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Nigeria’s Professional Wrestler Sharpman Targets African Light Heavyweight Championship Title

Nigerian born professional wrestler, Augustine Okafor, popularly known as Sharpman is a powerful master of the game, and a great wrestler of all time who has been making life miserable for his opponents in Nigerian squared circles and even beyond, having competed in Cameroon, Mali, Central African Republic, Ghana and Benin Republic before now.

Nigeria’s professional wrestler of standard and appreciable repute, Okafor, has declared that he possesses all it takes to compete for and clinch the Pro Wrestling Africa (PWA) Light heavyweight title in the forthcoming fight tagged “Night of the Kings” scheduled to take place on Christmas Eve of 24th December, 2023 at the Wrestling Arena of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

According to the talented grappler who hails from Okporo, Orlu in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State and came to in 1984 at the tender age of 12 , he is prepared, ready and set to be the PWA light heavy weight champion come December, 24th.

”I am Mr. Sharpman. I am sharper than a razor. I don’t need to be told that I am a good and talented professional wrestling superstar. “Tag team wrestling has tied me down to a spot over the years and I’ve got to liberate myself. In fact I have set myself free.

“Solo action is my focus right now and that is what will make me become the Pro Wrestling Africa Light heavyweight champion before the year runs out where lots of old unsettled scores will be settled. I deserve it. “This is the appointed and set time”, boasted the orlu born grappler at an interview.

Imo State where he hails from is one of the 36 States of Nigeria, located in the Southeast region of the country and was created in 1976 out of the old East-Central State. The state is bordered by Abia State on the East, Delta State to the West, Anambra State on the North, and Rivers State to the South. Sharpman is loaded with gimmicks to get the title on his waist.

He wrestled with Cameroon’s Kirikou during Pro Wrestling Africa’s Battle of Yaoundé 2015 in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and defeated him. The Wolf NDA, also from Cameroon who was a visiting wrestler during the ‘Asaba 2016 Return of Glory’ Championship will not forget Sharpman’s prowess in the ring in his lifetime as they both squared off together.
Sharpman, who specializes in making mincemeat of his opponents in the ring is a veteran with over three decades experience who no one needs to tell what to do in the ring.

He has pounded many of his challengers over the years to submission and his skills and agility have won him many admirers.
He is referred to as the ‘’Excellence of Execution’’ and his Excellency as a master hitter will soon be crowned with a continental title in the shortest possible time. He has a spectacular way of wrestling that have never been seen; as he combines his gymnastic ability, martial arts skill and pro style of wrestling with such awesome effectiveness to entertain his fans to the fullest.

‘’Sharppey,’’ as he is fondly called by other wrestlers, was trained by Lion Bone in 1989 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos before Jimmy Palm ‘’The African Dream’’ did the finishing touches and impacted him with pro wrestling skills which turned him into a superstar.

He has also trained many talented wrestlers among whom is the Triple ‘’J’’ (Joyce Joseph from Jos, Plateau State).
Sharpman, had Mike Bing of Congo DR as his first opponent in Lagos in 1990 and lists Stephen Mba of Cameroon now based in Canada as his toughest opponent, while his most memorable fight was with ‘The Wolf NDA’ now based in Texas, USA at Asaba, Delta State of Nigeria in 2016.

His most memorable fight at the tag team level was the fight against the African Demons in 2011 in Lagos.

The celebrated Sharpman, who lists Ultimate Warrior and Hulk Hogan as his most respected wrestlers, is already in contact with his community for their support as the saying goes that charity begins at home.

He emphasized that after he might have won the title, his first assignment would be to officially present the belt to the Governor of his home state , Senator Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for fatherly blessings to enable him forge ahead for further laurels.

‘’Any river that forgets his source will definitely dry up. I am in contact with my people back home. I know the kind of support I can get from my people if they are well carried along on my plans on the proposed title project. “Yes I see it as a project which must be executed. I have reached out to the Okporo community in Orlu, in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State. I am also in contact with my kinsmen based here in Lagos and also reached out to authorities of Orlu local Government Area and the Okporo Council of Chiefs for their support”, explained the wrestling talent who has contributed his own quota towards professional wrestling development.

Sharpman will square up with USA Bing of Congo DR who is his country’s light heavyweight champion for the African title; the wrestler having defeated great fighters such as; Hulk Power of Benin Republic, Power Vic, Mighty Progress, Black Ninja, Zion Lion, Young Power Mike, Kirikou of Cameroon and a host of others said he’s more than battle ready to finish off the Congolese.

In his words, he said, “I am the Sharpman. I have what it takes to defeat any opponent that comes my way. I have trained very well in the sun, under the rain, in the moon, in the valley likewise on the mountain top to get to this stage.

“USA Bing is a mountain that must be conquered. A mountain that must be moved. He is my next victim. I just want to plead for support from the Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma; Orlu Local Government Chairman and all other well-meaning Imo state citizens and stakeholders for their support.

“I promise not disappoint Nigerians come December, 24 and I’m using this medium to appeal to government at all levels, especially my state, Imo, corporate organizations and other well-meaning Nigerians to come to my aid in order to make this dream a reality,” he said.

Other talented grapplers that will feature that same Christmas Eve at the ‘End of the Year Pro Wrestling Extravaganza’ are; Power Vic, God’s Kid, Eagle De Great Nail and Jimmy Palm.

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Tijani Babangida To Represent PFAN On National Sports Commission Board

Tijani Babangida To Represent PFAN On National Sports Commission Board

In a communique signed and released by Chairman of PFAN Board of Trustees, Comrade Harrison Jalla, the President of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Comrade Tijani Babangida (MON), has been nominated by the PFAN Board of Trustees (BOT) to represent the association on the National Sports Commission (NSC) Board.

This nomination, according to PFAN, aligns with Section 2 of the National Sports Commission (Establishment) Act 2023.

At a meeting held on Saturday, 23rd November 2024, the PFAN BOT, made two significant decisions:

1. Extension of Leadership Tenure: The BOT unanimously agreed to extend the tenure of the Tijani Babangida led Executive Council.

2. NSC Board Representation: Tijani Babangida was chosen as the PFAN representative on the National Sports Commission Board.

These decisions are, however, subject to ratification by the PFAN Congress.

The BOT also advised the PFAN Executive Council, to reach out to aggrieved members and unify the players’ union under one umbrella, in line with the standard practice in other countries.

It also deliberated about the ongoing efforts and legal challenges. The PFAN BOT emphasized that the next critical phase involves securing representation on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Board, Congress, and Sub-Committees. These slots, are currently subject to the ongoing case at the Federal High Court in Abuja, which seeks equal and proportional representation.

The BOT also assured stakeholders that representation on the NFF Board, would strictly be based on merit.

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Int’l Friendly: Gusau, Sanusi, Falode To Cheer Super Falcons Against Les Bleues

Int'l Friendly: Gusau, Sanusi, Falode To Cheer Super Falcons Against Les Bleues

The President of Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, as well as Chairman of the NFF Women’s Football Committee, Ms Aisha Falode and the General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi will be in the stands to cheer the Super Falcons in Saturday’s international friendly match against the Les Bleues of France in Angers.

The match comes up inside the 18,000 -capacity Stade Raymond Kopa – home ground of Ligue 1 side Angers SCO, and which was opened in 1912 and renovated seven years ago.

Madugu and his charges are set to have the official training session at the match venue on Friday evening, with the Coach robbed of a defender following injury to Turkey-based dependable centre-back Oluwatosin Demehin.

Both teams last clashed nearly five-and-half years ago, when the Super Falcons needed a result to progress to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Women’s World Cup finals. Hosts France edged the tie by the odd goal, after Wendie Renard’s twice-taken penalty kick with 11 minutes left on the clock. The defeat notwithstanding, the Super Falcons made the Round of 16 as results in another pool weighed in their favour, while France finished top of their group with the maximum nine points from three matches.

On Saturday night, Madugu will have to decide which of England-based Rofiat Imuran and home-girl Sikiratu Isah will pair veteran Osinachi Ohale at the heart of the defence, with Michelle Alozie and returning Ashley Plumptre expected to man the wing-back positions. Madugu may also decide to use another home-girl, Shukurat Oladipo in her accustomed centre-back position.

Portugal-based Christy Ucheibe, England-based Toni Payne and France-based Jennifer Echegini (who scored Nigeria’s only goal at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament in France this summer) are available in the middle, alongside home-based professionals Adoo Yina and Josephine Mathias.

At the fore, with Captain Rasheedat Ajibade also not in Angers as a result of injury, much will be expected of the Spain-based duo of Gift Monday and Rinsola Babajide, with home -girl Mercy Omokwo, as well as Egypt-based Blessing Nkor and France-based Ifeoma Onumonu, also available.

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FULL LIST: Lookman, Troost-Ekong Join Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Vinicius On 2024 FIFA Best Player Nominees Roster

FULL LIST: Lookman, Troost-Ekong Join Messi, Ronaldo, Haaland, Vinicius On 2024 FIFA Best Player Nominees Roster

Super Eagles duo Ademola Lookman and William Troost-Ekong have earned spots on the prestigious nominees list for the 2024 FIFA Best Player Awards.

The announcement, made early Friday, features only five African players among the elite, with Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga joining the Nigerian stars in the spotlight.Sports equipment

Banda and Chawinga have been nominated for the Best FIFA Women’s Player award.

Lookman, who finished 14th in the 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings, is shortlisted in the Best Attacker category alongside football giants Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, and Barcelona’s rising sensation Lamine Yamal.

Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong and Hakimi are competing in the Best Defender category against notable names like Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah.

This recognition comes as Lookman, Troost-Ekong, and Hakimi also made headlines earlier in the year with nominations for the 2024 CAF Player of the Year award. While Troost-Ekong did not progress to the final shortlist, Lookman remains a favourite in African and global football circles.Watch live soccer online

The revamped voting process for FIFA’s awards now gives fans equal weight alongside national team captains, coaches, and media representatives.

Notably, this year marks the introduction of the FIFA Marta Award, celebrating the best goal in women’s football globally, alongside the redefined FIFA Puskás Award, which honours the best goal in men’s football.

Fans can cast their votes on FIFA.com until 10 December 2024, with winners set to be announced in early 2025.

FULL LIST – FIFA THE BEST AWARDS
The Best FIFA Women’s Player nominees
Aitana Bonmati (Spain), Barcelona
Barbra Banda (Zambia), Shanghai Shengli/Orlando Pride
Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway), Barcelona
Keira Walsh (England), Barcelona
Khadija Shaw (Jamaica), Manchester City
Lauren Hemp (England), Manchester City
Lindsey Horan (USA), Olympique Lyonnais
Lucy Bronze (England), Barcelona/Chelsea
Mallory Swanson (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Mariona Caldentey (Spain), Barcelona/Arsenal
Naomi Girma (USA), San Diego Wave
Ona Batlle (Spain), Barcelona
Salma Paralluelo (Spain), Barcelona
Sophia Smith (USA), Portland Thorns
Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi), Paris Saint-Germain/Olympique Lyonnais
Trinity Rodman (USA), Washington Spirit

The Best FIFA Men’s Player nominees
Dani Carvajal (Spain), Real Madrid
Erling Haaland (Norway), Manchester City
Federico Valverde (Uruguay), Real Madrid
Florian Wirtz (Germany), Bayer Leverkusen
Jude Bellingham (England), Real Madrid
Kylian Mbappe (France), Paris Saint-Germain/Real Madrid
Lamine Yamal (Spain), Barcelona
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Inter Miami
Rodri (Spain), Manchester City
Toni Kroos (Germany), Real Madrid (now retired)
Vinicius Jr (Brazil), Real Madrid

The Best FIFA Women’s Coach nominees
Arthur Elias (Brazil), Brazil
Elena Sadiku (Sweden), Celtic
Emma Hayes (England), Chelsea/USA
Futoshi Ikeda (Japan), Japan
Gareth Taylor (England), Manchester City
Jonatan Giraldez (Spain), Barcelona/Washington Spirit
Sandrine Soubeyrand (France), Paris FC
Sonia Bompastor (France), Olympique Lyonnais/Chelsea

The Best FIFA Men’s Coach nominees
Carlo Ancelotti (Italy), Real Madrid
Lionel Scaloni (Argentina), Argentina
Luis de la Fuente (Spain), Spain
Pep Guardiola (Spain), Manchester City
Xabi Alonso (Spain), Bayer Leverkusen

The Best FIFA Women’s Goalkeeper nominees
Alyssa Naeher (USA), Chicago Red Stars
Ann-Katrin Berger (Germany), Chelsea/NJ/NY Gotham
Ayaka Yamashita (Japan), INAC Kobe Leonessa/Manchester City
Cata Coll (Spain), Barcelona
Mary Earps (England), Manchester United/Paris Saint-Germain

The Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper nominees
Andriy Lunin (Ukraine), Real Madrid
David Raya (Spain), Arsenal
Ederson (Brazil), Manchester City
Emiliano Martinez (Argentina), Aston Villa
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy), Paris Saint-Germain
Mike Maignan (France), AC Milan
Unai Simon (Spain), Athletic Club

Soccernet.ng

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