2nd Strata Base Open Karate Championship ends in Style

 

The 2nd edition of the "Strata Base National Open Senior Karate Championship" ended Saturday, April 15th, 2023, at the Sampson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, with athletes winning a total of 60 medals, comprising of 16 gold, 16 silver and 28 bronze in the overall medal haul.

Team FCT-Abuja dominated the table with a total of 11 medals; 5 gold, 1 silver, and 5 bronze to clinch the 1st position. Team Anambra came 2nd, winning a total of 8 medals; 4 gold and 4 silver. Team Strata Base came 3rd winning 9 medals; 2 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze. 

Beginning 12th to 15th April, Karate fans and enthusiasts from around Nigeria got the opportunity to relax and witness spectacular bouts of Kumite and Kata among participating athletes and teams drawn from states across the country.

In a statement obtained from his verified Facebook page, Chairman South South Zone of the Karate Federation of Nigeria, Engr. Dr. Chukwudi Dimkpa,  he has been true to his commitment to developing the sport and using it as a toll to engage young people away from destructive vices.

"This championship, the 4th in the series, asides from engaging young people meaningfully and showing them the possibilities of a life away from crime, was also aimed at showcasing talents to scouts and to serve as avenue to select and groom athletes who will represent Nigeria in future international competitions". 

"Upon assumption of office as the Chairman, South-South Zone KFN and Board Member representing the South-South zone, Karate Federation of Nigeria, I made a commitment that under my watch in the South South, we shall develop the sport to an enviable height and use it to provide a platform to better and meaningfully engage our youths".

Dr. Dimkpa who is representing South South geopolitical zone on the board of Karate Federation of Nigeria expressed satisfaction in the outcome of the tournament and the result of his commitment on the behaviour of young people and on development of the sport in the zone. 

"This is reflective in the outcome of the just concluded tournaments in far away Egypt and South Africa, where for the first time in our history, athletes from our zone won medals for the country in the sport including the first ever Karate gold for the country.

"These achievements are the reason we are justified in our continued sponsorship of the sport. We are fulfilled and satisfied that every participating Karataker in this edition, apart from growing and showcasing their talents, winning medals and prizes, also went home with an invaluable experience".

Engr. Dimkpa On behalf of the event sponsor, Strata Base Group, performed the official presentation of cash prizes and certificates and the decoration of athletes and teams who won medals in different categories at the end of the competition.

CAFCC: 'Computer' aims big for Bayelsa United against CS Sfaxien

 

By Hananeel Jackson

Coach of reigning Aiteo Cup Champions,  Bayelsa United , Diepreye Teibowei says last weekend's victory over Nigeria Professional Football League side Abia Warriors, will spur the team ahead of sunday's CAF Confederation Cup clash with CS Sfaxien of Tunisia.

The Prosperity Boys beat Abia Warriors 2-0 on  Saturday at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa with two late goals from Okardi Inikurogha on 87 minutes and Hassan Oladimeji on 90 minutes.

Bayelsa United smacked AS Ashanti Golden Boys of Guinea 4-2 in the first preliminary round fixture in the CAF Confederation Cup to secure a place in second round while the Tunisian Cup Champions were drawn bye.

Reacting to the outcome, Teibowei who is popularly known as 'Computer' said he is targeting a big win in Nigeria before traveling to Tunisia for the second leg, adding that the friendly was timely due to the importance of the game.

The former West Ham Feeders coach explained that he was expecting a similar approach from his lads by scoring high without conceding a goal, stating that he was optimistic of going through CS Sfaxien with a resounding victory against the Juventus El Arab as the Tunisians are fondly called.

Apparently not satisfied with his side's first half  performance against the Umuahia  side, the former Calabar Rovers star asserted that he expected a more attacking style but commended the lads show of dexterity in the second half.

When asked about the availability of forward Victory Beniangba the coach confirmed that the  speedy winger would be available against CS Sfaxien on Sunday.

The gaffer assured Bayelsans that the Prosperity Boys would progress  to the next round ahead of their Tunisian opponents.

Monimichelle gives Samson Siasia Stadium facelift, installs LED scoreboard

The high-definition, LED scoreboard - which is situated just in front of the arena - can display live footage from the football field and stands, as well as replays and recorded content.

The approximately 30 feet by 50 feet (1,400 square feet) scoreboard was installed by Monimichelle Sports Facility Constructions Limited.

The new scoreboard features a single-point sound system on top.

It was further scooped that Ebi Egbe, Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facility Constructions Ltd, the firm handling the Stadium, was on ground to ensure the LED equipment was cleared from the Nigerian Customs.

Upon clearance, Monimichelle Ltd embarked on the installation of the scoreboard and have now successfully completed the process by putting it to test ahead of Bayelsa United's continental assignment.