Author: Aderonke Ojo

Tennis
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Ikenna Okonkwo has won the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja by beating Daniel Adeleye 6-2,6-2 in the final of male singles on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tour, which started on June 5, ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Okonkwo was resilient, showing character and mental strength to upset his opponent, against all odds.

Okonkwo was on the front foot throughout the match as he took a 6-2 lead against his opponent.

He overpowered Adeleye in the second set for a 6-2 to win, as the game ended 6-2,6-2.

In the semi-finals, Adeleye had defeated Ezekiel Azi to reach final.

He had earlier qualified for the quarter-final stage, where he defeated Aina Henry 6-2,6-0.

Okonkwo on the other hand, had defeated , Ganiyu Mubarak in the semi-finals. He qualified for the quarter-final by beating Benjamin Jerrimah 1-6,6-0,7-5.

Speaking after the final game, Adeleye said that he was glad for his achievements in the tournaments, despite losing in the final.

He said he didn’t create enough chances that could have made him win and that was why Okonkwo won.

”I congratulate him for putting up such a strong performance. My permutations was not a good calculation today and I hope to lift the trophy next time around.

”Right now I will be working on my practice for my next competition , J60 tournament, I hope to lift the trophy,” he said.

In the females category, Ohunene Yakubu beat Alisha Ndukwu 6-4, 6-4 to clinch the title.

NAN reports that six countries – Nigeria (host), Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic – participated in the championship.

Trophies and medals were awarded to the winners, including the runner-up and third place positions.

NAN reports that the Junior ITF event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Results
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The following are the results of Match Day 35 fixtures played on Sunday in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):
Lobi Stars FC 3-2 Remo Stars FC
Abia Warriors FC 0 – 0 Bendel Insurance FC
Heartland FC 3-1 Doma United FC
Bayelsa United FC 2-2 Sporting Lagos FC
Enugu Rangers International FC 0-0 Enyimba International FC (suspended )
Rivers United FC 1-0 Shooting Stars FC
Sunshine Stars FC 2-0 Akwa United FC.

The following matches were played on Saturday: Katsina United FC 4-0 Gombe United FC
Plateau United FC 2-0 Kwara United FC
Kano Pillars FC 1-1 Niger Tornadoes FC. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Tennis

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 9 , 2024 ( NAN) Shammah Makpa, the Secretary General of Nigeria Tennis Federation ( NTF),says the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior J60 will commence on Monday in Abuja.

Makpa said this in an interview with the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of  the ongoing International Tennis Federation ( ITF ) World Tennis Tour Junior J30 in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the  ITF  World Tennis Tour Junior J60 is the highest version of the J30

“We anticipate to see more players participate in the competition and  majority of these potential athletes are constantly searching for more competitive events to attend .

“ Many of the countries that we hope to welcome to Nigeria have expressed interest in doing so, and many of them have asked for  letters of introduction to help them obtain entry visas.

“ They include China, India,U.S, UK and Germany in  addition to African countries,” he said.

He said that NTF is still reviewing the online entries and will have  an idea of how many countries and individuals  that have entered for the competition.

“ Today, the entry on-site opens, and by  evening we will be able to find out how many people have come to participate in the competition.

“ However, my prediction is that there will be more entries on the ITF  World Tennis Tour Junior  J60,” he said .

He said that  Kayode Savage, a Tennis Development officer  has gotten a wild card to participate at the maiden edition of  the World Para- Standing tennis championship in Turin, Italy on June 20.

“He is the only Nigerian I know who will be competing, in-spite the fact that this is a new tournament in the ITF.

“He will be the first player from Nigeria to compete in this type of sport, which is specifically for physically challenged players who cannot sit on a wheelchair.

“We are excited about his involvement in the competition and are pleased that we will have the opportunity to train them as well as feature them in some of the events,” he said.

NAN reports that Junior International Tennis Federation event is a flagship tournament  that help junior players gain global rankings and points.

The tour which is expected to start on June 10 will end on June 16  at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

NTF committed to promoting gender equality in tennis participation, officiating –President

Tennis

By Aderonke  Ojo

Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) President of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), Ifedayo Akindoju, says the federation is committed to promoting gender equality with regards to the participation and officiating of tennis events in the country.

He made the remarks while declaring a maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All workshop open on Friday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Tennis Umpires Association (NTUA) made history on Friday in Abuja.

This followed the successful hosting of its maiden International Tennis Federation’s Advantage All programme, thus setting the pace for other African countries.

The workshop was organised by the NTF, in conjunction with the International Tennis Federation ( ITF), with no fewer than 20 female tennis officials from across the country in participation.

It aims to further deepen the domestication of the initiative which the country formally signed into in 2021 at the Annual General Meeting of ITF in Glasgow, Scotland.

Akindoju extolled the milestones being recorded by the Officiating Department of the Federation, noting that officiating in Nigeria had advanced beyond  imagination “as ladies in tennis officiating have done so well.

“What we are witnessing here today is another landmark to show that ladies are very interested in sports and in tennis in particular.

“As a Federation, we are promoting gender fairness, gender equality in terms of opportunities and participation, and have put in place a well monitored and guided mechanism to ensure that no body is treated unfairly”, Akindoju said.

Acting Chairman of NTUA, Rose Abu, encouraged the participants to make adequate use of the opportunity to develop and sharpen their officiating knowledge and skills.

Abu thanked the ITF for endorsing the event, and commended the effort and commitment of the President of NTF and the country’s Officiating Manager, Kehinde Ijaola, for making the day a reality.

Gold Badge Chair Umpire and an Advantage All Global Ambassador, Eva Asderaki-Moore led a plethora of virtual international goodwill messages from female tennis Umpires across the world to the participants.

With the theme, Tennis Officiating: Place, Value Of Women In Officiating And Empowerment, the workshop had series of paper presentations on topical issues.

NAN also reports that a minute silence was earlier observed in honour of the immediate past Nigeria’s Advantage All Ambassador and one of the country’s finest tennis officials, late Arinola Isa-Banire who died in July 2023.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

STJ/HA

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

2024 Olympics: NWF President assures Weightlifters of support

Support

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 7, 2024 ( NAN) Ibrahim Abdul, the President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has assured  Weightlifters  that will represent Nigeria at the upcoming  Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France of the federation`s support.

Abdul who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday Abuja, said preparations were in top gear to get the athletes ready for the games.

According to him, all the necessary support will be given to the weightlifters before and during the games.

“In order to prepare the weightlifters for the Olympics, the federation has commenced its training camp at the Moshood Abiola National stadium Abuja.

“We are also going to attend the African Weightlifting Associations organised camp for all African athletes that qualified for the Olympics Games,“he said.

He said the federation’s goal is to reach the greatest possible success by winning gold medals and placing first in Paris.

 “The athletes will be able to achieve their goals in the Olympics with the training they have received so far,“he said.

He urged corporate organisations to support the Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Enoh, as he is making all efforts to ensure the athletes succeed in Paris.

“ He is  giving his all; so we need corporate organisations to support him with funding, equipment and even making pledges to inspire and motivate the athletes,“he said.

NAN reports that Rafiatu Lawal (women’s 59 kg) and Joy Eze (women’s 71 kg) would represent the federation at the Olympics.

A total of 88 athletes from Nigeria have qualified for the Olympics Games, others are still in the qualification process before the closing windows.

The 2024 summer Olympic Games is scheduled for July 26 to Aug. 11 in Paris, France.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng).

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

J30 Tennis: Ogunsakin advances to ITF World Tennis Tour round of 16

Tennis

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 7, 2024 (NAN) Seyi Ogunsakin defeated Yulin Li, a Chinese player 4-6, 7-5 ( Rtd) to reach the  round of 16 at the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 Abuja  in the male singles category on Thursday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings.

The tour which started on June 5, is expected to end on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Ogunsakin was a touch too naive early in the match, which gave Yulin the opportunity to break his service in the first set, 4-6.

Yulin put up an amazing show in the opening set but Ogunsakin used techniques packed with vigor and resolve to take control of the center court.

He hauled his Chinese opponent around the court until Yulin, who was taller, pulled a shoulder which forced him to retire from the game and Ogunsakin prevailed 7–5.

Speaking after the match, Ogunsakin, said that the match meant a lot to him because it was his first ever appearance at a Junior ITF event.

He said that he had a poor game at first until he improved on his game.

“ The reason was that in the first set I did not know my opponent’s ways of play; I was just trying to see how I could do but in the second set I moved on .

“ I got through by displaying brilliant performance, withstanding Yulin  pressure and winning 7-5, thereby ending Yulin’s hope  of advancing further.

“I am happy for winning this round of 32 matches and advancing to the round of 16 stage where I will be playing against Ganiyu Mubarak in round of 16. I hope to also pull the same victory,”he said.

NAN reports that in the female category in the singles round of 16 matches saw Yakubu Ohunene beat Bisola Ogunkolafe 6-1,6-1 to advance to the quarter finals.

Goodness Aina defeated Myah  Chang Harper from Great Britain 2-6,6-4,6-3 while Blessing Otu overpowered Ehana Chrys-Chikere from Australia 6-2,6-2.

Also, Kadijat Mohammed humbled Etoro Bassey 7-6, 3-6,6-3,  Destiny Okhinaye beat Ambimbola Ayinla 6-0,6-0 and Jasmine Osho beat Alisha Ndukwu from Great Britain 6-0,6-0.

NAN reports that six countries, Nigeria (host) , Ghana, Great Britain, Australia, China and Benin Republic are participating in the ongoing championship.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

2024 President Federation Cup: Abia Warriors FC, advance  to Semi-Finals

Match

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 6, 2024 ( NAN) Abia Warriors FC of Abia on Wednesday, advanced to  the semi-finals stage in the 2024 President Federation cup after a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over Sokoto United FC.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the  match was played at the FIFA Goal Project football pitch of the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.

Abia Warriors FC dominated the first half when in the 25th minute when Adama Kizito of Sokoto United stopped a corner kick with his hand, giving the Abia side a penalty which Prince Okorie  converted.

Sokoto United FC later came into the game in the second half and  their effort  paid off in the 76th minute when Shehu Garba scored the  equalizer.

Both sides worked extra hard to outwit each other but the game  ended 1-1 a piece and penalties.

Speaking after the match, coach Ike Shoromu  of  Abia warriors FC     who expressed happiness over his team`s performance, said the coaching crew deserved commendation for “a job well-done.

“ Our opponents gave us a good fight but at the end of the game, we got the desired victory.

“As per our goals, other teams are anticipating the same thing, but today’s victory is what matters most, and we’re excited to see how far we can go in our semifinal match,” he said.

On his part, Umar Mohammed, the General Manager of Sokoto FC, said the team`s  performance was fantastic in spite of their loss to their  opponent.

“ We’ll turn our attention to the upcoming Super 8 in Enugu, where we intend to win a spot in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

“Our commissioner and Club president have provided us with enough support and we are motivated,” he said.

NAN reports that in another quarter-final game, the fairy tale of Inter Lagos FC came to an end as NNL side, El-Kanemi Warriors FC of Maiduguri won   2-1.

Kebbi United FC defeated EFCC FC after a 4-3 penalty shootout  after it ended goalless in regulation time and Kano Pillars FC edged out Sunshine Stars FC  5-3 on penalties .

Abia Warriors will confront Kano Pillars in the semifinals match on June 19.(NAN) www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Colombia 2024: Falconets draw South Korea ,Venezuela , Germany

Volleyball League: We will sustain the momentum,  Olafusoye says

Volleyball

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Dele Olafusoye, the head coach of Defence Spikers Volleyball club of Abuja, says the team will sustain  the current form by winning all its matches to advance to Division One.

Olafusoye stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said that having maintained an unbeaten record in the first phase of the league, means his team has improved drastically.

“We intend to sustain our current momentum by winning all our games and advancing to the Division One League,” he said.

He said the team will continue to win and not disappoint their sponsor, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

NAN reports that the team won seven straight matches, defeating Wikki Spikers 3-1, Caliphate Spikers of Sokoto 3-1 and Jewel Spikers of Gombe 3-0.

Others are Osun Spikers 3-0, Bayelsa Spikers (3-2) and Ajase Ipo VC 3-0 and Delta VC 3-0.

“We just need to keep on believing, focus and maintain the momentum when we start the second phase, “he said.

“I am very happy and I want to thank God for giving us the victory because this is the first time Defence Spikers will participate in the volleyball league.

“The decision to participate in the league came up a week before the commencement date.

“We are playing in the Division two League; I told the players when I called them for camping. They assured me that they will make the CDS our sponsor proud” he said..

“My squad was also shaped by the February Yenagoa Invitational Challenge 2024, as many of the competitors were excellent players.

“Do not forget that Defence Spikers finished second at the FCT Volleyball Challenge 2024 held in April.Our young players are actively playing volleyball on our home ground.

NAN reports that the just concluded 2024 National Division two Volleyball League (first phase) was held in Abuja. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Joseph Edeh