Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach

Saudi Arabian outfit, Al Nassr on Tuesday sacked Luis Castro as coach of the club.

The Saudi Pro League club announced on Tuesday that Castro had been dismissed from his role following weeks of speculation over his future.

“Al Nassr can announce that Head Coach Luis Castro has left the Club,” read a club statement, posted on X.

“Everyone at Al Nassr would like to thank Luis and his staff for their dedicated work during the past 14 months, wishing them the best of luck for the future.”

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Castro, 63, leaves Al Nassr seventh in the Saudi Pro League, three games into the new season.

Meanwhile, former AC Milan head coach Stefano Pioli is set to take charge of the Saudi club instead, with a deal “on the verge” of being agreed.

Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach

Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina

Nigerian international Ademola Lookman was the star of the show on Sunday, delivering a match-winning performance as Atalanta secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Fiorentina in an explosive Serie A encounter at the Gewiss Stadium.

Lookman not only scored the decisive goal but also provided a crucial assist that helped Atalanta draw level earlier in the match.

Fiorentina took the lead early in the game, but Lookman’s magic inspired Atalanta’s comeback.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute when Lucas Martinez Quarta capitalized on a rebound, rifling the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Atalanta, however, responded quickly. In the 21st minute, Lookman sent a superb cross into the box, and Mateo Retegui connected with a powerful header that left Fiorentina goalkeeper David de Gea with no chance, leveling the score at 1-1.

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Fiorentina regained the lead in the 32nd minute when Moise Kean tapped home after Robin Gosens headed the ball across the goal. Moments later, Kean came close to adding a third but saw his effort hit the post.

Atalanta fought back once again, and just before halftime, Charles De Ketelaere’s deft header from an Ederson free kick made it 2-2.

The momentum had shifted, and it didn’t take long for Lookman to showcase his individual brilliance. In first-half stoppage time, he embarked on a solo run, weaving through the Fiorentina defence before slotting the ball into the bottom left corner to give Atalanta a 3-2 lead.

Lookman nearly extended his tally in the second half, coming close to scoring on several occasions, including a narrow miss in the 49th minute.

Despite Fiorentina’s pressure, Atalanta held on for a crucial victory, with goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi also making a number of key saves to secure the win.

Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina

AfroBasket: Junior D’Tigress fall to record champions in final

The U-18 national women’s basketball team, the Junior D’Tigress, failed to win the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket 2024 final on Saturday.

The team lost 56-76 to Mali that clinched a record ninth title.

A report by Premium Times notes that despite a strong start with a 5-0 run, the Nigerians struggled to keep up with the dominant Malian side.

Mali won all four quarters, taking the first 11-8, the second 18-15, the third 24-19, and the fourth quarter with a commanding 23-14.

The Malians excelled in the paint, outscoring Nigeria 30-16, and capitalised on fast breaks, adding 15 points. Nigeria’s bench was more productive, contributing 24 points compared to Mali’s 12.

Mali’s 17-year-old Oummou Koumare was named FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket’s Most Valuable Player.

Nigerian guard Idubamo Beggi earned a spot in the All-Star team of the tournament.

She scored 23 points in the opening loss to Egypt and the semifinal victory over Uganda, although the Malians held her to 14 points in the final.

Beggi also contributed 32 assists and 17 rebounds throughout the tournament in South Africa.