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FOOTBALLERS OF DUAL NATIONALITIES ELIGIBLE FOR EAGLES

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Nigerian Footballers with Dual Nationalities and Eligible to Play For Super Eagles.

Nigeria is blessed with some of the most talented footballers both home and abroad. In this report, ANTHONY NLEBEN takes a look at some Nigerians with dual nationalities, who could dump their countries of birth for Nigeria, the country of their parents

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Eberechi Oluchi Eze is an English-Nigerian midfielder with Premier League club Crystal Palace.

Eze made his debut for England’s U-20 team in 2018 and also captained the side at the 2019 Toulon Tournament, making seven appearances for the side.

In 2019, Nigeria Football Federation president Amaju Pinnick met with Eze to try to persuade him to switch his allegiance to Nigeria.

As at the time, Eze, who was with Championship side QPR, said he was undecided on which country to represent.

But Pinnick stated, “It appears to me that he would want to play for Nigeria, but again, there is a lot of pressure on these players who play in England.”

In May 2021, Eze was called up to the senior England squad for the first time, as part of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2020, but on the same day was injured during a training session.

But he’s been ignored by Southgate ever since, which could spell good news for the Eagles.

The creative midfielder broke through as a winger and, to begin with, largely played on the left for QPR, but the fact he was handed the No.10 shirt only a few months after making his first-team debut gave an indication as to where he believes his future lies. He impressed as a creative, dynamic number 10 for QPR, floating across the front line and into deeper positions and knitting together his team’s moves with clever movements and deft touches.

Destiny Udogie (Udinese)

Fast-improving defender Udogie was born in Italy to Nigerian parents and made his debut with Italy’s U-16 squad in 2018, and has gone on to represent the Italians at U-17, U-18, U-19 and U-21 levels.

The Verona-born Nigeria-eligible left-back has been an integral part of Udinese defence, with six appearances and two goals for the Serie A club this season.

The 19-year-old has reiterated his desire to play for the Azzurris, ahead of Nigeria. But having been snubbed by Italy for the ongoing UEFA Nations League, despite his impressive form, analysts feel the wing-back might make a U-turn and switch to Nigeria at senior level.

A pure left-footed player blessed with a rasping shot and devastating crossing ability, Udogie also has quite a remarkable physical profile for someone of his age.

With great pace, dribbling and passing abilities, as well as his offensive play, a reversal of his decision could help solve the Eagles’ problematic left-back position.

Ethan Nwaneri (Arsenal)

The teenager made his Premier League debut against Brentford, becoming the youngest ever Arsenal player, and the youngest player, at 15 years, five months and 28 days, to appear in the English topflight, when he debuted against Brentford Sept 18.

Nwaneri began the 2022/23 season playing for Arsenal’s U-18 team, but because he was in such good form, he was quickly moved up to play for Arsenal’s U-21 side.

The midfielder can operate as a No.10 but can play in every attacking position, with an innate capacity to receive and dribble with the ball at his feet. He is also comfortable in both wide and central roles.

With the youngster yet to file out for England at any level, there is still a chance he can represent Nigeria at youth categories, if he makes the mark, and go on to senior level.

Michael Folorunsho (Bari)

Folorunsho is a 24-year-old Italian footballer of Nigerian descent who plays for Serie B club Bari on loan from Napoli

The midfielder has played in every one of Bari’s six Serie B matches in 2022/23, starting in all six.

Folorunsho has scored two Serie B goals this season, making him the club’s third-top league scorer.

He has been described as a player who can play in all midfield and attacking roles and whose best qualities are speed, physicality and technique.

Jonas David (Hamburger SV)

David, born March 8, 2000, has a Nigerian father and German mother, and plays as a centre-back for Bundesliga side Hamburger SV.

David began playing football in the youth department of Meiendorfer SV, before moving to the youth system of Eintracht Norderstedt in 2013.

In 2018, David indicated interest in playing for Nigeria.

“My father is from Nigeria while my mother is a German. They have always stated that they will support my decision. I’m ready to honour Nigeria and do my best for the country,” he said.

“Though I was born and raised here in Germany, I won’t hesitate to play for the Super Eagles. I am ready to play for Nigeria.”

He was reportedly blocked by Hamburger from honouring an invitation to the Flying Eagles.

He already has a promising future ahead of him, having played competitive matches for Germany during the 2019 European U-19 Championship qualifiers as well as featuring at U-20 level.

Noah Ohio (Liege)

Striker Ohio was born in the Netherlands to Nigerian parents, and moved to England at a young age. He is thus eligible to play for Nigeria, England and the Netherlands at international level. He has, however, represented the Netherlands and England at youth levels.

Despite having played for both England and Netherlands youth teams, his loyalties lie with the latter.

“I feel Mancunian and I’m at home there. My family and my closest friends live in Manchester and I went to school there. But I feel Dutch, too. It is where I took my first footballing steps, so it is an honour to play for them.”

There is no doubting Ohio’s qualities and determination.

The young forward once walked out on Manchester United to join bitter rivals Manchester City and then turned down a contract on the Blue side of town to sign for RB Leipzig.

Will he also turn down the English and Dutch sides for Nigeria at senior level?

Michael Olise (Crystal Palace)

Olise, 20, was born in England to a Nigerian father and French-Algerian mother and is eligible to represent either France, Algeria, England or Nigeria internationally.

He was called up to the France U-18 side for the 2019 Toulon Tournament and made his debut in 2019, against Qatar U23.

In March 2021, Olise was named as a standby for the Nigeria squad in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.

Kevin Schade (SC Freiburg)

Though born and lived all his life in Germany, Freiburg’s flying winger, Schade, has expressed his desire to play for the country of his father as he is eligible for Nigeria inspite of having played for Germany at the U-21 level.

Schade is fast and has a keen eye for goal. His strong heading ability and willingness to get the final ball through incisive runs have stood him out as one of the best youngsters in the German league.

The winger was the fastest player last season in the league, clocking 36.7km/h.

He can also play in a variety of positions across the attack and in the midfield and is rated as one of the best young players in German football.

Joshua Zirkzee (Bologna)

Zirkzee was born in the Netherlands to a Nigerian father and plays as a forward for Serie A club, Bologna

He’s played for the  Born in the Netherlands at youth levels.

Zirkzee left the Feyenoord academy in 2021 to join the youth set-up of Bayern Munich.

He then moved to Italian side Parma in January 2021 on a loan deal. He also played for Anderlecht on loan before a move to Serie A club Bologna on a permanent deal in August.

Hamdi Akujobi (Almere City)

Born January 12, 2000 in the Netherlands, Akujobi, who has a Nigerian father, was called up for the preliminary Flying Eagles squad for the 2019 U-20 World Cup.

In 2019, Akujobi signed his first professional contract with SC Heerenveen for three years, before joining Eerste Divisie club Almere City in July, signing a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.

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THE LONGEST BOXING FIGHT IN HISTORY

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The longest boxing fight in history was between Dick Hyland and Ray Campbell after a fight in 1913. It lasted 110 rounds, 7 hr 19 min (9:15 p.m.-4:34 a.m.), and was declared a no-contest (later changed to a draw).

The longest fight in history captured the attention and admiration of boxing enthusiasts worldwide with its unprecedented display of endurance and determination.

Lasting for an incredible 110 rounds over seven hours and 19 minutes, this battle of wills tested the physical and mental limits of both fighters.

The sheer craziness and unbelievable stamina exhibited during the match left spectators in awe, with some even succumbing to sleep from the sheer exhaustion of witnessing such a remarkable display of sportsmanship. This extraordinary event will undoubtedly live on in the book of boxing history.

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HIGHEST PARACHUTE JUMP AND LONGEST-EVER FREE-FALL

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Kittinger jumping out of the gondola of his balloon

Highest parachute jump and longest-ever free-fall happened on August 16, 1960, when 32-year-old U.S. Air Force Capt. Joe Kittinger ascended in a helium-balloon-tethered gondola to 102,800 feet (roughly 19 miles) above the Earth … and jumped.

His free-fall lasted 4 minutes and 36 seconds. He experienced temperatures approaching minus-100 degrees Fahrenheit. These are what make it the highest parachute jump and longest-ever free-fall.

As he fell, Kittinger neared the speed of sound, his pressure-suit-encased body traveling at more than 600 mph before he opened his parachute at around 14,000 feet.

To this day, incredibly, he still holds records for the highest parachute jump and longest-ever free-fall.

PARACHUTING AND SKYDIVING

Throughout the years, parachuting and skydiving have been used interchangeably to describe the same idea — jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. But while these two words describe similar activities, they’re two distinct hobbies.

In this blog, we’ll define parachuting and skydiving before looking at four major differences between the two sports.

WHAT IS PARACHUTING?

Parachuting is the process of controlling a descent to the ground by means of using a parachute itself. The parachute can come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and parachuting can have a wide variety of purposes.

You may have seen parachuters at sporting events or special occasions, and you may have also heard of paratroopers in the military who use parachuting for combat purposes.

WHAT IS SKYDIVING?

Skydiving is the process of jumping into a controlled freefall for a long vertical distance (typically several thousand feet) before using a parachute to safely arrive at the ground. Skydiving is practiced as a hobby and an extreme sport, and it’s known for producing an adrenaline rush that few other activities can match.

Many people have skydiving on their “bucket lists” for the unique thrill of falling through the air and arriving safely on the ground, and others — like our skydiving instructors — have turned it into a career.

With both of these terms defined, let’s take a look at the fundamental differences between parachuting and skydiving.

4 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN PARACHUTING & SKYDIVING

Definitions are nice, but sometimes it helps to have a side-by-side comparison.

1. FREEFALL

Freefall is the phenomenon of plummeting through the air without a parachute active.

Depending on their jumping altitude, skydivers typically enjoy 30 to 90 seconds of freefall while they’re unencumbered by any safety net. It’s not until they get closer to the ground that they deploy their parachute for a few minutes of breezy floating before touchdown. 

In contrast, most parachuters release their chute soon after they’re out of the aircraft. This means they’re in freefall for a much shorter amount of time, and they have a much more controlled descent than skydivers may. It also takes longer for a parachuter to reach the ground than a skydiver simply because the parachute is deployed so much earlier.

2. ALTITUDE

Because parachuters have their chute deployed for almost all of their fall, they’re moving at a significantly slower rate than skydivers. Their parachute immediately softens their acceleration, “lifting” them with the upward force of air collecting inside of the parachute.

A parachuting jump may start around 5,000 feet in altitude. This is about all the higher you want to go so that you could get favorable winds, oxygen levels, and temperature as you reach the ground.

Skydivers, on the other hand, rush toward the ground at a faster speed (up to 120 mph) and accelerate to that speed quickly when they are freefalling without a parachute deployed.

This is why skydivers need a higher altitude — to enjoy freefall to its fullest. At Chicagoland Skydiving Center, we offer jumps between 9,000 and 18,000 feet in the air, which take a little less than 10 minutes to complete from the moment a skydiver leaves the aircraft.

3. PURPOSE

The first parachute jump was engineered by balloonist André-Jacque Garnerin, who jumped from the basket of his hot air balloon in 1797. It wasn’t long after this revolutionary discovery that others began to see the utility behind the concept of a safe, controlled descent through the air. Parachutes soon became an integral part of military operations over the coming centuries.

Modern parachuting is often pursued by paratroopers and military personnel these days, as opposed to a recreational activity. Parachuters are often paratroopers who are using their chutes as a quick means to get from air to ground.

Skydiving, on the other hand, is much more of a hobby. In fact, it’s classified as a sport (and an “extreme sport”) by those who pursue it professionally. Sponsorships and teams exist throughout the world, most notably the Red Bull Skydiving, based around complicated acrobatic routines that take place during freefall.

There’s also some area of overlap between parachuting and skydiving in terms of practice. High altitude, low oxygen (HALO) jumps are practiced as stealthy means of deploying troops by the military and also as an adrenaline-pumping opportunity by skydiving athletes.

4. SOLO REQUIREMENTS

Skydiver falls through the air. All right! Thumbs up! Parachuting is fun!

Perhaps one of the most notable differences between parachuting and skydiving is the requirement to jump by yourself.

Parachuting has fairly lax requirements to commit to a solo jump since the parachute is constantly deployed, there are multiple pulls to deploy the parachute, and a litany of other safety measures. In fact, there are now self-deploying parachutes that kick into action once the parachuter hits a certain altitude.

However, skydiving is significantly stricter because of the element of freefall. Freefall, for all its fun and adrenaline rushes, is inherently dangerous since you can reach speeds near terminal velocity.

(That’s the speed at which you can no longer accelerate in freefall — it doesn’t mean you’re going to die once you reach that speed.)

Skydivers also have automatic parachute deployment, but again, freefall makes things different. The jumper needs to be able to read an altimeter and other instruments as they’re in freefall, which is phenomenally challenging without the proper training.

First-time free-fallers don’t know how to read altitude devices nor do they have the experience to judge when it’s necessary to release the chute with enough time to slow down before reaching the ground.

While all skydiving parachute backpacks are required to have an automatic activation device (AAD) that senses altitude and deploys the parachute, this backup “reserve” chute is intended for emergencies only.

Altogether, these are the reasons why you must be licensed to jump by yourself as a skydiver. It’s also why non-licensed individuals must jump with a certified, licensed instructor in a tandem skydive.

In order to freefall on your own, you’ll need to go to “skydiving school” and get a skydiving license.

Source: Facebook and The CSC Blog

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LIONEL MESSI’S PREFERRED MOVE WOULD BE BACK TO BARCELONA, FATHER AND AGENT SAYS

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Lionel Messi's father says his son's preferred move is back to Barcelona.

Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge Messi, says his son’s preferred move would be a return to Barcelona during the summer transfer window.

Messi played his last match for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, ending a two-year stay in the French capital which had become tumultuous of late.

The World Cup winner was booed on more than one occasion by PSG fans this season, including when he walked onto the pitch at the Parc des Princes stadium to celebrate the team’s Ligue 1 title on Sunday.

Among the clubs vying for his contract is Al-Hilal, with Reuters reporting last month that Messi had received a formal offer to join the Saudi club.

However, when asked by journalists if returning to Barcelona, where Messi spent 17 trophy-laden years, would be his son’s preferred move, Jorge answered: “Yes.”

Jorge was then asked if the Messi family was confident of a return to the Catalan club, to which he responded: “I would love it.”

Messi left Barcelona in tears in 2021 after financial mismanagement at the club, which was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic, meant it was unable to offer its talisman a new contract.

The Argentine won two Ligue 1 titles in his two seasons at PSG, but was unable to help the club win the Champions League for the first time in its history.

Messi’s time at the club ended acrimoniously after PSG suspended him for taking an unauthorized trip abroad, with the Argentine later apologizing.

Barça legend

Now a move back to the club where Messi turned from schoolboy to sporting legend is on the cards.

At 17 years old, he made his first of 778 appearances for the Blaugrana, becoming the youngest player to represent the club in an official game at the time.

He went on to break the club’s goalscoring record and won 35 trophies during his time at the Camp Nou – including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions Leagues.

Under new coach and club legend Xavi, Barcelona this year won its first La Liga title in four years.

“For me, there’s no doubt that if Messi comes back, he will help us on a football level,” Xavi told Barcelona-based newspaper SPORT in a recent interview.

“I let the president [Joan Laporta] know this. I have no doubts, no doubt at all that he will help because he is still a decisive footballer, because he still has hunger, because he’s a winner, because he’s a leader and because, also, he’s a different, different player,” added Xavi, who told SPORT that he still talks to Messi.

“We don’t have a Barça on a talent level like 2010, for example. And what would Messi bring? He’d bring talent. Final pass, set pieces, goals … in the final third, he’s a player on a different level.

“As such, and because of the way I want to play, the way the staff wants to play too, for me there’s no doubt that he would help us a lot, but it all depends on him. In the end, the one who calls the shots at this time is Leo. There’s no doubt.”

CNN

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