Tokyo 2020: Igali wants private sector investment in sports, says 'there are no shortcuts to success

 

By Akin Bolarinwa 

Bayelsa state Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Honourable Daniel Igali has called for private sector to invest more in sports development. 

The Caretaker boss of the Nigeria Wrestling Federation advocates for a private driven sports environment because government alone can not fund sports. 

"I only wish the private sector will be more motivated and involved in our Olympic preparations and multi sport games and the preparation of our athletes". 

The Former Olympian stated that, Nigerians must also provide the needed manpower to support the federations both in administration and on the technical level ground.

 

"Why can’t we individually and collectively donate to support these athletes all through the 4 years," Igali asked rhetorically? Adding that "if we do then we should be expecting medals at every Olympics."

The former member of the Bayelsa state house of assembly declared that, there are no shortcuts to success except provision of sufficient funds and proper planning and that should be our main focus immediately after the conclusion of this event.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 'You are indeed a blessing to Nigeria', Sports Minister hails Oborodudu

Blessing Oborodudu's feat of qualifying for the final of the  68 kg female wrestling  event of the 2020 Olympic  has been  described  as a blessing that  wiped away the pain of the near misses in other events.

Minister  of Youth and sports Development Mr Sunday said " This is Real Blessing to  Nigeria. Thank you blessing for wiping  away the pain of the near misses  recorded in other events. 

Nigerians are proud of you. The display is typical  of the never say die Nigerian  spirit. Keep the tempo going until we reach the ultimate  which is the gold. Dont give up the fight until you re-write Nigerian Olympics  history  with a gold medal in the kitty"

Blessing becomes Nigeria's first medalist in Wrestling.

 Her  qualification for the finals  guarantees a  gold medal or silver. 

 Odunayo Adekuoroye , Ese Brume and Grace Nwokocha are still in the running for medals.

Oborodudu defeated Azerbaijan's  Elis Manolova  and  Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan to advance to her first Olympic semi finals.

Signed

*Media Office of the Honorable Minister of Youth and Sports Development*

Video: Blessing becomes Nigeria's first medalist in Wrestling

 

Oborodudu has indeed brought blessing for Team Nigeria at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Blessing who defeated her opponent in the Semi final category of wrestling where she won convincely to the delight of the coach and as well the scanty spectators. 

She has qualified for the finals she will either pick up the gold medal or silver which means Team Nigeria has finally secured the first medal in Tokyo2020 Olympics while waiting for the likes of Adekuoroye Odunayo, Ese Brume and host of medals to do the magic by picking up medals for Team Nigeria and Grace Nwokocha is not left out.

She beat Azerbaijani Elis Manolova & Meerim Zhumanazarova of Kyrgyzstan to advance to her first Olympic semi finals.

Tokyo 2020: Nwokocha, Oborodudu keep Team Nigeria medal Hope alive

 

Team Nigeria’s Grace Nwokocha on Monday in Tokyo  advanced to the semi-finals in the women’s 200 metres event.

Nwokocha ran a personal best of 22.47 seconds to finish third in heat 1 of the event to gain one of the automatic tickets to the semi-finals.

Cote d’Ivoire’s Marie-Josee Ta Lou won the heat with 22.30, while the Bahamas’ Shaunae Miller-Uibo was second with 22.40.

In the same vein Blessing Oborodudu advanced into the semi-finals in the wrestling 68kg event after a hard-fought 3-2 win against Meerim Zhumanazarova.

Earlier, she defeated Azerbaijan’s Elis Manolova 13-2 in the quarter-finals.

Blessing  Oborodudu is now guaranteed a medal, while  Nwokocha is also a prospective  medal hopeful.

Tokyo 2020: Are commends Minister's effort in managing athletes ineligibility challenges

Former Director Of Grassroots Sports  Development  Dr Ademola Are has commended Sports  Minister Mr. Sunday Dare's efforts in charting a new course for the future of Nigerian  athletes.

Dr Are urged  the Minister to remain strong and  focused despite some let down, insisting  that the athletes have  proudly represented the country to the best of their abilities.

"The positive results of your determined efforts would be manifested in no distant future".

Anyone running their mouths should compare Nigeria's placements in sports with other government  Ministries and Department Agencies (MDAS)in the world rankings despite all the challenges. 

"The Lord is your strength and he will  reward  your efforts".

As a former athlete, I know how it feels, but your investment  will bring great reward  in the nearest future.

The future of Nigerian  sports is very bright" Are affirmed.

NPFL: We Are In Rivers For A Mission - Ozor

 

Former Success Academy, Benue state graduate, Ozor Benjamin, has restated his team's aim to upset their host (Rivers United) as Lobi Stars trade tackles with the Pride of Rivers in one of the Matchday 37 fixtures of the current Nigeria professional football league, NPFL season.

The Utility player (Ozor Benjamin) who can effectively function from the right full back position as well as a rugged and calculative center back divulged their mission to the oil rich Rivers State as they wish to achieve a double over the Rivers State owned team.

Haven dismantled the Coach Stanley Eguma tutored side at the Aper Aku stadium in the first round Fixture in Markurdi, Ozor express a high confidence of running away from Rivers State with a point(s) in the bag as they go toe to toe with the Rivers State based outfit on Monday.

"We are hopeful to get a positive and favourable result on Monday, is not going to be a 'Tea Party, but we believe in our ability and have resolved to give our opponents a run for their money"

'We came with the aim to put up a damage control to our disappointing last home fixture against Enyimba on Matchday 30, I foresee a good result come Monday"

Rivers United fixture against Lobi Stars has was been postpone to Monday following Rivers United involvement in the Semi-Finals of the Aiteo Cup.

Born on 1st May,1999, the 22years defender since teaming up with Lobi Stars in the current Nigeria professional football league campaign has established himself as an integral squad member of the Coach Kabiru Dog tutored side.

NNL: Ijaga in Jos with NAF Rockets to crash Mighty Jets

 

By Adams Jesse Odoba

Sensational striker Isreal Ijaga has disclosed that he is battle ready to crash highflying Mighty Jets at the new Jos Stadium in Jos when they face his side, NAF FC of Abuja  in one of the concluding fixtures of the on going Nigerian  National League (NNL).

Isreal Ijaga made this known during an exclusive interview with Adams Jesse as he said he is battle ready to lead his side to crush the Jos based side in front of their fans on Saturday.

"Yes, i am very optimistic that we will get a decent result when we travel to Jos against Jets, he said".

" The game is of most important as we need to avoid defeat of any kind to remain in the league".

On if he fancies his chances against the solid Jets side,  

"Surely, if given the nod to play against Mighty Jets then i have all it takes to wreck them and i believe we will get the job done, he conclude".

Ijaga Isreal joined NAF FC of Abuja from Amateur side Family Worship Center (FWC) FC where he scored 10 goals from 12 games to make the big move to the second tier of the Nigerian League.

Ijaga is one of the few young strikers that is fast, skillful and uses both feet to perfection with  scoring from tight situations his biggest asset.

Governor Sanwo-Olu says Lagos cherishes right to host Aisha Buhari Cup, promises fabulous tournament

The Government of Lagos State is delighted that the ‘Centre of Excellence’ was chosen to host the inaugural edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament and will leave no stone unturned to stage a tournament for the beautiful side of memories, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured on Friday.

Speaking when Members of the Local Organizing Committee of the tournament led by NFF 1st Vice President/Chairman of Lagos State FA, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi paid him a courtesy visit at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu did nothing to hide his enthuasiasm, and confessed a deepening love for football and especially the women’s game.

“Football is one of the lead factors that bridge the gap and bring communities closer together and is enabling a more exciting world. The women’s game has continued to pull its weight and can be said to be presently at par with the men’s game in the euphoria that it generates, and the sheer class, stamina, excellence and expertise that the players put on display.

“Lagos State, the State of aquatic splendour, is delighted to be named as host of this very important invitational tournament. We will aim to not only host a tournament befitting of the name and positive values that Her Excellency projects and promotes, but also want to showcase our State and the country at large through an efficient and effective organization that will be talked about for a long time.”

While heaping encomiums on President of Nigeria Football Federation and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick for being “highly dedicated and passionate about the sport, and a man who always believes and works hard to make things happen,” Sanwo-Olu recalled the role Lagos State Government played in the Super Eagles travelling by waterways to the 2021 AFCON qualifying match against Benin Republic in Cotonou in March this year, and stated that the exercise has already produced direct spin-offs. 

“We have signed contracts to build nine

mini-stadia across the State and these will be of immense value to the youth of this country who are highly talented but only need infrastructure to nurture to world standard.”

Insisting that the ongoing renovation work at the Teslim Balogun Stadium will make the facility the best in the country, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos will be ready and proud to host First Lady, Dr (Mrs) Aisha Buhari during the tournament, and assured that the tenacious football fans in Lagos will add much colour to the week-long tournament. 

“The opportunities available in football are boundless, so we will commit to delivering a successful and model event that will spur us to encourage and support women’s football in our institutions of learning in Lagos State.”

Speaking earlier, Mr. Pinnick informed Governor Sanwo-Olu that the LOC members were A-list individuals carefully drawn from the football, business and political spheres, and are already aligned to the fact that the Aisha Buhari Invitational Tournament must meet the best

standards possible anywhere, and has to leave worthy legacies that will reflect brilliantly on Nigeria’s image in the universe.

“I want to specially thank Governor Sanwo-Olu for the role has played in supporting the Super Eagles and other National Teams, but let me say here that the month of September is a loaded one. The Super Eagles will kick off their 2022 World Cup qualifying race against Liberia in Lagos on 3rd September, and then fly from here to play Cape Verde away. The Aisha Buhari Cup is a very big project, because nothing must go wrong. We want to do it so well that subsequent editions will have a template to fall back on.”

Chairman of the LOC, Barr. Akinwunmi praised Sanwo-Olu for his tremendous support and encouragement of football in Lagos State and nationally, and pledged that the committee will organize a tournament worthy of the name of the First Lady and which honours the Centre of Excellence.

In her vote of thanks, the Director of Organization, Aisha Falode said hosting the tournament is a big opportunity for Nigeria to make a statement, and that the entire LOC membership was attuned to the vision of using the tournament to engender new, positive narratives about Lagos State (the cradle of women’s football in Nigeria) and the Nigeria nation.

At the occasion were Pinnick, Akinwunmi, Falode, Sola Aiyepeku (Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission); Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan (DG, LSSC); Alh. Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Member, LOC); Dr Wole Aboderin (Member); Mr Saidu Suleman (Member); Mrs Amina Daura (Deputy Director of Organization); Rt. Hon. Margaret Icheen (Member); Hon. Ayo Omidiran

(Member); Mr Ademola Olajire (Director of Publicity); Mrs Ufuoma McDermott (Member); Miss Oluwakemi Areola (Member); Mr Olayinka Olagbemiro (Member); Miss Ese Okpomo (Member); Mr Kola Daniel (Member); Mr Rajan Zaka (Finance Director); Mr Mohammed Ameenu (Ag. Secretary) and Mr Taye Ige (Marketing Consultant).

Adeyinka Najeem claims Sportsflames/MFM Player Of The Season Award

Najeem was named winner of award at the end of MFM FC game against Rivers United which ended in a 2-2 draw at the Agege Stadium. 

It was a healthy contest but at the end, the energetic defender beat the trio of  Vice-Captain Akanni Elijah (Attacking Midfielder), Adeniyi Bamidele (Goalkeeper)  and Adikwu Moses (Defender) to the award.

The poll on www.sportflames.com website (bit.ly/sportflamesmfmpoty) vote portal which lasted for more than two weeks, saw a total of 3,000 votes from fans and Sports Journalists. 

At the end, Najeem pulled 40.8% of votes while his closest rival, Elijah got 28.5% votes. 

Goalkeeper Adeniyi Bamidele came third in the poll with 17.4% votes while Moses got 13.3% votes.

Barrister Seyi Akinwummi, 1st Vice President Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), MFM FC Director of Football alongside Barrister Davidson Adejuwon, will present Najeem his award plus cash after the Olukoya Boys last home game of the season against Jigawa Golden Stars at the Agege Stadium (Soccer Temple).

Petit midfielder Onuwa Chukwuka (now with Lobi Stars) win the inaugural edition in 2017 owing to his brilliant form for the Olukoya Boys as they qualified for the CAF Champions League and was also instrumental in the famous CNN Goal Of The Week scored by Sikiru Olatunbosun against Rangers at the Agege Stadium.

Tokyo 2020: Nigeria's Mixed 4x400m team excited by African Record set on debut

Although they would have been hoping to at least make the final of their event at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics, Nigeria's Mixed 4x400m quartet comprising Emmanuel Ojeli, Imaobong Nse Uko, Samson Nathaniel and Patience Okon-George will leave the competition with their heads held high after storming to a new African Record of 3:13.60 to finish 5th in their semi final race.

Speaking after the race, Okon-George revealed that the squad is consoled by the African Record they set while competing at the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo. 

She said, "The last race we ran back in June was 3:14.09 and the 3:13.60 we ran today is good. We are happy with the new African Record. It was not easy running with 43second runners on the anchor leg. Now that we haven't made it to the final, I'm just going to be focused and get ready for the 400m. I think I'm good to go". 

Teammate Emmanuel Ojeli also revelled in the fact that the quartet made history by becoming the first African team to qualify for and compete at the Olympics. 

"We have been trying so hard to qualify in the 4x400m men and women so when we heard that the Mixed Relays was going to hold, we just needed to put ourselves together to qualify for the event. We are the first African team to qualify for the event at the Olympics and ran an African Record as well", he said.

The quartet will now set their sights towards qualifying for next year's World Championships in Oregon. 

Ado-Odo/Ota LG Boss Showers Encomiums on Retired Sanitarians, Football Team

 

The Executive Chairman Ado Odo Ota Local Government in Ogun State, Honourable Sheriff Adewale Musa (SAM20) has extolled two energetic sanitarians, Olutola Titilayo Alade and Tajudeen Adekunle Salami after they retired from service.

Hon. Musa SAM20 who was the chief host at the auspicious occasion celebrated the two energetic sanitarians who bow out of Local Government service after 35 years of active and meritorious service. 

The Chairman extolled the sanitarians, as he heard so many encouraging testimonies from colleagues and friends of the celebrants. He then charged and motivated others to emulate t

he good attributes being testified.

Musa also hailed some of the attendees who graced the occasion.

In an atmosphere of joy and happiness, the Executive Chairman also hailed and warmly welcomed the Ado Odo Ota NAPGAS and the young football team who made the council proud as they won the Ogun State Primary School football tournament.

The team who dedicated their victories to Musa, said the emergence of the Honourable as the Chairman has brought us good fortune in Ado Odo Ota Local govt.

The Chairman then appreciated everyone that played a key role in the archive of this great feat. He also spoke extensively on his plans to rejuvenate the sporting activities of the Local Government Council.

Musa, further expressed joy as he congratulated all the Councilors of Ado-Odo Ota Local Government as they received their certificate of return.

And also wish them well as they are to play their legislative role in moving our dear local govt to greater heights.

Naija Ratels embark on preseason tour of Lagos, Osogbo, Akure, Lokoja

 

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels will tour the South-West of Nigeria with matches in Lagos, Osogbo, Akure and Lokoja.

The 2021 NWFL Championship winners have confirmed 12 games as part of their preparation for the Flying Officers Pre-Season Championship and the start of the new NWFL Premiership season. 

The Abuja based side will take on Dannaz Ladies on the 2nd of August at the Agege Stadium, as part of their rigorous Pre-Season schedule, then battle Eko Football Women Selected side on the 3rd of August at the same venue. 

The Ratels will then split the squad in two when they move to the National Stadium, Surulere (Legacy Pitch) On the 4th of August, to play against FC Robo Queens and Oasis Ladies FC, in the morning and evening respectively. 

After the matches in Lagos, the Bankole Olowookere's Ladies will continue preparation with a trip to Osogbo, where they will face Osun Babes FC on the 5th of August at the Osogbo City Stadium, then travel to Akure on the 6th of August to keep a date with Sunshine Queens, before finally ending the tour in Lokoja on the 7th of August against Confluence Queens.

The Head Coach of the side, Bankole Olowookere highlighted the reasons behind the Pre-Season tour, noting that it was necessary for the team to play at different venues so as to quickly adapt to the system of the NWFL Premiership.

"It is important for us to go on this Pre-Season tour, so that the players can all adapt to the various footballing atmosphere. Our aim is to prepare adequately enough and continue to strengthen the squad for future challenges. 

 "As we speak now, the team is set and all the players are in Lagos, getting prepared for training, before we start out with some matches, starting from the 2nd of August. 

Naija Ratels will be participating in the NWFL Premiership for the first time in the 2022 NWFL Premiership season and are currently  the Champions of the second tier league, the NWFL Championship.

CAFWCL: Naija Ratels hail Rivers Angels' 'important win' over Hasaacas Ladies

 

Newly promoted NWFL Premiership side, Naija Ratels FC have commended Nigeria's representative at the CAF Women Champions League (WAFU B) Qualifiers Rivers Angels for winning their opening game against Ghanaian Women Football League Champions, Hasaacas Ladies on Saturday at the Stade Robert Champroux Stadium, Abidjan.

Burgeoning midfielder Deborah Abiodun and Player of the match Maryan Ezeanagu scored in the 17th and 54th minute respectively to give the NWFL Premiership Champions a 2-0 victory over their opponent. 

The win on Saturday means Rivers Angels will sit ontop of the log after one game and face AS Police Ladies of Niger Republic on Tuesday evening at the same venue. 

President of Naija Ratels, Barrister Paul Edeh In a congratulatory message  hailed the team for keeping concentration all through the match to earn a massive three points in the game. He urged them to keep pushing hard and get one of the tickets for the Champions League proper later this year.

"It is with great pleasure that I Congratulate Rivers Angels on their victory over Hasaacas Ladies. I am particularly delighted at the confidence, discipline, team-work and indomitable spirit displayed by the players in Abidjan.

"We at Naija Ratels urge them to keep believing in themselves and give their best in the remaining matches. 

Rivers Angels will battle AS Police of Niger Republic on Tuesday and a victory for them will ensure qualification for the Semi-final of the WAFU B Qualifiers for the maiden edition of the  CAF Women Champions League.

Tiki Taka Academy reels out new programs for 2021

 

TikiTaka Academy Nigeria LTD, a Football Developmental Service company with specialistion on players and coaches development will from September, 2021 launch some of its programs in the country. 

The company registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission and that has partly funded the TikiTaka Nigeria Team to the Gothia Youth Cup from her debut appearance to the 2018 edition through Nigerian partners and investors and in collaboration with her sister company in Sweden will be introducing a number of unique products targeted on youth development.

Speaking with the Media, newly appointed Executive Director(Administration) Prince Adetola Adetokunbo who also is a shareholder in the company says 

"We wish to inform the sporting and general public that TikiTaka Academy Nigeria LTD, a company duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria and a company under law and with the rights and legal backing of carrying out the activities of TikiTaka Football Development, Sweden in Nigeria will be rolling out some of her activities in the coming days'.

We will keep members of the public and members of the fourth estate of realm abreast of our plans''

TikiTaka Academy Nigeria following a company shake up recently announced Prince Adetola Adetokunbo as Executive Director (Administration) and Mr Erusiafe Omoefe Innocent as Assistant Secretary and Head, Logistics of the company.

The company also vows to take appropriate measures to bring to book an erring member of the board for gross misconduct and irregularities towards other members of the board.

CAF lauds Nigeria Sports Minister's initiative of Principal Cup

 

The Confederation of African Football shower alot of praise on the Minister of Youth and Sports Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Dare over the rebirth of Principal Cup in Nigeria. In the CAF Pan African Schools Football Championships meeting held at Benin Republic where the Media Aide to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Kola Daniel represented the Minister, after the speech of Mr. Kola Daniel giving a recap of the Principal Cup, how schools participated in the last edition and the present edition coming up this year

The Confederation of African Football Secretary, Mr. Veron was full of praise of the Rebirth of the Principal's Cup in Nigeria, how the Principal Cup in Nigeria can as well bring their representatives towards the Pan African Schools Football Championships. The winner of Principal Cup in  Nigeria will now be representing Nigeria in Pan African Schools Football Championships that was initiated by the CAF President Patrice Motsepe. 

The Essence of Pan African Schools Football Championships is to encourage youth football, to develop the game at the grassroot and that is why Patrice Motsepe brought together Pan African Schools Football Championships.

A meeting that was held and fruitful where countries like Benin Republic, Ivory Coast, Togo, and host of others were all in attendance sharing their experiences about school games.