Category: Sports

SWAN,NDLEA sensitise athletes on dangers of drug abuse

Sensitisation

By Alaba Olusola-Oke

Akure, June 30,2024 (NAN) Sports Writers Association Of Nigeria (SWAN), Ondo State chapter and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have organised a comprehensive sensitisation programme to combat drug abuse among athletes, fans and the public.

The event, held at the indoor Sports Hall of the Ondo State Sports Complex,Akure on Sunday, brought together athletes, coaches, and stakeholders from all sports

The sensitisation programme’s theme was: “Drug Abuse: Battling a Menace in Nigerian Sports”.

The State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Saka Yusuf-Ogunleye, who declared the programme open, commended the organisers for putting together the event at the right time when the world was preparing for the 2024 Olympics.

Represented  by his Special Adviser, Mr Daodu Alex, Yusuf-Ogunleye said the state government was ready to partner with stakeholders and agencies to have a drug abuse free society.

“I admonish the convener of this event (SWAN) and its  partner to ensure they take this advocacy beyond this hall.

”Let us take it to schools so that we will be able to educate the upcoming athletes of the danger in taking performance enhancement drugs,”he said.

The Commander of NDLEA in the state, Mr Kayode Raji, emphasised the urgent need to address the escalating issue of drug abuse within the sports community.

“We are not here to deliver speeches; we are here to save lives.

“Abuse of drugs has destroyed many lives, and it is no longer a distant issue but one that is now prevalent among us.

“The consequences are limitless. Drug abuse is gradually infiltrating the sport community, and now is the time to step in and sensitise athletes about its dangers,” he said.

Raji said that NDLEA was committed to eradicating drug abuse and providing support for those affected.

“Preventive measures and support systems are in place, and we are dedicated to ensuring that athletes have the resources and knowledge to avoid the pitfalls of drug abuse,” he added.

An Olympian Lawrence Adegbehingbe,who was one of the speakers at the event, said that the pressure on athletes to win was immense, driving them to use substances to meet unrealistic performance expectations.

Adegbehingbe emphasized that sensitization on drugs should begin at home, with parents setting positive examples for their children, expressing  his gratitude to SWAN and the NDLEA for organising the event.

In his lecture,  a senior civil servant  in the state, Mr Bunmi Akinsemola, said doping was as old as sports itself,  adding that the essence of doping was to cheat.

“Even the ancient Olympics were not spared from the allegations of the use of herbal infusion before races, use of alcohol in modern Olympics was not uncommon,” he said.

Earlier in his welcome address, The state Chairman of SWAN, Mr Segun Giwa, highlighted the significant threats that  drug abuse could pose to the sports industry.

Giwa asked sports writers not to be complacent and that they should play an active role in raising awareness and educating athletes.

He called for stronger government support and the creation of a drug-free sports culture that would value hard work, dedication, and fair play.

“Let us all work together to create a drug-free sports culture in Nigeria. A culture that values hard work, dedication, and fair play.

”A culture that produces champions who inspire us with their talents , their character, and their integrity,” he said

In his remarks, the Patron of SWAN in the state and Chairman of the State Badminton Association,Chief Olu Ajabaku, congratulated both  NDLEA and SWAN for organising the advocacy programme.

Ajanaku, who likened sports to a ‘friendly war’, said,  “Sports is used to measure how healthy a nation is. The way we present ourselves as the youth of this nation goes a long way.” .

He referred to drug abuse as ‘narco-terrorism, stating that the enemies of the country were using it to decimate the population of the youths.

Ajanaku said as a traditional ruler, he affirmed his duty to support the NDLEA in the fight to rid society off narcotics.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

OKEO/BRM

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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Adepoju calls for glamorous president federation cup finals

Glamour

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Ex-international,  Mutiu Adepoju  has called for a more glamorous President Federation Cup, a replica of the 70’s, 80’s and early 90’s.

Adepoju made call  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 2024 President Federation Cup final  at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

NAN reports that El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri emerged  winner  defeating Abia Warriors 2-0 courtesy a brace from Salihu Nasiru.

Adepoju said that there has been some dynamics in the game.

“Certainly FA Cup is always glamorous as all clubs do look forward to it because it involves all clubsides irrespective of their grade.

“We have clubsides from all cadre of play from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Nigeria National League (NNL), Nigeria Nationwide League One (NLO) even non League sides do have same opportunity to compete.

“We also have those that have won the cup and those aspiring to  compete,  and this makes the competition more interesting and glamorous.

“In comparison with the old times of the FA Cup it is more glamorous then than what we have now, but there are other indices,” he said.

“Many things have evolved between now and then, we have seen some great quality players during the cup games.

“Now, there are other things, we have suprise teams and players for example Abia Warriors who are debutants in the 2024 final.

“FA Cup competition is  always great because it’s full of surprises because it’s not a regular league.

“In the past we have seen a team like Leventis United that have done well in the FA Cup, even when they are in the Division 2 then before they won the cup when they moved to the Division 1,” he added.

The former IICC Shooting Stars midfielder, said he was looking forward to the time when his former team,  now Shooting Stars SC would return to their glory days.

“Shooting Stars performed well this season but missed the Continental slot just by a point.

“The performance is what we have been expecting for a long time, we are waiting to see Shooting Stars play at the highest level.

“ I am looking forward to seeing them qualify to play continental football next season,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

2024 Davis Cup: Nigeria tennis team camp opens July 1-Secretary-General

Tennis

By Aderonke Ojo

Abuja, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Shammah Makpa, Secretary-General of Nigeria Tennis Federation ( NTF), says the federation’s camp will formally open on July 1, for Nigerian players participating in the  2024 Davis Cup.

The event is an Africa Group three  qualifying rounds in Abuja.

Makpa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in an interview on Sunday in Abuja.

He said that the competition will commence from July 15 to 20 at the Moshood Abiola National stadium in Abuja.

Makpa  said  that the federation angels  would continue to raise the bar on their preparedness.

“This is our first time hosting the event in Abuja and the NTF have been preparing for this assignment from the very beginning up to this moment.

“We will make sure that everything go according to plan for a successful hosting experience of the competition,” he said.

Makpa said   that two components are  involved in the arrangements for the event, first of all as the host and secondly, Nigerian players are  participating.

“As the host, we will make sure that the facilities are in good condition as well as the equipment needed for the event.

“We have been  preparing for this event and as you can see, we are visiting the areas to make sure that we put final touches,” he said.

He said that  the Nigeria team have  started  arriving in  camp ahead  July1, when it will  formally open.

“We have between six and eight players in the camp, of whom only five will actually represent Nigeria.

“Nevertheless, we are doing well and we are confident that with God everything will go according to plan for a hitch-free qualification.

“We have the likes of David Ekpenyong, Daniel Adeleye, Uche Oparaojie ,Michael Emmmanuel, Christopher Bulus, among others, who will be in  camp participating in the competition.

“They are experienced players, in fact three of them had competed in the 2023 Davis Cup Africa Group IV qualifying rounds match in Kigali, Rwanda,”he said.

The secretary said that based on their experiences,  they performed very  well in 2023 and won the majority of their games that led to the country’s qualification and promotion for Group three alongside Ghana.

“The  players will be able to represent Nigeria with pride because they are already in good shape and are fully prepared,” he said..

Makpa expressed confidence that with the backing of the NTF board,  the country will  host a good tournament that  would be adjudged as one of the most successful Davies Cup ever.

NAN reports that a total of six countries are expected to participate in the event, which include host Nigeria, Zimbawe, Namibia, Ivory Coast, Benin Republic and Ghana.

They will be competing for two slots in Group II  in the qualifying round.(NAN )(www. nannews.ng)
STJ/YI/JPE
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Edited by Yahaya Isah/Joseph Edeh

Cup

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 30, 2024 (NAN) Abia Warriors Coach, Bethel Orji, said his team’s 0-2 loss to El-Kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri in Saturday’s finals of the President Federation Cup was due to fatigue.

Orji said this in an interview on the sidelines of their defeat in the finals of the oldest Cup competition in Nigeria, played at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the two-time winners of the old FA Cup, Desert Warriors, defeated the Aba Landlords courtesy of a Nasiru Salihu’s brace.

Salihu scored in the 32nd minute of the first half and in the 69th minute of the action-packed finals played in front of boisterous football fans.

Orji, however, said that fatigue and loss of possession were largely responsible for their loss in the encounter.

“The final was game of the Warriors in which one must emerge as champion. We were unfortunate that things did not go our way especially in the first half.

“Our footings were wrong and so was our possession, so we paid dearly for that. We had a rather bad game not because El-Kanemi watched our clips, we did not get it right.

“It may be because the players were carried away with the atmosphere of playing in the finals, but also we did not play to our optimum,” he said.

On the preparations towards the finals, Orji also said that his players did not have enough rest before Saturday’s finals.

“In the past one month, we have been on the road playing our league matches and trying to survive relegation, and also playing the FA Cup.

“Thank God that we survived relegation to the 10th position to face the FA Cup, but towards the final we had a terrible journey around the country.

“We traveled to Gombe to honour our last league match then traveled to Abuja thinking that the finals will be played there.

“We were shocked to be told that the finals would now be played in Lagos; so, we had to travel to Lagos on Wednesday night.

“Truly fatigue had set in because for the past four weeks it has been terrible and unfortunate and today we didn’t get a goal,” he said.

Also, the coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, Ali Zubair, said that the youthfulness of his team played a determining role in winning the match.

“I demanded for a group of young talents, ready for success to make a name for themselves.

“My intentions of gathering younger players to prosecute the season turned out to be positive.

“Because the team is young, the players have more perseverance and resilience to keep pushing no matter the odds.

“Although it was not easy, I knew that because of their age advantage they will do well,” he said.

NAN reports that Abia Warriors had defeated Ilaji FC from Oyo 4-2 in the Round of 64 of the competition.

The Aba Landlords also defeated Sporting Supreme of Abuja 1-0 in the Round of 32 and Kwara United FC 4-3 on penalties after the match had ended 1-1 in regulation time.

The team also defeated Sokoto United 5-4 on penalties, after their match ended one goal apiece in regulation time en route the finals.

The semi-finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup between Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors was also decided through penalties.

Abia Warriors won 4-3 after the match ended without a goal in the regulation time.

The three-time winners, El-Kanemi Warriors, also defeated Adamimogo FC from Ondo State 2-0 in the Round of 64.

In the Round of 32, the Desert Warriors walked over Gombe United FC, who failed to honour the match, while they defeated hard fighting Shooting Stars of Ibadan 1-0 in the Round of 16.

In the quarter-finals, the Ali Zubair tutored team beat NNL side, Inter Lagos FC, 2-1 and then wrapped up their semi- finals by beating Kano Pillars 4-3 on penalties. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Salihu’s brace earns El-Kanemi Warriors 2024 President Federation Cup win

Win

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) A brace by Nasiru Salihu on Saturday earned resilient El-kanemi Warriors of Maiduguri a win against Abia Warriors in the finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the win was the third in the finals of the oldest cup competition in Nigeria for the Maiduguri-based team.

Salihu scored in the 32nd minute of the first half and completed his brace in the 69th minute of the action-packed finals played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

The final match, tagged ‘homecoming’ by the organisers, attracted important dignitaries in the sports industry.

The dignitaries at the finals included the deputy governor of Borno State, Umar Usman Kadafur, Minister of Sports Development, John Owan-Enoh and former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Chairman, Amaju Pinnick.

The Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) Chairman, Lekan Fatodu and Lagos State Football Association Chairman (LSFA) Liameed Gafaar, were also among other dignitaries who watched the final match.

The encounter, also tagged “Battle of the Warriors”, had the Desert Warriors in the driver’s seat, as Salihu’s brace got the better of Abia Warriors, when he coolly finished off his his brace in the 69th minute.

The El-kanemi goal poacher, who had been terrorising the Abia Warriors defense, had barely completed his brace when some pitch invaders escaped the barricade to celebrate the second goal.

They were, however, whisked away by the security personnel at the Arena.

The match winner, Salihu, in an interview after the match, said that the team did their home work before Saturday’s encounter in Lagos.

“We relied on our own strategy because, on paper Abia Warriors seems to be ahead of us, but that is not our worry at all.

“We kept our cool and worked on the strategy to beat them, not minding their status as Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side,” he said.

NAN reports that El-kanemi Warriors won the cup in 1991 and 1992.

The Desert Warriors had defeated their northern clubside Kano Pillars 3-2 in 1991 to take home the cup for the first time.

They also defended the cup with a 2-0 win over Stationery Stores in 1992 and won with the same scoreline against Abia Warriors 32 years after in 2024. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Jinx

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Coach Whyte Ogbonda of Rivers Angels says winning the the 2024 President Federation Cup on Saturday has finally broken the jinx about him as a ‘trophiless’ manager.

Ogbonda, who was excited with the win, made this known in an interview on the sidelines of his side, Rivers Angels, winning the oldest cup competition played at the iconic Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rivers Angels were crowned 2024 President Federation Cup winners after a slim 1-0 win over Naija Ratels.

The lone goal was scored by Rivers Angels’ Blessing Okpe through a spot kick just before half-time when a Naija Ratels defender was penalised for handling the ball inside the box.

Heading to the 2024 finals, Rivers Angels FC coach, Ogbonda has appeared in two previous FA Cup finals in 2017 and 2018.

Ogbonda said that by winning the 2024 edition after missing the two previous finals, he was proud to be counted among the cup-winning managers in Nigeria.

“This is my third appearance at the finals of the women’s category of the FA Cup. First was in 2017 when I was the coach of Ibom Angels when I lost to same team I am coaching today, Rivers Angels in Jos.

”My second appearance was in 2018 in the finals in Yenagoa when I lost to the same team.

”What happened then is that we have lots of inexperienced players in the team, but who are ready to give their best.

”What changed between the previous team and this is that Rivers United have the blend of experience players and gifted players; these qualities earned us the trophy.

”We are happy with the win regardless, the penalty call was right and it is there in the public space because, Naija Ratels player handled the ball in the box,” he said.

Ogbonda also said that the President Federation Cup win would have atoned for their Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) loss in Bayelsa.

”I want to say a big thank you to the press because we have been tipped to win the cup before the match was played and this put us under more pressure.

”We need to impress and not disappoint Nigerians who have been rooting for us. The match against Naija Ratels was not an easy one, because we started with 32 teams.

”I wasn’t expecting an easy match at all, but we needed to get our hands on one trophy this season having lost the NWFL by one point in Yenagoa. So we are more determined.

”We thank the Governor of River State for his support, he told us before the finals that we should go ahead to win the cup that will change our lives.

”We have won the cup and I know that my life has changed,” he said.

The Captain of Rivers Angels, Okpe, who also won the `Most Valuable Player’ award, told NAN that the team were more concerned to win the FA Cup.

”We are more pressed to win this trophy because back home the expectations are high.

”We went to the finals with the mind not to underrate our opponent, as the coach told us that any team that survived 32 others will be tough.

”We approached the match as if we are playing against the FC Barcelona Femene; and there was tension and adrenaline before we eventually won the match,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Ensure unforgettable experience at Paris Olympics, IOC President urges member nations

Olympics

By Vivian Ibobo

Lagos, June 29, 2024 (NAN) Member nations have been enjoined to take advantage of the Olympic family principles and ensure that the world enjoyed an unforgettable celebration of sports achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, said this in an address at the 2024 Olympic Day celebration in Lagos.

Olumide Oyedeji, President of the Nigerian Olympians Association (NOA) delivered Bach’s speech on Saturday at the National Stadium, Lagos.

Oyedeji also represented the President Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Habu Gumel, at the occasion.

The IOC president also described this year’s Olympic Day Celebration as a ‘Special One’ as it coincided with the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

According to him, Paris 2024 also offers athletes the platform to inspire the world with the Olympic motto of togetherness.

”This year’s Olympic Day is a very special one, taking place just ahead of the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

”With the excitement building, the athletes, the fans, the entire Olympic community around the world – all of us- we are all looking forward to a new era of Olympic Games, younger, more inclusive, more urbane, more sustainable.

”It is the very first Olympic Games with full gender parity. The very first Olympic Games fully in line with our Olympic Agenda.

”The Olympic Games always build bridges and bring people together in peace and solidarity,” he said.

He further said, ”This is the beauty of sport; it inspires us to move, it brings out the best in us, it keeps us healthy, and it brings us all together – as friends and as a community, wherever we are and whichever way we choose to move.”

The IOC president said that he was looking forward, ‘together with all of you, to the Olympic Games Paris 2024, for an unforgettable celebration of the joy of sport, for a celebration of our shared humanity – for a celebration of peace!.’

Also speaking at the event, the 1996 Olympic Games gold medalist, Chioma Ajunwa, said that the Olympic Day Celebration was s a great thing for lovers of sports.

She said that this year’s celebration was worth celebrating as it occurred in an Olympic Games year.

”It means a lot for all Nigerians that know what sport is all about, a market woman in the street may not know, but some of us that know what sport is all about, know that today is a great day in the Olympic family, and it is worth doing it because this year is Olympic year.

”Even if we have not been doing it in the past, I think it’s a great thing doing it this year, because we’re in full gear for our team moving to Paris.

”We know that this year is going to be like 1996. We’ve a lot of athletes that are really shaking the world,,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that apart from Lagos, this year’s Olympic Day Celebration, was also celebrated simultaneously in Bayelsa, Ondo, Edo, Gombe, Kogi and Ebonyi states.

It was also celebrated in Taraba, Plateau, Kwara, Osun, Delta, Imo and Adamawa states.

The Lagos event was spiced with the demonstration sports including boxing, tug-of-war, Muay Thai, skating and jogging by Joggers Fitness Club, Heritage Dancers as well as Aerobics display by Cheerladies. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IZU/DOE
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

The Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV hands over the champion’s trophy to the captain of Kagogi Young Stars.(Photo Credit:NAN)

Kagogi Young Stars pip Koro FC to lift Kitoro IV Unity Cup

Cup

By Victor Okoye

Borgu (Niger State), June 29, 2024 (NAN) Kagogi Young Stars on Friday pipped Koro Young Stars 1-0 to lift maiden Kitoro IV Unity Cup in Borgu, New Bussa, Niger.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden U15 grassroots tournament was sponsored by ChatmyCause (CMC) Initiative.

The tournament which was organised in honour of the Emir of Borgu, Muhammad Sani Haliru Dantoro Kitoro IV.

No fewer than 250 players and 16 teams participated in the competition.

The teams were grouped into four groups, consisting of four teams in each group.

Teams in Group A were City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, Flamingos FC.

In Group B, we had Frontliners FC, Kainji Pillars, NATA, and Dodo Jnr FC.

Group C comprised of Koro Young Stars FC, Highlanders FC, Borgu Yield FC, and Hotline FC.

While Group D was made up of Gbere, “A Academy Wawa, Golden Stars FC, 221 TNK Battalion and Monnai FC.

After several rounds of hostilities in the group stage, Round of 16 and the quarter-finals, four teams qualified for the semi-finals at the end of a pulsating encounter.

The teams include Gbere, “A Academy, City Rulers FC, Kagogi Young Stars Karabonde, and Koro Young Stars FC.

Both Kagogi Young Stars and Koro Young Stars advanced to the finals after defeating Gbere ‘A’ Academy and City Rulers, respectively, in the semi-finals.

The third place match played on Thursday saw Abdulgafar Abidoka grab a brace, while Musa Dantalo added the  third goal as Gbere ‘A’ Academy beat  City Rulers 3-0.

The final match played on Friday  lived up to the expectations of a mammoth crowd, which tropped in their hundreds to watch the thrilling encounter.

Koro Young Stars began the game on the strong footing and looked to assert their dominance early in the match.

But they squandered a lot of goal scoring chances, which came their way, with only the goalkeeper to beat on several occasions.

However, it was Kagogi Young Stars who opened scoring through Haliru Karabonde in the 18th minute against the run of play.

Karabonde’s early effort proved to be the winning goal after Kagogi Young Stars’ defence withstood a barrage of attacks from their opponents to emerge winners of the tournament.

NAN also reports that the gold, silver, and bronze medalists received mouth-watering cash rewards courtesy of the Emir.

Lily Grace, the Executive Director of CMC Initiative, told newsmen after the match that the winners had also qualified to take part in a scouting programme billed to take place in Abuja from July 5 to July 7.

She said that as part of her Initiative’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a total of 50 of the best players selected during the course of the tournament and 10 coaches would be sponsored to take part in the U15 Scouting and Coaching programme in Abuja.

The Emir thanked CMC for providing children of the Emirates with the opportunity to showcase their God-given talent.

He said that it would go a long way to ensure that the youths achieve their dreams and become great.

The programme organised by Patoz Football Concept Ltd. in collaboration with Chatmycause (CMC) Initiative and OTP United FC, Finland is for youth academies across Nigeria at the Aguyi Ironsi Cantonment football pitch, Abuja.

The programme is to discover and support less privileged talented players at the grassroots, develop and launch the “NEXT NAIJA FOOTBALL SUPERSTAR”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

VO/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh