Since arriving in Edo State on February 19, 2026, I have been closely following the 2nd Niger Delta Games. Before coming, I wondered how the organisers, Dunamis-Icon Limited, sponsored by The Niger Delta Commission, would manage to maintain the high standard set at the maiden edition in Akwa Ibom.
I must admit, I feared that the flashes of brilliance we witnessed in Akwa Ibom, the transparency, the excellent officiating, the accurate medal computations, the welfare of athletes, and the prompt release of medal tables, might have been just a one-off. From my experience, I knew the challenge ahead for the organisers was not small.
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As the 2nd Niger Delta Games draws to a close in Edo State today, I can confidently say that the organisers have not only met expectations, they have taught us important lessons.
First, they have shown that it is possible to treat athletes well. From the warmth and convenience provided to states to transport their athletes, to the comfortable accommodations and support throughout the competitions, the organisers demonstrated that athlete welfare is a priority.
Second, they have proved that it is possible to bring together officials and ensure competitions are conducted with fairness and integrity. Watching referees and judges officiate without bias and without undermining other competitions was truly exemplary.
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Third, they have shown that medal computation can be done correctly and transparently. Every medal table was accurate, with winners’ names listed correctly, and updates were released on time. This level of organisation sets a standard for sports administration across the country.
As we approach the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, Edo State lead the medal standing with 102 medals (50 Gold, 30 Silver and 22 Bronze), with Delta State in second place with 91 medals (34 Gold, 26 Silver, 31 Bronze). 1st edition winners Bayelsa State occupy third place with 66 medals (23 Gold, 20 Silver and 23 Bronze). Akwa Ibom complete the top four with 47 medals (12 Gold, 15 Silver and 20 Bronze).
As we wind down in Benin City, I can only applaud the organisers and their sponsors for a job well done. More importantly, I hope this standard is maintained for future editions. The Niger Delta Games have proven that with proper planning, transparency, and care for athletes, regional sports competitions can reach new heights, and we all stand to benefit from it.
Let this standard continue. We want it to continue.
Tennessee defensive back Colton Hood (8) and the Tennessee defense celebrate after a play stopping the New Mexico State offense in an NCAA college football game on November 15, 2025, in Knoxville, Tenn.
We are at the NFL Combine stage of the pre-draft process, where the Vikings brain trust will watch this year’s potential draftees perform physical and mental tests in front of coaches, general managers, and scouts. The chance for players to give their draft stock a boost by showing elite traits or proving fitness if there have been injury issues.
Seven Names That Match Minnesota’s Biggest 2026 Draft Priorities
I have picked out seven prospects who should be high on the Vikings’ agenda and worth extra attention this weekend. Mainly focusing on defense, the area of the team that I think is a priority in this draft, but also a couple of players on offense, too.
Caleb Banks (DT), Florida
Many are focusing on the Vikings’ secondary in this draft, but my early draft crush has been Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. The Gators DT can be a long-term partner for Jalen Redmond in the center of the Vikings’ defensive line.
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Jul 16, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida State Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks answers questions from the media during the SEC Media Days at Omni Atlanta Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
At 6’6″, 325 pounds, with arms over 35″, Caleb Banks has overwhelming size, length, and forklift power, to pair with inhuman burst and quickness at that size. An impressive display at The Combine can confirm his round one status. Given the history of injuries, the medical side will be closely monitored.
Dillon Thieneman (S), Oregon
Dillon Thieneman has been earmarked as the Harrison Smith replacement should Minnesota choose to do that through the draft rather than free agency. Brian Flores’ defense demands safeties who can blitz, drop into coverage, and diagnose plays pre-snap — Thieneman does all of this while reading the field like a veteran at 21 years old.
Thieneman’s draft projection is hovering around the early Day 2 and late first-round range. His Combine performance may dictate where the Vikings have to go to get him, should they want to.
Jermod McCoy (CB), Tennessee
The search for an outside CB ready to shut down WR1s has been a long one for Minnesota. Jermod McCoy can provide that while also being a ball hawk. He’d likely be well out of reach for the Vikings at 18 if it weren’t for the fact that McCoy tore his ACL in a preseason workout and missed the entire 2025 season.
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Interestingly, McCoy won’t work out at The Combine, which leaves more mystery around his recovery. Teams will look closely at his medical reports, which will be one of the big stories of the weekend.
Avieon Terrell (CB), Clemson
A CB in a different mold to McCoy, Avieon Terrell is an undersized but feisty corner who also has a knack for taking the ball away. Terrell – younger brother of Falcons All-Pro A.J. Terrell – has inside/outside versatility but would probably find more success playing in the slot in the NFL.
Nov 1, 2025; Clemson, South Carolina, USA; Clemson Tigers cornerback Avieon Terrell (8) reacts to a pass interference call during the NCAA football game against the Duke Blue Devil at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Alex Martin-Imagn Images
He will hope to impress with his elite quickness and short-area burst, convincing a team like Minnesota he is worth a mid-first-round pick.
Kenyon Sadiq (TE), Oregon
Kenyon Sadiq provided Oregon with a big play whenever it needed one last season. A dependable threat on third down or in the red zone, Sadiq is the top-rated TE in this year’s draft. He caught a team-high 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns, showing a penchant for getting open at various levels.
Sadiq is big and strong and moves as well as any tight end in this class. A good 40 time will put Sadiq’s draft over the top and start a serious conversation over whether he’s an option to replace the highly paid TJ Hockenson.
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Colton Hood (CB), Tennessee
Another option to be the lockdown CB the Vikings need is McCoy’s teammate at Tennessee, Colton Hood. At 6’0, and 195 lbs, Hood has an enticing blend of explosiveness, corrective twitch, proportional length, and physicality.
He had the opportunity to step up in McCoy’s absence and did just that. An impressive outing at The Combine can secure him first-round status and put him firmly on the Vikings’ radar.
Nick Singleton (RB), Penn State
The Vikings need a young, exciting prospect at RB, but with Jeremiyah Love likely to go in the top 10. The next group of RBs is, at best, Day 2 prospects. One player who can boost his draft stock at The Combine is Penn State’s Nick Singleton.
Penn State has a history of producing freak athletes, and Singleton is the latest at 220 lbs while expected to run in the low 4.4s on top of a massive broad jump. With three Day 2 picks to play with, that sort of performance will put Singleton in the Vikings’ eyeline.
Proud UK Viking. Family Man. Enjoy writing about my team. Away from football an advocate for autism acceptance.
No. 1-ranked Duke Blue Devils will host No. 11-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Blue Devils are looking to extend their winning streak to six, while the Cavaliers are aiming to reach 10.
With the game occurring at Noon, let’s look at the prediction, venue, odds and tips for today’s game.
Duke vs. Virginia Prediction
Here’s a look at the odds and forecasts for the showdown:
KenPom: Duke 75-65
BartTorvik: Duke 74-65
ESPN BPI: Duke +12.5
KenPom and BartTorvik have the Blue Devils winning by ten and nine points, respectively. They’re currently the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and will be a tough team to beat in March Madness.
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Duke vs. Virginia Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are having arguably their best season since Coach K announced his retirement. Cameron Boozer and Co. have lost just two games this season, with both coming against Top 20-ranked opponents. They lost by three points or less.
The Blue Devils are led by freshman phenom Cameron Boozer, the son of former Duke great Carlos Boozer. The younger Boozer is widely projected as a Top 3 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, and he’s been on a tear lately. The Cavaliers will have to contain him in the post and pay attention to a supporting cast stacked with future NBA talent.
The Virginia Cavaliers enter today’s game as one of the in-form teams in college basketball. They’re on a nine-game winning streak with a vast majority of those wins coming by comfortable margins.
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The Cavaliers are filled with experienced collegiate players out for one last national championship hurrah. Their 86-83 win over Miami last weekend featured three freshmen, one junior and four seniors. That’s in contrast to a Duke team that’s become a hub for high-profile freshmen in recent years.
Today’s game has all the markings of a late-season classic with both teams looking to close out February with a statement win. Ultimately, it could come down to the better-coached team and the set of players that want it more.
Where to watch Duke vs. Virginia
Date: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026
Time: Noon ET
TV Channel: ESPN
Venue: Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
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Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, or Kim Mulkey – who is NCAAW’s highest-paid coach? Find out here
The jockey Thomas Stockdale wants to keep the high of becoming a dad for the first time going by landing a major prize at Flemington.
Partnering Simon Zahra’s Onavuitton in Saturday’s Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), Stockdale recognizes the difficulty of the three-year-old event, which is known for occasional shocks.
Stockdale, married to Lily (daughter of ex-rider Peter Mertens), had son Ronnie born Sunday, with fatherhood’s energy rush lingering.
“They got home on Tuesday, and I’ve been pretty much running on adrenalin since,” Stockdale said.
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Family joys notwithstanding, the priority is Saturday’s ride for Stockdale’s greatest career success to date.
This year he won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on Unit Five at Gold Coast, though a Group 1 in his newborn’s birth week would top that.
Onavuitton sits at $26 betting against favourites Observer ($2.30), Sixties ($2.90) and Planet Red ($4.80), but past Australian Guineas results feature Lunar Fox ($301, 2021) and Feroce ($14 last year).
Onavuitton’s four outings include third in Flemington’s Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) last March.
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He claimed a Cranbourne maiden recently, then placed fourth behind Observer in the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield February 7.
“We were happy with his run,” Stockdale said.
“He was a month between runs, and they never sat up in the race. They ran along at a good clip the whole way and Observer, he’s a class horse.
“I thought he did a good job to keep rolling along on the hot speed like he did, especially off the gap between runs.
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“He would have benefitted off it, and if you take the top three out and it’s a very even race.
“He always puts his best foot forward and his run in the Sires’ at Flemington was good and I think getting back to the bigger track at Flemington is only going to help him, especially stepping up to the mile.
“It’s a race that can throw up a rough result and Simon’s team is flying, they’re getting result after result and I’m confident they will have him in tip-top order on Saturday.”
For the best value, visit betting sites with racing betting markets for the Australian Guineas.
Shivam Dube, left, captain Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (AP Photo)
NEW DELHI: The uncertainty surrounding India’s campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 has finally cleared. After a dramatic round of Super 8 matches, the defending champions now have a straightforward path to the knockouts.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!South Africa’s commanding nine-wicket win over West Indies in Ahmedabad confirmed the Proteas’ place in the semi-finals from Group 1. Later in the day, India strengthened their position with a resounding 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in Chennai.With Zimbabwe eliminated and South Africa already through, the final Group 1 clash between India and West Indies at Eden Gardens on Sunday has effectively turned into a virtual quarterfinal.
India keep T20 World Cup dream alive, over to Kolkata now
India Semifinal Qualification Scenario
The equation is simple: India must beat the West Indies to qualify for the semi-finals.Both teams currently sit on two points from two matches. The winner of Sunday’s encounter will join South Africa in the last four.There is, however, one small caveat. If the match is washed out due to rain — and there is no reserve day — West Indies would advance on the basis of a superior net run rate, knocking India out of the tournament. At present, though, there is no forecast suggesting weather disruption in Kolkata.In short, the calculators are back in the bag. For India, it is purely a win-and-progress scenario.
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India’s qualification push gathered serious momentum after a batting masterclass against Zimbabwe. Posting 256/4 — the second-highest total in men’s T20 World Cup history — India entertained home fans with a barrage of sixes.Abhishek Sharma returned to form with a blistering half-century, while Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma provided a thunderous finish. Zimbabwe fought back through Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 97, but India’s bowlers ensured a comfortable victory.Earlier, South Africa’s clinical chase of 177 against West Indies reshaped the group. A rapid opening partnership between Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock made light work of the target, underlining why the Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament.
Worn down after four years in charge of Morocco, Walid Regragui is expected to step down with the World Cup now less than four months away. The Moroccan federation, which met on Thursday, is likely to announce Regragui’s successor soon. The leading candidate is Mohamed Ouahbi, currently in charge of the nation’s U20 world champion side.
Manchester United have a busy summer ahead, regardless of whether they clinch qualification for the Champions League
It has been a busy week for several Premier League sides thanks to European responsibilities, but Manchester United have had the luxury of observing from the sidelines. Weekend opponents Crystal Palace faced Zrinjski Mostar in the second leg of their Conference League play-off on Thursday, giving them only a few days’ recovery time ahead of their visit to Old Trafford.
Should Michael Carrick’s side capitalise and claim all three points, it would bring them a little closer to making sure they end the season in the top four. Nearest rivals Chelsea and Liverpool will be looking to ramp up the pressure, though, with Arne Slot’s reigning champions welcoming West Ham to Anfield on Saturday and Liam Rosenior’s Blues taking on league leaders Arsenal in Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off.
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Carrick’s own position may well depend on his ability to build upon the foundations he has already laid. United have accumulated 16 points from a possible 18 under the interim manager, and appear to have reaped the rewards of a lighter schedule whilst their competitors contend with a more congested calendar.
In today’s round-up, attention shifts to the summer transfer window and the business the club will and won’t be pursuing. Here’s the very latest from around Old Trafford.
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Onana may not get his wish
Manchester United have no plans to reintegrate goalkeeper André Onana next season, according to TeamTalk. The Cameroon international is currently on loan at Trabzonspor but is not anticipated to remain with the Turkish side beyond the conclusion of the current campaign.
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United are reportedly eager to remove Onana’s wages from their payroll, with Senne Lammens now firmly established as the number one keeper at Old Trafford. Reports suggest they will dismiss Onana’s request to prove his worth back at Old Trafford, instead seeking to offload him this summer, whether that’s on another loan or in a permanent deal, which would surely force them to take a hit on the £47m they paid Inter Milan to acquire him in 2023.
Mainoo contract risk
United face the prospect of allowing Kobbie Mainoo to enter the final year of his contract without a new deal in place. The Sun report that neither party has yet resumed negotiations over an extension, with the midfielder currently still on the deal he agreed around the time he made his debut for the club in 2023.
Mainoo turned down an offer from United towards the close of the 2024/25 season and struggled for regular game time under Ruben Amorim in the first half of the current campaign. There was talk of a departure in January amid interest from Napoli but he has re-established himself as a first-team regular under interim manager Carrick.
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United do retain a one-year extension clause on Mainoo’s contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027. However, the club are said to be planning further discussions over a lengthier deal when the time comes to reopen talks with his representatives.
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Ronaldo’s new investment
Former Manchester United forward Cristiano Ronaldo has acquired a 25 per cent stake in Spanish side Almeria. The promotion-chasing club was bought by Saudi consortium SMC Group and has now seen Ronaldo invest via CR7 Sports Investments.
“It has been a longtime ambition of mine to contribute to football, beyond the pitch,” Ronaldo said in a statement as the investment was confirmed. “UD Almeria is a Spanish club with strong foundations and clear potential for growth. I look forward to working alongside the leadership team to support the club’s next phase of growth.”
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.
Man Utd are seeing commercial revenues fall and are without a training kit sponsor this season, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s comments on immigration are also a challenge.
06:00, 27 Feb 2026
The fallout from Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s claim that the United Kingdom is being “colonised by immigrants” might have died down now, a couple of weeks after the Manchester United co-owner made the controversial claim in a TV interview that angered club staff, players and fans.
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Its after-effects might be felt for a little longer yet, however. Ratcliffe has been quiet since his half-hearted apology the following day, and United will be hoping the issue blows over, but it could still cause complications, especially at a time when the club’s commercial team are trying to raise revenues and attract new partners.
“I’m not sure they will be forgotten, that kind of thing sticks, and that is something that if he’s well advised, he will be thinking about,” sport marketing expert Tim Crow told the Manchester Evening News.
“It’s not every day that a football club owner makes a comment that the Prime Minister then says you should apologise for and withdraw. That’s not tomorrow’s fish and chips wrapper, that sticks because Google has got a long memory.”
United’s latest financial results, released this week, spelt it out in black and white, reporting a 13.5% drop in revenues compared to the same three-month period last year. That is almost all down to the absence of a training kit sponsor this season, with the £24million-a-year Tezos deal expiring at the end of last season.
The partnership with DXC Technology is also set to expire at the end of this season, but United insist they are relaxed about both situations and would rather wait for the right partner at the right time, rather than rush into a deal that doesn’t provide value.
They aren’t alone in finding the market more competitive now, and Chelsea haven’t had a permanent shirt sponsor for the last three seasons. But at a crucial time for United, having their co-owner voice his opinion on such a controversial topic is unlikely to be helpful.
“Sponsors don’t like risk,” said Crow. “You can imagine the sponsorship managers of the various companies wake up in the morning and they see that comment. And they’re thinking, ‘right, okay, I’m gonna have a chat with the CEO now, explain what’s going on, they’ve got to call the club’. It creates a lot of work, a lot of angst, and it’s unnecessary.”
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How much of an impediment it is to attracting new sponsors will only become clear in the months ahead. United still set the standard with many of their deals, signing industry-leading partnerships with Adidas (£90million a year) and Snapdragon (£60million a year) recently, and sources insist there is still plenty of interest from brands in partnering with the club.
“Whilst the marketing department would have probably listened to that interview with their fingers covering their eyes, I don’t think it will make a significant difference, because Manchester United are looking for an international or global brand to partner with,” said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.
“For a long-term relationship, they’re more concerned about getting value for money. It’s not helped, but I genuinely don’t think it will have hindered things either.
“If somebody wants to partner with United, they can separate Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s role as the golf club bore from the benefits that partnering with a brand as strong as Manchester United.”
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Anecdotal evidence certainly suggests United aren’t finding it as easy as they once did to attract sponsors. There has been upheaval in the commercial department and the days when Ed Woodward could claim playing performance was irrelevant to the club’s commercial success appear to be over.
United fell to their lowest-ever position in the Deloitte Football Money League recently, sliding four places down to eighth, and they are likely to fall further next season, although it will primarily be down to a lack of European football and a season that will include just 20 games at Old Trafford.
“There are larger issues that have been holding United back, and continue to hold them back, which are what you might call standard commercial issues,” explains Crow.
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“On the pro side, what they’ve got is they’ve a very good reputation for their partners. They handle partners very well and have done for a long time.
“The other is that because of an extraordinary period where the Premier League was growing globally and United was doing so well, they benefited from the growth of each other, and United generated this enormous worldwide fan base.
“But they are being caught up, and the signs are that when it comes to the contest for new fans, they are not acquiring new fans anywhere near as quickly as they used to be
“That’s down to two things: one is success on the field and the other is the type of football United have been playing. Something that a lot of people forget is that the reason United were such a commercial phenomenon was not just about the fact that they were good; it was the type of football they played. United forgot that for a while.”
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Returning to the Champions League, which United are on course to do, will be a significant boost to their ability to attract new partners. It is transformative in terms of global eyeballs on the club. Something else which could help is if the club’s new signings continue their own impressive impact at Old Trafford.
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“What have Manchester United prepared to throw into the deal?” asks Maguire. “Which players are going to be doing the advertising? That’s always important. With no disrespect, you don’t want the Under-21s left-back, and Manchester United at the present perhaps don’t have, with the exception of Bruno. They don’t really have that many faces where you would really like your product aligned with the brand.
“At the end of the season, if Bryan Mbeumo continues to play as well as he is doing, if Cunha is going well, then United might be in a stronger position, especially if they qualify for the Champions League, when they go to the market holding a much stronger hand.”
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But one issue they can’t escape is the market’s competitive nature. Crow tells a story of one of his clients receiving 11 separate commercial proposals from Premier League clubs in the space of a week.
“It’s a tough market at the moment. The global economy is very volatile, very patchy, a lot of turbulence and it is not easy to find that kind of money,” he said.
“You can see examples all over the place, not just in top football but in top sport everywhere, where people are finding it hard to retain and find new sponsors. It is just a tough marketplace and it’s incredibly competitive.”
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United have found form under Michael Carrick, edging towards a return to the Champions League, and what Crow referred to as the club’s DNA has also been restored recently.
They will be two major advantages as they seek at least two new partners this summer, when they hope Ratcliffe’s comments are long forgotten and the positives on the pitch are the biggest selling point.
“Well, the further away it gets from Old Trafford, the less of an issue it is,” said Crow. “What effect does it have on United over time from a PR perspective? I think there are a lot of other things in the mix when it comes to sponsorship. This is an unwelcome one, but I suspect it’s just a short-term issue, which would not have endeared him to any of United’s sponsors.”
Two University of Nebraska-Omaha women’s basketball players are being praised for springing into action after a sinkhole opened in the middle of traffic on Tuesday. Once Olivia Borsutzki and Esra Kurban realized two cars had been swallowed by the concrete while waiting at a red light, they left their respective vehicles to help those trapped.
“I was still in the car and I saw a man in a hole,” Borsutzki told On3. “I was like, ‘I need to help.’ Nobody was helping.”
When a sedan and pickup truck surprisingly sunk into the earth, the vehicles closest to the sinkhole backed away in case the hole expanded. Borsutzki and Kurban did the opposite and ran towards the danger to help the trapped drivers.
Authorities said no one was injured during this wild incident, but check out what happened, here:
The Metropolitan Utilities District said that “it is too early to attribute the cause to any single source,” according to KETV, but the incident also included a water main break.
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Borsutzki said that after the clip went viral, her teammates and Omaha staff began to recognize her and Kurban. Borsutzki also said her strength coach texted her, “Very strong, big dog.”
“My dad told me that could have been really bad … ,” Borsutzki said. “In the moment it was just adrenaline. We just wanted to help.”
It was a good week for the Omaha Mavericks, as they defeated Oral Roberts on Wednesday, 84-75. It was a historic victory in which freshman Regan Juenemann dropped 40 points, while Sarai Estupiñan scored 30 points. There was also Avril Smith, who grabbed a whopping 23 rebounds. According to OptaSTATS, this Omaha trio was the first NBA, WNBA and Division I men’s or women’s trio to include a 40-point scorer, a 30-point scorer and a player that recorded 20 rebounds in a single game in the last 15 years.
Welcome! Where are you, you ask. I’m calling this the Weekend 9. Think of it as a spot to warm up for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We’ll have thoughts. We’ll have tips. We’ll have tweets. But just nine in all, though sometimes maybe more and sometimes maybe less. As for who I am? The paragraphs below tell some of the story. I can be reached at nick.piastowski@golf.com.
My golf game turns 35 on Sunday.
For my first round of the year, my brother-in-law and I are playing a muni in Hawaii, which on its website, has a reef, beach and water in the background, which is a very, very long way from a course in northern Illinois, where, in 1991, I played my first-ever round. My dad and I played with another father and son, and it was my dad’s first-ever golf, too. He was a butcher, and butcher’s days went like this: 12-hour day, eat, drink an obscene amount of Joe, smoke a pack of Marb reds, then bed; and no golf. It showed. Our combined score was 300, give or take.
We also committed a no-no on the first hole.
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We rode in a cart, and the instruction was as follows: Drive it next to your ball, hit, drive again. And we did that.
All the way until we parked atop the green.
That’s memory No. 1 — and lesson No. 1 — from 35 years of golf.
Here are eight more.
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Memory No. 2: The random playing partners, plural. I’m bending my own rules here a bit and making this more than one, because I’m positive I could make a list just of nine people I’ve randomly been paired up with and not forgotten. Let’s see. There’s the two college-age dudes who, in the summer of ’93, saw me break 50 for nine holes for the first time, then offered to buy me a beer. There’s the Austrian man who my friend and I played with in Vegas who told us how he flew only private, smoked only Cuban cigars and knew where the real fun in Sin City was, and we’ll leave that at that. There’s the PGA Tour Champions player who shot an easy par round while his wife sat in the cart and read a book. And on and on. Honestly, this is one of my favorite parts of playing — the folks you meet. Except for …
Memory No. 3: The farthest distance I ever holed out from was 175 yards, though what stroke it came on is open to debate. On hole 10 at Greenfield Park just outside of Milwaukee, I’d hit my tee shot into the trees to the right, moved it ever so slightly away from one, then rocketed it toward the bunker fronting the green, only for it to skip out and roll into the hole. Eagle! And eagles back then would get reported to the newspaper if your group vouched for it. My friend would. But the guy we were paired with? “I saw you take a drop there,” he said, “so no.”
Memory No. 4: I once got to the “zone.” Beforehand, I’d played four straight days on a friend’s trip, and I reached the point where I purposefully was swinging as hard as I could — and still found fairways and green. The 76 — with a penalty stroke that I did count that day — remains my lowest score. But I’ve never gotten back to the zone. In the years since, I’ve tried to duplicate the lead-up — and once tore a muscle in my lower back due to the combination of overuse and a lack of stretching.
Memory No. 5: I almost got in a fight. I wrote about it here, but the short version goes like this: I hit a tee shot farther than I normally do, and the group in front of me was already hot. (The reason for the latter is understandable — a person in the group behind us had, accidentally, fired a shot from a fairway over directly into the group ahead of us. These things happen, though, at Van Cortlandt in the Bronx, where the congestion equals what you’d find crossing the GW.) Anyways, the almost-fight started after a person walked back to my tee shot — and hit it into the woods. I shouted. He shouted. We got closer. But that was about it. Stupid. Very, very stupid. (But all of it did lead to asking readers a few years back to message me similar-type blowups — and I still occasionally get emails about it today.)
Memory No. 6: While playing in a high school match, my opponent once asked me if I played baseball, too. I said I did and I kept playing — and it took me a few holes to realize he didn’t care so much about my other hobbies as he did commenting on my swing. That stuck with me for the rest of the round — and for the next 30 years. Good one.
Memory No. 7: For just over six years now, I’ve worked at a golf website, and one of the questions I’ve gotten is how that’s helped my own game. It must, right? To start the answer, an editor here had warned me about what was to come: All of those tips and tricks that you read and write are going to be harder to escape from than U.S. Open rough. My scores show it. Last year, I shot another 76. And 110. That round, I’d just read something about the takeaway, and there you go.
Memory No. 8: Somewhere in a bird’s nest at Spring Lake Golf Course in Omaha, Neb., rests a wedding ring. Or at least that’s the theory. During a round there about a decade ago, my wife took off the ring, placed it in the cart, and we never saw it again. The clubhouse guy told us that that wasn’t the first time he’d heard of something like that happening.
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Memory No. 9: Over the past couple of months, I’ve been re-reading a few of Dr. Bob Rotella’s books in advance of an upcoming story, and this line in “Golf Is Not A Game Of Perfect” has been sticking with me lately: No matter what happens with any shot you hit, accept it. Acceptance is the last step in a sound routine. I like that. I think of the golf balls that end up in divots and still playing. But I also wonder what it says about me that I can honestly say I’ve never hit a ball out of a divot, and I think you know why.
Extra! Best memory? My nephew, Mason, being told he’s going to play college golf. Best course I’ve ever played? Considering everything a course has to offer, it’s Lawsonia Links. Most scenic course at sundown? Chambers Bay. Most scenic course in the fall? Green Mountain National in Vermont. Course I’ve played the most? I think it’s a tie between a pair of munis: Whitnall Park just outside of Milwaukee and Elmwood Park in Omaha. Most interesting course I’ve played? Augusta Wind in Nebraska. I was the only player on the course — on a Saturday.
Let’s see if we can find eight more items for the Weekend 9.
3. In a couple of weeks, at the Players Championship, the thought is we’ll learn something more definite on the PGA Tour’s future schedule, and I’ve been thinking some about a Tiger Woods’ quote from last week at the Genesis Invitational. Woods, the head of the Tour’s new Future Competition Committee, said this about the work being done:
“I think it’s trying to serve literally everyone, from the player side of it, from our media partners, from all of our title sponsors, from the local communities or even changing venues and going to bigger markets.”
It’ll be interesting to see if anyone is served best, though. To that end, one of the nation’s leading sports economists told me recently that changes shouldn’t necessarily be made for the golf fan, as they’re going to keep coming back regardless. It’s the non-fans where you grow, and non-fans have already decided they don’t necessarily care about the current product’s shape.
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One takeaway for the weeks ahead
4. This story here, written by Money in Sport, should tell you something about the direction of LIV Golf. It says that the league has recently received a $266.6 million capital injection.
An instruction tip for your weekend
5. I thought the video below was good. In it, Bryson DeChambeau was asked for his best tip for amateurs playing a practice round.
His answer? Mix up where you hit shots.
“If an amateur golfer is prepping for their club championship,” DeChambeau said, “I would say the best thing to do is don’t always play from the fairway. Go hit shots out of the rough. Go hit shots out of bunkers. Go hit shots around the greens. You see that all the time with pros.
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“One thing that amateurs don’t do is hit shots out of the rough on the golf course in the practice rounds.”
Five things (!) that interest me
6. I thought the video below was interesting. Produced by the PGA Tour, it shows Ben Griffin and Ryan Gerard trying to name the top 100 players from last year’s points race.
Can you name ALL 100 players in last year’s FedExCup regular season standings?!
Play along with Ben Griffin and Ryan Gerard … the results will not disappoint. pic.twitter.com/G0ZubiUtm1
7. I also thought this story here, written by the Palm Beach Post’s James Coleman, was interesting. Coleman is a 12 handicap, and he shared how he played PGA National, the host of the Cognizant Classic, this week’s PGA Tour stop.
8. And I thought this story here, written by Today’s Golfer Ben Parsons, was interesting. It describes how an 18-hole course will be cut to nine holes to make way for a soccer team’s training ground.
9. I thought this story here was interesting, too. Written by Adam Stanley for pga.com, it describes how a PGA member coached Norway’s Olympic curling team.
10. Let’s do 10 items! I also thought this story here was interesting. Written by Matt de Neef for escapecollective.com, it describes how pro cyclists are turning to golf.
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What golf is on TV this weekend?
11. Let’s do 11 items! Here’s a rundown of golf on TV this weekend:
– Friday
9:30 p.m. (Thursday)-2:30 a.m. ET: HSBC Women’s World Championship second round, Golf Channel
5:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. ET: Investec South African Open Championship second round, Golf Channel
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2 p.m.-6 p.m. ET: Cognizant Classic second round, Golf Channel
– Saturday
9:30 p.m. (Friday)-2:30 a.m. ET: HSBC Women’s World Championship third round, Golf Channel
5:30 a.m.-10 a.m. ET: Investec South African Open Championship third round, Golf Channel
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1 p.m.-3 p.m. ET: Cognizant Classic third round, Golf Channel
3 p.m.-6 p.m. ET: Cognizant Classic third round, NBC
– Sunday
9:30 p.m. (Friday)-2:30 a.m. ET: HSBC Women’s World Championship final round, Golf Channel
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4:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. ET: Investec South African Open Championship final round, Golf Channel
1 p.m.-3 p.m. ET: Cognizant Classic final round, Golf Channel
3 p.m.-6 p.m. ET: Cognizant Classic final round, NBC
Good news for your weekend
12. Let’s do a dozen items!
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The video below, featuring Lucas Glover, should make your weekend.
Really cool gesture by Lucas Glover.
This young fan at tonight’s TGL match had every autograph from Atlanta Drive and LA Golf Club except Collin Morikawa. Lucas Glover noticed, went to find Morikawa, and returned with the final signature. pic.twitter.com/P66ZKiqXQt
The weightlifting events at the 2nd Niger Delta Games showcased immense strength and determination from all participants. Every category featured thrilling contests for bronze, silver, and gold medals, with athletes demonstrating top form across snatch, clean & jerk, and total lifts.
In the 88kg Men Total, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) claimed bronze, Francis Onaifo (Edo) took silver, and Joseph Obinna (Abia) won gold.
For the 88kg Men Clean & Jerk, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) earned bronze, Francis Onaifo (Edo) took silver, and Joseph Obinna (Abia) claimed gold.
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In the 88kg Men Snatch, Duru Destiny (Bayelsa) finished with bronze, Joseph Obinna (Abia) took silver, and Francis Onaifo (Edo) secured gold.
In the 79kg Men Total, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) won bronze, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) claimed gold.
For the 79kg Men Clean & Jerk, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) earned bronze, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) secured gold.
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In the 79kg Men Snatch, Mayowa Olajide (Ondo) finished bronze, Chukwu Chibuike (Abia) took silver, and Thankgod Sunday (Edo) won gold.
In the 69kg Women Total, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) claimed bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) took silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) won gold.
For the 69kg Women Clean & Jerk, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) earned bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) took silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) claimed gold.
In the 69kg Women Snatch, Nwichi Ngozi (Abia) finished bronze, Joy Godbless (Bayelsa) won silver, and Peace Osagie (Edo) secured gold.
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In the 63kg Women Total, Asogwa Promise (Delta) took bronze, Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) won silver, and Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) earned gold.
For the 63kg Women Clean & Jerk, Asogwa Promise (Delta) earned bronze, Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) took silver, and Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) claimed gold.
In the 63kg Women Snatch, Asogwa Promise (Delta) finished bronze, Abiola Olajumoke Islamiat (Edo) took silver, and Chinasa Chukwu (Rivers) won gold.
In the 65kg Men Total, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) claimed bronze, Victory Mmadubuchi (Imo) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) won gold.
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For the 65kg Men Clean & Jerk, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) earned bronze, Chibuzur Emeka (Bayelsa) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) secured gold.
In the 65kg Men Snatch, Okon Goodnews (Akwa Ibom) finished bronze, Victory Mmadubuchi (Imo) took silver, and Goodnews Jacob (Edo) won gold.
In the 53kg Women Total, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) claimed bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) won gold.
For the 53kg Women Clean & Jerk, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) earned bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) claimed gold.
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In the 53kg Women Snatch, Mboutidem Etim (Akwa Ibom) finished bronze, Marvelous Chidirim (Abia) took silver, and Beauty Akpore (Edo) won gold.
In the 60kg Men Total, Obodomadu David (Delta) claimed bronze, Eze Vitalis (Abia) took silver, and Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) won gold.
For the 60kg Men Clean & Jerk, Eze Vitalis (Abia) earned bronze, Obodomadu David (Delta) took silver, and Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) secured gold.
In the 60kg Men Snatch, Obodomadu David (Delta) finished bronze, Iniubong Ita (Akwa Ibom) took silver, and Eze Vitalis (Abia) won gold.
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In the 48kg Women Total, Moyinoluwa Adebusuyi (Ondo) claimed bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) won gold.
For the 48kg Women Clean & Jerk, Odivwri Jennifer (Delta) earned bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) claimed gold.
In the 48kg Women Snatch, Moyinoluwa Adebusuyi (Ondo) finished bronze, Christiana Ollorma (Rivers) took silver, and Esther Adebola (Edo) won gold.
The 2nd Niger Delta Games will end today, February 26, 2026, with the closing ceremony at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
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