Category: Sports

World Cup qualifiers: Super Eagles need psychology motivation to qualify—Fuludu

World Cup qualifiers: Super Eagles need psychology motivation to qualify—Fuludu
Qualification
By Kazeem Akande
Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Edema Fuludu, ex-Nigerian international said that members of the Nigeria`s Men`s national team, the Super Eagles needed psychological motivation to win their remaining matches to qualify for the world cup.
Fuludu, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, said the team`s challenges were beyond coaching.
According to him, the team needs psychological motivation to win matches rather than focusing on coaching challenges.
“The real magic Super Eagles can make now is to win their next matches and play professionally, that’s the only magic the team needs.
“I think the Eagles should rise up and play professionally, speed up the game and have the desire to win,” he said.
The ex-international said Finidi George, the national team coach needed to apply an aggressive effective style and formations to tackle his opponents.
According to him, formula and formations at times determine the outcome of a match with the players’ determination to win.
“I urge Finidi to motivate the players to play professionally and have the determination to win their next matches.
NAN reports that the Minister of Sport Development had demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on the Super Eagle’s disappointing results in the 2026 world Cup qualifiers.
The Eagles managed to secure one point from a possible six by drawing 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in its third and fourth game in the qualifiers series. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
AKA/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 11, 2024
Our target is to set a world stage record for players-NTF
Our target is to set a world stage record for players-NTF
Athletes
By Aderonke Ojo
Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Shammah Makpa, the Secretary General of Nigeria Tennis Federation (NTF), says the Federation`s target is to develop and set a world stage record for players.
Makpa disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the just concluded International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour Junior J30 in Abuja.
He said the competition is a component of the federation’s long long-term plan for development of players.
“It serves as a means of providing a stage on which young players showcase their abilities before we choose the best among them.
“The selected ones in the future would take over from the aging ones.
“ Prospective players that performed exceptionally during this tournament will be eligible to compete in future competitions,” he said.
Mapka said that having the competition in Nigeria has saved the federation from sourcing for money to sponsor players for competitions abroad.
“By holding the tournament here, we were able to accommodate more than 30 to 60 Nigerian players that chose to participate in the competition.
“This kind of competition can only accept a maximum of six players if it is held outside Nigeria,” he said.
NAN reports that the Junior International Tennis Federation (ITF) event is a flagship tournament to help junior players gain global rankings and points.
NAN reports that ITF World Tennis Tour Junior J30 which started on June 5, ended on Sunday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
STJ/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 11, 2024
2026 WC qualifiers: Sports minister summons NFF over S’Eagles poor results
2026 WC qualifiers: Sports minister summons NFF over S’Eagles poor results
Summon
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh, has demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the Super Eagles’ disappointing results in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
This is contained in a statement by Diana-Mary Nsan, the Special Assistant to the minister on Media.
The Eagles managed to secure only one point from a possible six, following a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in Abidjan in its third and fourth game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series.
These results leave the Super Eagles with just three points from a possible 12.
The minister expressed dissatisfaction with the results, especially considering the support the NFF had received from the Federal Government.
“The recent results are unacceptable, in spite the immense support from President Tinubu and the high expectations of Nigerian football fans, the Super Eagles have underperformed.
“The NFF must provide a comprehensive technical report explaining the reasons behind this poor showing, and give cause why there mustn’t be consequences for the disappointment,” he said.
Enoh emphasised that Nigerian football fans demand and deserve answers and accountability from the NFF.
“Our supporters are passionate and devoted. They deserve an explanation for why our national team has not been performing to the expected standards since after the last AFCON,” he said (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 10, 2024
2026 WC qualifier: Benin rep. defeat Super Eagles 2-1 in Abidjan
2026 WC qualifier: Benin rep. defeat Super Eagles 2-1 in Abidjan
Defeat
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Cheetahs of Benin Republic handed the Super Eagles of Nigeria a shocking defeat in their Match Day 4 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification clash on Monday in Abidjan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the match played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, saw the Super Eagles failing to fly again in the qualifiers.
The loss condemned the team to fifth place in Group C, with a slim chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, following three draws and a defeat.
Nigeria came into the game following a disappointing 1–1 home draw against South Africa on Friday in Uyo.
Under pressure Super Eagles head coach, Finidi George, tweaked his starting line-up that prosecuted the South African game in an attempt to give some spark to the team.
Raphael Onyedika came in for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the midfield, while Terem Moffi was preferred ahead of Paul Onuachu to lead the attack.
The Eagles started the game on the front foot with Onyedika opening scoring with a sweet finish from the edge of the box in the 27th minute.
Benin struck back 10 minutes later. A defensive mishap from Calvin Bassey sent Jodel Dossou clear on goal, and the striker placed the ball past an on-rushing Stanley Nwabali into the net.
The Cheetahs turned the game around a few minutes later when Steve Mounie pounced on a loose ball from a corner kick to make it 2-1.
The Benninose coached by former Super Eagles gaffer, Gernot Rohr thereafter sealed the back to frustrate all forays by the Eagles to equalise.
The Super Eagles are now fifth in the qualification group with three points from four games.
With this defeat, the Eagles must win all thier remaining six matches to have a chance of qualifying for the world cup.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 10, 2024
NNL Super 8: Nasarawa United beat Sokoto United 1-0
NNL Super 8: Nasarawa United beat Sokoto United 2-1
NNL
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu , June 10, 2024 (NAN) Nasarawa United Football club of Lafia defeated Sokoto United 2-1 in the ongoing Nigerian National League (NNL) Super 8 playoffs.
The News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) reports that the match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Monday.
By this victory, Nasarawa United have six points having won their first match against Elkanemi Warriors 1-0.
United who was relegated to the NNL last season, came from behind to outscore Sokoto United in a grilling encounter of the Northern conference in the second match of the day.
In the second northern conference game, Elkanemi Warriors defeated Sporting Supreme of Abuja 2-1
Elkanemi and Sporting Supreme who now have three points going into their last matches.
Elkanemi will play Sokoto united in their last match while Sporting will take on Nasarawa United.
Earlier in the Southern conference, Madiba FC of Lagos defeated Inter FC also of Lagos 2-1 to remain in contention after losing to Ikorodu United in their first match.
In the second match of the day Beyond Limits FC of Abeokuta and Ikorodu United FC played a pulsating 1-1 draw. (NAN) (www.nabnews.ng)
BEN/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
June 10, 2024
Nigeria Youth League will expose budding talents, CEO says
Nigeria Youth League will expose budding talents, CEO says
Players
By Emmanuel Jonathan
Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigeria Youth League (N-Youth League), Robinson Adakosa says the League will expose budding and skillful players to limelight.
Adakosa stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja.
He said that the management of the league would ensure that its objective of getting the best legs from the grassroots was actualised.
He thanked the Ministry of Sports Development for endorsing the upcoming N-Youth League.
Adakosa also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and the Federal Capital Territory Football Association (FCT-FA) for their support.
He said the endorsement by the football bodies was a proof that the sports administrators want the best for the country’s football from the grassroots level.
The administrator said that their actions also showed that they believe in the youths to be the projectors of Nigerian football to the outside world.
He promised not to let Nigeria down, adding management will give its best in ensuring that the objective of the competition was strictly adhered to.
“Our target is to expose budding, skillful and talented players to the national and international limelight.
“Our target is equally to promote Nigerian football on the global stage. So, with the endorsement of the League, we promise not to let Nigeria down.”
“We will make sure that the League is in line with the best global practices and regulations governing football worldwide,” Adakosa stated.
While noting that registration for participating clubs has commenced since June 1, he urged that the rules and guidelines should be strictly followed.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2024 Nigeria Youth League will commence in September. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
EIJ/MUYI/JPE
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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Joseph Edeh

June 10, 2024
NPFL: Turnout at Rangers, Enyimba game excites football enthusiasts

NPFL: Turnout at Rangers, Enyimba game excites football enthusiasts
NPFL
By Chimezie Anaso
Enugu, June 10, 2024 (NAN) Football enthusiasts were excited at the large turnout of football fans at the Rangers International FC of Enugu and Enyimba FC of Aba, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on Sunday.
In spite of the late minute disruption of the Match day 35, spectators were excited with the scintillating display of skills and energy from both teams before the game was abandoned.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 22,000 capacity stadium was filled to capacity with about the same number standing in the overflow section.
Rommy Ezeonwuka, Managing Director of Rojenny Stadium and Games Village, Oba near Onitsha, said the crowd at the stadium was a reminder of the golden days of the Nigerian football league.
He expressed happiness that the Nigerian league which had been abandoned for European leagues could be appreciated once again in his time lifetime
“What I saw can only be compared to the crowd that we used to have at Rojenny Stadium in the 90s and early 2,000s during the days of the defunct Udoji United FC.
“I am impressed with the crowd in Enugu, that is how our league used to be before European football killed it. I am hopeful that our football will be great again; I hope to see Rojenny come alive again.
“I cannot talk about what led to the abandonment of that beautiful match but our league officials must convince us that they mean well, how the whole crowd can be against their decision,” he said.
Also speaking, Olisa Onuchukwu, an ex-Rangers International player, said the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium had not seen such a crowd since it was inaugurated in January 1986.
Onuchukwu said the game would have gone down as the greatest in the history of the league if not for the last minute confusion.
Ikem Asika, an ace sports journalist, regretted the circumstances that brought the game to an abrupt end.
He called on the officials of the football league to be careful in their decision in order to save the game from disrepute.
NAN reports that a win would have guaranteed Rangers the league trophy while a victory for Enyimba, would have given them an advantage over Remo Stars…
Rangers FC currently have 61 points from 34 games ahead of Enyimba`s 59 points from the same number of matches and Remo with 59 points from 35 games.
(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
APC/JPE
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Edited by Joseph Edeh

June 10, 2024
Minister hails Tinubu, NASS over national Anti-Doping Bill
Minister hails Tinubu, NASS over national Anti-Doping Bill
Commendation
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 10, 2024 (NAN) The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has commended the National Assembly for the accelerated passage of the National Anti-Doping Bill.
The minister in a statement on Sunday also acknowledged and saluted the vision of President Bola Tinubu for placing premium on the transmission of the bill to the National Assembly.
“The transmission of the Anti-doping Bill 2024 to the National Assembly and the accelerated passage of same remains a landmark achievement of this administration.
“It is a show of the courageous and bold leadership of the president, a final and appropriate response to the perennial issues of doping that have characterized Nigeria’s relationship with the World Anti-doping Agency (WADA), ” he said.
The minister noted that the World Anti- Doping Agency (WADA) had threatened to ban Nigeria from international competitions because of Nigeria’s inability to domestic the national anti-doping law, amidst other non-compliant issues.
“This administration was greeted with WADA issuing a notice to ban Nigeria from International Competitions which degenerated to the point that the agency took Nigeria to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
“Amidst other non-compliant issues, the main challenge was Nigeria’s inability to domesticate the National Anti-doping Law and setting up a National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO) as part of its obligation having signed the international convention in 1999.
“For years, the country has grappled with meeting up to the expectations of the World Anti-Doping Organization ,despite being a foundational signatory for 25 years,” Enoh said.
He expressed optimism that with the passage of the bill, Nigeria will no longer have doubts about its participation in global sporting events and its eligibility to host sports competitions amongst other perennial issues.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the development is coming weeks before the country’s participation at the Paris Olympic Games.
NAN reports that the bill, among other things, also seeks to establish the National Anti-Doping Centre to combat doping in sports, in compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.The Code is a core document, that provides the framework for anti-doping policies, rules, and regulations within sports organisations and among public authorities. It is designed to harmonise anti-doping policies and ensure the standards are the same for all athletes.
The executive bill which now makes it incumbent for Nigeria, to domesticate the treaty to tackle the ugly menace of doping amongst sportsmen and women, was read for the second time in May, and has scaled the third reading.
President Tinubu had urged the Senate to review and approve the bill.
He argued that it would prohibit athletes from using substances that enhance their performance.
Tinubu’s request was conveyed in a letter read on the floor of the upper legislative chamber by the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau.
The president stated that the bill would establish a legal framework for the formation of the National Anti-Doping Organisation.
He further emphasised that the establishment of the agency, was essential for Nigeria to meet the standards outlined in the World Anti-Doping Code. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MUYI/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 10, 2024
Green Beret FC wins 1 Div. football for peace tournament
The GOC Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, presenting the trophy to the Captain of Green Beret Team Nigerian Army, winners 1 Division Nigerian Army Football for peace tournament 2024.

Green Beret FC wins, 1 Div. football for peace tournament
Competition
By Muhammad Tijjani
Kaduna, June. 9, 2024(NAN)The Green Beret Nigerian Army Football Team, on Sunday emerged winners of 1Division Nigerian Army Football for Peace Tournament 2024 after a penalty shootout.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the football tournament began on Friday with four football clubs, which included ,Simoiben Football Club , Kachia United Football Club , Green Beret Football Club and
Birnin Gwari United Football Club.
NAN reports that the football tournament was a collaboration between 1 Division Nigerian Army with Simoiben Football Academy Kaduna, with the aim of uniting the youths and communities through sports.
The Green Beret Nigerian Army FC beat Simoiben FC in a penalty shootout 12 to 11 , to win the tournament.
While in third position , Kachia United beat Birnin Gwari United FC also in penalty shootout 4 to 3 respectively .
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, said the decision to organize the football tournament for peace and security arose out of his visit to some communities in Kachai and Kajuru LGA of the state where there were security challenges.
He said he went to the communities with the hope of providing some succour, working together with the community leaders, and members on how to address it.
Sraso lamented that even among the communities, they were not living harmoniously.
“Precisely, when I went to Cibiya, I discovered the communities were not living harmoniously.
.
”They were divided into cibiya one and two in Kajuru LGA. These communities are not having any relationship at all.
“Community members of Cibiya one cannot pass through Cibiya two to access the main road linking Kaduna and Kachai because of some accusations that they were partnering with bandits or criminals in the past,” he said.
He, therefore, said in order to bring peace and security, the army needed to work together harmoniously with the communities to face the same adversaries.
According to Saraso,, teey plan to organise more sporting events in collaboration with the leadership of both communities.
He said that the youths who are the main targets and always the victims, needed to play more roles, hence bring them together through sporting activities. .
Saraso said some of the players were from Kajuru, Kachia, and Giwa LGA, who come to join some of their counterparts from the Birnin Gwari axis where there was also a similar security challenge.
He hoped that after the whole engagements and interactions within the three days, the bond and unity would go a long way. to bolster peace.
Apart from such engagement being part of the Nigerian Army’s civil military relations, the GOC said they organise free medical outreaches, donation of either food items or carrying out Infrastructural development in communities that were largely impacted by insecurity.
Going forward, he said that football, being a unifying sport that brings people together in Nigeria, they would exploit it for the essence of peace.
He disclosed that they would continue with the football tournaments, where they would take it to the LGAs next time, instead of bringing it to Kaduna.
The GOC urged the participants to take home the spirit of sportsmanship they exhibited in the tournament, explaining that they don’t need to bother on their differences but interact with each other.
Group photograph of the Champion of 1 Division Nigerian Army Football for Peace Tournament 2024.
In his remarks, Gov. Uba Sani of Kaduna state, said the tournament was a good idea and fell within the principle of civil military relations..
Sani, represented by the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs , Mr Samuel Aruwan, said he would continue to support sports development.
According to him, security is very important, saying, ”without security, there is no development.”.
He added that security was too important to be left in the hands of the security agencies alone, adding,,”we are all critical stakeholders and we must support their efforts.”
Simon Moses, a Nigerian international footballer and the founder of Simoiben Football Academy Kaduna , said he partnered with the army to contribute his quota to peaca. .
Moses said, ”As a barrack boy, born and brought up here in the barrack, I felt I should be part of whatever will bring peace and harmony in the state and the country at large.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TJ/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 10, 2024
ITF World Tennis Tour: Ikenna wins male singles category
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)
STJ/DOE
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong
June 9, 2024