Sports

AFCON 2021: Nine Senegalese Players Test Positive For COVID-19

Published

4 years ago

January 5, 2022

With few days to the start of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, one of the favourite teams going into the competition, The Teranga Lions of Senegal have been thrown into confusion as nine of their players tested positive for COVID-19 thereby delaying their departure from Dakar to team base in Cameroon.

Aliou Cisse’s side, who are 9/2 favourites to lift the trophy in February, were due to leave Dakar for their base in Cameroon on Tuesday, but it has been confirmed that the journey has now been delayed in the wake of the positive tests.

Nine of the travelling party returned positive results, with Leicester’s Nampalys Mendy among three players to have caught the virus. Pape Sarr – on loan at Metz from Tottenham – and Mame Thiam of Kayserispor in Turkey are the other two.

Watford’s injured star man Ismaila Sarr is also now with the group, much to the dismay of the Premier League club who believe he is not fit enough to play any part in the tournament.

It is as yet unclear when Senegal’s team, which includes Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate and Napoli captain Kalidou Koulibaly, will leave their home country to head to the tournament.

Senegal’s opening match of the tournament is on Monday against Zimbabwe in Bafoussam, before they face Guinea and Malawi in a group they should breeze through.

The team will be based in Bafoussam throughout AFCON, and they were due to head there on a four-hour flight from Dakar on Tuesday after their reception with the country’s president Macky Sall.They did meet the leader in Dakar, but the later flight was delayed and alternative travel plans are now being scheduled.

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Basketball

Over ₦5 Million Up for Grabs as 2025 Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Skills Challenge Kicks Off November 14

Published

5 hours ago

November 7, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Over the years, the Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Tournament has become a major grassroots platform impacting the lives of young Nigerians. Many talented youths have realized their dreams through this initiative, which continues to inspire and empower communities across the country.

Building on these successes, this year’s edition slated for 14^th to 15^th of November in Abuja promises to be even bigger, featuring over 5,000 young participants who will compete in various exciting categories.

The event will feature over 5,000 national dancers across the country; 24 Young basketballers will be selected to play an important all-star Game and other impactful event.

The MO Basketball Arena in Zone 5 part of FCT is expected to come alive with creativity, energy, and skill when the 2025 edition, tagged Sam Oguche/Bullet Energy Drink Basketball Skills Challenge, tips off. Winners across different categories will share a total prize of over ₦5 million, making it one of the most anticipated sporting and entertainment events of the year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Friday, the convener, Samuel Oguche, expressed his appreciation to the media and partners for their continued support.

“First of all, we just want to appreciate everyone for being here with us today and for giving us this opportunity once again. This isn’t our first time partnering with you, and as always, Bullet Energy Drink has continued to stand firmly behind basketball Nigeria’s second most popular sport. For the past 10 years, Bullet has consistently supported the growth and promotion of the game,” Oguche said.

He added that the 2025 edition will bring a new level of excitement, combining sports and entertainment in a way never seen before.

“For the first time ever in Abuja, we’re hosting a National Dance Battle something truly unique and unprecedented.

“Dancers from across the country will converge in the city to compete for supremacy and a grand prize of ₦5 million. Alongside that, we’ll host an All-Star Basketball Game, featuring the best 24 players from Abuja and its environs on Saturday, November 15th.

“We’re also introducing something completely new to Nigeria a Basketball Skills Challenge, inspired by the NBA and global sports traditions. We’re proud to be the first brand to bring this kind of experience to Nigerian basketball. This event is all about innovation, excitement, and celebrating talent,” he said.

In his remarks, the representative of Bullet Energy Drink, Mr. Benedict Okoye, reaffirmed the brand’s commitment to supporting the development of sports and entertainment in Nigeria.

“We are truly delighted to be part of this initiative once again. Bullet has proudly supported basketball for the past 10 years, and it’s been an incredible journey watching the sport grow rapidly across the country,” Okoye said.

He noted that adding dance to the event was a strategic move to expand the impact of the brand’s engagement with youth and creativity.

“Dance is a universal language that everyone enjoys and connects with. We want to explore new horizons and creatively blend the beverage industry with dance and sports, not just in Nigeria but as a model that can inspire similar collaborations globally.

“Moving forward, we’re confident that this initiative will be a success and when it does, we’ll do even more. Our goal is to continue supporting Nigeria’s entertainment and creative community — whether through sports, dance, music, or other cultural expressions.

“We’re proud to play our part in creating opportunities and providing platforms that keep entertainment alive and thriving in Nigeria,” he added.

This year’s edition promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and youthful energy, reaffirming Bullet Energy Drink’s place as a leading supporter of grassroots sports and entertainment development in Nigeria.

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