Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-15 09:23:14
Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment in his team’s performance in a 1-0 loss to Lazio, which has made reaching the Champions League quarter-finals a difficult task. Tuchel described the performance as “slapstick”, indicating that it was characterized by clumsy or ridiculous mistakes. The defeat against Lazio has created a challenging situation for Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Moving on to a different sports event, the fifth PwC National U-17 Cricket Championship finals are taking place with over 100 young athletes from across the country participating. The championship, which begins today, will run until February 19 in Abuja. This event provides a platform for young cricket players in Nigeria to showcase their talent and compete at a national level.
In tragic news, Kenya’s world marathon record-holder Kelvin Kiptum passed away in a car accident over the weekend. The funeral for Kiptum is scheduled to be held on February 24, with the government promising a “heroic farewell”. Kiptum’s burial will take place at the family home in Chepsamo near Eldoret, a significant area for Kenyan distance running.
In a surprising turn of events, a Dutch court sentenced former Ajax and international winger Quincy Promes to six years in prison for smuggling more than one thousand kilograms of cocaine. Promes, who is currently playing for Spartak Moscow, was not present in court to hear the sentence. This development has caused a stir in the football community and has brought to light the off-field troubles of a professional athlete.
Shifting focus to the Super Eagles, Umar Sadiq, a striker for the team, issued a stern warning to individuals engaging in online bullying. Sadiq, who missed the 2023 African Cup of Nations due to injury, addressed the issue on Instagram following trolls targeting Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi for his performance in the tournament. Sadiq’s message serves as a reminder of the impact of online harassment on athletes and the importance of respecting their efforts and achievements.
In summary, the sports world is experiencing a range of events and emotions, from disappointment in Bayern Munich’s performance to the tragic loss of Kelvin Kiptum and the unexpected legal troubles of Quincy Promes. Amidst these developments, athletes like Umar Sadiq are speaking out against online bullying, highlighting the challenges faced by professional sports figures on and off the field. These stories demonstrate the complex and multifaceted nature of the sports industry and the diverse experiences of those involved.
