Category: Sports

Sports Commissioner halts SWAN elections in Benue

Election

By Nicholas Dechi

Makurdi, June 6, 2024 (NAN) Mr Terkimbi Ikyange, the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity in Benue, has directed all factions of   Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in the state to halt  planned  elections with immediate effect.

The commissioner gave the directive in a statement on Thursday in Makurdi.

Ikyange said that the continued existence of factions of SWAN in the state, had greatly affected the coverage of sporting activities in the state.

He said that the directive is aimed at allowing time to wade into the matter with the view to resolving it.

The commissioner said that he would soon meet with the two factions in the state to amicably resolve the matter.

Ikyange appreciated members of the association in the state for their understanding, and expressed the hope that the two factions would abide by the directive without compromise. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

DND/JPE

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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)

STJ/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Colombia 2024: Falconets draw South Korea ,Venezuela , Germany

WABC Final Four dunks off in Lagos

Finals

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) The first edition of the West Africa Basketball Classics (WABC) Final Four have dunked off in Lagos with teams from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo in contention for the grand prize.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the final four holds at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere.

The first and second phases of the WABC was held in Lome, Togo and Cotonou, Benin Republic, with elimination of two teams while the final four holds from June 5 to 7.

The last four teams for the final round are: Gidi Giants, Nigeria; ASPAC, Benin Republic; Kwara Falcons, Nigeria; and Swallows of Togo.

In the first semi-final game ASPAC of Benin Republic defeated Kwara Falcons by 65-63, while Gidi Giants defeated ASPAL 61-43 in the second match of the day.

The President of the WABC, Olumide Oyedeji, in an interview with NAN said that the success recorded at the tournament has been a landmark.

“WABC is a great tournament, we started with six then to five and now, we are at the final four.

“It”s great seeing the young players display their talents and do what they love to do best.

“I am excited with the level and standard of performances so far, it’s a masterpiece.

“The short run of this target of this tournament is to have the competition spread to other West African countries, while the long target is to play in the Basketball Africa League (BAL),”he said.

Oyedeji also congratulate the Rivers Hoopers for their success winning the bronze at the just-concluded BAL in Kigali.

Ahmed Olusoji, Point guard for the victorious Gidi Giant however told NAN that he and his teammates were poised to win the maiden edition.

“I feel happy winning our first game, but we have to prepare well for the next match which is the final game.

“Before the final game, we will work on our defense and coordination because our target is to win the competition,” he said.

NAN reports that the final of the WABC will be played on June 7 at the Indoor Hall of the National Stadium Surulere. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DOE

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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

Volleyball: NAF Rockets eye promotion to Premier league

Volleyball

By Georgina Adegbie

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Team leader of Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Rockets VC, Fortune Bako, says the team hopes to maintain its lead in the Division One men category so as to gain promotion to the Premier league.

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

She  said that the team will not relent in picking up valuable points in the second phase of the 2024 National Division One Volleyball League.

NAN reports that NAF Rockets finished tops with 22 points at the end of the first phase of the just concluded league in Abuja.

Bako thanked the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar for his support in ensuring the team attends the National Division One.

She  also thanked the Chief of administration, Air Vice Marshal Idi Sani for his speedy approval for the release of players as well as the Director of Sports, Air Commodore Abanum Magnus for his guidance.

Bako said that mistakes observed during the first phase will be corrected before the second phase.

The leader  said that recruitment of players as well as series of training was responsible for the exceptional performance of the team during the first phase of the league.

“I am happy and I think we deserve to be on top of the 2024 National Division One Volleyball League (first phase) because we put in so much effort.

“Series of training were conducted and proper selection of players were done by the coaches through the proper supervision of the Director of Sports.

“Losing 2-3 to LifeCamp VC is not a big deal for us because they were the champions of Division 2 and getting a point from them is a good development.

” Out of 9 matches, we lost only one which was against LifeCamp VC.I feel it was a first step and I am certain we are going to up our game when we meet in the second phase,”she said.

Bako who is  also the  captain of the women’s team said that the men’s team deserves to be in the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League.

“The results of the first phase will not be a distraction to the players.

“NAF Rockets are four points ahead of LifeCamp after the end of the first phase. It is obvious that we are going to qualify for the Nigeria Volleyball Premier League next season.

“We will not allow the results of the first phase distract us as the coaches will continue to work on the lapses observed,”she said.

NAN reports that NAF Rocket VC finished with 22 points to occupy the first position on the table.

Life camp of Abuja VC finished second with 19 points, UCEM of Enugu finished third with 16 points while Oluyole Spikers of Ibadan finished fourth with 14 points.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVF) has not fixed a date for the second phase of the league. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

BOG/MUYI/JPE

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Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Joseph Edeh

Ranking

By Vivian Ibobo

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s Table Tennis sensation, Quadri Aruna, continues his steady rise on the ITTF ranking by gaining one step up on the ladder to occupy the 16th spot as the highest African ranked player.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF), Aruna moves to the 16th position in Week 23 of the 2024 ITTF ranking on June 4.

Also, Aruna’s quest to garner more points ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France, has pitted him against home-boy Frane Kojic in the first round of the men’s singles at the 2024 WTT Contender Zagreb in Serbia.

Aruna started his rise in the ranking in Week 22 after his round of 16 finish at the Saudi Smash last month.

He had his appeal accepted by the ITTF Executive Board for his World Table Tennis Championships points to be restored and this prompted his movement to 16th place in the latest ranking.

However, Aruna, awaits formal confirmation from ITTF for his qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

”The ranking will be used to determine the final list of players who will join the flight to France’s most populous city, Paris next month for the Olympic Games,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, Spain’s Alvaro Robles has become the biggest mover in the ITTF ranking after achieving another career-high ranking.

It has been over six years since Robles has scored a career-high ranking as the Spaniard kicked off 2018 sitting at No.37 in the world and had never been as high since.

But with the latest rating, Robles jumped 15 places up the ladder to No.32, shaving five places off his previous record.

This is a phenomenal testament to the his commitment to the sport and also to his recent form.

The 33-year-old has been to the final of two WTT events in 2024, including last week’s WTT Contender Mendoza.

Although he lost out on the title in a thrilling seven-game duel with Benedikt Duda of Germany, the new career-high ranking will add further fuel to Robles’ fire to go even higher. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

IZU/DEB/DOE
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

2026 W/C Qualifiers: Supporters Club rallies support for Super Eagles

Support

By Olanrewaju Akojede

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Sam Ikpea,  president of Nigeria Football Supporters Club (NFSC), has called for support from the Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George and the Super Eagles in their  quest to qualify for 2026 World Cup.

Ikpea made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

NAN reports that the Super Eagles will confront the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday at 8 p.m.

“Our expectations are high as we approach the World Cup qualifiers between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana of South Africa because it is a crucial game, a must win for us.

“We have defeated them (Bafana Bafana) last time we met during the AFCON and we expect to defeat them again.

“The only thing new is that we have a new coach in the person of Finidi George, so far, he is managing the Super Eagles in his first competitive match.

“We want to appeal to every Nigerian to rally round George and give him the best of support before, during and after the match against South Africa,” he said.

Ikpea said that George has started well with his policy of inclusion of the home based players in the team.

“The good thing is that the new coach extended an invitation to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) players in the national team, this is well commendable.

“The home based players in the team will want to fight for a place in the national team and also impress the football loving Nigerians, which will make it more competitive.

“The NPFL players in the team will also want to give their best, because they are hungry for a place in the national team.

“For us, we will make sure that the team does not lack support going to the game and after, this is what we are known for and what we will continue to do,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

KOJE/DEB/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

2026 W/C qualifier: Fans to pay N1, 000 for Super Eagles/Bafana clash

Tickets

By Muhyideen Jimoh

Abuja, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Fans will have to pay N1,000 for a popular stand to watch the qualifier between the Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana on Friday in Uyo.

The potentially-explosive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier is slated for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo from 8 pm.

Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to him, the popular stand ticket would be sold for N1, 000 while the VIP stand would go for N3, 000.

He said that  sales of the tickets will begin on Thursday morning at strategic outlets across Akwa Ibom.

“Tickets to access the Godswill Akpabio Stadium for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying cracker between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana will go on sale from Thursday morning.

“While tickets for the popular stands will sell for N1, 000 each, tickets to the VIP areas will go for N3, 000 each,” Olajire said.

NFF’s Head of Marketing and Sponsorship, Alizor Chuks said the tickets will go on sale at a number of designated points across the state.

“The objective is to have as many sales points as possible away from the stadium, and ensure that sales are concluded by Friday evening before the game commences,” Chuks said.

NAN reports that no fewer than 20 players trained on Tuesday evening at the practice pitch of the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, ahead of the crucial clash.

Nigeria will lock horns with South Africa in a rematch of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) first semi-final match earlier this year, which the Super Eagles won 4-2 on penalties.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

MUYI/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Amputee football: Special Eagles call for establishment of amputee league

Sponsorship

By Kazeem Akande

Lagos, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria’s men’s amputee football team, the Special Eagles have called for the establishment of an amputee football league in the country to discover new talents and boost performance at the international level.

Olalekan Samsudeen, the Captain of the team made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

“We urge the government to establish an amputee local league to discover more talents that will represent the country and to enhance the players’ performance.

“The league will enhance our performance and promote the country and our world ranking,“he said.

Samsudeen called for more sponsorship from government and corporate organisations for better performance of the players.

The captain, who commended the government for its  support so far,  urged individuals and corporate  organisations to assist the team  in the sponsorship of sporting events.

“We want the government to link us up with organisations that will sponsor our training and our tournaments as the government cannot do it alone.

“We still need more funding and support to carry out our training as we prepare for the next World Cup in France,“he said.

NAN reports that the team just returned to the African Amputee Football Cup of Nations (AAFCON) in Egypt where they came 4th.

The position has qualified them to participate in the next 2026 Amputee World Cup in France.

“We also need access to training facilities as we prepare for the coming World Cup. This will enable us train well ahead of the world cup,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

AKA/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh