“create your path”: Israel Adesanya warns aspiring athletes against emulating him – Newstrends
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“create your path”: Israel Adesanya warns aspiring athletes against emulating him

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Israel Adesanya

“create your path”: Israel Adesanya warns aspiring athletes against emulating him

Nigerian-born UFC star, Israel Adesanya, has implored young people and aspiring athletes not to follow his footsteps and chart their own course.

Adesanya gave the advice while fielding questions when he attended a Celestial Church of Christ service in Lagos.

The Last Stylebender admonished his supporters and admirers to create their own path and draw inspiration from him and other celebrated and accomplished athletes.

The fighter, who donned a Celestial garment in a video online, also underscored the importance of faith in his career, adding that after preparing for fights, he also holds onto faith.

He said: “Don’t try and follow in my footsteps. I’d say create your path. Get inspiration from someone like myself and what I have done and use it to further yourself in your own life.

“I feel like people trying to copy what someone’s done right now isn’t worth it. If you’re inspired by what someone has done, take that inspiration and use it in your own life.”

“Faith is something you have to have in this life. You can’t walk by side, you have to walk by faith. Faith has guided me a lot through my life and not just my career alone.

“I just trust in myself and trust in the high power. I trust and believe in who I am and I stand steadfast in it.”

“I prepare for my fight through training, hard work, and sometimes, you don’t know what the outcome is going to be and you just have to have faith.

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“Faith is something I hold on to in life in general and it helps me in all parts of my life and even in my career,” Adesanya added.

The Nigerian-born athlete, who arrived in Lagos last Wednesday, received a hero’s welcome despite his recent UFC 305 loss to South African fighter, Dricus Du Plessis.

He had also visited his hometown of Esa-Oke in Osun State.

Adesanya had also been spotted enjoying the Lagos nightlife as he hit a popular club on Lagos Island Friday night.

The mixed martial arts star shared glimpses of his outing on his Instagram stories, drawing attention from fans and celebrities alike.

Despite losing to Dricus du Plessis in a thrilling UFC 305 main event, Adesanya reportedly earned more than the reigning champion.

The bout, which took place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, saw Du Plessis successfully defend his UFC Middleweight Championship for the first time, forcing Adesanya to tap out in the fourth round.

The fight, which was the first-ever UFC title clash between two African fighters, held significant historical importance and generated substantial financial rewards for both competitors.

According to reports from The Sportster, Adesanya, a former two-time middleweight champion, was guaranteed $750,000 for the fight, while Du Plessis got $500,000.

“create your path”: Israel Adesanya warns aspiring athletes against emulating him

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Ronaldo’s Al Nassr fires head coach

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Luis Castroa and Ronaldo

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

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Ademola Lookman’s masterclass seals win for Atalanta against Fiorentina

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Ademola Lookman

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

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

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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.

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