors and he'll be determined to show the Raptors faithful the new facets of his game during the remainder of the season.

NCAA bits

Hasheem Thabeet is a finalist for National Player of the Year
Watch fot Thabeet to get his revenge against DeJuan Blair and Pitt. on Saturday.
Al-Farouq Aminu helps Wake beat Maryland while grabbing a career high 14 rebounds.
Check out this nice interview with Josh Akognon by NBADraft.net
Solomon Alabi earns ACC rookie of the week honors for the second time.

Drogba continues resurgence

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba continued his rich vein of form by scoring the game winner against Portsmouth. Droggles curled in a lovely goal 11 minutes from time to give Chelsea all three points. Drogba's form must give Roman Abramovich some comfort as Chelsea prepare for their 2nd leg against Juventus in the Champions League next week.

http://www.irishtimes.
com/newspaper/sport/2009/0304/1224242234514.html

NBA round up

Deng Injury-http://
blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/rosenblog
/2009/03/luol-dengs-injury-forces-the-bulls-to-do-
the-right-thing.html

Emeka Okafor shining for the Bobcats-http://www.examiner.com/x-4704-Charlotte-
Bobcats-Examiner~y2009m3d2-Okafor-shines-in-roadtrip-finale

Kelenna and the Warriors need a win-http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform
.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/news.aspx?id=4216630

Drogba gives Chelsea advantage in Champs Lge.

Les Éléphants and Chelsea star Didier Drogba scored the lone goal as Chelsea beat Juventus at Stamford Bridge in the 1st leg of their Champions League round of 16 matchup. Drogba scored in the 12th minute after receiving a pass from his Ivorian counterpart Salomon Kalou. Droggles could have had a hat trick on the night as he headed a cross from Bosingwa early on, over the crossbar. After his goal, Drogba had another chance but headed a cross from Frank Lampard wide of the goal in the 15th minute. Despite the missed chances, Droggles lone goal puts Chelsea in the drivers seat as they prepare to head to Turin for the 2nd leg in a fortnight.

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SPORT/
football/02/25/champions.chelsea/