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Category: Sports

  • Volleyball League: We will sustain the momentum, Olafusoye says

    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)

    STJ/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Christian Chukwu mourns team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo

    Okoronkwo
    By Benson Ezugwu
    Enugu, June 4, 2024 (NAN), Christian Chukwu, former Green Eagles Captain and Rangers International, has described the death of team mate, Stanley Okoronkwo, as a sad loss.
    Chukwu said this on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Enugu.
    “The death of Stanley is a sad loss; very painful and we will miss him, ” he said.
    Chukwu said he and other club mates would sorely miss Okoronkwo.
    Also, a staunch fan of Rangers International and a personal friend of Okoronkwo, Mr Onyema Nwachukwu, described the ace midfield maestro as a gentleman both off and on the field of play.
    “He played clean hence he was nicknamed Stainless on the field and off the field.  He was a complete gentleman, ” Nwachukwu said.
    Also speaking, the former chairman of Rangers Supporters club in the 70s, Hyginus Ilonu, lamented the death of Okoronkwo.
    According to him, Okoronkwo was his close friend including his entire family.
    “After playing football you cannot see any stain in his jersey.
    “When he wanted to dribble he made it clean and he was always gentle off and in the pitch of the field, ” he said.
    Ilonu described late Okoronkwo as one of Rangers best player ever.
    NAN reports that Okoronkwo joined Rangers International in 1974 and retired in 1979, after Rangers won the then African Cup Winners Cup in 1977.
    NAN reports that the former player died on Monday after a brief illness in Enugu. (NAN) (www.nannews. ng)
    BEN/MNA
    ========
    Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

  • Ude’s fiery bowling inspires Nigeria to 32-run win against hosts Rwanda

    Cricket
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 4, 2024 (NAN) A six-wicket haul by medium pace bowler Lilian Ude made the difference in Nigeria’s 32-run win against hosts and defending champions Rwanda at the KwibukaT20 tournament in Kigali on Tuesday.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports hat the win ended Rwanda’s winning streak in the tournament, having won all four of their previous games.
    It also extended to a fourth consecutive win for the Nigerian side over Rwanda in all competitions.
    However, the game at the Gahanga International Stadium saw Nigeria winning the toss and batting first.
    Salome Sunday rose to the occasion with 29 runs off 12 balls before being dismissed by Rwanda’s captain Marie-Diane Biemenyimana.
    Salome’s strike pushed Nigeria’s tally to 104 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 20 overs.
    In the  second inning, Ude’s clinical attack dismissed six Rwandan batters, therefore slowing down Rwanda’s chase to 72 runs all out in 19 overs.
    Ude’s effort earned her the Player of the Match award.
    Nigeria have now won three games in five matches, and they will face Zimbabwe on Wednesday.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IHA/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Ex-NAPTIP boss  urges women to embrace golf sports

    From Left: Lady Captian of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club ,Angel Ajuze,Dr Lami Ahmed ,the first vice president of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, and Lady Captian of the IBB International Golf Club , Julie Okah-Donli at the event

    [contact-form][contact-field label=”Name” type=”name” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Email” type=”email” required=”true” /][contact-field label=”Website” type=”url” /][contact-field label=”Message” type=”textarea” /][/contact-form]

     

    Golf

    By Angela Atabo

    Abuja ,June 4,2024 (NAN) Julie Okah-Donli, Lady Captain of the IBB International Golf Club has urged women to participate in the game of golf to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

    Okah-Donli, a former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), made the call at the Women’s Golf Day Kitty, to mark the 2024 International Women Golf Day.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the event with the theme, “Inspiring Women Inclusion through Golf”, was organised by the Ladies Section of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Golf Club in Abuja

    Okah-Donli emphasised the need for women’s revolution in golf game, stressing, it would lead to growth in the golf industry and give women more opportunity to play.

    “We are here to celebrate the International Women’s Golf Day, aimed at celebrating women golfers and to introduce the game of golf to non-women golfers just to tell them how important it is to play golf.

    “Golf is life. It is very good for your mental and physical health and also good for networking and business.

    “I have met new friends here that I have never met before. So, for women, that is the best way to go,” she said.

    Okah-Donli added: “Golf can be expensive, but it depends on what you want. You can buy an expensive golf kit ,you can buy a cheap one ,you can even buy a fairly used one.

    “The most important thing is, if you are interested in playing the game and you are focused, then, playing golf does not become expensive to you

    “I encourage women and young girls to play golf. Now, we are having a lot of young girls that play golf”.

    According to her, “back in the days, the game was believed to be for old men and women, but now, times have changed with advancement in technology, the younger ones are even playing more than the older ones” .

    Also speaking, Dr Lami Ahmed ,the first vice President of Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria, said there was need to attract more women to play golf to reap the benefits.

    “We are happy to be here to celebrate the women golf day and as the name implies, it is to celebrate women.

    “The vision is to increase the participation of non-golf playing ladies to begin to love the game and also to celebrate existing lady golfers.

    “Since the game was introduced in 2016, it has been played every year and the import of it is women holding women’s hands in collaboration to enable us to move further than what we are doing, individually,” she said.

    Ahmed said there were no much women playing the game of golf compared to the men, thus the need to encourage more participation of women.

    “It is very important that we give avenue to women to participate, so that we can inspire and enjoy the networking and as well build relationships, “she said

    Ahmed disclosed that over 70 women had registered to play at the GEJ Club for the year.

    She added that different activities were lined up to celebrate the day at the GEJ Golf Club.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ATAB/ROT

    =========

    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

     

     

  • Okunola, Ayodeji emerge winners of 2024 Ibadan Week competitions

    Competitions
    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
    Ibadan, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Omotola Okunola on Tuesday emerged the winner in the table tennis category in the competitions organised by Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Babajide Ayodeji also came first in the Ayo Olopon category in the competitions, as part of the activities marking the 2024 edition of Ibadan Week.
    Speaking at the competitions, held at Ibadan House, Oke Are, the CCII President-General, Niyi Ajewole, thanked all the participants for their sportsmanship and lauded the winners in both events.
    Ajewole said that the competitions were organised to engage the youth in table tennis and ayo olopon, a traditional game.
    “All the participants are winners; the competition is not about who wins or who loses, but about participation and encouraging the youth not to stop,” he said.
    The CCII president commended a table tennis legend, Waidi Ekun, for ruling the world in his hey-days, thanking God that Oyo State was blessed with someone like him.
    “I charge our participants to emulate what Waheed Ekun achieved in the game of sports and even aim to go beyond that and achieve more laurels in your different fields,” he said.
    NAN reports that while Okunola went home with N100,000, Moruf Ogboriefon, who came second got N60,000.
    Olufemi Opadere and Emmanuel Akintunde, who came third and fourth, went home with N40,000 and N20,000 respectively.
    Similarly, Ayodeji, who came first in ayo olopon, received N50,000, while Oladimeji Oyewole got N30,000 for coming second.
    Ismail Lebe and Adeoye Asimiyu came third and fourth, with awards of N25,000 and N15,000 respectively.
    Okunola, in his response, thanked the organisers of the competition and expressed happiness for emerging the winner.
    He promised to engage more in the game by sharing and impacting the knowledge in the younger ones.
    NAN recalls that Waheed Ekun, an Ibadan indigene, won the National Sports Festival Table Tennis Championship by defeating Sunday Eboh at the final at the age of 17. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    SEY/KOLE/WAS
    Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo – Olajire

    Stranded Super Eagles players now in Uyo – Olajire

    Eagles

    By Olanrewaju Akojede

    Lagos, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Tuesday confirmed that the stranded Super Eagles players in Lagos and Abuja had arrived Uyo, capital of Akwa Ibom.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the Super Eagles players were said to have challenges joining the rest of the team in camp, as a result of the joint NLC/TUC strike.

    The striking unions had shutdown the country’s airports on Monday, thus preventing  some Super Eagles players, who were  supposed to connect flights to Uyo from Lagos and Abuja from flying.

    It was also reported by the NFF that only 15 players out of the 23 players trained in Uyo on Monday and returned to their camp at Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort.

    NFF said in a statement; “A total of 15 players trained on Monday morning in Uyo.

    “Head Coach Finidi George told the players afterwards that the three points at stake in Friday’s encounter must end up in Nigeria’s kitty.”

    The statement also said that the quintet of defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, midfielder Frank Onyeka and forward Paul Onuachu were already in the country.

    “They are trying to make their way to Uyo to join the 15 other players already on ground for the Super Eagles’ preparations for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match.”

    However, a check by NAN with Olajire in a text message, said that the stranded players had arrived in Uyo.

    “They just landed in Uyo,” he said.

    Olajire, however, confirmed that Defenders Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Calvin Bassey, alongside Midfielder Frank Onyeka and Forward Paul Onuachu, had landed at the Victor Attah International Airport.

    “They landed in Uyo just after noon, aboard a private jet arranged by the NFF,  and were driven to Ibom Hotel and Golf Resort, to meet up with their team mates for lunch,” he said. (NAN)

    KOJE/BEN/IFY

    =============

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Ifeyinwa Omowole

  • Volley Coach urges KSTG`s support for other sports

    Volley Coach urges KSTG`s support for other sports

     

    Support

     

    By Georgina Adegbie

     

    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Tajudeen Abass, head coach of Katsina State, has urged the state government to extend its support to other sports in the state.

     

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

     

    The coach said that the state was not doing enough for other sports compared to football.

     

    He said that the state`s volley team`s participation at the just concluded Volleyball National division 1 league in Abuja, did not get any support from the government.

     

    Abass said he and some players supported the team to participate in the league because of the love and passion for the sport.

     

    “There was nothing like camp before the competition because the state ministry was not ready to help and support us.

     

    “We transported ourselves, we got accommodations on our own, we fed ourselves, and there were no allowances for the players.

     

    “We did not have any support from the state. The players played all their games and they were not discouraged.

     

    “This lack of support affected the performance of the players during the competition in Abuja.

     

    “We appealed to the state government to support us in our subsequent sports competitions whenever we are going to represent the state.

     

    According to the coach, the state government allocates N700 million to football alone, ignoring other sports.

     

    “We want the state government to support all other sports in the state for better performance.

     

    “The same privilege should be given to other sports within the state,” he said

     

    NAN reports that the Katsina team played a total of eight matches and  won only one game and lost seven. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

     

    BOG/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Wrestling Federation eyes multiple medals at Paris Olympics

    Wrestling
    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 3, 2024 (NAN) Daniel Igali,the President of Nigeria Wrestling Federation, says the federation’s target is to win multiple medals at the upcoming Olympic Games in France.

    Igali told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja that the federation will make the country proud at the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024 in France.

    According to him,the federation has seen a fairly large number of wrestlers both male and females that have qualified for the Olympic Games.

    ”Six athletes consisting of five females and one male will represent the federation at the upcoming Olympic Games.

    ”The federation had opened its preparatory camp right now, and the training camp opened in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, since on May 29.

    ”Wrestling is a sports that involves both the men’s and women’s athletes and we hope that as the five females and one male have qualified, we would have good opportunities to impress in Paris,” he said.

    Igali also recalled that, Nigeria won one silver medal at Tokyo 2020 through Blessing Oborodudu.

    He said that her feat was the first time in the history of wrestling for Nigeria to win a medal at the games.

    He said that Oborodudu won her medal in her third Olympic Games, adding that Odunayo Adekuoroye is also going for her third Olympic Games.

    Igali said that in May the Wrestling Federation sponsored a two-week camp for the wrestlers, before Mercy Genesis’ participation at the World Wrestling Olympic qualifier in Istanbul, Turkey.

    NAN reports that the Wrestlers are Blessing Oborodudu (68kg), Odunayo Adekuoroye (57kg), Christiana Ogunsanya (53kg), Esther Kolawole (62kg)and Mercy Genesis (50kg).

    Ashton Mutuwa (125kg) is the only qualified male wrestler heading to the Paris games.

    Adekuoroye qualified for the games by virtue of top five results through the 2023 World Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.

    Meanwhile the other five wrestlers qualified by winning the semi-final round at the 2024 African and Oceania Olympic Qualification Tournament in Alexandria, Egypt.

    Eighty eight athletes have qualified for the Olympics Games and many others are still in the qualification process before the closing windows.

    NAN reports that the 2024 summer Olympic Games, known as Paris 2024, is an upcoming international multi sport event scheduled to take place from July 26 to Aug. 11 in France.

    Paris is the main host city and 16 other cities spread across Metropolitan France, plus one subsite in Tahiti. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    STJ/EBI/DOE
    ============
    Edited by Benson Iziama/Dianabasi Effiong

  • Tinubu’s horse wins Bida horse racing tournament

    Racing

    By Mohammed Baba Busu

    Bida, (Niger) June 3, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu’s horse, named “Renewed Hope”, retained its title of the fastest horse in Africa after winning the 2024 edition of the horse racing tournament in Bida.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tournament was organised by the Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria.

    The same horse that topped the winners’ list at the 2022 and 2023 editions of the competition, had been the defending champion in the last three years.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the event, Gov. Mohammed Umaru-Bago of Niger, congratulated the president’s horse for taking the first position at the competition

    Bago said he was elated with the unity of purpose that the federation had brought through the organisation of the event that ended on Sunday in the state.

    The governor also commended the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, Coordinator and National Coordinator of the federation (Sarkin Dawaki Nupe), for their support in sustaining the annual horse racing in Bida.

    In his remarks, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, said efforts would be intensified to strengthen the cultural norms and values of the people through sports.

    According to the Etsu Nupe, who is also the Chairman, Niger Council of Traditional Rulers, it is necessary to prevent the cultures and traditions from going extinct.

    ”The race, which is traditional in nature, further provided an opportunity for the display of cultures as various cultural activities were on display,” the Etsu Nupe added.

    Abubakar, who described horse racing as a historic event, expressed joy that it was fast gaining acceptance in the emirate.

    He called on the residents to take full advantage of the economic opportunities of horse racing, especially as the riders from other states and countries participated.

    He explained that the sport was not only unique but portrayed that animals could be controlled.

    The Etsu Nupe acknowledged the diligent planning and execution of the event, saying, ”it encourages sportsmanship and bolsters unity of the country, Africa and the world.

    He said, ”This event also boosts the socio-economic development of Bida, Niger and Nigeria as a whole. We will sustain this enviable feat.

    ”We are happy that this is the fourth edition of this event and it has been successful. The next edition holds in Kaduna on June 26, In sha Allahu.”

    Also, the Emir of Lafiagi Kwara, Alhaji Mohammed Kudu-Kawu, described the event as a veritable tool for uniting various traditional institutions.

    He described horse racing as one of the age-long pastimes and rich cultural heritages of the people, commending the Etsu Nupe and the Sarkin Dawakin for a successful outing.

    The emir also acknowledged the increasing acceptability of horse racing in the country and the world, saying that it was also becoming more profitable for the investors.

    A traditional ruler from Umuahia, Abia, Eze Sheikh Abdulfatai Chima-Eze, the Emetoma III, emphasised that the tournament was promoting national unity and excitement.

    The Coordinator, National Horse Racing Federation of Nigeria, Sarkin Dawaki Nupe, Alhaji Abubakar Mustapha-Bida, said that more measures were being taken to domesticate the competition in all parts of Nigeria.

    Mustapha-Bida, who is also the Chairman, New Niger Development Project, said that the event was organised as part of the commemoration of the one year anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

    He said the event had ”Renewed Hope’ as its theme.

    Mustapha-Bida stated that they had introduced the ”division system” in the event to be on par with the extant global best practices in horse racing.

    ”Nigeria is taking a led in the horse racing in the committee of nations in Africa, we are very happy to be part of history and to have pushed to ensure that these has become a reality.

    ”We have five countries participating, they are Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali.

    ”These are our national partners during racing events in Nigeria, it is like an exchange programme.

    ”They come to race with us and then we go there to race with them in their different countries,” Sarkin Dawaki Nupe added.

    He said that the Renewed Hope was also expected to defend the title in subsequent races in Kaduna and Kano in June and July respectively.

    Six Toyota vehicles were presented to the winners of various categories of race.

    The winner of the second positions got N700,000 each winners of the third and fourth positions received N500,000 and N300,000 respectively.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    BAB/DOE
    =======
    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Cricket: Nigeria beat Cameroon by 9 wickets in Kwibuka

    Cricket

    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 1, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian women’s cricket team on Saturday beat their Cameroonian counterparts by 9 wickets at the ongoing KwibukaT20 Women’s Tournament in Kigali, Rwanda.
    The Nigerian ladies bounced back from the 12-runs loss to Uganda on Friday to seal their first win in the tournament’s 10th edition.
    In the game at the Gahanga International Oval, Cameroon won the toss and opted to bat first.
    The 54th-ranked side however struggled with the bat, no thanks to the best bowler of the 13th African Games in Ghana, Nigeria’s Lilian Ude.
    The 17-year-old dominated the bowling chart (4-2-7-4) for the Nigerian side, as debutants Cameroon lost wickets in consecutive sessions.
    The 26th-ranked team eventually limited their neighbours to 26 runs all out in 18.2 overs.
    In reply, Nigeria needed only 3.5 overs to score 27 runs for the loss of one and go on to win by nine wickets.
    Ude was later named the Player of the Match for her bowling performance.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria will take on Kenya on Sunday in their next match, for a chance to make it two wins in three games.
    Meanwhile, a total of eight teams are featuring in the annual tournament which is in remember ace of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    IHA/OLAL
    =========
    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)