Sports Buzz

Tag: Cameroon

  • ‘He’s always hurt’: Doubts raised over 76ers’ monster $442m Embiid decision

    ‘He’s always hurt’: Doubts raised over 76ers’ monster $442m Embiid decision

    Joel Embiid has signed a contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team announced on Friday, with the Cameroon-born centre saying he wants to stay a Sixer his NBA entire career.

    Multiple reports said the deal was a maximum extension for three years and about $193 million ($283.8m AUD) that would keep him with the 76ers through the 2028-29 campaign.

    “Philadelphia is home. I want to be here for the rest of my career,” Embiid posted on his Instagram account.

    “I love this community and everything you’ve given me and my family. There is a lot more work to do. You guys deserve a championship and I think we’re just getting started!”

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    Embiid, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, is a seven-footer (2.13m) and seven-time NBA All-Star who helped the United States win Olympic gold in Paris last month.

    The contract extension means Embiid’s existing deal now has five seasons left and is worth $442.65 million (AUD).

    That contract total is among the three richest in NBA history.

    The two-time NBA scoring champion, set to begin his ninth NBA campaign next month, said in a statement he wants to bring the 76ers their first NBA crown since 1983.

    “I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career,” Embiid said.

    “I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia.

    “Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything and I am so grateful for how they’ve embraced me.

    “Philadelphia is home and it’s time to bring this community an NBA championship.”

    Embiid averaged a career-high 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds and career-bests of 5.6 assists and 1.2 steals plus 1.7 blocked shots last season and had career-high accuracy from 3-point range and the free throw line.

    PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 16: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

    “Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game,” 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said.

    “We’re ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come.

    “He’s an elite two-way player with a combination of size, strength, and athleticism that this league has rarely, if ever, seen.

    “He’s integral to this franchise’s quest for another NBA championship and we’re honoured that he continues to choose this organisation as his NBA home.”

    Embiid, the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, has averaged 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.7 blocked shots over 433 games with the Sixers.

    The 76ers have reached the playoffs in each of the past seven seasons but have not reached the Eastern Conference finals during the run.

    ESPN’s Pablo Torre says the 76ers made the right choice to extend Embiid despite the fact Philadelphia have never made the Eastern Conference finals in his eight-years in the ‘City of Brotherly Love’.

    “When it comes to what was the choice, I believe there was no choice,” Torre said on Pardon the Interruption.

    “I believe you stick with Joel Embiid and give him all of that money and the reason I say that is I think they have the best big three in the NBA – Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George.”

    PTI’s host Tony Kornheiser disagreed, thinking Embiid hasn’t gone close to delivering a title to Philly.

    “Am I convinced Joel Embiid will deliver a championship? No, and why should I?” Kornheiser said.

    “You’ve played there for eight years and you’ve never made the conference final. So now, you have Paul George, who is one of the least clutch players

    “If you ask me for the visual of Joel Embiid, it’s him laying on his back holding his leg because he’s always hurt. He averages 54 games a year.”

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  • Cameroon: ‘Cometh the Man, Cometh the Hour’ – Komen Clinches African Title in Cameroon

    Cameroon: ‘Cometh the Man, Cometh the Hour’ – Komen Clinches African Title in Cameroon

    Nairobi — Brian Komen grabbed Kenya’s fourth gold medal on the final day of the Africa Athletics Senior Championships on Thursday evening in Douala, Cameroon.

    The African Games champion clocked 3:33.95 to win the men’s 1500m, ahead of Djibouti’s Ayanleh Abdi Abdillahi who timed 3:36.24 to collect silver.

    Another Kenyan, Boaz Kiprugut, bagged bronze after finishing third in 3:37.25.

    Meanwhile, Leah Jeruto bagged the country’s fifth bronze at the continental showpiece when she finished third in the women’s 3000m steeplechase, clocking 9:36.33.

    Uganda’s Chekwemoi Loice ran away with gold after cutting the tape in 9:24.47 as Ethiopian Alemnat Wale clocked 9:35.19.

    There was one more silver for Kenya in the women’s 1500m where Caroline Nyaga clocked 4:06.76 to finish second.

    Ethiopian Sharon Berhe won the race in 4:06.05 as Ugandan Esther Chebet finished third in 4:06.90.

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  • ‘I’m not a quitter’: 76ers star Joel Embiid confirms he’s battling Bell’s palsy

    ‘I’m not a quitter’: 76ers star Joel Embiid confirms he’s battling Bell’s palsy

    NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid poured in a career playoff-high 50 points to propel the Philadelphia 76ers to a much-needed win over the New York Knicks on Friday AEST, then confirmed he’s playing through Bell’s palsy.

    Reports surfaced Thursday that the Cameroon-born star had been treated for the past week for the condition, which causes weakness in the muscles of the face.

    Asked about it after the 76ers’ 125-114 victory over the Knicks, which cut the deficit in their NBA Eastern Conference playoff series to 2-1, Embiid said he’d been dealing with it since before the Sixers’ play-in clash with the Miami Heat.

    “I think it started a day or two before the Miami game,” said Embiid, adding that he’d suffered migraines as well as the muscle weakness that particularly affects his left eye and mouth.

    “Yes, it’s pretty annoying,” added Embiid, who wore sunglasses as he spoke to reporters after the game.

    “My left side of my face, my mouth and my eye. It’s been tough. But I’m not a quitter.

    “It’s unfortunate, that’s the way I look at it. It’s not an excuse — got to keep pushing.”

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    Embiid hits 50 points in 76ers win | 00:57

    The cause of Bell’s palsy isn’t known. It’s thought to be the result of swelling and irritation of the nerve that controls the affected muscles, and some believe it could be a reaction triggered by a viral infection.

    Symptoms usually start to improve within weeks, and most recover fully within six months.

    “With the conversations that I’ve had, it could be weeks, it could be months,” Embiid said.

    It’s just the latest health concern for Embiid, who had surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee in February.

    He returned earlier this month to bolster the 76ers’ playoff push.

    Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. Photo by Tim Nwachukwu / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFPSource: AFP

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  • LeBron, Steph, Embiid headline scary superstar US Olympic squad as juggernaut eyes fifth-straight gold

    LeBron, Steph, Embiid headline scary superstar US Olympic squad as juggernaut eyes fifth-straight gold

    LeBron James, Stephen Curry and reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid were named among a 41-strong player pool for the USA’s 2024 Olympics basketball roster this week.

    The star-studded roster will be whittled down to a 12-man squad for this summer’s Olympics in Paris, where the US will be chasing a fifth consecutive gold medal.

    The provisional player pool contains 28 players who have represented the USA at an Olympics or FIBA World Cup, with 23 gold medals between them.

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    LeBron James and Kevin Durant have both been named in the2024 Olympics USA extended squad (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

    The 39-year-old James will be chasing a third gold medal in what will be his first appearance at an Olympics since the 2012 London Games.

    “The United States boasts unbelievable basketball talent and I am thrilled that many of the game’s superstars have expressed interest in representing our country at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games,” USA Basketball men’s national team managing director Grant Hill said in a statement.

    “It is a privilege to select the team that will help us toward the goal of once again standing atop the Olympic podium.

    “This challenging process will unfold over the next several months as we eagerly anticipate the start of national team activity.” Philadelphia 76ers star Embiid is set to play for the United States for the first time after pledging his allegiance to the squad last October.

    The Cameroon-born superstar was eligible to play for the country of his birth, France and the United States, but opted for a US squad which will enter the Olympics as overwhelming gold medal favourites.

    Doc Rivers lands the Milwaukee job | 00:46

    The team will be coached by Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, with Gonzaga University’s Mark Few, the Los Angeles Clippers’ Tyronn Lue and Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acting as assistants.

    USA Basketball also announced plans for pre-Olympic Games in Las Vegas and London.

    The US will play Canada in Las Vegas on July 10, before exhibition games against South Sudan on July 20 and Germany on July 22 at London’s O2 Arena.

    USA basketball 2024 Olympics player pool: Bam Adebayo, Jarrett Allen, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, Scottie Barnes, Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges, Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Jimmy Butler, Alex Caruso, Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Anthony Edwards, Joel Embiid, De’Aaron Fox, Paul George, Aaron Gordon, Tyrese Haliburton, James Harden, Josh Hart, Tyler Herro, Jrue Holiday, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Ingram, Kyrie Irving, Jaren Jackson Jr., LeBron James, Cam Johnson, Walker Kessler, Kawhi Leonard, Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell, Chris Paul, Bobby Portis, Austin Reaves, Duncan Robinson, Jayson Tatum, Derrick White and Trae Young.

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  • Bayindir could make Man United debut as Onana’s Cameroon advance in AFCON

    Bayindir could make Man United debut as Onana’s Cameroon advance in AFCON

    Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir could finally make his long-awaited debut having been a permanent resident on the bench this season.

    The 25-year-old joined the Red Devils from Fenerbahce on deadline day last summer to provide competition for Andre Onana.

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    Bayindir is yet to make his United debut despite joining in SeptemberCredit: Getty

    But he’s yet to play a minute of action, with the Turkey international an unused substitute in 18 Premier League games, two Carabao Cup matches and one FA Cup tie.

    It was thought Bayindir would feature against Wigan in the FA Cup third round before facing Tottenham at Old Trafford in the top flight.

    But Onana was allowed to link up with Cameroon for the Africa Cup of Nations at a later date, resulting in him playing against both the Latics and Spurs.

    In what has been a dramatic AFCON, Cameroon looked to be heading out at the group stage having lost only attained one point going into their final game.

    It left Cameroon requiring to beat Gambia in their final Group C match with Senegal needing to win against Guinea.

    The AFCON holders did their job, and Cameroon just about managed to claim the three points – despite trailing 2-1 in the 85th minute.

    An own goal moments later levelled the game up, with Christopher Wooh heading home in the first minute of stoppage time to complete the turnaround.

    Gambia then thought they had sealed second spot in Group C with an equaliser of their own, only for VAR to overturn Muhammed Sanneh’s Diego Maradona-esque handball.

    Onana's absence at AFCON could finally see Bayindir make his United bow

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    Onana’s absence at AFCON could finally see Bayindir make his United bowCredit: Getty

    Incredibly, Onana was dropped for the pivotal game, with his cousin Fabrice Ondoa chosen to start ahead.

    The last time the player was dropped in an international tournament, he was sent home due to ‘disciplinary reasons’ at the World Cup.

    Mark Goldbridge ranks all 16 of Erik ten Hag’s signings at Manchester United including Casemiro, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana

    With United in action this weekend away at Newport in the FA Cup, Bayindir will be desperate for history to not repeat itself.

    And should Onana remain in Ivory Coast for AFCON, it is almost certain that he will make his debut between the sticks under Erik ten Hag on Sunday.



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  • How many games will Onana miss for Manchester United and when will he return?

    How many games will Onana miss for Manchester United and when will he return?

    Manchester United are without their No.1 goalkeeper as Andre Onana is with Cameroon for the African Cup of Nations.

    AFCON got underway on January 13 but Onana missed his country’s 1-1 draw with Guinea in their opening group-stage match.

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    Onana has been called up by Cameroon for AFCONCredit: Getty

    He is now set for his first appearance against Senegal hoping to help Cameroon put together a deep run in the tournament.

    It will come to an end on February 11 and if Cameroon reaches the latter stages of the competition it means the Red Devils goalkeeper could miss some key games.

    However, in his desperation to make his Old Trafford stint a success, Onana delayed his exit from club football for as long as possible.

    How many games will Onana miss? 

    Onana travelled to the Africa Cup of Nations after United’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham on January 14.

    That means that the 27-year-old could only miss up to three Premier League matches for the Red Devils.

    However, having helped United beat Wigan 2-0 in the FA Cup third round, he will now miss the trip to Newport County next week.

    Onana is then likely to miss the game against Wolves on February 1.

    And if Cameroon progress from the group stage, he will be absent against West Ham on February 4.

    If his country makes the semi-finals, Onana would also miss United’s game away at Aston Villa on February 11.

    He would then likely return for his side’s match against Luton at Kenilworth Road on February 18. 

    Onana’s possible games missed

    • Newport County vs Man United – January 28
    • Wolves vs Man United – February 1
    • Man United vs West Ham – February 4
    • Aston Villa vs Man United – February 11

    Cameroon fixtures at AFCON

    • Cameroon 1-1 Guinea – January 15
    • Senegal v Cameroon – January 19
    • Gambia v Cameroon – January 23
    Bayindir looks set to get his chance in goal

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    Bayindir looks set to get his chance in goalCredit: Getty

    So with Onana being set to miss between two to four games, Ten Hag will have to call on his backup goalkeepers. 

    Altay Bayindir, who signed from Fenerbahce in the summer, is yet to play a game for the club in any competition but he will now get his chance. 

    The 25-year-old could see this as an opportunity to stake his claim for a starting spot, with Onana being criticised throughout the season so far. 

    Veteran Tom Heaton is another option for United, however, he is likely to take a place on the bench with Bayindir starting from the off. 



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  • ‘No clue’: Even KD can’t believe insane comeback; classy act after MVP statement — NBA Wrap

    ‘No clue’: Even KD can’t believe insane comeback; classy act after MVP statement — NBA Wrap

    The Phoenix Suns have produced an extraordinary fourth quarter rally to eclipse the Sacramento Kings 119-117 in Arizona.

    Phoenix looked to be heading for certain defeat as they trailed by 22 points with 8min 22sec remaining.

    But an incredible 32-8 run by Phoenix in the final minutes turned the game on its head to seal a remarkable comeback.

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    Kevin Durant sparked the rally for Phoenix with 15 points in the fourth quarter, part of a 27-point haul. Grayson Allen led the Phoenix scoring with 29 points.

    Eric Gordon tied the game for Phoenix with a three-pointer with 45 seconds remaining, before Durant hit two free throws to put the Suns 117-115 ahead.

    De’Aaron Fox leveled the contest with a floating jump shot but two more Durant free throws were enough to seal victory.

    Asked afterward how Phoenix had pulled off their win, Durant replied: “I have no clue. I usually know how the game formed, but this was just a blur. Everything happened so fast. I guess we were all in the zone and locked in.”

    EMBIID’S CLASSY ACT AMID MVP STATEMENT AGAINST JOKIC

    Joel Embiid conjured a second straight 40-point performance to outduel Nikola Jokic as the Philadelphia 76ers downed the NBA-champion Denver Nuggets 126-121 on Tuesday.

    A heavyweight showdown pitting reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Embiid against Denver’s two-time MVP Jokic did not disappoint as the two teams went toe-to-toe from the outset.

    Embiid, who scored 41 points on his return from injury in the Sixers’ win over Houston on Monday, was once again in superb form, finishing with 41 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.

    The 29-year-old was imperious down the stretch, scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter as the Sixers transformed a six-point deficit into victory.

    Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

    “I’m just letting the game come to me, but the credit goes to my teammates — they put me in the best position to succeed and they trust me, that’s the key,” Embiid said after a game watched by a sellout 19,775 crowd at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center.

    “I would not be doing what I’m doing without the trust they have in me,” Embiid added.

    Embiid embraced Jokic following the final buzzer, with the two men sharing a friendly exchange after a hard-fought game.

    “I just told him he’s the best player in the league,” Embiid said.

    “He won a championship, and that’s the best team in the league and he’s a finals MVP. I just told him to keep going.”

    The game had been finely poised at 111-111 with just over seven minutes remaining.

    Embiid re-entered the fray just after Jokic checked back in from the bench, and it was the Cameroon-born power forward who ultimately seized control of the contest.

    A sublime running reverse layup from Embiid put the Sixers 115-113 ahead, before a jump shot increased the Philadelphia cushion to four points with 5min 30sec remaining.

    Dame Time hits ICE COLD buzzer beater | 00:45

    A free throw and a 27-foot three-pointer left the Sixers 121-113 ahead, and Embiid then added a jump shot to extend Philadelphia’s advantage to 10 points at 123-113 to effectively seal victory.

    Embiid received scoring support from Tyrese Maxey with 25 points — including four three-pointers — while Tobias Harris pitched in with 24 points. Kelly Oubre Jr added 11 points.

    Jokic led the Denver scoring with 25 points, 19 rebounds and three assists. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 20 points and Jamal Murray added 17. Philadelphia improved to 26-13 to remain in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, trailing first placed Boston (31-9) with Milwaukee second in the table on 28-12.

    Denver remain third in the Western Conference on 28-14, behind Minnesota (28-11) and Oklahoma City (27-12).

    CLIPPERS MAKE STATEMENT AGAINST THUNDER

    Elsewhere, the Los Angeles Clippers continue to establish themselves as a genuine Western Conference contender after taking down the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-117.

    That was despite being without center Ivica Zubac, who will be re-evaluated in four weeks due to a strained right calf, the team announced on Wednesday.

    Zubac’s chemistry with new addition James Harden on the pick-and-roll had been particularly important to the Clippers’ turnaround after a slow start to the season.

    Paul George had a big game. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP

    Mason Plumlee proved he can be a solid replacement with Zubac sidelined as he scored 14 points to go with five boards in the win.

    Paul George though was the star of the night as he drained six 3-pointers on the way to 38 points to go with seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.

    The Clippers did well to limit Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to just 19 points, with Jalen Williams stepping up to continue his emergence for OKC with an efficient 25 points as he went 10-for-14 from the field.

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  • Andre Onana to travel for AFCON after Man United’s clash against Tottenham

    Andre Onana to travel for AFCON after Man United’s clash against Tottenham

    Andre Onana will now travel to the Africa Cup of Nations after Manchester United’s match against Tottenham on January 14.

    Cameroon had wanted the goalkeeper to travel with the squad as early as possible with their first match of AFCON going ahead on January 15.

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    United have got their way with Onana, who will now leave next weekend for the AFCONCredit: Getty

    But United have reached an amicable agreement with the nation that will see Onana travel straight after the Premier League fixture against Tottenham on Sunday January 14.

    It means that Onana is now available for the FA Cup clash against Wigan Athletic on Monday, live on talkSPORT, as well.

    That comes before the Old Trafford match against Spurs, set to go ahead six days later.

    Cameroon take on Guinea on January 15 and Onana is expected to start both matches for club and country within 48 hours.

    United signed the 27-year-old from Inter Milan last summer aware of the upcoming AFCON in the Ivory Coast but under the knowledge that he had retired from international duty.

    That decision was reversed, however, this season by the Cameroonian Football Federation (FECAFOOT).

    And while the Red Devils have not stood in Onana’s way over his changed decision, both club and country have accepted that United did not expect to lose him at this stage of the season.

    It has led Cameroon to be somewhat lenient with the player and have allowed United to keep hold of the keeper for another week.

    Onana has been called up by the Cameroon squad ahead of the AFCON

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    Onana has been called up by the Cameroon squad ahead of the AFCON
    United and Cameroon have agreed to let Onana leave later

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    United and Cameroon have agreed to let Onana leave laterCredit: AFP

    However, where it leaves United back-up keeper Altay Bayindir remains to be seen.

    Erik ten Hag had insisted he had full confidence in the Turkey international, who was signed from Fenerbahce last summer but has not made a single appearance.

    In December, the Dutchman said: “We are very pleased with Altay. He gets used to Premier League, he gets used to European football, which is tough when you are coming from Turkey but we are very pleased with the process. He is doing very well.

    “He has to be patient but if he works well, if he keeps his progress, he will get his chances and he has to take this.”



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  • Man United suffer injury blow as two key players taken off on international duty

    Man United suffer injury blow as two key players taken off on international duty

    Marcus Rashford and Andre Onana have added to Manchester United’s ever-growing injury crisis as they both went off within minutes of each other.

    The Red Devils pair were in action for England and Cameroon respectively on a busy night of continental action on Friday evening. 

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    Rashford picked up a knock for England against MaltaCredit: AFP

    Both stars started from the off for their countries, however, they were substituted during the second half of their games. 

    Rashford’s knock was picked up in bizarre fashion as he collided with teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold. 

    In the 57th minute of the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 qualifier against Malta, the United forward ran to collect the ball on the edge of the box. 

    Also sprinting to keep possession was Alexander-Arnold and the two heavily smashed into each other, leaving them grounded. 

    Rashford seemed to come off worse and after trying to walk off the knock following medical attention, he was unable to continue.

    He was withdrawn by Gareth Southgate in the 61st minute, being replaced by England debutant and Chelsea star Cole Palmer. 

    If the Red Devils weren’t concerned enough, Rashford’s injury came after their goalkeeper had been taken off only minutes earlier. 

    Onana started between the sticks for Cameroon, but he was substituted with a knock in the 80th minute of a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Mauritius. 

    Rashford clashed with Alexander-Arnold

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    Rashford clashed with Alexander-ArnoldCredit: Getty
    And Onana walked off with medics while playing for Cameroon

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    And Onana walked off with medics while playing for Cameroon

    The severity of Rashford and Onana’s respective knocks are unknown, though fans have been quick to voice their concern ahead of their Premier League clash against Everton on November 26.

    One supporter wrote on X: “Rashford and Onana are also injured…we’ve been cursed.” 

    Another said: “Rashford and Onana injured in one night. We are finished.” 

    And another posted: “Onana and Rashford gone off injured. We literally might need to get the u18s to play away in Goodison.”

    United are currently without a number of their key players which includes Rasmus Hojlund, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Tyrell Malacia.



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  • ‘Like an Avengers team’: Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid to play for USA at Paris Olympics

    ‘Like an Avengers team’: Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid to play for USA at Paris Olympics

    Reigning NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid said he has pledged to play for the United States at next year’s Paris Olympics.

    Embiid was also eligible to play international basketball for Cameroon and France but has instead opted to join what is expected to be a star-studded Olympic squad.

    ESPN reported that the Yaounde-born Embiid confirmed his decision early on Friday [AEDT] to Team USA executive director Grant Hill.

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    ‘Emo’ Butler promises Heat championship | 00:42

    Embiid, 29, joins an array of NBA stars who have signalled their intention to play in the Olympics as the Americans aim to bounce back from their failure to medal at the FIBA World Cup in August.

    LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry all said this week they aim to be part of the US squad which will be chasing a fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in Paris.

    Speaking to reporters during a Sixers training session on Thursday, Embiid said he had opted to play for his adopted homeland due to “family” considerations and an overwhelming desire to play in the Olympics.

    “It was tough. Obviously, I love all three options,” Embiid said.

    “You know with my own country, which I love, a lot.

    “But I really wanted to participate in an Olympics. That’s been my goal and my dream.”

    Bullets to hand NBA hopeful more minutes | 02:17

    Embiid, who has lived in the US since he was 16, added that the birth of his son Arthur in 2020, who is a US citizen, had also influenced his decision.

    “You add that with the fact that my son is American, and that I’ve been here for such a long time. I just felt like, that for the past few years ever since he was born, every decision I’ve made is based on family,” Embiid said.

    “Having the chance to represent the US, and my son being born here…ultimately I really wanted to play in the Olympics.”

    Embiid’s availability for the Olympics gives the US squad another formidable weapon in a line-up that will start as overwhelming favourites for the gold medal.

    The 7ft (2.13m) 280lb (127kg) giant was virtually unplayable last season, averaging 33.1 points per game with 10.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

    Last-second shot keeps Bullets on top! | 00:49

    Speaking on ESPN’s NBA Today, Ramona Shelburne said the uncertainty surrounding Cameroon’s spot in the Olympics played into Embiid’s decision to represent Team USA.

    “This was a really hard decision for Joel because he was born in Cameroon, he has ties there,” she said.

    “If Cameroon were qualified for the Olympics, he’d be playing for Cameroon but they’re not qualified and it’s no sure thing for them to be one of the last four teams in. Then it comes down to the USA and France.

    “He’s a French citizen and a US citizen… but you see guys like LeBron James, Stephen Curry — former MVPs in this league and the reigning MVP says, ‘We’ve all got to get back together to get the USA back on top’… it’s like an Avengers team that’s going to go to Paris. You want to be a part of that.”

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