Iloenyosi pledges support for
NUJ FCT correspondents’ football tourney
Support
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Chairman of the Anambra Football Association, Chikelue Iloenyosi has pledged support for the second edition of the FCT Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondent Chapel Football Tournament.
The three-day tournament tagged “Football for Friendship and Peace” is slated for July 11 to July 13 at the Old Parade Ground, Area 10, Abuja.
At a news conference on Tuesday to unveil the former Super Eagles player as a brand ambassador for the tournament, Iloenyosi stressed the importance of such events for journalists.
“I am honoured and happy today because of this great event that we’re about to do. Not only because l am made the ambassador, I’m going to support it massively.
“Somebody asked me why is it that every time they are giving you award. I have been in office for one and half year and l have received 17 awards because l am into grassroots football and l am doing it with passion.
“That’s why my Governor has trust in me in everything l do.” he said.
Earlier, Jide Oyekunle, Chairman of the FCT NUJ Correspondents’ chapel underscored the power of football in promoting unity among Nigerians.
He said the chapel decided to use sports, particularly football to unite and strengthen the relationship between the media and participating organisations.
“Football does not have language. Football is an integral activity that unites the people and has the power to change the world irrespective of the religion, ethnic and political background.
“Football makes people forget their differences because it is a unifying factor. It heals the wounds and bond people together.
“It is one of the antidotes for physical fitness and mental health and alertness, which we all need particularly in the face of the present economic realities and hardship,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 12 teams will take part in the much anticipated tournament.
They include; NUJ Correspondent chapel, NNPC, Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Federal High Court (FHC).
Others are Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), AIBEN Group, the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lekan Fatodu, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, on Tuesday restated the government’s commitment to provide the right atmosphere for hosting international tournaments in the state.
Fatodu gave the assurance in his opening address at the news conference for the Lagos World Table Tennis (WTT) Contender, scheduled to begin on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is scheduled to hold at the Molade Okoya Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium from Wednesday June 19 to June 23.
Fatodu said that the state would parade home grown talents that would favourably contest with the international Stars at the tournament.
“It’s on a very good note that l welcome everyone to the first WTT Contender Series in Sub-Saharan Africa in the state of the Aquatic splendour, Lagos, Nigeria.
“We are very glad to welcome our Table Tennis Players to another milestone in the history of the state in promoting sporting excellence, where the WTT Contender will be unfolding for the next five days.
“As a state, we are ever ready for this kind of showpiece as our homegrown and budding players like Muizz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai are already warming up for the world event.
“Our indefatigable Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been demonstrating unwavering support in sporting infrastructure,” he said.
Fatodu added that they would leave no stone unturned in the development of sports and other activities that would expose athletes in the state to international championships.
”It’s on this note that our home and international players will enjoy a hitch free tournament as the event is about to record another inspiring achievement in the ping-pong game.
“Our visiting players will also enjoy the hospitality nature of the state in terms of accommodation, transportation and our attractive tourists’ centres.
“We cannot do away with the development of sports in our circle and this 400 ITTF world ranking points Table Tennis championships.
“The championships serves as an avenue for our local players to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Brazilian Hugo Calderano, Dimitrij Ovtcharov of Germany, among top players ready to feature in this tournament,” he said.
Fatodu said that Lagos was a pacesetter in the sports and infrastructure development.
“Hosting another world championship in the commercial nerve centre of the country is putting the state on the world map and also creating an avenue for the budding talents to explore and excel.
“This is Lagos and we are open to subsequent major tournaments.
“Welcome to Lagos, Nigeria, where WTT Contender is taking place and we are very sure that champions will be unveiled here,” he said. (NAN)
IZU/OIF/EMAF
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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo and Emmanuel Afonne
Training sessions at the NFL Africa camp by the NFL hosted at Mobolaji Johnson Arena Lagos Island
Commendation
By Olanrewaju Akojede
Lagos, July 18, 2024 (NAN) Will Stevens, Charge d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy, has commended the impact of Nigerians living in the U.S. on the U.S. economy and sports.
Stevens gave the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the National Football League (NFL) Africa Camp in Lagos on Tuesday.
NAN reports that the NFL, the biggest sport in the U.S., has opened a scouting programme tagged: “Africa Camp”, which is ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos Island.
The scouting programme is aimed at discovering young Nigerian talents who are interested in pursuing a career in NFL as a sport.
The programme has top NFL players from the U.S. and other countries assembled in Nigeria to also encourage young Nigerians to join the World’s highest grossing sports in the world.
Stevens, however, said that many NFL players of Nigerian descent were doing well in the sport, hence the need to get more and give them the opportunity.
“Nigerians are impactful in the U.S.; we have over 750,000 Nigerian Americans, many of whom are the most educated and have high income receiving members than any diaspora group in the U.S.
“The ties between the diaspora and the U.S., in the economy, will build more economic and cultural relationships that thrive between both countries- the U.S. and Nigeria.
“One of the good things is that the NFL is targeting Africa for talents. We have done this in Ghana, South Africa and now, Nigeria.
“There are over 140 NFL players from African descent, either they are born in Africa or their parents are Africans,” he said.
Stevens also stated that the U.S. Consulate in Nigeria was happy to be part of the talents discovery in Nigeria, of which would have great benefits including scholarships to study in the best American universities.
“It’s so great to have the NFL from the U.S., to have what the call African Camp here in Lagos. We have amazing talents across Nigeria that can fit in the challenge.
“It is an amazing opportunity for the NFL to get and discover some of the very best players in Africa and in Nigeria to play in the NFL.
“NFL happens to be the largest sports in the world in terms of revenue more than the Premier and European League. The NFL revenue generation is massive.
“There are over 50 players in each team or 32, so each team has lots of athletes in each position,” he said.
According to Stevens, aside the economic benefits for the NPL Players, they can also have scholarships to study in U.S. universities.
“Most of the NFL players play in the college, while many are also on the scholarships to get free university degrees and play for four years in the college before they move to NFL.
“This gives them lots of opportunities as African students can come and study in the U.S., and get the degree. We have athletes that are studying in the best universities in the U.S.
“They are enjoying the scholarships made possible by the NFL because it provides the unique opportunity,” he said.
NAN reports that the African Camp, taking place at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, is open to potential athletes, whereby Nigerians and other Africans are taught the rudiments of the NFL.
Some of the drilling includes Broad Jump, Vertical Jump, 40-Yard Dash, Three Cones among others
The instructors include Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bobby Okereke and Prince Tega Wanogho, who are of Nigerian descent, among others. (NAN)
Enugu CP congratulates Rangers FC for winning NPFL, qualifying for CAF
Congratulations
By Stanley Nwanosike
Enugu, June 17, 2024 (NAN) The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kanayo Uzuegbu, on Monday, congratulated the players, management, staff and fans of Rangers International FC, Enugu, for winning the 2023–2024 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rangers FC emerged winners of 2023–2024 NPFL league after beating Bendel Insurance FC, Benin, 2 – 0, on Sunday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu.
Their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba Football Club, lost their respective match day 37 fixtures 1-2 each against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos.
This left Rangers FC, also known as Flying Antelopes, with 67 points with a game to go and five points ahead of its nearest rivals.
The commissioner, who described the victory as a product of dedication, resilience and hard work; commended the players and management of the club for not taking their feet off the pedal until the victory was attained.
The state police boss gave the commendation in a congratulatory message issued on his behalf by the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, in Enugu.
The commissioner said that he took particular delight in how the General Manager of the club, Mr Amobi Ezeaku, had so far piloted the affairs of the club.
He noted that his unmistakable leadership style and prowess contributed so much to the victory.
“I, therefore, urge him to keep the flag flying,” he said.
The state police boss expressed delight at the peaceful conduct of the fans, especially during the club’s home games at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu (a.k.a. the Cathedral).
He stressed that their positive conduct had again shown that sports, particularly football, remained a vital tool for the enhancement of public security and safety and the social re-engineering of society.
The commissioner also reassured a closer and more robust working relationship especially in the area of providing adequate security during the club’s home games.
“This has become more expedient given the victory and qualification of the club to participate in the Confederation of Africa (CAF) Champions League next season,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Owerri, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Head Coach of the Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Mr Christian Obi, has assured fans of the club that his team will bounce back in spite being relegated from the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
Obi said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri, on Monday as the team prepared for a final match of the 2023/2024 season away to their Ilorin counterparts.
Obi, who hailed the fans for their unflinching support for the club assured them that their continued love and loyalty would eventually pay off.
He hailed the players for their dedication, determination and hardwork, and urged them to keep faith with the club.
“ I want to tell the fans that we lost it in the first round of the season and we apologise and promise that we will bounce back and do better.
“ We salute our fans for the love they have shown to the team and we assure that tomorrow will be better. We love you all,” he said.
In a reaction, the Chairman, Imo Chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Mr Cosmos Chukwuemeka, described the relegation as “ a huge disappointment to all Imo people especially football lovers”.
He, however, urged the team’s management to correct any mistakes so as to bounce back to the NPFL.
According to the Imo SWAN chairman, only two teams will represent the state in the 2024/2025 Nigerian National League (NNL), hence an opportunity for Heartland to take advantage of.
Speaking, a football enthusiast, Mr Uche Nnaoma, expressed regret that the club which only returned to the NPFL had quickly returned to relegation.
He urged the club’s management to carry out internal rejigging for a better performance in the coming season.
Also, another enthusiast, Mr Edward Chilaka, a fitness trainer, urged the team to justify the resources expended on it by the state government and recommit to a better season.
He expressed hope that with the right management strategies, the team would come back stronger. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Nigeria wins Bronze at Chovken World Championship in Azerbaijan
Team Nigeria
Win
By Priscilla Osaje
Abuja, June 17, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria team has won Bronze at the 2024 Chovken World Championship held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Alhaji Nura Sani Kangiwa, patron of NSK Polo team and Resort, disclosed this in a statement by Joesef Karim, Media Assistant to Vice President, African Region, International Chovken Federation on Monday in Abuja.
Kangiwa, who is also the Chairman, African Region of the International Chovken Federation, said that Nigeria drew 1-1with Uzbekistan to win Bronze on points from previous matches.
Kangiwa, the President of Nigeria Polo Federation, said Nigeria team emerged the third best team at the just concluded Chovken World Championship .
“This is the first time Nigeria participated in any global Chovken , an ancient equestrian sport similar to Polo.
” Team Nigeria’s build-up to the finals, Nigeria beat Germany 5-0; beat Poland 4-1; and lost against Morocco 4-1,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Chovken Championship was held from June 10 to 16.
NAN reports that Turkey, Malta, Kuwait, Morocco, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Poland, Germany, Nigeria, including the host Azerbaijan participated in the championship.
The ancient sport of Chovken is a team sport similar to the more popular Polo. It is played by horse riders with sticks competing to hit a small ball into a goal post.
A match consists of two halves, each last for 15 minutes of effective play time.
The team Nigeria players include Yusuf Bello, Shehu Kangiwa, Mukhtar Adhama and Abdulmalik Badamasi and they were led by Kangiwa.(NAN)(www. nannews ng)
Kanu rallies support for Attom foundation’s eye treatment project
Support
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Abuja, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Ex-International, Kanu Nwankwo has called for support for Attom Foundation’s awareness and fund raising charity geared towards eye treatment of over 10, 000 Nigerians.
The football legend told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the sidelines of a Charity Champions Cup match organised by the Foundation in Abuja to raise funds for the project.
Kanu, who coached Team Attom to a 4-1 win over Team Celebrities in the well attended match at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, said he was proud to be part of such a noble cause.
“”It’s a football match to raise awareness for the Attom Foundation, which helps people with eye problems.
“Because it’s a good cause, you can see all these big names and players are here today to support and make sure the foundation succeeds” he said.
Kanu who is renowned for his charity work through his Kanu Heart Foundation, said there was a need for more NGOs to continue to support the needy in the society.
“The Attom Foundation is just starting, so we need to encourage them, because I love being involved in such initiatives,” he said.
NAN reports that the carnival-like event at the Moshood Abiola national Stadium, had Super Eagles players legends like Jay Jay Okocha, former Arsenal stars Robert Priest and Emmanuel Eboue.
Others included former Chelsea legend Claude Makelele, Mark Fish and comedians, such as AY, Sabinus and Broda Shaggy among others.
Other notable music stars like Tiwa Savage, Wande Cool and several other top celebrities also graced the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Gov. Mbah congratulates Rangers for winning NPFL title
Football
By Alex Enebeli
Enugu, June 17, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has congratulated Rangers International Football Club of Enugu for winning the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title with a game to spare.
The congratulatory message followed the team’s 2-0 victory over Bendel Insurance Football Club of Benin at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu on Sunday.
A 33rd minute goal by Kenechukwu Agu and 65th minute goal by Chidiebere Nwobodo handed Rangers their eighth league title and their second since 2016.
Their closest rivals, Remo Stars and Enyimba Football Club, lost their respective match day 37 fixtures 1-2 each against Sunshine Stars and Sporting Lagos.
This left the Flying Antelopes with 67 points with a game to go and five points ahead of their nearest rivals.
Reacting to the development, Mbah said Rangers’ title win and display on the pitch were a clear exciting reenactment of the greatness Enugu State was known for.
He assured that his government would commit more resources toward sports development in the state.
“I can tell you that the government and people of Enugu State are very excited. What we have now is the reenactment of the greatness that Enugu is known for.
“Part of what I said to the players before the match started was that they had the weight of history on their shoulders because they were walking the path legends had walked and that it was incumbent on them to deliver.
“I’m so excited again that this has happened.
“Indeed, our tomorrow is here. It is again part of connecting the dots in the sports sector. As you already know, we want to be the number one in everything we do.
“So, we have zero tolerance for failure or mediocrity and our work ethic is impeccable,” Mbah said.
He said the state would continue on that trajectory, making sure that they had a good reward system, motivate the players to go all out and excel.
On sports infrastructure, he said: “you will attest to the fact that getting our pitch back in shape immediately we assumed office to enable Rangers play their home matches here at ‘The Cathedral’ was a huge motivation for the players.
“But I want to assure Enugu people that they have not seen anything yet. As you are aware, our goal is a total turnaround of the sports industry in the state.
“This includes the sports infrastructure, building world-class facilities and upgrading existing ones to world-class standard.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 16 , 2024 (NAN) The following are the results of Match Day 37 fixtures played on Sunday in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL):
Sporting Lagos FC 2-1 Enyimba international FC
Bayelsa United FC 2-1 Shooting Stars FC
Enugu Rangers International FC 2-0 Bendel Insurance FC
NPFL
By Benson Ezugwu
Enugu, June 16, 2024 (NAN) Rangers International FC of Enugu on Sunday defeated Bendel Insurance FC of Benin 2-0 in the Week 37 of the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL).
The match was played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium Enugu saw
Rangers scored their first goal in the 32nd minutes through a free kick by Kenechukwu Agu.
The first half ended 1-0 in favour of the Flying Antelopes.
The home team sealed victory in the 64th minutes through a goal scored by Ikenna Nwobodo.
By the win Rangers, with 67 points, look good to be crowned as Champions of the 2023/2024 NPFL.
In his reaction, an elated Rangers’ Coach, Fidelis Illechukwu, said: ”We are the champions; we are the champions of 2023/2024 NFFL. It’s not easy to be a champion.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
