Local News

NBA Star Nnaji Champions Nigerian Youth Via Sports & Education

Denver Nuggets forward Ezekiel Tobechukwu “Zeke” Nnaji may have grown up thousands of miles from Africa, but his heart has remained firmly connected to Nigeria.

Now 24, the NBA star is using his platform to invest in the lives of underprivileged youth in Nigeria, combining sports and education to create long-term opportunities for the next generation.

From Minneapolis to the NBA

Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Nnaji initially played baseball and football before switching to basketball, largely due to his height. A talented musician who has played piano since first grade, he displayed a wide range of interests early on.

However, it was basketball that eventually charted his course to international recognition.

Nnaji played college basketball at the University of Arizona and was selected 22nd overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2020 NBA Draft. Since then, he has grown into a key contributor for the team. Standing at 2.11 meters, the dynamic forward also brings versatility by playing center when needed.

His father, Apham Nnaji, originally from Nigeria, has been a guiding figure and inspiration throughout his journey.

A Promise Fulfilled

At just 10 years old, Zeke made a bold promise to his father: “Dad, when I make it to the NBA, I’m going to help a lot of people.” Years later, he’s doing exactly that.

With his second NBA contract providing financial stability, Nnaji launched the Nnaji Foundation, which has partnered with the NBA to build a basketball academy in Nigeria—his father’s homeland. The initiative is not just about sports but about empowering young people through life skills and educational opportunities.

“I’m really thankful and humbled that I get to live out my dream every single day,” Nnaji said. “But it’s also important for me to give back, especially to a place that is part of who I am.”

The Nnaji Foundation’s Mission

During a recent trip to Nigeria, the Foundation witnessed both the struggles and the strength of local communities. Apham Nnaji recalled the harsh realities of his youth, saying, “The challenges and the depravity in Nigeria and Africa are a whole lot. I grew up there and I’ve seen how hard things are.”

Despite the conditions, the team discovered resilience and hope.

“The first thing you see is poverty,” said Kerry Sutherland, a representative of the Nnaji Foundation, “but right after that, you see the resilience. This academy is a beacon of hope.”

According to Sutherland, the program’s focus is to teach basketball, but with broader life applications in mind. “We want the lessons learned on the court—discipline, teamwork, dedication—to carry over into all areas of life.”

Beyond Basketball: Building a Future

For Zeke Nnaji, the mission goes far beyond the hardwood. “Young people can learn how to create with their hands—mechanics, computing, machinery, design engineering,” he explained. “The point is to give them options. It’s not just about basketball. It’s about having the freedom to choose your path.”

A self-taught pianist, Nnaji understands the importance of diverse interests. “Being able to finally be in this position, it’s really incredible. It’s moving. It’s fun.”

His commitment is already leaving an impression. Sutherland noted, “All the kids are wonderful. You talk about humility—these kids are just so thankful and appreciative of the opportunity.”

Giving Back, Looking Forward

Now a millionaire athlete living his dream, Zeke remains focused on a larger purpose: honoring his roots and creating change.

“This foundation is about remembering where we came from,” he said. “Where my dad grew up, there are kids with big dreams. We want to help make those dreams a reality.”

Apham Nnaji offered a closing reflection: “We teach our kids that just because you have an opportunity doesn’t mean you stop there. You must help those who have less, because that’s what the Most High wants us to do.”

From a childhood dream in Minneapolis to meaningful impact in Nigeria, Zeke Nnaji is proving that greatness begins with purpose—and that the journey doesn’t end with personal success.

Through the Nnaji Foundation, he is helping shape a future where sports, education, and opportunity walk hand in hand.

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Local News

Osimhen Dethroned: Sané Named Gala MVP

Victor Osimhen is no longer the most valuable footballer in the Turkish Super Lig with a German international the new owner of that tag, according to Soccernet.ng.

Galatasaray have pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups of the summer by signing former Manchester City and Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané, replacing Victor Osimhen as the club’s most valuable player.

Sané, 29, arrives in Istanbul as a free agent after opting not to extend his contract with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.

Despite being offered a three-year extension on reduced terms, the German international declined the deal.

Turkish champions Galatasaray moved swiftly to secure his services, reportedly offering a three-year contract worth around €15 million per annum.

The Bundesliga winner had attracted interest from Arsenal and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, but the allure of Galatasaray’s ambitious Champions League project proved decisive.

Sané spent five seasons at Bayern Munich after a €49 million move from Manchester City in 2020. During his time in Germany, he won four league titles, made 220 appearances, and contributed 61 goals and 55 assists.

Now, he’s set for a fresh chapter in Istanbul, with an official unveiling expected in the coming days.

Sané’s arrival ushers in a new era for Galatasaray following the departure of Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who returned to Napoli at the end of his loan spell.

When the Nigerian joined the Turkish side last summer, Osimhen arrived with a market valuation of €100 million — the highest for an African player — and quickly lived up to the hype.

The Super Eagles striker became the story of the Turkish season, netting 37 goals and providing eight assists across all competitions to fire Galatasaray to a league and cup double. He finished as the Super Lig’s top scorer and was named the club’s Player of the Season — the first Nigerian ever to claim the golden boot in Turkey.

Osimhen’s valuation may have dipped slightly to €70 million, but his impact in Istanbul was profound.

With his return to Napoli, Sané now steps into the spotlight as Galatasaray’s new talisman. His current market value of €32 million makes him the most valuable player in the Turkish Super Lig.

Should Osimhen make a dramatic return to Galatasaray in the future, the MVP crown could yet change hands again. For now, though, the mantle has passed to Sané — and all eyes will be on Istanbul as a new chapter begins.

Local News

Osimhen Tops Global Rankings, Surpassing Ronaldo, Messi, Kane

Victor Osimhen has been named the most searched footballer in the world for May, surpassing global icons Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane, according to Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen’s surge in global popularity is backed by data from renowned statistics platform Transfermarkt, as per Le Marca.

The Nigerian striker’s soaring fame comes on the back of a sensational spell at Galatasaray, where he netted six goals in five games during the month of May.His red-hot form propelled the Turkish giants to a historic domestic double, winning both the Süper Lig title and the Turkish Cup — the latter for the first time since 2019.

Osimhen finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals and was named Player of the Season. Across all competitions, he registered a remarkable 37 goals and 7 assists, capping off one of the most dominant individual campaigns in Europe.

His performances have not gone unnoticed off the pitch either.

Osimhen generated 935,021 online searches in May — over 300,000 more than Ronaldo (631,507).

Galatasaray’s veteran keeper Fernando Muslera came third with 540,974 searches, followed by rising Turkish talent Arda Güler (354,529) and Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal (278,226).

Messi, Morata, Icardi, Kane, and Leroy Sané rounded out the top ten.

Victor Osimhen set for busy summer?
Osimhen’s digital dominance has been fuelled by transfer speculation, with elite clubs across Europe closely monitoring his situation.

Despite interest from Real Madrid, PSG, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea, Napoli have yet to receive any official bids.

The only formal offers have come from Galatasaray — who are desperate to make his loan move permanent — and Saudi Arabian giants Al Hilal, who reportedly tabled a staggering €45 million-per-year deal.

Osimhen, however, turned down the Saudi riches in favour of continuing his career in Europe, signalling his ambition to compete at the highest level.

With the summer window heating up and Europe’s top clubs on alert, the Super Eagles star is undoubtedly one of the most coveted names in world football today — both on the pitch and in digital trends.

Local News

New Era For African Women’s Football As CAF Unveils WAFCON Logo

In a landmark moment for African women’s football, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the logo and match emblem for the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place from July 5 to 26.

The announcement marks a significant step in CAF’s commitment to elevate the profile of women’s football across the continent.

The bold and vibrant design represents more than just a visual identity — it signals a new era for women’s football in Africa, blending modern aesthetics with cultural symbolism to reflect the strength, diversity, and unity of the African woman.

According to CAF, the emblem is intended to capture the essence of African pride and the rising power of the women’s game.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the new visual identity, describing it as “an iconic symbol for a prestigious tournament that continues to grow in global importance.”

He noted that the design not only reflects the passion and energy of African women’s football but also aligns with CAF’s broader vision to invest in and develop the women’s game across all member associations.

The 2024 edition of WAFCON promises to be the most competitive yet, with top nations across the continent set to battle for supremacy.

The tournament will also serve as a platform to showcase emerging talents and reinforce the growing commercial and cultural influence of women’s football in Africa.

With the unveiling of this bold new identity, CAF sends a clear message: the future of African football is female, and that future is now.

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