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  • Visit Rwanda names NBA draft pick Nate Ament first global basketball ambassador

    Visit Rwanda names NBA draft pick Nate Ament first global basketball ambassador

    The partnership was announced on June 29 in New York, just days after the 19-year-old Rwandan-American forward was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

    Ament, who has Rwandan roots through his mother, becomes Visit Rwanda’s first individual global ambassador. In the role, he will represent Rwanda internationally while helping showcase the country’s tourism attractions, cultural heritage, sporting ecosystem and investment opportunities to audiences around the world.

    The announcement comes as Ament embarks on his NBA career after being selected 13th overall by the Miami Heat before his draft rights were immediately traded to the Milwaukee Bucks as part of a blockbuster deal involving former Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo.

    Ament had already hinted at the partnership during the NBA Draft, arriving on the red carpet wearing a custom jacket emblazoned with the “Visit Rwanda” branding.

    The collaboration builds on Visit Rwanda’s sports marketing strategy, which has seen the country partner with major international clubs and organisations, including Atlético de Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, the LA Clippers, the LA Rams and the Basketball Africa League (BAL), whose finals Rwanda has hosted since the competition’s inaugural championship in 2021.

    Unlike previous sponsorships centred on teams and competitions, Ament’s appointment introduces an individual ambassador whose personal connection to Rwanda is expected to strengthen the country’s engagement with the global basketball community.

    As part of the partnership, Ament will feature in international tourism campaigns, promotional events, community initiatives and digital content aimed at showcasing Rwanda to global audiences.

    He will also work directly with aspiring basketball players in Rwanda through youth clinics, mentorship programmes and community outreach initiatives designed to nurture the next generation of talent.

    Speaking about the partnership, Rwanda Development Board Chief Executive Officer Jean-Guy Afrika said Ament’s appointment represents the evolution of Visit Rwanda’s global sports strategy.

    “For several years, Visit Rwanda has partnered with some of the world’s most recognised sports organisations to showcase Rwanda globally. Nate represents an exciting evolution of that journey. As our first individual global ambassador, he brings a personal story that reflects the values driving Rwanda’s transformation: ambition, discipline, resilience, and the belief that talent, when nurtured, can compete on any stage.”

    Afrika said Ament’s rise to the NBA demonstrates what is possible when talent is matched with opportunity and expressed hope that his journey would inspire young Rwandans to pursue excellence not only in sport but also in business, technology and the creative industries.

    He added that beyond promoting Rwanda internationally, the partnership would enable Ament to engage directly with young people through basketball development programmes and community initiatives.

    For Ament, the partnership is both professional and deeply personal.

    “Representing Rwanda is something that means a lot to me. Rwanda is part of who I am, and I’m proud to share that connection with the world as I begin my NBA journey.”

    He said he hopes to inspire young people to believe that their dreams are achievable regardless of where they come from while helping introduce global audiences to Rwanda’s beauty, culture and people.

    The young forward also expressed excitement about giving back to Rwanda’s basketball community.

    “One of the things I’m most excited about is spending time with young players in Rwanda and giving back to the basketball community. I’ve benefited from people who invested in my development, and I want to do the same for the next generation.”

    Ament enters the NBA following an outstanding freshman season with the University of Tennessee, where he averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game while earning Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman honours.

    Before joining the professional ranks, he represented the United States at the 2024 FIBA U18 Americas Championship, helping the team win gold. Despite representing the United States at youth level, Ament has previously indicated he would consider playing for Rwanda’s national basketball team in the future.

    His ties to Rwanda have continued to strengthen in recent years. In August 2025, he visited Kigali, touring basketball development facilities, meeting young athletes and learning more about the country’s expanding basketball ecosystem.

    Through his new role with Visit Rwanda, Ament is expected to become one of the country’s most recognisable sporting ambassadors, using his growing international profile to promote Rwanda while helping inspire the next generation of basketball talent at home.

    The partnership was announced on June 29 in New York, just days after the 19-year-old Rwandan-American forward was selected in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.
  • Meet Salomon Kabera, young talent dreaming of taking Rwanda to Formula 1

    Meet Salomon Kabera, young talent dreaming of taking Rwanda to Formula 1

    The idea of a Rwandan competing in Formula 1 may sound far-fetched to some, but 11-year-old Kabera Gasare Salomon is determined to turn that dream into reality.

    The young motorsport enthusiast is balancing his studies with a growing passion for racing, steadily building a path toward what many consider the world’s most prestigious motorsport competition.

    From a young age, Salomon developed a keen interest in technology. He dreamed of one day creating robots that could be used in fields such as healthcare, defense and other sectors to contribute to Rwanda’s development.

    As he grew older, however, he discovered another remarkable talent: racing. His journey began with virtual racing games before progressing to real-life motorsport.

    How the journey began

    Motorsport remains relatively underdeveloped in Rwanda, with limited facilities and equipment available for aspiring racers. Salomon’s first experience behind the wheel of a kart did not even happen in Rwanda.

    “I started karting in 2023,” he recalls. “I visited an amusement park in the United States and saw go-karts. I started the race in last place but finished first. Even before that, I loved racing games and technology.”

    His passion grew stronger in December 2023 when Rwanda hosted the General Assembly of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The event exposed him to some of the world’s biggest motorsport stars, including Max Verstappen, who had just secured another Formula 1 world title.

    “Then in 2024, President Kagame awarded Formula 1 champions, and I immediately told my parents that I wanted to become a Formula 1 driver,” he said.

    Just one year after entering the sport, Salomon made history by becoming the only Rwandan driver to represent the country in an international karting competition.

    In May this year, he competed in the FIA Karting European Championship held in Genk, Belgium. He is also preparing to take part in the upcoming race at Circuito Internazionale Napoli in Sarno, Italy, scheduled for July 2-5, 2026.

    Eleven-year-old Salomon Kabera dreams of becoming Rwanda’s first Formula 1 driver and is already representing the country in international karting competitions.

    A sport with many challenges

    Despite his growing success, Salomon says the road ahead remains difficult. Like many aspiring racers, he faces significant financial and infrastructural challenges.

    A devoted fan of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, Salomon hopes to one day compete at the same level and proudly represent Rwanda on the global stage.

    “The support I need is help with training and access to professional racing academies,” he said. “I have seen that President Kagame loves sports just as I do. If he is watching this, I kindly ask for his support so that I can go abroad and make Rwanda proud.”

    According to Ange François Cyatangabo, Secretary General of the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), motorsport in Rwanda is growing but still faces major obstacles due to its high costs.

    “The sport is developing well because more young people are joining, especially children. We currently have around 30 young racers, and that is where we have identified talents to represent Rwanda internationally,” he said.

    He added that infrastructure remains one of the biggest challenges.

    “Working with the Ministry of Sports, we are looking for a permanent karting circuit and motorsport facility. We hope the issue will be resolved within one or two years. We also need to improve our equipment because some of the vehicles currently available are outdated.”

    For now, Salomon and his fellow racers often train in parking areas around Amahoro Stadium whenever space is available, limiting the amount of practice they can get.

    Young racer Salomon Kabera has combined his passion for technology and speed to pursue a career in competitive motorsport.

    Sponsors step in

    Recognizing his talent and potential, Inyange Industries and MUA Insurance Rwanda have stepped forward to support Salomon’s racing ambitions.

    Nicole Teta Ndenga, Brand and Communications Officer at Inyange Industries, said supporting young talent is part of the company’s broader mission to contribute to Rwanda’s development.

    “Our goal goes beyond producing and delivering quality products. We also want to contribute to the well-being and development of Rwandans. We chose to support Salomon because we saw exceptional talent, determination and a clear vision to represent Rwanda internationally,” she said.

    She explained that part of the support includes financial assistance to help him prepare for competitions.

    Sharifa Umuhoza, Brand Manager at MUA Insurance Rwanda, also emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the young driver.

    “As sponsors, we encourage and support him because whenever a young person has talent, it takes the combined effort of parents, partners and sponsors to help turn those dreams into reality,” she said.

    Salomon Kabera trains with determination despite limited motorsport infrastructure in Rwanda, keeping alive his dream of racing on the world’s biggest stage.

    Following the path of Formula 1 legends

    Karting has long been regarded as the foundation of Formula 1 careers. Many of the world’s greatest drivers began their journey in karting, including Max Verstappen, who started karting at the age of four and was already competing in major championships by the age of seven.

    Since making his Formula 1 debut in 2015, Verstappen has become one of the sport’s most successful drivers, winning four world championships and securing more than 70 Grand Prix victories.

    For Salomon, those achievements serve as inspiration rather than intimidation.

    While the road from Rwanda to Formula 1 remains challenging, the young racer believes his dream is possible with hard work, dedication and the right support.

    And if his journey so far is any indication, Rwanda may one day have its own representative on motorsport’s biggest stage.

    At just 11 years old, Salomon Kabera has already competed in the FIA Karting European Championship, representing Rwanda internationally.
    Ange François Cyatangabo, Secretary General of the Rwanda Automobile Club (RAC), said motorsport in Rwanda is growing but still faces major obstacles due to its high costs.
    Nicole Teta Ndenga, Brand and Communications Officer at Inyange Industries, said supporting young talent is part of the company’s broader mission to contribute to Rwanda’s development.
    Sharifa Umuhoza, Brand Manager at MUA Insurance Rwanda, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the young driver.

    Photos: Umwari Sandrine

    Video: Ndacyayisenga Emmy

  • Africa makes World Cup history as nine teams advance to knockouts

    Africa makes World Cup history as nine teams advance to knockouts

    African football has delivered a historic breakthrough at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with nine of its ten representatives advancing to the Round of 32 after a dramatic and tightly contested group stage campaign.

    The Democratic Republic of Congo’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan and Algeria’s thrilling 3-3 draw against Austria on Saturday night sealed the final qualification spots, completing an unprecedented achievement for the continent. Only Tunisia failed to progress beyond the group stage.

    The scale of the success marks a dramatic leap for African nations on football’s biggest stage. The previous record for teams reaching the knockout rounds had been just two in a single tournament, set in both 2014 and 2022. Before this year, only six African countries had ever reached the knockout phase across World Cup history, underscoring just how significant the 2026 performance has been.

    The nine nations progressing are Morocco, South Africa, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cape Verde, Egypt, DR Congo and Algeria.

    Morocco once again leads the continent’s ambitions after becoming the first African nation to reach the World Cup semifinals four years ago in Qatar. The team has continued its strong form, including a 1-1 draw against Brazil, and arrives in the knockout rounds as one of the more experienced contenders. Morocco will also co-host the 2030 World Cup, adding further weight to its growing football profile.

    Elsewhere, Cape Verde and DR Congo have emerged as surprise packages of the tournament, both reaching the Round of 32 in their World Cup debut appearances at this stage. Their progress has been emblematic of a deeper shift in African football strength across the continent.

    DR Congo’s qualification was particularly emotional after a hard-fought win over Uzbekistan. Forward Fiston Mayele scored in the 78th minute, sandwiched between two goals from Yoane Wissa, including a penalty and a stoppage-time strike.

    “It’s really historic for our country, Congo,” Mayele said after the match. “It’s the first win and the first knockout stage. Today, I have to be proud here, and almost everywhere in my country, everyone is happy with what we did. We’re proud to be Congolese, and I think we will keep going.”

    DR Congo now face a daunting Round of 32 clash with England, but the squad has embraced its breakthrough moment. Wissa reflected on the long road to reaching this stage, highlighting the team’s resilience through qualification setbacks and early tournament challenges.

    “It’s only the second time we are in the World Cup, 52 years later,” Wissa said. “Nothing is easy in football. We just need to show resilience, and when a time like this comes, you have to enjoy.”

    Algeria’s path was no less dramatic. In a tense encounter with Austria, captain Riyad Mahrez struck in stoppage time to edge his side ahead after a match that appeared destined for a draw. Austria responded immediately with a goal on the final play, but the result was enough for both sides to advance.

    The broader success of African teams has reshaped expectations at this year’s tournament, with established powers like Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast progressing alongside emerging sides such as Cape Verde and DR Congo. The depth of qualification has reinforced the continent’s growing competitiveness on the global stage.

    As the knockout phase begins, African football carries both momentum and belief. What was once an occasional breakthrough has become a collective surge, and for nine nations, the World Cup journey is far from over.

    DR Congo’s Samuel Moutoussamy celebrates with their national flag after the match against Uzbekistan as they qualify for the knockout stages of the World Cup.
    DR Congo’s Yoane Wissa celebrates scoring their third goal with teammates.
    South Africa celebrate Thapelo Maseko’s goal against South Korea.
    Algeria’s Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Fares Chaibi, Nabil Bentaleb, Houssem Aouar and Riyad Mahrez celebrate after the 2026 World Cup Group J match between Algeria and Austria ended in a draw Saturday in Kansas City.

  • Senegal crush 10-man Iraq 5-0 to revive World Cup knockout hopes

    Senegal crush 10-man Iraq 5-0 to revive World Cup knockout hopes

    The Lions of Teranga produced a clinical attacking display after the break, with Pape Gueye scoring twice in spectacular fashion, while Habib Diarra, Ismaila Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye also got on the scoresheet.

    Senegal made a fast start, taking the lead in the fourth minute when Habib Diarra got the final touch on Abdoulaye Seck’s header to put his side ahead while both teams were still at full strength.

    Iraq’s task became significantly harder shortly after. In the 13th minute, defender Rebin Sulaka was initially shown a yellow card for pulling back Sadio Mané as he broke through on goal. However, referee Anthony Taylor reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and upgraded the decision to a red card for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity.

    Despite their numerical advantage, Senegal were unable to extend their lead before halftime, going into the break 1-0 up after a frustrating remainder of the first half.

    After the restart, however, the game shifted decisively in Senegal’s favour.

    Lamine Camara sparked the second-half surge in the 56th minute, forcing a turnover inside the Iraq penalty area before driving to the byline and cutting the ball back for Ismaila Sarr, who tapped into an empty net to score his third goal of the tournament.

    Pape Gueye, introduced shortly after, made an immediate impact. In the 59th minute, he collected a pass near the edge of the box, shifted onto his left foot and curled a superb effort into the top corner beyond goalkeeper Ahmed Basil.

    He struck again in the 71st minute, reacting quickest to Iliman Ndiaye’s bouncing delivery and unleashing a powerful half-volley that gave Basil no chance.

    Ndiaye then added the fifth in the 82nd minute, finishing from distance to complete a comprehensive victory.

    The result saw Senegal finish third in Group I with three points and a goal difference of +2, keeping their hopes alive in the race for the best third-placed finishers.

    They were later confirmed among the top eight third-placed teams and progressed to the round of 32, where they are set to face England, depending on final group outcomes.

    For Iraq, it was a disappointing end to their campaign. They lost all three group matches and were eliminated from their second World Cup appearance and first since 1986.

    Pape Gueye came off the bench to score twice for Senegal.
    Pape Gueye celebrates with his teammates after scoring against Iraq.







    Ismaila Sarr scored his third goal of the tournament.
    Iraq’s Rebin Sulaka grabbed Senegal’s Sadio Mané, resulting in him being sent off with a red card.
    Senegal delivered a dominant second-half performance to overwhelm 10-man Iraq 5-0 at Toronto Stadium on Friday.

  • Ivory Coast make history with first-ever World Cup knockout qualification

    Ivory Coast make history with first-ever World Cup knockout qualification

    The win confirmed Ivory Coast’s place as Group E runners-up and marked a breakthrough in their fourth appearance at the tournament, finally progressing beyond the group stage.

    Star forward Nicolas Pépé delivered the decisive performance, scoring twice to secure the result. He opened the scoring in the first half after excellent build-up play from teenage talent Yan Diomande, before adding a second goal midway through the second half to seal victory.

    Ivory Coast controlled the contest against a Curaçao side that needed a win to keep their own hopes alive, but ultimately failed to become one of the smallest nations ever to reach the knockout rounds.

    At full-time, emotional scenes followed as players dropped to their knees for a team photo and pointed to the sky in celebration of a historic achievement. The squad then continued celebrations in the dressing room, marking what they described as a long-awaited breakthrough.

    “We aren’t setting any limits for ourselves,” Pépé said after the match. “I think we have huge potential.”

    Ivory Coast’s path to qualification included a 1–0 opening win over Ecuador and a defeat to Germany, but results elsewhere, including Ecuador’s surprise victory over Germany, helped confirm their progression.

    The Elephants will now face either France or Norway, depending on who finishes as runners-up in Group I, in their last-16 tie on June 30.

    “If we aim to go all the way, it doesn’t matter who we play,” Pépé added, reflecting growing confidence within the squad after their historic qualification.

    Meanwhile, another African side, Tunisia national football team, endured a difficult campaign as their World Cup journey came to an end. Tunisia suffered a heavy 3–1 defeat to the Netherlands in their final group match, finishing bottom of Group F after losing all three of their games.

    Their tournament was marked by defensive struggles and inconsistency, having conceded 12 goals across the group stage. Despite moments of resilience, including brief spells of competitiveness against stronger opposition, Tunisia were unable to secure a point and bowed out after what their coaching staff described as a disappointing campaign.

    Ivory Coast national football team made history on Thursday night as they defeated Curaçao 2–0 to secure their first-ever qualification to the World Cup knockout stage.
     Ivory Coast’s Nicolas Pepe celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates.
  • NBA draft: Rwandan-American Nate Ament joins Bucks after blockbuster trade

    NBA draft: Rwandan-American Nate Ament joins Bucks after blockbuster trade

    The 19-year-old rising star was initially selected as the 13th overall pick by the Miami Heat before his draft rights were immediately routed to the Milwaukee Bucks.

    The selection was part of a historic, pre-arranged blockbuster trade sequence that sent multi-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to Miami in exchange for a package of players and multiple draft assets, making Ament a centerpiece of Milwaukee’s new rebuilding era.

    Ament turned heads at the draft venue not just with his basketball pedigree, but by proudly showcasing his heritage on the draft red carpet, appearing in a custom jacket featuring the “Visit Rwanda” branding.

    The 2026 NBA Draft marks the third consecutive year using a two-night format, featuring 60 total selections across two rounds. With the first-round selections concluded on Tuesday night, the second round is scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening.

    Ament enters the NBA following a dominant 2025/26 freshman season with the University of Tennessee in the NCAA, where he helped lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight tournament stage. As a true freshman, he appeared and started in all 35 games he played, averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while earning Second Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman honors.

    His standout scoring performance came on February 18, 2026, when he dropped 29 points against Oklahoma. The versatile forward also recorded a season-high 11 rebounds against Vanderbilt on March 13 and a personal-best five assists against Mississippi on February 11.

    Tennessee, coached by veteran mastermind Rick Barnes, has now produced 58 NBA players in its program history. Ament represents the 11th player from the university, and the fifth first-round selection, to be drafted into the NBA under Coach Barnes’ tenure.

    Ament has been vocal about his deep-rooted ties to Rwanda. His mother, Godelive, was born and raised in Rwanda, and Ament has actively sought out ways to strengthen his relationship with his maternal homeland.

    Under FIBA eligibility rules, Ament remains an incredibly high-profile dual-national prospect for the local basketball federation, having previously hinted to regional media that he would strongly consider representing the Rwanda national team in future international competitions.

    “I would entertain it [the offer] for sure, for sure. I mean, basketball is huge in that country and it means so much to their fans and their community. So I would definitely entertain it.”

    Before making his mark in the collegiate ranks, Ament represented the United States at the 2024 FIBA U18 Americas Championship in Argentina, where he secured a gold medal. Coming out of the Highland School in Virginia, he was a consensus five-star recruit, ranked fourth overall among the top 100 high school basketball prospects in the United States for the class of 2025.

    He last visited Kigali in August 2025, where he toured local developmental facilities, met with young athletes, and witnessed firsthand the country’s rapidly growing basketball infrastructure and youth development academies.

    Nate Ament shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft.
    The 19-year-old rising star was initially selected as the 13th overall pick by the Miami Heat before his draft rights were immediately routed to the Milwaukee Bucks.
    The selection was part of a historic, pre-arranged blockbuster trade sequence.
    Ament enters the NBA following a dominant 2025/26 freshman season with the University of Tennessee in the NCAA, where he helped lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight tournament stage.
    Ament enters the NBA following a dominant 2025/26 freshman season with the University of Tennessee in the NCAA, where he helped lead the Volunteers to the Elite Eight tournament stage.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups

    Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first player to score in six World Cups

    The 41-year-old Al-Nassr forward scored twice at NRG Stadium in Houston, helping Portugal secure their first win of the tournament after opening their campaign with a 1-1 draw against DR Congo.

    Ronaldo opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he met a cross from João Cancelo with a first-time finish from close range. The goal ensured that he became the first footballer to find the net in six separate World Cup tournaments, adding another milestone to a career already filled with records.

    Portugal doubled their advantage in the 17th minute through Nuno Mendes, who surprised the Uzbek defence with a cleverly worked free-kick routine. Ronaldo struck again six minutes before halftime, finishing a swift counterattack after being set up by Bruno Fernandes to give Portugal a comfortable 3-0 lead at the break.

    The Portuguese continued to dominate after the restart. Uzbekistan’s goalkeeper Abduvokhid Nematov was credited with an own goal in the 60th minute after a Portugal free-kick caused confusion in the penalty area. Rafael Leão completed the rout in the 87th minute with a close-range finish.

    Uzbekistan thought they had pulled a goal back in the first half when Azizjon Ganiev found the net from long range, but the effort was ruled out following a VAR review that identified a foul in the build-up.

    Beyond his historic achievement, Ronaldo also surpassed legendary striker Eusebio to become Portugal’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 10 goals. He is now the second-oldest player to score in a World Cup match, behind only Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at the age of 42 during the 1994 tournament.

    The veteran striker’s performance came just days after he faced criticism for a subdued display against DR Congo, where he failed to register a shot on target.

    Speaking after the match, Ronaldo said he was unfazed by the scrutiny.

    “It was a very tough week, a difficult week,” he said. “The public criticism was very harsh on us, all the players and especially on me and the coach. But that’s how it is.”

    He added: “Whenever things are going well, Cristiano is great. When they’re not, he’s finished and too old. It will always be that way.”

    The victory lifted Portugal to four points from two matches and strengthened their position in Group K as they seek a place in the knockout stage. Colombia lead the group with six points after defeating DR Congo 1-0.

    Portugal will conclude their group-stage campaign against Colombia on June 28, while Uzbekistan, still searching for their first point of the tournament, face DR Congo on the same day.

    Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates after scoring third goal with João Félix.
  • Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with a double against Austria

    Messi breaks World Cup scoring record with a double against Austria

    The Argentine captain scored twice in the Group J clash in Dallas to move onto 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16. The brace also took Messi’s tally at the tournament to five goals in just two matches, following his hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 win over Algeria.

    The historic evening did not begin smoothly for the 38-year-old. Messi had an early opportunity to break the record after Argentina were awarded a penalty in the eighth minute following a foul on Lautaro Martinez. However, the Inter Miami forward fired his effort wide, leaving the record temporarily out of reach.

    Messi responded in trademark fashion. In the 38th minute, Thiago Almada cleverly allowed Facundo Medina’s pull-back to run through his legs, giving Messi the chance to sweep a first-time finish into the net from inside the penalty area. The goal sparked celebrations and confirmed his place alone at the top of the World Cup scoring charts.

    Austria, managed by Ralf Rangnick, threatened to equalise in the second half, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a fine save to deny Marcel Sabitzer’s powerful free-kick on his 100th international appearance.

    Messi then put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time. After Julian Alvarez’s effort was blocked by goalkeeper Alexander Schlager, the Argentine star reacted quickest to fire home from a tight angle and seal victory.

    The goals marked another milestone in an extraordinary career. Twelve of Messi’s 18 World Cup goals have come after turning 35, while he also became only the third player to score in six consecutive World Cup matches.

    The victory lifts Argentina to six points and guarantees their progress to the knockout stage. They conclude their group campaign against Jordan on June 28, with Messi now aiming to extend a record that may stand for years to come.

    World Cup top goalscorers

    • 18 Lionel Messi (Argentina, 2006-2026)
    • 16 Miroslav Klose (Germany, 2002-2014)
    • 15 Ronaldo (Brazil, 1994-2006)
    • 15 Kylian Mbappe (France, 2018-2026)
    • 14 Gerd Muller (West Germany, 1970-1974)
    • 13 Just Fontaine (France, 1958)
    • 12 Pele (Brazil, 1958-1970)
    • 11 Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954)
    • 11 Jurgen Klinsmann (West Germany and Germany, 1990-1998)
    • 10 Helmut Rahn (West Germany, 1954-1958)
    • 10 Gary Lineker (England, 1986-1990)
    • 10 Gabriel Batistuta (Argentina, 1994-2002)
    • 10 Harry Kane (England, 2018-2026)
    • 10 Teofilo Cubillas (Peru, 1970-1982)
    • 10 Thomas Muller (Germany, 2010-2022)
    • 10 Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974-1982)
    The Argentine captain scored twice in the Group J clash in Dallas to move onto 18 World Cup goals, surpassing former Germany striker Miroslav Klose’s long-standing record of 16.
    Messi celebrates after scoring his first goal against Austria.
  • Rwandan football talents set to benefit from Benfica-backed project

    Rwandan football talents set to benefit from Benfica-backed project

    The agreement was formalised on Sunday in Israel, bringing together Hapoel Hadera, Benfica Lisbon and the Tony Rwanda project in a partnership focused on youth development, professional training and creating opportunities for young players.

    The signing in Israel also comes at a time when Tony Rwanda and Benfica have been discussing a wider project with the Government of Rwanda.

    Sources involved in the talks said Tony Rwanda and Benfica have been in discussions with Rwandan authorities since early last year, following a visit to Portugal by Minister of Sports Nelly Mukazayire, over a broader partnership that would establish a large campus in Rwanda to serve as a regional hub for football talent development.

    Some people close to the process say that, as the discussions with Hapoel Hadera have now materialised, Benfica and Tony Rwanda are also holding talks with other African countries over the possibility of establishing the proposed regional hub.

    For Rwanda, the Hapoel Hadera and Benfica deal is important because it gives young talents connected to Tony Rwanda a possible pathway into a more competitive football environment outside the country.

    In the first phase, a player from Rwanda is expected to join Hapoel Hadera’s youth setup, with the hope that more players could follow if the project succeeds.

    The partnership comes as Hapoel Hadera enters a new phase under the leadership of Itay Ben-Zeev, the CEO of the Israel Stock Exchange, who recently bought the club. Asi Rahamim will serve as the owner’s representative, while continuing his role as sporting director of Tony Rwanda. He will also help strengthen Hapoel Hadera’s professional and operational structure.

    Ben-Zeev said the idea was to connect different pieces of the same vision.

    “For the past three years, Benfica Lisbon has been working together with Tony Rwanda,” he said during the launch. “When I spoke with Assi Rahamim and Hapoel Hadera, I said: ‘Why don’t we connect everything?’”

    He said the project should not only benefit young players in Rwanda, but also create opportunities for children in Israel.

    “Now this project will not only affect youth in Rwanda, but also in Israel, in Hadera,” he said.

    The agreement was formalised on Sunday in Israel, bringing together Hapoel Hadera, Benfica Lisbon and the Tony Rwanda project in a partnership focused on youth development, professional training and creating opportunities for young players.
    The signing in Israel also comes at a time when Tony Rwanda and Benfica have been discussing a wider project with the Government of Rwanda.
    In the first phase, a player from Rwanda is expected to join Hapoel Hadera’s youth setup, with the hope that more players could follow if the project succeeds.

    For Rwanda, the Hapoel Hadera and Benfica deal is important because it gives young talents connected to Tony Rwanda a possible pathway into a more competitive football environment outside the country.

  • NBA draft prodigy Nate Ament open to representing Rwanda on international stage

    NBA draft prodigy Nate Ament open to representing Rwanda on international stage

    The 6-foot-10 former Tennessee Volunteers forward, who is a projected lottery pick, expressed deep pride in his Rwandan heritage and praised the explosive growth of the sport in his mother’s homeland.

    Ament, who is just days away from hearing his name called in the draft, described a mix of excitement and reflection as the big moment approaches.

    “Super excited, definitely a little reflective of just all I’ve gone through in my basketball process. You know, it was funny when I’m in, like inviting the people to come out and celebrate with me and watch,” he said.

    “I just, you know, think about how much they’ve impacted my career and how much they helped me. I just want to give, you know, a bunch of thanks to those people.”

    When asked which NBA teams have shown the most interest in him during the pre-draft process, Ament revealed the franchises he has worked out for.

    “Well, I’ve only done four workouts. I’ve done Chicago, Brooklyn, OKC, and the Clippers. So they’ve shown a lot of love.”

    With draft projections placing him around the top 10, including a mock selection to the Milwaukee Bucks, Ament said draft position matters less than impact.

    “Honestly, I mean, for me, it’s just, you know, the fit, wherever I get drafted, I could, it doesn’t really matter, you know, if I get drafted high or low, I just want to be able to come in and impact the game immediately. So that sounds good to me as long as I’m playing.”

    The young star, who grew up admiring Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, said the Oklahoma City Thunder trio of Durant, Westbrook, and James Harden was especially influential in his development.

    “I was a big KD guy. I loved KD and I also love Russell Westbrook. I loved that OKC team when they had the KD. I had him, Harden, and Russ. That was my favourite team.”

    Asked what it would feel like to face Kevin Durant in the NBA, Ament admitted it would be a surreal moment.

    “It would be surreal. I mean, I’ve studied so much from his game. We’re from the same area and you hear about, you know, stories about him and, you know, how competitive he was in high school and then all the way into where he is now. So that would just be a surreal moment.”

    He also shared a light-hearted remark about his college coach, Rick Barnes, who previously coached Durant at Texas.

    “He’ll make comparisons to say that I’m not like KD. He’ll try to make fun of me and try to say like I’m not there yet and light a fire under my butt. But no, he’s great.”

    One of the most notable aspects of Ament’s story is his strong connection to Rwanda through his mother’s side of the family.

    “Yeah, my mother was born and raised there. I’m half Rwandan. My mom’s brother lives out there.”

    Reflecting on his visits to Rwanda, he said each trip has helped him better understand his heritage.

    “It’s great. I mean, it’s a different story each time. Just getting older and me being able to understand more about the country. But not only do I learn more about the country, I learn more about my family and our lineage and just what it means to be Rwandan.”

    When asked directly whether he would consider playing for Rwanda’s national team, Ament did not hesitate.

    “I would entertain it for sure, for sure. I mean, basketball is huge in that country and it means so much to their fans and their community. So I would definitely entertain it.”

    Beyond basketball, Ament also spoke about his sporting versatility, including golf, soccer, and a memorable experience working with professional golfer Bryson DeChambeau.

    “Yeah, he signed a Reebok, so am I. So it was, they kind of set it up for me. It was great. I don’t know if you saw that video, but I broke his driver. So that was, it was kind of awkward, but no, it was great.”

    Explaining the incident, he added humorously:

    “Well, it wasn’t his driver. He would never let me use his driver because he’s going to play with it in the tournament. It was the clubhouse’s driver, but he was just teaching me swings. And he was like, this was like my last swing before we had to get going. He was like, I just want you to give everything you have on this swing, let it rip. And I think I let it rip a little too hard and the driver had to go off.”

    Despite the mishap, Ament said the experience was motivating.

    “IT definitely motivated me a lot. I haven’t played in a minute, so we’ll see next time I get out there, but it definitely motivates me to keep going.”

    As the NBA Draft approaches, Ament says he is ready for the next chapter of his career, wherever it begins.

    Nate Ament has expressed openness to representing Rwanda ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
    Rwandan-American NBA prospect Nate Ament exchanged jerseys with Sports Minister Nelly Mukazayire during a weeklong visit to Rwanda, his mother’s homeland, from August 9 to 13, 2025.