DJ Mbenga resigns with Lakers

Belgian Center Didier Ilunga-Mbenga aka DJ Mbenga has resigned with the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2008-2009 NBA season. The 7 foot native of the Democratic Republic of Congo spent his first few years in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks before joining the Golden State Warriors then the L.A. Lakers last season. Mbenga was a solid option off the bench for the Lakers while Andrew Bynum and Chris Mihm were out injured, but with both players healthy this season DJ will have his work cut out to get solid minutes for the Championship contenders.

Luol Deng helps GB qualify for Eurobasket 2009.

In his first tournament for Team Great Britain, Luol Deng helped Great Britain qualify for Eurobasket 2009 in Poland. The Chicago Bulls forward Deng, led team GB in scoring but had assistance from former George Washington University and current DKV Joventut player Pops Mensah-Bonsu. Congratulations to the lads and we wish Luol and Pops good luck as they lead team GB next September in Poland.

Mikel comes of Age

The 2008-2009 English Premier League season has just begun but already young Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel has solidified a starting position in Chelsea's first eleven and has become a consistent player in the Blues midfield. The 21 year old has shown greater discipline this season and has taken the holding midfield position as his own, despite the fact he is used in a more creative role with the Super Eagles when on international duty. We will continue to update on Mikels play throughout the season but so far the young Nigerian has excelled, kudos to him.

Manucho gets work permit

Angolan Striker Mateus Alberto Contreiras Gonçalves aka Manucho has finally received his work permit and is now available to play for Manchester United. The Red Devils and Chief Executive David Gill have been trying to sort out the red tape blocking Manucho from lining up at Old Trafford but that looks to be settled now. United are trying to solidify their attacking options which was quite thin last season, Manucho will have his work cut out to break into the United squad but it won't be a surprise to see him contributing sometime this season. Watch out for the young Angolan as the season goes on.

Drogba out injured

More news on the injury front, Didier Drogba injured his knee against CFR Cluj in Chelsea's Champions league match in Romania. The Ivorien striker had just returned from another lengthy layoff before he went down in Romania. Chelsea will have to rely on Drogba's Les Elephants teammate Saloman Kalou. We wish Didier a quick return back to the pitch.

Osi Umenyiora out for 2008-09 NFL season

Super Bowl Champion and NY Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora is out for the 2008-09 NFL season with a knee injury suffered in a preseason game against the rival NY Jets.
Osi tore the lateral meniscus in his left knee and underwent surgery in New York City.
We wish Osi the best in his recovery and hope he gets back to destroying quaterbacks in the 09-10 season.

Nigerian Dream team brings home Silver from Beijing

Nigeria's men's Olympic footy team completed their Olympic run with a loss to the equally loaded Argentinean team in the Men's Finals.
Samson Siasia's boys will have much to be proud of as they head back home and to their various clubs as despite the loss, they have done their country and continent proud.
Some bright stars for the U-23 squad despite the exclusion of John Obi Mikel included:
Chinedu Ogbuke
Osaze Odemwingie
Victor Obinna Nsofor
Dele Adeleye

Congrats to the Lads and we look forward to seeing them do bigger and better things for the Super Eagles

Luol Deng shows why he's one of the classiest players in the NBA

This week, the Times newspaper in the UK had an excellent article on Luol Deng.

Luol just got PAID by the Chicago Bulls and despite a less impressive season last year than in his previous seasons, the Bulls know how vital Luol is to their team. Regardless of his fame and fortune Luol shows that he's still a humble African at heart and still looks to do right for his Sudanese brothers and sisters all over the world.
Stay Classy Luol and keep making us proud.

Olympics

The 2008 Olympics in China have begun and we have seen mixed results for the African nations in Soccer.
Nigeria tied Holland 0-0.
Ivory Coast lost to Argentina 2-1 and
Cameroon tied South Korea 1-1.

Next up Nigeria take on Japan,
Cameroon take on Honduras and Ivory Coast play Serbia.

Osi Umenyiora Rap

Osi decided to show off his "rapping"ability a la Shaquille O'neal on the Mike and Mike Show on ESPN.
Check it out.