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He is not the type that likes eating his words, if he must eat something, he has a rich dose of delicacies prepared by the best cooks with total patience, purpose and pride. But with the thrice postponed National sports festival, Nigeria sports minister, Sunday Dare already has his back to the wall as he seeks a way out of a unending logjam.  In the last two days, he has been running from Pillar to post to satisfy his conscience and please over 3,000 anxious athletes and officials who wake up daily waiting to know what tomorrow holds for them and their fluctuating future.  In a society full of the many uncertainties of life, sports has suddenly moved from being just a pastime, to a profession and means of livelihood and to imagine that another generation of budding talents could be wasted and allowed to rust and ruin because of the inability of the host state to stand up to the challenge of hosting or the failure of government to put their money where their mouth is, is anothe...

By: Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo The management of Adamu Yola Ture Foundation and the Jordan Nwora Foundation has agreed on terms for a 3-day Basketball Camp for the North Eastern state of Nigeria. The camp which is designed for young boys and girls between the ages of 14 to 19 will be drawn from six northeast states. Pastor Yakubu Adamu Yola who is the coordinator of the biggest football tournament in the whole of the northeast and doubles as the organisers of this camp restated the foundation's commitment to creating opportunities to empower young basketballers from their zone. "I am very delighted to say that the Foundation has agreed on terms with Jordan Nwora Foundation for a Junior Basketball Camp for the entire North-East states. The major benefit of the camp is to give American Basketball/Education Scholarship opportunities to outstanding campers," he stated. Speaking further, Yola said they are very committed to ensuring that young people from this part of the country ...

Former Super Eagles Captain and coach Augustine Eguaveon stood like a rock in the heart of Gent defence in the 90s, current Super Eagles stars like Peter Olayinka, Samuel Kalu and Moses Simon were all household names during their glorious years in Belgium with Gent FC and today, two Nigerians have joined the growing lists of super stars to wear the white and blue stripes jersey of the Belgium team now placed 5th on the Jupilar league log.  Oladoye Adewale and Emeka Chinonso were members of coach Paul Aigbogun's Flying Eagles team that played at the Under 20 World Cup in 2019, they both played their part in ensuring the flying Eagles go as far as the second round stage of the global football Fiesta. It is now time for these young men to reap the dividends of hardwork.  Belgium Jupilar League side Gent FC have signed both players from Abuja based football academy, Water FC,  in deal that will run into millions of dollars.  Owner and financier of Water FC, Nureni Makanj...

As the men and women national teams prepare for a busy 2021, the Nigeria Basketball Federation has vowed not to spare any effort in getting the best out of the teams. This was made known by the International Representative on the board, Col. Sam Ahmedu in a chat with newsmen in Lagos. Ahmedu who doubles as the Benue State Basketball Association chairman said since the board took over in 2017, the welfare of the players has been top of its agenda. "Getting to the apex of basketball in Africa and rolling with the best in the world never came by accident. It’s a result of deliberate plans and heavy investments in camps, coaches and training." "We hosted Africa in 2018 and 2019 during the qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China which Nigeria was the first team in the world to qualify for and it never came cheap". "In the history of basketball in Nigeria, we spent quality time preparing for the 2017, 2019 FIBA Afrobaskets as well as the FIBA world cups in Sp...

 

A superb flick into the top corner of goal with the head by Seun Adepoju in the 58th minute, was all Magate FC needed to draw 1-1 with log leaders Destiny Boys in a sixth game of the Nationwide League One (NLO) season played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State.    Magate who beat Zenith Emperor 72hours earlier, took the game to the group favourite with positive counter-attacking play. The Coach Farouk side who finished the game with 10-man received a blow below the belt as the team lost it's 'Captain Fantastic' Adeniyi Aliu in the 25th minute to injury after he had a cut below his left eye as he was elbowed by Destiny Boys defender during the run of play. The Magate bench, were left in awe as the offender walked away without been cautioned, as neither the centre referee nor his first assistant saw the infringement. Less than five minutes after Aliu was replaced, Destiny Boys scored the first goal of the game via Qosim Abdulrahim. Magate had the chance to level s...

Katsina state FA chairman Alh. Aminu Balele Kurfi 'Dan Arewa' has doles out monetary gifts to the two NLO 1 finalists teams from Katsina.  Danburam jnr of Daura which top its group at Zaria center and Katsina United jnr from Kaduna center.  The two teams engaged each other for the battle of NNL ticket at Ahmadu Bello University township stadium in Zaria, the Daura base side  are able to clinch the slot after defeating state rivals Katsina United jnr 2-1 at the end of the match.  The State FA chairman, vice chairman ii and deputy FA Secretary are present during the encounter to make sure both teams get a maximum support from the association. Alh Aminu Balele kurfi splashes cash to both, Jnr Danburam gets 1 million naira to boost the team for recruitment and 500 thousand naira as match bonus for the players, while katsina United jnr goes home with 300 thousand naira as match bonus too Kurfi also charge Jnr Danburam to be good and well disciplined representatives of kat...

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has commended one of the alumnus' of its recently organised International Olympic Advance Sports Management course, Major Timipre Okou (PhD) for putting into use immediately, knowledge just acquired at the Inter-Brigade Sports competition organised under his supervision. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Advanced Diploma Management Course, Mr Olabanji Oladapo, the Secretary General of the Nigeria Olympic Committee commended the courage of Major Timipre Okou for finding time to be a participant of the one year course. Okou, who is acting Director Physical Training Division 1 of the Nigerian Army supervised the competition which was held between March 8 and 11, 2021. The competition had participants drawn from 3 Brigade Kano, 31 Artillery Brigade Minna and 1 Division Garrison who participated in a marathon, volleyball, squash, badminton, basketball, boxing, golf, handball, table tennis,  taekwando,  ...

The President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engineer Habu Ahmed Gumel congratulate the President, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and member, FIFA Council, Mr Amaju Pinnick on his election in Rabat, Morocco today. An elated NOC President in his message to the newest member of the highest ruling body in world football said, "it's with great delight I congratulate Mr Amaju Pinnick, member FIFA Council and Vice President, Confederation of African Football for his doggedness, toughness and determination to take the green white green flag to the peak of the world football map. This is a call to service to motherland, please, endeavour to bring your A game to bear because your experience must single you out at this point in time". I pray for wisdom and knowledge from above for you in your new assignment, task and responsibility Insha Allah, Gumel concluded. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Patrons and members of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, we congratulate you Mr Ama...

Prominent journalist Adewale Ajayi has congratulated the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Amaju Melvin Pinnick on his emergence as one of the newly elected members of Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) Council seat.  Amaju Pinnick, NFF President (L) with Gianni Infantino, FIFA President (r) Adewale Ajayi, a Nigerian-Canadian, also a former Media officer of the  Nigeria National U20 team, admonished Amaju Pinnick to use the opportunity to reposition Nigeria football positively on global stage. A delighted Adewale Ajayi said from his base in Canada where he monitored the election proceedings: "And Amaju Pinnick of Nigeria wins by a landslide. Congratulations on your landslide victory, indeed this is not just a victory for Nigeria but for Africa and global football at large. "You fight doggedly from the start of the struggle and to the glory of God your relentless efforts has been crown with resounding victory today. Adewale Ajayi "The vic...

President Muhammadu Buhari applauds Mr Amaju Pinnick, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on his election into the FIFA Executive Council, the highest decision-making organ in world football.   President Muhammadu Buhari and Amaju Pinnick The President believes that by dint of hardwork, dedication and consistency, Pinnick has proven to be an efficient football administrator and the world has taken notice of his competency skills by electing him into the FIFA Council and one of the Vice Presidents of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).   The President notes that this feat of enhanced visibility and prestige of Nigeria in the international community is coming on the heels of recent elections of other well qualified and endowed Nigerians into strategic leadership positions in international organisations.   President Muhammadu Buhari (r) with FIFA President Gianni Infantino (m) and Amaju Pinnick NFF President (l). The President urges Pinnick to se...

Few hours after NFF president Amaju Melvin Pinnick emerged as Anglophone elected member of the FIFA council, friends, associates and well wishers have started sending congratulatory messages. First on this list, is the Nigeria minister of Youth and Sports development, Sunday Dare. He was emphatic with his words as he saluted Amaju for making Nigeria proud before the committee of Nations. He also used the opportunity to once again appeal to him to use his influence and connections and his new office to help promote, project and propel Africa and Nigeria football. "This is an opportunity to use your new position  to make Nigerian,  African and World football great again and make it better than you met it. This is the reward of hardwork and unity of purpose. We are better off when we support our collective aspirations for the development of our great country. This is an honour well deserved" A strong member of the Amaju inner caucus, Bukola Olopade, a former commissioner of spor...

 Bayo Adegboyega Chairman of Foremost Sports marketing company in the country, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Hon. Bukola Olopade has congratulated the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick on his emergence as one of the FIFA executive council members. Olopade, a former commissioner for youth and sports in Ogun State described Pinnick's victory as an opportunity for Nigeria to build it's political presence at the global football stage. He expressed confidence that Pinnick's emergence will rub off positively on the development of Football in Nigeria. "We have anticipated the Victory and let me specially congratulate my friend and brother Amaju Pinnick, undoubtedly, he worked his way to this level and once again, he has inked the country's name in gold". "This is not just about Pinnick or the football fraternity, it's a victory for Nigeria and hopefully, we will record more success of this nature in the next couple of years...

  By Akin Bolarinwa  The Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has thrown his weight behind the much anticipated grassroots basketball camp due to hold in Kogi State any time from now. Ex- basketball international Samuel Oguche has noted that, hosting a grassroots basketball camp in Kogi State is a welcomed development. According to the basketball aficionado, the move by the sports-loving Governor to sponsor basketball camp at the grassroots will further enrich the culture of basketball and other sports in the Confluence State. Samuel Oguche commended Governor Yahaya Bello for his foresight and initiative while also encouraging sports stakeholders in the state to support the government of the day. “I will like to commend the Governor of Kogi State for this smart move because that is the best legacy any government can give to the youth. Going back home and being part of history is a big thing for me. I will like to thank His Excellency, Governor Yahaya Bello for his conti...

  By Akin Bolarinwa  Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi state The Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has plans to host a grassroots basketball event in the Conference State. The basketball fiesta is in conjunction with the Samuel Oguche Basketball Foundation. Certified basketball coaches from the United States of America and some experienced basketball youth coaches in Nigeria will be on the court to tutor and mentor aspiring future champions. The 2021 Kogi State basketball fiesta is scheduled to take place in Lokoja later this year. Governor Yahaya Bello restated his commitment to give Nigerian youths the opportunity to be selected to schools in the United States of America as he plans to extend this gesture beyond Kogi State. Kogi State is set to become the next hub for basketball talents under the watch of Governor  Yahaya Bello.

The Chairman, Plateau State Teqball Association, Miri Timnan Nyantau, has reinstated his commitment to make the sport on the Plateau an envy of other sports both nationally and internationally. MTN, as the chairman is fondly called made this statement when he received journalists in his office on Tuesday. While answering questions thrown at him by pressmen who are eager to know more about the newly introduced sport on the Plateau and how it can thrive and rub shoulders with established sports like football and basketball among others, MTN rolled out activities put on ground to make the sport thrive and be loved by all and sundry,hence, bringing glory to the State and Nigeria as a whole. In his words, "After receiving our letters of appointments from the National body of Teqball in Nigeria, we first and foremost introduced ourselves to the Sports council in the State officially, before we put our well furnished association secretariat on ground to get down to serious work. We sensi...

The coordinator for Heritage Group for the Ijebu heritage half marathon, Tunde Odulaja said the maiden edition of the Ijebu heritage half marathon will put Ijebu on a global front.  Tunde Odulaja, Coordinator, Heritage Group for the Ijebu Heritage half Marathon. Speaking after the meeting with Bukola Olopade, Chairman of Nilayo Sports Management Limited last Friday. He said, “The marathon will create awareness for tourism, health, and fitness as well as commercial value to people around Ijebu.” In the interview, Tunde Odulaja appealed to the state government to create enabling environment for a successful marathon. He said, “It will be a lot of hard work but truthfully, we also need the government to ensure that we have a good outing and enabling environment with infrastructural development round Ijebu areas is in good stead so that we can showcase our state to the world.” He rounded off with a message to all Ijebus. He concluded, “Ijebu should gear up for something new is coming t...

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has released his 22 man squad that will lead the park during the crucial Nations cup Qualifiers against the Squirrel of Benin republic and the Crocodile of Lesotho slated for later this month. The squad released got the fans talking as they criticize the rationale behind the inclusion of Ahmed Musa, the team captain, who has been out of active football since the turn of the year while Paul Onuachu that has been in blistering form scoring 26 goals in 39 appearances for Genk this season was placed on standby.  Nigeria, top of the Group E log with eight points (one ahead of Benin Republic and five more than third-placed Sierra Leone), tackle the Squirrels away at the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo on Saturday, 27th March and will lock horns with the Crocodiles of Lesotho at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos three days later. Both are the concluding games of the qualifying series. Also included are Enyimba FC goalkeeper John Noble, defenders Leon B...

Following the conclusion of the Afrobasket qualifiers in Monstir, Tunisia, Nigerian basketball legend, Ike Diogu has admitted that the team has a lot of work to do in their quest to challenge for the Afrobasket and 2020 Olympics titles. Diogu who was a member of the team to the London 2012 Olympics said despite their impeccable 6-0 unbeaten run during the qualifiers, the team is nowhere ready for a busy summer. “The goal is for everybody to go back to their various clubs, stay in shape and meet back in the summer for the 2020 Olympics”. The 37 year old who made his Afrobasket debut in 2013 where he emerged competition’s highest point scorer in Cote d’Ivoire averaging 21.9pts per game despite D’Tigers finishing 7th after a quarter final loss to Senegal  believes the team can challenge for honors in Rwanda (Afrobasket) and Tokyo (Olympics). “We have a lot of things to fix because there will be some guys that will be added and removed from the roster, so I am looking forward to having...

VCN Sports Limited is a household name  in the business of sports equipment supply across the federation. The company C.E.O Chief Victor Nwaribeaku (Akwu-Ugo) was recently inducted as the Patron of Super Eagles Supporters Club and had a media chat with journalists after the colourful events at the Super Eagles Supporters Club Sectariat in Lagos. Chief Victor Nwaribeaku: "VCN Sports Ltd is a household name in general sports equipment. We are into the supply of all sporting equipment for football, handball, basketball, rugby, badminton, hockey, table tennis, long tennis, physically challenged sports equipment, fitness machine etc." Against the backdrop of the ongoing renovation of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos which previously housed VCN Sports complex, the company has moved to a state of the art edifice, VCN Sports Plaza, situated inside Teslim Balogun Stadium and has its headquarters at Ojuelegba, Lagos. A staunch sports aficionado, the Imo state born passion for spor...

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Public Relations Officer and others have completed the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Advanced Sports Management course and graduated as the 5th set for the 2020/2021 session in Lagos, recently. The programme which is to build and promote sport and olympism throughout the world is aimed at updating the knowledge of sports academicians, managers and administrators to enable them adapt to modern techniques of sports administration.  Mr Olabanji Oladapo, Secretary General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) while declaring the session closed congratulated all the participants and charged them to put in use all they had learnt from the IOC Management Course. "Bring your best into use as you have concluded this course and ensure that the dividends of the programme succeeds in your various states, organizations and institutions so that Nigeria will not be left out of emerging global trends in sports management and administration. The NOC will make...

It was all glitz and glamour as the Super Eagles Supporters Club on Saturday inducted new members into the club as all attention shifts back to the African Cup of Nations qualifiers coming up later this month with the Super Eagles fighting for a ticket to Cameroun 2022. The foremost football supporters club in the land, largely inactive in the last one year due to the covid-19 pandemic which paralysed sporting activities across the globe, decided to seize the opportunity not only to welcome back the president, Prince Vincent Okumagba who was caught up in Canada during the lockdown after a family visit but to also bring in some new members after a thorough screening of personality and interest by a special committee led by Elder Folorunsho Ologunye. The highlight of the day was the induction of Victor Nwaribeaku the CEO of VCN Sports, as a patron of SESC upon which the foremost sports equipment dealer declared his delight at joining the club by immediately donating the sum of one millio...