🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian wrestler Oba Femi discusses transition from Olympic hopeful to WWE star
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
Nigerian professional wrestler Isaac Odugbesan, known as Oba Femi in World Wrestling Entertainment, has detailed his journey from an Olympic medal hopeful in shot put to a WWE superstar. Earlier this month, Oba Femi defeated WWE veteran Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 42 in Las Vegas in under five minutes. His victory involved dominating key moments, enduring Lesnar’s “F5,” and securing the win with a chokeslam and his finishing move, “Fall From Grace.” Oba Femi's rising profile is linked to his Nigerian background; he previously competed for the University of Lagos at the National University Games, winning individual honors in athletics before moving abroad in 2017. He continued track and field in the United States, winning the SEC Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2021 and 2022, and the outdoor title in 2020. By 2021, he joined WWE’s Next In Line initiative, which recruits collegiate athletes for professional wrestling. He stated that WWE contacted him via Instagram for a trial, and he signed with the company on December 8, 2021, after a tryout in August 2021.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
New York City has temporarily renamed streets in honor of football legends Thierry Henry and Pele in anticipation of the World Cup. The tournament, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, begins on Thursday, with the final scheduled for next month at the MetLife Stadium, rebranded as the New York New Jersey Stadium. City officials unveiled "Thierry Henry Way" at West 50th Street and 6th Avenue in downtown Manhattan. Henry, a former Arsenal and Barcelona player and 1998 World Cup winner with France, appeared via video call. He also played five seasons with the New York Red Bulls in Major League Soccer until 2014. Additionally, the intersection of Shea Road and Meridian Road in Queens was renamed after Brazilian legend Pele. These temporary street names will remain in place until November 1.
Must ReadThe Nigerian Army announced it has resolved tensions following an unauthorized incursion by Cameroonian troops into the Danare community in the Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, was contained by Nigerian troops, preventing escalation. Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, stated that troops at the Forward Operating Base, Danare, responded to reports of Cameroonian soldiers and contacted Cameroonian military authorities. This engagement led to the withdrawal of the foreign troops. Preliminary findings indicate the incident originated from a dispute over levy collection on farmland between Danare, Nigeria, and Dadi, Cameroon. The General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, has directed the Commander, 13 Brigade, to meet with his Cameroonian counterpart to strengthen border coordination, clarify operational procedures, and prevent recurrence. Ayeni assured residents that normalcy has returned and troops remain vigilant, urging calm and caution against spreading unverified information.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off on Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa in Mexico City. This expanded tournament features 48 teams and is projected to generate $13 billion in revenue. However, FIFA has faced criticism regarding high ticket prices and visa complications, which have affected a referee, Iranian team officials, and fans. FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization, stating that the $60 entry price for some tickets is the lowest among American sports playoff phases, and the average price of under $500 is also the lowest. Infantino addressed the situation of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States due to security concerns, acknowledging it was unfortunate but stating FIFA does not control everything. He also highlighted Iran's participation despite military tensions with the US as a success for FIFA. Infantino credited US President Trump's involvement as crucial for the World Cup to be held in the United States, with Trump confirming his plans to attend some matches. South Africa's coach Hugo Broos emphasized the need for his team to focus on their game despite the large Mexican crowd, while Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre expressed determination to win their opening match, a feat they have not achieved in seven previous attempts. South Korea and the Czech Republic will play the second game of the opening day.