Category: Sports

Olympic

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) on Sunday said the annual Olympic Day celebration would hold on June 29 across the country.

The Olympic Day is a global event that commemorates the birth of the modern Olympic Movement, founded by Pierre de Coubertin in 1894.

According to Babatunde Popoola, the Secretary-General of the NOC, this year’s celebration holds special significance as it precedes the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

”It’s where Nigerian athletes will compete and inspire the world with their achievements.

”Olympic Day is a chance for people of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of the Olympic Games in their own communities.

”It’s an ideal platform to highlight the benefits of physical activity and the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect,” Popoola said.

He said that NOC has received positive responses from various states and stakeholders, and preparations were well underway for the nationwide celebration.

He said that no fewer than 21 states and the Federal Capital Territory have indicated their plans to organise activities for the event.

The states are: Abia; Anambra; Bayelsa; Delta; Edo; Enugu; Ebonyi; Lagos; Kogi; Gombe; Jigawa; Kebbi; Kano; Kwara; Taraba; Imo; Ondo; Plateau; Rivers; Nasarawa; and Osun

Abdul Ibrahim, the Chairman of the NOC Sport For All Commission, said that Olympic Day was a special day to come together, move together, and learn about the Olympic values.

”We encourage everyone to participate and experience the joy that only sport can bring,” he said.

According to him, a series of activities have been lined up in Lagos with fitness clubs at the National Stadium Complex and the general public gearing up to take part in the global event.

”The celebration will conclude with the presentation of diplomas signed by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach.

”The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel and other dignitaries will officially flag off the event in Abuja,” he added.

Ibrahim said that the NOC also encouraged corporate and philanthropic individuals to support the celebration through financial or product donations, as it would provide valuable exposure for their companies.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AKA/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

NPFL: Sunshine stars beat Akwa United 2-0 in Akure

Victory

By Segun Giwa

Akure, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Sunshine Stars FC of Akure on Sunday defeated fellow strugglers, Akwa United, 2-0 in the match day 35 encounter of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The match played at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure was a push for survival in the league for both teams as Lucky Nwafor and Ibrahim Yusuf did the job for the hosts.

The home team threw everything at thier  opponent’s half in the first half, but could not get a breakthrough as the first half ended goalless.

Sunshine Stars’ best chance came in the 47th minute with Lucky Nwafor’s 26 yards shot which didn’t shake the net.

Sunshine Stars’ forward, Promise Awosanmi, also got a chance after Sunshine’s Nwafor’s beautiful control in the vital area, but missed the target.

Akwa United’s effort to push for an equaliser failed as the home team’s defenders were resilient and coordinated.

However, Boboye’s introduction of young sensation, Chinedu Nwosu, in the 73rd minute  did the magic as Lucky Nwafor was lucky to give the home team an opener in the 74th minute.

One of the substitutes, Yusuf Ibrahim, scored from a close range freekick to make it 2 -0 to put the game  beyond the visitors.

Sunshine Stars’ Technical Adviser, Kennedy Boboye,min his post match interview, assured  the home fans  that the team would continue to push until the league is over.

“It’s a good one for us at home today, it’s not over yet, but of course, we are happy with the result because it pushed us out of the danger zone. We wont relent.”

“We fought hard, we decided not to give up, no matter what, in the first half. We continued to push harder because we hax no  option  than to win which we eventually did.

” Today’s victory will lift us on the log. We will continue to push to the last day,” he said.

Akwa United’s Head coach, Mohammed Babaganaru, said the game was a disappointing one for his side as they failed to pick the needed points.

“It’s not easy to play a relegated threatened team in the league,” he said.

Sunshine Stars, who are now on 11th position on the  table,  will be  up against Doma United of Gombe, in their next match.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

GSD/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

2024 Dominican Republic: Nigeria’s  Flamingos beat Liberia 4-1 in Monrovia

Flamingos

By Georgina Adegbie

Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Under 17 football female team, the  Flamingos, defeated their hosts Liberia  4-1 in the first leg of the final qualifying fixture for this year’s FIFA Under 17 Women’s World Cup match.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  the match was  played on Sunday at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, Monrovia.

The Flamingos got off to a pretty quick start in the match.

The Liberian girls,  who  shocked Senegal on the away-goal rule to reach this final round, warded off the early threats from the Nigerian girls.

Nigeria got the ball into the net after 14 minutes, but the  Chadian referee Lare Lamngar ruled it offside.

Not deterred , the Flamingos went forward once again, and in the 19th minute, Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring from a solo run.

Peace Effiong scored in the 29th minute to put a wedge of respect between the two teams.

Harmony Chidi scored the third goal in the 36th minute to widen the gap between the two  teams.

On resumption of the second half, Nigeria continued to dominate, and substitute Blessing Ifitezue made it four in the with 74th minute.

Liberia scored a consolation goal in the 85th minute from the penalty spot through Yassah Gwaikolo, after substitute Onyedikachi Ekezie  committed a foul in the eigtheen yard box.

NAN reports that the Flamingos will host Liberia in  the return leg  scheduled for Friday, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The tournament  will be hosted by the Dominican Republic from Oct. 16 to Nov. 3 and this is the first FIFA tournament hosted by the country.

A total of 16 teams from six confederations will participate in the world cup. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

BOG/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

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)

STJ/DOE
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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)

STJ/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Runsewe hails Oboh, Nigeria’s female golf sensation, on U.S. invitational triumph

Commendation

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, June 8, 2024 (NAN) The President, Nigeria Golf Federation, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, has commended Nigeria’s Female golf sensation, Georgia Oboh, on her recent victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational in Michigan, U.S.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23-year-old Oboh, on Wednesday, captured the 2024 John Shippen Women’s Invitational and earned exemptions to compete in two LPGA tournaments – the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give and the Dow Championship.

Oboh will tee it up alongside the world’s best female golfers at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give starting June 13, after shooting 69-70—139 on the same course Tuesday and Wednesday to earn a three-stroke victory at the SHIPPEN event.

Runsewe, who gave the commendation in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, said that Oboh’s victory was an inspiration to other children back home and a testament to the fact that hard work pays

“Congratulations to our very own Georgia Oboh on your well-deserved victory at the John Shippen Women’s Invitational at Blythefield Country Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Your victory is indeed a fulcrum of great possibilities and renewed hope for Nigeria and Nigerians.

“We believe in you to keep the Nigerian flag flying high and keep doing your very best, to ensure that you represent our dear country as a good ambassador of the game of golf,” he said.

NAN also reports that another Nigerian female pro golfer, Anita Uwadia, tied for third position with Ashley Shaw of U.S. in the same tournament, making it the first time in an international professional ladies’ golf tournament where two Nigerians made the top three.

The NGF president noted that the performance of the girls was a very rare one and not a mean feat.

He added that they had both distinguished themselves as the very first Nigerians and one of the few black professional female golfers on the top stage.

He said that the federation would continue to support the golfers, to ensure that they reach their full potential as they continue to make the country proud and showcase themselves to the world.

He also advised parents to always support and encourage their children to start playing golf at an early age, adding that it was a sport they could be engaged in for the rest of their lives.

“Hand your child a golf club, and you might be surprised what happens.

“Your child might not be the next Tiger Woods, but golf can make a big impact in a young life.

“Kids can benefit from the sport mentally, physically, and emotionally. The sport can set them up for success as they get older.

“Many of the skills learned on the course translate to real life,” he said.

NAN also reports that Oboh and her chosen partner will compete in the Dow Championship starting June 27 in Midland, Michigan.

The John Shippen Women’s Invitational which Oboh and Uwadia were part of is a series of competitions created to provide playing opportunities on the LPGA Tour and PGA Tour for the top Black amateur and professional women and men golfers.

The events are named after John Shippen, Jr., who was both the first American-born golf professional and the country’s first Black golf professional. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MUYI/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Qualifiers

Ibadan, June 8, 2024 (NAN) It took 30 penalty kicks on Saturday in Ibadan to separate Government College Apata and Bashorun High School in the semi-finals of the 2024 Oyo State Governor’s Cup football competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the second qualifiers for Tuesday’s final match could not emerge until each side had played 15 kicks.

Both sides had played out the game’s full time with no goal scored, and the extra-time also ended on an even note, leading to the penalty shootout.

However, three kicks were saved or missed in the process, with Bashorun High School prevailing 14-13 to advance to the final match.

They will in Tuesday’s final match meet Bishop Phillips Academy, who earlier in the day at the same Urban Day Grammar School pitch beat Olanipekun Memorial School of Kisi 2-0.

The match, the competition’s first semi-final fixture, saw Adeniyi Charles and Babatunde Lasisi scoring in the fifth and 69th minutes respectively.

NAN reports that the competition, which is for male football teams of public schools in Oyo State, will end on Tuesday at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)

World Cup: What Super Eagles need to qualify —- Omokaro

Eagles

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) Bright Omokaro, Ex-Super Eagles International says player in the  national team need to have more rigorous training together, to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

He spoke against the backdrop of the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against  Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Uyo, on Friday.

The Nigerian team came from behind to struggle to get the draw at home, in the group stage of world cup qualifiers.

Omokaro said that the super eagles needed more time to play and train together, for better performance.
.

According to him, the last match was not too bad, but the team could display more skills and adopt an effective pattern to defeat their opponents.

“Though the players played very well individually, they need more collective responsibility to get the expected goals.

“The boys never had time to play together, that’s what happened to them during the match, but they need more togetherness and rigorous training to qualify for the world cup,” he said.

The ex-international also advised the super eagles coach, Finidi George, to look inward for local players that are zealous and thirsty for goals.

“There shouldn’t be automatic shirt for any player for now.

“Their performance should be the determinant to feature in a match, as there must be competition in the camp to allow the best players perform,” Omokaro said.

He, however, appealed to the national team to defeat Benin Republic in the next match, to have meaningful points on the qualifiers table, to make it to the 2026 world cup.

NAN reports that pressure has mounted on the Super Eagles after the draw against Bafana Bafana.

Nigeria, with its third draw, has three points in Group C, while Rwanda, Benin, and South Africa all have four points.

Lesotho leads the group with five points, while Zimbabwe is at the bottom with two points.

This puts Nigeria presently in the fifth position on the table, of the six teams.

The game is scheduled for Monday, with the kick-off fixed at 5.00 p.m. Nigerian time. (NAN)

AKA/SOA

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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle