Rafael Nadal, one of tennis’ greatest legends, has officially retired after a glittering 23-year career. The 22-time Grand Slam champion bid farewell to the sport in Malaga on Tuesday night, following Spain’s Davis Cup quarter-final defeat to the Netherlands.

The 38-year-old, who retires as the second-most successful men’s singles player of all time behind Novak Djokovic, expressed his gratitude for the journey he has had. “I’d like to be remembered as a kid that achieved more than I ever dreamed,” Nadal said during an on-court presentation. “I was just a kid that followed their dreams, worked as hard as possible to be where I am today.”

Known as the ‘King of Clay’, Nadal captured an unprecedented 14 French Open titles and amassed 91 ATP titles during his career. Reflecting on his legacy, Nadal said: “I leave with the peace of mind that I have left a legacy, which I really feel is not just a sporting one but a personal one.”

In what proved to be his final match, Nadal lost to Botic Van de Zandschulp, ending an extraordinary 29-match winning streak in Davis Cup singles matches that spanned two decades. Speaking after the match, Nadal said: “In some ways it is good, maybe, if that was my last match. I lost my first match in the Davis Cup and I lost my last one. We close the circle.”

Tributes poured in from across the tennis world. Carlos Alcaraz, who idolised Nadal, said: “He has been great for tennis, for the sport in general… His legacy is going to be eternal.” Spain’s captain, David Ferrer, told Nadal: “You will be remembered eternally.”

Long-time rivals Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic also paid their respects. Federer, in an Instagram post, praised Nadal for making “the whole tennis world proud” during his “epic career.” Djokovic shared a video message, saying: “I have been very honoured and thrilled to be called your rival.” Andy Murray and Serena Williams joined the tributes, with Williams writing: “Your legacy will never die.”

Nadal’s career spanned the celebrated ‘Big Three’ era, alongside Federer and Djokovic, with the trio elevating tennis to unprecedented heights. As Nadal steps away from professional competition, he leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his athletic achievements but also by his humility, determination, and sportsmanship.

“I have been very lucky in the life I have had the opportunity to live,” Nadal said. “The way I’d like to be remembered most is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.”

Rafael Nadal’s legacy will indeed endure, as a player who followed his dreams and inspired countless others along the way.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has applauded the outstanding performance of the athletes who represented the State at the 8th National Youth Games in Asaba for making Lagos proud by maintaining the second position surpassing previous records.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, at the reception held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, to celebrate the youngsters, commended the courage, resilience, and discipline demonstrated by exceptional student-athletes across various sports.

“You are truly our pride, and we hold you in the highest regard. We are committed to supporting you every step of the way to reach your full potential. Your commitment to their growth and excellence reflects the spirit of Lagos, and with your continued support, we will reach even greater heights in sports and education. Congratulations once again to Team Lagos and to all the families who make these achievements possible”

He emphasized that his administration’s THEMES+ agenda aligns with commitment to integrating sports and education, which has led to the full participation of students from both public and private secondary schools across the state’s 6 Education Districts and 20 Local Government Education Authorities.

“As we celebrate these achievements, let us remember that the journey of sports development and excellence is a continuous one. These young athletes embody the spirit of Lagos – resilient, bold, and always striving for greatness. Our commitment to nurturing their potential remains unwavering, and together, we will build a brighter future where sports and education thrive side by side, shaping the champions of tomorrow. ”

Governor Sanwo-Olu awarded gold medalists N200,000 each, silver medalist N150,000 each, and bronze Medalist N100,000. He also awarded all athletes N50,000 each, and the coaches were not left out as they were awarded the sum N100, 000 each.

Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende appreciated the efforts of the Lagos State Sports Commission, sponsors, parents of Athletes and the athletes at large.

Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu stated that the unique development is tied to the athletes’ different academic disciplines as different entities with the state will continue to support and play it’s role.

“We are changing the narrative around sports development. We will continue to watch the development and continue to support them to greater heights, he said.

Represtative of the parents, Mr. Godwin Egbebe, on behalf of the parents, expressed gratitude to Lagos State Government and Lagos State Sports Commission for founding their wards worthy of representing the state.

Representative of the athletes, Beauty Oyero -a nine year old golfer who won silver medal at the 2024 NYG also appreciated the State Government and Sports Commission, promising that the athletes will represent and bring glory to the state in more competitions.

Nigerian-British born Basketballer, Divine -Blessing Obamakinwa says Liverpool Basketball ll Club next away match against Bolton University Basketball Club in the ongoing National Basketball League(NBL) Conference League will not be taken for granted.

Obamakinwa whose stunning performance against Stockport Falcons Basketball Club as a second highest scorer over the weekend promised to leverage on his performance against Bolton University on the 17th of November 2024 at the Bolton One Sports Centre.

Obamakinwa, who scored 20 points against Stockport Basketball Club of Manchester, said that after the encounter that ended 157-58 in favour of Liverpool Basketball ll Club, that their other matches would be taken step by step.

“The match was a good game though in the first quarter, we made some mistakes and in the second quarter, we bounced back as a team with confidence.

“Scoring 20 points should not be the limit of what I am targeting, but as the game progresses, I will continue to score in confidence where I find myself in a good position to score.

“Our next game against Bolton University, we will come out forcefully to continue our winning streaks, though we have never lost any game since we gain promotion to NBL Division 4, that will not make us to look down on our opponents”.

The lanky 6ft 7 inches tall center, emphasized that Liverpool Basketball ll major aim is to scale through the hurdle step by step until they get to NBL Super League which is the zenith of United Kingdom’s Basketball league.

“The team aim is to cross each line whenever they get their, every game should be taken step by step until we get to the NBL Super League which is the biggest league in UK. The higher you go, the tougher the challenges are” Hinted Obamakinwa.

Obamakinwa whose parents hailed from Ondo and Ekiti States of South-West in Nigeria, still looking forward to paying his allegiance to Nigeria, if the door is open, adding that former D’Tigers Captain, Olumide Oyedeji’s encouragement through a telephone conversation, gingered his spirit to want to wear green and white colours.

In his words, “Olumide Oyedeji advised helped me hundred percent to increase my passion for the click and dunk game. He admonished me to keep working hard and be focused in order to attain the greater height”.

The Liverpool Basketball ll Club cynosure said his movement to NBA in the future is in tact and can never be swept under the carpet.

Obamakinwa who described the Phoenix Suns power forward, Kelvin Durant as his idol due to is style of play said his efficacy in the court of play attract him to increase his work rate in the game.

“My ambition to move to to the United State of America to foster my basketball career in NBA is still in tact which can never be swept under the carpet.

“I watch Kelvin Durant a lot, he is very skillful and calculative in the court of play, he is a game changer a reason I took him as my role model,” he said.