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Category: Sports

  • It’s disappointing for us even after finishing fourth, 3SC’s Ogunbote laments

    Disappointment

    Ibadan, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Gbenga Ogunbote, the Chief Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), on Sunday said it was disappointing for him and his players to have ended the 2023/2024 season empty-handed.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3SC finished fourth in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season which ended on Sunday.

    Ogunbote told NAN in Ibadan his team were not happy to have been unable to clinch a ticket to play on the continent next season in spite of the efforts they put in.

    ”It was disappointing for us in spite of everything. Even though we are supposed to be celebrating today, having won today’s match and having finished fourth in the competition.

    ”But we set for ourselves a target of getting a ticket to play on the continent next season, and having failed to do that, we are clearly unhappy with that,” he said.

    Ogunbote, whose team had earlier lost in the quarter-finals of the 2024 President Federation Cup, said it could be heartbreaking not to achieve set-targets.

    ”We did all we could, and tried as much as possible, even through the Federation Cup, but our best was simply just not enough,” he said.

    NAN reports that third place in the NPFL could have earned the Oluyole Warriors a ticket to play in the 2024/2025 CAF Confederation Cup competition.

    It was the same thing a Federation Cup title win would have achieved.

    The coach attributed their failure to their first round performance, which saw them dropping to the lower half of the league table by the end of the first round.

    ”We lost it in the first round really, dropping to 11th or 12th then. If we had not lost so many valuable points then, we could have finished among the top three.

    ”We picked up in the second round, and rallied to be in contention in the last few weeks, but it was not to be,” he said.

    NAN reports that 3SC finished fourth in the league with 62 points from 38 matches, after 18 wins, eight draws and 12 losses.

    They finished behind Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Remo Stars FC of Ikenne and Enyimba International FC of Aba in first, second and third positions respectively.

    To finish fourth on Sunday, 3SC beat visiting Sporting Lagos 1-0 at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in their match day 38 fixture.

    Christian Pyagbara scored the lone goal in the 38th minute, stooping in the goal area to head in a low cross from the right flank, thus taking his total league goals’ haul to 10.

    The result also meant Sporting Lagos dropped to the Nigeria National League (NNL) to join Doma United FC of Gombe, Heartland FC of Owerri and Gombe United as the teams relegated.

    Rangers International who beat Gombe United 2-1 in Jos won the competition with 70 points from 38 matches, five clear points ahead of runners-up Remo Stars who had 65 points.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OLAL
    ======

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

     

  • 2026 World Cup: Super Eagles’ qualification not impossible — Adepoju

    Qualification

    Eagles

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Ex-International, Mutiu Adepoju says nothing is impossible, and Nigeria’s Super Eagles can still qualify for the 2026 World Cup with determination, hard work and seriousness.

    Adepoju told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the players needed resilience, as there was no magic but to win all their remaining matches, to be at the world soccer fiesta.

    “First, the players need to be calm, settle down in oneness and determine to win all the next matches.

    “The team needs to really settle down, have focus and find a way of moving forward to qualify for the next tournament,” he said.

    Adepoju also appealed to the team to play in oneness, unity,  and be patriotic during their remaining matches.

    He advised them to shun the attitude of pull him down, division and enmity in camp.

    The former Super Eagles player also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to urgently make available things that would motivate the players to perform.

    “As for NFF, I don’t have much to say, but the federation needs to act fast to unite the players, so as to bring the best out of them for the next world cup,” Adepoju said.

    There has been public outcry on the dismal outing of the Super Eagles in the World Cup qualifying series, where Nigeria is precariously placed fifth behind South Africa, Rwanda, Lesotho and Benin Republic in the race for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

    To address the Eagles’ recent struggles, the NFF has announced that a foreign coach would be hired for the team.

    Finidi George, who was appointed as the team’s head handler in April, has resigned in the face of the development.(NAN)

    AKA/MAM/SOA

    Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Oluwole Sogunle

  • NFF moves President Federation Cup finals to Lagos

    Cup
    By Ijeoma Okigbo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced that the grand finale of the country’s oldest Cup competition, the President Federation Cup, will now take place in Lagos.

    According to a statement by Ademola Olajire, the NFF’s Head of Communications, this years finals will take place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos on June 29.

    Olajire also stated that the federation had earlier scheduled the competition for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, adding that it opted for Lagos due to its football history.

    ”Earlier scheduled for Abuja (which would have seen the city host the final for the first time in the competition’s history), the NFF have opted for the good old venue on Lagos Island, which hosted the final of the competition consecutively between 1945 and 1972.

    ”First known as Association Ground, then as King George V and later as Lagos City Ground, the venue later became known as Onikan Stadium after it was rebuilt in the 1980s. It became known as Mobolaji Johnson Arena in 2021,” he stated.

    This year’s grand finale will see Rivers Angels confront Naija Ratels in the women’s event while Abia Warriors take on El-Kanemi Warriors in the men’s event on Saturday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IHA/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Final match day results in 2023/2024 NPFL

    Results

    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Following are the results of Match Day 38 fixtures played on Sunday in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):

    Gombe United FC 1-2 Rangers International FC

    Akwa United FC 3-1 Rivers United FC

    Kano Pillars FC 3-2 Lobi Stars FC

    Kwara United FC 4-0 Heartland FC

    Bendel Insurance FC 0-2 Bayelsa United FC

    Remo Stars FC 2-1 Katsina United FC

    Niger Tornadoes FC 2-1 Sunshine Stars FC

    Enyimba International FC 2-0 Plateau United FC

    Shooting Stars FC 1-0 Sporting Lagos FC

    Doma United FC 1-1 Abia Warriors FC

    (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    STJ/OLAL
    =========

    (Edited by Olawale Alabi)

  • Basketball camp: Participants commend organiser

    Commendation

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Ibadan, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Some participants at the just concluded annual Aminu Good WorK Foundation (AGWF) elite basketball camp have commended the organiser for successfully hosting the event.

    The participants in separate interviews told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they learnt so much in the three days camping.

    NAN reports that the annual basketball camp has been organised by Al-farouq, 2015 AfroBasket Champion, and former D’Tigers forward.

    NAN reports that 35 boys and 41 girls of U-19 categories from Oyo state, participated in the event which impacted so much knowledge in the participants.

    Daniel Oladejo, a 17-year-old participant, said that the camp was very nice and worthwhile.

    “We did not only learn about basketball but about life issues. We were taught punctuality, honesty, neatness and many more.

    “It gave us an opportunity to play with the best players in the state,” he said.

    Another participant, Victor Ariyo, 13-year-old, said he had been playing basketball for two years now but that it was his first time at the camp.

    “This is the second camp I ever attended. But this appeared to be the best.

    “I learnt how to dribble, post man move, court vision and so on.

    “I hope we get another opportunity soon so that we can keep learning and improving our skills,” he said.

    Okikiola Akintayo, a 14-year-old participant, said he can now pass and cut and had also learnt how to move to the last angle and footwork.

    Akintayo said that It was a good experience and exposure.

    “I came not expecting much, but they exceeded my expectations. They made us comfortable and they provided us with all that we needed.

    “We were fed; they provided clothes and took good care of us,” he said.

    Pelumi Ogundele (15-year-old), said this was his second time attending the camp.

    “We came from home, and I guess the economic situation of the country caused it.

    “I now know the proper way to jab, chase down and be calm on the court,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SEY/EMAF
    =========
    Edited by Emmanuel Afonne

  • Bauchi engages stakeholders to revive sports festival

    Sports

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 23, 2024 (NAN) The Bauchi government has trained 100 local sports officers, coaches, referees and organising secretaries in its bid to revive sports festival in the state.

    Mr Mohammed Salis, Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, stated this at the inauguration of a three-day training exercise for stakeholders on Sunday in Bauchi.

    Represented by Nasiru Usman, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Salis said the exercise would equip the participants with skills to explore new talents and encourage sport development.

    “Bauchi state is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and natural beauty, and also harbors a deep rooted passion for sports.

    “The implementation of refresher course stands as a pivotal strategy to explores the potential benefits and implications of such courses on the sporting landscape of the state,” he said.

    According to Salis, athletes can improve their performances through updated training methods, and coaches can learn new strategies for effective team management and development.

    Also speaking, Mr Ibrahim Kashim, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), lauded the contributions of the stakeholders towards repositioning the sports in the state.

    Ibrahim,who was represented by Mr Hashimu Kumbala, said that sports festival transcends its role as a mere athletic competition rather a powerful mechanism for talent discovery and social enrichment as well as foster unity in the society.

    “By harnessing the spirit of sportsmanship and cultural celebration, the state not only cultivates future athletes but also strengthens its social fabric, paving the way for a more interconnected and prosperous future.

    “The state government’s continuous support and expansion of sports festival exemplifies the transformative impact of sports on the society making significant strides towards a more inclusive and harmonious community,” he said.

    Mr Usman Danbala, the Director, Bauchi State Sports Council, said the state did not organised sports festival in the last 42 years.

    He said the state government accorded premium to the capacity building of sports stakeholders to revive sporting events at the grassroots.

    According to him, refresher courses provide the participants with current information and insights to enhance their understanding for effective sport management.

    “In sports, staying update with the latest trends, rules and technologies is crucial”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/RSA
    ========

    Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

  • Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi

    Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi

    Basketball

    By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju

    Ibadan, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Adenike Olawuyi, one of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket winners says attending basketball camps helped in making her who she is today.

     

    Adewuyi disclosed this on the sideline of the ongoing annual Amimu Good Work Foundation (AGWF) elite camp, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

     

    ‘ I attended this camp in 2019, and it was a good experience; I really learned a lot from this camp, and honestly, it was really a good camp.

    ” I started basketball in 2017 and it was more like I was found on the streets by my coach.

    “He said, ‘you can’t be wasting your height like this’, and he encouraged me to start playing basketball.

    “I asked for time to think about it. and I gave in after a while.

    “I remember by first training session, it was good, and I told my second coach that ‘I think I’m getting interested in basketball’.

    “From there, I started putting in hard work, and I made sure I attended morning and evening practice every day.”

    She said that she went to so many camps and the first was Oyebode Adebowale camp in Akure where she emerged the most valuable player (female) in 2017.

    “The second was Olumide Oyedeji in 2018 and I also got most valuable player for girls, Hope For Girls also in 2018 and many more,” she said.

    The NKA Universitas Pecs players said that in 2019 , she got a scholarship to travel to Hungary to play basketball in high school.

    ” I spent four years in high school in Hungary, and now I’m in the university there.

    “It was one of my dreams to play for Nigeria, and last year I came to Nigeria and saw that there was trials for the D’tigress.

    “I went for the trials in Lagos and I was picked to join the second phase in Abuja.

    “I was in Abuja with other 19 players, and luckily, I made the final list to the Afro basketball.

    “It was really a tough one because I was the youngest player, and I learned a lot from the older players.

    “My team mates and coaches kept encouraging me and kept saying they see a lot of potential in me.”

    NAN reports that the D’Tigress defeated Senegal to win the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Kigali, Rwanda. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    SEY/SOA

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    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

     

  • Paris Olympics:Cycling Federation will make Nigeria proud- Official

    Paris Olympics: Cycling Federation will make Nigeria proud-official
    Olympic
    By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June 22, 2024 ( NAN) Bernard Ezenma, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Cycling Federation ( CFN) says the federation will make the nation proud by winning  a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic games.
    Bernard made the promise in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday  in Abuja.
    NAN reports that the games is scheduled for July 26  to Aug. 11 across 16 cities in France.
    He said that the Federation has been working tediously to make sure that it   meet up with  podium standard at the end of the games.
    Ese Ukpeseraye, is the only cyclist that qualified to represent the Federation at the upcoming  Olympic Games, and will be feature in the  road race  cycling.
    Ezenma said currently undergoing training   in Spain with CANYON/SRAM Generation.
    “she is the first Nigerian to have signed to the organisation.
    “ We have made arrangements on how she can be trained there.
    “All necessary and adequate support have  been given to the cyclist, we are here in Nigeria and at the same time supervising her overseas
    “ We are checkmating what she is doing and with the standard she has just attained, we are sure of gold at the  coming Olympics,” he said.
    He said that Ukpeseraye will be able to achieve her  goal at  the Olympics with the training she has received so  far.
    Edema urged her to continue to remain disciplined, dedicated and determined in the course of the competition.
    He said that the federation’s goal is to reach the greatest possible success by coming home with a gold medal and placing first in Paris.
    The secretary   said that there was no competition that the Federation went without leaving a landmark.
    “ The athletes came back from Tour du Togo for the male cyclists  and Tour du Ghana for the female cyclists and they won medals including gold.
    “The cyclists performed exceptionally well and that has promoted the development of cycling in the country. We will continue to maintain that standard,” he said .
    NAN reports that CANYON/ SERAM  Generation is the development team for the World Tour Team.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    STJ/JPE
    ======
    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • We must defeat Plateau United, says Enyimba midfielder

    We must defeat Plateau United, says Enyimba midfielder

    NPFL

    By Nicholas Obisike

    Aba(Abia) June 22, 2024 (NAN) Enyimba International FC midfielder, Elijah Akanni, says his team must defeat visiting Plateau United on Sunday to stand a chance of playing in the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.

    Akanni spoke with newsmen after the team’s morning training on Saturday, describing the game as a must-win for Enyimba.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Enyimba will on Sunday, inside the Enyimba International Stadium Aba, host Plateau United in match day 38 of the NPFL 2023/2024 season.

    Akanni, who acknowledged that the match would be a tough one, said that the players would go all out to give their best and ensure a convincing victory.

    He said, “The game is going to be an important one for us, and being the last match of the season, it is a must-win against Plateau United for us.

    “We are going to give our best to win and get back to the top where we belong, so that we can play next season champions league.

    “Our target before the season was to retain the title, but due to the turn of events along the line, we had a setback after the match day 36 against Bayelsa United where we played out 1-1.

    Akanni said that champions league position was not a bad one for the team and they were going to fight for it on Sunday in order not to lose out entirely.

    “As a continental team, it will be beneficial to Enyimba, the state and country, if we still maintain our champions league status.

    “Enyimba has been a regular customer of champions league and still needs to maintain its status at the global stage,”Akanni said.

    NAN reports that Enyimba occupied third position on the league table with 60 points while Remo Stars of Ogun State occupied second position with 62 points after week 37 round of matches.

    Plateau United, in the same period, stood at the fifth position with 58 points.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

    NUO/OJI/SOA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Oluwole Sogunle

  • CFN seeks support, investment in cycling

     Support
     By Aderonke Ojo
    Abuja, June  22, 2024 (NAN) Bernard Ezenma, the Secterary General of the Nigeria Cycling Federation (CFN), has urged the private sector, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to invest and support the development of cycling in the country.
    Ezenma made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday  in Abuja.
    According to him, the Federation  needs the support of all stakeholders and corporate organisations because the Ministry of Sports cannot do it alone.
    “I urge all stakeholders to support and help the Federation through sponsorship of youth development programmes and competitions within and outside the country.
    “This will also serve as encouragement factor for the Federation.”
    He said that the Federation was determined to achieve its goals of discovering, educating, empowering and mentoring young talents through sporting activities and programmes.
    “I want  to appeal to corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support cycling and help young athletes to become a better version.”
    Ezenma said that the support would go a long way to help Nigerian cycling  players. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    STJ/CMY/FAA
    =======
    Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Folasade Adeniran