Other Sports
Two Ukrainian sportsmen killed in Russian invasion
Ukraine’s former rugby and water polo captains Oleksi Tsibko and Yevhen Obedinsky have been killed during Russia’s ongoing invasion of the country.
Tsibko reportedly died fighting Russian forces close to the town of Bucha on March 31.
The 55-year-old’s death has been confirmed this week by the Ukrainian Rugby Federation.
Tsibko had captained the Ukrainian national team, before serving as the Ukrainian Rugby Federation President from 2003 to 2005.
He later served as the Mayor of Smela between 2015 and 2018.
Tsibko was buried at the Baykove cemetery in Kyiv.
Rugby Europe President and International Olympic Committee member Octavian Morariu was among those to pay tribute to Tsibko.
“Even though I hoped that this news won’t be confirmed, unfortunately, I can now sadly say that Oleksi Tsibko, former captain of the Ukrainian national team, former President of the Ukrainian Rugby Union and also Mayor of Smela City died defending his town and his country,” Morariu wrote.
“May he rest in peace and be always remembered.”
World Rugby President Sir Bill Beaumont tweeted: “On @UN #SportsDay, our thoughts are with the Ukraine rugby family who are facing such incredible challenges at present.
“We also remember those who have been victims of the recent violence, including the former union President Oleksii Tsibko.
“We stand with Ukraine in condemning this needless violence and will continue to offer solidarity and friendship.”
Russian forces withdrew from Bucha on March 31, with the dead bodies of civilians having been pictured.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described the evidence from the town as “genocide”, with the town’s Mayor reporting that more than 300 people have been found dead.
Satellite images on March 10 showed a mass grave had been dug outside a church.
Russia has claimed, without evidence, the massacre has been staged by Ukraine.
Obedinsky, Ukraine’s former water polo captain, has also been killed in fighting.
Obedinsky’s death was reported by his father Oleksandr Obedinsky, who previously served as a national team coach.
The 39-year-old was reportedly killed on March 17 in the Russian siege of Mariupol.
His 12-year-old daughter has been taken to the Russian occupied city of Donestsk, with a campaign having begun to reunite her with her grandfather.
Russia and Belarus – which is providing military assistance to the invasion – have been largely exiled from international sport since the war began.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recommended International Federations ban Russian athletes, as well as Belarusian competitors, from all international competitions.
The IOC also urged world governing bodies and event organisers to move all competitions from Belarus and Russia.
However, it has not suspended either National Olympic Committee or taken any action against Russian IOC members.
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History will be made in Lagos as the city becomes the first on the African continent to host the world’s all-electric powerboat championship, the E1 Series, from October 3 to 5, 2025.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Nigeria and Africa, as the E1 Lagos Grand Prix brings cutting-edge water sport, innovation, and environmental sustainability to the continent’s shores for the first time.
Sharing the news on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the event as “a demonstration of innovation and progress, showing how sport can inspire sustainable solutions for the future.”
He added: “It is also a celebration of the creativity and resilience that define our people. This occasion gives us the opportunity to showcase Lagos to the world as we know it: welcoming, dynamic, and determined to embrace the future with confidence.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu also extended an open invitation to Lagosians and the global community to witness the groundbreaking spectacle.
“The E1 Lagos Grand Prix is a chance for Lagos, and for Africa, to stand proudly on the global stage,” he said.
Traditionally renowned for its passion for land-based sports like football, Africa is now set to explore its aquatic potential as the UIM E1 Series, presented by PIF, transforms Lagos’ waterfront into a thrilling race track.
Scheduled for October 4–5, the E1 Lagos Grand Prix promises a unique blend of speed, culture, and sustainability, turning the city’s coastline into a symbol of Africa’s readiness to embrace innovation and green technology in sports.
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Pastor Enoch A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) has unveiled a full-size stadium and an Olympic-size 50-metre swimming pool at the Peaceville International Academy, located within the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.
The esteemed cleric was accompanied by his wife, Pastor Folu Adeboye, along with top church leaders including Pastor Joseph Obayemi; RCCG National Overseer, Pastor Sunday Akande, and the management of Peaceville International Academy led by Head of School Dolapo Fatoki.
The event was graced by several board members of the school, including Leke Adeoye, Olugbenga Omojola, Ayoola Jolayemi, Noah Osato, and Mrs Busola Ogunsiji.
Reflecting on his past, Pastor Adeboye lamented the lack of such facilities during his university days and the general scarcity of quality sports amenities across the country.
“This kind of well-grassed stadium and serene environment were not available in universities during our time. Remarkably, God has made this possible in a secondary school, showing that He is on our side,” he remarked.
He offered prayers for those who contributed to the realization of these facilities and expressed his vision for the school to become a global brand.
In her welcome address, Pastor Mrs. Adeboye, the founder of the college, described the institution as a legacy made possible by God’s support.
She thanked her husband for his unwavering support in making the school a reality and emphasized the importance of the sports facilities in moulding Godly champions.
The unveiling ceremony also featured a novelty match to celebrate Pastor Adeboye’s 83rd birthday, with him performing the ceremonial kick-off for the match between Redemption City FC and Region 1 FC. The home team triumphed with a 4-0 victory.
Head of School Dolapo Fatoki highlighted that the facilities would be judiciously used to enhance the physical well-being of students and position the school as a hub for sports development in Ogun State and Nigeria.
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Championship promotion chasers Burnley clocked up 1,000 minutes without conceding a league goal as they drew 0-0 at Preston North End on Saturday to stay third in the table.
It was Burnley’s 24th Championship clean sheet of the season and their 11th in a row — a new English second-tier record.
In 33 Championship games their miserly defence has been breached only nine times and no opposition player has scored against them in the league since Dec. 21.
Burnley keeper James Trafford has faced only 21 shots on target in achieving his 11 successive clean sheets — including two penalties which he saved against Sunderland.
Scott Parker’s side need just one more clean sheet to match the Championship record of Queen’s Park Rangers in 2010-11.
“It’s something we pride ourselves on. We’re proud of being hard to beat and if you can’t win games, don’t lose them,” Burnley midfielder Josh Cullen told the club’s website.
“We come away with a point thanks to that defensive record and being solid again here at a tough place.”
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