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Stan Okoye Shuts Down ‘Saviour’ Claims After D’Tigers Revive World Cup Qualification Hopes

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D’Tigers forward Stan Okoye has dismissed claims that he single-handedly rescued Nigeria’s 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualification campaign, insisting the team’s recent resurgence was built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

Okoye played a key role as Nigeria secured crucial victories during the latest qualification window in Luanda, Angola, defeating Tunisia, Guinea and Rwanda to breathe new life into their World Cup hopes under new head coach David Fizdale.

Read Also: Statement Made! D’Tigers Complete Perfect 3-0 Sweep With 44-Point Rout of Rwanda | Sports247 Nigeria

The experienced guard, one of the leaders in the D’Tigers squad, believes the team’s turnaround was largely due to the return of several core players who brought quality, experience and stability to the squad.

“I don’t think it’s fair to say one player rescued the team. This was a collective effort, and everyone contributed to the victories,” Okoye said.

Nigeria entered the qualification window under pressure after a difficult start to the campaign, but three consecutive wins have dramatically improved the country’s chances of progressing to the next phase of the African qualifiers.

Okoye credited the improved squad depth and team spirit for the impressive performances, stressing that the players remained focused on achieving the objective rather than seeking individual recognition.

“We had more of our core players available this time, and that made a big difference. Our focus was on getting the results Nigeria needed, not on individual performances,” he added.

The former Basket Zaragoza and Gran Canaria star also revealed that the team drew motivation from Nigeria’s position in the FIBA world rankings, with the players determined to restore the country’s status among Africa’s basketball elite.

With momentum now firmly on Nigeria’s side, Okoye believes D’Tigers have laid a strong foundation for the remainder of the qualification campaign, expressing confidence that the team can continue building under Fizdale as they pursue a place at the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup.

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NiMet predicts three-day rain, thunderstorms nationwide from Monday

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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast cloudy skies, thunderstorms and moderate to heavy rains across the country from Monday to Wednesday.

NiMet disclosed this in its weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja, advising residents to take precautions during thunderstorms.

For the northern region, the agency forecast thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Adamawa, Kebbi and Taraba states on Monday morning.

It predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day.

For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast thunderstorms with light rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Plateau and Benue.

Other areas include Kogi, Nasarawa and Kwara states, particularly during Monday morning.

NiMet said thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains were expected over most parts of the North-Central region during the afternoon or evening.

For the southern region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies, with prospects of light rains over parts of Ebonyi, Edo and Delta states.

Other affected states include Abia, Cross River, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Bayelsa states, particularly during the morning hours.

The agency predicted light rains over parts of the South-East, South-South and South-West later on Monday.

For Tuesday, NiMet forecast patches of clouds over the northern region, with chances of thunderstorms and light rains over parts of Adamawa, Sokoto and Kebbi.

Taraba State was also expected to experience thunderstorms accompanied by light rains during the morning hours.

The agency predicted thunderstorms with moderate rains over parts of Kaduna, Katsina, Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states later on Tuesday.

It forecast cloudy skies across the North-Central region during the morning, followed by thunderstorms with moderate rains later in the day.

NiMet anticipated cloudy skies across the southern region on Tuesday, with prospects of light morning rains over parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The agency, however, forecast light rains over most parts of the southern region later in the day.

For Wednesday, NiMet envisaged partly cloudy skies across the northern region, with chances of morning thunderstorms over several states.

The affected states include Adamawa, Taraba, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

The agency predicted thunderstorms accompanied by heavy rains over parts of Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and Adamawa later on Wednesday.

Taraba, Bauchi, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina and Gombe states were also expected to experience heavy rains.

For the North-Central region, NiMet forecast cloudy skies during the morning hours, followed by thunderstorms with heavy rains later in the day.

It also forecast cloudy skies across the southern region, with chances of morning light rains over parts of Imo, Abia, Rivers and Cross River states.

Akwa Ibom State was also expected to experience light morning rains, while most parts of the southern region could record heavy rains later.

NiMet warned that strong winds could precede thunderstorms and urged residents to fasten loose objects to prevent accidents.

The agency advised motorists to avoid driving during heavy rainfall and urged residents to disconnect electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

It also advised residents to stay away from tall trees to avoid injuries from falling branches or broken trees.

“Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations,” it said.

NiMet urged residents to remain informed through regular weather updates and take appropriate precautions during periods of severe weather. 

(NAN)

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NPFL: Kano Pillars edge Tornadoes, Plateau United secure first win

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Kano Pillars defeated Niger Tornadoes 3-2 in a thrilling Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL, matchday two encounter at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Sunday.

The hosts scored twice in the first half through Ubong Friday and Fabian Nworie.

Nworie scored his second and Kano Pillars’ third nine minutes after the break.

Niger Tornadoes scored twice through Godfrey Joseph and Wasiu Jimoh but were unable to find the equaliser.

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At the New Jos Stadium, Plateau United recorded their first win of the season, edging Kwara United 1-0.

Alex Aghahowa’s 29th minute strike separated the two teams on the night.

In Lafia, Nasarawa United scraped past Bendel Insurance 1-0 courtesy of Sam Pam’s 55th minute strike.

In the day’s other fixture, Kun Khalifat FC were held to a 0-0 by Barau FC at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.

Full Results

Kun Khalifat 0-0 Barau

Nasarawa Utd 1-0 Bendel Insurance

Plateau Utd 1-0 Kwara Utd

Kano Pillars 3-2 Niger Tornadoes

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