Sports
Banja Luka Exit: Djokovic said hopeful of hitting top form on clay
The world number one tennis player, Novak Djokovic has said he was still hopeful of finding his groove on clay before next month’s French Open.
The Serb revealed this as he was far from his best in his quarter-final defeat to Dusan Lajovic at the Srpska Open. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Djokovic had dropped just four games across his previous two meetings with compatriot Lajovic.
He had missed several chances to get past his opponent on Friday, converting just one of 16 breakpoints as he fell to a 6-4 7-6(6) defeat.
The loss is Djokovic’s second early exit from a tournament in as many weeks, following his third-round defeat to Lorenzo Musetti at the Monte Carlo Masters last week.
“Lajovic played well. On the other hand, I played much worse than I wanted to,” Djokovic told reporters after the defeat in Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I cannot win matches against opponents who are this solid on this surface by playing like this.
“I didn’t feel well on the court, my legs were slow and my footwork was torpid, many missed shots, totally without direction. I played well at times but I played noticeably under my level.”
With Rafa Nadal having skipped a string of clay tournaments due to injury, Djokovic will be looking to build momentum ahead of the French Open where the Serbian will target a 23rd Grand Slam to go ahead of the Spaniard.
The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, begins on May 28.
“I hope to get into tip top shape for Roland Garros. I want to play my best tennis there,” said Djokovic, who has also been struggling with an elbow injury.
“The conditions are totally different there in comparison with Monte Carlo and Banja Luka. There are still several weeks to practice and play.
“In the previous seasons, I’ve always had an unsatisfying and slow start on clay and then played much better tennis in the final stages.
“I hope to repeat the same pattern this year.” (Reuters/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Akorede Shines: Jordan FA’s Star Player Crowned MVP of Elite Super League 2025
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
Aliyu Akorede Oladejo, a talented player from Jordan FA, has been crowned the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025.
Akorede’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious award, which was presented during the medal and trophy ceremony on Sunday in Lokoja.
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Akorede’s impressive display on the field was matched by his teammates, with two Jordan FA players making the Elite Super League Best 11.
The players are Akorede himself, who played as right forward, and Hashim Kings, who anchored the defense as central defender.
Jordan FA garnered 20 points, finishing as runner-up behind league champions Reigners FC, who accumulated 22 points.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents and gain exposure to scouts and clubs.
The tournament featured six teams and ran from June 13 to July 20 at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
Haziel emphasized the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development, stating that with the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
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Afriskaut Stars Unite: Super Team Clashes with Reigners FC on Sunday
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as the best young talents in the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 come together to take on the reigning champions.
The super team will face off against Reigners FC in a highly anticipated match at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, on Sunday, July 27.
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The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, concluded with Reigners FC emerging as champions after securing a 1-0 victory over FC Bako.
The six-team tournament showcased young talents and provided exposure to scouts and clubs.
Reigners FC topped the table with 22 points, followed closely by Jordan FA with 20 points, and Flamingo FC with 17 points.
The tournament saw some thrilling matches, with the young players displaying their skills and determination on the field.
A 21-player super team has been selected from the participating teams, comprising talented young players who will train with Reigners FC, the champions of the tournament.
This selection promises to bring together the best of the young talents in the league.
The Golden Boot and Bronze Boot awards for the top scorer and best goalkeeper, respectively, will be presented to the winners after the super team’s training session with Reigners FC on Sunday.
Jordan FA’s Commitment to Developing Young Talents:
Despite losing in the final match, Jordan FA’s founder and CEO, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy.
He emphasised the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.”
“The academy is open to enrolling young talented players from ages 15 to 18.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
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Jordan FA Shines in Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 Despite Narrow Loss
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
In a thrilling finale to the Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025, Jordan FA demonstrated remarkable skill and sportsmanship, despite losing 2-1 to Flamingo FC in the final match.
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The tournament, sponsored by Afriskaut/Ozi-Bako Foundation, brought together six teams to showcase young talents and provide exposure to scouts and clubs.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 kicked off on June 13, 2025, and concluded on July 20, 2025, at Confluence Stadium Lokoja.
Jordan FA’s journey in the league was nothing short of impressive. Led by Founder and CEO Jordan Haziel, the team accumulated 20 points, securing second position in the table.
Their performance was marked by notable wins, including a 2-1 victory over FC Bako, thrashed FA Bako 4-2, and a humiliating 7-1 defeat of Royal Base FC.
The team’s commitment to developing young players and promoting football in Lokoja, Kogi State, was evident throughout the tournament.
Speaking after the final match on Sunday, the Founder/CEO of Jordan FA, Jordan Haziel, expressed gratitude to partner BAKO for providing a platform to announce their Academy, which will help attract more young talents and promote their mission.
Haziel emphasized the need for partnerships and sponsorships to support the academy’s growth and development.
“With the right support, Jordan FA aims to produce talented players who can excel in local and international clubs.
“Looking Ahead, despite the loss in the final match, Jordan FA is poised to bounce back stronger.
“As a team, we will analyze our performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine our skills to come back stronger next time, and always.
“Our Academy will continue to provide opportunities for young players to grow and develop their talents,” Haziel said.
Haziel stressed the need for government bodies, financial institutions, private firms, media, and individuals to support the team.
The Afriskaut Elite Super League 2025 has provided a platform for young players to showcase their talents, and Jordan FA’s performance is a testament to the academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
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