Atletico, Barca Battle Live on GOtv
The biggest game of the La Liga season so far is shrouded in political tension as Barcelona visit Atletico Madrid today in their first trip to the Spanish capital since a Catalan independence referendum marred by violence.
Barca played their last match behind closed doors as the October 1, referendum, deemed illegal by the Spanish government, took place amid chaotic scenes as police seized ballot papers and clashed with voters, leaving 92 injured, among nearly 900 who sought medical attention.
"It was one of the worst moments we've experienced," Barca captain Andres Iniesta told Catalunya radio this week. "It was a bit surreal."
However, deep divisions remain despite Catalonia president Carles Puigdemont's decision to suspend the effects of a unilateral declaration of independence on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, GOtv MAX and Plus subscribers will watch Atletico Madrid’s attempt to dent Barcelona’s title hopes, when they go head to head after the international break, among all other La Liga matches live on SuperSport Select 4.
Barcelona are five points clear at the top of La Liga after winning all their opening seven matches this season. Atletico will be going into the game unbeaten, having won four and drawn three so far to leave them in fourth place.
Other exciting encounters today include Athletic Bilbao versus Sevilla at 11:55am, Getafe versus Real Madrid at 3:10pm and Alaves versus Real Sociedad at 5:25pm.
On Sunday, Eibar will take on Deportivo La Coruna at 10:55am while Girona confronts Villarreal at 3:10pm. Later on, we will see Malaga go up against Leganes at 5:25pm, while Real Betis tackle Valencia at 7:40pm. The action spills into Monday, 16 October with the Las Palmas versus Celta Vigo match at 7:55pm.
Explaining why La Liga matches have been made available to GOtv MAX subscribers, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said that quality entertainment has always been a key focus for GOtv.
“Sports just got bigger and better with the GOtv MAX package. With La Liga now on GOtv, our subscribers can join the rest of the world in enjoying the best of Spanish football action as well as other entertainment choices at an affordable cost”, he said.
The new bouquet, GOtv Max is open to all GOtv Plus subscribers from October 1 to October 31. As part of efforts at reviving swimming in Nigeria, Advanta Interactive Global limited in conjunction with Dynaspro Promotions limited has come up with Dolphin Swimming League, to be competed by first tier private primary and secondary schools.
At a press conference held at the Lagos Preparatory School, Ikoyi, to herald the competition, the Managing Director, Advanta Initiative- marketing firm of the tournament, Efe Ojigbede, said the whole idea was to keep swimming alive in the country.
"We want to keep swimming alive in Nigeria. Coaches would be brought from abroad to impact on the local coaches and pupils.
"Tentatively, Dolphin Swimming League would kick-off on December 9, with the participating schools expected to present two swimmers in each category. The 10 best swimmers, which would be judged by their returning time, are expected to go on training in the United Kingdom," Ojigbede said.
Meanwhile, initiator of Dolphins Swimming League, Oluseyi Oyebode, has promised that DSL would not be a one off event, saying it is based on strong basic structure.
"With DSL, it’s a new dawn in swimming in Lagos and it would never be the same again," Oyebode assured.
“The maiden edition of the league will involve the topmost private primary and secondary schools in Lagos. The league will be held in all participating schools before a winner emerges. Arrangements have been made for the best swimmers from the league to participate at international swimming meets in England,” Oyebode said.
Interestingly, Lagos State government and the Swimming Federation have promised technical support for league,
According to the President of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Babatunde Fatai-Williams, the federation is ready to support the programme fully and the organizers of the league must be commended for initiating the tournament while assuring of the federation support.