Basket Ball / Sports

US women basketball team beat Nigeria’s D’Tigress

The Nigerian national women basketball team, D’Tigress. on Sunday could not hold their own against their US counterparts as they lost 62-93 in a friendly in Las Vegas.

In the game arranged to prepare both sides for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, the Americans were totally dominant of the D’Tigress.

The Nigerian side were restricted to just 30.6 per cent shooting during the game, while their foes shot 53.8 per cent overall.

The American side also outscored Nigeria in all four quarters of the game, though only by one point in the third quarter.

Atonye Nyingifa led the scoring charts for Nigeria with nine points, while center Elizabeth Williams scored four points.

Both teams will meet again very soon in the group stage of the Olympics in Tokyo on July 27.…

News

Kukah’s US mission statement unfortunate, disappointing – Presidency

The Presidency has described as unfortunate and disappointing the way and manner Bishop Matthew Kukah castigated his country, Nigeria, before the United States Congress.

A statement by the President’s spokesman, Malam Garba Shehu, on Sunday in Abuja, advised Kukah to desist from sowing discord and strife among Nigerians.

The presidential aide believed that the opinions expressed by Kukah before the US Congress were personal, and not opinions held by majority of Nigerians.

According to him, religious leaders who preach respect for truth have a duty to practice it, and it is a moral and practical responsibility to stand up publicly for the truth.

He said: ”There is no place in mainstream civil discourse for those who actively, negatively, and publicly label an individual ethnic group, especially before a foreign audience.

”These are not the views expressed or opinions held by the vast majority of the citizens of Nigeria.

”For all our challenges as a nation, nearly all of us seek to live together in harmony, celebrating differences, and finding a common ground as Nigerians above all.

”But people like Kukah are doing their best to sow discord and strife among Nigerians.

”More than any other set of people, leaders – in politics or religion who preach respect for truth have a duty to practice it. It is a moral and practical responsibility.

”Going by the history of the Church as is well known, it will stand up publicly for the truth.

”It is time others did the same.”

Shehu described Kukah’s mission statement in the US as a familiar ”overseas political tours that opposition politicians take – visiting foreign leaders and legislators in the United States, United Kingdom and Europe.”

He said such ‘tours’ were meant to attract maximum media attention back home to score cheap political goals.

”So, the argument goes, if they are heard seriously abroad, then Nigerian citizens back home should surely listen to them too.

”But in order to be heard at all, and to maximize media coverage back home for their activities, inevitably these visits

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Crime / News

Bandits kill 13 policemen in Zamfara State ambush

The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the killing of 13 policemen in an ambush by bandits.

The confirmation was contained in a statement by the spokesperson for the command, SP Mohammed Shehu.

In the statement on Sunday, Shehu said the bandits “ambushed the policemen while responding to a call on an attempt to attack nearby communities, 13 personnel paid the supreme price”.

He said the attack occurred on Sunday around 12:30pm when the policemen were deployed in Kurar Mota village in Bungudu Local Government Area in response to a distress call, adding: “Unfortunately, 13 personnel paid the supreme price. However, the bandits on their part suffered heavy casualties.

“A special Anti-Banditry Operations is currently ongoing with a view to track down the assailants.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Hussaini Rabiu, when he visited the injured policemen at the hospital reaffirmed that the unfortunate incident would not discourage the officers and men of the command from discharging their mandate of protecting lives and properties of the citizens.”
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Health / News / politics

Nigerians are starving, Kano Emir tells Buhari

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has said the present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, urging the government to urgently find a lasting solution.

The monarch, who raised the concern yesterday while receiving President Muhammadu Buhari at his palace, said: “Nigerians are suffering from perpetual hunger coupled with security challenges.”

Citing the high cost of food and consumables in the country, occasioned by hyperinflation, urged the Federal Government to ease the economic crunch impoverishing the masses.

He equally drew Buhari’s attention to security challenges across the country, urging the government to intensify efforts to restore peace.

“We want to commend the President for the infrastructure development across the country, particularly those sited in Kano, just as the governor listed some of such projects despite the shortfalls in the globally economy.

“We hope the presidential aides would continue to advise the President on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain development for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us, which we need to discharge accordingly,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for the leaders and for God to heal the land from the Coronavirus Disease.

While assuring Buhari of the emirate’s continued prayers for his administration, the royal father applauded the President for finding Kano worthy of citing the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure.

Buhari, in return, congratulated the monarch on his recent coronation as the 15th Emir of Kano.

He expressed satisfaction for the warm reception received in Kano and commended the developmental stride of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.…

Education / News

17-Year-Old With The Highest 2019 UTME Score, Others Offered $4.35 Million Scholarships To Study In United States

Thirty Opportunity Funds Program scholars of the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos have received fully-funded scholarships totaling $4.35 million to attend American universities and colleges for the 2021/2022 academic session. Following a competitive selection process, the 30 high-achieving, low-income students received financial aid from the U.S. Consulate General that covered expenses involved in the college application process such as payment for standardized tests, application fees, and visa fees in addition to air travel to the United States.

One of the beneficiaries is a 17-year-old boy Ekene Ezeunala who scored the highest score at the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

 

Ezeunala, who got 347, attended Meiran Community Senior High School, Lagos and received full funding to study Computer Science and Mathematics at Columbia University in the City of New York.

 

The lucky US-bound students are selected for six undergraduates, three masters and twenty-one doctoral academic programs including Neuroscience, Biomedical Engineering, Bioinformatics, Computer Science and Engineering for the 2021/2022 academic session

According to a statement by Temitayo Famutimi, Information Specialist, Public Affairs Section of the United States Consular General in Victoria Island Lagos, on Thursday, the scholarship programs cover expenses for standardized tests, application fee and visa fees.

The statement reads, “Speaking on Thursday in Lagos during a reception in honor of the U.S. bound students, Consul General Claire Pierangelo urged the scholars to make the most of their opportunity to get a top-notch education while gaining the first-hand experience of American life and culture.

“I congratulate each one of you on your tremendous success. Your success is evidence of your leadership, academic performance, and the great potential young Nigerians hold for the future of this country.

“This is a very important step in your life. I strongly encourage you to maximize this opportunity. This is not just about your education as you have proven yourselves to be academically outstanding students.

“I am also referring to your chance to broaden your horizons and embrace the diversity of people around you and learn, not just about America, but also about …

Entertainment / News / politics

Rapper Zoro demands the release of pro-Biafran activist Nnamdi Kanu

Kanu is a Nigerian pro-Biafra political activist, who has been under the custody of the Nigerian government for weeks now.

In a post shared via his Instagram on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, the music star demanded that the activist be released.

“There’s a lot I’d love to say, first is I’d love if you listen to your conscience only if it’s well-fed shaa. #freemazinnamdikanu,” he wrote.

First arrested on October 14, 2015, Kanu jumped bail and fled Nigeria in 2017 after the invasion of his home in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria.

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Boxing / Sports

Deontay Wilder’s team ‘definitely believe’ he can regain WBC heavyweight title with a victory over Tyson Fury

Wilder vs Fury 3 has received a new date of October 9 in Las Vegas after a Covid-19 outbreak in the British star’s training camp caused the postponement of this month’s fight.  The American was stopped by Fury in the seventh round of their WBC title fight in February 2020, but co-manager Shelly Finkel expects Wilder to avenge this loss with an emphatic victory.

“I definitely believe that Deontay is going to win his title back by knocking out Tyson Fury,” Finkel Said.

Wilder has revamped his training team with the addition of Malik Scott, who has taken a lead role in overseeing tactics, and recently told Sky Sports how he identified vulnerabilities in Fury

“They both have the power to hurt each other,” said Scott. “The difference is that Deontay has the power to knock you out.

“Fury is undefeated but is vulnerable. That won’t make sense to most humans.

“He is an unbeaten fighter but is very beatable. He gives you an opportunity to hit him.

“It is our job to take advantage of those opportunities. I believe Deontay will, and I believe he will knock Fury out in the trilogy.”

Anthony Joshua wants to face the winner of Fury vs Wilder 3, if he retains his WBA, WBO and IBF titles in a fight against Oleksandr Usyk, which is expected to be held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 25.

Joshua has told Sky Sports: “I will fight them all. Wilder is just another one in the pecking order, no problem.”

Wilder’s team remain open to discussing an undisputed world title fight against Joshua.

“Always have [wanted to make the Joshua fight],” Finkel said last month. “Deontay wants to be the undisputed champion, but first he has to take out Fury.”…

News

Sierra Leonean accuses Mike Adenuga of abandonment after dating him for 30 years

A Sierra Leonean, Lora Olumide Johnson, has accused Globacom boss, Mike Adenuga, of being behind moves to throw her out of her apartment after 30 years of dating him.

The accusation comes amid court rulings granting the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission power to retrieve the property from Johnson in a case of misconduct against her and some other staff of Globacom.

The lady levelled the accusation in a video obtained by The Eagle Online, which has since gone viral.

In the video, Johnson, who served as Adenuga’s Secretary for 30 years, alleged that she gave him her life, addinging that he never did anything for her. According to Johnson, she has no children or husband.

She said: “What did I do, tell me?

“I gave my life to Adenuga.

“You want to drive me out of this house.

“How many houses do I have?

“What did he do for me?

“He didn’t do anything for me.

“I don’t have children, no husband.

“Mike Adenuga leave me alone.”

However, the move to eject Johnson was said to be purely the execution of a court order by the EFCC.

Johnson, according to societynow.ng, is facing prosecution for alleged misconducts at her former place of employment, Globacom.

She was accused of inflating air ticket fares and over-invoicing on purchases of vehicles reportedly to the tune of over N1 billion.

The EFCC is reported by the online newspaper as prosecuting her and others linked to the matter for “illegitimate wealth” acquisition.

The others listed as respondents in the case are Babajide Aremu Johnson, Olabose Ibrahim Falobi, Steve Nnamdi Izebu, Steve Ibem and Bakoliza Limited.

The information available to societynow.ng revealed that in the name of the Federal Government of Nigeria, the EFCC dragged Johnson to court based on its finding.

The court by the ruling of Justice A.M. Liman on February 16, 2021 granted an interim forfeiture order on some of the properties and the bank accounts of Johnson and others involved.

The affected persons, including Johnson, however, tried to block the interim …

News / politics / Transportation

NASS urges transport ministry to regulate fares during Sallah

The National Assembly (NASS) has urged the Ministry of Transportation to evolve strategies to check arbitrary hikes in transportation fares during the festive period.

Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki, disclosed this in a statement issued by Mr Eric Orjiekwe, the Director Press and Public Relations of the ministry on Friday.

Saraki made the remark during a meeting with stakeholders in the road transport sector in Abuja.

She said the meeting was at the instance of the House of Representatives, following deliberations on the arbitrary increase in transport fares during festive periods, particularly for land transport.

Saraki, who was represented by the Director, Road Transport and Mass Transit Administration of the ministry, Mary Ejembi, said an in-depth look at reasons for fare hikes which cause the citizens pain and affect the economy adversely was the thrust of the meeting. Ejembi said the lawmakers were concerned that well-meaning Nigerians were already viewing the situation as a gross exhibition of greed and a monumental corruption on the part of transporters who capitalize on high commuter traffic to exploit the people.

She said: “The stakeholders, after due deliberations, called on the federal government to prioritize road construction and maintenance to reduce damage to vehicles.

“They called on the government to reduce park duties while also enacting traffic laws backed up with technology.

“They also advised that the activities of unions be monitored and regulated to reduce the hardship on passengers.

“They equally suggested that road transport unions should be compelled to organize periodic training for drivers to curb incessant road mishaps.”

Earlier, the National President, Driving School Association of Nigeria (DSAN), Mr Jide Owatunmise, in his remarks disclosed that “recovery factor” was one of the elements responsible for the hike in fares during festive periods.

Owatunmise said this was because road operators see festive periods as an opportunity to recover lost grounds during off-festive seasons.

The Deputy National Secretary-General, Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Mr Henry Ugwu, said double taxation from bodies and establishments like the state governments and …

Military / News

Nigerian Army confirms killing of General by gunmen

The Nigerian Army has announced the death of its former Provost Marshal, Major General Hassan Ahmed, who was killed by gunmen on Thursday.

The confirmation was made by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu.

In a statement on Friday in Abuja, Nwachukwu said the incident occurred when the senior officer’s vehicle was attacked by gunmen while transiting along Lokoja-Abuja Road on Thursday.

He said: “With a heavy heart, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, Officers and Soldiers of the Nigerian Army regret to announce the passing on of Major General Hassan Ahmed, a former Provost Marshall of the Nigerian Army.

“A delegation from the Army Headquarters led by the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Anthony Omozoje, has visited the widow and other members of the bereaved family.

“Members of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA) led by the Deputy National President, Mrs Stella Omozoje, have also visited the family to condole with them.

“The remains of the deceased senior officer will be accorded a befitting burial at the Lungi Barracks Cemetery on Friday, July 16 by 10am.”…

Education / News

COVID-19: UNILAG shuts halls of residence indefinitely, reverts to virtual learning

To avoid escalation of COVID-19 cases at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the authorities, yesterday, shut down the hostels effective today till further notice and ordered students to vacate campus.

This followed the panic ignited by Tuesday’s report that more than six students from Honors, Moremi and Amina hostels reportedly contracted coronavirus and were sent to an isolation center. The development led the school management to convey an emergency Senate meeting yesterday.

The students were also advised to move all their personal effects at once. As of press time, students were seen packing their bags to go home.

Authorities also confirmed there has been a recent increase in the number of persons within the university community, who have presented with symptoms of COVID-19 infection.

In a statement yesterday, the University Senate, after the emergency meeting approved that all students vacate the halls of residence by 12noon today indefinitely. It also added that contact tracing has enabled them to identify those who have had exposure to the affected students and directed them to self-isolate immediately.

The statement reads: “The University of Lagos commenced physical classes at the end of May 2021 when the positivity rate of the infection dropped to about one per cent. The university management continued to enforce the COVID-19 protocols in all the teaching and learning spaces as well as the halls of residence.

“In addition, the COVID-19 vaccination was made available to the staff and students through the support of the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council. Lately, some students have tested positive. These students have been sent to the appropriate designated facilities in the state and contact tracing has enabled us to identify those who have had exposure and directed them to isolate. The situation is, indeed, worrisome especially noting the reluctance of the majority of students to comply with the COV1D-19 prevention protocols.”

Sources within the school equally confirmed receiving a Whatsapp broadcast message from the Dean of Students Affairs (DSA), Mr Ademola Adeleke, informing them to leave the school’s hostels. “Lectures for the rest of …

Boxing / Sports

Hughie Fury avoided by ‘high-profile’ heavyweights who are more interested in becoming a ‘celebrity than a boxer’, says Peter Fury

The 26-year-old contender has been absent from the ring since he sealed a dominant points win over Mariusz Wach, despite suffering a gruesome cut in their December fight. Peter Fury has admitted that his son has lost respect for some of his big-name rivals after they turned down fight offers.

“Everybody realises he’s a lot better than what people say he is, so that’s my opinion,” Peter Fury told Sky Sports.

“Let me tell you, we’ve offered some high-profile people fights with Hughie – and they’ve looked up and said they’ll fight anyone. But when Hughie is mentioned, they don’t want to fight him, so that’s where it’s at.

“I don’t want to mention any names, but that’s where it is. We’ll find him an opponent. He’ll be fighting in September anyway.

“Absolutely [he’s lost respect]. Boxing is becoming a bit of a soap opera. That real fighting culture, there’s only so many around today. A lot of them, they are more into social media and being a celebrity than a boxer.”

…

Entertainment / News

Rudeboy of P Square announces debut solo album

The 12-track album will be released on August 5, 2021 and will feature no one. Production is handled by Chrisstringz, Selebobo, Orbeat and LordSky. Executive Producer is Rudeboy himself and the project was supervised by his older brother, Jude ‘Engees’ Okoye.

Since P Square became defunct, Rudeboy has released hits like ‘Reason With Me’ and ‘Audio Money.’ His brother, Mr. P also dropped his album earlier this year.

 …

Entertainment / Music / News

‘God blessed me with triplets, I lost one of them 4 days after’ – Kizz Daniel

Recall the singer announced the arrival of his twins back in May.

In a post shared via his Instagram page on Thursday, July 15, 2021, the music star said he welcomed three children but lost one of the boys four days after they were born.

“God blessed me with 3 boys a while back 🙏🏽 JAMAL, JALIL and JELANI (triplets). 4 days after I lost JAMAL. Nevertheless, I made a promise to him that I’ll be the best father in the whole galaxy to his brothers,” he wrote.

He went on to share documents of the properties he bought for his son, Jelani and Jalil.

 

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Business / Foreign / politics

World Bank commends Gov. Bello over refund of $4.63m surplus funds

The World Bank has commended Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management project.

The World Bank commended Bello in a letter of appreciation by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri.

It described the step as a sign of good leadership.

According to the World Bank, the action by the Governor has made it possible for the organization to extend its projects to other States facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.

The World Bank has commended Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management project.

The World Bank commended Bello in a letter of appreciation by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri.

It described the step as a sign of good leadership.

According to the World Bank, the action by the Governor has made it possible for the organization to extend its projects to other States facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.

“This action was made possible by your Excellency’s leadership, and its timeliness helped the Bank’s decision to extend the closing date of the project from June 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

“The returned surplus funds will ensure that other States facing a deficit of funds are able to complete their civil works, while Kogi state focuses on completing its approved ongoing works.

“We look forward to your continued leadership in following up on the progress and completion of such works.

“We trust the project can be brought to an orderly closure in your state, while achieving its intended objective and contributing to transforming lives and alleviating poverty.

“We also take this opportunity to request that you kindly also expedite the issuance of a required Letter of Comfort.”…

Crime / News

30 alleged fraudsters in Lagos hotel tried distracting us with naked ladies – EFCC

In the early hours of Tuesday July 13, 2021 a team of operatives from the Lagos Zonal Office of the Commission, acting on verified intelligence on the activities of a suspected syndicate of internet fraudsters carried out an operation at Parkitonian Hotel in the Lekki area of Lagos.

During the sting operation which was the culmination of weeks of surveillance during which the rooms occupied by the suspects were identified, 30 suspects were arrested with 24 of them already confessing involvement in cybercrimes and related activities.

There was no incident as the hotel management served with the relevant Warrant offered access to the operatives, to carry out their lawful duties.

However, in the course of the operation, the Operatives encountered women in some of the rooms who pleaded nudity to stop them from arresting their targets. This has lately become the antics of cyber fraudsters who procure ladies to plead nudity as a decoy, to allow their consort destroy incriminating items in their devices before arrest.  The Commission will not fall for such gimmick which is intended to prevent it from carrying out its lawful duties.

It must however be stated for emphasis, that there was no break in, no molestation and no violence of any kind during the operation.

Yet a section of the media, especially the online publication, People Gazette and the Punch Newspaper, which lapped up People Gazette’s report hook line and sinker, presented a narrative of gestapo operation, with forceful break in and the violation of the privacy of nude guests.

Interestingly, a common thread to the report is attribution to faceless sources. It is curious that citizens whose right to privacy had been so blatantly violated as claimed, would be hesitant to publicly speak about their ordeal. Even more worrisome is the fact that a responsible publication like the Punch Newspaper did not bother to carry out a fact-check on the allegations of break in and violence but simply regurgitated the false narrative of People Gazette.

Also, from the two reports, both the hotel owner …

News / Security / Transportation

Eid-el Kabir: FRSC deploys 3,5000 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles, 120 ambulances

To ensure safe travels for all road users, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it has deployed a total of 3,500 personnel, 736 patrol vehicles and over 200 motorcycles for the 2021 Eid-el Kabir special patrol before, during and after the celebrations.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, who disclosed this said that the Corps is embarking on the special patrol operation to ensure that motorists and other road users have a hitch-free celebration, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prevailing security challenges and the rain season.

He also said 120 ambulances and 25 tow trucks would be on the road during the special operation that would commence on 16 to 25 July 2021 nationwide.

He urged motorists to endeavor to avoid traffic violations and remain conscious of their safety to avoid not only arrest and prosecution by members of the corps, but falling prey to avoidable road crashes.

He added: “The mission of the special operation is to ensure free flow of traffic, provide prompt rescue services and timely clearance of obstructions on all major roads and critical corridors across the country before, during and after the festive period as well as reduce Road Traffic Crashes, Road Traffic Fatalities and Road Traffic Injuries; enforce strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols by motorists and road users, and ensure high visibility of the corps on the highways.”

Kazeem said the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, had directed commanding officers operating across various formations nationwide to ensure that the 52 corridors are properly manned throughout the period of the operations.

He appealed to motorists to obey all traffic rules and regulations and cooperate fully with the FRSC and other law enforcement agencies that would be deployed for traffic management duties, saying Mobile Courts would be in session across the country for prompt dispensation of justice to recalcitrant traffic violators.

The Corps Marshal, also directed that the operatives pay first-rate focus to effective traffic control, wrongful overtaking, use of phone while driving, drivers license violation, lane discipline, removal of rickety vehicles from the road, …

Basket Ball / Sports

Milwaukee win Game 4 to even up finals series

The Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns treated fans to the most exciting matchup of the NBA Finals to this point in Game 4 as the Bucks ultimately came out on top with a 109-103 hard-fought win at Fiserv Forum Wednesday night .

Devin Booker was phenomenal for the Suns as he finished with a game-high 42 points and made NBA history along the way as well. He was also involved in one of the most controversial plays of the night as he appeared to foul Jrue Holiday late in the fourth quarter, a foul that would have been his sixth of the game, which the officials seemingly disregarded. In the end, Booker’s offensive explosion wasn’t enough to overcome the Bucks as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton combined for 66 points to lead the charge for Milwaukee and, ultimately, help them even this series.

With the win, the Bucks carry all the momentum into Game 5 in Phoenix on Saturday night as this is now, essentially, a best-of-three series. Here are three takeaways from Milwaukee’s Game 4 win.

1. An all-time duel

Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson. Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Jerry West and John Havlicek. Khris Middleton and Devin Booker. Those are the four sets of opposing players in NBA history to both score 40 points in an NBA Finals games. The first six were all obvious Hall of Famers. If the game they played tonight is any indication, Middleton and Booker are headed down that same path.

Neither was particularly impressive in a first quarter that included only 43 total points. They then combined for 21 in the second before Booker erupted for a staggering 18 in the third without missing a shot. At that point, it looked as if the night belonged to him. Middleton had other ideas. With Booker relegated to the bench due to foul trouble, Middleton scored 14 points on 5-of-9 shooting. When Phoenix’s incredible defense took away all of their team-based actions, Middleton stepped into pick-and-roll jumpers that could not be denied. He …

Sports / Tennis

Roger Federer To Miss Tokyo Olympics

Roger Federer has announced that he will miss this month’s Tokyo Olympics due to a knee injury.

Posting on Twitter, the five-time year-end World No. 1 said, “During the grass-court season, I unfortunately experienced a setback with my knee, and have accepted that I must withdraw from the Tokyo Olympic Games. I am greatly disappointed, as it has been an honor and highlight of my career each time I have represented Switzerland.

“I have already begun rehabilitation in the hopes of returning to the tour later this summer. I wish the entire Swiss team the best of luck and I will be rooting hard from a far. As always Hopp Schwiz!”

Federer, who missed the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games due to his left knee, underwent two right knee surgeries in 2020 after the Australian Open.

He returned to the Tour in Doha in March this year and has a 9-4 match record from five tournament outings, with his best result being a run to the Wimbledon quarter-finals (l. to Hurkacz).

The 28-time ATP Masters 1000 champion won a doubles gold medal with Stan Wawrinka in Beijing in 2008 and a singles silver medal (l. to Murray) in London in 2012.…

Basket Ball / Hockey / NFL / Sports / Stories / Tennis

Best Brothers, Sisters and Twins in Sports

1. Manning Brothers
Peyton Manning, QB, Retired (45)
Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants (41)

Archie and Olivia’s boys — you know, Cooper’s younger brothers — are still the standard. Both Peyton and Eli are former No. 1 overall picks, Super Bowl MVPs and Saturday Night Live hosts.

2. Williams Sisters
Venus Williams, Tennis (41)
Serena Williams, Tennis (39)

Everyone thought Richard was the craziest cook in Compton, Calif., when he was training Venus and Serena. Everyone still thinks he’s a loon, but his unorthodox style resulted in a pair of champions.

3. Gasol Hermanos
Pau Gasol, C, Barcelona (41)
Marc Gasol, C, Los Angeles Lakers (36)

The Spanish 7-footers were traded for each other back when Pau was an All-Star and Marc was his baby-fatted kid brother. Times have changed. Pau is on the trade block and Marc is the All-Star.

24. Curry Brothers
Stephen Curry, G, Golden State Warriors (33)
Seth Curry, G, 76ers (31)

Dell’s sons inherited their old man’s 3-point stroke but mom Sonya is the real star.

5. Staal Brothers
Eric Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes (35)
Marc Staal, D, New York Rangers (35)
Jordan Staal, C, Carolina Hurricanes (33)
Jared Staal, RW, Charlotte Checkers (31)

Quantity outweighs quality with these Thunder Bay, Ontario, thunder-stick clappers.

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